Communication method, terminal, network device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The communication method comprises: in response to a terminal being in a disconnected state, the terminal measures the signal quality of a cell during DRX ON periods within N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, N being less than or equal to M, and M being the number of the DRX cycles used for evaluating the received signal quality of the cell. By means of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the power consumption of the terminal can be reduced.

Description

Communication method, terminal, network device, communication system and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a communication method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of communication technology, in order to save the power consumption of the terminal, a discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism is introduced. However, when the UE is in a non-connected state, mobility measurement for cell selection and paging is still needed, which can increase the power consumption of the UE.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] How to reduce the power consumption of the terminal in the idle state is a problem to be solved.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: in response to a terminal being in a non-connected state, measuring, by the terminal, signal quality of a cell in a DRX on period in N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, the N being less than or equal to M, the M being a number of the DRX cycles for cell received signal quality evaluation.

[0007] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving, by a network device, signal quality reported by a terminal; the signal quality being measured by the terminal in a DRX on period in N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles in response to the terminal being in a non-connected state, the N being less than or equal to M, the M being a number of the DRX cycles for cell received signal quality evaluation.

[0008] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a processing module configured to measure, in response to the terminal being in a non-connected state, signal quality of a cell in a DRX on period in N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, the N being less than or equal to M, the M being a number of the DRX cycles for cell received signal quality evaluation.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver configured to receive a signal quality reported by a terminal; the signal quality is a signal quality of a cell measured by the terminal in a DRX on duration period in N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, the N is less than or equal to M, and the M is a number of the DRX cycles used for cell signal quality evaluation.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the terminal is configured to perform the communication method of the first aspect.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the network device is configured to perform the communication method of the second aspect.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein 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.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, and the storage medium stores instructions, and the instructions, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, and the computer program, when executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0015] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to the terminal being in a non-connected state, the terminal measures the signal quality of the cell in the DRX on duration period of each of the N DRX cycles in the M DRX cycles, so that the power consumption of the terminal can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following describes the drawings required for the embodiments, and the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1A is an architecture schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of measuring the signal quality of a serving cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is an interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating measurement of a partial SSB for serving cell evaluation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6B is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7A is a structural diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7B is a structural diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 8A is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8B is a structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0030] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising: in response to a terminal being in a non-connected state, measuring, by the terminal, a signal quality of a cell in a DRX on duration period of each of N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, the N being less than or equal to M, the M being a number of the DRX cycles for cell received signal quality evaluation.

[0031] In the above embodiment, in response to the terminal being in the non-connected state, the terminal measures the signal quality of the cell in the DRX on duration period of each of the N DRX cycles of the M DRX cycles, which can reduce terminal power consumption.

[0032] In some embodiments in combination with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the N DRX cycles include: respectively selected DRX cycles in every K consecutive DRX cycles of the M DRX cycles; and K is a positive integer, the K being less than or equal to the M.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the terminal measures the signal quality of the cell in every K consecutive DRX cycles of the M DRX cycles, which can reduce terminal power consumption.

[0034] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the K is determined based on a prediction result, the prediction result is obtained by predicting the mobility parameter of the terminal by artificial intelligence (AI).

[0035] In the above embodiments, the prediction result is obtained by predicting the mobility parameter of the terminal by AI, and the value of K is determined based on the prediction result, so that the power consumption of the terminal in the idle state can be reduced by using AI technology.

[0036] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the mobility parameter comprises at least one of: a distance between the terminal and a serving cell; a relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell; a distance between the terminal and a neighboring cell; and / or a relative speed between the terminal and the neighboring cell.

[0037] In the above embodiments, the distance and / or relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell, or the distance and / or relative speed between the terminal and the neighboring cell, are predicted by AI, and then the value of K is determined based on the distance and / or relative speed, so that the power consumption of the terminal in the idle state can be reduced by using AI technology.

[0038] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the K is determined in the following manner: in response to the prediction result satisfying a condition, the K is determined to be 1; and in response to the prediction result not satisfying the condition, the K is determined to be greater than 1.

[0039] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the condition comprises at least one of: the distance between the terminal and the serving cell being greater than a first threshold; and / or the distance between the terminal and the neighboring cell being greater than a second threshold.

[0040] In the above embodiments, in the case that the distance between the terminal and the cell is greater than the threshold, the K is determined to be 1, i.e., the signal quality of the cell is measured in each DRX cycle; and in the case that the distance between the terminal and the cell is less than or equal to the threshold, the K is determined to be greater than 1, i.e., the signal quality of the cell is measured every other or multiple DRX cycles. That is, when the terminal is far away from the cell, the signal quality of the cell needs to be measured in each DRX cycle, and when the terminal is close to the cell, the signal quality of the cell can be measured every other or multiple DRX cycles, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal.

[0041] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the signal quality of the cell is measured based on a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0042] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: reporting, by the terminal, the signal quality of the cell to a network device.

[0043] In the above embodiments, after the terminal measures the signal quality of the cell, it sends the signal quality of the cell to the network device to achieve information synchronization between the terminal and the network device.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the cell includes at least one of a serving cell and neighboring cells; the method further includes: in response to the signal quality of the serving cell not meeting the cell selection criteria, the terminal measures the signal quality of the neighboring cells.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal measures the signal quality of neighboring cells, including: the terminal measures the signal quality of neighboring cells based on SSB in each DRX cycle.

[0046] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising: a network device receiving a signal quality report from a terminal; the signal quality being, in response to the terminal being in a disconnected state, the signal quality of a cell measured by the terminal during a DRX on-time period in N discontinuous DRX reception cycles, wherein N is less than or equal to M, and M is the number of DRX cycles used for cell reception signal quality assessment.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the N DRX cycles include: every K consecutive DRX cycles in the M DRX cycles; wherein K is a positive integer, and K is less than or equal to M.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, K is determined based on prediction results, which are obtained by predicting the mobility parameters of the terminal based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the mobility parameter includes at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal and the serving cell; the relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell; the distance between the terminal and a neighboring cell; and the relative speed between the terminal and a neighboring cell.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, K is determined as follows: in response to the prediction result satisfying the condition, K is determined to be 1; in response to the prediction result not satisfying the condition, K is determined to be greater than 1.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the condition being met includes at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal and the serving cell is greater than a first threshold; the distance between the terminal and the adjacent cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the signal quality of the cell is measured based on the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB).

[0053] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including: a processing module, configured to, in response to the terminal being in a disconnected state, measure the signal quality of a cell during a DRX on-time period in N discontinuous DRX reception cycles, wherein N is less than or equal to M, and M is the number of DRX cycles used for cell reception signal quality assessment.

[0054] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a network device, including: a transceiver module for receiving signal quality reported by a terminal; the signal quality is the signal quality of a cell measured by the terminal during a DRX on-time period in N discontinuous DRX reception cycles in response to the terminal being in a disconnected state, wherein N is less than or equal to M, and M is the number of DRX cycles.

[0055] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is configured to execute the communication method of the first aspect.

[0056] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to perform the communication method of the second aspect.

[0057] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a terminal and a network device, wherein 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.

[0058] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0059] Ninthly, 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 or second aspect.

[0060] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform any of the aforementioned communication methods.

[0061] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0062] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication systems, 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.

[0063] This disclosure provides communication methods, terminals, network devices, communication systems, and storage media. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information sending method," "information receiving method," etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0069] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0074] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0075] 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”.

[0076] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0077] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0078] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "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," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0079] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "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", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0080] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0081] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0082] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0083] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0087] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be user equipment (UE), and terminal 101 includes, for example, 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, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a functional network element in a core network device. The core network device may be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. 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), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0089] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0090] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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 proposed 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 proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0095] 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. Each main body may be physical or virtual. 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.

[0096] 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), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 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).

[0097] In 5G-Advanced (5GA) and 6G, AI-assisted mobility management will be introduced. Using AI / Machine Learning (ML) technologies in mobility management is expected to significantly improve the performance of wireless networks in terms of handover delay when the UE is in connected mode. However, when the UE is in idle / inactive mode, mobility measurement for cell selection and paging is still required, especially since the UE needs to be woken up from idle mode from time to time, resulting in still significant power consumption. Therefore, how to leverage advanced AI / ML technologies to reduce power consumption in idle mode is a key technical challenge.

[0098] In some schemes, in Rel18, the UE behavior for cell selection in RRC_IDLE (idle state) mode is defined in protocol version TS38.133 as follows:

[0099] The UE shall measure the Synchronization Signal-Reference Signal Received Power (SS-RSRP) and Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Quality (SS-RSRQ) level of the serving cell, and evaluate the cell selection criterion S defined for the serving cell at least once per M1*N1 Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle; wherein: if the SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC) cycle (T SMTC If M1 > 20ms and DRX period ≤ 0.64 seconds, then M1 = 2; otherwise, M1 = 1.

[0100] The UE should use at least two measurements or perform at least two measurements to filter the SS-RSRP and SS-RSRQ measurements. In the set of measurements used for filtering, the interval between at least two measurements or at least two measurements should be at least DRX period / 2.

[0101] In some examples, for UEs without a configured highSpeedMeasFlagFR2-r17 for Frequency Range 2 (FR2), Nserv is specified in Table 4.2.2.2-1, where Nserv can represent the number of DRX cycles or the minimum time requirement for evaluating the serving cell. In other examples, for UEs with FR2 power level 6 configured with highSpeedMeasFlagFR2-r17, Nserv is specified in Table 4.2.2.2-2.

[0102] In some examples, if the UE is not configured with an extended DRX idle state (eDRX_IDLE) period, and the UE, according to Table 4.2.2.2-1 or Table 4.2.2.2-4, in N... serv If the serving cell does not meet the cell selection criterion S during a consecutive DRX cycle, the UE should initiate measurements of all neighboring cells indicated by the serving cell.

[0103] In some examples, if the UE is configured with an eDRX_IDLE period, and the UE, according to Tables 4.2.2.2-2 and 4.2.2.2-3, specifies N for eDRX periods ≤ 10.24s. serv If the serving cell does not meet the cell selection criterion S in a consecutive eDRX cycle, the UE should initiate measurements of all neighboring cells indicated by the serving cell.

[0104] In some examples, if the UE is configured with an eDRX_IDLE period, and the UE, according to Tables 4.2.2.2-2 and 4.2.2.2-3, within a single paging time window (PTW), in the consecutive N periods corresponding to an eDRX period > 10.24s. serv If the serving cell does not meet the cell selection criterion S during a DRX cycle, the UE should initiate measurements of all neighboring cells indicated by the serving cell, regardless of the measurement rules currently restricting the UE's measurement activities.

[0105] In some examples, for UEs configured with the eDRX_IDLE period, N is specified for FR1 in Table 4.2.2.2-2. serv In Table 4.2.2.2-3, N is specified for FR2. serv .

[0106] In some examples, if a UE in RRC_IDLE mode, during time T, fails to find any new suitable cells based on search and measurement using the intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-radio access technology (RAT) information indicated in the system information, the UE should initiate a cell selection procedure for the selected Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) as defined in TS 38.304, where:

[0107] If the UE is not configured with eDRX_IDLE period, then T = 10s; or

[0108] If the UE is configured with an eDRX_IDLE cycle in FR1, then T = MAX(10s, one eDRX_IDLE cycle); or

[0109] If the UE is configured in FR2 with an eDRX_IDLE period of less than 20.48s, then T = MAX(10s, N1 * eDRX_IDLE period);

[0110] Otherwise, if the UE is configured in FR2 with an eDRX_IDLE period of not less than 20.48s, then T = MAX(10s, one eDRX_IDLE period).

[0111] In one example, Table 4.2.2.2-1 is shown in Table 1. Other tables mentioned above can be found in the protocol and will not be repeated here.

[0112] Table 1

[0113] In summary, for any UE in the serving cell, when performing cell reselection in RRC_idle mode, a fixed number of measurements are required for serving cell evaluation, which increases the UE's power consumption.

[0114] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating the measurement of signal quality of a serving cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] As shown in Figure 1B, Nserv can include multiple DRX cycles. In related technologies, the UE needs to measure the signal quality of the Synchronization Signal / PBCH Block (SSB) in each DRX cycle for serving cell evaluation. That is, when communication is in idle mode, if the serving cell does not meet the cell reselection criterion S, the UE needs to measure the SSB in each DRX cycle for serving cell evaluation purposes, regardless of whether the UE's SINR is high or low.

[0116] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a communication method in which, when the terminal is in a disconnected state, the terminal measures the signal quality of the cell during the DRX open time period of each of the N DRX cycles in the M DRX cycles, which can reduce the terminal power consumption.

[0117] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0118] Step S2101: The terminal is in an RRC disconnected state. During the DRX on duration in N DRX cycles, the signal quality of the cell is measured, where N is less than or equal to M, and M is the number of DRX cycles used for cell received signal quality assessment.

[0119] In this context, "On duration" can be referred to as the open time period, the duration, or the activation time period; this disclosure does not limit its name.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terminal measures the signal quality of the cell.

[0121] In some embodiments, the terminal can measure the signal quality of the cell based on the SSB, that is, the signal quality of the cell is measured based on the SSB.

[0122] In some embodiments, a cell can be a serving cell or a neighboring cell. That is, the terminal can measure the signal quality of the serving cell or the signal quality of a neighboring cell. A neighboring cell can include a target cell, or a neighboring cell can also be a target cell.

[0123] In some embodiments, signal quality may include, but is not limited to, RSRP, RSRQ, etc.

[0124] In some embodiments, the terminal is in a non-connected state, which may be an idle state or an inactive state.

[0125] In some embodiments, the DRX cycle may also be referred to as the DRX loop, and the DRX cycle and the DRX loop can be used interchangeably.

[0126] In some embodiments, the number M of DRX cycles can be predefined by the protocol, where M is a positive integer.

[0127] In some embodiments, M can be the number of DRX cycles used for cell reception signal quality assessment. In some examples, M can be the number of DRX cycles required for cell reception signal quality assessment within a certain time period. In other words, the duration of M DRX cycles is the time requirement for satisfying cell reception signal quality assessment. For example, M can be Nserv as shown in Table 1.

[0128] In some embodiments, N DRX cycles are all or part of the M DRX cycles, where N is a positive integer. The value of N can be indicated by the network device to the terminal, can be predefined by the protocol, or can be predicted by AI.

[0129] In some embodiments, each DRX cycle includes a DRX on duration period, during which the terminal can measure the cell's signal quality.

[0130] In some embodiments, in response to the terminal being in a disconnected state, the terminal can measure the signal quality of the cell during the DRX on-time periods corresponding to N DRX periods in M ​​DRX periods.

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, the N DRX cycles include: DRX cycles selected from every K consecutive DRX cycles in the M DRX cycles; where K is a positive integer, and K is less than or equal to M.

[0132] For example, when K=1, cell signal quality is measured in each of the M DRX cycles. As another example, when K=2, cell signal quality is measured in one of every two consecutive DRX cycles. For instance, with M=6, when K=2, cell signal quality is measured in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th DRX cycles, but not in the 2nd, 4th, and 6th DRX cycles.

[0133] In some embodiments, the UE can autonomously select a portion of the SSBs for measurement within K consecutive DRX cycles.

[0134] In some embodiments, K is 1. In this case, N DRX cycles are each of the M DRX cycles, meaning N DRX cycles are the same as M DRX cycles. The terminal performs measurements in all DRX cycles.

[0135] In other embodiments, the value of K is greater than 1. In this case, N DRX cycles are each K (e.g., 2, 3, etc.) DRX cycles out of M DRX cycles, that is, N DRX cycles are a subset of M DRX cycles. The terminal performs measurements in a subset of DRX cycles, rather than in all DRX cycles, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, K is determined based on prediction results, which are obtained by AI predicting the mobility parameters of the terminal.

[0137] Among them, the terminal mobility parameters refer to the parameters that can represent the terminal's mobility.

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, mobility parameters include at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal and the serving cell; the relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell; the distance between the terminal and neighboring cells; and the relative speed between the terminal and neighboring cells. In some examples, the base station of the serving cell or the base station of the neighboring cell may be deployed in a fixed location, or deployed on a moving object such as a vehicle or satellite.

[0139] For example, mobility parameters can include the distance between the terminal and the serving cell. The terminal can predict the distance between the terminal and the serving cell based on AI, thus obtaining the predicted distance between the terminal and the serving cell; K is then determined based on the predicted distance between the terminal and the serving cell.

[0140] For example, mobility parameters can include the relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell. The terminal can predict the relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell based on AI to obtain the predicted relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell; K is determined based on the predicted relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment, K is determined as follows: if the prediction result meets the condition, K is determined to be 1; if the prediction result does not meet the condition, K is determined to be greater than 1.

[0142] In some embodiments, in response to the prediction result meeting the condition, the value of K is determined to be 1. In this case, N DRX cycles are each of the M DRX cycles, that is, N DRX cycles are the same as M DRX cycles. The terminal performs measurements in all DRX cycles.

[0143] In other embodiments, in response to a prediction result not meeting the condition, the value of K is greater than 1. In this case, N DRX cycles are each K DRX cycles out of M DRX cycles, meaning N DRX cycles are a subset of M DRX cycles. The terminal performs measurements in a subset of DRX cycles, eliminating the need for measurements in all DRX cycles, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, the conditions include at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal and the serving cell is greater than a first threshold; the distance between the terminal and a neighboring cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first threshold and the second threshold may be the same or different. Both the first threshold and the second threshold can be determined according to actual circumstances, and this disclosure does not limit the values ​​of the first threshold and the second threshold.

[0146] In some embodiments, when the distance between the terminal and the serving cell is greater than a first threshold, i.e., the distance between the terminal and the serving cell is far, K is determined to be 1, and the terminal performs measurement in each of the M DRX cycles, which can improve the accuracy of the measurement.

[0147] In some embodiments, when the distance between the terminal and the serving cell is less than or equal to a first threshold, i.e., the distance between the terminal and the serving cell is relatively close, since the measurement is more accurate when the terminal is closer to the serving cell, K is determined to be greater than 1, i.e. the terminal only performs measurements in part of the DRX cycle, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal.

[0148] Similarly, when the distance between the terminal and neighboring cells is greater than the second threshold (i.e., the distance between the terminal and neighboring cells is relatively large), K is set to 1, and the terminal performs measurements in every DRX cycle out of M DRX cycles, which improves measurement accuracy. When the distance between the terminal and neighboring cells is less than or equal to the second threshold (i.e., the distance between the terminal and neighboring cells is relatively small), since measurements are more accurate when the terminal is closer to neighboring cells, K is set to greater than 1, meaning the terminal only performs measurements in a portion of the DRX cycles, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0149] In some embodiments, the condition may be satisfied by at least one of the following: the relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell is greater than a speed threshold; the relative speed between the terminal and a neighboring cell is greater than a speed threshold.

[0150] In some embodiments, when the relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell is greater than a speed threshold (i.e., the terminal moves relatively fast relative to the serving cell), K is set to 1, and the terminal performs measurements in each of the M DRX cycles, which improves measurement accuracy. When the relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell is less than or equal to the speed threshold (i.e., the terminal moves relatively slowly relative to the serving cell), K is set to greater than 1, meaning the terminal only performs measurements in a portion of the DRX cycles, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0151] Similarly, when the relative speed between the terminal and neighboring cells is greater than the speed threshold (i.e., the terminal moves relatively fast relative to neighboring cells), K is set to 1, and the terminal performs measurements in every DRX cycle out of M DRX cycles, improving measurement accuracy. When the relative speed between the terminal and neighboring cells is less than or equal to the speed threshold (i.e., the terminal moves relatively slowly relative to neighboring cells), K is set to greater than 1, meaning the terminal only performs measurements in a portion of the DRX cycles, thereby reducing terminal power consumption.

[0152] In some embodiments, the N DRX cycles can also be determined in other ways, such as the N DRX cycles being the first N DRX cycles out of the M DRX cycles.

[0153] In some embodiments, a cell includes at least one of a serving cell and neighboring cells.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the cell is the serving cell, the terminal can measure the signal quality of the serving cell, obtain the measurement result of the serving cell, and determine whether the measurement result of the serving cell meets the cell selection criteria.

[0155] In some embodiments, in response to the serving cell's signal quality not meeting the cell selection criteria, the terminal measures the signal quality of neighboring cells.

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: the terminal measuring the signal quality of neighboring cells based on SSB during each DRX cycle.

[0157] In some embodiments, when measuring the signal quality of neighboring cells, the terminal may measure the signal quality of neighboring cells based on SSB in each DRX cycle.

[0158] In other embodiments, when measuring the signal quality of neighboring cells, the terminal can use the above method to measure the signal quality of neighboring cells during the DRX on-time period of N DRX cycles within M DRX cycles.

[0159] Through the embodiments of this disclosure, when the responding terminal is in a disconnected state, the terminal measures the signal quality of the cell during the DRX open time period of each of the N DRX cycles in the M DRX cycles, which can reduce the terminal power consumption.

[0160] In step S2102, the terminal reports the signal quality of the cell to the network device.

[0161] In some embodiments, the network device receives a report of the cell's signal quality from a terminal.

[0162] In some embodiments, the terminal sends the cell's signal quality information to the network device.

[0163] In some embodiments, the network device receives the signal quality of the cell from the terminal.

[0164] In some embodiments, the terminal may measure the signal quality of the serving cell and report the signal quality of the serving cell to the network device to which the serving cell belongs.

[0165] In other embodiments, the terminal can measure the signal quality of neighboring cells and report the signal quality of neighboring cells to the network devices to which the neighboring cells belong.

[0166] In other embodiments, the terminal can measure the signal quality of the target cell and report the signal quality of the target cell to the network device to which the target cell belongs.

[0167] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2102. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S2102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0168] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0169] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2 may be referred to.

[0170] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0171] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0172] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0173] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0174] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0175] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value (bool)) represented by true or false, or by a numerical comparison (e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0176] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0177] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method executed by a terminal, the method including:

[0178] Step S3101: Measure the signal quality of the cell.

[0179] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0180] In some embodiments, the terminal measures the signal quality of the cell.

[0181] Step S3102: Report the signal quality of the cell.

[0182] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0183] In some embodiments, the terminal reports the cell's signal quality to the network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also report the cell's signal quality to other entities.

[0184] In some embodiments, the terminal may report the signal quality of the serving cell to the network device to which the serving cell belongs.

[0185] In some embodiments, the terminal may report the signal quality of neighboring cells to the network device to which the neighboring cells belong.

[0186] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0187] In some embodiments, step S3102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0188] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method executed by a network device, the method including:

[0189] Step S4101: Obtain the signal quality of the cell.

[0190] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0191] In some embodiments, the network device receives the signal quality of the cell sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive the signal quality of the cell sent by other entities.

[0192] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0193] Step S5101: The terminal reports the signal quality of the cell to the network device.

[0194] The optional implementation of step S5101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0195] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods of the embodiments described above on the communication system side, terminal side, network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0196] This disclosure provides an AI-assisted serving cell evaluation method for cell reselection in RRC idle mode. 5G and 6G will introduce AI-assisted mobility management. For example, AI-assisted handover reduces handover latency because it can obtain more predictive information about the UE. Similarly, AI-assisted optimization is possible and feasible for cell selection in RRC_IDLE mode.

[0197] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating the measurement section SSB for serving cell assessment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0198] As shown in Figure 6A, by using AI-assisted prediction of the distance between the UE and gNBs, the intervals at which the UE measures the distance on the serving cell can be adaptively modified by the UE. For example, during the time period t0 to t1, the UE needs to measure the SSB for serving cell assessment in each DRX; after time t1, if AI prediction of mobility (e.g., distance to the serving cell and the target cell) is available, the UE can skip some SSB-based measurements because the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) is better when closer to the serving gNB.

[0199] If AI-based predictions of mobility (e.g., distances to the serving and destination cells) are available, then for serving cell evaluation within the Nserv, the UE only needs to measure a portion of the SSB. The UE can autonomously choose to perform measurements based on a portion of the SSB, which is very helpful in reducing power consumption in RRC_Idle mode.

[0200] If AI prediction of UE mobility is available in RRC_Idle mode, then for cell selection for serving cell evaluation purposes, the UE only needs to measure a portion of the SSB. Therefore, the requirement for Nserv can be redefined as follows: if the UE evaluates the serving cell in a consecutive K*DRX cycle of Nserv according to Table 4.2.2.2-1 or Table 4.2.2.2-4 and finds that the serving cell does not meet the cell reselection criterion S, then the UE should initiate measurements of all neighboring cells indicated by the serving cell, regardless of the measurement rules currently restricting UE measurement activities.

[0201] When AI predicts the UE's mobility state (e.g., K is 1 if the distance to the current serving cell is greater than a certain threshold, otherwise K>1).

[0202] Figure 6B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] From the perspective of UE behavior itself, the serving cell evaluation process can be illustrated as shown in Figure 6B: The UE predicts whether its mobility (e.g., distance to the serving cell) is less than a threshold based on AI. If it is less than the threshold, the UE performs partial SSB measurements, i.e., measures the serving cell in some DRX SSBs. If it is not less than the threshold, the UE performs SSB measurements, i.e., measures the serving cell in every DRX SSB. The SSB for each DRX can be indicated to the UE by the network device to which the serving cell belongs. After obtaining the evaluation results based on the SSB, the UE reports the measurement results to the network device (e.g., gNB) to which the serving cell belongs. The UE determines whether the measurement results of the serving cell meet criterion S. If criterion S is not met, the UE performs SSB measurements in the target cell, for example, measures the target cell in every DRX SSB. The SSB for each DRX can be indicated to the UE by the network device to which the target cell belongs.

[0204] The UE measures the SS-RSRP and SS-RSRQ ratings of the serving cell and evaluates the cell selection criterion S defined in TS 38.304 for the serving cell at least once per M1*N1 DRX cycle; where if the SMTC cycle (T SMTC If M1 > 20ms and DRX loop ≤ 0.64 seconds, then M1 = 2; otherwise, M1 = 1.

[0205] The UE should use at least two measurements or perform at least two measurements to filter the SS-RSRP and SS-RSRQ measurements. In the set of measurements used for filtering, the interval between at least two measurements or at least two measurements should be at least DRX period / 2.

[0206] For UEs without highSpeedMeasFlagFR2-r17 configured, Nserv is specified in Table 4.2.2.2-1. For UEs with FR2 power class 6 and highSpeedMeasFlagFR2-r17 configured, Nserv is specified in Table 4.2.2.2-2.

[0207] If the UE does not configure eDRX_IDLE cycles, and the UE evaluates that the serving cell does not meet cell selection criterion S according to Table 4.2.2.2-1 or Table 4.2.2.2-4 in K*DRX consecutive DRX cycles, then the UE should initiate measurements for all neighboring cells indicated by the serving cell, regardless of the measurement rules currently restricting the UE's measurement activities.

[0208] If the UE is configured with eDRX_IDLE cycle, and the UE, according to Tables 4.2.2.2-2 and 4.2.2.2-3, determines the N value corresponding to an eDRX period ≤ 10.24s. serv If the serving cell does not meet the cell selection criterion S during a consecutive eDRX cycle, the UE should initiate measurements of all neighboring cells indicated by the serving cell, regardless of the measurement rules currently restricting the UE's measurement activities.

[0209] If the UE is configured with eDRX_IDLE loop, and according to Tables 4.2.2.2-2 and 4.2.2.2-3, within a single paging time window (PTW), in the consecutive N periods corresponding to eDRX cycles > 10.24s... serv If the serving cell does not meet the cell selection criterion S during a DRX cycle, the UE should initiate measurements of all neighboring cells indicated by the serving cell, regardless of the measurement rules currently restricting the UE's measurement activities.

[0210] For UEs configured with eDRX_IDLE cycle, N is specified for FR1 in Table 4.2.2.2-2. serv In Table 4.2.2.2-3, N is specified for FR2. serv .

[0211] If a UE in RRC_IDLE mode, during time T, fails to find any new suitable cells based on search and measurement using the intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-RAT information indicated in the system information, then the UE initiates a cell selection procedure for the selected PLMN as defined in TS 38.304, where:

[0212] If the UE is not configured with eDRX_IDLE period, then T = 10s; or

[0213] If the UE is configured with an eDRX_IDLE cycle in FR1, then T = MAX(10s, one eDRX_IDLE cycle); or

[0214] If the UE is configured in FR2 with an eDRX_IDLE period of less than 20.48s, then T = MAX(10s, N1 * eDRX_IDLE period);

[0215] Otherwise, if the UE is configured in FR2 with an eDRX_IDLE period of not less than 20.48s, then T = MAX(10s, one eDRX_IDLE period).

[0216] When AI predicts the UE's mobility state, K can be determined based on the prediction results. For example, K is 1 if the distance to the current serving cell is greater than a certain threshold, otherwise K>1.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] 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).

[0221] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the terminal 7100 may include a processing module 7101. In some embodiments, the processing module 7101 is used to measure the signal quality of a cell during a DRX-enabled time period in N discontinuous DRX reception cycles in response to the terminal being in a disconnected state, where N is less than or equal to M, and M is the number of DRX cycles used for cell signal quality assessment. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here.

[0222] In some embodiments, the terminal may further include a transceiver module.

[0223] In some embodiments, the N DRX cycles include: DRX cycles selected from every K consecutive DRX cycles in the M DRX cycles; wherein K is a positive integer, and K is less than or equal to M.

[0224] In some embodiments, K is determined based on prediction results, which are obtained by predicting the mobility parameters of the terminal using artificial intelligence (AI).

[0225] In some embodiments, the mobility parameters include at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal and the serving cell; the and / or relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell; the distance between the terminal and a neighboring cell; and the and / or relative speed between the terminal and a neighboring cell.

[0226] In some embodiments, K is determined as follows: in response to the prediction result satisfying the condition, K is determined to be 1; in response to the prediction result not satisfying the condition, K is determined to be greater than 1.

[0227] In some embodiments, the condition to be met includes at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal and the serving cell is greater than a first threshold; the distance between the terminal and a neighboring cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0228] In some embodiments, the signal quality of the cell is measured based on the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB).

[0229] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to report the signal quality of the cell to the network device.

[0230] In some embodiments, the cell includes at least one of a serving cell and neighboring cells; the processing module is further configured to: in response to the signal quality of the serving cell not meeting the cell selection criteria, the terminal measures the signal quality of the neighboring cells.

[0231] In some embodiments, the terminal measures the signal quality of neighboring cells based on SSB during each DRX cycle.

[0232] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the network device 7200 may include a transceiver module 7201. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is used to receive signal quality reports from terminals. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0233] In some embodiments, the network device may further include a processing module.

[0234] In some embodiments, the N DRX cycles include: DRX cycles selected from every K consecutive DRX cycles in the M DRX cycles; wherein K is a positive integer, and K is less than or equal to M.

[0235] In some embodiments, K is determined based on prediction results, which are obtained by predicting the mobility parameters of the terminal using artificial intelligence (AI).

[0236] In some embodiments, the mobility parameters include at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal and the serving cell; the relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell; the distance between the terminal and a neighboring cell; and the relative speed between the terminal and a neighboring cell.

[0237] In some embodiments, K is determined as follows: in response to the prediction result satisfying the condition, K is determined to be 1; in response to the prediction result not satisfying the condition, K is determined to be greater than 1.

[0238] In some embodiments, the condition to be met includes at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal and the serving cell is greater than a first threshold; the distance between the terminal and a neighboring cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0239] In some embodiments, the signal quality of the cell is measured based on the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB).

[0240] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0241] Figure 8A 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.

[0242] As shown in Figure 8A, 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. Optionally, the communication device 8100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 8101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0243] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8102, the transceiver 8102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto) in the above method, such as sending and / or receiving, and the processor 8101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0244] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8103 may be located outside the communication device 8100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuits 8104 are connected to the memories 8103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 8103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 8103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 can read data stored in the memories 8103 and send that data to the processor 8101.

[0245] 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 FIG8A. 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.

[0246] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 8200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 8200 shown in Figure 8B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0247] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201. Chip 8200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0248] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200. Optionally, interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive data from memory 8203 or other devices, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to send data to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 can read data stored in memory 8203 and send the data to processor 8201.

[0249] 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 (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto). For example, the interface circuit 8202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method means that the interface circuit 8202 performs data interaction between the processor 8201, the chip 8200, the memory 8203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 8201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto).

[0250] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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 by comprising: The method comprises: In response to the terminal being in a non-connected state, the terminal measures signal quality of a cell in a DRX on period in N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, N being less than or equal to M, M being a number of the DRX cycles used for cell received signal quality evaluation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The N DRX cycles comprise: Every K consecutive DRX cycles in the M DRX cycles are selected respectively; K is a positive integer, and the K is less than or equal to the M.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The K is determined based on a prediction result, the prediction result being obtained by predicting a mobility parameter of the terminal based on artificial intelligence (AI).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The mobility parameter comprises at least one of: A distance between the terminal and a serving cell; A relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell; A distance between the terminal and a neighboring cell; A relative speed between the terminal and the neighboring cell.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The K is determined in the following manner: In response to the prediction result satisfying a condition, the K is determined as 1; In response to the prediction result not satisfying the condition, the K is determined as greater than 1.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The condition satisfying comprises at least one of: The distance between the terminal and the serving cell being greater than a first threshold value; The distance between the terminal and the neighboring cell being greater than a second threshold value.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The signal quality of the cell is measured based on a synchronization signal block (SSB).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The terminal reports the signal quality of the cell to a network device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The cell comprises at least one of a serving cell and a neighboring cell; The method further comprises: In response to the signal quality of the serving cell not satisfying a cell selection criterion, the terminal measures the signal quality of the neighboring cell.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The terminal measuring the signal quality of the neighboring cell comprises: The terminal measures the signal quality of the neighboring cell based on an SSB in each DRX cycle.

11. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: A network device receives terminal reported signal quality; the signal quality is measured by the terminal in response to the terminal being in a non-connected state, the terminal measuring signal quality of a cell in a DRX on period in N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, N being less than or equal to M, M being a number of the DRX cycles used for cell received signal quality evaluation.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The N DRX cycles comprise: Every K consecutive DRX cycles in the M DRX cycles are selected respectively; K is a positive integer, and the K is less than or equal to the M.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The K is determined based on a prediction result, the prediction result being obtained by predicting a mobility parameter of the terminal based on artificial intelligence (AI).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The mobility parameter comprises at least one of: A distance between the terminal and a serving cell; A relative speed between the terminal and the serving cell; A distance between the terminal and a neighboring cell; A relative speed between the terminal and the neighboring cell.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The K is determined in the following manner: In response to the prediction result satisfying a condition, the K is determined as 1; In response to the prediction result not satisfying the condition, the K is determined as greater than 1.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The condition satisfying comprises at least one of: The distance between the terminal and the serving cell being greater than a first threshold value; The distance between the terminal and the neighboring cell being greater than a second threshold value. The distance between the terminal and the neighboring cell is greater than a second threshold.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The signal quality of the cell is measured based on a synchronization signal block (SSB).

18. A terminal, characterized by Comprising: a processing module, configured to measure the signal quality of the cell in a DRX on duration period in N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles in response to the terminal being in a non-connected state, wherein N is less than or equal to M, and M is a number of the DRX cycles used for the cell to receive the signal quality evaluation.

19. A network device, comprising: Comprising: a transceiver module, configured to receive the signal quality reported by the terminal; The signal quality is the signal quality of the cell measured by the terminal in a DRX on duration period in N discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles in response to the terminal being in a non-connected state, wherein N is less than or equal to M, and M is a number of the DRX cycles used for the cell to receive the signal quality evaluation.

20. A terminal, characterized by Comprising: one or more processors; The terminal is configured to perform the method in any of claims 1-10.

21. A network device, comprising: Comprising: one or more processors; The network device is configured to perform the method in any of claims 11-17.

22. A communication system, characterized by The terminal and the network device are configured to implement the method in any of claims 1-10 and 11-17, respectively.

23. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions are run on a communication device, the communication device is caused to perform the method in any of claims 1-10 or 11-17.

24. A program product, characterized by Comprising: a computer program, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method in any of claims 1-10 or 11-17.

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