Measurement method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

Disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a measurement method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: receiving configuration information, wherein the configuration information comprises first information configured for a terminal that supports one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, and store-and-forward; and performing neighbour cell measurement on the basis of the configuration information. Therefore, the problem of invalid cell measurement performed by a terminal is avoided to a certain extent.

Description

Measurement methods, communication equipment, communication systems and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a measurement method, communication device, communication system and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] The relevant protocols propose enhancing downlink (DL) coverage in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) by maximizing the number of beams that can be activated simultaneously, thereby improving the downlink signal coverage quality and range of NTN networks over the ground or specific areas. Alternatively, in scenarios with unstable communication, a store-and-forward mode can be used to improve communication reliability.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a measurement method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0005] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a measurement method, which is executed by a terminal, and the method includes:

[0006] Receive configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes first information for terminal configuration supporting one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, stored first and then sent; and neighbor cell measurement based on the configuration information.

[0007] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a measurement method, which is performed by a network device, and the method includes:

[0008] Send configuration information, which includes first information for terminals that support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, stored first and then sent.

[0009] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a terminal, the terminal comprising:

[0010] The transceiver module is used to receive configuration information, which includes first information configured for terminals that support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, stored first and then transmitted;

[0011] The processing module is used to perform neighbor cell measurements based on configuration information.

[0012] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a network device, the network device comprising:

[0013] The transceiver module is used to send configuration information, which includes first information for terminals that support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, and storage before transmission.

[0014] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a terminal, the terminal comprising: one or more processors;

[0015] The processor is used to execute the method described in the first aspect above.

[0016] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a network device, the network device comprising: one or more processors;

[0017] The processor is used to execute the method as described in the second aspect above.

[0018] A seventh aspect of this disclosure provides a communication system including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect above, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0019] An eighth aspect of this disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal, cause the terminal to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0020] A ninth aspect of this disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a network device, cause the network device to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0021] A tenth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the first aspect above.

[0022] The eleventh aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the second aspect above.

[0023] The solution proposed in this disclosure allows the terminal to perform neighbor cell measurements based on received first information supporting downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-stored and then transmitted association. This provides a degree of protection against invalid neighbor cell measurements and reduces the terminal's power consumption during neighbor cell measurements. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure will be described below.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figures 2A-2B are interactive schematic diagrams of a measurement method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure provides a measurement method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a measurement method, which is executed by a terminal. The method includes: receiving configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes first information configured for a terminal supporting one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, stored first and then sent; and performing neighboring cell measurement based on the configuration information.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the terminal can perform neighbor cell measurements based on the received first information supporting downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-stored and then transmitted association. This provides a certain degree of protection against the terminal performing invalid neighbor cell measurements and reduces the terminal's power consumption in neighbor cell measurements.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information also includes second information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement is stored first and then sent.

[0034] In the above embodiments, by configuring first information for terminals that support downlink coverage enhancement and / or store-before-transmit, and configuring second information for terminals that do not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or store-before-transmit, it is ensured that all types of terminals can accurately perform neighbor cell measurements according to their own capabilities, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of neighbor cell measurements and reducing the power consumption of neighbor cell measurements.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal supports downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-storage and post-transmission, and performs neighbor cell measurements based on the first information and the second information.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal does not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-store and then transmit, and performs neighbor cell measurements based on the second information.

[0037] In the above embodiments, different terminals can determine the cells that need to be measured by neighboring cells according to their own capabilities, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of neighboring cell measurement and reducing the power consumption of neighboring cell measurement.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information mentioned above includes one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

[0039] In the above embodiments, multiple cell lists can be configured for terminals that support downlink coverage enhancement and / or store-before-transmit, thereby providing conditions and basis for further improving the accuracy of neighbor cell measurements by such terminals.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information described above also includes the period of the cell's synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0041] In the above embodiments, the first information may also include the period of the SSB of the cell, thereby providing conditions and basis for improving the success rate of random access for this type of terminal.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information associated with the downlink coverage enhancement described above is different from the first information associated with pre-stored and post-sent information.

[0043] In the above embodiments, by configuring different first information for downlink coverage enhancement and pre-stored transmission respectively, the flexibility of measurement configuration is improved, providing a more accurate and reliable basis for terminals supporting downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-stored transmission to perform neighbor cell measurements.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information mentioned above further includes the state transition time associated with the cell, and the method mentioned above further includes any one of the following:

[0045] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the allowed cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list.

[0046] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the excluded cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

[0047] In the above embodiments, by configuring an associated state transition time for the cell, the terminal can automatically determine the cell's state based on that time, thus providing conditions for reducing the transmission frequency of configuration information and the transmission resources occupied.

[0048] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a measurement method, which is executed by a network device. The method includes: sending configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes first information for a terminal that supports one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, stored before being sent.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information also includes second information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement is stored first and then sent.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information mentioned above includes one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information described above also includes the period of the cell's synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information of the downlink coverage enhancement association described above is different from the first information of the association that is stored first and then sent later.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information mentioned above further includes the state transition time associated with the cell, and the method mentioned above further includes any one of the following:

[0054] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the allowed cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list.

[0055] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the excluded cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

[0056] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, the terminal comprising:

[0057] The transceiver module is used to receive configuration information, which includes first information configured for terminals that support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, stored first and then transmitted;

[0058] The processing module is used to perform neighbor cell measurements based on configuration information.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information also includes second information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement is stored first and then sent.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal supports downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-storage and post-transmission, and the above-mentioned processing module is also used to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first information and the second information.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal does not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-storage and post-transmission. The above-mentioned processing module is also used to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the second information.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information mentioned above includes one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information described above also includes the period of the cell's synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information of the downlink coverage enhancement association described above is different from the first information of the pre-stored and post-sent association.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information mentioned above further includes the state transition time associated with the cell, and the processing module is further configured to perform any of the following:

[0066] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the allowed cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list.

[0067] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the excluded cell list, then determine whether any cell is transitioned from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

[0068] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, the network device comprising:

[0069] The transceiver module is used to send configuration information, which includes first information for terminals that support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, and storage before transmission.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information also includes second information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following configurations: downlink coverage enhancement stored first and then sent.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information mentioned above includes one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information described above also includes the period of the cell's synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information of the downlink coverage enhancement association described above is different from the first information of the pre-stored and post-sent association.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information mentioned above further includes the state transition time associated with the cell, and the network device further includes a processing module for performing any of the following:

[0075] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the allowed cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list.

[0076] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the excluded cell list, then determine whether any cell is transitioned from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

[0077] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, the terminal comprising: one or more processors; wherein the communication device is used to execute the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect.

[0078] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the communication device is configured to execute the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0079] In a seventh aspect, 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 first aspect and optional implementations thereof, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0080] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal, cause the terminal to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementations.

[0081] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a network device, cause the network device to perform the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0082] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect.

[0083] In the eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0084] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect.

[0085] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0086] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0087] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0088] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, access network devices, core network devices, communication 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 that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0089] This disclosure provides a measurement method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "measurement method" and "information processing method," "communication method," etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms "measurement device" and "information processing device," "communication device," etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms "measurement system" and "information processing system," "communication system," etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the aforementioned," "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 or a plural expression.

[0094] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0095] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0101] 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”.

[0102] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0103] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0104] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0105] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0109] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0110] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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 Protocol Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0118] 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.

[0119] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​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.

[0120] 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 measurement 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).

[0121] The relevant protocol proposes to improve the downlink signal coverage quality and range of the NTN network to the ground or a specific area by maximizing the number of beams that can be activated simultaneously through Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) downlink (DL) coverage enhancement.

[0122] Optionally, in an NTN network, different beam footprints under a single satellite belong to different communication cells, meaning each beam covers a specific area; or, different beam footprints under a single satellite belong to the same cell. In other words, the relationship between beam footprints and cells under a single satellite can be one-to-one or many-to-one.

[0123] Optionally, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) already supports cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) and / or discontinuous reception (DRX) management mechanisms. For Cell DTX, the cell does not perform downlink transmission during DTX activation. For Cell DRX, the cell does not perform uplink reception during DRX activation.

[0124] Optionally, 3GPP also agreed to extend the Synchronization Signal / PBCH Block (SSB) period to 160 milliseconds (ms) or 320 ms. However, during the initial access phase, legacy UEs typically assume an SSB period of 20 ms. Therefore, for a cell using a 160 ms SSB period, the legacy UE might be unable to access the cell.

[0125] Optionally, cells supporting DL CE that the legacy UE cannot access can be included in the excluded cell list of neighboring cells broadcast in the system message. However, if all neighboring cells on a frequency point are DL coverage enhancement cells that the legacy UE cannot access, even if the above method is followed, the legacy UE may still perform measurements on that frequency point and attempt to detect new cells, which introduces unnecessary measurement overhead.

[0126] In some embodiments, a store-and-forward mode is also proposed to improve communication reliability.

[0127] Optionally, when the terminal sends uplink data, the terminal can first send the data to the satellite. If the satellite is not connected to the ground node (e.g., the gateway), for example, there is no feeder link, the satellite can store the data first. Later, when the satellite is connected to the ground node, for example, after a feeder link is established, the satellite forwards the data to the ground node (e.g., the gateway). The ground node can then successfully receive the data sent by the UE.

[0128] Optionally, when the terminal transmits downlink data, the ground node (gateway or data network) prepares to send data to the terminal. If the ground node is not connected to the satellite at this time (e.g., no feederlink), the ground node can first cache the data, for example, by the Serving Gateway (S-GW) or the Mobility Management Entity (MME). Once the ground node establishes a connection with the satellite (feederlink), the ground node then sends the data to the satellite. If the satellite can establish a connection with the UE, the satellite sends the data to the UE. If the satellite cannot establish a connection with the UE, the satellite saves the data and waits until a connection is established with the UE before sending the data to the UE. Thus, the UE completes the downlink data reception.

[0129] For cells supporting store and forward functionality, legacy terminals may not be able to access these cells normally, so it's necessary to prevent legacy terminals from accessing such cells. Currently, the main solution under discussion is how to prevent legacy UEs from being barred through a cell barring mechanism. However, legacy UEs still first measure cells supporting store and forward functionality, then reselect to that cell and read system messages to obtain the barring bit configuration before knowing whether they have been barred. This measurement and reselection operation wastes terminal power.

[0130] This disclosure proposes that by separately indicating first information for measurement to terminals that support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-stored transmission, terminals that do not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-stored transmission can accurately determine which frequency points do not need to be measured, thus avoiding unnecessary measurement overhead.

[0131] The measurement method, communication equipment, communication system, and storage medium provided in this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0132] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the measurement method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is executed by a communication system, which includes a terminal and a network device. The method includes:

[0133] Step S2101: Send configuration information.

[0134] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes first information for terminal configuration that supports one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, and storage before transmission.

[0135] In some embodiments, phrases such as "configuration information includes first information configured for terminals supporting downlink coverage enhancement and / or store-before-transfer," "the first information in the configuration information is configured for terminals supporting downlink coverage enhancement and / or store-before-transfer," "the first information in the configuration information corresponds to the downlink coverage enhancement and / or store-before-transfer function," and "the first information in the configuration information is associated with the downlink coverage enhancement and / or store-before-transfer function" can all be used to indicate that terminals supporting downlink coverage enhancement and / or store-before-transfer can perform neighbor cell measurements based on the first information. In some scenarios, the above descriptions can be interchanged.

[0136] In some embodiments, the configuration information may be "neighboring cell measurement configuration information".

[0137] In some embodiments, downlink coverage enhancement can be NTN downlink coverage enhancement.

[0138] In some embodiments, downlink coverage enhancement functions include, for example, assuming an SSB period greater than 20ms or greater than 160ms during the initial search of the extended cell; or, downlink coverage enhancement functions can be DTX and / or DRX functions for idle and / or inactive cells of the NTN, or DTX / DRX functions for connected cells of the NTN; or, coverage enhancement functions can be for any one or more of the following: Message (Msg)2, Msg4, Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), and Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH).

[0139] In some embodiments, terms such as "store first, then send", "store first, then send", "store and send", and "store-and-forward" can be used to indicate that a communication device can store data first when there is no available communication link, and then forward the data when there is an available communication link. In some scenarios, the above terms can be used interchangeably.

[0140] In some embodiments, the network device may send configuration information to the terminal.

[0141] In some embodiments, the terminal may be a New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network User Equipment (NR NTN UE).

[0142] In some embodiments, for NR NTN networks, configuration information may be provided through one or more of System Information Blocks (SIBs) 3, 4, and 5.

[0143] In some embodiments, SIB3 can be used to provide information related to intra-frequency (intra-freq) cell reselection. SIB4 can be used to provide information related to inter-frequency (inter-freq) cell reselection. SIB5 can be used to provide information related to handover between different Radio Access Technologies (RATs).

[0144] In some embodiments, the terminal may also be an Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network User Equipment (IoT NTN UE).

[0145] In some embodiments, for an IOT NTN employing the LTE protocol, the configuration information is provided through one or more of SIB4 (intra-freq), SIB5 (inter-freq), and SIB24 (inter-RAT cell reselection for NR).

[0146] In some embodiments, the terminal may also be a 6th Generation User Equipment (6GUE).

[0147] In some embodiments, for 6G NTN networks, configuration information can also be provided by one or more of the following: providing an SIB for intra-freq cell reselection configuration, providing an SIB for inter-freq cell reselection configuration, and providing an SIB for intra-RAT cell reselection configuration.

[0148] In some embodiments, downlink coverage enhancement and pre-stored transmission are two independent functions, and the network device can provide first information separately for each function. That is, the first information associated with downlink coverage enhancement is different from the first information associated with pre-stored transmission.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first information associated with downlink coverage enhancement is information configured by the network device for terminals that support downlink coverage enhancement. Terminals supporting downlink coverage enhancement can perform neighbor cell measurements based on this first information.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first information associated with the "store before send" function is information configured by the network device for terminals that support the "store before send" function. Terminals that support the "store before send" function can perform measurements of neighboring cells based on this first information.

[0151] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by separately configuring the associated first information for downlink coverage enhancement and pre-store-later transmission functions, conditions are provided for terminals with different capabilities to accurately determine the neighboring cells that need to be measured, thereby reducing measurement power consumption.

[0152] In some embodiments, the downlink coverage enhancement and the first information associated with pre-stored and post-transmitted information are different, and may include one or more of the following: the cells in the neighbor cell lists associated with them are different (completely different or not completely the same), the measurement types associated with them are different, the measurement periods associated with them are different, and other measurement parameters associated with them are different.

[0153] In some embodiments, the downlink coverage enhancement and the first information associated with pre-stored and post-transmitted information are different, and can be completely different from or at least partially different from the above.

[0154] In some embodiments, the neighbor cell list in the first information of downlink coverage enhancement association is neighbor cell list #1, and the measurement type is Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP); while the neighbor cell list in the first information of pre-stored and post-transmitted association is neighbor cell list #2, and the measurement type is Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).

[0155] In some embodiments, the neighbor cell list in the first information of downlink coverage enhancement association is neighbor cell list#1, and the measurement type is Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP)#1; while the neighbor cell list in the first information of pre-stored and post-transmitted association is neighbor cell list#2, and the measurement type is RSRP#2.

[0156] It should be noted that the above is only an illustrative description of the differences in the first information associated with downlink coverage enhancement and pre-stored transmission, and should not be taken as a restrictive description of the differences in the first information associated with downlink coverage enhancement and pre-stored transmission.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first information provided by the network device for downlink coverage enhancement and pre-stored and then transmitted can be sent through different messages, or it can be sent simultaneously through the same message. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first information may include one or more of the following: a neighbor cell list, an allowed cell list, and an excluded cell list.

[0159] In some embodiments, terms such as "excluded cell list," "blacklisted cell list," "banned cell list," "blocked cell list," and "excluded cell list" can all be used to indicate cells that do not require measurement. In some scenarios, the above terms can be used interchangeably.

[0160] In some embodiments, measurement information for cells that support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-stored and then transmitted can be indicated by adding cell lists to the measurement configuration, such as adding neighbor cell lists, adding allowed cell lists, and adding excluded cell lists.

[0161] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by providing various types of cell lists for terminals that support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-store and post-transfer, conditions are provided for further improving the accuracy of neighbor cell measurements by the terminal and reducing the power consumption of neighbor cell measurements by the terminal.

[0162] In some embodiments, the configuration information also includes a second set of information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, store first and then send.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second information may include one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first information and the second information are configured through a configuration information, in which case the lists included in the first information may be located after the lists included in the second information.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second information can be configured using a cell list in an existing measurement configuration.

[0166] For example, for NR NTN terminals, regarding the Inter-frequency measurement configuration, the frequency points included in the second information in SIB4, such as the interFreqCarrierFreqList (including those without suffixes and those with suffixes like v1610, -v1700, -v1720, -v1730, -v1760, -v1800, etc.), are only those whose subordinate cells are cells that Legacy UEs can access, and which do not contain any cells that support NTN downlink coverage enhancement that Legacy UEs cannot access and / or camp on, or both. Simultaneously, a new first piece of information is introduced, such as the Inter-frequency carrier frequency list, where the frequency points include those that contain cells that support NTN downlink coverage enhancement that Legacy UEs cannot access and / or camp on. The newly introduced Inter-frequency carrier frequency list can contain some or all of the parameters from the interFreqCarrierFreqList (including those without suffixes, and those with suffixes such as v1610, -v1700, -v1720, -v1730, -v1760, -v1800, etc.). Similarly, for inter-RAT measurements, a dedicated Inter-RAT frequency list for NTN downlink coverage enhancement can also be introduced.

[0167] Alternatively, for IoT NTN terminals, for Inter-frequency measurement configuration, a new primary information, such as an Inter-frequency carrier frequency list, can be introduced into SIB5. This list includes frequencies that include cells under which Legacy UEs cannot access and / or camp, and which support NTN downlink coverage enhancement or store-and-forward functionality. This newly introduced Inter-frequency carrier frequency list can include some or all parameters from interFreqCarrierFreqList and / or the extended inter-frequency carrier frequency list (interFreqCarrierFreqListExt). If the interFreqCarrierFreqList and / or interFreqCarrierFreqListExt in SIB5 are not specifically for cells supporting NTN downlink coverage enhancement and / or supporting store-and-forward functionality, they can only carry frequencies under them that do not include cells supporting NTN downlink coverage enhancement and / or supporting store-and-forward functionality. Similarly, for inter-RAT measurements, a dedicated Inter-RAT frequency list for NTN downlink coverage enhancement / store-and-forward can be introduced.

[0168] Alternatively, for inter RAT NR neighbor cell measurements, a new primary information, such as the Inter frequency carrier frequency list, can be introduced in SIB24. The frequency points in this list are those that contain cells under which Legacy UEs cannot access and / or camp, and that support NTN downlink coverage enhancement, or cells that support store and forward functionality.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first information may also include the SSB period of the cell. For example, if the first information includes an SSB period of 160ms, terminals supporting downlink coverage enhancement can perform random access based on this SSB period, increasing the probability of successful random access.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first and second information also include a measurement type to indicate the type of measurement that the terminal needs to perform. This could be one or more of the following: signal strength measurement, such as Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP); signal quality measurement, such as Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ); load measurement; etc.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first information associated with the "store first, send later" function also includes the state transition time associated with the cell.

[0172] In some embodiments, when the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and that cell is in the allowed cell list, then it can be determined that the cell is transitioned from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list.

[0173] For example, if the state transition time associated with cell #1 in the allowed cell list included in the first information is t1, then after time t1, cell #1 will become a cell in the excluded cell list.

[0174] Alternatively, if the state transition time associated with cell #1 in the allowed cell list included in the first information is t1, then after t1 time, cell #1 will become a cell in the excluded cell list. After another t1 time, cell #1 will become a cell in the allowed cell list again.

[0175] In some embodiments, when the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and that cell is in the excluded cell list, then it can be determined that the cell is transitioned from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

[0176] For example, if the state transition time associated with cell #2 in the excluded cell list included in the first information is t2, then after the duration of t2, cell #2 will become a cell in the allowed cell list.

[0177] Alternatively, if the state transition time associated with cell #2 in the excluded cell list included in the first information is t2, then after t2 hours, cell #2 will become a cell in the allowed cell list. After another t2 hours, cell #2 will again become a cell in the excluded cell list.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first information associated with the "store first, send later" function may include the state transition time associated with each cell in the allowed cell list and / or excluded cell list.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first information associated with the "store first, send later" function may include the state transition times associated with a subset of cells (e.g., one or more cells) in the allowed cell list and / or excluded cell list. In this case, only for cells associated with state transition times do their cell lists need to be updated over time.

[0180] In some embodiments, the state transition times associated with each cell in the first information associated with the "store first, send later" function can be the same or different.

[0181] In some embodiments, when the state transition times associated with each cell in the first information associated with the "store first, send later" function are the same, only one state transition time needs to be included in the first information, thereby reducing the amount of resources occupied by the transmission of the first information.

[0182] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by configuring an associated state transition time for a cell, the frequency of network devices sending configuration information to the terminal can be reduced. The terminal can determine the latest state of the cell based on the state transition time, thereby reducing the frequency of system message transmission and saving power consumption and communication resources.

[0183] In step S2102, the terminal supports downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-storage and post-transmission, and performs neighbor cell measurement based on the first information and the second information.

[0184] In some embodiments, since terminals that support downlink coverage enhancement can also access the cells contained in the second information, such terminals that support downlink coverage enhancement can perform neighbor cell measurements based on the first information associated with downlink coverage enhancement and the second information associated with terminals that do not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or those that are stored and sent later.

[0185] In some embodiments, since terminals that support pre-store and post-transmission can also access the cells contained in the second information, terminals that support pre-store and post-transmission can perform neighbor cell measurements based on the first information associated with pre-store and post-transmission and the second information associated with terminals that do not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-store and post-transmission.

[0186] For example, the terminal can measure neighboring cells in the neighboring cell lists indicated in the first and second information respectively, such as measuring the RSRP, RSRQ, etc. of neighboring cells.

[0187] In some embodiments, the measurement type, measurement period, and other measurement parameters included in the first and second information may be the same or different. When the terminal measures the neighboring cells indicated in the first and second information respectively, it can measure the neighboring cells indicated in the first information based on the measurement type, measurement period, and other measurement parameters included in the first information. Similarly, it can measure the neighboring cells indicated in the second information based on the measurement type, measurement period, and other measurement parameters included in the second information.

[0188] In this embodiment of the disclosure, terminals that support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-store and post-transfer can perform neighbor cell measurements based on the first information and the second information, thereby providing conditions for improving the success rate of cell reselection or handover for such terminals and improving the reliability of such terminals.

[0189] In step S2103, the terminal does not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-store and then transmit, and performs neighbor cell measurement based on the second information.

[0190] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not support downlink coverage enhancement, then only the cells contained in the second information that do not support downlink coverage enhancement can be measured.

[0191] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not support the "store first, send later" approach, then only the cells contained in the second information that does not support the "store first, send later" approach can be measured.

[0192] In some embodiments, the terminal can perform measurements on the neighboring cells indicated in the second information based on the measurement type, measurement period, and other measurement parameters included in the second information.

[0193] In this embodiment of the disclosure, terminals that do not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-store and post-transmission can perform neighbor cell measurements based solely on their associated second information, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption wasted on neighbor cell measurements while ensuring the accuracy of neighbor cell measurements for this type of terminal.

[0194] In some embodiments, the terminal may choose to execute one of the above steps S2102 and S2103, depending on whether it supports downlink coverage enhancement and / or store-before-send.

[0195] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2103. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101+S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101+S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, etc., but not limited thereto.

[0196] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0197] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, the measurement method involved in this embodiment is executed by a communication system, which may include a terminal and a network device. The method includes:

[0198] Step S2201: The network device sends configuration information.

[0199] The configuration information includes first information for terminals that support one or more of the following: enhanced downlink coverage, and storage before transmission.

[0200] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include a second set of information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following configurations: downlink coverage enhancement stored first, then sent later.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first information mentioned above includes one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first information described above may also include the period of the cell's synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0203] In some embodiments, the first information associated with downlink coverage enhancement is different from the first information associated with pre-stored and post-sent information.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first information described above further includes the state transition time associated with the cell, and the method further includes any one of the following:

[0205] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the allowed cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list.

[0206] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the excluded cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

[0207] Step S2201: The terminal performs neighbor cell measurement based on the configuration information.

[0208] In some embodiments, the terminal supports downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-storage and post-transmission, and performs neighbor cell measurements based on the first information and the second information.

[0209] In some embodiments, the terminal does not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-store and then transmit, and performs neighbor cell measurements based on the second information.

[0210] The measurement method provided in this disclosure will be further described below with reference to the following embodiments.

[0211] The terminal (UE) receives neighboring cell measurement configuration information from the network and performs measurements based on the measurement configuration information.

[0212] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration information for NR NTN is provided through one or more of SIB3 (intra-freq), SIB4 (inter-freq), and SIB5 (inter-RAT). For IOT NTN using the LTE protocol, the measurement configuration information is provided through one or more of SIB4 (intra-freq), SIB5 (inter-freq), and SIB24 (inter-RAT cell reselection for NR). For 6G NTN, the measurement configuration information is provided through an SIB that provides intra-freq cell reselection configuration, an SIB that provides inter-freq cell reselection configuration, or an SIB that provides intra-RAT cell reselection configuration.

[0213] Optionally, the UE is an NR NTN UE, an IOT NTN UE, or a 6G UE.

[0214] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration information includes frequency point configuration information specifically provided for UEs that support downlink coverage enhancement and / or store and forward functionality.

[0215] Optionally, downlink coverage enhancement can be performed on the NTN downlink coverage.

[0216] Optionally, downlink coverage enhancement functions may include, for example, an SSB period greater than 20ms or greater than 160ms assumed during the initial search of the extended cell, idle and / or inactive cell DTX / DRX functions for NTN, connected cell DTX / DRX functions for NTN, and one or more of the following channel coverage enhancement functions: msg2 / msg4 / PUCCH / PUSCH / PDSCH / PDCCH.

[0217] It should be noted that line coverage enhancement and store and forward are two independent functions, and the dedicated frequency point configuration can be provided separately for each function.

[0218] For example, frequencies not involved in downlink coverage enhancement can be configured in the existing frequency configuration; frequencies involved in downlink coverage enhancement should be placed in the newly introduced frequency configuration information for downlink coverage enhancement.

[0219] In some embodiments, for NR NTN, for the Inter-frequency measurement configuration, the frequency points included in the interFreqCarrierFreqList in SIB4 (including those without suffixes and those with suffixes v1610, -v1700, -v1720, -v1730, -v1760, -v1800) are only those whose cells are accessible to Legacy UEs and do not contain any cells supporting NTN downlink coverage enhancement that Legacy UEs cannot access or camp on, or both. Simultaneously, a new Inter-frequency carrier frequency list is introduced, containing frequency points that include cells supporting NTN downlink coverage enhancement that Legacy UEs cannot access or camp on. The newly introduced Inter-frequency carrier frequency list can contain some or all of the parameters from the interFreqCarrierFreqList (including those without suffixes and those with suffixes v1610, -v1700, -v1720, -v1730, -v1760, and -v1800). Similarly, for inter-RAT measurements, a dedicated Inter-RAT frequency list for NTN downlink coverage enhancement can be introduced.

[0220] In some embodiments, for IOT NTN, for Inter-frequency measurement configurations, a new Inter-frequency carrier frequency list can be introduced in SIB5. This list contains frequencies that include cells supporting NTN downlink coverage enhancement or cells supporting store and forward functionality that are inaccessible to legacy UEs. This newly introduced Inter-frequency carrier frequency list may contain some or all of the parameters from interFreqCarrierFreqList / interFreqCarrierFreqListExt. If the interFreqCarrierFreqList / interFreqCarrierFreqListExt in SIB5 is not specifically for cells supporting NTN downlink coverage enhancement or cells supporting store and forward functionality, it can only carry frequencies that do not include cells supporting NTN downlink coverage enhancement or cells supporting store and forward functionality. Similarly, for inter-RAT measurements, a dedicated Inter-RAT frequency list for NTN downlink coverage enhancement / store and forward can be introduced.

[0221] In some embodiments, for inter RAT NR neighbor cell measurements, a new inter frequency carrier frequency list can be introduced in SIB24. The frequency points in this list are those that contain cells that support NTN downlink coverage enhancement, which are inaccessible to Legacy UEs, or cells that support store and forward functionality.

[0222] Optionally, for a UE that supports downlink coverage enhancement / store and forward, the measured neighboring cell frequencies include frequencies in the frequency configuration information specifically provided for UEs that support downlink coverage enhancement / store and forward, as well as frequencies in the frequency configuration information not used for downlink coverage enhancement / store and forward.

[0223] In some embodiments, the frequency points in the frequency point configuration information not used for downlink coverage enhancement and / or store and forward are also interFreqCarrierFreqLis and / or interFreqCarrierFreqListExt. UEs supporting NTN downlink coverage enhancement and / or store and forward merge the dedicated frequency list configuration with the general frequency configuration list to obtain a complete frequency list, with the dedicated frequency list placed after the general frequency list.

[0224] Optionally, for UEs that do not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or store and forward, the neighboring cell frequencies measured are only those frequencies not in the frequency configuration information used for downlink coverage enhancement and / or store and forward.

[0225] Optionally, the measurement configuration includes one or more of the neighbor cell list, allowed cell list, and excluded cell list specifically provided for UEs that support downlink coverage enhancement and / or store and forward.

[0226] It should be noted that downlink coverage enhancement and store and forward are two independent functions, and the dedicated neighbor cell configuration can be provided separately for each of the two functions.

[0227] In some embodiments, for intra-freq / inter-freq / inter-RAT neighbor cell measurements, existing generic intra-freq / inter-freq / inter-RAT neighbor cell lists (such as intraFreqNeighCellList in NR SIB3 or LTE SIB4) and / or allowed neighbor cell lists (such as NR SIB3 IntraFreqAllowedCellList-r16) and / or excluded cell lists (such as LTE SIB4 IntraFreqExcludedCellList) only contain the neighbor cell list and / or allowed cell list and / or excluded cell list for legacy UEs. A neighbor cell list and / or allowed cell list and / or excluded cell list specifically provided for UEs supporting downlink coverage enhancement / store and forward is introduced. Legacy UEs determine their neighbor cell list based solely on the general intra-freq neighbor cell list and / or allowed neighbor cell list / or excluded cell list, while UEs supporting NTN downlink coverage enhancement determine their neighbor cell list based on the general intra-freq / inter-freq / inter-RAT neighbor cell list / allowed neighbor cell list / excluded cell list and the neighbor cell list / allowed neighbor cell list / excluded cell list specifically provided for UEs supporting downlink coverage enhancement.

[0228] Optionally, the neighboring cell configuration information may further include the SSB cycle of that cell.

[0229] Optionally, for allowed cell lists and / or excluded cell lists specifically for store and forward functionality, for cells that provide state transition times, the cell attribute changes from allowed to excluded, or vice versa, after the transition time is reached.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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).

[0233] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the communication device 3100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 3101, a processing module 3102, etc.

[0234] In some embodiments, the communication device 3100 is a terminal, and the transceiver module is used to receive configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes first information for supporting one or more of the following terminal configurations: downlink coverage enhancement, storage before transmission; the processing module is used to perform neighbor cell measurements based on the configuration information.

[0235] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include a second set of information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following configurations: downlink coverage enhancement stored first, then sent later.

[0236] In some embodiments, the terminal supports downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-storage and post-transmission. The aforementioned processing module is also used to perform neighbor cell measurements based on the first information and the second information.

[0237] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-storage and post-transmission, the aforementioned processing module is also used to perform neighbor cell measurements based on the second information.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first information mentioned above includes one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first information described above may also include the period of the cell's synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0240] In some embodiments, the first information associated with downlink coverage enhancement is different from the first information associated with pre-stored and post-sent information.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first information mentioned above further includes the state transition time associated with the cell, and the processing module is further configured to perform any of the following:

[0242] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the allowed cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list.

[0243] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the excluded cell list, then determine whether any cell is transitioned from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

[0244] Optionally, the transceiver module described above 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 elaborated here.

[0245] Optionally, the above processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps executed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0246] In some embodiments, the communication device 3100 is a network device, and the transceiver module is used to send configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes first information for terminal configuration that supports one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, and storage before transmission.

[0247] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include a second set of information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following configurations: downlink coverage enhancement stored first, then sent later.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first information mentioned above includes one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first information described above may also include the period of the cell's synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0250] In some embodiments, the first information associated with downlink coverage enhancement is different from the first information associated with pre-stored and post-sent information.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first information mentioned above also includes the state transition time associated with the cell, and the processing module is configured to perform any of the following:

[0252] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the allowed cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list.

[0253] If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and any cell is in the excluded cell list, then determine whether any cell is transitioned from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

[0254] Optionally, the transceiver module described above 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 elaborated here.

[0255] Optionally, the above processing module 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 elaborated here.

[0256] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 4100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 4100 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 4100 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.

[0257] As shown in Figure 4A, the communication device 4100 includes one or more processors 4101. The processor 4101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0258] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 further includes one or more memories 4102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 4102 may also be located outside the communication device 4100.

[0259] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 further includes one or more transceivers 4103. When the communication device 4100 includes one or more transceivers 4103, the transceivers 4103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 4101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0260] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0261] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 may include one or more interface circuits 4104. Optionally, the interface circuit 4104 is connected to the memory 4102, and the interface circuit 4104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 4102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 4102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 4104 can read instructions stored in the memory 4102 and send the instructions to the processor 4101.

[0262] The communication device 4100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 4100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 4100 may not be limited by FIG4A. 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.

[0263] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 4200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 4100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 4200 shown in Figure 4B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0264] Chip 4200 includes one or more processors 4201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0265] In some embodiments, chip 4200 further includes one or more interface circuits 4202. Optionally, the interface circuit 4202 is connected to memory 4203, and the interface circuit 4202 can be used to receive signals from memory 4203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 4202 can be used to send signals to memory 4203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 4202 can read instructions stored in memory 4203 and send the instructions to processor 4201.

[0266] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 4202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 4201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0267] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0268] In some embodiments, chip 4200 further includes one or more memories 4203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 4203 may be located outside of chip 4200.

[0269] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 4100, cause the communication device 4100 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.

[0270] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 4100, causes the communication device 4100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0271] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0272] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0273] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0274] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0275] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A measurement method, characterized in that, include: Receive configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes first information for a terminal that supports one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, storage before transmission; Based on the configuration information, neighboring cell measurements are performed.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes a second set of information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, and storage before transmission.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The neighbor cell measurement based on the configuration information includes: The terminal supports downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-store and then transmit, and performs neighbor cell measurements based on the first information and the second information.

4. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The neighbor cell measurement based on the configuration information includes: The terminal does not support downlink coverage enhancement and / or pre-store and then transmit; based on the second information, neighbor cell measurements are performed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first information also includes the period of the cell's synchronization signal block (SSB).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first piece of information for enhanced downlink coverage is different from the first piece of information for association that is stored first and then sent later.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first information also includes the state transition time associated with the cell, and the method further includes any one of the following: If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and the cell is in the allowed cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list. If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and the cell is in the excluded cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

9. A measurement method, characterized in that, include: Send configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes first information for terminal configuration supporting one or more of the following: downlink coverage enhancement, storage before transmission.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes a second set of information for terminals that do not support one or more of the following configurations: downlink coverage enhancement is stored first and then sent.

11. The method as described in any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: a list of neighboring cells, a list of allowed cells, and a list of excluded cells.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first information also includes the period of the cell's synchronization signal block (SSB).

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The first piece of information for enhanced downlink coverage is different from the first piece of information for association that is stored first and then sent later.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The first information also includes the state transition time associated with the cell, and the method further includes any one of the following: If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and the cell is in the allowed cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the allowed cell list to the excluded cell list. If the state transition time associated with any cell is reached, and the cell is in the excluded cell list, then the cell is determined to be transferred from the excluded cell list to the allowed cell list.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, 9-14.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, and the network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

17. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the measurement method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the measurement method according to any one of claims 1-14.

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