Time-frequency synchronization method, device, system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a time-frequency synchronization method, a device, a system, and a storage medium. The method may be executed by a terminal. The method comprises: acquiring time-frequency synchronization on the basis of a first reference signal, wherein the first reference signal is a signal detected before a paging occasion and used for sensing. The present disclosure can effectively reduce the power consumption of a terminal while ensuring that the terminal can accurately receive a paging message at a paging occasion.

Description

Time and frequency synchronization methods, devices, systems and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to time and frequency synchronization methods, devices, systems and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is an emerging technology that aims to combine the traditional communication functions of wireless communication systems with environmental awareness capabilities to support a wider range of applications. ISAC allows a system to perform both communication and sensing tasks simultaneously, and this integration can improve spectral efficiency and system performance.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure presents time and frequency synchronization methods, devices, systems, and storage media.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a time-frequency synchronization method is proposed, executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0006] Time and frequency synchronization is obtained based on the first reference signal;

[0007] The first reference signal is a sensing signal detected before the paging opportunity.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0009] The transceiver module is used to obtain time and frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal;

[0010] The first reference signal is a sensing signal detected before the paging opportunity.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0012] One or more processors;

[0013] The communication device is used to execute the time and frequency synchronization method described in the first aspect.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the time-frequency synchronization method of the first aspect.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the time-frequency synchronization method as described in the first aspect.

[0016] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal can achieve time-frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal used for sensing without being woken up, even in an inactive or idle state. This can effectively reduce the terminal's power consumption while ensuring that the terminal can accurately receive the paging message at the paging time. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1B is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1C is an exemplary schematic diagram of a terminal paging process provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a time-frequency synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3A is an exemplary flowchart of a time-frequency synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3B is an exemplary flowchart of a time-frequency synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3C is an exemplary flowchart of a time-frequency synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 is an exemplary flowchart of a time-frequency synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5A is an exemplary structural diagram of a terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5B is an exemplary structural diagram of a network device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6A is an exemplary structural diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6B is an exemplary structural diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure provides a time-frequency synchronization method, apparatus, system, and storage medium.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a time-frequency synchronization method, executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0032] Time and frequency synchronization is obtained based on the first reference signal;

[0033] The first reference signal is a sensing signal detected before the paging opportunity.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the terminal can achieve time and frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal used for sensing without being woken up, even in an inactive or idle state. This can effectively reduce the terminal's power consumption while ensuring that the terminal can accurately receive the paging message at the paging time.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, some embodiments further include:

[0036] Once the time and frequency synchronization is completed, a paging message is received at the paging time.

[0037] In the above embodiments, the terminal can receive the paging message after the time and frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal is completed, which effectively ensures that the paging message can be correctly decoded and ensures the reliability of communication.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the sensing period corresponding to the first reference signal is less than the discontinuous reception (DRX) period.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first reference signal is detected once.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the first reference signal can be detected only once, which can further reduce the power consumption of the terminal.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the power used to detect the first reference signal is less than the power used to detect the synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0042] In the above embodiments, it can be ensured that the terminal can reliably detect the first reference signal with low power, thus ensuring the reliability of communication.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first reference signal is a positioning reference signal (PRS).

[0044] In the above embodiments, signals already defined in related technologies can be used for time and frequency synchronization before paging, which effectively reduces the complexity of the system.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the terminal is reselecting a cell, the interruption duration of the paging message is less than or equal to the sum of the sensing period corresponding to the first reference signal and the DRX period.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the interruption time of paging messages is effectively minimized, thereby effectively improving the reliability of communication.

[0048] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, comprising:

[0049] The transceiver module is used to obtain time and frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal;

[0050] The first reference signal is a sensing signal detected before the paging opportunity.

[0051] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including:

[0052] One or more processors;

[0053] The communication device is used to execute the time and frequency synchronization method described in the first aspect.

[0054] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a terminal and a network device; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0055] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0056] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product, including a computer program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0057] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in an alternative implementation of the first aspect.

[0058] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect above.

[0059] 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.

[0060] This disclosure provides a time and frequency synchronization method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method, information processing method, and time and frequency synchronization method can be used interchangeably; terms such as communication device, information processing device, and time and frequency synchronization device can be used interchangeably; and terms such as information processing system and communication system can be used interchangeably.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0066] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0071] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0072] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0073] 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”.

[0074] 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.

[0075] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0081] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102. In some embodiments, the network device 102 includes at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In some embodiments, the core network equipment can be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or it can 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 can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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).

[0092] In some embodiments, the main factors causing terminal power consumption are paging listening of idle and inactive active UEs, and downlink allocation / uplink grant scheduling of connected UEs.

[0093] In some embodiments, the communication system can integrate sensing functions. As shown in FIG1B, the network device 102 can not only communicate with the terminal 101, but also sense surrounding targets, such as the terminal 101 and objects 103. The object 103 can be any object capable of reflecting sensing signals, such as a mountain or a vehicle. Referring to FIG1B, the network device 102 can transmit communication signals to the terminal 101 to achieve communication, and the network device 102 can also send sensing signals to the terminal 101 and the object 103, and receive reflected signals respectively to achieve the purpose of sensing.

[0094] In some embodiments, when a UE in an idle or inactive state needs to be woken up to receive paging information, it needs to be powered on in advance before the paging occupancy (PO) because time and frequency synchronization is required to accurately decode the paging information.

[0095] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1C, during a DRX cycle, when in an idle or inactive state, the UE needs to be woken up during the SSB listening time in order to obtain time-frequency (TF) synchronization before the predetermined paging time, which will increase the terminal's power consumption. It is understood that TF synchronization may include time synchronization and / or frequency synchronization.

[0096] In some embodiments, the sensing reference signal can be designed based on NRPRS. According to the requirements defined in the protocol, the SINR conditions for PRS detection can be as low as -6 and -13 dB for the reference cell and neighboring cells, respectively. Compared to the SINR condition (-4 dB) for SSB detection, PRS has a higher probability of successful detection at the same SINR level. In other words, if TF synchronization before paging reception depends on PRS, the number of detection attempts will be reduced. Furthermore, if the sensing reference signal is designed based on PRS in NR, better detection performance can be obtained under the same SINR conditions. That is, the UE may successfully achieve TF synchronization in a single sensing attempt.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1C, in order to reduce the power consumption of the UE in detecting paging information, if the sensing period is less than the DRX period, the UE can realize TF synchronization based on the sensing reference signal detected or listened to before the PO.

[0098] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a time-frequency synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a time-frequency synchronization method, which includes:

[0099] Step S2101: The terminal detects the first reference signal.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terminal detects a first reference signal before a paging opportunity. Optionally, the terminal detects the first reference signal before each paging opportunity.

[0101] In some embodiments, the paging timing may be configured for the terminal by the network device. Optionally, the terminal detects the paging message at each paging timing.

[0102] In some embodiments, the terminal detects the first reference signal once. Optionally, the terminal detects the first reference signal once before each paging opportunity. That is, the terminal may attempt to detect the first reference signal only once before each paging opportunity.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first reference signal is used for sensing. For example, the first reference signal can be used by the network device to sense information such as the speed and range of surrounding objects such as terminals, mountains, and vehicles.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first reference signal is different from a signal used solely for communication purposes. Optionally, the first reference signal can be used for both sensing and communication.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first reference signal may be transmitted by a network device. Alternatively, the first reference signal may also be transmitted by another terminal.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first reference signal may be a positioning reference signal (PRS). Optionally, the first reference signal may be designed based on the PRS. For example, the first reference signal may use the same frequency as the PRS, or support the same frequency range, or use the same modulation and demodulation method.

[0107] In some embodiments, the sensing period corresponding to the first reference signal is shorter than the DRX period. It is understood that the terminal can switch states based on the DRX period, not listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) during sleep time (inactive or idle state), and listening to the PDCCH during sleep time (active state), for example, receiving the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB). Simultaneously, the terminal can detect the first reference signal in either the idle or inactive state; for example, the terminal can detect the first reference signal once per sensing period in the idle state.

[0108] Optionally, the terminal determines the DRX period of the sensing periodic cell before executing steps S2102 and / or S2103 after detecting the first reference signal.

[0109] In some embodiments, the sensing period of the first reference signal may be configured by the network device for the terminal.

[0110] In some embodiments, the power used to detect the first reference signal is less than the power used to detect the SSB. Optionally, under the same SINR conditions, the success rate of detecting the first reference signal is higher than that of detecting the SSB.

[0111] For example, if the first reference signal is a PRS or a signal designed based on PRS, the SINR detection conditions for the first reference signal can be as low as -6dB in the reference cell and -13dB in the neighboring cell, while the SINR condition for SSB detection is -4dB. Thus, compared to using SSB for TF synchronization, the terminal is more likely to successfully achieve TF synchronization in a single detection.

[0112] Optionally, the first reference signal can be a low-power signal. Optionally, the terminal can detect or listen to the first reference signal with low power consumption.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terminal may detect or listen to the first reference signal in an idle state or an inactive state. Optionally, the terminal may perform one or more of steps S2101, S2102 and S2103 described below in an idle state or an inactive state.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first reference signal may also be referred to as a "sensing reference signal", "synthetic reference signal", "sensing application signal", etc., and the names are not limited in the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0115] In some embodiments, the terminal executes step S2102 in response to detecting the first reference signal.

[0116] In step S2102, the terminal obtains time and frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terminal obtains time-frequency synchronization for the next paging message reception based on a first reference signal.

[0118] Understandably, the terminal can detect the first reference signal before each paging opportunity, and after detecting the first reference signal, perform time and frequency synchronization for the next paging message reception. In other words, the time and frequency synchronization obtained by the terminal based on a certain first reference signal can be used only for receiving paging messages at the next paging opportunity.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terminal may measure the first reference signal to obtain a measurement result, and perform time and frequency synchronization based on the measurement result. The measurement result may include one or more of the following: time offset, frequency offset, signal-to-noise ratio, time delay, phase difference, and reference signal reception quality of the first reference signal.

[0120] For example, the terminal can achieve time synchronization based on timing information in the first reference signal. For instance, the first reference signal may contain periodic timing markers, and the terminal can determine the signal start point based on the timing markers to achieve time alignment with the network device.

[0121] For example, the terminal can achieve frequency synchronization by measuring the frequency deviation of the received first reference signal.

[0122] In some embodiments, the terminal executes step S2103 in response to the completion of time and frequency synchronization or the acquisition of time and frequency synchronization.

[0123] Step S2103: The terminal receives a paging message sent by the network device.

[0124] In some embodiments, the terminal determines that time and frequency synchronization is complete, or obtains time and frequency synchronization, and receives a paging message sent by the network device at the paging time.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal determines that time and frequency synchronization is complete, or obtains time and frequency synchronization, and receives a paging message sent by the network device at the next paging opportunity.

[0126] In some embodiments, the terminal determines that time and frequency synchronization is complete, or obtains time and frequency synchronization, and expects to receive a paging message sent by the network device at the next paging opportunity.

[0127] In some embodiments, a paging message can be used to inform a terminal network device that there is a downlink data or service request for that terminal. Optionally, the network device can send the message at specific time intervals, which may be referred to as paging timings or paging opportunities.

[0128] In some embodiments, paging messages can be transmitted via PDCCH or other dedicated paging channels. Optionally, the terminal can listen to the PDCCH or other dedicated paging channels during paging to receive paging messages sent by network devices.

[0129] Understandably, when a terminal is undergoing cell reselection, it should try its best not to interrupt paging reception and monitoring of the downlink channel.

[0130] In some embodiments, during intra-frequency and / or inter-frequency cell reselection, the terminal may maintain paging reception listening for the downlink of the current serving cell until the terminal is able to begin paging reception listening for the downlink of the target cell.

[0131] In some embodiments, when the terminal is in cell reselection, the interruption duration of the paging message is less than or equal to the sum of the sensing period corresponding to the first reference signal and the DRX period.

[0132] Optionally, during cell reselection within and / or between frequencies, the interruption duration of the terminal is less than or equal to T. SI-NR +1*Ttarget_cell_sensingRS_period milliseconds. Where Ttarget_cell_sensingRS_period can be the sensing period of the first reference signal.

[0133] In some embodiments, time-frequency synchronization can be used to decode paging messages. That is, the terminal can accurately decode paging information only after time-frequency synchronization is completed.

[0134] In some embodiments, after decoding the paging message, the terminal can determine whether it needs to be woken up and prepared to receive data or services based on the paging message.

[0135] 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.

[0136] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0137] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0138] In some embodiments, terms such as "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)" and "DL data" can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as "physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)" and "UL data".

[0139] In some embodiments, the terms "synchronization signal (SS)," "synchronization signal block (SSB)," "reference signal (RS)," "pilot," and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0140] 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.”

[0141] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)," "cell," "frequency carrier," and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0142] 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.

[0143] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0146] 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.

[0147] The time and frequency synchronization method disclosed in this embodiment may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2103. For example, step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2101 + step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S2102 + step S2103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment (examples of combinations of important steps relating to the inventive point), but are not limited thereto.

[0148] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0149] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2 may be referred to.

[0150] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a time-frequency synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to a time-frequency synchronization method (terminal side), which includes:

[0151] Step S3101: Obtain the first reference signal.

[0152] 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.

[0153] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a first reference signal sent by a network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a first reference signal sent by another entity.

[0154] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the first reference signal, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0155] Step S3102: Obtain time and frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal.

[0156] 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.

[0157] Step S3103: Obtain the paging message.

[0158] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0159] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a paging message sent by a network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a paging message sent by other entities.

[0160] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the first reference signal, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0161] The time and frequency synchronization method disclosed in this embodiment may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S3101 + step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S3102 + step S3103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment (examples of combinations of important steps related to the inventive point), but are not limited thereto.

[0162] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0163] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a time-frequency synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the present disclosure relates to a time-frequency synchronization method (terminal side), which includes:

[0164] Step S3201: Obtain time and frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal.

[0165] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2, step S3102 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0166] Step S3202: Determine that time and frequency synchronization is complete, and receive the paging message sent by the network device when paging occurs.

[0167] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in step S2103 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S3103 of Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0168] Figure 3C is a flowchart illustrating a time-frequency synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a time-frequency synchronization method (terminal side), which includes:

[0169] Step S3301: Obtain time and frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal.

[0170] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in step S2102 in Figure 2, step S3102 in Figure 3A, the optional implementation of step S3201 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0171] In some embodiments, time and frequency synchronization is obtained based on a first reference signal; wherein the first reference signal is a sensing signal detected before the paging opportunity.

[0172] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0173] Once time and frequency synchronization is complete, receive the paging message at the appropriate time for paging.

[0174] In some embodiments, the sensing period corresponding to the first reference signal is less than the discontinuous reception DRX period.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first reference signal is detected once.

[0176] In some embodiments, the power used to detect the first reference signal is less than the power used to detect the synchronization signal block SSB.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first reference signal is a positioning reference signal PRS.

[0178] In some embodiments, the terminal is in an idle or inactive state.

[0179] In some embodiments, when the terminal is in cell reselection, the interruption duration of the paging message is less than or equal to the sum of the sensing period corresponding to the first reference signal and the DRX period.

[0180] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a time-frequency synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the present disclosure relates to a time-frequency synchronization method, which includes:

[0181] Step S4101: The UE achieves time and frequency synchronization based on the sensing reference signal prior to the paging timing.

[0182] In some embodiments, the sensing reference signal is different from the signal used for communication purposes.

[0183] In some embodiments, the sensing reference signal can be designed based on PRS.

[0184] In some embodiments, when the UE receives a paging message in an idle state and / or an inactive state, it obtains time and frequency synchronization by sensing a reference signal.

[0185] In some embodiments, the number of times the UE attempts to detect the sensing reference signal may be one.

[0186] In some embodiments, if the sensing period is less than the DRX period, the UE achieves time-frequency synchronization based on the sensing reference signal prior to the paging opportunity.

[0187] In some embodiments, during cell reselection within and / or between frequencies, the interruption duration of the UE is less than or equal to T. SI-NR+1*Ttarget_cell_sensingRS_period milliseconds. Where Ttarget_cell_sensingRS_period can be the sensing period of the first reference signal.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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).

[0192] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the terminal 5100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5101, a processing module 5102, etc. Optionally, the transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 5102 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0193] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the network device 5200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5201, a processing module 5202, etc. Optionally, the transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 5202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0194] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0195] 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.

[0196] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 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 6100 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.

[0197] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 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 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0198] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 6101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0199] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0200] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a 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.

[0201] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0202] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0203] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0204] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 6202 performs data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0205] 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.

[0206] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 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.

[0207] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0208] 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 time-frequency synchronization method, characterized in that, The method, executed by a terminal, includes: Time and frequency synchronization is obtained based on the first reference signal; The first reference signal is a sensing signal detected before the paging opportunity.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Once the time and frequency synchronization is completed, a paging message is received at the paging time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing period corresponding to the first reference signal is less than the discontinuous reception DRX period.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first reference signal is detected once.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The power used to detect the first reference signal is less than the power used to detect the synchronization signal block SSB.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first reference signal is the positioning reference signal PRS.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The terminal is in an idle or inactive state.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, When the terminal performs cell reselection, the interruption duration of the paging message is less than or equal to the sum of the sensing period and the DRX period corresponding to the first reference signal.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to obtain time and frequency synchronization based on the first reference signal; The first reference signal is a sensing signal detected before the paging opportunity.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The communication device is used to perform the time and frequency synchronization method according to any one of claims 1-8.

11. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the time and frequency synchronization method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

12. A computer program product comprising a computer program and / or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program and / or the instructions are executed by the communication device, the time and frequency synchronization method as described in any one of claims 1-8 is implemented.

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