Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. In the method, by defining the type of a new resource unit, that is, the type of the new resource unit such as energy saving, sensing, AI, duplexing, and a first type, a terminal or a network can perform communication by using a parameter, specification, function, or characteristic corresponding to the type, thereby satisfying different requirements of users.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410703190.7, filed on May 31, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] With the continuous development of communication technology, the needs of users are increasingly diverse, and how to meet different user needs needs to be studied. For example, taking the user demand of reducing terminal power consumption as an example, for the terminal, as the terminal function becomes more and more complex, the terminal power consumption problem is also more and more serious, if the terminal power consumption is too large, it will cause the terminal battery to consume fast, heat seriously, and lag, etc. Therefore, it brings bad experience to the user. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which is beneficial to meet different needs of users.

[0005] The present application will be described from different aspects below. It should be understood that the implementation and advantages of the different aspects below can be mutually referred to.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication function in the terminal (such as a Modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or system in package (SIP) chip containing a modem core). Taking the case that the method is applied to the terminal as an example, in the method, the terminal determines the type of the first resource unit, wherein the type of the first resource unit is energy saving, sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), duplex, or at least one of the first type. It can be understood that in the case that the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the first resource unit can be used for one or more of sleep, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, and AI data transmission.

[0007] In the present application, by defining a new type of resource unit, the terminal or network can use the parameters, specifications, functions or characteristics corresponding to the type for communication, thereby meeting the different needs of users. For example, taking the new type of energy saving type as an example, the terminal can reduce the transmission parameter configuration, reduce the specification, turn off all or part of the hardware, not perform data transmission, turn on the energy saving function or turn on the energy saving feature, etc. in the energy saving type resource unit, or be understood as entering the sleep / sleep state in the resource unit belonging to the energy saving type, thus being beneficial to reduce the terminal power consumption and / or being beneficial to network energy saving, thereby meeting the energy saving needs of users. In addition, the present application also defines new types of resource units such as sensing, AI, duplex, etc. to meet different user needs, which is beneficial to improve the applicability of the scheme. The first type can be understood as a flexible type different from the existing flexible type, and the first resource unit of the first type can be used for one or more of sleep, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, and AI data transmission. The first resource unit of the first type can be determined by further signaling or preset rules to be used for which one or more of sleep, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, and AI data transmission. Similarly, the terminal or network can use the parameters, specifications, functions or characteristics corresponding to one or more of sleep, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, and AI data transmission for communication, thereby meeting the different needs of users.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the determining the type of the first resource unit comprises: determining the type of the first resource unit from a first set, the first set comprising at least one of energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, or a first type.

[0009] In this implementation, by defining a first set containing at least one type of resource unit, the actual needs are met, which is beneficial to improve the applicability of the scheme.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the first set further comprises at least one of uplink, downlink, or flexible. The resource unit of the flexible type can be used for uplink transmission or downlink reception.

[0011] In a possible implementation, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is energy saving, the first resource unit is used for sleeping; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is sensing, the first resource unit is used for uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is AI, the first resource unit is used for AI data transmission; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is duplex, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is uplink, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is downlink, the first resource unit is used for downlink reception; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is flexible, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the first resource unit is one of N resource units, and a type of each of the N resource units is at least one of the first set, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0013] In this implementation, by predefining / configuring the type of each of the N resource units, different energy saving characteristics can be adapted.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the type of each of the N resource units is included in a first pattern, and the first pattern is one or more of L patterns, where L is an integer greater than 0.

[0015] In this implementation, by designing L different patterns for indicating the types of different resource units, different energy saving characteristics can be flexibly adapted. For example, the access network device can configure L patterns for the terminal, and indicate the first pattern in effect. For another example, the L patterns can also be predefined by a protocol, and the terminal selects the first pattern in effect from the L patterns based on its own needs.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the first pattern is one or more of M patterns, and the L patterns include the M patterns, where M is a positive integer less than or equal to L.

[0017] In this implementation, the access network device can configure L patterns for the terminal, then activate M patterns from the L patterns, and then indicate the first pattern in effect from the M patterns. For another example, the L patterns can also be predefined by a protocol, and the terminal selects the M patterns activated from the L patterns based on its own needs, and finally selects the first pattern in effect from the M patterns activated.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating the first pattern. In this implementation, the access network device can indicate the effective first pattern to the terminal, and the flexibility is high.

[0019] In a possible implementation, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information indicating that the first resource unit is used for at least one of the following: dormancy; uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; AI data transmission; or uplink transmission and / or downlink transmission.

[0020] In this implementation, when the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the access network device can also indicate the function of the specific first resource unit to the terminal, which is conducive to more flexible adaptation to different energy saving characteristics.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to the network side, for example, a wireless access network device or a component (for example, a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the wireless access network device, or a component completing part or all functions of the wireless access network device. Taking the case where the method is applied to the wireless access network device as an example, in the method, the type of a first resource unit is determined, the type of the first resource unit is energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, or at least one of the first types; and in a case where the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the first resource unit is used for one or more of the following: dormancy, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, and AI data transmission.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the determination of the type of the first resource unit includes:

[0023] The type of the first resource unit is determined from a first set, and the first set includes at least one of the following resource types: energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, or the first type.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the first set further includes at least one of the following resource types: uplink, downlink, or flexible.

[0025] In a possible implementation, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is energy saving, the first resource unit is used for sleeping; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is sensing, the first resource unit is used for uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is AI, the first resource unit is used for AI data transmission; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is duplex, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is uplink, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is downlink, the first resource unit is used for downlink reception; or, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is flexible, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the first resource unit is one of N resource units, and a type of each of the N resource units is at least one of the first set, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the type of each of the N resource units is included in a first pattern, and the first pattern is one or more of L patterns, where L is an integer greater than 0.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first pattern is one or more of M patterns, and the L patterns include the M patterns, where M is a positive integer less than or equal to L.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0030] sending first information, where the first information indicates the first pattern.

[0031] In a possible implementation, in a case where the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the method further includes:

[0032] sending second information, where the second information indicates that the first resource unit is used for at least one of the following: sleeping; uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; AI data transmission; or, uplink transmission and / or downlink transmission.

[0033] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes means or modules for performing any of the methods in the first aspect to the second aspect, or the methods in any of the possible implementation manners of any of the aspects.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, which comprises a processor. The processor is configured to implement the method in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect, or the method in any possible implementation of any of the aspects.

[0035] Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises a memory, which stores a computer program. The processor is configured to invoke the computer program in the memory, so that the communication apparatus implements the method in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect, or the method in any possible implementation of any of the aspects.

[0036] Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises a transceiver.

[0037] In a possible design of the communication apparatus, the communication apparatus can be a chip or device implementing the above method.

[0038] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, which comprises a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive a signal from another communication apparatus outside the communication apparatus and transmit the signal to the processor, or send a signal from the processor to another communication apparatus outside the communication apparatus. The processor is configured to implement the method in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect, or the method in any possible implementation of any of the aspects, by means of a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed by a computer, the method in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect is implemented, or the method in any possible implementation of any of the aspects is implemented.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product. When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the method in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect is implemented, or the method in any possible implementation of any of the aspects is implemented.

[0041] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which comprises at least one processor and an interface. The processor is configured to read and execute instructions stored in a memory. When the instructions are executed, the chip implements the method in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect, or the method in any possible implementation of any of the aspects.

[0042] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which can comprise a first apparatus and a second apparatus. The first apparatus is configured to implement the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The second apparatus is configured to implement the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0043] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the type of resource unit can be determined by network indication, predefinition, pre-set rule or a combination of multiple ones among the three, in the resource unit of a specific type, the network device or the terminal will adopt a specific behavior, thus different functional requirements can be adapted and better functional effects can be achieved. The specific behavior includes doing or not doing, for example, hibernation, not performing transceiving or not performing transceiving of a specific signal, and for example, using specific parameters, specifications, functions or characteristics for communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applied;

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a first pattern indicated to be effective by a one-level indication manner provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a first pattern indicated to be effective by a two-level indication manner provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a first pattern indicated to be effective by a three-level indication manner provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of details of the indication pattern 4 provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an updated pattern 4 provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0054] In the description of the present application, "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects, and are not used to describe a specific order. In addition, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this paper is only a description of the relationship between the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone. In addition, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one" or the like refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c, can mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0055] The terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device, etc. including a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally also includes steps or units not listed, etc. or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices, etc.

[0056] In this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary", "for example" or "for instance" in this application should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of "exemplary", "for example" or "for instance" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0057] It can be understood that in this application, "when", "if" and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing of the device under certain objective conditions, not the time limit, and also does not require the device to have a judgment action when it is implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0058] In this application, the use of singular elements is intended to represent "one or more", not "one and only one", unless otherwise specified.

[0059] It can be understood that in each embodiment of the present application, "A corresponding to B" means that A and B have a corresponding relationship, and B can be determined according to A. Determining B according to A does not mean that B is determined only according to A, but B can also be determined according to A and / or other information.

[0060] In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A. In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information to be sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information can be the same or different.

[0061] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, traces, or interfaces.

[0062] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the system architecture involved in the embodiments of this application will be described first below:

[0063] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system applied in the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that Figure 1 is a possible, non-limiting system schematic diagram. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include an Internet 300. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions, or a single physical device integrating some core network device functions and some RAN node 110 functions. Terminals can be interconnected with each other, and RAN nodes 110 can be interconnected with each other via wired or wireless means. Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram; this communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0064] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0065] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as radio access network equipment, access network device, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0066] In one possible scenario, RAN node 110 can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. RAN node 110 can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, RAN node 110 can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the radio access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of RAN node 110 in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). In this application, RAN node 110 can also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of RAN node 110.

[0067] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes 110 collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node 110 implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node 110 can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0068] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0069] A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0070] For ease of description, the following description uses a base station as an example of RAN node 110. Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. Base stations and terminals can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0071] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0072] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0073] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0074] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, some knowledge required for the solutions of this application is introduced below. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0075] 1. Energy-saving characteristics of 5G standardization

[0076] (1) Discontinuous reception (DRX)

[0077] During both the radio resource control (RRC) idle and connected states, the terminal continuously monitors the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Since most PDCCHs do not involve data scheduling, this wastes terminal power. By introducing the DRX mechanism, the terminal's wake-up and sleep periods can be configured. During the wake-up period, the terminal is powered on, monitors the PDCCH, and performs data transmission, reception, and measurement. During the sleep period, the terminal is powered off, no longer monitors the PDCCH, and no longer receives data, thus saving power.

[0078] (2) Bandwidth part (BWP) for energy saving

[0079] Terminal power consumption is related to operating bandwidth. Theoretically, the larger the terminal's operating bandwidth, the higher the power consumption; the smaller the terminal's operating bandwidth, the lower the power consumption. Release 16 proposed that the BWP (Bandwidth Limiting Tool) can be dynamically adjusted according to the terminal's service data volume. Specifically, when the service data volume is small, the terminal operates on a narrower bandwidth (i.e., energy-saving BWP) to reduce terminal power consumption; when the service data volume is large, the terminal switches to a larger bandwidth.

[0080] (3) Cross-slot scheduling

[0081] Cross-timeslot scheduling means that the PDCCH and its scheduled physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) are in different time slots. After receiving the PDCCH symbol, the terminal does not need to buffer subsequent downlink signals and can directly turn off the radio frequency receiving part to save energy until the next time slot.

[0082] (4) Sparse monitoring occasion (MO) configuration

[0083] Regarding the timing of PDCCH monitoring, Release 15 standardized many period values, including dense and sparse ones. Among them, the sparse MO configuration monitors the PDCCH more sparsely than the dense MO configuration, thus saving terminal power consumption. For example, the sparse MO configuration can monitor the PDCCH every three time slots, while the dense MO configuration can monitor the PDCCH in every time slot.

[0084] (5) Wake-up signal (WUS) / Paging early indication (PEI) / Low power-wake-up signal (LP-WUS)

[0085] WUS is used in RRC connected mode (DRX mode). It is temporarily received during sleep periods to determine whether to wake up in the next wake-up state. PEI is used in RRC idle mode. PEI is temporarily received before a paging event to determine whether to wake up for paging. LP-WUS is a lower-power wake-up signal designed with the same function as WUS or PEI, and can also be used for other wake-up events, such as measurements. Essentially, it has lower power consumption. All three are essentially the same: they all use sparse and simple signal monitoring to determine whether to wake up the terminal for data transmission and reception.

[0086] (6) Search space set group (SSSG)

[0087] The SSSG is configured by the base station for the terminal. For example, the SSSG includes information such as the search space. The base station also configures the PDCCH monitoring related settings corresponding to the SSSG for the terminal. The terminal can monitor the PDCCH in the search space within the SSSG according to the PDCCH monitoring related settings corresponding to the SSSG. The base station can configure the SSSG for the terminal through RRC signaling.

[0088] Based on the PDCCH monitoring configuration corresponding to the SSSG configured by the base station for the terminal, the SSSG can be divided into sparse SSSG and dense SSSG, and these two SSSGs can be switched through dynamic signaling.

[0089] (7) Control Channel Skipping (PDCCH skipping)

[0090] To further reduce power consumption by allowing terminals to skip some unnecessary PDCCH monitoring, terminals can support PDCCH skipping. For example, a PDCCH monitoring adaptation indication field (containing one or two bits) can be included in the downlink control information (DCI) to indicate the duration for which the terminal needs to skip PDCCH monitoring, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0091] (8) Secondary cell (SCell) dormancy

[0092] SCell hibernation refers to the ability of an active SCell to quickly enter a hibernation state when there is no data transmission requirement. Typically, an SCell can enter a hibernation state based on the DCI indication received on the primary cell (PCell). In hibernation, the terminal does not receive the SCell's PDCCH, but only performs channel state information (CSI) measurements. When data transmission is required, it quickly switches back to normal operation.

[0093] (9) Radio Resource Management (RRM) Measurement Optimization

[0094] When the terminal's movement speed is low or its position remains unchanged, the need for reselection is not urgent. If RRM measurements are still performed according to the standard cycle, it will result in wasted terminal power consumption. Therefore, when the terminal's movement speed is low or its position is fixed, the RRM measurement can be appropriately relaxed (i.e., the cycle can be increased) to reduce terminal power consumption.

[0095] 2. Transmission reception point (TRP) transmission, multi-cell transmission, multi-panel transmission, multi-terminal transmission, multi-channel transmission, and multi-reference signal transmission.

[0096] Multi-TRP transmission refers to simultaneous communication between multiple transmission and reception points and the terminal. LTE introduces Comp technology, including dynamic point switching (DPS) and coherent joint transmission (CJT). New Radio (NR) has incorporated multi-TRP transmission technology since Release 15. Starting with Rel-16, downlink multi-TRP technologies were introduced, including sDCI and mDCI. sDCI allows the control channel to transmit the same information on two or more TRPs, while the data channel can transmit different information on different TRPs. mDCI allows both the control and data channels to transmit different information on different TRPs. Release 17 further introduced uplink multi-TRP transmission technology, including simultaneous transmission of uplink control and uplink data channels on different TRPs, and time-division multiplexing across different TRPs. Essentially, multi-TRP transmission utilizes different spatial channels to transmit with the terminal, achieving spatial diversity gain.

[0097] Multi-cell transmission can include neighboring cell and serving cell cooperative transmission, carrier aggregation (CA) transmission, and dual connectivity (DC) transmission. Neighboring cell and serving cell cooperative transmission can be understood as the serving cell and neighboring cells performing transmissions similar to multiple TRPs (Transmission by Reference Cells). For example, NR Release 17 introduced inter-cell beam management (ICBM), allowing both the serving cell and neighboring cells to communicate with the terminal. Release 16 introduced dual active protocol stack (DAPS), requiring the source serving cell and the target handover cell to communicate simultaneously during handover. Release 18 introduced L1L2 triggered mobility (LTM), which, before handover, requires communication with the source serving cell while simultaneously performing neighbor cell measurements or neighbor cell synchronization. CA carrier aggregation transmission can be understood as multiple serving cells simultaneously serving the terminal, including a primary cell and at least one secondary cell. DC transmission can be understood as at least two different communication systems providing services to the terminal in parallel or interactively. Such as NR-EN DC, NR-NR DC, and possibly 5G-6G DC in the future.

[0098] Multi-panel transmission refers to the simultaneous or time-division multiple communication between multiple antenna panels of a base station or multiple antenna panels of a terminal. Each panel needs to be configured with and / or have at least one communication link activated.

[0099] Multi-terminal transmission refers to the simultaneous or time-division communication of multiple terminals across different or identical resource dimensions. Examples include multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO), multi-user spatial multiplexing, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) multi-user time-frequency resource multiplexing, and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) multi-user non-orthogonal resource multiplexing. Each terminal needs to configure and / or activate at least one communication link.

[0100] Multichannel / multi-signal transmission refers to the simultaneous or time-division multiplexing of different channel / signal types, or different users' channels / signals, across different or the same resource dimensions. Examples include spatial multiplexing of PDCCH and PDSCH; different users transmitting PDCCH on different time-frequency resources; simultaneous transmission of PDCCH and synchronization signal block (SSB) at different frequencies; and full-duplex communication of channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) and channel sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0101] 3. Time slot / symbol type

[0102] The current 3GPP TS 38.211 and TS 38.213 standards specify that time slot types can be divided into downlink-only slots (DL-only), uplink-only slots (UL-only), and flexible slots. Similarly, symbol types can be divided into downlink-only (DL-only, abbreviated as D) symbols, uplink-only (UL-only, abbreviated as U) symbols, and flexible (flexible, abbreviated as F) symbols. The transceiver states corresponding to different symbol / time slot types are shown in Table 1 below. Among them, the current standard defines flexible (or flexible type) symbols as supporting / being used for uplink transmission or downlink reception.

[0103] Table 1

[0104] With the continuous development of communication technology, users have increasingly diverse needs for communication services, such as energy saving, sensing, and positioning. In particular, regarding the energy-saving needs of terminals, low-power terminals provide users with a better user experience. Based on this, this application proposes a communication method and apparatus that can meet different user needs and help improve the user experience.

[0105] The communication method and communication device provided in this application are described in detail below:

[0106] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method execution entities shown in Figure 2 are a terminal and an access network device. Alternatively, they can be modules (e.g., chips) in the terminal and modules (e.g., chips) in the access network device. For ease of description, the following description will primarily use the terminal and access network device as the execution entities. It should be noted that the steps in Figure 2 can be executed in a different order than that presented in Figure 2. Wherein:

[0107] S201. The terminal determines the type of the first resource unit. In some feasible implementations (I), the type of the first resource unit can be at least one of energy saving (or Sleep, abbreviated as S), sensing, AI, duplex, edge, positioning, or the first type. Wherein, when the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the first resource unit can be used for one or more of the following: sleep, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, AI data transmission, edge computing, positioning reference signal and / or positioning data transmission.

[0108] It is understood that the resource unit involved in this application (e.g., the first resource unit) can be one or more of the following: time domain unit, frequency domain unit, spatial domain unit, code domain unit, or power domain unit. For example, if the resource unit is a time domain unit, then the resource unit can specifically be a superframe, radio frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol, such as an OFDM symbol, an orthogonal time-frequency space (OTFS) symbol, or other communication symbols, etc., without limitation. For example, if the resource element is a frequency domain element, then the resource element can specifically be a band, a band set, a band combination / aggregation, a carrier, a carrier combination / aggregation, a sub-carrier (or component carrier), a bandwidth part (BWP), a bandwidth set (BWP set), a bandwidth combination / aggregation (BWP combination / aggregation), a sub-BWP (or component BWP), a resource block group (RBG), a resource block (RB), a resource element (RE), a control channel element (CCE), etc. For example, if the resource element is a spatial domain element, then the resource element can specifically be a port, an antenna port, a channel, a radio frequency chain, an antenna, a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, a spatial precoding unit, a spatial filter, a radio frequency unit, a reference signal, a reference signal block, an antenna panel, a transmission point, a beam, etc. For example, if the resource element is a code domain element, then the resource element can specifically be a coded resource, such as a root sequence, cyclic shift, or orthogonal mask, etc. For example, if the resource element is a power domain element, then the resource element can specifically be a power parameter, such as transmit power, etc. As described above, the resource element can also be a time domain element, frequency domain element, spatial domain element, code domain element, or a combination of multiple power domain elements. For example, the resource element can also be a time-frequency domain resource, such as an OFDM symbol in the time domain and a subcarrier in the frequency domain, i.e., a resource element (RE), etc., which will not be listed one by one here. In addition, the resource element involved in this application can also be a sub-carrier space (SCS), such as subcarrier spaces of different sizes, etc.

[0109] As described above, the type of the first resource unit can be at least one of energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, edge, positioning, or the first type. For example, the type of the first resource unit can be energy saving; another example is that the type of the first resource unit can be energy saving and sensing; yet another example is that the type of the first resource unit can be energy saving, sensing, and positioning, etc., which is not limited in this application. Optionally, the type of the first resource unit can also be at least one of uplink, downlink, or flexible. It should be understood that when the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the first resource unit can be used for one or more of the following: hibernation, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, AI data transmission, edge computing, positioning reference signal, and / or positioning data transmission.

[0110] It is understood that when the type of the first resource unit is energy saving, the first resource unit is used for energy saving or hibernation, where hibernation includes complete hibernation and partial hibernation. The first resource unit being used for complete hibernation means, for example, turning off all components on the first resource unit, while the first resource unit being used for partial hibernation means, for example, turning off some components on the first resource unit, or turning off all or some components for a portion of the time within the first resource unit. Specifically, the first resource unit being used for energy saving or hibernation can be understood as one or more of the following:

[0111] ① The terminal or network device does not monitor physical channels or signals on the first resource unit, for example, it does not monitor the PDCCH; ② The terminal or network device enters an inactive state on the first resource unit; ③ The terminal or network device shuts down all components, or some components, or the transceiver, or the baseband, etc., on the first resource unit; ④ The terminal or network device does not transmit signals and / or receive signals on the first resource unit; ⑤ The first resource unit is "empty"; ⑥ The first resource unit is unavailable; ⑦ The terminal or network device enters a sleep state on the first resource unit. Optionally, the sleep state can be further divided into different levels of sleep, such as deep sleep, moderate sleep, light sleep, microsleep, and tiny sleep, etc., where different levels of sleep have different energy consumption, for example, the power consumption of deep sleep < the power consumption of moderate sleep < the power consumption of light sleep < the power consumption of microsleep < the power consumption of tiny sleep.

[0112] Understandably, terminals can reduce transmission parameter configurations, lower specifications, shut down all or part of the hardware, stop data transmission, enable energy-saving functions or features, etc., in energy-saving resource units, or be understood as entering a hibernation / sleep state on energy-saving resource units, which is beneficial to reducing terminal power consumption and / or network energy saving.

[0113] When the type of the first resource unit is sensing, the first resource unit is used for uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing. Uplink sensing can be understood as the terminal performing sensing, while downlink sensing can be understood as the base station performing sensing. Sensing can be understood as detecting the distance, rate, orientation, or angle of a target object (e.g., a car or a person). Sensing can also be used for target imaging, gesture recognition, iterative detection, etc.

[0114] When the type of the first resource unit is AI, the first resource unit is used for AI data transmission. The use of the first resource unit for AI data transmission can be understood as at least one of the following: sending AI-related data, receiving AI-related data, or processing AI-related data on the first resource unit. AI-related data can be understood as one or more of training data, validation data, and prediction data. AI-related data can also be model data, model-reported data, model interaction data, prediction result reports, etc.

[0115] When the type of the first resource unit is edge, the first resource unit is used for edge computing, wherein the use of the first resource unit for edge computing can be understood as at least one of the following: sending interactive data related to multi-cloud and multi-edge computing, receiving interactive data related to multi-cloud and multi-edge computing, or processing interactive data related to multi-cloud and multi-edge computing on the first resource unit.

[0116] When the type of the first resource unit is positioning, the first resource unit is used for positioning reference signals and / or positioning data transmission, wherein the first resource unit being used for positioning reference signals and / or positioning data transmission can be understood to include at least one of the following: transmitting positioning reference signals and / or positioning data on the first resource unit, receiving positioning reference signals and / or positioning data, or processing positioning reference signals and / or positioning data.

[0117] When the first resource unit is of type duplex, it is used for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception. Uplink transmission can be understood as the terminal transmitting uplink signals and / or channels, while downlink reception can be understood as the terminal receiving downlink signals and / or channels. Duplex can refer to full-duplex or half-duplex, etc. Full-duplex can be understood as the ability to transmit and receive simultaneously; half-duplex can be understood as transmitting or receiving at the same time.

[0118] Regarding the understanding of whether the first resource unit is of type uplink, or type downlink, or type flexible, and whether the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission or downlink reception, please refer to the explanation of the first resource unit for uplink transmission or downlink reception in the aforementioned duplex section, which will not be repeated here.

[0119] For example, for ease of understanding, Table 2 below shows the possible transceiver states for different resource types.

[0120] Table 2

[0121] "Receiver on" means that it can receive signals. Alternatively, it can be understood as the relevant receiver configuration parameters and the receiving process being in an active state. Or, it can be understood as the receiving radio frequency and baseband being in a working or non-sleep state. Or, it can be understood as the receiver being powered on.

[0122] The term "receiving unit" refers to a device that cannot receive signals. Alternatively, it can be understood as having all relevant receiving configuration parameters and the receiving process in an inactive or sleep state. It can also be understood as the receiving radio frequency and baseband both being in a sleep-like state. Or, it can be understood as the receiver being powered off.

[0123] "Transmitter on" means that it can transmit signals. Alternatively, it can be understood as the relevant transmission configuration parameters and transmission process being in an active state. Or, it can be understood as the transmitting radio frequency and baseband being in a working or non-sleep state. Or, it can be understood as the transmitter being powered on.

[0124] The term "transmitting unit" refers to a device that cannot transmit signals. Alternatively, it can be understood as having all relevant transmission configuration parameters and the transmission process in an inactive or sleep state. It can also be understood as both the transmitting radio frequency and baseband being in a sleep-like state. Or, it can be understood as the transmitter being powered off.

[0125] It should be noted that, in the case of a resource unit of type 1 described in this application, the use of the resource unit for energy saving or hibernation, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, and AI data transmission, or one or more of these functions, can be understood in the following three ways:

[0126] Method 1: The first type can support any of the following types: energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, edge computing, and positioning. In other words, the first type can be a new resource type introduced in addition to the existing uplink, downlink, and flexible types. For example, the first type can specifically be one or more of the following: energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, edge computing, and positioning. It should be noted that in Method 1, the flexible type can support / be used for uplink transmission or downlink reception.

[0127] Method 2, the first type, is an extended flexible type. Besides supporting / using uplink transmission or downlink reception, this extended flexible type can also support / use sleep mode, uplink awareness, downlink awareness, and AI data transmission. Method 2 can be understood as not introducing a new resource type, but rather redefining the existing flexible type.

[0128] Method 3, the first type can be a new resource type introduced in addition to the existing three types: uplink, downlink, and flexible. For example, the first type can be one or more of the following: energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, edge, positioning, etc. In addition, the flexible type under Method 3 has been redefined. That is, under Method 3, in addition to supporting / using uplink transmission or downlink reception, the flexible type can also support / use sleep, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, or AI data transmission.

[0129] Optionally, the aforementioned first resource unit can be understood as one of N resource units, where each of the N resource units is of at least one type from a first set, and N is an integer greater than 0. It is understood that in implementation method (a), the first set involved in this application is a set of resource types, which may contain one or more resource types. The resource types included in the first set can be understood as the possible range of values ​​for the type of the resource unit. For example, the first set may include at least one resource type from the following categories: energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, edge computing, positioning, or a first type. Furthermore, the first set may also include at least one resource type from the following categories: uplink, downlink, or flexible.

[0130] It should be noted that the foregoing sections all describe the relevant content of Implementation Method (I). Optionally, in addition to Implementation Method (I), this application also provides Implementation Method (II), which can be understood as a parallel solution to Implementation Method (I).

[0131] In some feasible implementations (II), the type of the first resource unit can be at least one of the resource types of energy saving, activation, or flexibility. For example, the type of the first resource unit can be energy saving; another example is that the type of the first resource unit can be activation; yet another example is that the type of the first resource unit can be flexibility. Understandably, in implementation (II), when the type of the first resource unit is energy saving, the first resource unit is used for hibernation or energy saving. When the type of the first resource unit is activation, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception. When the type of the first resource unit is flexibility, the first resource unit is used for one or more of hibernation, uplink transmission, and downlink reception. For an understanding of the first resource unit being used for hibernation or energy saving, for uplink transmission, or for downlink reception, please refer to the description of the first resource unit being used for hibernation, uplink transmission, or downlink reception in the aforementioned implementation (I), which will not be repeated here.

[0132] For example, for ease of understanding, Table 3 below shows the possible transceiver states for different resource types.

[0133] Table 3

[0134] Optionally, the first resource unit is one of N resource units, where each of the N resource units is of at least one type from the second set, and N is an integer greater than 0. It is understood that in embodiment (ii), the second set involved in this application is a set of resource types, which may contain one or more resource types. The resource types included in the second set can be understood as the possible range of values ​​for the type of the resource unit. For example, the second set may include at least one resource type among energy saving, activation, or flexibility.

[0135] In this embodiment, the type of one resource unit among N resource units is used as an example to illustrate the new resource types defined in this application, namely energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, edge, and positioning types. This allows for more flexible adaptation to the needs of different scenarios. For example, taking the newly defined resource type of energy saving as an example, the terminal may not send or receive data on resource units belonging to the energy saving type, or it can be understood as entering a hibernation / sleep state on resource units belonging to the energy saving type. Therefore, it is beneficial to reduce terminal power consumption, thereby benefiting system energy saving, and also improving user experience.

[0136] It should be noted that, as described in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 2 above, the first resource unit is one of N resource units. For example, when the first resource unit corresponds to a time slot, N resource units can be one radio frame. As another example, when the first resource unit corresponds to a symbol, N resource units can be one time slot.

[0137] In one possible design, the type of each of the N resource units can be indicated by a first pattern, or the first pattern contains / includes the type of each of the N resource units, or the type of each of the N resource units is contained in the first pattern. The first pattern is one or more of the L patterns, where L is an integer greater than 0. Optionally, the first pattern can also be one or more of the M patterns, where the L patterns include the M patterns (or the M patterns are contained in the L patterns, or the M patterns are some or all of the L patterns), where M is a positive integer less than or equal to L.

[0138] The aforementioned first pattern, M patterns, or L patterns can be predefined, preconfigured, default, configured by the access network device via signaling, reported by the terminal, indicated by the terminal, or recommended by the terminal, and are not limited in this respect. The predefined mentioned in this application refers to protocol predefined patterns, and the preconfigured patterns refer to information recorded in the hardware and / or software of the terminal.

[0139] For example, when the first pattern, M patterns, and L patterns are all predefined by the protocol, the terminal device can send indication information (hereinafter referred to as the first indication information for easy distinction) to the access network device. The first indication information is used to indicate one or more of the first pattern, M patterns, or L patterns, so that the access network device can know which pattern(s) the terminal has specifically acquired.

[0140] For example, the L patterns and the first pattern can be configured by the access network device, while the M patterns are determined by the terminal based on its own capabilities. For instance, the terminal can determine the M patterns from the L patterns configured by the access network device and send indication information (hereinafter referred to as the second indication information) to the access network device. This second indication information indicates the M patterns selected by the terminal. Then, the access network device can select an effective first pattern from the M patterns indicated by the terminal and send first information to the terminal. This first information indicates the first pattern. This helps to save system signaling overhead and also helps to meet the needs of the terminal.

[0141] For example, the first pattern, M patterns, and L patterns can all be configured by the access network device. That is, the access network device can send configuration information to the terminal, which is used to configure the L patterns. Then, the access network device can send activation information to the terminal, which indicates the M patterns. Finally, the access network device can also send first information to the terminal, which is used to indicate the first pattern.

[0142] It is understood that the first pattern involved in the embodiments of this application can be one or more patterns. When the first pattern is multiple patterns, the multiple patterns can be used for multi-transmission receiving point transmission, or multi-cell transmission (e.g., neighboring cell and serving cell cooperative transmission, CA transmission, DC transmission, etc.), or multi-panel transmission, or multi-terminal transmission, or multi-channel transmission, or multi-reference signal transmission, etc. For ease of understanding, the implementation of configuring the first pattern, M patterns, or L patterns for access network equipment will be described in the following sections through the following schemes (1) to (3).

[0143] In scheme (1), the access network device can configure the first pattern for the terminal through the first message (or first information). The scheme described in scheme (1) can be understood as a scheme that directly indicates the effective first pattern, referred to as the "directly effective" scheme. In the above scheme (1), the first message can be an RRC message, a medium access control control element (MAC CE), or a DCI, etc. For ease of understanding, in scheme (1), the first message is mainly understood as an RRC message. Optionally, the above scheme (1) can be understood as the access network device directly indicating the effective pattern through a first-level indication method.

[0144] In scheme (2), the access network device can configure L patterns for the terminal through the second message, and then select the first pattern from the L patterns through the first message, where L is an integer greater than 0. In the above scheme (2), both the second message and the first message can be RRC messages, MAC CE, or DCI, etc. For ease of understanding, in scheme (2), we mainly use the example of the second message being an RRC message and the first message being an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI. Optionally, the above scheme (2) can be understood as the access network device indicating the effective pattern through a two-level indication method. It should be noted that scheme (2) may also have the following two special cases:

[0145] Case (2-1), when L equals 1, is equivalent to the "directly effective" solution.

[0146] Case (2-2) is equivalent to the "directly effective" scheme when L is equal to the number of transmission and receiving points, or the number of cells, or the number of panels, or the number of terminals, or the number of channels, or the number of reference signals.

[0147] In scheme (3), the access network device can configure L patterns for the terminal through a third message, then select M patterns from the L patterns through a second message, and finally select the first pattern from the M patterns through a first message, where M is a positive integer less than or equal to L. In the above scheme (3), the third message, second message, and first message can all be RRC messages, MAC CE, or DCI messages, etc. For ease of understanding, in scheme (3), we mainly use the example of the third message being an RRC message, the second message being an RRC message or MAC CE, and the first message being an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI message. Optionally, the above scheme (3) can be understood as the access network device indicating the effective patterns through a three-level indication method. It should be noted that scheme (3) may have the following four special cases:

[0148] Case (3-1), when L equals 1, is equivalent to the "directly effective" solution.

[0149] Case (3-2) is equivalent to the "directly effective" scheme when L is equal to the number of transmission and receiving points, or the number of cells, or the number of panels, or the number of terminals, or the number of channels, or the number of reference signals.

[0150] Case (3-3), when M equals 1, is equivalent to the "directly effective" solution.

[0151] In cases (3-4), when M equals the number of transmission and reception points, or the number of cells, or the number of panels, or the number of terminals, or the number of channels, or the number of reference signals, it is equivalent to a "directly effective" scheme.

[0152] For example, please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the first pattern indicating its effectiveness through a first-level indication method provided in this embodiment of the application. The access network device can configure a first pattern including four patterns for the terminal via RRC messages. These four patterns are pattern 1, pattern 2, pattern 3, and pattern 4. As shown in Figure 3, each box represents a resource unit. Pattern 1 and pattern 2 are patterns corresponding to DRX, including resource units of type energy saving, downlink, and uplink. Pattern 3 is the pattern corresponding to PDCCH skipping, containing only resource units of type energy saving. Pattern 4 is the pattern corresponding to WUS / PEI / LP-WUS, including resource units of type energy saving and flexible resource units. Optionally, although not shown in Figure 3, in practical applications, this application can also provide one or more patterns corresponding to energy-saving BWP, cross-timeslot scheduling, MO configuration, SSSG, SCell hibernation, RRM measurement optimization, etc. Optionally, these drawings may include resource units of the energy-saving type.

[0153] For example, please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of a scenario where the first pattern is indicated in effect through a two-level indication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the first pattern is pattern 1 and pattern 4. Specifically, the access network device can configure 64 patterns for the terminal through RRC messages, for example, patterns 1 to 64 respectively. Then, the access network device can indicate the effective first pattern, i.e., pattern 1 and pattern 4, to the terminal through DCI.

[0154] For example, please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of a scenario where the first pattern is indicated in a three-level indication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the first pattern is pattern 4. Specifically, the access network device can configure 128 patterns for the terminal through RRC messages, such as patterns 1 to 128. Then, the access network device can indicate the four active patterns to the terminal through MAC CE, such as pattern 1, pattern 4, pattern 10, and pattern 37. Finally, the access network device can indicate the effective first pattern, i.e., pattern 4, to the terminal through DCI.

[0155] Optionally, in some feasible implementations, based on any of the above schemes (1) to (3), the following implementation may also be included:

[0156] Implementation 1: The terminal can also request the access network device to configure the desired first pattern, L pattern, or M patterns. That is, the terminal recommends the first pattern, L pattern, or M patterns to the access network device, and then the access network device decides the final first pattern, L pattern, or M patterns to configure for the terminal.

[0157] Implementation 2: The terminal determines its required first pattern, L patterns, or M patterns and informs the access network device. Then, the access network device configures the terminal with the required first pattern, L patterns, or M patterns based on the terminal's instructions.

[0158] It should be noted that the first pattern, L patterns, or M patterns involved in the embodiments of this application can be used for communication.

[0159] Optionally, in some feasible implementations, for a pattern containing resource units of type 1 (e.g., pattern 4), the access network device can further indicate to the terminal the specific function of the resource units of type 1 in pattern 4 through semi-static or dynamic information. For example, taking the first resource unit in pattern 4 as type 1, the access network device can also send second information to the terminal, which indicates that the first resource unit is used for at least one of the following: 1. Sleep mode, 2. Uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing, 3. AI data transmission, 4. Uplink transmission and / or downlink transmission, 5. Edge computing, 6. Positioning reference signal and / or positioning data transmission. Optionally, if it is the type definition method of the aforementioned implementation (II), the second information can also indicate that the first resource unit is used for at least one of the following: 1. Uplink transmission, 2. Downlink reception.

[0160] For example, please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram showing the details of the indicator pattern 4 provided in the embodiment of this application. Here, Sleep represents energy saving, and F represents flexibility. As shown in Figure 6, the specific function of F can be indicated by semi-static or dynamic information. For example, from left to right, the first F state can be modified for SSB transmission, the second F state for WUS transmission, and the last six F states can be modified sequentially to downlink transmission, sleep, sleep, downlink transmission, sleep, and sleep. It should be noted that, through the modifications shown in Figure 6, pattern 4 can be a pattern corresponding to one feasible scheme of PDCCH skipping.

[0161] Optionally, in addition to indicating details in the drawings, this application can also update existing drawings to generate new drawings. For example, as shown in Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of an updated drawing 4 provided in an embodiment of this application. Here, Sleep represents energy saving, D represents downlink, and U represents uplink. Figures 7(a) and (b) respectively show two cases of updated drawing 4 generated after modifying the type of resource units in drawing 4.

[0162] In this embodiment, while current 5G standardization incorporates many energy-saving features, their implementation is complex, and compatibility issues between features pose significant challenges. Therefore, this application proposes a unified energy-saving pattern and a unified signaling indication scheme. Different patterns defined by this scheme can achieve equivalent energy-saving gains for existing energy-saving features, facilitating protocol compatibility and simplifying implementation. In short, this embodiment provides a simple, effective, and feasible solution for natively supporting green, energy-saving, and sustainable next-generation communications. Furthermore, for various predefined or configured patterns, the effective pattern can be dynamically indicated, offering greater flexibility and making it easier to meet device performance and achieve energy-saving trade-offs.

[0163] The communication device provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0164] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0165] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams illustrating possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal or access network equipment (e.g., base station) in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be one of the terminals 120a-120j shown in Figure 1, or it can be RAN node 110a or 110b shown in Figure 1. Optionally, it can also be a module (e.g., a chip) applied to the terminal or access network equipment.

[0166] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes a processing unit 810 and a transceiver unit 820. The communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the terminal or access network device in the method embodiments shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3 above.

[0167] In one implementation, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG3:

[0168] The processing unit 810 is used to determine the type of the first resource unit, which is energy saving, sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), duplex, or at least one of the first types; wherein when the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the first resource unit is used for one or more of the following: hibernation, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, and AI data transmission.

[0169] Optionally, the transceiver unit 820 is used to receive first information, the first information indicating a first pattern.

[0170] Optionally, the transceiver unit 820 is configured to receive second information, the second information instructing the first resource unit to perform at least one of the following: sleep mode; uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; AI data transmission; or uplink transmission and / or downlink transmission.

[0171] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the access network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3:

[0172] The processing unit 810 is used to determine the type of the first resource unit, which is energy saving, sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), duplex, or at least one of the first types; wherein when the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the first resource unit is used for one or more of the following: hibernation, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, and AI data transmission.

[0173] Optionally, the transceiver unit 820 is used to send first information, the first information indicating a first pattern.

[0174] Optionally, the transceiver unit 820 is configured to transmit second information, the second information instructing the first resource unit to perform at least one of the following: sleep mode; uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; AI data transmission; or uplink transmission and / or downlink transmission.

[0175] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the transceiver unit 820 described above, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3.

[0176] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a processor 910, and optionally an interface circuit 920. The processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, or storing input data required by the processor 910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions.

[0177] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the method shown in FIG2 or FIG3, the processor 910 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 810, and the interface circuit 920 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 820.

[0178] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information sent to the terminal by the access network device through other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal; or, the terminal chip sends information to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal, which is information sent by the terminal to the access network device.

[0179] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to an access network device, the access network device module implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. The access network device module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device, which is information sent by the terminal to the access network device; or, the access network device module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device, which is information sent by the access network device to the terminal. Here, the access network device module can be the baseband chip of the access network device, or a CU, DU, or other module, or a device under an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture, such as an open CU, open DU, etc.

[0180] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0181] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in an access network device or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the access network device or terminal.

[0182] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0183] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0184] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: comprising: determining a type of a first resource unit, the type of the first resource unit being energy saving, sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), duplexing, or at least one of a first type; wherein in a case that the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the first resource unit is used for one or more of sleeping, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, AI data transmission.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determining the type of the first resource unit comprises: determining the type of the first resource unit from a first set, the first set comprising at least one of energy saving, sensing, AI, duplexing, or a first type.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first set further comprises at least one of uplink, downlink, or flexible.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is energy saving, the first resource unit is used for sleeping; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is sensing, the first resource unit is used for uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is AI, the first resource unit is used for AI data transmission; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is duplexing, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is uplink, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is downlink, the first resource unit is used for downlink reception; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is flexible, the first resource unit is used for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The first resource unit is one of N resource units, a type of each of the N resource units being at least one of the first set, N being an integer greater than 0.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The type of each of the N resource units is contained in a first pattern, the first pattern being one or more of L patterns, L being an integer greater than 0.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first pattern is one or more of M patterns, the L patterns comprising the M patterns, M being a positive integer less than or equal to L.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving first information, the first information indicating the first pattern.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the method further comprises: receiving second information, the second information indicating that the first resource unit is used for at least one of: sleeping; or, uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; or, AI data transmission; or, uplink transmission and / or downlink transmission.

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: comprising: determining a type of a first resource unit, the type of the first resource unit being energy saving, sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), duplexing, or at least one of a first type; wherein in a case that the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the first resource unit is used for one or more of sleeping, uplink sensing, downlink sensing, AI data transmission.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The determining the type of the first resource unit comprises: determining a type of the first resource unit from a first set, the first set comprising at least one of energy saving, sensing, AI, duplex, or a first type.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The first set further comprises at least one of uplink, downlink, or flexible.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is energy saving, the first resource unit is for sleeping; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is sensing, the first resource unit is for uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is AI, the first resource unit is for AI data transmission; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is duplex, the first resource unit is for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is uplink, the first resource unit is for uplink transmission; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is downlink, the first resource unit is for downlink reception; or, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is flexible, the first resource unit is for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The first resource unit is one of N resource units, each of the N resource units has a type of at least one of the first set, and N is an integer greater than 0.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The type of each of the N resource units is included in a first pattern, and the first pattern is one or more of L patterns, and L is an integer greater than 0.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first pattern is one or more of M patterns, and the L patterns include the M patterns, and M is a positive integer less than or equal to L.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: sending first information, the first information indicating the first pattern.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10-17, characterized in that, in a case that the type of the first resource unit is the first type, the method further comprises: sending second information, the second information indicating that the first resource unit is for at least one of: sleeping; or, uplink sensing and / or downlink sensing; or, AI data transmission; or, uplink transmission and / or downlink transmission.

19. A communications device, characterized by comprising means or modules for performing the method of any of claims 1-9, or comprising means or modules for performing the method of any of claims 10-18.

20. A communications device, characterized by comprising a processor configured to implement a method recited in any of claims 1-9, or a method recited in any of claims 10-18.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium has stored computer programs or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement a method recited in any of claims 1-9, or a method recited in any of claims 10-18.

22. A computer program product, characterised in that, comprising computer program code which, when run on a computer, implements a method recited in any of claims 1-9, or a method recited in any of claims 10-18.

23. A communication system, characterized by Communication devices for implementing the method of any of claims 1-9, and communication devices for implementing the method of any of claims 10-18.

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