Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

A communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. The communication method comprises: a terminal sending a first request to a network device, wherein the first request is used for requesting the network device to provide a first service; and entering an active state or remaining in the active state.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

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

[0002] Base stations schedule uplink and downlink resources for terminals by transmitting control information on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), thus requiring terminals to continuously listen to the PDCCH. To conserve terminal power, the Discontinuous Reception (DRX) function is introduced. Specifically, the terminal determines whether to enter an active or sleep state based on its DRX configuration. The terminal needs to listen to the PDCCH in the active state but not in the sleep state, thereby reducing the time spent listening to the PDCCH and achieving power saving. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: sending a first request to a network device, the first request being used to request the network device to provide a first service; entering an active state or remaining in an active state.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a network device, the method comprising: receiving a first request sent by a terminal, the first request being used to request the network device to provide a first service to the terminal, wherein the terminal enters an active state or remains in an active state after sending the first request.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for sending a first request to a network device, the first request being used to request the network device to provide a first service; and a processing module for entering an active state or remaining in an active state.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first request sent by a terminal, the first request being configured to request the network device to provide a first service to the terminal, wherein the terminal enters an active state or remains in an active state after sending the first request.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and a memory coupled to the processors, the memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processors, cause the communication method described in the first or second aspect to be executed.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the first or second aspect.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method described in the first or second aspect.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, at least the following beneficial technical effects can be achieved:

[0013] When a terminal sends a first request to a network device, it enters or remains in an active state. This allows the terminal to promptly receive the network device's response to the first request and reduces the time spent listening to the channel, thus achieving energy savings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0025] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: sending a first request to a network device, the first request being used to request the network device to provide a first service; entering an active state or remaining in an active state.

[0026] In this embodiment, the terminal listens to the downlink wireless channel while in an active state. The terminal enters or remains in an active state upon sending a first request to the network device, rather than waiting for the activation time according to the DRX configuration. This allows the terminal to promptly receive the network device's response to the first request. Furthermore, entering or remaining in an active state upon sending the first request, and determining whether to remain in an active or sleep state based on the DRX configuration when no first request is sent, also reduces the channel listening time, achieving energy savings.

[0027] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, entering the active state or remaining in the active state includes: the terminal entering the active state when the first timer is started, or the terminal being in the active state before the first timer is started, wherein the terminal remains in the active state during the operation of the first timer.

[0028] In the above embodiments, it is specified that when the terminal sends a first request to the network device, it remains in an active state at least during the execution of the first timer, so as to listen to the network device's response to the first request in a timely manner.

[0029] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: starting a second timer; and starting the first timer if the second timer times out.

[0030] In the above embodiments, it is specified that the first timer can be started after the second timer times out. This avoids wasting resources by starting the first timer too early, and also avoids failing to receive or missing the response message due to starting the first timer too late.

[0031] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: stopping the operation of the first timer or the second timer when a first message sent by the network device is received during the operation of the first timer or the second timer, wherein the first message indicates rejection of the first request.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the stopping conditions for the first and second timers are specified. For example, if the network device rejects the first request, the terminal stops running the first or second timer to avoid the timers running ineffectively and to achieve energy saving.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining the runtime of at least one of the first timer and the second timer based on the type of the first service and the correspondence between the service type and the timer duration; wherein the type of the first service is determined by at least one of the following:

[0034] The Quality of Service (QoS) of the first service;

[0035] Application scenarios of the first service;

[0036] The data type corresponding to the first service.

[0037] In the above embodiments, setting the runtime of the first timer or the second timer according to information such as the QoS, application scenario, or corresponding data type of the first service is more in line with the service requirements and can improve the success rate of listening to response messages.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before starting the second timer, the method further includes: receiving a second message sent by the network device, the second message indicating acceptance of the first request.

[0039] In the above embodiments, the start conditions for the second timer are specified. For example, the terminal starts the second timer when it determines that the network device has accepted the first request, which can avoid the waste of resources caused by starting the second timer when the network device has not accepted the first request.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: stopping the operation of the first timer or the second timer when a third message sent by the network device is received during the operation of the first timer or the second timer, wherein the third message includes service-related data of the first service.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the stopping conditions for the first timer and the second timer are specified. For example, it is specified that the terminal can stop running the first timer or the second timer when it receives service-related data of the first service, so as to avoid the timers running ineffectively and achieve energy saving.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second message indicates the runtime of at least one of the first timer and the second timer.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the network device indicates the runtime of the first timer or the second timer through the second message. This allows the network device to flexibly set the runtime of the timer according to information such as service requirements and network environment, thereby adapting to changes in network environment and service requirements.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first service includes at least one of the following:

[0045] Perceive business;

[0046] Business related to artificial intelligence (AI) models.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first request includes at least one of the following messages:

[0048] Uplink Control Information (UCI);

[0049] Media Access Control (MAC) CE;

[0050] Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0051] In the above embodiments, RRC messages can carry more signaling, such as indicating Quality of Service (QoS) information, but have a larger transmission latency. UCI and MAC CE messages, on the other hand, have lower transmission latency but carry less information. Therefore, the terminal can choose one of UCI, MAC CE, or RRC to send the first request based on different needs (e.g., requiring lower latency, or needing to send more information).

[0052] Secondly, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising: receiving a first request sent by a terminal, the first request being used to request the network device to provide a first service to the terminal, wherein the terminal enters an active state or remains in an active state after sending the first request.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first message to the terminal, the first message indicating rejection of the first request.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a second message to the terminal, the second message indicating acceptance of the first request.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a third message to the terminal, the third message including service-related data of the first service.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first service includes at least one of the following:

[0057] Perceive business;

[0058] Business related to artificial intelligence (AI) models.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first request includes at least one of the following messages:

[0060] Uplink Control Information (UCI);

[0061] Media Access Control (MAC) CE;

[0062] Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0063] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal is used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0064] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the network device is used to perform an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0065] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which includes one or more processors; wherein the communication device is used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0066] In a sixth 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 optional implementation of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0067] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0068] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0069] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0070] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0071] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the communication methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0072] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, and activation state control method can be used interchangeably.

[0073] 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. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0074] 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.

[0075] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0076] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0077] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0078] 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 whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0079] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); 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, and C.

[0080] 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.

[0081] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0082] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0083] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0084] 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”.

[0085] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0086] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0087] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0088] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0092] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0093] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0094] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0095] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0097] 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 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, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] In some embodiments, the network device is a base station. Optionally, the base station may be, for example, a macro base station, a micro base station (also called a small station), a relay station, an access point, a 5 / 6G base station or a future base station, a satellite, a Transmitting and Receiving Point (TRP), a Transmitting Point (TP), a mobile switching center, or other equipment that performs base station functions in a communication system, etc., and this disclosure does not specifically limit this type of device. For ease of description, in all embodiments of this disclosure, the apparatus that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices is collectively referred to as a network device or a base station.

[0099] In some embodiments, the network device is a core network device. Optionally, the core network device can be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or it can be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. Network elements can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0105] In some embodiments, to save power consumption of the UE, the network can configure Discontinuous Reception (DRX) on the Uu interface. The Uu interface is a radio interface in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system used for communication between the UE (User Equipment) and the Node B (Base Station).

[0106] In some embodiments, the UE needs to continuously listen to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). The base station transmits control information on the PDCCH channel to schedule uplink and downlink resources for the UE. To save UE power consumption, Discontinuous Reception (DRX) is introduced. The UE determines whether it is in an active state based on the DRX configuration. In the active state, the UE needs to listen to the PDCCH; in the sleep state, the UE does not need to listen to the PDCCH. This reduces the time the UE spends listening to the PDCCH, thus saving power.

[0107] In some embodiments, when the UE is in connected mode, the DRX configuration includes an inactivity timer, an on-duration timer, a cycle, a start offset, an uplink HARQ RTT (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) timer, a downlink HARQ RTT timer, an uplink retransmission timer, and a downlink retransmission timer. The cycle and start offset can be used to determine the periodic start time of the on-duration timer. The inactivity timer is started whenever the UE receives downlink control information (DCI) carrying its own cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) on the PDCCH. The C-RNTI is a dynamic identifier assigned to the UE by the base station. The UE only listens to the PDCCH channel during the on-duration period; at other times, the UE does not need to listen to the PDCCH channel, thereby saving power consumption. When a UE receives a Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU), it sends feedback to the base station and starts the downlink HARQ RTT timer for the corresponding HARQ process. If the downlink HARQ RTT timer expires, a downlink retransmission timer is started. When a UE sends a PUSCH transmission, it starts the uplink HARQ RTT timer for the corresponding HARQ process. If the uplink HARQ RTT timer expires, an uplink retransmission timer is started. The wake-up time includes the execution of the wake-up timer, inactivity timer, uplink retransmission timer, and downlink retransmission timer.

[0108] In some embodiments of 6G, many services may terminate at the radio access network (RAN), i.e., the base station. Examples include sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) services. In sensing services, the UE may request the base station to calculate sensing results for the UE, and the base station can send the calculated results to the UE. In AI services, the UE may request the base station to transmit an AI model for the UE, and the base station can train the AI ​​model and then send the trained AI model or model parameters to the UE. These services can be referred to as RAN local services.

[0109] In some embodiments, the process of a local service in a radio access network includes one or more of the following steps:

[0110] Step S1: The UE initiates a service request and sends a request message to the base station for uplink transmission.

[0111] Step 2: The base station processes the service request after receiving it.

[0112] Optionally, the base station may send a first reply message to confirm or reject the request.

[0113] Step 3: After the base station processes the service, it sends a second response message carrying the service requested by the UE to the UE, which is the downlink transmission.

[0114] Step 4: After the UE receives the second response message carrying the UE's request, the service is completed.

[0115] In some embodiments, machine learning algorithms are one of the most important methods for implementing artificial intelligence technology. A functional model can be trained using a large amount of training data. The trained model can then be used to predict events. In many fields, models trained through machine learning can achieve very accurate prediction results.

[0116] In some embodiments, data is crucial for AI and can be categorized into training data, used for training and testing the model; inference data, used for model usage; and performance monitoring data, used to monitor model performance and thus control the model, including activation, deactivation, and model switching.

[0117] In some embodiments, it is necessary to monitor the performance of AI. If the performance degrades, it is necessary to replace the AI ​​function or AI model or deactivate the AI ​​function.

[0118] In some embodiments, the management of an AI model or function includes activating, deactivating, and switching the AI ​​model or function.

[0119] In some embodiments, when AI inference runs on the network side, the UE can collect and calculate AI performance-related data and report it to the network. The network manages the AI ​​model based on the AI ​​performance data, including activating and deactivating AI functions and selecting AI models.

[0120] In some embodiments, the use and reasoning of AI may require multiple AI models or AI functions for reasoning and prediction. An AI function implements a specific function and may include one or more AI models.

[0121] In some embodiments, 6G integrates sensing and communication capabilities into the same system, using radio waves to sense the environment and achieve the fusion of communication and environmental perception.

[0122] In some embodiments, a wireless signal transmitter transmits radio waves, and a wireless signal receiver receives the radio waves. During the transmission of the radio waves, the transmission may be blocked by objects (hereinafter referred to as reflectors), resulting in wireless transmission effects such as reflection, diffraction, transmission, phase change, Doppler shift, and signal intensity change. The wireless signal receiver obtains information about the reflectors by receiving the radio waves and comparing the transmitted and received signals, or by recording the historical changes in the received signal. The signal transmitter can be a terminal or a base station, and the signal receiver can be a terminal or a base station.

[0123] In some embodiments, the DRX mechanism controls the UE active time based on a cycle or downlink transmission. In local radio access network services, the timing of a UE sending a service request is unpredictable; therefore, the DRX mechanism may fail to match the timing of the network's response message to the service request. An excessively long cycle can lead to delays in receiving response messages, while an excessively short cycle can result in high power consumption. It should be noted that the cycle is used to determine the periodic start point of the wake-up timer.

[0124] In view of this, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. These enable the terminal to receive response messages sent by the base station in a timely manner and reduce the time spent listening to the channel, thus achieving energy savings.

[0125] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a communication system 100, the method including:

[0126] In step S2101, terminal 101 sends a first request to network device 102.

[0127] The first request is used to request the network device to provide a first service. The name of the first request is not limited, and it can be, for example, a service request, a function request, a data processing request, a decision request, etc.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first request may include being sent to the network device in at least one of the following messages:

[0129] Uplink Control Information (UCI);

[0130] Media Access Control (MAC) CE;

[0131] Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0132] For example, the terminal sends a UCI, which includes a first request. The network device receives the UCI and obtains the first request.

[0133] For example, the terminal sends an RRC message that includes a first request. The network device receives the RRC message and obtains the first request.

[0134] It should be noted that RRC messages can carry more information, but have a longer transmission latency. For example, RRC messages can carry information indicating Quality of Service (QoS), sensor data, etc. UCI and MAC CE messages, on the other hand, have shorter transmission latency, but can carry less information. Therefore, the terminal can choose one of the three message types—UCI, MAC CE, or RRC—to send the first request based on different needs, such as latency or whether QoS information needs to be sent.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first service refers to a service provided by a network device to a terminal. For example, the first service may be a service terminated at the network device (wireless access network, base station side).

[0136] Optionally, the first business includes at least one of the following:

[0137] Perceive business;

[0138] Business related to artificial intelligence (AI) models.

[0139] For example, the first service can be a perception service or an AI service. The AI ​​service can be an AI model transmission service, an AI data transmission service, an AI inference service, an AI training service, an AI function activation service, an AI function deactivation service, or an AI function switching service, etc.

[0140] For example, a sensing service could be a service where a terminal requests a network device to calculate sensing results for the terminal. The terminal sends sensing data to the network device, the network device performs calculations based on the sensing data, and the network device can then send the calculated sensing results back to the terminal.

[0141] For example, an AI service could be a terminal requesting a network device to train and transmit an AI model for the terminal. The network device can then send the trained AI model or its parameters to the terminal after training.

[0142] For example, AI services can refer to services where a terminal requests network devices to manage AI models. The terminal can collect and calculate AI performance-related data and report it to the network device. The network device then makes AI model management decisions based on this data, such as instructing the terminal to perform operations like activating or deactivating AI functions, or selecting or switching AI models.

[0143] For example, AI services can refer to services where a terminal requests a network device to perform AI model inference. The terminal can collect input data for the AI ​​model and report it to the network device. The network device then inputs the input data into the AI ​​model for inference, obtains the output result of the AI ​​model, and sends the output result of the AI ​​model back to the terminal.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first service may also refer to a service that exceeds the processing capabilities of the terminal. For example, the first service may also be a big data computing service.

[0145] In some embodiments, the name of the first service is not limited, and it may be, for example, a radio access network local (RAN local) service, a base station service, an AI model service, a sensing service, a big data computing service, etc.

[0146] In some embodiments, the network device is a wireless access network. The first service is a local service of the wireless access network, that is, a service that the wireless access network can provide to the terminal. The wireless access network may include at least one of wireless network nodes such as base stations and Location Management Functions (LMFs).

[0147] In step S2102, terminal 101 starts the second timer.

[0148] The second timer can be triggered by the terminal sending the first request. For example, the terminal can start the second timer at the same time as sending the first request. Alternatively, the terminal can start the second timer after sending the first request, where "after sending the first request" can refer to the moment when the first request is completed, or it can refer to the moment after a certain interval following the sending of the first request.

[0149] In some embodiments, the second timer is used to determine the start time of the first timer.

[0150] In some embodiments, the name of the second timer is not limited, and it may be, for example, a downlink timer, an RTT timer, etc.

[0151] In some embodiments, the length of the second timer can be configured by the network device or specified by the protocol. The duration of the second timer can be 0.

[0152] It should be noted that during the operation of the second timer, the terminal may be in an active state, or the terminal may be in an active state for at least one period during the operation of the second timer, or the terminal may be in a sleep state during the operation of the second timer.

[0153] In some embodiments, the state of the terminal is determined by DRX during the operation of the second timer. This disclosure does not limit the specific state of the terminal during the operation of the second timer.

[0154] In step S2103, terminal 101 starts the first timer when the second timer times out, and remains active during the operation of the first timer.

[0155] It should be noted that the terminal listens to the downlink radio channel when it is in active state. The downlink radio channel is, for example, the PDCCH.

[0156] In some embodiments, the activation state in this disclosure is the same as the activation state under the DRX function. The name of the activation state is not limited, and it may be, for example, an on state, an active state, etc.

[0157] In some embodiments, the terminal enters the active state by starting a first timer.

[0158] For example, if the terminal starts the first timer when the second timer times out, and if the terminal was not in an active state before starting the first timer, then the terminal enters an active state and remains in an active state during the operation of the first timer.

[0159] In some embodiments, the terminal is already in an active state before the first timer is started.

[0160] For example, the terminal is already in an active state before starting the first timer. The terminal starts the first timer when the second timer times out, and remains in an active state during the operation of the first timer.

[0161] In some embodiments, the length of the first timer may be configured by the network device or specified by the protocol. The duration of the first timer may be 0.

[0162] In some embodiments, the name of the first timer is not limited, and it may be, for example, a retransmission timer, a response message receiving timer, etc.

[0163] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the runtime of at least one of the first timer and the second timer based on the type of the first service and the correspondence between the service type and the timer duration; wherein the type of the first service is distinguished by at least one of the following:

[0164] Quality of Service (QoS)

[0165] Application scenarios;

[0166] The corresponding data type.

[0167] For example, the terminal determines the duration of the first timer and / or the second timer based on the type of the first service. The correspondence between the first service and the duration of the first / second timer can be configured by the network device or specified by a protocol.

[0168] Optionally, the type of the first service can be distinguished by the service's QoS. For example, if the first service is a sensing service, the type of sensing service requested by the terminal can be distinguished based on the required sensing accuracy, such as sensing accuracy of 1cm, 5cm, or 10cm. For example, if the first service is an AI model service, the type of AI model service requested by the terminal can be distinguished based on the required model inference accuracy, application scenario, application time, application scope, etc.

[0169] Optionally, the type of the first service can be distinguished by its application scenario. For example, the first service is a perception service, and the application scenarios of the perception service include, but are not limited to, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, autonomous driving, security, and entry monitoring of areas. For example, the first service is an AI service, and the application scenarios of the AI ​​service include, but are not limited to, mobility management, positioning, beam management, CSI feedback, and CSI compression.

[0170] Optionally, the first business can be distinguished by the data type of the business data. Data types include, but are not limited to, perceptual data types, AI model training data types, AI model inference data types, AI model testing data types, integer types, and string types.

[0171] In step S2104, network device 102 sends a response message to terminal 101.

[0172] In some embodiments, the network device receives a first request sent by the terminal. The network device then sends a response message to the terminal. The response message can be any of the following:

[0173] The first message indicates that the first request should be rejected.

[0174] The second message instructed that the first request be accepted;

[0175] The third message includes business-related data from the first service requested by the terminal.

[0176] Among them, business-related data include AI inference results, perception calculation results, AI model update information, AI model data packages, and AI model switching information.

[0177] In some embodiments, the name of business-related data is not limited, and it may be, for example, a business response or business reply.

[0178] In step S2105, if the terminal 101 stops running the first timer or the second timer when the response message indicates that the first request is rejected or the response message includes service-related data requested by the terminal.

[0179] In some embodiments, the terminal listens to the downlink wireless channel in the active state and receives response messages sent by the network device.

[0180] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives a first message sent by the network device during the operation of the first timer or the second timer, it stops running the first timer or the second timer, wherein the first message indicates that the first request is rejected.

[0181] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives a third message sent by the network device during the operation of the first timer or the second timer, the first timer or the second timer is stopped, wherein the third message includes service-related data of the first service.

[0182] In some embodiments, if the first timer times out, the terminal may resend the first request.

[0183] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0184] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink".

[0185] In some embodiments, the terms "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)," "DL data," and "PDCCH" can be used interchangeably.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0187] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0188] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0189] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0190] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0191] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2105. For example, step S2103 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, steps S2101 and S2103 may be implemented as separate embodiments, steps S2101, S2102 and S2103 may be implemented as separate embodiments, and steps S2104 and S2105 may be implemented as separate embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0192] In some embodiments, the order of any two steps S2101 to S2105 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously. For example, the order of steps S2103 and S2104 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously. For example, the order of steps S2103 and S2105 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously.

[0193] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2102, S2104, and S2105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0194] In some embodiments, steps S2102, S2104, and S2105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0195] In some embodiments, steps S2104 and S2105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0196] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0197] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0198] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a communication system 100, the method including:

[0199] In step S2201, terminal 101 sends a first request to network device 102.

[0200] The first request is used to request the network device to provide a first service. The name of the first request is not limited, and it can be, for example, a service request, a function request, a data processing request, a decision request, etc.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first request may include being sent to the network device in at least one of the following messages:

[0202] Uplink Control Information (UCI);

[0203] Media Access Control (MAC) CE;

[0204] Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0205] For example, the terminal sends a UCI, which includes a first request. The network device receives the UCI and obtains the first request.

[0206] For example, the terminal sends an RRC message that includes a first request. The network device receives the RRC message and obtains the first request.

[0207] It should be noted that RRC messages can carry more information, but have a longer transmission latency. For example, RRC messages can carry information indicating Quality of Service (QoS), sensor data, etc. UCI and MAC CE messages, on the other hand, have shorter transmission latency, but can carry less information. Therefore, the terminal can choose one of the three message types—UCI, MAC CE, or RRC—to send the first request based on different needs, such as latency or whether QoS information needs to be sent.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first service refers to a service provided by a network device to a terminal. For example, the first service may be a service terminated at the network device (wireless access network, base station side).

[0209] Optionally, the first business includes at least one of the following:

[0210] Perceive business;

[0211] Business related to artificial intelligence (AI) models.

[0212] For example, the first service can be a perception service or an AI service. The AI ​​service can be an AI model transmission service, an AI data transmission service, an AI inference service, an AI training service, an AI function activation service, an AI function deactivation service, or an AI function switching service, etc.

[0213] For example, a sensing service could be a service where a terminal requests a network device to calculate sensing results for the terminal. The terminal sends sensing data to the network device, the network device performs calculations based on the sensing data, and the network device can then send the calculated sensing results back to the terminal.

[0214] For example, an AI service could be a terminal requesting a network device to train and transmit an AI model for the terminal. The network device can then send the trained AI model or its parameters to the terminal after training.

[0215] For example, AI services can refer to services where a terminal requests network devices to manage AI models. The terminal can collect and calculate AI performance-related data and report it to the network device. The network device then makes AI model management decisions based on this data, such as instructing the terminal to perform operations like activating or deactivating AI functions, or selecting or switching AI models.

[0216] For example, AI services can refer to services where a terminal requests a network device to perform AI model inference. The terminal can collect input data for the AI ​​model and report it to the network device. The network device then inputs the input data into the AI ​​model for inference, obtains the output result of the AI ​​model, and sends the output result of the AI ​​model back to the terminal.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first service may also refer to a service that exceeds the processing capabilities of the terminal. For example, the first service may also be a big data computing service.

[0218] In some embodiments, the name of the first service is not limited, and it may be, for example, a radio access network local (RAN local) service, a base station service, an AI model service, a sensing service, a big data computing service, etc.

[0219] In some embodiments, the network device is a wireless access network. The first service is a local service of the wireless access network, that is, a service that the wireless access network can provide to the terminal. The wireless access network may include at least one of wireless network nodes such as base stations and Location Management Functions (LMFs).

[0220] In step S2202, network device 102 sends a response message to terminal 101.

[0221] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a response message sent by the network device.

[0222] In some embodiments, if the response message is a second message indicating that the network device has accepted the terminal's first request, then at least one of steps S2203 to S2206 is executed.

[0223] In some embodiments, the name of the second message is not limited, and it may be, for example, a reply message, an agreement message, etc.

[0224] In some embodiments, if the response message is a first message indicating that the first request is rejected, then steps S2203 to S2206 are not executed.

[0225] In some embodiments, if the response message is a third message, and the third message includes service-related data of the first service requested by the terminal, then steps S2203 to S2206 are not executed.

[0226] In step S2203, terminal 101 starts the second timer.

[0227] In some embodiments, the terminal starts a second timer upon receiving a second message from the network device. The second timer is triggered by the second message received by the terminal.

[0228] In some embodiments, the terminal starts a second timer when it determines that the network device has accepted the first request.

[0229] In some embodiments, the second timer is used to determine the start time of the first timer.

[0230] In some embodiments, the name of the second timer is not limited, and it may be, for example, a downlink timer, an RTT timer, etc.

[0231] In some embodiments, the length of the second timer can be configured by the network device or specified by the protocol. The duration of the second timer can be 0.

[0232] It should be noted that during the operation of the second timer, the terminal may be in an active state, or the terminal may be in an active state for at least one period during the operation of the second timer, or the terminal may be in a sleep state during the operation of the second timer.

[0233] In some embodiments, the state of the terminal is determined by DRX during the operation of the second timer. This disclosure does not limit the specific state of the terminal during the operation of the second timer.

[0234] In some embodiments, the second message indicates the runtime of the second timer. The terminal determines the runtime of the second timer based on the second message.

[0235] In step S2204, terminal 101 starts the first timer if the second timer times out, and remains active during the operation of the first timer.

[0236] It should be noted that the terminal listens to the downlink radio channel when it is in active state. The downlink radio channel is, for example, the PDCCH.

[0237] In some embodiments, the activation state in this disclosure is the same as the activation state under the DRX function. The name of the activation state is not limited, and it may be, for example, an on state, an active state, etc.

[0238] In some embodiments, the terminal enters the active state by starting a first timer.

[0239] For example, if the terminal starts the first timer when the second timer times out, and if the terminal was not in an active state before starting the first timer, then the terminal enters an active state and remains in an active state during the operation of the first timer.

[0240] In some embodiments, the terminal is already in an active state before the first timer is started.

[0241] For example, the terminal is already in an active state before starting the first timer. The terminal starts the first timer when the second timer times out, and remains in an active state during the operation of the first timer.

[0242] In some embodiments, the length of the first timer may be configured by the network device or specified by the protocol. The duration of the first timer may be 0.

[0243] In some embodiments, the name of the first timer is not limited, and it may be, for example, a retransmission timer, a response message receiving timer, etc.

[0244] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the runtime of at least one of the first timer and the second timer based on the type of the first service and the correspondence between the service type and the timer duration; wherein the type of the first service is distinguished by at least one of the following:

[0245] Quality of Service (QoS)

[0246] Application scenarios;

[0247] The corresponding data type.

[0248] For example, the terminal determines the duration of the first timer and / or the second timer based on the type of the first service. The correspondence between the first service and the duration of the first / second timer can be configured by the network device or specified by a protocol.

[0249] Optionally, the type of the first service can be distinguished by the service's QoS. For example, if the first service is a sensing service, the type of sensing service requested by the terminal can be distinguished based on the required sensing accuracy, such as sensing accuracy of 1cm, 5cm, or 10cm. For example, if the first service is an AI model service, the type of AI model service requested by the terminal can be distinguished based on the required model inference accuracy, application scenario, application time, application scope, etc.

[0250] Optionally, the type of the first service can be distinguished by its application scenario. For example, the first service is a perception service, and the application scenarios of the perception service include, but are not limited to, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, autonomous driving, security, and entry monitoring of areas. For example, the first service is an AI service, and the application scenarios of the AI ​​service include, but are not limited to, mobility management, positioning, beam management, CSI feedback, and CSI compression.

[0251] Optionally, the first business can be distinguished by the data type of the business data. Data types include, but are not limited to, perceptual data types, AI model training data types, AI model inference data types, AI model testing data types, integer types, and string types.

[0252] In some embodiments, the second message indicates the runtime of the first timer. The terminal determines the runtime of the first timer based on the second message.

[0253] In step S2205, network device 102 sends service-related data of the first service to terminal 101.

[0254] In some embodiments, the network device receives service-related data for a first service sent by the terminal. Optionally, the service-related data may include, for example, AI inference results, perception calculation results, AI model update information, AI model data packets, AI model switching information, etc.

[0255] In step S2206, terminal 101 stops running the first timer or the second timer.

[0256] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives a third message sent by the network device during the operation of the first timer or the second timer, the first timer or the second timer is stopped, wherein the third message includes service-related data of the first service.

[0257] In some embodiments, if the first timer times out, the terminal may resend the first request.

[0258] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2206. For example, step S2204 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and steps S2201, S2202 and S2203 may be implemented as separate embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0259] In some embodiments, the order of any two steps S2201 to S2206 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously. For example, the order of steps S2203 and S2205 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously. For example, the order of steps S2204 and S2205 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously.

[0260] In some embodiments, steps S2201 to S2203, S2205, and S2206 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0261] In some embodiments, steps S2204 to S2206 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0262] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0263] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0264] In step S301, terminal 101 sends a first request to network device 102.

[0265] Optionally, the first request is used to request the network device to provide a first service.

[0266] In step S302, terminal 101 enters or remains in an active state.

[0267] Optionally, the terminal listens to the downlink wireless channel while in the active state.

[0268] Optionally, the terminal enters or remains in an active state, including: the terminal enters an active state when the first timer is started, or the terminal is in an active state before the first timer is started, wherein it remains in an active state during the operation of the first timer.

[0269] Optionally, the method further includes: starting a second timer to determine the start time of the first timer; and starting the first timer if the second timer times out.

[0270] Optionally, a second timer may be started at the same time as or after the first request is sent.

[0271] Optionally, the method further includes: stopping the operation of the first timer or the second timer when a first message sent by the network device is received during the operation of the first timer or the second timer, wherein the first message indicates rejection of the first request.

[0272] Optionally, the method further includes: determining the runtime of at least one of the first timer and the second timer based on the type of the first service and the correspondence between the service type and the timer duration; wherein the type of the first service is determined by at least one of the following:

[0273] Quality of Service (QoS) for the primary service;

[0274] The application scenarios of the first business;

[0275] The data type corresponding to the first business.

[0276] Optionally, upon receiving a second message sent by the network device, a second timer may be started, the second message indicating acceptance of the first request.

[0277] Optionally, the method further includes: during the operation of the first timer or the second timer, receiving a third message sent by the network device and stopping the operation of the first timer or the second timer, wherein the third message includes service-related data of the first service.

[0278] Optionally, the second message indicates the runtime of at least one of the first timer and the second timer; the method further includes: determining the runtime of at least one of the first timer and the second timer based on the second message.

[0279] Optionally, the first service includes at least one of the following:

[0280] Perceive business;

[0281] Business related to artificial intelligence (AI) models.

[0282] Optionally, the first request includes at least one of the following messages:

[0283] Uplink Control Information (UCI);

[0284] Media Access Control (MAC) CE;

[0285] Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0286] In step S303, network device 102 sends a response message to terminal 101.

[0287] Optionally, the network device sends a first message to the terminal, indicating that the first request is rejected.

[0288] Optionally, the network device sends a second message to the terminal, the second message indicating acceptance of the first request.

[0289] Optionally, the network device sends a third message to the terminal, the third message including service-related data of the first service.

[0290] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0291] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a terminal, the method including:

[0292] In step S401, terminal 101 sends a first request to network device 102.

[0293] The optional implementations of step S401 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2101 in Figure 2A, step S2201 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0294] Step S402: Enter the active state or remain in the active state.

[0295] The optional implementations of step S402 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2102 and S2103 in Figure 2A, steps S2202, S2203 and S2204 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0296] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0297] In some embodiments, specifically Example 1, the UE sends first information to the network, which may be a UE requesting RAN local services, and then enters an active state.

[0298] Optionally, RAN local service is a service that the radio access network can provide to the UE. The radio access network may include radio network nodes such as base stations and Location Management Functions (LMFs). In the active state, the UE listens to a radio channel, which may be a PDCCH.

[0299] Optionally, RAN local services can include sensing services, AI model transmission services, AI data transmission, AI inference, AI training, activation, deactivation, or switching of AI functions.

[0300] Optionally, the first information can be carried in Uplink Control Information (UCI), MAC CE, or Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages. RRC messages can carry more signaling, indicating information such as Quality of Service (QoS), but have a larger transmission delay. UCI and MAC CE messages have smaller transmission delays but carry less information.

[0301] In Example 2, after sending the first information, a first timer is started. After the first timer times out, a second timer is started. During the operation of the second timer, the timer remains active and monitors the wireless channel.

[0302] Optionally, the lengths of the first and second timers can be configured by the network or specified by the protocol. The timer duration can be 0.

[0303] Optionally, the UE determines the duration of the first timer and the second timer based on the type of the requested RAN local service.

[0304] Optionally, the correspondence between RAN local services and the duration of the first / second timer can be specified by network configuration or protocol.

[0305] Optionally, the type of the RAN local service can be distinguished by the service's QoS. For example, the result of a UE's request for perception can be distinguished by accuracy, such as 1cm, 5cm, or 10cm. The AI ​​model requested by the UE can be distinguished by the model's inference accuracy, application scenario, application time, or application scope.

[0306] Optionally, the type of RAN local service can be distinguished by the application scenario of the service. For example, the result of the UE request for perception can be applied to application scenarios such as vehicle networking, autonomous driving, security, and monitoring. The AI ​​model requested by the UE can be used for mobility management, positioning, beam management, CSI feedback, CSI compression, etc.

[0307] Optionally, the RAN local service can be distinguished by the data type of the service request, such as the UE requesting perceived data or requesting AI training data, AI inference data, etc.

[0308] Optionally, during the operation of the first or second timer, a first reply message is received from the network, indicating that the network has rejected the UE's RAN local service request, and the operation of the first or second timer is stopped.

[0309] In Example 3, the UE receives the first reply message sent by the network, indicating that the network has accepted the RAN local service sent by the UE, starts the third timer, and starts the fourth timer after the third timer expires. The UE remains active during the operation of the fourth timer and listens to the radio channel.

[0310] Optionally, the durations of the third and fourth timers can be indicated by the network in the first response message.

[0311] Example 4: During the operation of the second or fourth timer, the UE receives a second reply message sent by the network and stops the operation of the second or fourth timer.

[0312] Optionally, the second response message carries the service response requested by the UE.

[0313] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0314] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed 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.

[0315] 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.

[0316] 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).

[0317] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Terminal 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, terminal 5100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5101, a processing module 5102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5101 is used to send a first request to a network device, the first request being used to request the network device to provide a first service; the processing module 5102 is used to enter an active state or remain in an active state, and the terminal listens to the downlink wireless channel in the active state. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2104, S2201, S2202, S2205, but not limited thereto) performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated further here. Optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps executed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, S2105, S2203, S2204, S2206, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0318] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network device 5200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5B, the network device 5200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5201, a processing module 5202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5201 is used to receive a first request sent by a terminal, the first request being used to request the network device to provide a first service to the terminal, wherein the terminal enters an active state or remains in an active state after sending the first request, and the terminal listens to the downlink wireless channel in the active state. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2104, S2201, S2202, S2205, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated further here. Optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps executed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, S2105, S2203, S2204, S2206, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0319] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0320] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0321] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0322] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 6100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0323] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0324] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2104, S2201, S2202, S2205, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, S2105, S2203, S2204, S2206, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitter unit, transmitter, and transmitter circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiver unit, receiver, and receiver circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0325] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 6103 to cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6103 may also be located outside the communication device 6100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0326] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (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.

[0327] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0328] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0329] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 6201.

[0330] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101, S2104, S2201, S2202, and S2205, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, S2105, S2203, S2204, and S2206, but not limited thereto).

[0331] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0332] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device 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.

[0333] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0334] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: The method, executed by a terminal, includes: Send a first request to the network device, the first request being used to request the network device to provide a first service; Entering or remaining in an active state. The method of claim 1, wherein Entering or remaining in an active state includes: The terminal enters an active state when the first timer is started; or The terminal is in an active state before the first timer is started; The terminal remains active during the operation of the first timer. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further includes: Start the second timer; If the second timer times out, the first timer is started. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The method further includes: If a first message is received from the network device during the operation of the first timer or the second timer, the operation of the first timer or the second timer shall be stopped, wherein the first message indicates that the first request is rejected. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the type of the first service and the correspondence between the service type and the timer duration, determine the runtime of at least one of the first timer and the second timer; The type of the first service is determined by at least one of the following: The Quality of Service (QoS) of the first service; Application scenarios of the first service; The data type corresponding to the first service. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that Before starting the second timer, the method further includes: The network device receives a second message indicating acceptance of the first request. The method according to any one of claims 2, 3, 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: If a third message is received from the network device during the operation of the first timer or the second timer, the first timer or the second timer shall be stopped, wherein the third message includes service-related data of the first service. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The second message indicates the runtime of at least one of the first timer and the second timer. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that The first request includes at least one of the following messages: Uplink Control Information (UCI); Media Access Control (MAC) CE; Radio Resource Control (RRC). A communication method characterized by comprising: Performed by a network device, the method includes: The receiving terminal sends a first request, which is used to request the network device to provide a first service to the terminal, wherein the terminal enters an active state or remains in an active state after sending the first request. The method of claim 10, wherein The method further includes: A first message is sent to the terminal, indicating that the first request is rejected. The method of claim 10, wherein The method further includes: A second message is sent to the terminal, indicating that the first request is accepted. The method according to claim 10 or 12, characterized in that The method further includes: A third message is sent to the terminal, the third message including service-related data of the first service. The method according to any one of claims 10-13, characterized in that The first request includes at least one of the following messages: Uplink Control Information (UCI); Media Access Control (MAC) CE; Radio Resource Control (RRC). A terminal, characterized by comprising: include: The transceiver module is used to send a first request to the network device, wherein the first request is used to request the network device to provide a first service; The processing module is used to enter or remain in the active state. A network device, characterized in that include: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first request sent by the terminal, the first request being used to request the network device to provide a first service to the terminal, wherein the terminal enters an active state or remains in the active state after sending the first request. A communication device characterized by comprising: Comprising: one or more processors; a memory coupled to the processors and storing executable instructions thereon that, when executed by the processors, cause the communication method of any of claims 1-14 to be performed. A communication system characterized by Comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of any of claims 1-9, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method of any of claims 10-14. A storage medium storing instructions, the instructions comprising: The instructions, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any of claims 1-14. A program product comprising at least one of a program, instructions, characterized in that The program, instructions, at least one of which, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method of any of claims 1-14.

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