Communication methods, terminals, network devices and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are communication methods, terminals, network devices and a storage medium. A method is executed by a terminal, and comprises: receiving a first signal by means of a second transceiver; on the basis of the first signal, activating or turning on a first transceiver, the first transceiver being different from the second transceiver, or the first transceiver being part of the second transceiver; and, in a first time period, monitoring a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the basis of the first transceiver, the term "first time period" comprising at least one of the following: a first-type time period, the first-type time period being a periodically set time period; and a second-type time period, the second-type time period being a time period different from the first-type time period. The communication mechanism of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be adapted to terminals provided with separate transceivers.

Description

Communication methods, terminals, network devices and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, terminals, network devices and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of communication technology, various power-saving mechanisms have been introduced to reduce power consumption and achieve energy conservation in terminals and / or networks. One scenario for achieving power saving is the introduction of transceivers.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] With the introduction of a separate transceiver, the communication mechanism needs to be adjusted.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being executed by a terminal, the terminal including a first transceiver and a second transceiver, the method comprising:

[0006] The first signal is received through the second transceiver;

[0007] The first transceiver is activated or turned on based on the first signal; wherein the first transceiver is different from the second transceiver, or the first transceiver is part of the second transceiver, or the second transceiver is part of the first transceiver;

[0008] In a first time period, listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is performed based on a first transceiver; wherein the first time period includes at least one of the following:

[0009] The first type of time period is a periodically set time period;

[0010] The second type of time period is a time period that is different from the first type of time period.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0012] Send the first message to the terminal;

[0013] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, which is used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0015] The network device sends the first information to the terminal;

[0016] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, which is used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, the terminal comprising:

[0018] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0019] The first signal is received through the second transceiver;

[0020] The first transceiver is activated or turned on based on the first signal; wherein the first transceiver is different from the second transceiver, or the first transceiver is part of the second transceiver, or the second transceiver is part of the first transceiver;

[0021] The processing module is configured to: perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on a first transceiver during a first time period; wherein the first time period includes at least one of the following:

[0022] The first type of time period is a periodically set time period;

[0023] The second type of time period is a time period that is different from the first type of time period.

[0024] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, the network device comprising:

[0025] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0026] Send the first message to the terminal;

[0027] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, which is used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

[0028] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, the communication system including a terminal and a network device; the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect.

[0029] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, the terminal comprising:

[0030] One or more processors;

[0031] The terminal is used to execute the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0032] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, wherein the network device includes:

[0033] One or more processors;

[0034] The network device is used to perform the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0035] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method provided in the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0036] The communication mechanism of the technical solution provided in this disclosure can be adapted to terminals equipped with separate transceivers.

[0037] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0039] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] Figure 2a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between MO and the first time period according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Figure 2c is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between MO and the first time period according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0043] Figure 3a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0044] Figure 3b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0045] Figure 4a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 4b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0048] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0050] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UE according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0051] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0052] This disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium.

[0053] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the terminal including a first transceiver and a second transceiver, the method including: receiving a first signal through the second transceiver; activating or turning on the first transceiver based on the first signal; wherein the first transceiver is different from the second transceiver, or the first transceiver is part of the second transceiver, or the second transceiver is part of the first transceiver; and performing listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver during a first time period; wherein the first time period includes at least one of the following: a first type of time period, wherein the first type of time period is a periodically set time period; and a second type of time period, wherein the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period.

[0054] In the above embodiments, since the first time period includes a first type of time period and / or a second type of time period, after the terminal activates or turns on the first transceiver based on the first signal received by the second transceiver, it can perform PDCCH monitoring based on the first transceiver based on the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period, making the PDCCH monitoring mechanism more flexible.

[0055] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second type of time period is a periodically set time period.

[0056] In the above embodiments, monitoring of the PDCCH can be performed on the first transceiver based on a periodically set time period.

[0057] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state.

[0058] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first time period is the second type of time period, and the method further includes:

[0059] Receive first information sent by a network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate the second type of time period.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the terminal can obtain the second type of time period based on the first information sent by the network device.

[0061] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first time period is the second type of time period, and the method further includes:

[0062] The first time period is determined based on the configuration parameters of the inactive timer IAT.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the first time period can be determined based on the configuration parameters of IAT.

[0064] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first time period based on the configuration parameters of the inactive timer IAT includes: determining that the first time period is not configured, and determining the first time period based on the configuration parameters of the IAT.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the first time period can be determined based on the configuration parameters of IAT if the first time period is not configured.

[0066] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is a terminal configured to receive DRX discontinuously, the first time period is the second type of time period, and the first time period is included in the active ONDURATION period of the DRX cycle.

[0067] In the above embodiments, when the terminal is configured with DRX and the first time period is a second type of time period, the first time period may be included in the activation time period of the DRX cycle corresponding to the DRX.

[0068] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is a terminal configured with DRX, the first time period is a second type of time period; the DRX group includes a first DRX group and a second DRX group, and the duration of the first time period set for the first DRX group is different from the duration of the first time period set for the second DRX group.

[0069] In the above embodiments, different durations of the first time period can be set for different DRX groups.

[0070] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first DRX group is the DRX group of the primary cell, and the duration of the first time period set for the first DRX group is greater than the duration of the first time period set for the second DRX group.

[0071] In the above embodiments, when the first DRX group is the DRX group of the primary cell, the duration of the first time period set for the first DRX group can be greater than the duration of the first time period set for the second DRX group.

[0072] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving second information sent by a network device; wherein the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the second information sent by the network device can indicate that the first time period includes the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period.

[0074] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information is used to determine a first listening time for listening to the first signal; the position of the first listening time is set before the first time period, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is the first type of time period.

[0075] In the above embodiments, if the second information includes a first listening time for listening to the first signal and if the position of the first listening time is set before the first time period, the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is the first type of time period.

[0076] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, a second type of time period is configured, and the second information includes a second listening time for listening to the first signal; wherein the second listening time is different from the first listening time, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is the second type of time period.

[0077] In the above embodiments, when the second type of time period is configured and the second information includes a second listening time for listening to the first signal, the second listening time is different from the first listening time and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is the second type of time period.

[0078] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second listening time is a periodically configured listening time MO.

[0079] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, a first type of time period and a second type of time period are configured, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes the first type of time period and the second type of time period.

[0080] In the above embodiments, when the first type of time period and the second type of time period are configured, the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes the first type of time period and the second type of time period.

[0081] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first time period is the second type of time period, and the method further includes: determining that a timer associated with the first time period has timed out or stopped running, and switching to a first state; wherein the first state is at least one of the following: stopping the PDCCH listening and being in a DRX off state; performing PDCCH listening based on a short DRX or long DRX cycle; the first transceiver being in a sleep state; or the second transceiver being in an active state.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the system can switch to the first state if the timer associated with the first time period times out or stops running.

[0083] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving third information sent by a network device; wherein the third information is used to instruct the cessation of the operation of a timer associated with the first time period.

[0084] In the above embodiments, the network device can use third information to instruct the timer associated with the first time period to stop running.

[0085] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving fourth information sent by a network device; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the cessation of listening to the PDCCH.

[0086] In the above embodiments, the listening of the PDCCH can be stopped by the fourth information instruction.

[0087] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising: sending first information to a terminal; wherein the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, the second type of time period being used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on a first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

[0088] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second type of time period is a non-periodic time period.

[0089] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending second information to the terminal; wherein the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period.

[0090] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending third information to the terminal; wherein the third information is used to instruct the cessation of the operation of the timer associated with the first time period.

[0091] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending fourth information to the terminal; wherein the fourth information is used to instruct the cessation of listening to the PDCCH.

[0092] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising: a network device sending first information to a terminal; wherein the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, the second type of time period being used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on a first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

[0093] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, the terminal comprising: a processing module configured to: a transceiver module configured to: receive a first signal via a second transceiver; activate or turn on the first transceiver based on the first signal; wherein the first transceiver is different from the second transceiver, or the first transceiver is a part of the second transceiver, or the second transceiver is a part of the first transceiver; the processing module configured to: perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver during a first time period; wherein the first time period includes at least one of the following: a first type of time period, wherein the first type of time period is a periodically set time period; a second type of time period, wherein the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period.

[0094] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, the network device including: a transceiver module configured to: send first information to a terminal; wherein the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, the second type of time period being used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on a first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

[0095] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, the communication system including a terminal and a network device; the terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0096] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, the terminal comprising:

[0097] One or more processors;

[0098] The terminal is used in the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0099] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, the network device comprising:

[0100] One or more processors;

[0101] The network device is used to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect.

[0102] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the optional implementations of the first and / or second aspects.

[0103] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first and / or second aspects.

[0104] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first and / or second aspects.

[0105] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first and / or second aspects above.

[0106] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0107] This disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method," "information transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "communication system" and "information processing system."

[0108] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0109] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0110] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0111] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0112] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0115] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0116] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0117] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0120] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0121] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0122] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0123] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0124] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0125] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0126] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0127] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] As shown in Figure 1a, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network device 103.

[0129] The network devices in this disclosure may include access network device 102 and core network device 103.

[0130] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0131] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0132] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0133] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0134] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0135] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0136] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1a, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1a are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1a, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1a. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0137] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0138] In some embodiments, a power-saving signal, namely a wakeup signal or a power-saving downlink control indication (DCP), is introduced for terminals in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state; the power-saving signal (WUS) is a low-power detection signal. If the UE detects the WUS signal, it means that PDCCH listening is required; however, if the WUS is not detected, the listening of the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) can be skipped.

[0139] In some embodiments, for discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios in the RRC idle state, power-saving signals (e.g., Early Paging Indication (PEI)) are usually configured before the paging occasion (PO). If the UE does not detect the power-saving signal, it needs to skip the paging DCI; otherwise, it needs to listen to the paging DCI.

[0140] In some embodiments, the RRC connection state is enhanced by introducing a PDCCH skipping mechanism, in which the PDCCH skipping is carried in the DCI to notify the user to skip a period of listening or to switch search space groups.

[0141] In some embodiments, regardless of the type of power-saving signal, the terminal's modem needs to detect the power-saving signal. In the embodiments of this application, a separate transceiver (ultra-low power wake-up receiver) can be introduced to receive the power-saving signal, and the terminal's modem or main radio section can only be woken up after the separate transceiver is woken up; otherwise, the modem or main radio section will remain in a sleep state.

[0142] In some embodiments, when a terminal in RRC connected state receives a Low Power Wake-up (LP-WUS) signal, it will be woken up for a period of time. This could be the original DRX wake-up (on duration) period or a separately defined period. However, the definition and operation of this wake-up period are not yet defined; for example, how this wake-up period is configured and whether it needs to work with the original onduration period are not defined. Furthermore, the terminal's behavior after receiving a stop instruction from the network during the wake-up period is also undefined. This disclosure proposes a working mechanism for the master transceiver after a terminal in connected state is woken up by an LP-WUS signal.

[0143] Figure 2a is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0144] Step S2101: The network device sends the first information to the terminal.

[0145] In some embodiments, the terminal receives first information sent by the network device, the first information being used to indicate a first time period; exemplarily, the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first time period includes at least one of the following:

[0147] The first type of time period is a periodically set time period;

[0148] The second type of time period is a time period that is different from the first type of time period.

[0149] In some embodiments, the second type of time period is a time period that is not periodically set.

[0150] In some embodiments, if the first time period is not determined based on the configuration parameters of an inactive timer (IAT) (i.e., the configuration parameters of the IAT are not reused), the terminal receives the first information sent by the network device. It is understood that the first time period indicated by the first information is configured by the network device and is independent of the configuration parameters of the IAT. Alternatively, the first information may not be used to configure the IAT.

[0151] It should be noted that if the configuration parameters based on IAT are determined in the first time period, step S2101 may be a non-mandatory step.

[0152] Step S2102: The network device sends the second information to the terminal.

[0153] In some embodiments, the terminal receives second information sent by the network device.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second information may be the same as the first information, or it may be different information; this is not limited here. For example, the first information and the second information may be the same information carried by the same signaling, or the first information and the second information may be different information carried by different signaling.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes a first type of time period.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes a second type of time period.

[0157] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes a first type of time period and a second type of time period.

[0158] Understandably, the second information is used to instruct the terminal to perform PDCCH listening using the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period after listening to the wake-up signal and waking up the first transceiver.

[0159] In some embodiments, if the second information is used to indicate a first type of time period, the terminal may perform monitoring of the PDCCH based on the first type of time period.

[0160] In some embodiments, if the second information is used to indicate a second type of time period, the terminal may perform listening on the PDCCH based on the second type of time period.

[0161] In some embodiments, if the second information is used to indicate a first type of time period and a second type of time period, the terminal may perform monitoring of the PDCCH based on the first type of time period and the second type of time period.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first transceiver may be the modem portion or the main radio portion of the terminal. The second transceiver may be a separate transceiver, such as, but not limited to, an ultra-low power wake-up receiver.

[0163] In some embodiments, before the first transceiver is woken up by the second transceiver, the first transceiver may be in an inactive state, a sleep state, or a closed state. After being woken up by the second transceiver, the first transceiver may be in an active state, a woke-up state, or an on state, which is not limited here.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first transceiver is part of the second transceiver, or the second transceiver is part of the first transceiver.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second information is used to determine a first listening time (e.g., monitoring occasions) for listening to the first signal.

[0166] In some embodiments, the location of the first listening time is set before the first time period, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is a first type of time period.

[0167] In some embodiments, as described above, the terminal may not use a wake-up signal during a short DRX cycle and may directly activate an activation period (e.g., the first type of period), which is not limited here.

[0168] In some embodiments, a second type of time period is configured, and the second information is used to determine a second listening time for listening to the first signal.

[0169] In some embodiments, a second time period is configured, and second information is used to determine a second listening time for listening to the first signal; if the second listening time is not set before the first time period, the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is a second type of time period.

[0170] In some embodiments, if the second information does not indicate the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period, the terminal may receive third information (e.g., the first information mentioned above) before receiving the second information sent by the network device. The third information may indicate the first time period.

[0171] In some embodiments, if the second information does not indicate a first time period and / or a second time period, the terminal may have been configured with a first time period before receiving the second information sent by the network device. For example, the first time period may have been configured with protocol rule information.

[0172] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2b. The first time period is a first type of time period. The starting point of the first time period is A. If MO is before A, then it is before the first time period (as shown in Figure 2b). If MO is after A, then it is after the first time period.

[0173] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2c. The first time period is a second type of time period. The starting point of the first time period is A. If MO is before B, then it is before the first time period (as shown in Figure 2c). If MO is after B, then it is after the first time period.

[0174] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, after the timer associated with the second type of time period expires or stops, the terminal enters the DRX short cycle. The terminal may not use the LP-WUS wake-up signal and may directly start the second type of time period. This is not limited here.

[0175] In some embodiments, the second listening time is different from the first listening time, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is a second type of time period.

[0176] In some embodiments, a first type of time period and a second type of time period are configured, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes both the first type of time period and the second type of time period.

[0177] In some embodiments, if it is determined that a first signal is detected outside a first time period, a first transceiver based on a second type of time period performs listening for the PDCCH.

[0178] In some embodiments, configuring a second type of time period is a prerequisite for configuring a first type of time period. That is, a second type of time period will only be configured if a first type of time period is configured; otherwise, a second type of time period will not be configured.

[0179] Step S2103: The terminal executes PDCCH listening.

[0180] In some embodiments, according to a first time period, a first transceiver based on the terminal performs listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH).

[0181] In some embodiments, it is determined that the second transceiver of the terminal has received the first signal, and the first transceiver is turned on or activated.

[0182] In some embodiments, the terminal is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first time period is a second type of time period; the first time period is determined based on the configuration parameters of the inactive timer (IAT). It is understood that the configuration parameters of the IAT are reused in the first time period.

[0184] For example, the first time period is the duration of the IAT's timer.

[0185] It should be noted that the PDCCH listening will only be performed in the first time period if the first time period is configured.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terminal determines that the first time period is not configured and determines the first time period based on the configuration parameters of IAT.

[0187] In some embodiments, the terminal is a terminal configured to receive DRX discontinuously, the first time period is a second type of time period, and the first time period is included in the active time period of the DRX cycle corresponding to the DRX.

[0188] In some embodiments, if the terminal is in a second type of time period, it can be considered that the terminal is in a DRX active state.

[0189] In some embodiments, the terminal is a terminal configured with DRX, the first time period is a second type of time period; the DRX group includes a first DRX group and a second DRX group, and the duration of the first time period set for the first DRX group is different from the duration of the first time period set for the second DRX group.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first DRX group is the DRX group where the primary cell is located, and the duration of the first time period set for the first DRX group is greater than the duration of the first time period set for the second DRX group.

[0191] Step S2104: The network device sends third information to the terminal.

[0192] In some embodiments, the terminal receives third information sent by the network device.

[0193] In some embodiments, the third information is used to instruct the cessation of the operation of the timer associated with the first time period. The timer associated with the first time period may be a timer that times the first time period.

[0194] Step S2105: The network device sends the fourth information to the terminal.

[0195] In some embodiments, the terminal receives fourth information sent by the network device.

[0196] In some embodiments, the fourth message is used to instruct the cessation of PDCCH monitoring.

[0197] In some embodiments, the network device sends a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) signaling to the terminal, and the MAC CE signaling includes fourth information.

[0198] In some embodiments, the network device sends a PDCCH skipping instruction to the terminal, the PDCCH skipping instruction containing fourth information.

[0199] Step S2106: The terminal switches to the first state.

[0200] In some embodiments, it is determined that the timer associated with the first time period expires or stops running, and then switches to the first state.

[0201] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the timer associated with the first time period has timed out or stopped running, switch to stop listening to PDCCH and switch to the DRX off state.

[0202] In some embodiments, it is determined that the timer associated with the first time period has timed out or stopped running, and the state of PDCCH monitoring is switched to be performed based on short DRX or long DRX cycles.

[0203] In some embodiments, it is determined that the timer associated with the first time period has timed out or stopped running, and the process switches to the state where the first transceiver switches to a sleep state.

[0204] In some embodiments, it is determined that the timer associated with the first time period has timed out or stopped running, and the process switches to the state where the second transceiver is switched to the active state.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first state is at least one of the following:

[0206] Stop listening to PDCCH and put it in the DRX off state;

[0207] The state of PDCCH monitoring is performed based on short or long DRX cycles;

[0208] The first transceiver is in a sleep state;

[0209] The second transceiver is in an active state.

[0210] In some embodiments, the term "information" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "message," "signal," "signaling," "report," "configuration," "indication," "instruction," "command," "channel," "parameter," "field," and "data."

[0211] In some embodiments, the term "send" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "transmit," "report," or "transmit."

[0212] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, step S2101, step S2102, step S2103, step S2104, step S2105, and step S2106 may be implemented as independent embodiments. For example, step S2102 combined with step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 combined with steps S2103 and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 combined with steps S2103 and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 combined with steps S2103 and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; and step S2102 combined with steps S2103, S2104, S2105, and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but it is not limited to these. It should be noted that each step can be implemented independently, or, without contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily changed and the steps can be freely combined for implementation.

[0213] Figure 3a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a terminal, the method including:

[0214] Step S3101: The terminal receives the first information sent by the network device.

[0215] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3101 can be found in optional implementations of step S2101 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] Step S3102: The terminal receives the second information sent by the network device.

[0217] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0218] Step S3103: The terminal executes PDCCH listening.

[0219] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0220] Step S3104: The terminal receives the third information sent by the network device.

[0221] The optional implementation of step S3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0222] Step S3105: The terminal receives the third information sent by the network device.

[0223] The optional implementation of step S3105 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0224] Step S3106: The terminal switches to the first state.

[0225] The optional implementation of step S3106 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0226] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3106. For example, step S3101, step S3102, step S3103, step S3104, step S3105, and step S3106 may be implemented as independent embodiments. For example, step S3102 combined with step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S3102 combined with steps S3103 and S3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S3102 combined with steps S3103 and S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S3102 combined with steps S3103 and S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; and step S3102 combined with steps S3103, S3104, S3105, and S3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but it is not limited to these. It should be noted that each step can be implemented independently, or, without contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily changed and the steps can be freely combined for implementation.

[0227] Figure 3b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a terminal, the method including:

[0228] Step S3201: Receive the first signal through the second transceiver;

[0229] Step S3202: Activate or turn on the first transceiver based on the first signal; wherein the first transceiver is different from the second transceiver, or the first transceiver is part of the second transceiver, or the second transceiver is part of the first transceiver;

[0230] Step S3203: In a first time period, listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is performed based on the first transceiver; wherein the first time period includes at least one of the following:

[0231] The first type of time period is a periodically set time period;

[0232] The second type of time period is a time period that is different from the first type of time period.

[0233] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3203 can be found in optional implementations of step S3103 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0234] In some embodiments,

[0235] The second type of time period is a non-periodic time period.

[0236] In some embodiments, the terminal is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first time period is the second type of time period, and the method further includes:

[0238] Receive the first message sent by the network device;

[0239] The first information is used to indicate the second type of time period.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first time period is the second type of time period, and the method further includes:

[0241] The first time period is determined based on the configuration parameters of the inactive timer IAT.

[0242] In some embodiments, determining the first time period based on the configuration parameters of the inactive timer IAT includes:

[0243] If it is determined that the first time period is not configured, the first time period is determined based on the configuration parameters of the IAT.

[0244] In some embodiments, the terminal is a terminal configured to receive DRX discontinuously, the first time period is the second type of time period, and the first time period is included in the active ON DURATION period of the DRX cycle.

[0245] In some embodiments, the terminal is a terminal configured with DRX, the first time period is a second type of time period; the DRX group includes a first DRX group and a second DRX group, and the duration of the first time period set for the first DRX group is different from the duration of the first time period set for the second DRX group.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first DRX group is the DRX group where the primary cell is located, and the duration of the first time period set for the first DRX group is greater than the duration of the first time period set for the second DRX group.

[0247] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0248] Receive the second information sent by the network device;

[0249] The second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period.

[0250] In some embodiments, the second information is used to determine a first listening time for listening to the first signal; the first listening time is set before the first time period, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is the first type of time period.

[0251] In some embodiments, a second type of time period is configured, and the second information includes a second listening time for listening to the first signal; wherein the second listening time is different from the first listening time, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is the second type of time period.

[0252] In some embodiments, the second listening time is a periodically configured listening time MO.

[0253] In some embodiments, a first type of time period and a second type of time period are configured, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes both the first type of time period and the second type of time period.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first time period is the second type of time period, and the method further includes:

[0255] Once it is determined that the timer associated with the first time period has timed out or stopped running, switch to the first state;

[0256] Wherein, the first state is at least one of the following:

[0257] Stop listening to the PDCCH and put it in the DRX off state;

[0258] The state of PDCCH monitoring is performed based on short or long DRX cycles;

[0259] The first transceiver is in a sleep state;

[0260] The second transceiver is in an active state.

[0261] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0262] Receive third-party information sent by network devices;

[0263] The third piece of information is used to instruct the timer associated with the first time period to stop running.

[0264] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0265] Receive the fourth message sent by the network device;

[0266] The fourth piece of information is used to instruct the cessation of PDCCH monitoring.

[0267] Figure 4a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a network device, the method including:

[0268] Step S4101: The network device sends the first information to the terminal.

[0269] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4101 can be found in optional implementations of step S2101 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0270] Step S4102: The network device sends the second information to the terminal.

[0271] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] Step S4103: The network device sends third information to the terminal.

[0273] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2a, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0274] Step S4104: The network device sends third information to the terminal.

[0275] The optional implementation of step S4104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2a, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0276] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4104. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4101 combined with step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101 combined with step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101 combined with step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, or step S4101 combined with steps S4102, S4103, and S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but it is not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be implemented independently, or, without contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily changed and freely combined for implementation.

[0277] Figure 4b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a network device, the method including:

[0278] Step S4201: The network device sends the first information to the terminal.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, which is used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

[0280] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4201 can be found in optional implementations of step S2101 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0281] In some embodiments, the second type of time period is a non-periodic time period.

[0282] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0283] Send the second information to the terminal;

[0284] The second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period.

[0285] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0286] Send third information to the terminal;

[0287] The third piece of information is used to instruct the timer associated with the first time period to stop running.

[0288] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0289] Send the fourth message to the terminal;

[0290] The fourth piece of information is used to instruct the cessation of PDCCH monitoring.

[0291] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a communication system, the method comprising:

[0292] Step S5101: The network device sends the first information to the terminal.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, which is used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

[0294] To better understand the embodiments of this disclosure, the following exemplary embodiment will be used to further illustrate this disclosure:

[0295] Example 1:

[0296] In some embodiments, this disclosure protects the operation mode when a user in an RRC connected state is woken up using a separate transceiver.

[0297] In some embodiments, a separate transceiver (corresponding to the second transceiver in this disclosure) is used to receive a low-power wake-up signal and wake up the main wireless receiver (corresponding to the first transceiver in this disclosure) upon receiving the low-power wake-up signal.

[0298] In some embodiments, when a terminal detects a Low power wake-up signal, it wakes up the main wireless transceiver for a wake-up period (or activation period, corresponding to the first period in this disclosure) to monitor the PDCCH.

[0299] In some embodiments, the wake-up period can be a pre-set onduration period (activation period 1, corresponding to the first type of period in this disclosure; it is understood that the difference between activation period 1 and activation period 2 is that activation period 1 can occur periodically; while activation period 2 can occur non-periodically).

[0300] In some embodiments, the wake-up period may be different from the onduration period (activation period 2, corresponding to the second type of period in this disclosure).

[0301] In some embodiments, the definition of wake-up period 2 (corresponding to the second type of period in this disclosure) can be independent of the configuration of the inactive timer IAT timer, that is, the network is newly configured with a wake-up period length (e.g., based on the first information configuration).

[0302] In some embodiments, wake-up period 2 can reuse an existing IAT timer configuration. It is understood that the length of wake-up period 2 is the timing duration of the existing IAT timer.

[0303] In some embodiments, this parameter is used only if Activation Period 2 (corresponding to the second type of period in this disclosure) is configured; if Activation Period 2 is not configured, the existing IAT timer configuration can be reused.

[0304] In some embodiments, for terminals configured with DRX, activation period 2 will be included in the DRX active time. It is understood that if a terminal is in activation period 2, it is considered to be in a DRX active state.

[0305] In some embodiments, for dual DRX scenarios, the base station can set different activation period 2 lengths for different DRX scenarios.

[0306] In some embodiments, the activation period 2 length of the first DRX group (corresponding to the first DRX group in this disclosure) is configured to be longer than the activation period 2 length of the second DRX group (corresponding to the second DRX group in this disclosure); wherein, the first DRX group is the DRX group to which the primary cell is located.

[0307] In some embodiments, the terminal will not use the LP-WUS wake-up signal when it is in a short DRX cycle, and onduration can be enabled directly.

[0308] In some embodiments, the network instructs (corresponding to sending the second information in this disclosure) that when the terminal detects a Low power wake-up signal and wakes up the main radio transceiver, it uses wake-up period 1 and / or activation period 2 to monitor the PDCCH. That is, the network can instruct the terminal on which monitoring method to use. In some embodiments, if the network only configures the wake-up signal monitoring occasions before activation period 1 (i.e., the network provides configuration parameter 1, which is used for the wake-up signal to wake up the first type of period corresponding to this disclosure), it means that when the terminal detects a Low power wake-up signal and wakes up the main radio transceiver, it uses wake-up period 1 to monitor the PDCCH. (i.e., the scenario configured before onduration).

[0309] In some embodiments, if the network only provides configuration parameter 2 for LP-WUS wake-up activation period 2 (i.e., the network provides configuration parameter 2, which is used to wake up the second type of period in this disclosure), for example, if the wake-up signal monitoring occasions are not configured before activation period 1, for example, if MO is configured periodically on the time axis, it means that when the terminal listens to the Low power wake-up signal and wakes up the main wireless transceiver, it uses activation period 2 to monitor the PDCCH; that is, the working mode implemented by combining LP_wus and activation period 2.

[0310] In this approach, to avoid prolonged inability to wake up during activation period 2 due to a lack of LP-WUS signal, a short DRX cycle can be configured. When the terminal is in a short DRX cycle, it will not use the LP-WUS wake-up signal and can directly enable onduration. In this way, the terminal can use the short onduration cycle to send information such as Channel Quality Indication (CQI) to the base station, achieving synchronization with the base station.

[0311] In some embodiments, after wake-up period 2 stops or times out, the terminal enters a short DRX cycle; at this time, the terminal will not use the LP-WUS wake-up signal in the short DRX cycle and can directly enable onduration. (The short cycle parameter is required to be configured at this time).

[0312] In some embodiments, if the network is configured with both configuration parameter 1 (for LP-WUS wake-up of the first type of time period in this disclosure) and configuration parameter 2 (for LP-WUS wake-up of the second type of time period in this disclosure), it means that when the terminal hears the Low power wake-up signal and wakes up the main wireless transceiver, it uses wake-up time period 1 to listen to the PDCCH; at the same time, outside of wake-up time period 1, if the terminal hears the Low power wake-up signal and wakes up the main wireless transceiver, it uses wake-up time period 2 to listen to the PDCCH; that is, the working mode implemented by LP_wus, activation time period 1, and activation time period 2.

[0313] In some embodiments, the prerequisite for network configuration parameter 2 is configuration parameter 1; (it can be understood that the original periodic onduration will also be woken up by LP-WUS at this time).

[0314] In some embodiments, the prerequisite for configuring LP-WUS wake-up activation period 2 in the network is that LP-WUS wake-up activation period 1 in the network is configured; (i.e., LP-WUS wake-up activation period 2 cannot be configured separately).

[0315] In the above methods, the network implicitly indicates to the terminal whether to use wake-up period 1 and / or activation period 2 to listen to the PDCCH by providing the configuration method (configuration parameter 1 and / or configuration parameter 2).

[0316] In one embodiment, the network may also explicitly indicate that the terminal is using wake-up period 1 and / or activation period 2 to listen to the PDCCH. For example, when both sets of configuration parameters configured for wake-up period 1 and wake-up period 2 are issued, an explicit indication can be used to indicate which set of configuration parameters is currently in effect, i.e., which listening method is being used.

[0317] In some embodiments, if the activation period 2 timer is running, then:

[0318] In some embodiments, if the timer for the active period 2 expires or stops, the system enters the first state.

[0319] In some embodiments, if a network instruction is received (corresponding to the receipt of third information in this disclosure), the activation period 2 timer will stop and enter the first state.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first state may be: stop listening to PDCCH and the terminal enters the DRX off state (onduration can be started periodically or not).

[0321] In some embodiments, the first state can be the original state of listening based on a Long DRX cycle or a Short DRX cycle (onduration can be started or not started periodically).

[0322] In some embodiments, the first state may be: the master transceiver (corresponding to the first transceiver) enters a sleep state.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first state may be: the secondary transceiver (corresponding to the second transceiver) enters the listening state.

[0324] In some embodiments, the network indication (corresponding to sending the fourth information in this disclosure) may be that the terminal stops listening to the PDCCH; it may be a MAC CE indication or a PDCCH skipping instruction, etc.

[0325] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0326] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0327] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0328] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0329] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal 6100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the terminal 6100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6101, a processing module 6102, etc. The transceiver module 6101 may include a first transceiver module 6101a and a second transceiver module 6101b, wherein the first transceiver module 6101a may correspond to a first transceiver, and the second transceiver module 6101b may correspond to a second transceiver module. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6101 is used to receive first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 6101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 6100 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 6102 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal 6100 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0330] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6b, the terminal 6200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6201, a processing module 6202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 is used to send first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 6201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 6200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 6202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal 6200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0331] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0332] As shown in Figure 7a, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0333] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may also be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0334] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more first transceivers 8103, the first transceiver 8103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0335] In some embodiments, referring again to FIG7a, the first transceiver 8103 may also include a second transceiver, i.e., the second transceiver is part of the first transceiver.

[0336] In some embodiments, the second transceiver may also be set up independently of the first transceiver.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first transceiver 8103 may also be referred to as the first transceiver or the first transceiver module; the second transceiver may also be referred to as the second transceiver or the second transceiver module, and no limitation is made here.

[0338] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0339] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102, and the interface circuit 8104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 can read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0340] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG7a. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0341] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 8200 shown in Figure 7b can be referenced, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0342] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0343] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and the interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from memory 8203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 8202 can be used to send signals to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in memory 8203 and send the instructions to processor 8201.

[0344] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0345] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0346] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200.

[0347] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0348] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0349] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, the terminal including a first transceiver and a second transceiver, the method including: The first signal is received through the second transceiver; The first transceiver is activated or turned on based on the first signal; wherein the first transceiver is different from the second transceiver, or the first transceiver is part of the second transceiver, or the second transceiver is part of the first transceiver; In a first time period, listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is performed based on a first transceiver; wherein the first time period includes at least one of the following: The first type of time period is a periodically set time period; The second type of time period is a time period that is different from the first type of time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second type of time period is a non-periodic time period.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The terminal is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first time period is the second type of time period, and the method further includes: Receive the first message sent by the network device; The first information is used to indicate the second type of time period.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first time period is the second type of time period, and the method further includes: The first time period is determined based on the configuration parameters of the inactive timer IAT.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The configuration parameters based on the inactive timer IAT are used to determine the first time period, including: If it is determined that the first time period is not configured, the first time period is determined based on the configuration parameters of the IAT.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal is a terminal configured to receive DRX discontinuously, the first time period is the second type of time period, and the first time period is included in the active (ON DURATION) period of the DRX cycle.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal is a terminal configured with DRX, and the first time period is a second type of time period; the DRX group includes a first DRX group and a second DRX group, and the duration of the first time period set for the first DRX group is different from the duration of the first time period set for the second DRX group.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first DRX group is the DRX group of the primary cell, and the duration of the first time period set for the first DRX group is greater than the duration of the first time period set for the second DRX group.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the second information sent by the network device; The second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second information is used to determine the first listening time for listening to the first signal; the position of the first listening time is set before the first time period, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is the first type of time period.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The system is configured with a second type of time period, and the second information includes a second listening time for listening to the first signal; wherein the second listening time is different from the first listening time, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period is the second type of time period.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second listening time is the periodically configured listening time MO.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The system is configured with a first type of time period and a second type of time period, and the second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes both the first type of time period and the second type of time period.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first time period is the second type of time period, and the method further includes: Once it is determined that the timer associated with the first time period has timed out or stopped running, switch to the first state; Wherein, the first state is at least one of the following: Stop listening to the PDCCH and put it in the DRX off state; The state of PDCCH monitoring is performed based on short or long DRX cycles; The first transceiver is in a sleep state; The second transceiver is in an active state.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third-party information sent by network devices; The third piece of information is used to instruct the timer associated with the first time period to stop running.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the fourth message sent by the network device; The fourth piece of information is used to instruct the cessation of PDCCH monitoring.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: Send the first message to the terminal; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, which is used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second type of time period is a non-periodic time period.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the second information to the terminal; The second information is used to indicate that the first time period includes the first type of time period and / or the second type of time period.

21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send third information to the terminal; The third piece of information is used to instruct the timer associated with the first time period to stop running.

22. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the fourth message to the terminal; The fourth piece of information is used to instruct the cessation of PDCCH monitoring.

23. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The network device sends the first information to the terminal; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, which is used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

24. A terminal, characterized in that, The terminal includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: The first signal is received through the second transceiver; The first transceiver is activated or turned on based on the first signal; wherein the first transceiver is different from the second transceiver, or the first transceiver is part of the second transceiver, or the second transceiver is part of the first transceiver; The processing module is configured to: perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on a first transceiver during a first time period; wherein the first time period includes at least one of the following: The first type of time period is a periodically set time period; The second type of time period is a time period that is different from the first type of time period.

25. A network device, characterized in that, The network device includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: Send the first message to the terminal; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate a second type of time period, which is used by the terminal to perform listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) based on the first transceiver; the second type of time period is a time period different from the first type of time period, and the first type of time period is a periodically set time period.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a terminal and a network device; the terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 18 to 22.

27. A terminal, characterized in that, The terminal includes: One or more processors; The terminal is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

28. A network device, wherein, The network device includes: One or more processors; The network device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 18 to 22.

29. A storage medium, wherein, The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and / or claims 18 to 22.

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