Communication method, device, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method, a device, a storage medium and a program product. The method comprises: receiving first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating offset information of a discontinuous reception timer, and the offset information is related to an activation moment of one or more discontinuous reception timers; and monitoring a downlink control channel at the activation moment of each discontinuous reception timer. In the method, a terminal device offsets an activation moment of a timer by receiving offset information of the timer, so that the time at which the terminal device enters an active state is more flexible, thereby better supporting XR services and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

Description

Communication method, device, storage medium and program product

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on January 8, 2024, with application number 202410031988.1 and application name “Communication Method, Device, Storage Medium and Program Product”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] To reduce power consumption of terminal devices, a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode has been introduced in related technologies. In DRX mode, the terminal device periodically enters an active state to monitor the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), thereby saving power.

[0004] In wireless communication networks, extended reality (XR) technology offers advantages such as multi-perspective and strong interactivity, providing users with a brand new visual experience. In some scenarios, when a terminal device receives XR data in DRX mode, the DRX cycle of the terminal device does not match the XR service cycle. Consequently, the terminal device cannot enter the active state to receive XR data when the network device sends it.

[0005] Therefore, how to make the time for terminal devices to enter the active state more flexible, so as to better support XR services and save power consumption of terminal devices, has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, device, storage medium, and program product. By using offset information, a terminal device can make the time when the terminal device enters the active state more flexible, thereby better supporting XR services and saving power consumption of the terminal device.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method includes: receiving first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate offset information of a discontinuous reception timer; the offset information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception timers;

[0008] During the start time of the discontinuous reception timer, a downlink control channel is monitored.

[0009] In an optional embodiment of the first aspect, the offset information includes a first offset of the discontinuous reception timer start time.

[0010] In an optional embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0011] Receive second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the use of the first offset.

[0012] In an optional embodiment of the first aspect, the first indication information is further used to indicate the first offset of the next discontinuous reception timer when the first indication information is received; or

[0013] The first indication information is further used to indicate that the next N discontinuous reception timers use the first offset when the first indication information is received, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0014] In an optional embodiment of the first aspect, the second indication information is further used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception timer uses the first offset when the second indication information is received; or

[0015] The second indication information is further used to indicate that the next N discontinuous reception timers use the first offset when the second indication information is received; N is an integer greater than 1.

[0016] In an optional embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0017] The start time of the discontinuous reception timer is determined according to the first offset, or the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is determined according to the first offset and a first preset offset.

[0018] In an optional embodiment of the first aspect, the offset information is further used to indicate that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted forward, or that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted backward.

[0019] In an optional embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0020] After the start of a subframe of the discontinuous reception cycle, the first offset is offset, or the first offset and the first preset offset are offset to start the discontinuous reception timer; the subframe is determined according to the discontinuous reception cycle configuration.

[0021] In an optional embodiment of the first aspect, the time unit granularity of the first offset includes any one of the following:

[0022] Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

[0023] In an optional embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0024] A new timer is configured to replace the discontinuous reception timer.

[0025] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, comprising: receiving third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate start time information of a discontinuous reception period, and the start time information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception periods.

[0026] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the start time information includes offset information of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle, or start time information of the discontinuous reception cycle.

[0027] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the offset information includes a second offset of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle.

[0028] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the start-up time information includes a target start-up time of a discontinuous reception cycle.

[0029] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0030] Receive fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate the use of the second offset, or the use of the target start time.

[0031] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the third indication information is further used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception cycle after receiving the third indication information uses the second offset, or uses the target on time; or

[0032] The third indication information is further used to indicate that the next M discontinuous reception cycles after receiving the third indication information use the second offset, or use the target on time, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0033] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the fourth indication information is further used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception cycle after receiving the fourth indication information uses the second offset, or uses the target on time; or

[0034] The fourth indication information is further used to indicate that the next M discontinuous reception cycles after receiving the fourth indication information use the second offset, or use the target on time; M is an integer greater than 1.

[0035] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0036] Determining the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle according to the second offset or the target start time; or

[0037] The start time of the discontinuous reception cycle is determined according to the second offset and the second preset offset, or according to the target start time and the second preset offset.

[0038] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the time unit granularity of the second offset includes any one of the following:

[0039] Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

[0040] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0041] A discontinuous reception timer is started during the discontinuous reception period.

[0042] In an optional embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0043] Determine whether to start the discontinuous reception timer based on the configuration parameters of the discontinuous reception cycle and the second offset; the configuration parameters include at least one of the cycle configuration, system frame number, subframe number, cycle type, cycle time slot offset, and system frame reference time.

[0044] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, comprising: sending first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate offset information of a discontinuous reception timer, and the offset information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception timers.

[0045] In an optional embodiment of the third aspect, the offset information includes a first offset of the discontinuous reception timer start time.

[0046] In an optional embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes:

[0047] Send second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the use of the first offset.

[0048] In an optional embodiment of the third aspect, the first indication information is further used to indicate the first offset of the next discontinuous reception timer when the first indication information is received; or

[0049] The first indication information is further used to indicate that the next N discontinuous reception timers use the first offset when the first indication information is received, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0050] In an optional embodiment of the third aspect, the second indication information is further used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception timer uses the first offset when the second indication information is received; or

[0051] The second indication information is further used to indicate that the next N discontinuous reception timers use the first offset when the second indication information is received; N is an integer greater than 1.

[0052] In an optional embodiment of the third aspect, the offset information is further used to indicate that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted forward, or that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted backward.

[0053] In an optional embodiment of the third aspect, the time unit granularity of the first offset includes any one of the following:

[0054] Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

[0055] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, comprising: sending third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate start time information of a discontinuous reception period, and the start time information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception periods.

[0056] In an optional embodiment of the fourth aspect, the start time information includes offset information of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle, or the start time information of the discontinuous reception cycle.

[0057] In an optional embodiment of the fourth aspect, the offset information includes a second offset of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle.

[0058] In an optional embodiment of the fourth aspect, the start-up time information includes a target start-up time of a discontinuous reception cycle.

[0059] In an optional embodiment of the fourth aspect, the method further includes:

[0060] Send fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate the use of the second offset, or the use of the target turn-on time.

[0061] In an optional embodiment of the fourth aspect, the third indication information is further used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception cycle when the third indication information is received uses the second offset, or uses the target on time; or

[0062] The third indication information is further used to indicate that the next M discontinuous reception cycles after receiving the third indication information use the second offset, or use the target on time, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0063] In an optional embodiment of the fourth aspect, the fourth indication information is further used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception cycle when the fourth indication information is received uses the second offset, or uses the target on time; or

[0064] The fourth indication information is further used to indicate that the next M discontinuous reception cycles after receiving the fourth indication information use the second offset, or use the target on time; M is an integer greater than 1.

[0065] In an optional embodiment of the fourth aspect, the time unit granularity of the second offset includes any one of the following:

[0066] Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

[0067] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0068] A receiving module, configured to receive first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate offset information of a discontinuous reception timer; the offset information is related to a start time of one or more discontinuous reception timers;

[0069] The processing module is used to monitor the downlink control channel when the discontinuous reception timer is started.

[0070] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0071] The receiving module is used to receive third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate offset information of the discontinuous reception period; the offset information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception periods.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0073] A sending module is used to send first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the offset information of the discontinuous reception timer; the offset information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception timers.

[0074] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0075] The sending module is used to receive third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate the start time information of the discontinuous reception cycle; the start time information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception cycles.

[0076] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory stores computer-executable instructions; the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0077] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory stores computer-executable instructions; the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the method of the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0078] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0079] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is run, it enables the computer to execute the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0080] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, the chip including a processor, the processor being used to call a computer program in a memory to execute a method as in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0081] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, device, storage medium, and program product, the method comprising: receiving first indication information; the first indication information being used to indicate offset information of a discontinuous reception timer; the offset information being associated with the start time of one or more discontinuous reception timers; and monitoring a downlink control channel during the start time of the discontinuous reception timer. In the above method, by receiving the timer offset information, the terminal device offsets the start time of the timer, making the time when the terminal device enters the active state more flexible, thereby better supporting XR services and saving power consumption of the terminal device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] FIG1 is a diagram of a communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a DRX cycle provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of XR data jitter provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the start time of the backward offset timer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG6 a is a schematic diagram of the start time of the forward offset timer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG6 b is a schematic diagram of the start time of the T2 timer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG7 is a second flow chart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG8 is a third flow chart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG9 is a first schematic diagram of the start timing of the offset cycle provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] FIG10 is a second schematic diagram of the start timing of the offset cycle provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] FIG11 is a fourth flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] FIG12 is a first structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] FIG13 is a second structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] FIG14 is a third structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] FIG15 is a fourth schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used in the embodiments of this application to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0100] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0101] The methods and apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to a communication system. FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system structure. The communication system 100 includes a network device 110 and a terminal device 120. The communication system 100 includes one or more network devices and one or more terminal devices that communicate with the one or more network devices. It is understood that network devices and terminals may also be referred to as communication devices.

[0102] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applicable to a variety of communication systems. For example, applicable systems may be long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, long term evolution advanced (LTE-A) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) systems, 5G new radio (NR) systems and their evolved communication systems, for example, sixth generation (6G) communication systems. These various systems may include terminal devices and network equipment. The system may also include a core network part, such as an evolved packet system (EPS), a 5G system (5GS), and the like.

[0103] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be called User Equipment (UE). The terminal device may be a USB storage device, other personal computer memory devices and dongles, or may communicate with one or more core networks (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device may be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges language and / or data with a radio access network. For example, personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiated protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, tablet computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) devices, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted equipment (VUE), etc. Terminal devices may also be referred to as systems, subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, access points, remote terminal devices, access terminal devices, user terminal devices, user agents, user devices, and wireless access points and routers / modems that meet the limitations of this definition, but are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0104] The network devices involved in the embodiments of the present application may be referred to as access network devices, radio access network devices, radio access networks (RAN), radio access network functions or radio access network units, etc. The access network devices may include base stations, WLAN access points, etc. The base stations may include one or more cells providing services to terminal devices. Depending on the specific application scenario, the base station may also be referred to as an access point, or may be a device in the access network that communicates with a wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. For example, the network devices involved in the embodiments of the present application may be evolutionary network devices (evolutionary Node B, eNB or e-NodeB) in the long term evolution (LTE) system, 5G base stations (gNB) in the next generation system, etc., or may be home evolved Node B (HeNB), relay node, femto, pico, network test equipment, or other appropriate terms in the field. As long as the same technical effect is achieved, the base station is not limited to specific technical terms and is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In some network structures, network devices may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed unit (DU) nodes, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be arranged geographically separately.

[0105] In many cases, the terminal device does not need to interact with the network device all the time. Therefore, it is a waste of power consumption for the terminal device to monitor the downlink PDCCH all the time.

[0106] In order to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices, the DRX mode is introduced in the relevant technology. The network device can send the DRX configuration to the terminal device so that the terminal device can enter the DRX cycle when there is no scheduled transmission for a period of time. During the DRX cycle, the terminal device can periodically enter the sleep state during the dormant period and stop monitoring the PDCCH, and wake up from the sleep state during the active period when monitoring is required, thereby achieving the purpose of saving power consumption. When the network device configures the DRX mode for the terminal device, it can also configure the corresponding DRX cycle for the terminal device. It can be understood that the DRX mode in this application can also be referred to as the DRX mechanism.

[0107] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a DRX cycle. As shown in Figure 2, a DRX cycle includes a duration (on duration for DRX, also known as an activation period) and an opportunity for DRX, also known as a dormant period. The terminal device wakes up from a sleep state during the duration and monitors the downlink PDCCH. The duration can be counted by a timer, and the terminal device monitors the downlink PDCCH when the timer is running. The timer can be a drx-on duration timer. The terminal device enters a sleep state during the sleep time and stops monitoring the PDCCH. The DRX cycle in the embodiment of the present application can also be referred to as a cycle, and the embodiment of the present application does not distinguish between the two. The terminal device waking up from the sleep state during the duration can also be referred to as the terminal device entering an active state. In the present application, a timer can also be referred to as a timer.

[0108] The following is an introduction to some terms involved in DRX:

[0109] drx-on duration timer: the duration at the beginning of a DRX cycle.

[0110] drx-inactivity timer: The duration after the PDCCH occasion in which a PDCCH indicates a new UL, DL or SL transmission for the MAC entity.

[0111] drx-retransmission timer DL (per DL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process except for the broadcast process): the maximum duration until a DL retransmission is received.

[0112] drx-retransmission timer UL (per UL HARQ process): the maximum duration until a grant for UL retransmission is received.

[0113] drx-HARQ-round-trip time (RTT) timer (drx-harq-rtt-timer DL) (per DL HARQ process except for the broadcast process): the minimum duration before a DL assignment for HARQ retransmission is expected by the MAC entity

[0114] drx-harq-rtt-timer UL (per UL HARQ process): the minimum duration before a UL HARQ retransmission grant is expected by the MAC entity.

[0115] drx-retransmission timer SL (per UL HARQ process): the maximum duration until a grant for SL retransmission is received.

[0116] drx-harq-rtt-timer SL (per SL HARQ process): the minimum duration before an SL retransmission grant is expected by the MAC entity.

[0117] Drx-SlotOffset: The delay before starting the drx-on Duration Timer.

[0118] drx-LongCycle StartOffset: The Long DRX cycle and drx-StartOffset which defines the subframe where the Long and Short DRX cycle starts.

[0119] drx-NonInteger Long Cycle StartOffset (optional): the Long DRX cycle and drx-StartOffset which defines the subframe where the Long and Short DRX cycle start, when the length of the Long DRX cycle and / or the short DRX cycle is a rational number.

[0120] DRX activation time:

[0121] When DRX is configured, the Active Time for Serving Cells in a DRX group includes the time while:

[0122] The DRX-onDurationTimer or DRX-inactivityTimer configured for the DRX group is running; or

[0123] drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, drx-RetransmissionTimerUL or drx-RetransmissionTimerSL is running on any Serving Cell in the DRX group; or

[0124] ra-ContentionResolutionTimer (as described in clause 5.1.5) or msgB-ResponseWindow (as described in clause 5.1.4a) is running; or

[0125] a Scheduling Request is sent on PUCCH and is pending (as described in clause 5.4.4 or 5.22.1.5). If this Serving Cell is part of a non-terrestrial network, the Active Time is started after the Scheduling Request transmission that is performed when the SR_COUNTER is 0 for all the SR configurations with pending SR(s) plus the UE-gNB RTT; or

[0126] a PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the C-RNTI of the MAC entity has not been received after successful reception of a Random Access Response for the Random Access Preamble not selected by the MAC entity among the contention-based Random Access Preamble (as described in clauses 5.1.4and 5.1.4a)).

[0127] In wireless communication networks, XR technology offers advantages such as multi-perspective and strong interactivity, providing users with a brand-new experience and possessing enormous application value and commercial potential. XR encompasses technologies such as VR, AR, and mixed reality (MR), and can be widely applied in fields such as entertainment, gaming, healthcare, advertising, industry, online education, and engineering. VR technology primarily refers to the rendering of visual and audio scenes to closely simulate the sensory stimulation of real-world visuals and audio. AR technology primarily refers to the provision of additional visual and / or auditory information or artificially generated content within the user's perceived real environment. The user's understanding of the real environment can be direct (e.g., without sensing, processing, or rendering) or indirect (e.g., through sensors). MR technology introduces real-world scene information into the virtual environment, establishing an interactive feedback loop between the virtual world, the real world, and the user, to enhance the realism of the user experience.

[0128] In related technologies, XR downlink service data (XR data for short) can be sent periodically, and the terminal device wakes up from the sleep state (the terminal device enters the active state) during the duration of the DRX cycle to receive the XR data, that is, the period of sending the XR data matches the duration of the DRX cycle.

[0129] However, XR service data does not arrive strictly periodically. The arrival time of each cycle may fluctuate within a certain range, for example, arriving early or late in the cycle. In this case, the terminal device may miss the XR data sent by the network device during the DRX cycle. Therefore, the existing DRX mechanism does not account for jitter and is not suitable for XR services.

[0130] To solve the jitter problem, in related technologies, one or more timers (for example, the timer can be an on-duration timer) in all DRX cycles can be configured with a longer on-time (also called duration) to facilitate better monitoring. However, not all data will jitter. As shown in Figure 3, the XR data only jitters backward in the third cycle. For example, the data arrives after the duration of the cycle ends, and no jitter occurs in the remaining cycles. Therefore, considering data jitter, the duration of the timer of all DRX cycles is extended. In the cycle where the XR data does not jitter, an excessively long duration will cause the terminal device to waste power consumption and fail to achieve a good energy-saving effect.

[0131] Therefore, how to make the duration of the DRX cycle more flexible so that the DRX cycle can better support XR jitter scenarios and save power consumption of terminal devices has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0132] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. For the period in which XR data jitter occurs, the network device can send offset information or period time information to the terminal device. The terminal device can adjust the duration of the DRX period corresponding to the period in which the XR data jitter occurs based on the received offset information or period time information, thereby making the DRX duration more flexible, enabling DRX to better support scenarios in which XR data jitter occurs, and saving power consumption of the terminal device.

[0133] The network device sends the offset information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the offset information and adjusts the duration of the DRX cycle in the following ways:

[0134] In the first method, the network device sends the offset information of the timer start time to the terminal device. When the terminal device receives the offset information, it can offset the start time of the timer of one or more DRX cycles according to the offset information, so that the duration of the DRX cycle matches the transmission of the jittered XR data.

[0135] In this manner, the terminal device may adjust the start time of the DRX cycle timer according to the offset information in the following two implementations:

[0136] The first implementation method: When the terminal device obtains the offset information, it does not temporarily offset the start time of the DRX cycle timer. When it receives the indication information of using the offset information sent by the network device, it uses the offset information at the start time of the timer after receiving the indication information.

[0137] The second implementation method: when the terminal device receives the offset information, it uses the offset information at the start time of the timer after receiving the offset information.

[0138] In the second method, the network device configures the time information of the cycle to the terminal device. When the terminal device receives the time information of the cycle, it can adjust the start time of the DRX cycle according to the time information of the cycle, so that the duration of the DRX cycle is aligned with the transmission of the jittered XR data.

[0139] In this manner, the terminal device may adjust the start time of the DRX cycle according to the offset information in the following two implementations:

[0140] The first implementation method: When the terminal device obtains the time information of the cycle, it does not adjust the start time of the DRX cycle for the time being. After receiving the indication of the use cycle time information sent by the network device, it uses the offset information at the start time of the subsequent cycle.

[0141] The second implementation method: when the terminal device receives the time information of the cycle, the terminal device uses the time information of the cycle at the start time of the cycle after receiving the time information of the cycle.

[0142] The following specific embodiments are used to describe in detail the technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above technical problems. The following specific embodiments can be implemented independently or in combination with each other. For the same or similar concepts or processes, some embodiments may not be described in detail.

[0143] The following describes a technical solution for offsetting the start time of a timer after receiving an instruction to use offset information, as provided in an embodiment of the present application, in conjunction with FIG4 .

[0144] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the method includes:

[0145] S401. The network device sends first indication information to the terminal device.

[0146] The first indication information is used to indicate the offset information of the timer; the offset information is related to the start time of one or more timers.

[0147] The offset information related to one or more timers may include or indicate relevant information about the start time offset of the one or more timers. Alternatively, the offset information may be related to the start time or activation time of the timer corresponding to one or more periods, or the offset information may include or indicate relevant information about the activation time offset of the one or more timers.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first indication information may indicate the offset information explicitly or implicitly. For example, the first indication information may include the offset information, or the first indication information may include an index associated with the offset information, wherein the index may index an offset information or an offset information interval range, and when indexing an offset information interval range, the index may be the minimum value, maximum value, or average value of the offset information interval range. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner in which the network device indicates the offset information.

[0149] For example, the offset information may indicate the start time of one or more timers or related information of the activation time offset:

[0150] In a possible implementation, the above-mentioned relevant information indicates that the start moment or activation time of a timer can use offset information or indicates that the start moment of N timers can use offset information. The relevant information indicates that the start moment or activation time of a timer is offset or indicates that the start moment or activation time of N timers is offset. For example: the relevant information can indicate preset information. When the value of this information is 1, it indicates that the start moment of a timer can use offset information or be offset. When the value of this information is 2, it indicates that the start moments of two timers can use offset information or be offset. When the value of this information is N, it indicates that the start moments of N timers can use offset information or be offset. That is, the offset information can indicate the number of timers that use offset information or are offset. It is static information. Static information means that the information is not used immediately after it is sent down, and can be activated or used through other information instructions. For example, when the second indication information is received, the above-mentioned relevant information is used or activated, or the timer or activation time is offset through the above-mentioned relevant information.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the offset information indicates that the start time or activation time of multiple timers can use the offset information or be offset, and can be indicated by bit mapping. For example, the offset information can indicate N bits of information, each bit of information corresponds to one timer. When the bit information value is 1, it can indicate that the corresponding timer can use the offset information to be offset, or when the bit information value is 0, it can indicate that the corresponding timer can use the offset information to be offset. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0152] In some embodiments, the offset information may be used to indicate the first offset of the activation time of one or more DRX timers. For example, the offset information may include the first offset of the timer start time. The first offset may be an offset duration for offsetting the start time of the timer, wherein the time unit of the offset duration may be a time unit of any granularity, for example, 5 milliseconds (ms), 5 subframes, 5 time slots, 5 symbols, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the time unit granularity of the first offset. It should be understood that the DRX cycles mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are all DRX cycles corresponding to the period in which the XR data jitters, and will not be described in detail later. It should be understood that the first offset may also be indicated by 1 or more bit information. For example, 00 represents 1 subframe, 01 represents 2 subframes, etc.

[0153] In some embodiments, the offset information may also indicate that the start moment or activation time of the timer is offset backward, or that the start moment or activation time of the timer is offset forward, that is, the offset direction of the start moment or activation time of the timer.

[0154] In one possible implementation, a positive sign can be added in front of the first offset included in the offset information to indicate that the start time of the timer or the activation time is shifted forward or backward. For example, when the first offset is 5ms, +5ms can indicate that the start time of the timer is shifted backward by 5ms, and -5ms indicates that the start time of the timer is shifted forward by 5ms. Alternatively, +5ms can indicate that the start time of the timer is shifted forward by 5ms, and -5ms indicates that the start time of the timer is shifted backward by 5ms. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The positive and negative signs can be indicated by 1-bit information, for example, 00 represents a positive sign, 01 represents a negative sign, etc.

[0155] In one possible implementation, description information of the first offset may be indicated in the offset information to indicate whether the start time of the timer is shifted forward or backward. For example, the offset information may indicate 1 bit of information. When the value of the information is 0, it indicates that the start time of the timer is shifted backward. When the value of the information is 1, it indicates that the start time of the timer is shifted forward. Alternatively, when the value of the information is 0, it indicates that the start time of the timer is shifted forward. When the value of the information is 1, it indicates that the start time of the timer is shifted backward. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0156] In some embodiments, the offset information may also indicate the number of timers using the first offset, for example, 3 timers, or duration information of using the first offset, for example, using the first offset in a corresponding timer within 50 milliseconds.

[0157] The network device can predict the arrival time of the XR data. If it is predicted that the arrival time of the XR data fluctuates, that is, the XR data is not transmitted according to the preset period but arrives early or late, the network device can send a first indication information to the terminal device.

[0158] For example, the network device may determine the jitter of the XR data arrival time based on the historical transmission of the XR data or using an AI model to predict and determine the offset information when the jitter occurs. When the network device obtains the offset information, the terminal device may send the first indication information.

[0159] In an optional embodiment, the offset information may also be sent by the core network device to the network device. When the network device receives the offset information sent by the core network device, it may send the first indication information to the terminal device.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be carried in the DRX configuration information and sent to the terminal device when the network device configures DRX for the terminal device. For example, the network device sends the DRX configuration information carrying the first indication information to the terminal device through a radio resource control (RRC) message, a media access control (MAC) control element (CE), a downlink control information (DCI) message, etc.

[0161] Optionally, the first indication information may also be sent to the terminal device through a newly added message. For example, the terminal device may define a new RRC message or MAC CE or DCI message to send the first indication information to the terminal device. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0162] It should be understood that the start time of the timer after the start time may also be referred to as the activation time of the timer.

[0163] S402. The terminal device obtains first indication information.

[0164] The terminal device obtains the first indication information. This may be the terminal device receiving the first indication information sent by the network device; or the first indication information may be predefined in the terminal device and is information agreed upon in the protocol. When the terminal device obtains the first indication information, it may determine the offset information carried in the first indication information, or determine an index associated with the offset information carried in the first indication information.

[0165] When the first indication information carries an index associated with the offset information, the terminal device may obtain the corresponding offset information based on the index associated with the offset information. It should be understood that if the first indication information carries an index associated with the offset information, the network device may pre-configure a mapping relationship between the index and the offset information for the terminal device, and the terminal device may obtain the offset information based on the index and the mapping relationship.

[0166] It should be understood that for S402, S401 may be an optional step.

[0167] S403: The network device sends second indication information to the terminal device.

[0168] The second indication information may be used to indicate the use of offset information at the start moment or activation time of the timer, or to indicate the offset timer or activation time. Further, the second indication information is used to indicate the use of offset information at the start moment of the timer corresponding to the period, or to indicate the timer corresponding to the offset period, or to offset the activation time of the timer. When the terminal device obtains the second indication information, it may offset the timer or activation time through the first indication information.

[0169] The second indication information may be enabling information or bit information to indicate the use of the offset information or the indication offset. For example, when the second indication information is enabling information, if the second indication information is enable, then the terminal device may be instructed to use the offset information or the offset timer; and when the second indication information is disable, then the terminal device may be instructed not to use the offset information or the offset timer.

[0170] If the second indication information is bit information, if the second indication information is 0, the terminal device may be instructed to use the offset information or the offset timer; if the second indication information is 1, the terminal device may be instructed not to use the offset information or the offset timer. Alternatively, if the second indication information is 1, the terminal device may be instructed to use the offset information or the offset timer; if the second indication information is 0, the terminal device may be instructed not to use the offset information or the offset timer. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0171] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be used to indicate the use of the offset information at the start time of the next or next N timers, or to indicate the offset of one or more timers. Further, the second indication information may be used to indicate the use of the offset information at the start time of the next or next N timers, or to indicate the offset of the next or multiple consecutive timers. The second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device uses the offset information at the start time of the timer corresponding to one or more periods, or to indicate the offset of the timer corresponding to one or more periods.

[0172] Take the second indication information used to indicate the start time of the next or next N timers using offset information as an example:

[0173] In one possible implementation, the second indication information may indicate preset information. When the value of the information is 1, it indicates that the offset information is used at the start time of the next timer. When the value of the information is 2, it indicates that the offset information is used at the start time of the next two timers. When the value of the information is N, it indicates that the offset information is used at the start time of the next N timers.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the second indication information indicates offset information for use at the start time of multiple timers, and the indication may be performed in a bit mapping manner. For example, the second indication information may indicate N bits of information, each bit of information corresponding to one timer, and when the value of each bit of information is 1, it may indicate that the offset information is used at the start time of the corresponding timer, or when the value of each bit of information is 0, it may indicate that the offset information is used at the start time of the corresponding timer.

[0175] Optionally, the second indication information may also indicate that the start time of the timer is shifted backward, or that the start time of the timer is shifted forward. The manner in which the second indication information indicates that the start time of the timer is shifted backward, or that the start time of the timer is shifted forward is similar to the manner in which the first indication information is indicated, and will not be repeated here.

[0176] It should be understood that the content indicated in the second indication information can be determined based on the content indicated by the first indication information. For example, if the offset information indicated by the first indication information includes the first offset, the timer using the first offset, and the offset direction of the timer, the second indication information may only indicate the start of using the offset information (i.e., only indicate the enable information); if the offset information indicated by the first indication information includes the first offset and the timer using the first offset, the second indication information may indicate the start of using the offset information and the offset direction of the timer. If the offset information indicated by the first indication information only includes the first offset, the second indication information may indicate the start of using the offset information, the timer using the first offset, and the offset direction of the timer. That is, the first indication information and the second indication information jointly indicate the information related to the timer offset.

[0177] Before the start of XR data transmission, or before the start of each cycle, the network device can predict the transmission of XR data based on the historical transmission of XR data, or use an AI model to predict the transmission of XR data. If it is predicted that the XR data has jittered in one or more cycles, the network device can send a second indication message to the terminal device before the timer starts for the first cycle in which data jitter occurs. For example, the network device can predict that XR data will jitter in multiple cycles, such as delayed arrival in the third and fourth cycles. Before the timer starts for the third cycle, the network device can send a second indication message to the terminal device to indicate the offset of the corresponding timer for the third and fourth cycles. Alternatively, the network device only predicts that XR data will jitter in one cycle. Before the timer starts for the cycle, the network device can send a second indication message to the terminal device to indicate the offset of the timer corresponding to the cycle.

[0178] It should be understood that the resources and location for the network device to send the second indication information can be pre-configured, and the resources and location for sending the second indication information can be sent to the terminal device, for example, carried in the first indication information, or sent to the terminal device in DRX configuration information. If the network device does not predict that the XR data will jitter, it will not send the second indication information.

[0179] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be sent to the terminal device via a DCI message, or other types of messages may be sent to the terminal device.

[0180] S404. The terminal device receives the second indication information sent by the network device.

[0181] When the terminal device receives the second indication information sent by the network device, it can use the offset information in one or more subsequent timers to offset the start time of the timer, or offset one or more subsequent timers, or offset the activation time of the timer.

[0182] Exemplarily, as shown in Figure 5, the terminal device can preset a position (before the T1 timer is started) and receive the second indication information sent by the network device. If the second indication information is received, the offset information can be used in subsequent timers or one or more subsequent timers can be offset, or the activation time of the timer can be offset.

[0183] It should be understood that the terminal device can receive the resources and location of the second indication information configured by the network device. The terminal device listens to the second indication information according to the resource location of the second indication information. If the second indication information is listened to at the resource location, the timer will be offset according to the second indication information.

[0184] The terminal device can monitor the downlink channel at the corresponding resource location in each period to receive information about whether the network device has sent the second indication information. That is, the terminal device monitors the downlink channel periodically. If the second indication information is received while monitoring the downlink channel, the first offset is used in subsequent timers to offset the start time of the timer. If the second indication information is not received while monitoring the downlink channel, the timer is started in the existing manner.

[0185] S405: The terminal device monitors the downlink control channel at the start time of the timer.

[0186] In the embodiment of the present application, the timer start time may be the duration of the timer.

[0187] Taking the example of the second indication information indicating the use of offset information or the implementation of an offset, and the remaining information being provided by the first indication information, when the terminal device receives the second indication information, it may offset the start time of the timer in subsequent timers according to the content indicated in the first indication information. For example, the remaining information may include the information indicated in the first indication information described below.

[0188] For example, the offset information indicates at least one of the following information: a first offset, a backward offset of the start time of the timer, and an offset of three timers. Then, when the terminal device receives the second indication information, it can use the first offset for three consecutive timers after the moment of receiving the second indication information according to the first offset, and offset the start time of the timer backward. Alternatively, the first indication information indicates the first offset, the backward offset of the start time of the timer, and three bits of information, and the value of each bit of information is 1 (indicating that the three timers use the first offset). Then, when the terminal device receives the second indication information, it can use the first offset for three consecutive timers after the moment of receiving the second indication information according to the first offset, and offset the start time of the timer backward.

[0189] Alternatively, the offset information indicates the first offset, the backward offset of the start time of the timer, and 3 bits of information. The values ​​of the first and second bit information are both 1 (indicating that the first or second timer uses the first offset), and the value of the third bit information is 0 (indicating that the third timer does not use the first offset). When the terminal device receives the second indication information, it can use the first offset for the first and second timers after the moment of receiving the second indication information according to the first offset, and offset the start time of the timer backward.

[0190] For example, as shown in FIG5 , if the offset information indicates that the start time of the timer is to be offset backward, then the first offset is used in three consecutive timers after the second indication information is received to shift the start time of the timer backward. Alternatively, as shown in FIG6 a , if the offset information indicates that the start time of the timer is to be offset forward, then the first offset is used in three consecutive timers after the second indication information is received to shift the start time of the timer forward.

[0191] When the terminal device receives the second indication information, it may use the first offset in the timer to offset the start time of the timer. When the terminal device uses the first offset in the timer, in the related art, drx-SlotOffset (first preset offset) is defined as the delay time of the timer start time. Therefore, when the terminal device uses the first offset in the timer, it may include the following two possible implementations:

[0192] In a first possible implementation, when the terminal device uses the first offset, it does not need to use drx-SlotOffset, that is, only the first offset needs to be used.

[0193] In a second possible implementation, when the terminal device uses the first offset, it is necessary to use drx-SlotOffset, that is, when the timer is started, the first offset and drx-SlotOffset need to be used.

[0194] Since the start time of the timer may include scenarios with a backward offset or a forward offset, the following describes how to use the first offset to determine the start time of the timer in different scenarios:

[0195] The first possible implementation is to shift the timer start time backward:

[0196] When the terminal device obtains the first offset, if only the first offset is used, the start time of the timer is the time corresponding to the first offset offset from the start time of the subframe of the DRX cycle. That is, the timer is started after the first offset after the start of the subframe. For example, if the first offset is 1ms, the timer is started 1ms after the start of the subframe. The subframe of the DRX cycle can be the initial subframe at the start of the DRX cycle, or it can be a subframe determined by the terminal device based on the DRX cycle parameters.

[0197] The second possible implementation is to shift the timer start time backward:

[0198] When the terminal device obtains the first offset, if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, the start time of the timer is the time corresponding to the first value (first value = drx-SlotOffset + first offset) offset from the start time of the subframe of the DRX cycle. That is, the timer is started after the first value (first offset + drx-SlotOffset) after the start of the subframe. For example, if the first offset is 1ms and drx-SlotOffset is 0.5ms, the timer is started 1.5ms after the start of the subframe.

[0199] Optionally, in a second possible implementation, drx-SlotOffset defines the backward delay time of the timer start time. That is, drx-SlotOffset defines both the offset mode and the offset (delay time). When using drx-SlotOffset, the terminal device may also use only the offset defined by drx-SlotOffset. Correspondingly, when using drx-SlotOffset and the timer start time is offset backward, the timer start time may also be started after the second value (second value = first offset - drx-SlotOffset) after the start of the subframe.

[0200] The third possible implementation is to shift the timer start time forward:

[0201] When the terminal device obtains the first offset, if only the first offset is used, the timer starts at the time corresponding to the first offset offset from the start time of the subframe of the DRX cycle. That is, the timer starts at the first offset before the start of the subframe. For example, if the first offset is 1ms, the timer starts 1ms before the start of the subframe.

[0202] The fourth possible implementation method is to shift the timer start time forward:

[0203] When the terminal device obtains the first offset, if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, the start time of the timer is the time corresponding to the third value (third value = first offset - drx-SlotOffset) offset forward from the start time of the subframe of the DRX cycle. That is, the timer is started at the third value (first offset - drx-SlotOffset) before the start of the subframe. For example, if the first offset is 1ms and drx-SlotOffset is 0.5ms, the timer is started 0.5ms before the start of the subframe.

[0204] Optionally, in a fourth possible implementation, drx-SlotOffset defines a backward offset for the timer start time. That is, drx-SlotOffset defines both the offset method and the offset amount. When using drx-SlotOffset, the terminal device may also use only the offset defined by drx-SlotOffset. Correspondingly, when using drx-SlotOffset to shift the timer start time forward, the timer start time may also be set to start the timer after the fourth value (fourth value = first offset + drx-SlotOffset) after the start of the subframe.

[0205] In some embodiments, whether to use drx-SlotOffset when using the first offset at the start of the timer can be a default rule or can be indicated through indication information. For example, the first indication information can carry the indication information of whether to use drx-SlotOffset, or the second indication information can carry the indication information of whether to use drx-SlotOffset, or a new indication information can be defined to indicate whether to use drx-SlotOffset. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0206] The terminal device determines the timer using the first offset, the timer offset direction, and after determining to offset the start time of the timer according to the first offset, starts the timer when the start time of the offset timer arrives, and the DRX cycle enters the activation period. The terminal device starts to monitor PDCCH and receive XR data at the start time of the timer.

[0207] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, S401 and S403 are actions performed by the network device, and S402, S404, and S405 are actions performed by the terminal device. In the entire process, S401 is an optional step, that is, when the terminal device receives the second indication information from the network device, it can implement a process of offsetting the timer start time.

[0208] In some embodiments, the network device sends a first indication message and / or a second indication message to indicate that the start time of the timer (T1 timer) of the portion of the DRX cycle where the XR data jitters is offset, thereby matching the scenario where the XR data jitters.

[0209] In some optional embodiments, the network device may configure a new timer (T2 timer) to replace the T1 timer corresponding to when the XR data jitters. That is, the T2 timer is used to time the duration within the DRX cycle corresponding to the XR data jitter. The duration of the T2 timer may be the same as the duration of the T1 timer, or may be different from the duration of the T1 timer, that is, the duration of the T2 timer may be configured based on actual needs, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. For example, a T1 timer and a T2 timer are configured in the DRX configuration, and the T1 timer is used when the first indication information or the second indication information is not obtained; and the T2 timer is used when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained. In one case, the first indication information or the second indication information may also indicate relevant information of the timer, which is used to indicate the information of one or more subsequent timers to be used.

[0210] In some embodiments, the network device may instruct the terminal device to use the T2 timer through the first indication information, the second indication information, or define new indication information. For example, as shown in FIG6b , the network device instructs the terminal device to use the T2 timer through the second indication information. Upon receiving the second indication information, the terminal device may replace the subsequent three T1 timers with the T2 timer.

[0211] It should be understood that the network device can carry the T2 timer in the DRX configuration and send it to the terminal device, or the network device can carry the T2 timer in the first indication information or the second indication information and send it to the terminal device, or the network device can define a new RRC message or DCI message or MAC CE and other messages to indicate the T2 timer to the terminal device.

[0212] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is that the terminal device receives the offset information sent by the network device, and adjusts the start time of one or more timers in the DRX cycle according to the offset information. When the XR data jitters, the XR data sending time and the timer start time can be aligned, so that the terminal device can receive the XR data at the timer start time, thereby reducing the possibility that the XR data sending time and the timer start time do not match due to the jitter of the XR data, and the terminal device cannot receive the XR data at the timer start time, resulting in the terminal device wasting power consumption.

[0213] On the basis of the above embodiment, when the terminal device starts the timer at the start time of the timer after the shift, the start condition of the timer also needs to be met.

[0214] The following describes the conditions for shifting the start time of the timer backward and the conditions for shifting the start time of the timer forward.

[0215] First, the conditions for shifting the timer's start time backward are introduced:

[0216] In some embodiments, the start condition of the timer has different start conditions according to different DRX cycle configuration information.

[0217] The DRX cycle configuration information may include one or more of the following parameters:

[0218] Discontinuous reception long cycle (DRX-LongCycle), for example, the long cycle can be an integer cycle such as 50ms, 60ms, 70ms, or a non-integer cycle such as 55.5ms, 65.5ms, 75.5ms.

[0219] Discontinuous reception short cycle (DRX-ShortCycle), for example, the short cycle can be an integer cycle such as 1ms, 2ms, 3ms, or a non-integer cycle such as 1.5ms, 2.5ms, 3.5ms.

[0220] And, DRX-On-DurationTimer (drx-on duration timer), DRX-InactivityTimer (drx-inactivity timer), drx-Retransmission Timer DL (drx-retransmission timer DL), drx-Retransmission Timer UL (drx-harq-rtt-timer UL), drx-Retransmission Timer SL (drx-retransmission timer SL), DRX-HARQ-RTT-Timer DL (drx-harq-rtt-timer DL), DRX-HARQ-RTT-Timer UL (drx-harq-rtt-timer UL), DRX-HARQ-Retransmision Timer SL (drx-harq-rtt-timer SL), drx-StartOffset, drx-SlotOffset, etc.

[0221] In some optional embodiments, the timer may also be any one of the above-mentioned DRX-Inactivity Timer, drx-Retransmission Timer DL, drx-Retransmission Timer UL, drx-Retransmission Timer SL, DRX-HARQ-RTT-Timer DL, DRX-HARQ-RTT-Timer UL, and DRX-HARQ-Retransmision Timer SL.

[0222] The following describes the activation conditions for different DRX cycle configuration information:

[0223] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a short cycle, which is an integer cycle, and if the following formula is satisfied: [(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-ShortCycle)=(drx-StartOffset)modulo(drx-ShortCycle))

[0224] Wherein, SFN is the system frame number, subframe number is the subframe number, modulo is the modulo operation, drx-ShortCycle is the DRX short cycle (also called DRX short cycle configuration), and drx-StartOffset is the start position of the drx cycle (the subframe at which the drx cycle starts).

[0225] If only the first offset is used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer after the first offset after the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle; if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer after the first value (first offset + drx-SlotOffset) after the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle. The subframe of the DRX cycle can be the initial subframe at the start of the DRX cycle, or it can be a subframe determined according to the above formula (for example, drx-StartOffset, or cycle configuration), which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0226] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a short cycle, and the short cycle is a non-integer cycle, if the following formula is satisfied: ([(DRX_SFN_COUNTER×10240)+(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-NonIntegerShortCycle))=floor([(drx-TimeReferenceSFN×10)+drx-StartOffset]modulo(drx-NonIntegerShortCycle))

[0227] Among them, DRX_SFN_COUNTER is the number of SFN extensions, floor is the rounding down operation, drx-NonIntegerShortCycle is the non-integer short cycle, and drx-TimeReferenceSFN is the system frame reference time.

[0228] If only the first offset is used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer after the first offset after the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle; if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer after the first value (first offset + drx-SlotOffset) after the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle.

[0229] In a possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a long cycle, which is an integer cycle, and if the following formula is satisfied: [(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-LongCycle)=drx-StartOffset

[0230] Among them, drx-LongCycle is the DRX long cycle (also called DRX long cycle configuration).

[0231] If only the first offset is used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer after the first offset after the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle; if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer after the first value (first offset + drx-SlotOffset) after the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle.

[0232] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a long cycle, which is a non-integer cycle, and the following formula is satisfied: floor([(DRX_SFN_COUNTER×10240)+(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-NonIntegerLongCycle))=floor([(drx-TimeReferenceSFN×10)+drx-StartOffset]modulo(drx-NonIntegerLongCycle))

[0233] Among them, drx-NonIntegerLongCycle is a non-integer long cycle.

[0234] If only the first offset is used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer after the first offset after the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle; if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer after the first value (first offset + drx-SlotOffset) after the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle.

[0235] The following describes the conditions for shifting the start time of the timer forward:

[0236] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a short cycle, which is an integer cycle, the terminal device starts a timer within the DRX cycle if the following formula is satisfied: [(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-ShortCycle)=(drx-StartOffset)modulo(drx-ShortCycle))

[0237] Wherein, SFN is the system frame number, subframe number is the subframe number, modulo is the modulo operation, drx-ShortCycle is the DRX short cycle (also called DRX short cycle configuration), and drx-StartOffset is the start position of the drx cycle (the subframe at which the drx cycle starts).

[0238] If only the first offset is used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer at the first offset before the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle; if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer at the third value (first offset-drx-SlotOffset) before the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle.

[0239] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a short cycle, and the short cycle is a non-integer cycle, if the following formula is satisfied: ([(DRX_SFN_COUNTER×10240)+(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-NonIntegerShortCycle))=floor([(drx-TimeReferenceSFN×10)+drx-StartOffset]modulo(drx-NonIntegerShortCycle))

[0240] Among them, DRX_SFN_COUNTER is the number of SFN extensions, floor is the rounding down operation, drx-NonIntegerShortCycle is the non-integer short cycle, and drx-TimeReferenceSFN is the system frame reference time.

[0241] If only the first offset is used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer at the first offset before the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle; if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer at the third value (first offset-drx-SlotOffset) before the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle.

[0242] In a possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a long cycle, which is an integer cycle, and if the following formula is satisfied: [(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-LongCycle)=drx-StartOffset

[0243] Among them, drx-LongCycle is the DRX long cycle (also called DRX long cycle configuration).

[0244] If only the first offset is used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer at the first offset before the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle; if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer at the third value (first offset-drx-SlotOffset) offset before the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle.

[0245] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a long cycle, which is a non-integer cycle, and the following formula is satisfied: floor([(DRX_SFN_COUNTER×10240)+(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-NonIntegerLongCycle))=floor([(drx-TimeReferenceSFN×10)+drx-StartOffset]modulo(drx-NonIntegerLongCycle))

[0246] Among them, drx-NonIntegerLongCycle is a non-integer long cycle.

[0247] If only the first offset is used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer at the first offset before the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle; if the first offset and drx-SlotOffset are used, when the first indication information or the second indication information is obtained, the terminal device starts the timer at the third value (first offset-drx-SlotOffset) before the start of the subframe of the DRX cycle.

[0248] The above describes a scenario in which a network device configures offset information to a terminal device via a first indication message and, via a second indication message, instructs the terminal device to use the offset information to offset the start time of the timer to align the start time of the timer with the transmission of XR data. In other words, the offset information is pre-configured information. If the terminal device does not receive the second indication message from the network device, the offset information is not used and the timer is started in the normal manner.

[0249] The following describes a technical solution in which the terminal device can directly use the offset information in a subsequent timer when receiving the offset information in conjunction with FIG7 :

[0250] FIG7 is a second flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG7 , including:

[0251] S701. The network device sends first indication information to the terminal device.

[0252] The first indication information is used to indicate offset information of the timer.

[0253] The first indication information is also used to indicate the use of offset information at the start moment or activation time of the timer or to indicate the offset timer. Further, the first indication information is used to indicate the terminal device to use the offset information at the start moment or activation time of the timer corresponding to the period or to indicate the timer or activation time corresponding to the offset period, or to offset the activation time of the timer.

[0254] The offset information is related to the start time of one or more timers. The offset information is related to the one or more timers and may include or indicate information related to the start time offset of the one or more timers.

[0255] The offset information may be used to indicate relevant information about the start time offset of one timer or relevant information about the start time offsets of N timers.

[0256] The offset information may also be used to indicate a first offset of one or more DRX timer start times.

[0257] The offset information may also be used to indicate that the start time of the timer is shifted backward, or that the start time of the timer is shifted forward.

[0258] In one implementation, the first indication information directly indicates that one or more timers use an offset or perform an offset. For example, it can indicate that the next or next N timers use an offset or perform an offset. The indication method is similar to the implementation method in the embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0259] Among them, the implementation method of the first indication information indicating the offset information and the implementation method of the first offset amount, offset direction and other information indicated by the offset information are similar to the implementation method of the first indication information indicating the offset information in S401 in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and the implementation method of the offset information indicating the first offset amount, offset direction and other information. The embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0260] It should be understood that the manner in which the network device sends the first indication information is similar to that in S401 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0261] S702. The terminal device receives first indication information sent by the network device, and determines offset information according to the first indication information.

[0262] When the terminal device receives the first indication information, it can extract the offset information in the first indication information and use the offset information or perform an offset in the next or next N timers upon receiving the first indication information, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0263] S703: According to the offset information, the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel at the start time of the timer.

[0264] When the terminal device receives the first indication information, it can determine the first offset, the timer using the first offset, and the offset direction of the start time of the timer based on the offset information in the first indication information, and offset the start time of the timer. The specific implementation method is similar to the implementation method of S405 in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0265] It should be understood that when the terminal device uses the first offset in the timer to offset the start time of the timer, it also needs to determine whether to use drx-SlotOffset. The specific implementation method is similar to that of S405 and is not repeated here.

[0266] When the start time of the offset timer arrives, the terminal device starts the timer, and the DRX cycle enters the activation period. The terminal device starts to monitor the PDCCH and receive XR data at the start time of the timer.

[0267] In some embodiments, the network device sends the first indication information to indicate that the start time of the timer (T1 timer) of the portion of the DRX cycle where the XR data jitters occurs is offset, thereby matching the scenario where the XR data jitters.

[0268] In some optional embodiments, the network device may configure a new timer (T2 timer) to replace the T1 timer corresponding to when the XR data jitters. That is, the T2 timer is used to time the duration within the DRX cycle corresponding to the XR data jitter. The duration of the T2 timer may be the same as the duration of the T1 timer, or may be different from the duration of the T1 timer, that is, the duration of the T2 timer may be configured based on actual needs, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. For example, a T1 timer and a T2 timer are configured in the DRX configuration, and the T1 timer is used when the first indication information is not obtained; and the T2 timer is used when the first indication information is obtained. In one case, the first indication information may also indicate relevant information of the timer, which is used to indicate the information of one or more subsequent timers to be used.

[0269] It should be understood that the network device can carry the T2 timer in the DRX configuration and send it to the terminal device, or the network device can carry the T2 timer in the first indication information and send it to the terminal device, or the network device can define a new RRC message or DCI message or MAC CE message to indicate the T2 timer to the terminal device.

[0270] It should be understood that the differences between the embodiment shown in FIG4 and the embodiment shown in FIG7 are as follows:

[0271] The embodiment shown in FIG4 is a case where the offset information and the enable information of the timer start moment can be jointly indicated by the first indication information and the second indication information. After receiving the second indication information, the terminal device applies the offset information in subsequent timers.

[0272] The embodiment shown in FIG7 indicates the offset information and enable information of the timer start moment through the first indication information. After receiving the first indication information, the terminal device applies the offset information in subsequent timers.

[0273] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, when the timer is turned on, the timer start conditions must also be met. The timer start conditions can refer to the start conditions described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0274] In some embodiments, the T2 timer can be configured by the network device and sent to the terminal device, for example, carried in the first indication information, or carried in the second indication information and sent to the terminal device. Alternatively, the T2 timer can also be configured by the terminal device itself when receiving the first indication information or the second indication information, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0275] In the above embodiments, the network device indicates the offset duration of the start time of the T1 or T2 timer through the first indication information or the second indication information. In some embodiments, the network device may also indicate a change in the duration of the T1 timer through the first indication information or the second indication information, for example, increasing or decreasing the duration of the T1 timer to better match the XR data.

[0276] In some embodiments, the network device may also configure new indication information to indicate the change of the duration of the T1 timer. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the indication information for changing the duration of the T1 timer.

[0277] It should be understood that in the above embodiments, the first indication information and the second indication information can be messages of the same type sent to the terminal device through the same signaling, or the first indication information and the second indication information can be messages of the same type sent to the terminal device through different signaling, or the first indication information and the second indication information can be messages of the same type sent to the terminal device through different signaling, or the first indication information and the second indication information can be messages of different types sent to the terminal device through different signaling. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0278] The above embodiment introduces the technical solution of shifting the timer start time according to the offset information. The following describes the technical solution of shifting the cycle start time according to the offset information.

[0279] The following describes a technical solution for shifting the start time of a cycle after receiving an instruction to use the offset information, as provided in an embodiment of the present application, in conjunction with FIG8 .

[0280] FIG8 is a third flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG8 , including:

[0281] S801. The network device sends third indication information to the terminal device.

[0282] In some embodiments, the third indication information is used to indicate time information of one or more periods.

[0283] Optionally, the time information of the cycle may be offset information related to the start time of the cycle, or the time information of the cycle may be the start time information of the cycle.

[0284] In some embodiments, the third indication information may indicate the offset information explicitly or implicitly, or the third indication information may indicate the start time information of the period explicitly or implicitly.

[0285] For example, the third indication information may include offset information or the start time information of the period, or the third indication information may include an index associated with the offset information or an index associated with the start time information of the period. The index may index an offset information or an offset information interval range, or the index may index the start time information of a period or a start time information interval range of a period. When indexing an offset information interval range or a start time information interval range of a period, it may be the minimum value, maximum value or average value of the offset information interval range or the start time information interval range of the period. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the manner in which the network device indicates offset information.

[0286] The following describes the periodic time information as offset information related to the periodic start time and the periodic time information as the periodic start time information:

[0287] In one possible implementation, the offset information indicates that the offset information can be used for the start time of one cycle or that the offset information can be used for the start time of N cycles. For example, the offset information can indicate preset information. When the value of the information is 1, it indicates that the offset information can be used for the start time of one cycle. When the value of the information is 2, it indicates that the offset information can be used for the start time of two cycles. When the value of the information is N, it indicates that the offset information can be used for the start time of N cycles. That is, the offset information can indicate the number of cycles in which the offset information is used, and is static information. Static information means that the information is not used immediately after it is issued, and can be activated or used through other information instructions. For example, when the fourth indication information is received, the above-mentioned relevant information is used or activated.

[0288] In one possible implementation, the offset information may indicate that the start time of multiple periods may use the offset information, and may be indicated by a bit map. For example, the offset information may indicate N bits of information, each bit of information corresponding to one period, and when each bit of information has a value of 1, it may indicate that the start time of the corresponding period may use the offset information, or when each bit of information has a value of 0, it may indicate that the start time of the corresponding period may use the offset information. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0289] In some embodiments, the start time information of a cycle may also indicate the start time information of one cycle or the start time information of N cycles. For example, the start time information of a cycle may indicate preset information. When the value of this information is 1, it indicates the start time information of one cycle. When the value of this information is 2, it indicates the start time information of the next two cycles. When the value of this information is N, it indicates the start time information of N cycles.

[0290] In one possible implementation, the period start time information indicates the start time information of multiple periods, which can be indicated by a bit map. For example, the period start time information can indicate N bits of information, each bit of information corresponding to one period, and when each bit of information has a value of 1, it can indicate that the corresponding period can use the period start time information, or when each bit of information has a value of 0, it can indicate that the corresponding period can use the period start time information. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0291] In some embodiments, the offset information may be used to indicate a second offset of one or more DRX cycle start times. For example, the offset information may include a second offset of the cycle start time. The second offset may be an offset duration for offsetting the start time of the cycle, wherein the time unit of the offset duration may be a time unit of any granularity, for example, 5 milliseconds (ms), 5 subframes, 5 time slots, 5 symbols, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the time unit granularity of the second offset. It should be understood that the first offset may also be indicated by one or more bits of information. For example, 00 represents 1 subframe, 01 represents 2 subframes, etc.

[0292] In some embodiments, the cycle start time information is cycle start time information, which can be used to indicate one or more DRX cycle start times. For example, the cycle start time information can include a target start time for the cycle, such as 5 subframes. The network device can directly indicate, through the cycle start time information, that the cycle start time be started at the 5th subframe of the radio frame. That is, the target start time is an absolute start time value. Alternatively, the cycle start time information is the cycle start time in subframes, such as N subframes. The cycle start time information can be time information in frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or milliseconds.

[0293] In some embodiments, the offset information may further indicate whether to offset the start time of the period backward or forward, that is, the offset direction of the start time of the period.

[0294] In one possible implementation, a positive sign may be added in front of the second offset included in the offset information to indicate that the start time of the period is shifted forward or backward. For example, when the second offset is 5 subframes, +5 subframes may indicate that the start time of the period is shifted backward by 5 subframes, and -5 subframes may indicate that the start time of the period is shifted forward by 5 subframes. Alternatively, +5 subframes may indicate that the start time of the period is shifted forward by 5 subframes, and -5 subframes may indicate that the start time of the period is shifted backward by 5 subframes. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The positive and negative signs may be indicated by 1-bit information, for example, 00 indicates a positive sign, 01 indicates a negative sign, and so on.

[0295] In one possible implementation, description information of the second offset may be indicated in the offset information to indicate whether the start time of the period is shifted forward or backward. For example, the offset information may indicate 1 bit of information. When the value of the information is 0, it indicates that the start time of the period is shifted backward. When the value of the information is 1, it indicates that the start time of the period is shifted forward. Alternatively, when the value of the information is 0, it indicates that the start time of the period is shifted forward. When the value of the information is 1, it indicates that the start time of the period is shifted backward. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0296] In some embodiments, the offset information may further indicate the number of cycles using the second offset, for example, 3 cycles, or duration information of using the second offset, for example, using the second offset in cycles corresponding to 50 milliseconds.

[0297] The network device can predict the arrival time of the XR data. If it is predicted that the arrival time of the XR data fluctuates, that is, the XR data is not transmitted according to the preset period but arrives early or late, the network device can send third indication information to the terminal device.

[0298] For example, the network device may determine, based on historical XR data transmission conditions or using an AI model to predict the jitter of the XR data arrival time, as well as the offset information or the start time information of the period when the jitter occurs. When the network device determines the offset information or the start time information of the period, it may send third indication information to the terminal device.

[0299] In an optional embodiment, the start time information or offset information of the period may also be sent by the core network device to the network device. When the network device receives the start time information or offset information of the period sent by the core network device, it may send a third indication information to the terminal device.

[0300] In some embodiments, the third indication information may be carried in the DRX configuration information and sent to the terminal device when the network device configures DRX for the terminal device. For example, the network device sends the DRX configuration information carrying the third indication information to the terminal device via an RRC message, a MAC CE, a DCI message, etc. Alternatively, the network device may send the third indication information to the terminal device by defining a new RRC message, a MAC CE, or a DCI message, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0301] S802. The terminal device obtains third indication information.

[0302] The terminal device obtains the third indication information, which may be the terminal device receiving the third indication information sent by the network device; or the third indication information may be predefined in the terminal device, is information agreed upon in the protocol, and is predefined in the protocol.

[0303] When the terminal device obtains the third indication information, it can extract the offset information or the start time information of the period carried in the third indication information, or extract the index associated with the offset information or the start time information of the period carried in the third indication information.

[0304] Taking the case where the third indication information carries an index associated with the start time information as an example, the terminal device can obtain the corresponding start time information based on the index associated with the start time information. It should be understood that if the third indication information carries an index associated with the start time information, the network device can pre-configure a mapping relationship between the index and the start time information for the terminal device, and the terminal device can obtain the start time information based on the index and the mapping relationship.

[0305] It should be understood that for S802, S801 may be an optional step.

[0306] S803: The network device sends fourth indication information to the terminal device.

[0307] The fourth indication information may be used to indicate the time information of the period used by the terminal device. The time information of the period may be offset information related to the start time of the period, or the time information of the period may be the start time information of the period. Alternatively, the fourth indication information is used to indicate an offset of one or more periods.

[0308] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be enabling information or bit information to indicate the use of the offset information or the start time information of the period. For example, when the fourth indication information is enabling information, when the fourth indication information is enable, it indicates that the terminal device uses the offset information or the start time information of the period; when the fourth indication information is disable, it indicates that the terminal device does not use the offset information or the start time information of the period.

[0309] If the fourth indication information is bit information, when the fourth indication information is 0, it instructs the terminal device to use the offset information or the start time information of the period, and when the fourth indication information is 1, it instructs the terminal device not to use the offset information or the start time information of the period, or when the fourth indication information is 1, it instructs the terminal device to use the offset information or the start time information of the period, and when the fourth indication information is 0, it instructs the terminal device not to use the offset information or the start time information of the period. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0310] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information can be used to instruct the terminal device to use offset information or start time information of the next cycle or the next N cycles.

[0311] In one possible implementation, the fourth indication information may indicate preset information. When the value of this information is 1, it indicates the usage offset information of the next cycle or the start time information of the cycle. When the value of this information is 2, it indicates the usage offset information of the next two cycles or the start time information of the cycle. When the value of this information is N, it indicates the usage offset information of the next N cycles or the start time information of the cycle.

[0312] In one possible implementation, the fourth indication information indicates usage offset information of multiple periods or start time information of the periods, and may be indicated by bit mapping. For example, the fourth indication information may indicate N bits of information, each bit of information corresponds to one period, and when each bit of information has a value of 1, it may indicate the usage offset information of the corresponding period or the start time information of the period, or when each bit of information has a value of 0, it may indicate the usage offset information of the corresponding period or the start time information of the period.

[0313] Optionally, the time information of the period may be offset information related to the start time of the period, and the fourth indication information may also indicate that the start time of the period is offset backward, or that the start time of the period is offset forward. The manner in which the fourth indication information indicates that the start time of the period is offset backward, or that the start time of the period is offset forward is similar to the manner in which the third indication information is provided, and is not further described here.

[0314] Optionally, the content indicated in the fourth indication information can be determined based on the content indicated by the third indication information. For example, if the time information of the period of the third indication information is the start time information of the period, and the start time information of the period indicates the start time of the period and the period of using the start time, then the fourth indication information can only indicate the start time information of starting to use the period (that is, only indicate the enabling information); if the start time information of the period only indicates the start time, then the fourth indication information can indicate the start time of starting to use and the period of using the start time.

[0315] Optionally, if the third indication information indicates that the time information of the cycle is the offset information of the start time of the cycle, and the offset information indicates the second offset, the period for using the second offset, and the offset direction of the cycle, then the fourth indication information may only indicate the start of using the second offset (i.e., only indicate the enable information); if the third indication information indicates the second offset and the period for using the second offset, then the fourth indication information may indicate the start of using the second offset and the offset direction of the cycle. If the third indication information only indicates the second offset, then the fourth indication information may indicate the start of using the second offset, the period for using the second offset, and the offset direction of the cycle. That is, the third indication information and the fourth indication information jointly indicate the relevant information related to the start time of the cycle.

[0316] It should be understood that when the third indication information indicates the start time information of the period, it is not necessary to indicate the offset direction of the period. Correspondingly, the fourth indication information does not need to indicate the offset direction of the period.

[0317] The network device determines that data jitter has occurred in one or more cycles of the XR data, and may send fourth indication information to the terminal device before the start time of the first cycle in which data jitter occurs. For example, if the network device determines that the XR data arrives late in the third and fourth cycles, it may send fourth indication information to the terminal device before the start time of the third cycle to indicate the offset between the third and fourth cycles. It should be understood that the manner in which the network device determines that data jitter has occurred in one or more cycles of the XR data is similar to the manner shown in FIG4 and will not be repeated here.

[0318] It should be understood that the resources and location for the network device to send the fourth indication information may be pre-configured, and the resources and location for sending the fourth indication information may be sent to the terminal device, for example, carried in the third indication information, or sent to the terminal device in DRX configuration information. If the network device does not predict that the XR data will jitter, it will not send the fourth indication information.

[0319] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be sent to the terminal device via a DCI message, or other types of messages may be sent to the terminal device.

[0320] S804. The terminal device receives fourth indication information sent by the network device.

[0321] When the terminal device receives the fourth indication information sent by the network device, it can use the offset information or the start time information of the period in one or more subsequent periods, or offset one or more periods.

[0322] It should be understood that the terminal device can receive the resources and location of the fourth indication information configured by the network device. The terminal device listens to the fourth indication information according to the resource location of the fourth indication information. If the fourth indication information is listened to at the resource location, the period will be offset according to the fourth indication information.

[0323] The terminal device can monitor the downlink channel at the resource location corresponding to each period to receive information about whether the network device has sent the fourth indication information. That is, the terminal device monitors the downlink channel as a periodic action. If the fourth indication information is received while monitoring the downlink channel, the offset information is used to offset the start time of the period in subsequent periods, or the start time information of the period is used to adjust the start time of the period in subsequent periods. If the fourth indication information is not received while monitoring the downlink channel, the start time of the period is determined according to the existing method.

[0324] S805. The terminal device starts a timer after the cycle starts, and monitors the downlink control channel during the start time of the timer.

[0325] Taking the fourth indication information as an example, indicating the use of offset information or the start time information of the period, and the rest of the information is based on the third indication information, when the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can adjust the start time of the timer period in subsequent periods according to the offset information or the start time information of the period indicated in the third indication information.

[0326] For example, if the offset information indicated by the third indication information includes the second offset, the start time of the period is offset backward, and the three periods are offset, then when the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can use the second offset for the three consecutive periods after the moment of receiving the fourth indication information according to the second offset, and offset the start time of the period backward. Alternatively, if the fourth indication information indicates the second offset, the start time of the period is offset backward, and three bits of information, and the value of each bit of information is 1 (indicating that the second offset is used for three consecutive periods), then when the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can use the second offset for the three consecutive periods after the moment of receiving the fourth indication information according to the second offset, and offset the start time of the period backward.

[0327] Alternatively, the offset information indicates the second offset, the backward offset of the start time of the period, and 3 bits of information. The values ​​of the first and second bits of information are both 1 (indicating that the second offset is used in the first or second period), and the value of the third bit of information is 0 (indicating that the second offset is not used in the third period). When the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can use the second offset for the first and second periods after the moment of receiving the fourth indication information according to the second offset, and offset the start time of the period backward.

[0328] For example, if the cycle start time information indicated by the third indication information includes the target start time and the target start time is used in three cycles, then when the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can use the target start time as the start time of the three consecutive cycles after receiving the fourth indication information. Alternatively, the cycle start time information indicates the target start time, the backward offset of the cycle start time, and three bits of information, and the value of each bit of information is 1 (indicating that the target start time is used for three consecutive cycles), then when the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can use the target start time as the start time of the three consecutive cycles after receiving the fourth indication information.

[0329] Alternatively, the cycle start time information indicates the target start-up time and 3 bits of information, the values ​​of the first and second bits of information are both 1 (indicating that the target start-up time is used in the first or second cycle), and the value of the third bit of information is 0 (indicating that the target start-up time is not used in the third cycle). When the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can use the target start-up time as the start time of the first and second cycles after the moment of receiving the fourth indication information.

[0330] For example, the cycle start time information indicated by the third indication information includes the cycle start time, and the cycle start time is used in three cycles; optionally, the cycle start time can be used to indicate that the cycle starts after the Nth subframe, then when the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can apply the cycle start time to the three consecutive cycles after receiving the fourth indication information. Alternatively, the cycle start time information indicates the cycle start time and three bits of information, and the value of each bit of information is 1 (indicating that the cycle start time is used for three consecutive cycles), then when the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can use the cycle start time as the start time of the three consecutive cycles after receiving the fourth indication information.

[0331] Alternatively, the cycle start time information indicates the cycle start time and 3 bits of information, the values ​​of the first and second bits of information are both 1 (indicating that the first or second cycle uses the cycle start time), and the value of the third bit of information is 0 (indicating that the third cycle does not use the cycle start time), then when the terminal device receives the fourth indication information, it can use the cycle start time as the start time of the first and second cycles after the moment of receiving the fourth indication information. It should be understood that the above-mentioned start period after the Nth subframe can be the start period of the Nth subframe, or the start period of N subframes.

[0332] For example, Figure 9 shows that the third indication information indicates the second offset, the start time of the cycle is shifted backward, and the next three cycles are shifted. Then, the second offset is used in the three consecutive cycles after receiving the fourth indication information, and the start time of the cycle is shifted backward to the moment corresponding to the second offset.

[0333] Exemplarily, FIG10 shows that the third indication information indicates the target start time, and the target start time is used in the next three cycles, and the target start time is used as the start time of the three consecutive cycles after receiving the fourth indication information.

[0334] When the terminal device uses the second offset in the cycle, in the related art, drx-startOffset (second preset offset) is defined as the subframe at which the cycle starts. Therefore, when the terminal device uses the second offset in the start time of the cycle, the following two possible implementations may be included:

[0335] In a first possible implementation, when the terminal device uses the second offset at the start time of the period, it does not need to use drx-startOffset, that is, only the second offset needs to be used.

[0336] In a second possible implementation, when the terminal device uses the second offset at the cycle start time, it needs to use drx-startOffset, that is, at the cycle start time, it needs to use the second offset and drx-startOffset.

[0337] Since the start time of a cycle can be offset backward or forward, the following describes how to determine the start time of the cycle based on the second offset in these two scenarios:

[0338] The first possible implementation is to shift the cycle start time backward:

[0339] When the terminal device obtains the second offset, if only the second offset is used, the start time of the period is the original start time of the period offset by the time corresponding to the second offset. For example, if the original start time of the period is on in the second subframe and the second offset is 1 subframe, the start time of the offset period is the third subframe.

[0340] The second possible implementation is to shift the cycle start time backward:

[0341] When the terminal device obtains the second offset, if the second offset and drx-startOffset are used, the start time of the offset period is the time corresponding to the fifth value of the offset (fifth value = drx-startOffset + second offset). For example, if the original start time is frame 0, the second offset is 1 subframe, and drx-startOffset indicates that the period starts in subframe 3, the start time of the offset period is subframe 4.

[0342] The third possible implementation is to shift the period start time forward:

[0343] When the terminal device obtains the second offset, if only the second offset is used, the start time of the offset period is the time corresponding to the second offset shifted forward from the original start time of the period. For example, if the original start time of the period is on in subframe 2 and the second offset is 1 subframe, the start time of the offset period is the 1st subframe.

[0344] The fourth possible implementation method is to shift the period start time forward:

[0345] When the terminal device obtains the second offset, if the second offset and drx-startOffset are used, the start time of the period is the time corresponding to the sixth value of the forward offset (drx-startOffset minus the second offset). For example, if the second offset is 1 subframe, the original start time is frame 0, and drx-startOffset indicates that the period starts in subframe 3, the start time of the offset period is subframe 2.

[0346] When the terminal device uses the cycle start time in the cycle, the related art defines drx-startOffset as the subframe at which the cycle starts. Therefore, when the terminal device uses the cycle start time or starts the cycle after the Nth subframe in the cycle, the following two possible implementations may also be included:

[0347] In a first possible implementation, when the terminal device uses the cycle start time in the cycle, it does not need to use drx-startOffset, that is, it only needs to use the cycle start time or the cycle starting after the Nth subframe. For example, using the target start time or N.

[0348] In the second possible implementation, when the terminal device uses the target turn-on time in the cycle, it needs to use drx-startOffset. That is, it needs to use the cycle start time and drx-startOffset, or use the cycle starting after the Nth subframe and drx-startOffset. For example, use the target turn-on time and drx-startOffset, or use N and drx-startOffset.

[0349] The first possible implementation:

[0350] When the terminal device obtains the target on-time, if only the target on-time is used, the obtained target on-time is used as the start time of the cycle. For example, if the obtained target on-time is turned on in the second subframe, the start time of the cycle is the second subframe.

[0351] Alternatively, when the terminal device obtains the usage cycle start time, if only the cycle start time is used, for example, if the cycle start time is obtained to be 20 subframes, the cycle start time is the time corresponding to the 20th subframe.

[0352] The second possible implementation is:

[0353] When the terminal device obtains the target turn-on time, if the target turn-on time and drx-startOffset are used, the start time of the cycle is the time corresponding to the seventh value (seventh value = drx-startOffset + target turn-on time). For example, if the target turn-on time is subframe 3 and drx-startOffset indicates that the cycle starts in subframe 1, the start time of the cycle is subframe 4.

[0354] Alternatively, when the terminal device obtains the cycle start time, if the cycle start time and drx-startOffset are used, the start time of the cycle is the time corresponding to the seventh value (seventh value = drx-startOffset + cycle start time, where the cycle start time may be N). For example, if the cycle start time is 20 subframes later and drx-startOffset indicates that the cycle starts at the 1st subframe, the start time of the cycle is the time corresponding to after the 21st subframe.

[0355] In some embodiments, whether to use drx-startOffset may be a default rule or may be indicated by indication information. For example, the third indication information may carry the indication information of whether to use drx-startOffset, or the fourth indication information may carry the indication information of whether to use drx-startOffset, or a new indication information may be defined to indicate whether to use drx-startOffset. This is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0356] The terminal device determines the period using the second offset, the period offset direction, and determines the start time of the offset period based on the second offset, or, based on the target start time or the period start time, when the corresponding period is turned on, a timer can be started, the DRX cycle enters the active period, and the terminal device begins to monitor the PDCCH and receive XR data. The cycle start time can be used to indicate that the period starts after the Nth subframe. For example, the cycle start time is N, which is used to indicate that the period starts after the Nth subframe.

[0357] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is that the terminal device receives the time information of the cycle sent by the network device, and adjusts the start time of one or more cycles according to the time information of the cycle. When the XR data jitters, the XR data sending time can be aligned with the start time of the cycle, thereby reducing the possibility that the XR data sending time and the start time of the cycle will not match due to the jitter of the XR data, and the terminal device cannot receive the XR data at the timer start time, resulting in the terminal device wasting power consumption.

[0358] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, S801 and S803 are actions performed by the network device, and S802, S804, and S805 are actions performed by the terminal device. Regarding the entire process, S801 is an optional step, that is, when the terminal device receives the fourth indication information from the network device, it can implement the process of adjusting the cycle start time.

[0359] On the basis of the above embodiment, when the terminal device determines the start time of a cycle according to the time information of the cycle, when starting the timer after the cycle starts, the timer start condition also needs to be met.

[0360] In some embodiments, the start condition of the timer has different start conditions according to different DRX cycle configuration information.

[0361] The following describes the activation conditions for different DRX cycle configuration information:

[0362] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a short cycle, which is an integer cycle, and if the following formula is satisfied, the terminal device can start the timer at the beginning of the cycle. The relevant content of starting the timer can be combined with the start time or activation time of the timer in the embodiment shown in FIG4 . [(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-ShortCycle)=(drx-StartOffset+cycle time information)modulo(drx-ShortCycle))

[0363] Alternatively, [(SFN×10)+subframe number] modulo(drx-ShortCycle)=(cycle time information) modulo(drx-ShortCycle))

[0364] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a short cycle, which is a non-integer cycle, the terminal device may start a timer at the start of the cycle if the following formula is satisfied: ([(DRX_SFN_COUNTER×10240)+(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-NonIntegerShortCycle))=floor([(drx-TimeReferenceSFN×10)+drx-StartOffset+cycle time information]modulo(drx-NonIntegerShortCycle))

[0365] Alternatively, ([(DRX_SFN_COUNTER×10240)+(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-NonIntegerShortCycle))=floor([(drx-TimeReferenceSFN×10)+cycle time information]modulo(drx-NonIntegerShortCycle))

[0366] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a long cycle, which is an integer cycle, the terminal device can start the timer at the start of the cycle if the following formula is satisfied: [(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-LongCycle)=drx-StartOffset+cycle time information

[0367] Or, [(SFN×10)+subframe number] modulo(drx-LongCycle)=cycle time information

[0368] In one possible implementation, if the DRX cycle is a long cycle, which is a non-integer cycle, the terminal device may start the timer at the start of the cycle if the following formula is satisfied: floor([(DRX_SFN_COUNTER×10240)+(SFN×10)+subframe number] modulo(drx-NonIntegerLongCycle))=floor([(drx-TimeReferenceSFN×10)+drx-StartOffset+cycle time information]modulo(drx-NonIntegerLongCycle))

[0369] Alternatively, floor([(DRX_SFN_COUNTER×10240)+(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-NonIntegerLongCycle))=floor([(drx-TimeReferenceSFN×10)+cycle time information]modulo(drx-NonIntegerLongCycle))

[0370] It should be understood that the cycle time information can be the target start time or the cycle start time information according to the second offset. The meanings of other parameters in the above formulas are the same as those of the parameters in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and are not repeated here.

[0371] In some embodiments, various modifications may be made to the above formulas, for example, a coefficient may be added to the shifted cycle start time.

[0372] For example, if the DRX cycle is a short cycle, which is an integer cycle, the terminal device can start the timer at the beginning of the cycle if the following formula is satisfied: [(SFN×10)+subframe number]modulo(drx-ShortCycle)=(drx-StartOffset+K*cycle time information)modulo(drx-ShortCycle))

[0373] Where K is a coefficient determined based on prior knowledge, or an adjustment coefficient sent by the network. In one implementation, the cycle time information may be drx-StartOffset.

[0374] It should be understood that the activation conditions under other different DRX cycle configuration information are similar to the above formula and will not be repeated here.

[0375] In the above embodiment, the network device configures the periodic time information to the terminal device via the third indication message, and instructs the terminal device via the fourth indication message to use the periodic time information to adjust the periodic start time so that the periodic start time aligns with the transmission of XR data. In other words, the periodic time information is preconfigured information. If the terminal device does not receive the fourth indication message sent by the network device, the periodic time information is not used and the periodic start time is determined in a conventional manner.

[0376] In some embodiments, the periodic time information can also be configured in real time, eliminating the need for the network device to instruct the terminal device to use the offset information through subsequent instructions. That is, upon receiving the periodic time information, the terminal device can directly use the periodic time information in subsequent periods without waiting for subsequent instructions to activate it. The following describes a scheme for directly adjusting the start time of subsequent periods upon receiving the periodic time information, as described in conjunction with FIG10 .

[0377] FIG11 is a second flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG11 , the method includes:

[0378] S1101. The network device sends third indication information to the terminal device.

[0379] In some embodiments, the third indication information is used to indicate time information of one or more periods. The third indication information is also used to indicate time information of a usage period.

[0380] Optionally, the time information of the cycle may be offset information related to the start time of the cycle, or the time information of the cycle may be the start time information of the cycle.

[0381] In one implementation, the third indication information directly indicates time information of one or more cycles, or directly indicates time information of the next one or more cycles.

[0382] The offset information may be used to indicate relevant information about the start time offset of one cycle or relevant information about the start time offsets of N cycles.

[0383] The start time information of a cycle indicates the start time information of one cycle or indicates the start time information of N cycles.

[0384] Optionally, the offset information may also be used to indicate a second offset of one or more period start times. The offset information may also be used to indicate that the period start time is shifted backward, or that the period start time is shifted forward.

[0385] Optionally, the cycle start time information may be used to indicate a target start time of one or more cycles, or the cycle start time information is the cycle start time in subframe units.

[0386] It should be understood that the time information of the period indicated by the third indication information and the implementation method of the indicated time information of the period are similar to those in S801 in the embodiment shown in FIG8 , and are not described in detail here.

[0387] It should be understood that the manner in which the network device sends the third indication information is similar to that in S801 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0388] S1102. The terminal device receives the third indication information sent by the network device, and obtains the start time information of the cycle according to the third indication information.

[0389] When the terminal device receives the third indication information, it can extract the time information of the cycle in the third indication information and use the time information of the cycle in the next or next M cycles after receiving the third indication information, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0390] S1103. According to the time information of the cycle, the terminal device starts the timer after the cycle starts, and monitors the downlink control channel during the start time of the timer.

[0391] Optionally, upon receiving the third indication information, the terminal device may determine, based on the offset information in the third indication information, the period for using the offset information, the offset direction of the period start time, and the start time of the period after using the offset information, and adjust the start time of the period. The specific implementation method is similar to the implementation method of S805 in the embodiment shown in FIG8 and will not be repeated here.

[0392] Alternatively, upon receiving the third indication information, the terminal device may determine, based on the period start time information in the third indication information, whether to use the target on-time or the period start time in subframe units, or to use the period of the target on-time or the period of the period start time in subframe units, and adjust the start time of the period. The specific implementation method is similar to the implementation method of S805 in the embodiment shown in FIG8 , and will not be repeated here.

[0393] It should be understood that when the terminal device uses the offset information in the cycle to offset the start time of the cycle, or when determining the start time of the cycle based on the start time information of the cycle, it is also necessary to determine whether to use drx-startOffset. The specific implementation method is similar to that of S805 and will not be repeated here.

[0394] When the terminal device starts the period after the start time offset, the timer can be started, the DRX period enters the activation period, and the terminal device starts to monitor the PDCCH and receive XR data.

[0395] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, when the timer is turned on, the timer start conditions must also be met. The timer start conditions can refer to the start conditions described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0396] It should be understood that the differences between the embodiment shown in FIG8 and the embodiment shown in FIG11 are:

[0397] FIG8 shows an embodiment in which the third indication information and the fourth indication information can jointly indicate the offset information and the enabling information of the period start time, or the start time information and the enabling information of the period. After receiving the fourth indication information, the terminal device applies the offset information or the start time information in subsequent periods.

[0398] The embodiment shown in Figure 11 is to indicate the offset information and enabling information of the cycle start time, or the start time information and enabling information of the cycle through the third indication information. After receiving the third indication information, the terminal device applies the offset information or start time information in subsequent cycles.

[0399] It should be understood that in the above embodiment, the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be messages of the same type sent to the terminal device through the same signaling, or the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be messages of the same type sent to the terminal device through different signaling, or the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be messages of the same type sent to the terminal device through different signaling, or the third indication information and the fourth indication information can be messages of different types sent to the terminal device through different signaling. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0400] In the above embodiments, the technical solutions for the network device to send the offset information of the timer start time to the terminal device and the time information of the cycle are respectively described. When the XR data jitters, the terminal device can offset the timer start time according to the offset information of the timer start time, or adjust the start time of the cycle according to the time information of the cycle, so as to better receive the XR data.

[0401] Based on the above embodiment, the network device may also simultaneously send timer start time offset information and cycle time information to the terminal device. The terminal device may offset the cycle start time and the timer start time within the DRX cycle, thereby making the terminal device's DRX cycle more compatible with the transmission of XR data. In other words, the technical solutions provided in the above embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0402] Exemplarily, the network device may send the start time information of the period and the offset information of the timer to the terminal device through the first indication information or the third indication information. The terminal device adjusts the start time of the period according to the start time information of the period. When the timer is started in the adjusted period, the start time of the timer may be offset according to the offset information of the timer.

[0403] It should be understood that the network device sends the start time information of the cycle and the offset information of the timer to the terminal device. The implementation method of the terminal device offsetting the start time of the cycle and the start time of the timer according to the start time information of the cycle and the offset information of the timer is similar to the implementation method in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0404] The communication method of the embodiment of the present application has been described above. The following describes the apparatus for executing the above communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application. Those skilled in the art will understand that the method and apparatus can be combined and referenced with each other, and the relevant apparatus provided in the embodiment of the present application can execute the steps in the above communication method.

[0405] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 120 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG12 , the communication device 120 includes:

[0406] The receiving module 1201 is used to receive first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate offset information of a discontinuous reception timer; the offset information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception timers.

[0407] The processing module 1202 is configured to monitor a downlink control channel during the start time of the discontinuous reception timer.

[0408] In some embodiments, the offset information includes a first offset of the discontinuous reception timer start time.

[0409] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1201 is further used to receive second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the use of the first offset.

[0410] In some embodiments, the first indication information is also used to indicate the first offset of the next discontinuous reception timer when the first indication information is received; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate that the next N discontinuous reception timers when the first indication information is received use the first offset, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0411] In some embodiments, the second indication information is also used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception timer when the second indication information is received uses the first offset; or the second indication information is also used to indicate that the next N discontinuous reception timers when the second indication information is received use the first offset; and N is an integer greater than 1.

[0412] In some embodiments, the processing module 1202 is further configured to determine a start time of the discontinuous reception timer according to the first offset, or to determine a start time of the discontinuous reception timer according to the first offset and a first preset offset.

[0413] In some embodiments, the offset information is further used to indicate that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted forward, or that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted backward.

[0414] In some embodiments, the processing module 1202 is further used to offset the first offset after the start of a subframe of the discontinuous reception cycle, or to offset the first offset and the first preset offset to start the discontinuous reception timer; the subframe is determined according to the discontinuous reception cycle configuration.

[0415] In some embodiments, the time unit granularity of the first offset includes any of the following:

[0416] Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

[0417] In some embodiments, the processing module 1202 is further configured to configure a new timer to replace the discontinuous reception timer.

[0418] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can execute the technical solution executed by the terminal equipment in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 7. Its principles and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0419] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 130 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG13 , the communication device 130 includes:

[0420] The receiving module 1301 is configured to receive third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate the start time information of the discontinuous reception period; the start time information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception periods.

[0421] In some embodiments, the start time information includes offset information of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle, or information of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle.

[0422] In some embodiments, the offset information includes a second offset of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle.

[0423] In some embodiments, the on-time information includes a target on-time of a discontinuous reception cycle.

[0424] The receiving module 1301 is further configured to receive fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is configured to indicate the use of the second offset, or the use of the target turn-on time.

[0425] In some embodiments, the third indication information is further used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception cycle after receiving the third indication information uses the second offset, or uses the target on time.

[0426] In some embodiments, the third indication information is further used to indicate that the next M discontinuous reception cycles after receiving the third indication information use the second offset, or use the target on time, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0427] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information is further used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception cycle after receiving the fourth indication information uses the second offset, or uses the target on time.

[0428] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information is further used to indicate that the next M discontinuous reception cycles when the fourth indication information is received use the second offset, or use the target turn-on time; M is an integer greater than 1.

[0429] In some embodiments, the communication device 130 further includes: a processing module 1302 .

[0430] In some embodiments, the processing module 1302 is configured to determine a start time of the discontinuous reception cycle according to the second offset or the target start time.

[0431] In some embodiments, the processing module 1302 is further configured to determine the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle according to the second offset and the second preset offset, or according to the target start time and the second preset offset.

[0432] In some embodiments, the time unit granularity of the second offset includes any of the following:

[0433] Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

[0434] In some embodiments, the processing module 1302 is further configured to start a discontinuous reception timer during the discontinuous reception period.

[0435] In some embodiments, the processing module 1302 is further used to determine whether to start the discontinuous reception timer based on the configuration parameters of the discontinuous reception period and the second offset; the configuration parameters include at least one of the period configuration, system frame number, subframe number, period type, period time slot offset, and system frame reference time.

[0436] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can execute the technical solution executed by the terminal equipment in the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 11. Its principles and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0437] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 140 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG14 , the communication device 140 includes:

[0438] The sending module 1401 is used to send first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the offset information of the discontinuous reception timer; the offset information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception timers.

[0439] In some embodiments, the offset information includes a first offset of the discontinuous reception timer start time.

[0440] In some embodiments, the sending module 1401 is further used to send second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the use of the first offset.

[0441] In some embodiments, the first indication information is further used to indicate the first offset of the next discontinuous reception timer when the first indication information is received.

[0442] In some embodiments, the first indication information is further used to indicate that the next N discontinuous reception timers use the first offset when the first indication information is received, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0443] In some embodiments, the second indication information is further used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception timer uses the first offset when the second indication information is received.

[0444] In some embodiments, the second indication information is further used to indicate that the next N discontinuous reception timers when the second indication information is received use the first offset; N is an integer greater than 1.

[0445] In some embodiments, the offset information is further used to indicate that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted forward, or that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted backward.

[0446] In some embodiments, the time unit granularity of the first offset includes any of the following:

[0447] Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

[0448] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can execute the technical solutions executed by the network devices in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 7. The principles and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0449] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 150 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG15 , the communication device 150 includes:

[0450] The sending module 1501 is used to send third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate the start time information of the discontinuous reception cycle; the start time information is related to the start time of one or more discontinuous reception cycles.

[0451] In some embodiments, the start time information includes offset information of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle, or information of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle.

[0452] In some embodiments, the offset information includes a second offset of the start time of the discontinuous reception cycle.

[0453] In some embodiments, the on-time information includes a target on-time of a discontinuous reception cycle.

[0454] In some embodiments, the sending module 1501 is further configured to send fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is configured to indicate the use of the second offset, or the use of the target turn-on time.

[0455] In some embodiments, the third indication information is also used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception period when the third indication information is received uses the second offset, or uses the target turn-on time; or, the third indication information is also used to indicate that the next M discontinuous reception periods when the third indication information is received uses the second offset, or uses the target turn-on time, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0456] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information is also used to indicate that the next discontinuous reception period when the fourth indication information is received uses the second offset, or uses the target start time; or, the fourth indication information is also used to indicate that the next M discontinuous reception periods when the fourth indication information is received uses the second offset, or uses the target start time; M is an integer greater than 1.

[0457] In some embodiments, the time unit granularity of the second offset includes any of the following:

[0458] Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

[0459] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can execute the technical solutions executed by the network devices in the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 11. The principles and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0460] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device.

[0461] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 16, the communication device 160 may include: at least one processor 1601, a memory 1602, and a transceiver 1603. The processor 1601, the transceiver 1603, and the memory 1602 communicate with each other via an internal connection path. The memory 1602 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1601 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1602 to control the transceiver 1603 to transmit channels / signals and / or receive channels / signals.

[0462] It should be understood that the communication device may correspond to the terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiment or the network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. It may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes performed by the terminal device or the network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 1602 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor 1601. A portion of the memory 1602 may also include a non-volatile random access memory. The memory 1602 may be a separate device or integrated into the processor 1601. The processor 1601 may be used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1602, and when the processor 1601 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1601 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0463] The transceiver 1603 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1603 may further include an antenna, which may be one or more. The processor 1601, memory 1602, and transceiver 1603 may be integrated on different chips. For example, the processor 1601 and memory 1602 may be integrated in a baseband chip, and the transceiver 1603 may be integrated in a radio frequency chip. The processor 1601, memory 1602, and transceiver 1603 may also be integrated on the same chip. This application does not limit this.

[0464] Optionally, the communication device is a component configured in a terminal device or a wireless access network device, such as a chip, a chip system, etc.

[0465] The transceiver 1603 may also be a communication interface, such as an input / output interface, a circuit, etc. The transceiver 1603, the processor 1601 and the memory 1602 may all be integrated into the same chip, such as a baseband chip.

[0466] In an embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the technical solution executed by the terminal device or network device in the above-mentioned communication method embodiment is implemented. The implementation principle and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0467] In one possible implementation, a computer-readable medium may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium designed to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer. Moreover, any connection is appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technologies (such as infrared, radio and microwave) are used to transmit software from a website, server or other remote source, the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc as used herein include optical disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks generally reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0468] A computer program product is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, including a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the technical solution executed by the terminal device or network device in the above-mentioned communication method embodiment is implemented. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0469] The present application also provides a chip or chip system in an embodiment, which includes at least one processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface and the at least one processor are interconnected via a line, and the at least one processor is used to run a computer program or instruction to execute the technical solution executed by the terminal device or network device in the above-mentioned communication method embodiment. The implementation principle and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here. The communication interface in the chip can be an input / output interface, a pin, or a circuit, etc.

[0470] In one possible implementation, the chip or chip system described above in this application further includes at least one memory, wherein instructions are stored in the at least one memory. The memory may be a storage unit within the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc., or a storage unit of the chip (e.g., a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.).

[0471] In the specific implementation of the above-mentioned terminal device or network device, it should be understood that the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented as a hardware processor, or can be implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0472] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the steps of any of the above method embodiments may be accomplished by hardware associated with program instructions. The aforementioned program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when the program is executed, all or part of the steps of the above method embodiments are executed.

[0473] If the technical solution of the present application is implemented in the form of software and sold or used as a product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the technical solution of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a computer program or several instructions. The computer software product enables a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, network device or similar electronic device) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiment of the present application.

[0474] It should be noted that for the aforementioned method embodiments, for the sake of simplicity, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations, but those skilled in the art should be aware that this application is not limited by the order of the actions described, because according to this application, certain steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also be aware that the embodiments described in this specification are all optional embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily required by this application.

[0475] It should be further noted that, although the various steps in the flowchart are shown in sequence as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily performed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and these steps may be performed in other orders. Moreover, at least a portion of the steps in the flowchart may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages, and these sub-steps or stages are not necessarily performed at the same time, but may be performed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages is not necessarily to be performed in sequence, but may be performed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a portion of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0476] It should be understood that the above-described device embodiments are merely illustrative, and the device of the present application may also be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of units / modules in the above-described embodiments is merely a logical functional division, and actual implementations may employ other division methods. For example, multiple units, modules, or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0477] In addition, unless otherwise specified, the functional units / modules in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single unit / module, each unit / module may exist physically separately, or two or more units / modules may be integrated together. The aforementioned integrated units / modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or software program modules.

[0478] If the integrated unit / module is implemented in hardware, the hardware may be digital circuits, analog circuits, etc. The physical implementation of the hardware structure includes, but is not limited to, transistors, memristors, etc. Unless otherwise specified, the processor may be any appropriate hardware processor, such as a CPU, GPU, FPGA, DSP, and ASIC. Unless otherwise specified, the storage unit may be any appropriate magnetic storage medium or magneto-optical storage medium, such as resistive random access memory (RRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), enhanced dynamic random access memory (EDRAM), high-bandwidth memory (HBM), hybrid memory cube (HMC), etc.

[0479] If the integrated unit / module is implemented in the form of a software program module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable memory. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a memory and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned memory includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0480] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis. For parts not described in detail in a particular embodiment, please refer to the relevant description of other embodiments. The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. To keep the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0481] The above specific implementation methods further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above are only specific implementation methods of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, including: receiving first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate offset information of a discontinuous reception timer; the offset information is related to start times of one or more discontinuous reception timers; monitoring a downlink control channel at the start time of the discontinuous reception timer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the offset information includes a first offset of the start time of the discontinuous reception timer.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method further includes: receiving second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate using the first offset.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first indication information is further used to indicate the first offset of the next discontinuous reception timer when the first indication information is received; or, the first indication information is further used to indicate that the first offset is used for the next N discontinuous reception timers when the first indication information is received, where N is an integer greater than 1.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second indication information is further used to indicate that the first offset is used for the next discontinuous reception timer when the second indication information is received; or the second indication information is further used to indicate that the first offset is used for the next N discontinuous reception timers when the second indication information is received; N is an integer greater than 1.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, the offset information is further used to indicate that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted forward, or the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted backward.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the method further includes: determining the start time of the discontinuous reception timer according to the first offset, or determining the start time of the discontinuous reception timer according to the first offset and a first preset offset.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, the method further includes: shifting the first offset, or shifting the first offset and the first preset offset, after the start of a subframe in a discontinuous reception period, and starting the discontinuous reception timer; the subframe is determined according to the discontinuous reception period configuration.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the time unit granularity of the first offset includes any one of the following: millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, including: receiving third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate time information of a discontinuous reception period; the time information is related to start times of one or more discontinuous reception periods.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the start time information includes offset information of the start time of the discontinuous reception period, or the start time information of the discontinuous reception period.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the offset information includes a second offset of the start time of the discontinuous reception period.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the start time information includes a target start time of the discontinuous reception period.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method further includes: receiving fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate using the second offset, or using the target start time.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the third indication information is further used to indicate that the second offset, or the target start time, is used for the next discontinuous reception period when the third indication information is received; or, the third indication information is further used to indicate that the second offset, or the target start time, is used for the next M discontinuous reception periods when the third indication information is received, where M is an integer greater than 1.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein The fourth indication information is further used to indicate that the second offset is used in the next discontinuous reception period when the fourth indication information is received, or the target start time is used; or, The fourth indication information is further used to indicate that the second offset is used in the next M discontinuous reception periods when the fourth indication information is received, or the target start time is used; M is an integer greater than 1.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The method further includes: Determining the start time of the discontinuous reception period according to the second offset or the target start time; or, Determining the start time of the discontinuous reception period according to the second offset and a second preset offset, or according to the target start time and a second preset offset.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The time unit granularity of the second offset includes any one of the following: Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Starting a discontinuous reception timer in the discontinuous reception period.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The method further includes: Determining whether to start the discontinuous reception timer according to the configuration parameters of the discontinuous reception period and the second offset; the configuration parameters include at least one of cycle configuration, system frame number, subframe number, cycle type, time slot offset of the cycle, and system frame reference time.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Sending first indication information; The first indication information is used to indicate the offset information of the discontinuous reception timer; the offset information is related to the start times of one or more discontinuous reception timers.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The offset information includes a first offset of the start time of the discontinuous reception timer.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The method further includes: Sending second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the use of the first offset.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein The first indication information is further used to indicate the first offset of the next discontinuous reception timer when the first indication information is received; or, The first indication information is further used to indicate that the first offset is used in the next N discontinuous reception timers when the first indication information is received, N is an integer greater than 1.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein The second indication information is further used to indicate that the first offset is used in the next discontinuous reception timer when the second indication information is received; or The second indication information is further used to indicate that the first offset is used in the next N discontinuous reception timers when the second indication information is received; N is an integer greater than 1.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The offset information is further used to indicate that the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted forward or the start time of the discontinuous reception timer is shifted backward.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The time unit granularity of the first offset includes any one of the following: Millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

28. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Sending third indication information; The third indication information is used to indicate the time information of the discontinuous reception period; the time information is related to the start times of one or more discontinuous reception periods.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein The start time information includes the offset information of the start time of the discontinuous reception period or the start time information of the discontinuous reception period.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The offset information includes a second offset of the start time of the discontinuous reception period.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein The start time information includes a target start time of a discontinuous reception period.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein The method further includes: sending fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate to use the second offset or the target start time.

33. The method according to claim 31, wherein The third indication information is further used to indicate to use the second offset or the target start time in the next discontinuous reception period after receiving the third indication information; or The third indication information is further used to indicate to use the second offset or the target start time in the next M discontinuous reception periods after receiving the third indication information, where M is an integer greater than 1.

34. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The fourth indication information is further used to indicate to use the second offset or the target start time in the next discontinuous reception period after receiving the fourth indication information; or The fourth indication information is further used to indicate to use the second offset or the target start time in the next M discontinuous reception periods after receiving the fourth indication information; M is an integer greater than 1.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein The time unit granularity of the second offset includes any one of the following: millisecond, subframe, time slot, symbol.

36. A communication device, characterized in that, including: a processor and a memory; the memory stores computer-executable instructions; the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the terminal device executes the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

37. A communication device, characterized in that, including: a processor and a memory; the memory stores computer-executable instructions; the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the terminal device executes the method according to any one of claims 21-35.

38. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1-35.

39. A computer program product, characterized in that, including a computer program, when the computer program is run, enabling a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-35.

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