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

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a measurement method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. The method comprises: during the establishment of an association with a second device, performing RRM measurement on a serving cell and / or a neighboring cell of a first device, so as to obtain a first measurement result, wherein the first measurement result is used for indicating an RRM measurement result of the second device during the association, and the second device is in an RRC idle state. In the method of the present disclosure, the first device can execute RRM measurement for the associated second device, such that the second device can reduce or not execute a measurement operation, and thus not only can a reliable measurement result be provided for the second device, but energy consumption of the second device can also be reduced.

Description

Measurement 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 measurement method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of communication networks, the number of devices connected to these networks is increasing dramatically. Based on the development of various new applications and intelligent technologies, the number of IoT devices needing to connect to the network in IoT application scenarios will experience explosive growth. Different devices require measurement to ensure they reside within suitable cell ranges. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In scenarios where the number of connected devices in the aforementioned network surges, some devices may have limited capabilities or energy, making it impossible to complete measurements or causing measurements to consume too much energy and affect other operations. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the problem of how to perform measurements with such devices.

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

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a measurement method, performed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0006] During the association process with the second device, radio resource management (RRM) measurements are performed on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device to obtain a first measurement result; wherein, the first measurement result is used to represent the RRM measurement result of the second device during the association process, and the second device is in a radio resource control (RRC) idle state.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a measurement method performed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0008] During the association process with the first device, a first measurement result is obtained by performing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements through the first device; wherein the first measurement result is used to represent the RRM measurement result of the second device during the association process, and the second device is in an RRC idle state.

[0009] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0010] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a first device and a second device, wherein,

[0011] The first device is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0012] The second device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0013] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0014] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0016] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first device can perform RRM measurements for the associated second device, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for the second device to perform measurement operations. This not only provides reliable measurement results for the second device but also effectively saves energy consumption for the second device. Attached Figure Description

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

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

[0019] Figures 2A and 2B are exemplary interactive schematic diagrams of the method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figures 3A to 3C are exemplary interactive schematic diagrams of the method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This disclosure provides a measurement method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product.

[0026] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a measurement method, performed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0027] During the association process with the second device, RRM measurements are performed on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device to obtain a first measurement result; wherein the first measurement result is used to represent the RRM measurement result of the second device during the association process, and the second device is in an RRC idle state.

[0028] In the above embodiments, the first device can perform RRM measurements for the associated second device, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for the second device to perform measurement operations. This not only provides reliable measurement results for the second device but also effectively saves energy consumption for the second device.

[0029] In conjunction with embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, performing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device includes:

[0030] Based on the first configuration information obtained from the system information, RRM measurements are performed on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells; wherein the first device is in the RRC idle state.

[0031] In the above embodiments, the first device in an idle state can perform measurements for the second device using a suitable method, thereby saving energy consumption of the second device.

[0032] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0033] Receive the second configuration information sent by the network device;

[0034] The radio resource management (RRM) measurements performed on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device include:

[0035] RRM measurements are performed on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells configured according to the second configuration information; wherein, the first device is in RRC connected state.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the first device in the connected state can use a suitable method to perform measurements for the second device, thereby saving energy consumption of the second device.

[0037] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0038] If the first measurement result meets the conditions for cell reselection, cell reselection is performed.

[0039] In the above embodiments, the first device can perform cell reselection in a timely manner during the measurement process for the second device, thereby improving the communication quality of the cell where the second device camps.

[0040] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0041] The first information is periodically sent to the second device, the first information including information for establishing an association with the second device.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the first device can send the first information at a certain period, so that the second device can be connected in a timely manner, saving its own energy consumption.

[0043] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes cell information of the cell where the first device is camped, or,

[0044] In the case of cell reselection, the first information includes the cell information corresponding to the cell after the first device reselects.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the first information sent periodically by the first device may carry the cell information after it has been stationed or updated, so that the second device can obtain the latest cell information and ensure the communication performance between the second device and the network.

[0046] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the cell information includes at least one of the following:

[0047] Community signage;

[0048] Information on the frequency point where the cell synchronization signal is located.

[0049] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0050] Receive second information sent by the second device, or receive third information sent by the second device through the network device, wherein the second information or the third information is used to indicate the termination of the association between the first device and the second device;

[0051] In this process, the second device transitions from the RRC idle state to the RRC connected state.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the first device can promptly contact the associated device based on the notification from the second device, thereby reducing unnecessary information transmission or unnecessary operations and saving energy consumption of the first device.

[0053] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information or the third information is sent by the second device when the second measurement result of the first information is less than or equal to a threshold.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the second device can send a notification to disconnect from the first device in a timely manner based on the measurement results of the first information, thereby preventing an unsuitable first device from continuing to assist the second device in performing measurements and ensuring the measurement accuracy of the second device.

[0055] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0056] Upon receiving the second or third information, stop the RRM measurement corresponding to the second device and / or stop sending the first information to the second device.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the first device can promptly stop sending and operating related information to save its own energy consumption.

[0058] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a measurement method performed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0059] During the association process with the first device, a first measurement result is obtained by performing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements through the first device; wherein the first measurement result is used to represent the RRM measurement result of the second device during the association process, and the second device is in an RRC idle state.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the second device can perform RRM measurements through the associated first device, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for measurement operations. This not only provides reliable measurement results for the second device but also effectively saves energy consumption for the second device.

[0061] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, RRM measurements are stopped during the association with the first device.

[0062] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, stopping RRM measurements includes:

[0063] Stop measuring the cell served by the second device;

[0064] Stop measuring neighboring cells of different priorities for the second device.

[0065] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first measurement result is obtained based on first configuration information in system information or second configuration information sent by a network device.

[0066] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0067] Receive first information periodically sent by the first device, the first information including information for establishing an association with the second device.

[0068] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes cell information of the cell where the first device is camped, or,

[0069] In the case of cell reselection, the first information includes the cell information corresponding to the cell after the first device reselects.

[0070] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0071] The residential community to stay in is determined based on the community information.

[0072] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0073] The second measurement result is obtained by measuring the first information;

[0074] If the second measurement result is less than or equal to the threshold, perform RRM measurement in the RRC idle state.

[0075] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, performing RRM measurements in the RRC idle state includes:

[0076] Based on the cell information in the first information, receive the system information corresponding to the cell information;

[0077] Based on the system information corresponding to the cell information, perform RRM measurements in the idle state of the cell where the second device is stationed and / or neighboring cells.

[0078] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0079] The device transitions from the RRC idle state to the RRC connected state, sends a second message to the first device, or sends a second message to the network device, and sends a third message to the first device through the network device. The second or third message is used to indicate the termination of the association between the first device and the second device.

[0080] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0081] Perform RRM measurements in RRC connection state for the serving cell and / or neighboring cells configured for the network device.

[0082] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0083] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a first device and a second device, wherein,

[0084] The first device is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0085] The second device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0086] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0087] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0088] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0089] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in alternative implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0090] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first and second aspects above.

[0091] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0101] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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”.

[0104] 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.

[0105] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0111] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0112] 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.

[0113] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first device 101 and a second device 102.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a terminal, such as a 5G or 6G terminal, or an in-vehicle device. Alternatively, the first device 101 may be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a fully powered IoT device. Alternatively, the first device 101 may be a device specifically designed to assist associated devices in performing operations, and there may be no communication requirement between the first device 101 and the network device. Alternatively, the first device 101 may be a terminal, in-vehicle device, satellite device, or other device that requires communication with the network device.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a terminal or an IoT device. For example, the second device 102 may be a cellular-based narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device, etc. Alternatively, the second device 102 may also be a terminal, an in-vehicle device, etc.

[0117] In some embodiments, the capabilities of the first device 101 and the second device 102 are different; for example, the capabilities of the first device 101 are stronger than those of the second device 102.

[0118] Alternatively, the capabilities of the first device 101 and the second device 102 may not differ significantly, such as both being terminals with comparable capabilities. The second device 102 may have energy-saving requirements, be energy-constrained, or need to conserve energy for specific tasks.

[0119] For example, the first device 101 is a first-type terminal with stronger device capabilities (e.g., stronger hardware capabilities), while the second device 102 can be a second-type terminal with weaker device capabilities and / or limited power supply. As another example, the first device 101 is a first-type terminal with sufficient power supply, while the second device 102 can be a second-type terminal with weaker device capabilities and / or limited power supply.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first device 101 or the first type of terminal can be a high-capability device (Header), and the second device 102 or the second type of terminal can be an IoT device.

[0121] In some embodiments, in a device association or device binding scenario, the first device 101 can be associated with one or more second devices 102, and additionally has the function of managing the second devices 102. In this scenario, the second device 102 can offload some communication functions to the first device 101, or associate some communication functions with the first device 101; the first device 101 can assist or replace the associated second device 102 in performing or completing some communication functions, thereby helping the first device 101 save energy.

[0122] Optionally, the second device 102 may completely suspend the communication function and hand it over to the first device 101; alternatively, after the second device 102 transfers the communication function to the first device 101, it may need to perform the communication function in a different way, such as by using a method with lower power consumption and lower complexity.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first device 101 and the second device 102 are located close to each other, for example, the distance between the second device 102 and the first device 101 is less than a predefined distance threshold.

[0124] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0125] In some embodiments, when the first device 101 or the second device 102 is in RRC connection state, it is connected to a network device. The network device may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0130] In some embodiments, core network equipment includes network elements with specific functions, such as Access Management Function (AMF) and Service Management Function (SMF).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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).

[0134] In some implementations, within IoT application scenarios, the telecommunications industry, in collaboration with traditional industries, is continuously launching various new applications, such as smart grids, smart parking, smart transportation / logistics, smart energy / mining management, and hydrological monitoring. These applications cover various vertical sectors including smart cities, smart homes, and smart transportation, rapidly driving the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries and bringing great convenience to people's daily lives. Large-scale applications will spawn new markets and technologies. In future networks, such as 6G networks, there will be a wider range of IoT usage, and the number of IoT devices needing to connect to the network will experience explosive growth.

[0135] In some implementations, NB-IoT network power consumption can be reduced by lowering data transmission bandwidth, simplifying physical layer information transmission, relaxing RRM measurements, or using application wake-up signals. For future networks such as 6G IoT devices, power saving is a key requirement. For example, to further reduce network maintenance and equipment manufacturing costs, some IoT applications are placing new demands on device power consumption, such as requiring microwatt (μW) level power consumption while maintaining a long battery life despite limited battery storage. Therefore, device energy consumption remains one of the main issues that needs to be addressed.

[0136] In some implementations, given the massive number of IoT device connections, another prominent requirement for future networks such as 6G IoT devices is to avoid network resource congestion on top of this massive connectivity. The increased number of devices can lead to interference between the transmitting and receiving signals of different devices on the air interface, affecting communication quality; excessive interaction between devices and network signaling can also cause network overload and network resource congestion.

[0137] In some implementations, device association or device binding scenarios can help reduce network signaling interactions and achieve energy savings. However, in such scenarios, some devices may have limited capabilities or energy, making it impossible to complete measurements or causing significant energy consumption that could affect other operations. Therefore, it is necessary to address how to perform measurements with such devices; or, in association scenarios, how associated devices can perform measurements is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0138] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0139] In step S2101, the first device 101 periodically sends first information to the second device 102.

[0140] In some embodiments, the types of the first device 101 and the second device 102 can be referred to the description of the foregoing embodiments. In this disclosure, the first device 101 is a Header device and the second device 102 is an IoT device as an example.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may transmit the first information via broadcast.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may broadcast first information at a certain period. For example, before establishing an association with the second device 102, during the establishment of an association with the second device 102, or after establishing an association with the second device 102, the first device 101 may periodically send the first information at a set period.

[0143] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may receive the first information.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may listen to and receive the first information according to the time domain or frequency domain information of the first information, in accordance with relevant instructions or configurations obtained by the network device.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first information includes information for establishing an association with the second device; or, the first information can be used by the second device 102 to determine whether to maintain the association or binding with the first device 101.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first information may also be referred to as the first signal. Alternatively, the first information may include a reference signal.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first information may be a low-power signal, such as a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) signal or an on-off keying (OOK) signal. The second device 102 receives the first information in a lower-power manner.

[0148] In some embodiments, the information included in the first information for association may include at least one of the following: device information of the first device 101, cell information where the first device 101 is camped, conditions for association or binding, etc.

[0149] The device information of the first device 101 may include its device identifier (header ID) and / or device type.

[0150] The cell information may include the cell ID of the cell in which the first device 101 is camped or connected, and / or the frequency information of the cell's synchronization signal, such as the frequency location information of the SSB of the camped cell: Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (AFRCN).

[0151] In some embodiments, the first information can be used by the second device 102 to discover the first device 101, so that the second device 102 can determine whether to initiate association or binding.

[0152] In step S2102, the second device 102 measures the first information and obtains the second measurement result.

[0153] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, the second device 102 can measure the first information to determine whether the first device 101 is suitable for association or binding, for example, to determine whether the first device 101 is close to itself.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may have a low-power mode in which it receives and measures the first information.

[0155] In the low-power mode, the second device 102 can receive and demodulate the first information with fewer hardware modules, simpler signal demodulation and decoding methods, and lower data processing rates, thereby achieving lower power consumption. For example, the second device 102 can use a radio frequency envelope detection receiver to receive the first information modulated using OOK, and its power consumption level will be much lower than that of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) receiver receiving OFDM signals.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second measurement result may be the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), the Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), or the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR).

[0157] In some embodiments, before the first device 101 and the second device 102 establish an association or binding, if the second measurement result of the first information measurement by the second device 102 is greater than a threshold, the second device 102 may request the first device 101 to establish an association or binding.

[0158] For example, if the second measurement result of the second device 102 after measuring the first information is greater than a threshold, and the information carried in the first information indicates that the second device 102 is allowed to access, the second device 102 can send an association request or binding request to the first device 101, or send an association request or binding request to the first device 101 through a network device. The association request or binding request may carry at least one of the following: the identifier of the second device 102 (IoT device ID), the identifier of the first device 101 (header ID), the service type for establishing the association, etc. When the first device 101 allows the association, it can send a response message to the second device 102, or send a response message to the second device 102 through a network device. After the second device 102 receives the response message, it indicates that an association or binding has been established between the first device 101 and the second device 102.

[0159] In some embodiments, when the first device 101 and the second device 102 have established an association or binding, that is, during the period of establishing the association or binding, the second device 102 can still periodically measure the first information. If the second measurement result obtained at this time is greater than a threshold, the second device 102 can determine to maintain the association or binding with the first device 101.

[0160] In some embodiments, a first-type terminal with stronger capabilities and sufficient power supply (such as the first device 101) can assist or replace a second-type terminal with weaker capabilities and limited power supply (such as the second device 102) in completing some communication operations, thereby helping the second-type terminal save energy. For example, during the association or binding between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the second device 102 can transfer all or part of the associated or bound services to the first device 101 for execution, thereby achieving energy saving for the second device 102, as described in step S2104.

[0161] In some embodiments, if the second measurement result is less than or equal to a threshold, the second device 102 may not request to establish an association or binding, or may not maintain an existing association or binding, as described in step S2106.

[0162] In some embodiments, for the periodically transmitted first information, the second device 102 can periodically perform measurements to obtain second measurement results in different periods. The decision method for the second measurement result in each period can be found in the description of the above embodiments.

[0163] In step S2103, during the association establishment between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the second device 102 stops RRM measurement.

[0164] In some embodiments, when the first device 101 and the second device 102 have been associated, the second device 102 may be in an RRC idle state.

[0165] In some embodiments, when the first device 101 and the second device 102 have been associated, the second device 102 can perform measurements through the first device 101, while itself stopping RRM measurements in the RRC idle state.

[0166] In some embodiments, when the first device 101 and the second device 102 have established an association, the second device 102 considers the cell where the first device 101 is camped or connected to to be its own camped cell. For example, the second device 102 considers the cell ID carried in the first information to be the cell ID of its own camped cell.

[0167] In some embodiments, stopping RRM measurements by the second device 102 includes at least one of the following:

[0168] Stop measuring the second serving cell;

[0169] Stop measuring different priority neighboring cells of the second device, for example, stop RRM measurements of neighboring cells or high priority neighboring cells.

[0170] In step S2104, during the association establishment between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the first device 101 performs RRM measurements on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device to obtain a first measurement result.

[0171] In some embodiments, when the first device 101 and the second device 102 have established an association, the first device 101 may be in an RRC idle state, an RRC inactive state, or an RRC connected state.

[0172] In some embodiments, step S2103 can be performed if the second measurement result is greater than a threshold.

[0173] In some embodiments, the measurement in step S2103 is a measurement performed by the first device 101 for the second device 102. For example, the first measurement result obtained by the first device 101 is used to represent the RRM measurement result of the second device 102 during the association period.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may perform measurements based on the configured serving cell and / or neighboring cells.

[0175] In one embodiment, during the association establishment process between the first device 101 and the second device 102, if the first device 101 is in an RRC idle state, the first device 101 can listen to system information and obtain first configuration information from the system information. The first configuration information may include the serving cell and / or neighboring cells configured for the first device 101.

[0176] In this embodiment, the first device 101 learns the serving cell and / or neighboring cell configured by the system information according to the configuration of the first device 101. The first device 101 can perform RRM measurement on the configured serving cell and / or neighboring cell to obtain the first measurement result.

[0177] In another embodiment, during the association establishment between the first device 101 and the second device 102, if the first device 101 is in an RRC connection state, the first device 101 can perform measurements based on the network device configuration.

[0178] In this embodiment, the first device 101 can receive second configuration information sent by the network device in a connected state. The second configuration information may include the serving cell and / or neighboring cells configured for the first device 101.

[0179] In this embodiment, the first device 101 performs RRM measurement based on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells configured according to the second configuration information to obtain the first measurement result.

[0180] In step S2105, the first device 101 determines whether to perform cell reselection based on the first measurement result.

[0181] In some embodiments, if the first measurement result meets the conditions corresponding to cell reselection, the first device 101 can perform cell reselection.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first device 101 can ensure that it camps in a suitable cell based on RRM measurements. When the channel conditions of the camped cell are poor, the first device 101 can perform cell reselection.

[0183] For example, based on the first configuration information or the second configuration information, the first device 101 can periodically measure the reference signal of the currently camped cell, such as the serving cell. When the first measurement result of the serving cell meets the set threshold corresponding to the serving cell, the first device 101 may not start the measurement of the neighboring cell; when the first measurement result of the serving cell does not meet the set threshold corresponding to the serving cell, the first device 101 may start the measurement of the neighboring cell.

[0184] Among them, for the high-priority neighboring cells configured, the first device 101 can periodically perform measurements.

[0185] In this embodiment, when the first measurement result of the neighboring cell meets the set threshold corresponding to the neighboring cell, if the quality of the neighboring cell exceeds that of the serving cell, the first device 101 can select the neighboring cell as a new serving cell and stay in the neighboring cell.

[0186] In some embodiments, if the first device 101 undergoes cell reselection, it is necessary to update the cell information in the first information in a timely manner, such as by including the reselected cell information in the first information after reselection.

[0187] For example, the first information includes cell information of the cell where the first device 101 is stationed, such as the cell identifier of the stationed cell and / or the frequency information of the cell synchronization signal (such as AFRCN). Alternatively, in the case of cell reselection, the first information includes cell information corresponding to the cell after the first device 101 reselects, such as the cell identifier of the neighboring cell after reselection and / or the frequency information of the cell synchronization signal (such as AFRCN).

[0188] In some embodiments, the second device 102 can obtain updated or unupdated cell information in the first information by periodically receiving the first information.

[0189] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may determine the cell to which it resides based on the cell information in the first information.

[0190] For example, if no reselection occurs, the second device 102 considers the cell identifier in the latest received first information to be the cell identifier of the cell it is residing in.

[0191] For example, in the event of a reselection, the second device 102 considers the cell identifier of the reselected cell in the latest received first information to be the cell identifier of the cell it is currently residing in.

[0192] Therefore, even if the second device 102 does not perform measurement, it can obtain valid cell information based on the first information, which is beneficial for the second device 102 to communicate based on valid cell information after the association is broken, thereby improving the communication efficiency of the second device 102.

[0193] Step S2106: When the second measurement result is less than or equal to the threshold, the second device 102 performs RRM measurement in the RRC idle state.

[0194] In some embodiments, when the second measurement result is less than or equal to a threshold, the second device 102 considers that the association or binding with the first device 101 needs to be released, and therefore will resume RRM measurement.

[0195] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the description of the foregoing embodiments, the second device 102 can determine the cell it serves, i.e., the cell it camps on, based on the cell information (cell identifier and / or AFRCN) in the latest or last received first information. For example, the second device 102 considers the cell identifier in the first information to be the cell identifier of the cell it camps on; and considers the AFRCN to be the frequency point information of the synchronization signal of the cell it camps on.

[0196] In some embodiments, after the second device 102 determines the cell to be camped on, it can listen to the system information on the cell to be camped on, that is, receive the system information corresponding to the cell information in the first information.

[0197] In this embodiment, the second device 102 can perform RRM measurements of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells according to the measurement configuration of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells in the system information.

[0198] For example, the second device 102 can periodically measure the reference signal of the stationed cell, such as the serving cell. When the measurement result of the serving cell meets the set threshold corresponding to the serving cell, the second device 102 may not start the measurement of neighboring cells; when the measurement result of the serving cell does not meet the set threshold corresponding to the serving cell, the second device 102 may start the measurement of neighboring cells. Among them, for the configured high-priority neighboring cells, the second device 102 can periodically perform measurements.

[0199] In this embodiment, when the measurement result of the neighboring cell meets the set threshold corresponding to the neighboring cell, if the quality of the neighboring cell exceeds that of the serving cell, the second device 102 can also perform cell reselection, select the neighboring cell as the new serving cell, and stay in the neighboring cell.

[0200] In some embodiments, the second device 102 can adjust the association relationship or its own measurement behavior in a timely manner based on the measurement results of the first information, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the measurement results and avoiding the influence of association with unsuitable first devices on the accuracy of the measurement results; and the adjustment of the second device 102 is conducive to establishing new associations with other suitable first devices in a timely manner, ensuring energy-saving gains.

[0201] 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", and "field" can be used interchangeably.

[0202] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0203] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, step S2104 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and steps S2103 and S2104 may be implemented as separate embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0207] In some embodiments, at least one of steps S2101 and S2102 may be optionally performed, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0208] In some embodiments, the order of steps S2103 and S2104 can be swapped or performed synchronously.

[0209] In some embodiments, step S2105 may be optionally performed, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0210] In some embodiments, step S2106 may be optionally performed, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0211] 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.

[0212] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0213] In step S2201, the first device 101 periodically sends first information to the second device 102.

[0214] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2201 can be referred to the implementation of step S2101 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0215] In step S2202, the second device 102 measures the first information and obtains the second measurement result.

[0216] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2202 can be referred to the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0217] In step S2203, during the association establishment between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the second device 102 stops RRM measurement.

[0218] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2203 can be referred to the implementation of step S2103 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0219] In step S2204, during the association establishment between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the first device 101 performs RRM measurements on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device to obtain a first measurement result.

[0220] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2204 can be referred to the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0221] In step S2205, the first device 101 determines whether to perform cell reselection based on the first measurement result.

[0222] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2205 can be referred to the implementation of step S2105 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0223] In step S2206, when the second measurement result is less than or equal to the threshold, the second device 102 sends the second information.

[0224] In some embodiments, when the second measurement result is less than or equal to a threshold, the second device 102 can switch from the RRC idle state to the RRC connected state and send the second information.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second information is used to instruct the first device to disconnect from the second device.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second device 102 sending the second information may include the following two examples:

[0227] In one example, if there is a direct link between the second device 102 and the first device 101, the second device 102 can directly send a second message to the first device 101 to indicate that the association should be terminated.

[0228] In another example, if there is no direct link between the second device 102 and the first device 101, the second device 102 can send a second message to the network device. After receiving the second message, the network device sends a third message to the first device 101. The third message is used to indicate the termination of the association between the first device and the second device. The third message may contain only the second message, or it may contain the second message and other indication information.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first device 101 receives second information sent by the second device 102, or receives third information sent by the network device, and learns that the association with the second device 102 has been terminated.

[0230] In step S2207, the first device 101 stops the RRM measurement corresponding to the second device 102 and / or stops sending the first information.

[0231] In some embodiments, after receiving the second or third information, the first device 101 determines to unassociate or unbind itself from the second device 102.

[0232] In some embodiments, when the association or binding is terminated, if the first device 101 is a terminal specifically used to associate with the second device 102 and has no communication requirement with the network device, the first device 101 can stop the RRM measurement corresponding to the second device 102. The RRM measurement corresponding to the second device 102 can refer to the measurement performed by the first device 101 for the second device 102 during the association period, such as the measurement in step S2104 or S2204.

[0233] Optionally, in this scenario, if the first device 101 is associated with or bound to multiple second devices 102, when the first device 101 receives second information or corresponding third information from a second device 102, it can stop sending information about the RRM measurement results corresponding to that second device 102, such as the cell information it is camped on. At the same time, the first device does not need to perform subsequent RRM measurements.

[0234] In some embodiments, if the first device 101 is a terminal that needs to communicate with the network device and can be used in a scenario associated with the second device 102, the first device 101 can still perform its own RRM measurement, such as cell reselection measurement, after being unbound from the second device. In this case, the measurement result can be used by the first device 101 to perform cell reselection itself.

[0235] In some embodiments, if the association or binding is terminated, the first device 101 may stop sending the first information.

[0236] In some embodiments, if the first device 101 is associated with or bound to multiple second devices 102, the first information is stopped from being sent only after the first device 101 is unassociated with or unbound from all the second devices 102.

[0237] In some embodiments, the second device 102 notifies the first device 101 to disconnect via second information, which can reduce unnecessary signal transmissions and unnecessary associated service operations (such as associated RRM measurements) for the first device 101, thereby saving energy consumption for the first device 101.

[0238] In step S2208, the second device 102 performs RRM measurements in RRC connected state for the serving cell and / or neighboring cells configured for the network device.

[0239] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the implementation of step S2206, after the second device 102 switches to the RRC connected state, it can receive configuration information sent by the network device to obtain the measurement configuration of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells to be measured.

[0240] In some embodiments, the second device 102 performs RRM measurements in RRC connected state according to the configuration of the network device.

[0241] In some embodiments, step S2208 can be omitted. For example, if the network device is not configured to perform measurements in the connected state, the second device 102 can fall back to the RRC idle state after sending the second information, as described in step S2209.

[0242] In step S2209, the second device 102 performs RRM measurement in the RRC idle state.

[0243] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may fall back to the RRC idle state after sending the second information in step S2206; or, the second device 102 may fall back to the RRC idle state after step S2208.

[0244] In some embodiments, the measurement of the second device 102 in the RRC idle state can be referred to the implementation of step S2106 in FIG2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2209. For example, step S2204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, steps S2203 and S2204 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and steps S2203, S2204 and S2206 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0246] In some embodiments, at least one of steps S2201 and S2202 may be optionally performed, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0247] In some embodiments, the order of steps S2203 and S2204 can be swapped or performed synchronously.

[0248] In some embodiments, step S2205 may be optionally performed, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0249] In some embodiments, step S2208 may be optionally performed, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0250] 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.

[0251] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0252] In step S3101, during the association establishment between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the second device 102 stops RRM measurement.

[0253] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3101 can be referred to the implementation of step S2103 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0254] In step S3102, during the association establishment between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the first device 101 performs RRM measurements on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device to obtain a first measurement result.

[0255] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3102 can be referred to the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0256] 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.

[0257] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0258] In step S3201, during the association establishment between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the first device 101 performs RRM measurements on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device to obtain a first measurement result.

[0259] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3201 can be found in the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0260] In step S3202, when the second measurement result is less than or equal to the threshold, the second device 102 performs RRM measurement in the RRC idle state.

[0261] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3202 can be referred to the implementation of step S2106 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0262] Figure 3C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, this disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0263] In step S3301, during the association establishment between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the first device 101 performs RRM measurements on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device to obtain a first measurement result.

[0264] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3301 can be referred to the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0265] In step S3302, when the second measurement result is less than or equal to the threshold, the second device 102 sends the second information.

[0266] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3302 can be referred to the implementation of step S2206 in FIG2B, and will not be repeated here.

[0267] This disclosure provides a method for a first type of terminal to assist or replace the second type of terminal in completing RRM measurement after a first type of terminal and a second type of terminal are bound together in a device binding scenario.

[0268] In some embodiments, device binding can also be called device association.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal corresponds to the first device 101 in the foregoing embodiments, and the second type of terminal corresponds to the second device 102 in the foregoing embodiments.

[0270] In some embodiments, this disclosure uses an IoT device as an example, but it is not limited to IoT devices and can also be applied to other terminal devices.

[0271] In some embodiments, in a device-bonded scenario, a high-capacity header device is bound to one or more low-capacity / or insufficiently powered IoT devices. The high-capacity header can be a communication device with stronger hardware capabilities and sufficient power supply, additionally possessing the function of managing IoT devices. The IoT devices and the header are located close to each other. The header corresponds to the first type of terminal described above, and the IoT device corresponds to the second type of terminal described above. When an IoT device is bound to a header device, the IoT device can offload some operations to the header, or in other words, bind some of its required functions to the header.

[0272] In some embodiments, to establish a binding, the following description may be satisfied:

[0273] (1) The header needs to send the first signal of the cycle, which is used by IoT devices to discover the header and determine whether the conditions for establishing a binding have been met.

[0274] (2) The IoT device measures the reception quality of the first signal and determines whether it can access the header based on the possible access control information in the first signal.

[0275] (3) The IoT device sends a binding request to the network device, which then sends the same binding request to the header device. The binding request must include at least the IoT device ID and the header ID. Optional information such as the type of service to be bound may also be included. If the header device allows the binding, it will return a response and forward it to the IoT device over the network. After the binding is established, the IoT device can offload all or part of the bound service to the header, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0276] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure, the following examples illustrate a method for performing RRC idle-state RRM measurements using a Header instead of an idle-state IoT device:

[0277] Example 1:

[0278] After the header is bound to the IoT device, the IoT device is in the RRC idle state, while the header can be in the RRC idle state, inactive state, or RRC connected state.

[0279] Example 2:

[0280] Based on Example 1, the Header needs to periodically send the first signal.

[0281] Optionally, the first signal may carry the cell ID where the header is located. If the header is in RRC connected state, then the first signal may carry the cell ID to which the header is connected.

[0282] Optionally, the first signal may carry the frequency location information (AFRCN) of the SSB of the camped cell. If the header is in the RRC connected state, the first signal may carry the AFRCN of the SSB of the cell to which the header is connected.

[0283] Example 3:

[0284] Based on Example 1 or Example 2, the IoT device periodically measures the first signal.

[0285] Optionally, if the IoT device has a low-power mode, and the first signal can be received and measured in the low-power mode, the IoT device can choose to use the low-power mode to measure the first signal. The low-power mode means that the IoT device receives and demodulates the first signal with fewer hardware modules, simpler signal demodulation and decoding methods, and lower data processing rates, thus implying lower power consumption than the conventional operating mode. For example, the IoT device could use a receiver with radio frequency envelope detection to receive the first signal modulated using OOK, and its power consumption level would be lower than that of a conventional OFDM receiver receiving OFDM signals.

[0286] Optionally, the measurement quantity can be at least one of RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR.

[0287] Example 4:

[0288] Based on any of the above examples, if the measurement result of the first signal by the IoT device meets the threshold, it is considered that the binding relationship between the IoT device and the header is maintained.

[0289] Example 5:

[0290] Based on any of the above examples, during the period the binding relationship is maintained, the IoT device stops RRM measurements and considers the cell ID that the header resides in or is connected to as its own residing cell ID.

[0291] Optionally, this includes stopping RRM measurements of the serving cell.

[0292] Optionally, RRM measurements for neighboring cells, including high-priority neighboring cells, can be stopped.

[0293] Example 6:

[0294] Simultaneously with Example 5, IoT devices consider the cell ID where the header resides or is connected to as their own cell ID.

[0295] Optionally, during the binding relationship maintenance period, if the header is in the RRC idle state, the header performs RRM measurements on the serving cell and neighboring cells according to the system information configuration, and performs cell reselection according to the cell reselection process defined in the protocol based on the measurement results. If cell reselection occurs, the header needs to replace the original cell ID / original cell SSB AFRCN with the reselected cell ID and cell SSB AFRCN in the first signal. The IoT device considers the cell ID in the first signal to be its own serving cell ID.

[0296] Optionally, during the binding relationship maintenance period, if the header is in the RRC connected state, the header measures the serving cell and neighboring cells according to the mobility measurement-related configuration of the base station. If the header is switched, the header carries the target cell ID and the AFRCN of the switched cell SSB in the first signal. The IoT device considers the cell ID in the first signal to be its own stationed cell ID.

[0297] Example 7:

[0298] Based on any of the above examples, if the IoT device's measurement result of the first signal does not meet the threshold (meaning the binding relationship needs to be released), the IoT device will resume RRM measurement.

[0299] Method 1: The IoT device directly listens to the cell on the AFRCN indicated by the cell ID and the cell SSB of the cell, listens to the system information of the cell, and uses the cell as its serving cell. Then the IoT device starts RRM measurement, including the RRM measurement of the serving cell and neighboring cells as described in the background above.

[0300] Method 2: The IoT device needs to first transition to a connected state to notify the network of the unbinding action (so that the network can notify the header of the unbinding action, allowing the header to stop the binding service with the IoT device, stop sending the first signal when there is no bound device, etc.). When the IoT device is in connected state, its RRM measurement behavior is based on the base station configuration. For example, if the base station is configured to perform RRM measurements on certain cells, the IoT device will perform measurements on the corresponding cells (including measurements on neighboring cells or the serving cell). When the IoT device falls back to the RRC idle state, it will resume the RRM measurement behavior of the RRC idle state.

[0301] Method 2 adds a notification unbinding step to the process compared to Method 1, before the IoT device falls back to the RRC idle state to resume RRM measurement. However, this method can notify the header of the unbinding behavior, which helps the header avoid unnecessary signal transmission and unnecessary binding business operations.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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.

[0304] 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.

[0305] 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).

[0306] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a first device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first device 4100 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4A, the first device 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101, a processing module 4102, etc. In some embodiments, the processing module 4102 is used to perform Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device during the association process with the second device, and obtain a first measurement result; wherein the first measurement result is used to represent the RRM measurement result of the second device during the association process, and the second device is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state. Optionally, the transceiver module 4101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 4102 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0307] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The second device 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4B, the second device 4200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4201, a processing module 4202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4201 is used to obtain a first measurement result by performing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement through the first device during the association process with the first device; wherein the first measurement result is used to represent the RRM measurement result of the second device during the association process, and the second device is in an RRC idle state. Optionally, the transceiver module 4201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 4202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the second device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0308] 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.

[0309] 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.

[0310] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0311] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 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 5100 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.

[0312] As shown in Figure 5A, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 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 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0313] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method, and the processor 5101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0314] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5103 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5103 may also be located outside the communication device 5100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected to the memory 5103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 5103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5103 and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5101.

[0315] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 5A. 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.

[0316] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 5200 shown in Figure 5B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0317] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0318] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, the interface circuit 5202 is connected to the memories 5203, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 5203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5201.

[0319] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 5202 performs data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0320] 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.

[0321] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 5100, cause the communication device 5100 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.

[0322] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by the communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 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.

[0323] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. Industrial applicability

[0324] The first device can perform RRM measurements on the associated second device, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for the second device to perform measurement operations. This not only provides reliable measurement results for the second device but also effectively saves energy consumption for the second device.

Claims

1. A measurement method performed by a first device, the method comprising: During the association process with the second device, Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements are performed on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device to obtain a first measurement result; wherein the first measurement result is used to represent the RRM measurement result of the second device during the association process, and the second device is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The step of performing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device includes: Based on the first configuration information obtained from the system information, RRM measurements are performed on the serving cell and / or the neighboring cell; wherein the first device is in the RRC idle state.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the second configuration information sent by the network device; The step of performing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements on the serving cell and / or neighboring cells of the first device includes: RRM measurements are performed on the serving cell and / or the neighboring cell configured according to the second configuration information; wherein the first device is in RRC connected state.

4. The method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further includes: If the first measurement result meets the conditions for cell reselection, cell reselection is performed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The method further includes: The first information is periodically sent to the second device, the first information including information for establishing an association with the second device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The first information includes the cell information of the cell where the first device is stationed, or, In the case of cell reselection, the first information includes the cell information corresponding to the cell after the first device reselects.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The cell information includes at least one of the following: Community signage; Information on the frequency point where the cell synchronization signal is located.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a second message sent by the second device, or receive a third message sent by the second device through a network device, wherein the second message or the third message is used to indicate the termination of the association between the first device and the second device; The second device transitions from the RRC idle state to the RRC connected state.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The second information or the third information is sent by the second device when the second measurement result of the first information is less than or equal to a threshold.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further includes: Upon receiving the second information or the third information, stop the RRM measurement corresponding to the second device and / or stop sending the first information to the second device.

11. A measurement method performed by a second device, the method comprising: During the association process with the first device, a first measurement result is obtained by performing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements through the first device; wherein the first measurement result is used to represent the RRM measurement result of the second device during the association process, and the second device is in an RRC idle state.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: RRM measurements are stopped during the association process with the first device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The cessation of RRM measurement includes at least one of the following: Stop measuring the cell serving the second device; Stop measuring neighboring cells of different priorities for the second device.

14. The method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The first measurement result is obtained based on the first configuration information in the system information or the second configuration information sent by the network device.

15. The method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The method further includes: The device receives first information periodically sent by the first device, the first information including information for establishing an association with the second device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first information includes the cell information of the cell where the first device is stationed, or, In the case of cell reselection, the first information includes the cell information corresponding to the cell after the first device reselects.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The method further includes: The residential community to be stayed in is determined based on the community information provided.

18. The method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The method further includes: A second measurement result is obtained by measuring the first information; If the second measurement result is less than or equal to the threshold, perform RRM measurement in the RRC idle state.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The execution of RRM measurements in the RRC idle state includes: Based on the cell information in the first information, receive the system information corresponding to the cell information; Based on the system information corresponding to the cell information, RRM measurements are performed on the cell and / or neighboring cells where the second device is stationed in the RRC idle state.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The method further includes: The device transitions from the RRC idle state to the RRC connected state, sends a second message to the first device, or sends a second message to the network device, and sends a third message to the first device through the network device. The second message or the third message is used to indicate the termination of the association between the first device and the second device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further includes: Perform RRM measurements in RRC connection state for the serving cell and / or neighboring cells configured for the network device.

22. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or any one of claims 11 to 21.

23. A communication system, comprising a first device and a second device, wherein, The first device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; The second device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 21.

24. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 or any one of claims 11 to 21.

25. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 or any one of claims 11 to 21.

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