Communication method and handover method

Abstract

Disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a communication method and a handover method. A terminal obtains a first task configured by a network side by means of first information, and can report state information of the first task when a first condition is met. A source network device sends a first message to a candidate network device to which the terminal is to be handed over, which first message comprises indication information for indicating that the terminal has not completed the first task; and the source network device receives a second message from the candidate network device, which second message comprises indication information for indicating that data backhaul of the first task is allowed or data backhaul of the first task is not allowed.

Description

Communication methods and switching methods

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411802242.2, filed in China on December 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and a switching method. Background Technology

[0004] Computing power networks are a new type of information infrastructure that integrates multiple elements, primarily cloud, edge, and endpoint, with computing power at its core and network as its foundation. It fosters the coordinated development of new computing power resources, enabling the provision of integrated computing power at different levels to meet diverse scenario needs. Computing power networks require deep integration of computing power, such as cross-domain computing power scheduling and coordination, breaking down data silos and achieving computing power collaboration between different regions. Under the current cloud-network business model, computing power and networks are deployed, operated, and serviced independently, leading to a crude delivery model and significant resource waste.

[0005] Therefore, how to achieve collaborative operation between computing power and network services is currently a hot research topic. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a communication method and a switching method, which facilitates collaborative computing between the terminal and the network side. Furthermore, even after the terminal switches to other network devices, it can continue to process computing tasks, ensuring the execution of computing tasks and improving service quality.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, which can be executed by a terminal or by a device compatible with the terminal, such as a processor, chip, or chip module. The method may include: receiving first information, the first information being used to configure a first task; and, upon satisfying a first condition, sending status information of the first task.

[0008] Based on the method described in the first aspect, when the terminal side and the network side are collaborating to compute the first task, if the first condition is met, the terminal will promptly report the status information of the first task, so that the network side can know the status of the computing power task in the terminal, which will facilitate the subsequent switching process.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first task is a computing task that needs to process specific data, such as data compression or encoding.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the state information includes at least one of the following:

[0011] Indications indicating completion of the first task; indication indicating completion of data reporting for the first task; indication indicating incomplete first task; remaining processing time for the first task; amount of data to be reported for the first task; or, indication that the terminal has data to be reported for the first task. The indication indicating incomplete first task may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: the first task has not been completed, or the data for the first task has not been reported.

[0012] Based on this method, the network side can promptly obtain the status information of the first task in the terminal.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0014] First event; Receive the message for querying the status of the first task; Execution conditions for handover; First task completed; Data reporting for the first task completed; Terminal successfully accesses the target cell during the handover process.

[0015] For cases where the first condition includes the first event, the first event includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following cell handover conditions: measurement event A3; measurement event A4; or measurement event A5. Measurement event A3 is that the signal quality of the neighboring cell is better than the signal quality of the current serving cell by a certain threshold; measurement event A4 is that the signal quality of the current serving cell is worse than a certain threshold; measurement event A5 is that the signal quality of the neighboring cell is better than one threshold, while the signal quality of the current serving cell is worse than another threshold.

[0016] If the first condition includes receiving a message querying the status of the first task, the terminal receives the message querying the status of the first task, determines that the first condition is met based on the message, and executes the step of sending the status information of the first task.

[0017] In cases where the first condition includes the execution condition for condition switching, the terminal receives the configuration information for the execution condition of condition switching. When the execution condition for condition switching is met, the terminal determines that the first condition is satisfied and executes the step of sending the status information of the first task. The execution condition for condition switching includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the first events described above, which will not be detailed here.

[0018] If the first condition includes the completion of the first task, the terminal determines that the first condition is met upon the completion of the first task and then executes the step of sending the status information of the first task. The completion of the first task includes, but is not limited to, the completion of the first task execution or the completion of the first task data reporting. Correspondingly, the first condition including the completion of the first task can be either the completion of the first task data reporting or the completion of the first task execution.

[0019] If the first condition includes the terminal successfully accessing the target cell during the handover process, such as when the terminal sends a Radio Resource Control Reconfiguration Complete message to the target cell during the handover process, confirming that the terminal has successfully accessed the target cell during the handover process, thus satisfying the first condition, then the step of sending the status information of the first task is executed. Here, the target cell is the cell selected to be handed over to during the handover process, such as a neighboring cell of the serving cell.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the terminal receives configuration information for the first condition.

[0021] Based on this method, when the terminal meets the first condition, it promptly reports the status information of the first task.

[0022] In this communication method, the terminal sends the status information of the first task, which can be reported to the source network device or source cell before or during the handover, or after the handover, such as when switching to the target network device or target cell, and can be determined based on the first condition. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a sensing method, which can be executed by a network device or by a device compatible with the network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip module. The method may include: sending first information, the first information being used to configure a first task; and receiving status information of the first task.

[0024] Based on this method, the network side can promptly obtain the status information of the first task configured for the terminal, which facilitates subsequent handover processing based on this status information.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the state information includes at least one of the following:

[0026] Indication indicating completion of the first task; indication indicating completion of data reporting for the first task; indication indicating incomplete first task; remaining processing time for the first task; amount of data to be reported for the first task; or, indication that the terminal has data to be reported for the first task.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending configuration information for a first condition, wherein the configuration information is used to configure the terminal to report the status information of the first task when the first condition is met.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0029] First event; Receive the message for querying the status of the first task; Execution conditions for handover; First task completed; Data reporting for the first task completed; Terminal successfully accesses the target cell during the handover process.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending configuration information for the first event.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a message querying the first task status.

[0032] Other alternative implementation methods and beneficial effects of the second aspect can be found in the relevant content of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0033] Thirdly, this disclosure also discloses a handover method, which can be executed by a network device or by a device compatible with the network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip module. The network device can be the network device to which the terminal's current serving cell or source cell belongs, or the source network device, during the handover process.

[0034] In one embodiment, the method may include: sending a first message, the first message including indication information for indicating that the terminal has an incomplete first task; and receiving a second message, the second message including indication information for indicating whether data return of the first task is allowed or not.

[0035] Based on this embodiment, during the terminal handover process, the source network device (or source cell, or the terminal's current serving cell) can inform the target network device (or target cell, or neighboring cell, or the neighboring cell of the terminal's current serving cell, or candidate cell, or candidate network device) that the first task in the terminal has not been completed. This allows the source network device to promptly know whether the target network device allows the data backhaul of the first task. This is beneficial for promptly instructing the terminal to continue executing the first task or to terminate the first task.

[0036] In another embodiment, the method may include: sending a first message, the first message including indication information that the terminal has data that needs to be transmitted back to the source network device for a first task; and receiving a second message, the second message including indication information for allowing or disallowing the transmission of data for the first task.

[0037] Based on this embodiment, during the terminal handover process, the source network device can inform the target network device that the terminal has data for the first task that needs to be transmitted back. This allows the source network device to know in a timely manner whether the target network device allows the transmission of the data for the first task. This is beneficial for timely instructing the terminal to continue or terminate the first task, or to instruct the terminal whether it can report the data for the first task to the target network device so that it can be transmitted back to the source network device through the target network device.

[0038] In another embodiment, the method may include: sending a first message, the first message including a request indication for data return of a first task; and receiving a second message, the second message including indication information for allowing or disallowing data return of the first task.

[0039] Based on this embodiment, during the terminal handover process, the source network device can request the data of the first task to be transmitted back to the target network device. This allows the source network device to know in a timely manner whether the target network device allows the data of the first task to be transmitted back. This is beneficial for timely instructing the terminal to continue or terminate the first task, or to instruct the terminal whether it can report the data of the first task to the target network device, so that it can be transmitted back to the source network device through the target network device.

[0040] As can be seen, based on any of the above embodiments, it is beneficial to continue processing computing tasks and / or reporting data after terminal switching, ensuring the execution of computing tasks and improving service quality.

[0041] Optionally, the above statement "instruction information allowing data return of the first task" may include one or more of the following expressions: instruction information agreeing to data return of the first task; instruction information accepting data return of the first task; or instruction information supporting data return of the first task. Correspondingly, the above statement "instruction information disallowing data return of the first task" may include one or more of the following expressions: instruction information disagreeing with data return of the first task; instruction information not accepting data return of the first task; instruction information not supporting data return of the first task; or instruction information rejecting data return of the first task.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first message includes tunnel information for data backhaul corresponding to the first task.

[0043] Based on this method, the target network device can transmit the data of the first task reported by the terminal back to the source network device based on the tunnel information.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the tunnel information corresponding to the first task includes at least one of Internet Protocol (IP) address and / or Tunnel Endpoint Identifier (TEID). Optionally, the tunnel information for data return can be configured according to the task instructions, and different tasks can be configured with different tunnel information.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the second message includes an indication that data return of the first task is not permitted (or is not agreed to, or is not accepted, or is not supported, or is rejected), and the method includes sending an indication to terminate the first task to the terminal.

[0046] Based on this method, the network side can promptly notify the terminal to suspend the first task, thus avoiding wasting the terminal's resources.

[0047] In another possible implementation, the second message includes an instruction message indicating permission (or consent, or acceptance, or support) for data return of the first task, the method comprising: sending an instruction to continue performing the first task to the terminal.

[0048] Based on this method, the network side can promptly inform the terminal that it can continue to execute the first task and report the data of the first task.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving data of the first task from a network device switched from the terminal.

[0050] Based on this method, after terminal switching, the source network device can continue to obtain data from the first task, ensuring the execution of computing tasks and improving service quality.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving an indication from the target network device switched from the terminal that the first task processing has ended or the data has been transmitted back.

[0052] Based on this method, the source network device can promptly obtain the status information of the first task after the terminal switch, which facilitates the timely release of the context information of the terminal of the first task.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the context information of the first task on the terminal is released.

[0054] Based on this method, the source network device promptly releases the context information of the terminal performing the first task.

[0055] Optionally, the method may further include the method described in the second aspect or its optional embodiments. For example, after receiving the status information of the first task, the network device executes the communication method described in the second aspect above and sends a first message to the target network device. Optionally, after receiving the indication information in the second message indicating that the first task data is allowed to be transmitted back, the network device may instruct the terminal to report the data of the first task to the network side.

[0056] Fourthly, this disclosure also discloses a handover method, which can be executed by a network device or by a device matched with the network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip module. The network device can be the target network device to which the terminal is to be handed over or the network device to which the target cell belongs, or it can be a candidate network device or the network device to which the candidate cell (or candidate cell) belongs during the terminal handover process.

[0057] In one embodiment, the method may include: receiving a first message, the first message including indication information for indicating that the terminal has an incomplete first task; and sending a second message, the second message including indication information for indicating whether data return of the first task is allowed or not.

[0058] Based on this embodiment, during the terminal handover process, the target network device can promptly learn that the first task in the terminal has not been completed, enabling the target network device to determine whether to allow the data back transmission of the first task based on its own judgment. This is beneficial for the source network device to promptly instruct the terminal to continue executing the first task or to terminate the first task.

[0059] In another embodiment, the method may include: receiving a first message, the first message including indication information that the terminal has data that needs to be transmitted back to the source network device for a first task; and sending a second message, the second message including indication information for allowing or disallowing the transmission of data for the first task.

[0060] Based on this embodiment, during the terminal handover process, the target network device can promptly learn that the data of the first task in the terminal needs to be transmitted back, enabling the target network device to determine whether to allow the data transmission of the first task based on its own judgment. This is beneficial for the source network device to promptly instruct the terminal to continue executing the first task or to terminate the first task.

[0061] In another embodiment, the method may include: receiving a first message, the first message including a request indication for data return of a first task; and sending a second message, the second message including indication information for allowing or disallowing data return of the first task.

[0062] Based on this embodiment, during the terminal handover process, the target network device can promptly learn that the source network device requests the return of the data of the first task in the terminal, enabling the target network device to determine whether to allow the return of the data of the first task based on its own judgment. This is beneficial for the source network device to promptly instruct the terminal to continue executing the first task or to suspend the first task.

[0063] As can be seen, based on any of the above embodiments, it is beneficial to continue processing computing tasks and / or reporting data after terminal switching, ensuring the execution of computing tasks and improving service quality.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the first message includes tunnel information for data backhaul corresponding to the first task.

[0065] Based on this method, the target network device can use the tunnel information to send the data of the first task reported by the terminal back to the source network device.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the tunnel information corresponding to the first task includes at least one of an IP address and / or a TEID. Optionally, the tunnel information for data return can be configured according to the task instructions, and different tasks can be configured with different tunnel information.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving data from a first task of the terminal; and sending the data of the first task to the source network device of the terminal.

[0068] Based on this method, data backhaul of the first task was achieved after terminal switching.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a radio resource control reconfiguration completion message, the radio resource control reconfiguration completion message including indication information for indicating that the terminal has data for a first task.

[0070] Based on this method, the target network device can promptly obtain data about the first task from the terminal, which facilitates the timely transmission of the first task data back to the source network device, ensuring the execution of computing tasks and improving service quality.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving an indication from the terminal that the first task processing has ended or the data reporting has been completed.

[0072] Based on this method, the target network device can promptly inform the source network device to release the context information of the terminal's first task.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending an indication to the source network device of the terminal that the first task processing has ended or the data return has been completed.

[0074] Based on this method, the target network device informs the source network device of the context information for releasing the terminal's first task.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending an instruction message to the terminal to indicate the release of the first task.

[0076] Based on this method, the target network device informs the terminal to release the computing resources for the first task.

[0077] Other optional implementation methods and beneficial effects in the fourth aspect can be found in the relevant content in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] Fifthly, this disclosure also discloses a handover method, which can be executed by a terminal or by a device compatible with the terminal, such as a processor, chip, or chip module. The method includes: after switching from a source network device to a target network device, sending data for a first task to the target network device; the data for the first task is data in the terminal to be reported to the source network device.

[0079] Based on this method, the first task can continue after the terminal is switched, and the data of the first task can be reported to ensure the execution of computing power tasks and improve the quality of services.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration completion message, the RRC reconfiguration completion message including indication information indicating that the terminal has data for a first task.

[0081] Based on this method, the terminal can inform the target network device after the switch of the data of the first task, so as to facilitate timely reporting of the data.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending an indication that the first task processing has ended or the data reporting has been completed; receiving an indication message for releasing the first task or releasing the first task.

[0083] Based on this method, after the terminal completes the first task, it can promptly notify the network side, which can directly release the processing resources of the first task, or release the processing resources of the first task after receiving the instruction to release the first task.

[0084] Other optional implementation methods and beneficial effects in the fifth aspect can be found in the relevant content in the third and fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0085] Optionally, the method may further include the content described in the first aspect or its optional embodiments. For example, after the terminal executes the communication method described in the first aspect and sends the status information of the first task, it may send the data of the first task to the target network device after switching from the source network device to the target network device. Optionally, the terminal may also report the data of the first task after receiving instruction information indicating that the first task should continue to be executed.

[0086] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device that includes units or modules for performing the methods described in the first or fifth aspect, or alternative implementations thereof.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device that includes units or modules for performing the methods described in the second or third aspect, or alternative implementations thereof.

[0088] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device that includes units or modules for performing the methods described in the fourth aspect above, or in alternative implementations thereof.

[0089] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including a processor, a memory, and a computer program or instructions stored in the memory. The processor executes the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to implement the steps of the methods involved in the first aspect or the fifth aspect or their optional implementations, or to implement the steps of the methods involved in the second aspect or the third aspect or their optional implementations, or to implement the steps of the methods involved in the fourth aspect or their optional implementations.

[0090] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip including a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions to cause a communication device including the chip to perform the steps of the methods involved in the first or fifth aspect or optional implementations thereof, or to perform the steps of the methods involved in the second or third aspect or optional implementations thereof, or to perform the steps of the methods involved in the fourth aspect or optional implementations thereof.

[0091] Eleventhly, this disclosure provides a chip module, including a communication interface and a chip. The communication interface is used for internal communication within the chip module or for communication between the chip module and an external device. The chip is used to execute the steps of the methods involved in the first or fifth aspect or their optional implementations, or to execute the steps of the methods involved in the second or third aspect or their optional implementations, or to execute the steps of the methods involved in the fourth aspect or their optional implementations.

[0092] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the steps of the methods involved in the first or fifth aspect or their optional implementations, or implement the steps of the methods involved in the second or third aspect or their optional implementations, or implement the steps of the methods involved in the fourth aspect or their optional implementations.

[0093] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, wherein when the computer program or instructions are executed, they implement the steps of the methods involved in the first aspect or the fifth aspect or their optional implementations, or implement the steps of the methods involved in the second aspect or the third aspect or their optional implementations, or implement the steps of the methods involved in the fourth aspect or their optional implementations.

[0094] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a terminal and a network device. The terminal is used to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect or its optional implementations, and the network device is used to perform the steps of the method described in the second aspect or its optional implementations.

[0095] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a terminal, a source network device, and a target network device. The terminal is used to perform the steps of the methods involved in the first or fifth aspect, or alternative implementations thereof; the source network device is used to perform the steps of the methods involved in the second or third aspect, or alternative implementations thereof; and the target network device is used to perform the steps of the methods involved in the fourth aspect, or alternative implementations thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0096] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a basic handover process;

[0097] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a condition switching process;

[0098] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an LTM switching process;

[0099] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication system.

[0100] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0101] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a switching method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0102] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0103] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0104] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip module provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0105] In this disclosure, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and purpose. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, nor do they imply that they must be different. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0106] It should be understood that in this disclosure, "at least one" refers to one or more; "multiple" refers to two or more. Furthermore, the word "equal to" in this disclosure can be used with either "greater than" or "less than". When "equal to" and "greater than" are used together, the technical solution using "greater than" is adopted; when "equal to" and "less than" are used together, the technical solution using "less than" is adopted.

[0107] I. The relevant concepts involved in the embodiments of this disclosure are explained.

[0108] 1. Terminal equipment

[0109] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, and can be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal device, Internet of Things (IoT) terminal device, vehicle-mounted terminal device, industrial control terminal device, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal device, mobile device, wireless communication device, UE agent, or UE device, etc. Terminal devices can be fixed or mobile. It should be noted that terminal devices can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Long Time Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR), 6th Generation (6G), or next-generation wireless communication technology. For example, terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, in-vehicle terminals, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, mixed reality (MR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in future mobile communication networks, or future evolved public land mobile networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), etc. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the terminal device may also be a device with transceiver functions, such as a chip module.The chip module may include chips, and may also include other discrete devices. The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal device.

[0110] 2. Access network equipment

[0111] Access network equipment refers to nodes in a radio access network (RAN), also known as RAN nodes (or network devices). Access network equipment assists terminal devices in achieving wireless access. In one possible scenario, access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6G system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or an access network device in a mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system; that is, it can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Access network equipment can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a host node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Access network equipment can also be devices that function as base stations in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, access network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be roadside units (RSUs).

[0112] All or part of the functions of the access network device in this disclosure can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The access network device in this disclosure can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0113] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with each access network device implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, access network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that access network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network devices in the access network (RAN) or as network devices in the core network (CN); no restrictions are placed here.

[0114] 3. Switching Process

[0115] During terminal movement, handover may occur between cells. The main handover processes involved include the basic handover process, the conditional handover process, and the layer 1 or layer 2 triggered mobility (LTM) handover process. These are briefly explained below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0116] 3.1 Basic Switching Process

[0117] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a basic handover process, which may include the following steps:

[0118] 101. The source base station sends the measurement configuration to the terminal.

[0119] The measurement configuration is used to configure measurement events, such as measurement event A3 and / or measurement event A5. Measurement event A3 is when the signal quality of a neighboring cell is better than the signal quality of the current serving cell by a certain threshold, such as an offset value. Measurement event A5 is when the signal quality of a neighboring cell is better than a threshold (such as threshold value 1), while the signal quality of the current serving cell is worse than another threshold (such as threshold value 2).

[0120] 102. The terminal reports the measurement report to the source base station.

[0121] The measurement report may be an event-triggered measurement report or a measurement report periodically reported by the terminal.

[0122] 103. The source base station determines that the terminal needs to perform a handover.

[0123] For example, the source base station determines that the terminal needs to perform a handover based on measurement reports and / or measurement reports related to radio resource management (RRM).

[0124] 104. The source base station sends a handover request message to the potential target base station, such as potential target base station 1 and potential target base station 2. The handover request message is used to request that the terminal be handed over to the potential target base station.

[0125] Among them, potential target base stations, also known as candidate base stations, can be selected based on measurement reports and / or RRM-related measurement reports. Steps 104-105 take potential target base station 1 and potential target base station 2 as examples.

[0126] 105. The potential target base station returns a handover request confirmation message, which is used to inform the source base station and the potential target base station that they agree to hand over the terminal to the potential target base station.

[0127] Optionally, the handover request confirmation message can also be used to inform the source base station that the potential target base station does not agree to hand over the terminal to the potential target base station. The handover request confirmation message may also include resource configuration information for the terminal to perform random access in the target cell of the potential target base station.

[0128] 106. The source base station sends a Radio Resource Control Reconfiguration (RRC Reconfiguration) message to the terminal.

[0129] The RRC Reconfiguration message includes the target cell identifier for handover, the terminal's configuration in the target cell, and resource configuration information for random access in the target cell. The target cell and target base station are selected by the source base station from potential target base stations based on steps 103 to 105, as shown in Figure 1. Assuming the RRC Reconfiguration message contains information such as the target cell identifier for handover to potential target base station 1.

[0130] 107. The terminal accesses the target cell based on the RRC Reconfiguration message and sends a Radio Resource Control Reconfiguration Complete message to the target base station (such as potential target base station 1).

[0131] As can be seen, based on the basic handover process described in Figure 1, the terminal can switch from the source base station to the target base station.

[0132] 3.2. Condition Switching Process

[0133] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a condition switching process. The possible steps of this condition switching process are as follows:

[0134] 201. The source base station sends the measurement configuration to the terminal.

[0135] 202. The terminal reports the measurement report to the source base station.

[0136] 203. The source base station determines that the terminal needs to perform a conditional switch.

[0137] For example, the source base station determines that the terminal needs to perform a conditional handover based on the measurement report and / or the RRM-related measurement report.

[0138] 204. The source base station sends a handover request message to the potential target base station. The handover request message is used to request that the terminal be handed over to the potential target base station.

[0139] 205. The potential target base station returns a handover request confirmation message, which is used to inform the source base station and the potential target base station that they agree to hand over the terminal to the potential target base station.

[0140] The explanation of steps 201 to 205 can be found in the relevant content of the basic switching process shown in Figure 1, and will not be elaborated here.

[0141] 206. The source base station sends a Radio Resource Control Reconfiguration (RRC Reconfiguration) message to the terminal.

[0142] The RRCReconfiguration message contains candidate target cells for conditional handover and the execution conditions for the handover. The RRCReconfiguration message may contain multiple candidate target cells and their corresponding execution conditions for the handover.

[0143] 207. The terminal sends a Radio Resource Control Reconfiguration Complete (RRC Reconfiguration Complete) message to the target base station.

[0144] 208. The terminal evaluates the execution conditions for handover of multiple candidate target cells. If at least one candidate target cell meets the corresponding execution conditions for handover, then the handover to the target cell is executed.

[0145] 209. The terminal leaves the source cell, synchronizes to the target cell, and performs a random access process in the target cell.

[0146] 210. The terminal sends an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to the target base station.

[0147] As can be seen, the difference between the conditional handover described in Figure 2 and the basic handover described in Figure 1 is that, in the conditional handover described in Figure 2, the network side can configure the execution conditions for the conditional handover of multiple candidate target cells for the terminal. The terminal can evaluate the target cell that meets the execution conditions of the corresponding conditional handover and then leave the source cell and hand over to the target cell.

[0148] 3.3. LTM Switching

[0149] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an LTM handover process, which may include the following steps:

[0150] 301. The terminal reports a layer 1 or layer 3 measurement report to the source base station.

[0151] Among them, the measurement reports of layer 1 or layer 3 may be event-triggered measurement reports or measurement reports periodically reported by the terminal.

[0152] 302. The source base station determines that the terminal needs to perform a handover.

[0153] For example, the source base station determines that the terminal needs to perform a handover based on the measurement report and / or RRM-related measurement report.

[0154] 303. The source base station sends a handover request message to the potential target base station (taking the target base station shown in Figure 3 as an example). The handover request message is used to request that the terminal be handed over to the potential target base station.

[0155] Among them, potential target base stations, also known as candidate base stations, can be selected based on measurement reports and / or RRM-related measurement reports. Taking potential target base station 1 and potential target base station 2 as examples.

[0156] 304. The potential target base station (taking the target base station shown in Figure 3 as an example) returns a handover request confirmation message. The handover request confirmation message is used to inform the source base station and the potential target base station that they agree to hand over the terminal to the potential target base station.

[0157] The handover request confirmation message may also include resource configuration information for the terminal to perform random access in the cell of the potential target base station.

[0158] 305. The source base station sends an RRC Reconfiguration message to the terminal.

[0159] The RRC Reconfiguration message includes the cell identifier of the handover candidate, the terminal's configuration in the cell, and / or the resource configuration information for the terminal's random access in the cell.

[0160] 306. The terminal sends an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the source base station.

[0161] 307. The terminal performs uplink and / or downlink synchronization in the candidate cell.

[0162] Step 307 is an optional step.

[0163] 308. The terminal reports an L1 measurement report or an L2 measurement report to the source base station.

[0164] 309. The source base station sends an LTM cell switch command to the terminal, instructing the terminal to perform a cell switch.

[0165] 310. The terminal accesses the target cell, optionally performing random access; the terminal sends an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to the target base station.

[0166] As can be seen, the LTM handover process described in Figure 3 differs from other handover processes in that after the terminal performs uplink and / or downlink synchronization in the candidate cell, it reports an L1 measurement report or an L2 measurement report. The network side can then instruct the terminal to perform cell handover based on the L1 measurement report or the L2 measurement report.

[0167] II. System Architecture Involved in the Embodiments of this Disclosure

[0168] This disclosure can be applied to fourth-generation (4G) systems; or to fifth-generation (5G) systems, also known as new radio (NR) systems; or to sixth-generation (6G) systems, or seventh-generation (7G) systems, or other future communication systems; or it can be used in device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, etc. This disclosure can also be applied to other network architectures, including but not limited to terrestrial communication network architectures, non-terrestrial communication network architectures, relay network architectures, dual-link architectures, and vehicle-to-everything communication architectures.

[0169] For example, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication system structure. Figure 4 uses three terminals, three access network devices, and one core network device as an example, but this disclosure is not limited to the number and form of each device. For example, the interface between the terminal and the access network device is an air interface. One terminal can connect to one or more access network devices, and one access network device can connect to and manage multiple terminals. There is an interface between access network devices, which can be an X2 interface (such as in a 4G system), an Xn interface (such as in a 5G system), or other types of interfaces. There is an interface between the access network device and the core network device, which can be an S1 interface (such as in a 4G system), an NG interface (such as in a 5G system), or other types of interfaces.

[0170] In one network architecture, as shown in Figure 4, a terminal can access an access network device through a relay device. In another network architecture, there is an interface between terminals; this interface can be a short-range communication type interface such as PC5 or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi).

[0171] It is understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will know that as the system architecture evolves and new business scenarios emerge, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0172] III. Communication methods provided in this disclosure

[0173] This disclosure provides a communication method in which a terminal can report the status information of a computing task to the network side, which is beneficial for the network side to perform subsequent switching processes based on the status information.

[0174] Optionally, the communication method described in this disclosure can be applied to the handover processes shown in Figures 1 to 3, including but not limited to. For example, the communication method can be applied to the network-side handover decision process in the basic handover process shown in Figure 1; as another example, the communication method can be applied to the network-side selection of potential target base stations or target base stations in the conditional handover process shown in Figure 2; and as yet another example, the communication method can be applied to the network-side selection of candidate cells in the LTM handover process shown in Figure 3, and so on.

[0175] Optionally, the communication method described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied before, during, or after a handover. If the handover is performed to a target network device or target cell, the information reported to the target network device or target cell can be determined based on a first condition, and this disclosure does not limit the application of such methods.

[0176] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method is illustrated using the interaction between a terminal and a network device as an example, and may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0177] 401. The network device sends the first information, and the terminal receives the first information accordingly.

[0178] The first information is used to configure the first task. Optionally, the first information can be configuration information for the first task. The first task can be a computing task, which needs to process specific data, such as data compression or encoding.

[0179] 402. When the first condition is met, the terminal sends the status information of the first task to the network device; accordingly, the network device receives the status information.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the first condition includes at least one of the following (1) to (6):

[0181] (1) The first event.

[0182] The first event includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following cell handover conditions: measurement event A3; measurement event A4; or measurement event A5. Measurement event A3 is that the signal quality of the neighboring cell is better than the signal quality of the current serving cell by a certain threshold; measurement event A4 is that the signal quality of the current serving cell is worse than a certain threshold; measurement event A5 is that the signal quality of the neighboring cell is better than one threshold, while the signal quality of the current serving cell is worse than another threshold.

[0183] (2) Received the message for querying the status of the first task.

[0184] The terminal receives a message querying the status of the first task. Based on the message, the terminal determines that the first condition is met and executes the step of sending the status information of the first task.

[0185] (3) Execution conditions for condition switching.

[0186] The terminal receives configuration information for the execution conditions of condition switching. When the execution conditions for condition switching are met, the terminal determines that the first condition is satisfied and executes the step of sending the status information of the first task. The execution conditions for condition switching include, but are not limited to, at least one of the first events described above, which will not be detailed here.

[0187] (4) The first task is completed.

[0188] Upon completion of the first task and confirmation that the first condition is met, the terminal executes the step of sending the status information of the first task. The completion of the first task includes, but is not limited to, the completion of the first task execution or the completion of the first task data reporting. Correspondingly, the first condition includes the completion of either the first task data reporting or the first task execution.

[0189] (5) Data reporting for the first task is complete.

[0190] (6) The terminal successfully accesses the target cell during the handover process.

[0191] For example, during the handover process, the terminal sends a radio resource control reconfiguration completion message to the target cell to confirm that the terminal has successfully accessed the target cell during the handover process, i.e., the first condition is met, and then executes the step of sending the status information of the first task.

[0192] In one optional implementation, the terminal may receive configuration information for the first condition and determine the first condition based on the configuration information.

[0193] In another optional implementation, a first condition is defined through a protocol. For example, the protocol stipulates that the terminal successfully accesses the target cell during the handover process, thus satisfying the first condition. The terminal can then determine that successful access to the target cell satisfies the first condition and report the status information of the first task. Optionally, this disclosure may also define other rules through a protocol, such as the first condition described in at least one of the above.

[0194] In one possible implementation, the status information includes at least one of the following: an indication that the first task is completed; an indication that the data reporting of the first task is completed; an indication that the first task is not completed; the remaining processing time of the first task; the amount of data to be reported for the first task; or, an indication that the terminal has data to be reported for the first task. The indication that the first task is not completed may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: the first task has not been completed, or the data for the first task has not been reported.

[0195] Optionally, the terminal may also receive a status information reporting configuration, which is used to configure at least one of the aforementioned status information that the terminal needs to report.

[0196] As can be seen, based on this communication method, during the collaborative computation of the first task between the terminal and the network, if the terminal meets the first condition, it can promptly report the status information of the first task. This facilitates the network side's understanding of the status of the computing tasks within the terminal and the handling of the handover process during terminal movement. For example, when the terminal and network are performing collaborative computation, and the terminal is handover, the computation results in the terminal have not yet been sent to the network side, such as the source base station. Using the communication method described in this disclosure is beneficial for the terminal to continue collaborative computation, such as task processing and reporting of processing results, after handover to the target cell.

[0197] IV. Switching methods provided in this disclosure

[0198] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a switching method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The switching method is illustrated using the interaction between a terminal, a source network device, and a target network device as an example.

[0199] The source network device can be the network device belonging to the source cell or the terminal's currently serving cell. The target network device can be the network device belonging to the handover target cell, a neighboring cell, a neighboring cell of the terminal's currently serving cell, or a candidate handover target cell, or a candidate network device. For example, the target network device can be the target base station selected by the network side in the basic handover procedure described in Figure 1, or a potential target base station in the conditional handover procedure described in Figure 2, or a potential target base station of the candidate cell in the LTM handover procedure described in Figure 3.

[0200] As shown in Figure 6, the switching method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0201] 501. The source network device sends a first message to the target network device, the first message including indication information for indicating that the terminal has an incomplete first task; accordingly, the target network device receives the first message.

[0202] In another optional implementation, the first message includes an indication that the terminal has data that needs to be returned to the source network device for the first task, or a request indication for the return of the first task data.

[0203] The first message also includes tunnel information for data backhaul corresponding to the first task. Based on this implementation, the target network device can use this tunnel information to backhaul the data from the first task reported by the terminal to the source network device.

[0204] Optionally, the tunnel information for data return can be configured according to the task instructions, and different tasks can be configured with different tunnel information. The tunnel information corresponding to the first task includes at least one of Internet Protocol IP address and / or tunnel endpoint identifier (TEid).

[0205] 502. The target network device sends a second message to the source network device, the second message including indication information for allowing data return for the first task.

[0206] In another optional implementation, the second message includes one or more of the following expressions: an indication that agrees to the data return of the first task; an indication that accepts the data return of the first task; or an indication that supports the data return of the first task. Correspondingly, the above expression "an indication that does not allow the data return of the first task" may include one or more of the following expressions: an indication that disagrees with the data return of the first task; an indication that does not accept the data return of the first task; an indication that does not support the data return of the first task; or an indication that rejects the data return of the first task.

[0207] Optionally, the source network device may send a first message to multiple potential target network devices respectively; each potential target network device may return a second message based on its own capabilities, the second message may include indication information indicating that data return for the first task is permitted, or indication information indicating that data return for the first task is not permitted. The target network device is the potential network device that receives the indication information in the returned second message indicating that data return for the first task is permitted.

[0208] Optionally, the first message is a handover request message in the handover process, and correspondingly, the second message is a handover response message or a handover request confirmation message in the handover process.

[0209] As can be seen, based on steps 501 and 502, the source network device can inform the target network device that there is an incomplete first task in the terminal, and then know whether the target network device allows the data back transmission of the first task. This makes it easier for the source network device to select the target network device that allows the data back transmission of the first task for switching, thereby improving the continuity and quality of computing tasks.

[0210] Optionally, the switching method may also include steps 503 to 509.

[0211] 503. The source network device establishes a data channel with the target network device, which is used to transmit the data of the first task received by the target network device from the terminal.

[0212] This data channel can be established based on the tunnel information carried in the first message.

[0213] 504. The source network device sends an instruction to the terminal to continue executing the first task, and the terminal receives the instruction accordingly.

[0214] Optionally, the instruction to continue performing the first task is an instruction for the terminal to access the target network device and continue performing the first task.

[0215] Optionally, if the second messages received by the source network device from multiple potential target network devices all contain indications that the data return of the first task is not allowed, the source network device may send an indication to the terminal to suspend the first task.

[0216] 505. After the terminal switches to the target network device, it reports the data of the first task to the target network device.

[0217] Optionally, the indication information sent in step 504 can be carried in the RRC reconfiguration message during the handover process.

[0218] Optionally, prior to step 505, the terminal may include an indication that the data for the first task exists in the RRC reconfiguration completion message sent to the target network device. This implementation facilitates the target network device in configuring resources for data transmission to the terminal.

[0219] Optionally, after the terminal sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the target network device, it can be determined that the terminal has switched to the target network device or that the terminal has switched to the target network device.

[0220] 506. The target network device sends the data for the first task to the source network device, and the source network device receives the data for the first task accordingly.

[0221] The target network device can send the data for the first task to the source network device based on the data channel established with the source network device.

[0222] 507. The terminal sends an indication to the target network device that the first task processing has been completed or the data reporting has been completed; correspondingly, the target network device sends an indication to the source network device that the first task processing has been completed or the data reporting has been completed.

[0223] In one alternative implementation, the terminal may send an indication that the first task processing has ended or the data reporting has been completed via at least one of the following messages, such as an RRC message, a medium access control element (MAC CE), or uplink control information (UCI).

[0224] In another alternative implementation, the terminal can also indicate that the first task processing has ended or that data reporting has been completed by carrying an end marker in the data packet. For example, the end marker can be carried in the header of one or more data packets; or, one or more dedicated data packets can be sent with the end marker in their headers.

[0225] In one optional implementation, after the terminal sends an indication to the target network device that the first task processing has ended or the data reporting has been completed, it can autonomously release the first task. In another optional implementation, after the target network device receives the indication from the terminal that the first task processing has ended or the data reporting has been completed, it can also execute step 508, instructing the terminal to release the first task.

[0226] 508. The target network device sends an instruction message to the terminal to indicate the release of the first task. Accordingly, the terminal receives the instruction message and releases the first task.

[0227] Optionally, the terminal releasing the first task may include: the terminal deleting context information related to the first task, such as service identifiers or task data.

[0228] 509. The target network device sends an instruction message to the source network device that the terminal has released the first task, and correspondingly, the source network device releases the context information of the terminal that has released the first task.

[0229] Optionally, the context information of the terminal for the first task includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the terminal's identifier, capabilities, or service information.

[0230] As can be seen, based on the handover method described in Figure 6, the terminal can continue task processing and data reporting after handover, ensuring the execution of computing tasks and improving service quality. For example, when the terminal and network sides perform collaborative computation, the computation results in the terminal have not yet been sent to the network side, such as the source base station, during handover. Using the handover method described in this disclosure, after the terminal switches to the target cell, it can continue to perform collaborative computation, such as task processing, reporting of processing results, and sending data back to the source base station.

[0231] In another embodiment, the communication method provided in this disclosure can be combined with a switching method. For example, based on the communication method provided in this disclosure, the network device configures a first task for the terminal through first information; the terminal can report the status information of the first task when a first condition is met; based on the switching method described in the embodiments of this disclosure, the source network device can determine the information carried in the first message based on the status information of the first task, such as an indication that the terminal has an incomplete first task, an indication that the terminal has data that needs to be returned to the source network device for the first task, or a request indication for the return of the first task data; and then send the first message to execute the relevant process in the switching method described in FIG6.

[0232] The optional implementation methods of this embodiment can be found in the communication method described in Figure 5 and the switching method described in Figure 6, which will not be described in detail here.

[0233] As can be seen, this embodiment enables the terminal to report the status information of the first task to the network side in a timely manner before switching; after the terminal switches, it can continue to process tasks and report data, ensuring the execution of computing tasks and improving service quality.

[0234] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this disclosure is not limited to the described order of actions, because according to this disclosure, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are all optional embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this disclosure.

[0235] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphasis, and any multiple embodiments can be used in combination. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0236] All embodiments of this disclosure can be executed individually or in combination with other embodiments, and are all considered to be within the scope of protection claimed by this disclosure.

[0237] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device includes a communication unit 602. Optionally, it includes a processing unit 601.

[0238] In one implementation, the communication device can be a terminal or a device matched with a terminal.

[0239] The communication unit 602 is used to receive first information, which is used to configure a first task; and to send status information of the first task when the processing unit 601 determines that the first condition is met.

[0240] In one possible implementation, the state information includes at least one of the following:

[0241] Indications indicating completion of the first task; indication indicating completion of data reporting for the first task; indication indicating incomplete first task; remaining processing time for the first task; amount of data to be reported for the first task; or, indication that the terminal has data to be reported for the first task. The indication indicating incomplete first task may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: the first task has not been completed, or the data for the first task has not been reported.

[0242] In one possible implementation, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0243] First event; Receive the message for querying the status of the first task; Execution conditions for handover; First task completed; Data reporting for the first task completed; Terminal successfully accesses the target cell during the handover process.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the terminal receives configuration information for the first condition.

[0245] In another implementation, the communication device can be a network device or a device compatible with a network device.

[0246] The communication unit 602 is used to send first information, which is used to configure a first task; and also to receive status information of the first task.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the state information includes at least one of the following:

[0248] Indication indicating completion of the first task; indication indicating completion of data reporting for the first task; indication indicating incomplete first task; remaining processing time for the first task; amount of data to be reported for the first task; or, indication that the terminal has data to be reported for the first task.

[0249] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending configuration information for a first condition, wherein the configuration information is used to configure the terminal to report the status information of the first task when the first condition is met.

[0250] In one possible implementation, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0251] First event; Receive the message for querying the status of the first task; Execution conditions for handover; First task completed; Data reporting for the first task completed; Terminal successfully accesses the target cell during the handover process.

[0252] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is also used to send configuration information for the first event.

[0253] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is also used to send a message querying the first task status.

[0254] In one implementation, the communication device can be a network device or a device compatible with a network device. The network device can be the network device belonging to the terminal's current serving cell or source cell during the handover process, or the source network device.

[0255] The communication unit 602 is configured to send a first message, the first message including indication information indicating that the terminal has an incomplete first task; and is also configured to receive a second message, the second message including indication information indicating whether data return of the first task is allowed or not.

[0256] Optionally, the first message includes an indication that the terminal has data that needs to be transmitted back to the source network device for the first task; or, the first message includes a request indication for the transmission of the first task data.

[0257] Optionally, the above statement "instruction information allowing data return of the first task" may include one or more of the following expressions: instruction information agreeing to data return of the first task; instruction information accepting data return of the first task; or instruction information supporting data return of the first task. Correspondingly, the above statement "instruction information disallowing data return of the first task" may include one or more of the following expressions: instruction information disagreeing with data return of the first task; instruction information not accepting data return of the first task; instruction information not supporting data return of the first task; or instruction information rejecting data return of the first task.

[0258] In one possible implementation, the first message includes tunnel information for data backhaul corresponding to the first task.

[0259] In one possible implementation, the tunnel information corresponding to the first task includes at least one of an IP address and / or a TEID. Optionally, the tunnel information for data return can be configured according to the task instructions, and different tasks can be configured with different tunnel information.

[0260] In one possible implementation, the second message includes an indication message indicating that data return of the first task is not allowed (or disagreed with, or not accepted, or not supported, or rejected), and the communication unit 602 is also used to send an indication to terminate the first task to the terminal.

[0261] In another possible implementation, the second message includes an instruction message indicating permission (or consent, or acceptance, or support) for data return of the first task, and the communication unit 602 is also used to send an instruction to continue executing the first task to the terminal.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is also used to receive data of the first task transmitted back from the network device switched from the terminal.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is also used to receive an indication that the first task processing has ended or the data has been returned to the target network device switched from the terminal.

[0264] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 601 is configured to release the context information of the first task of the terminal based on the instruction received by the communication unit 602.

[0265] In another implementation, the communication device can be a network device or a device compatible with a network device. The network device can be the target network device to which the terminal is to be handed over or the network device to which the target cell belongs, or it can be a candidate network device during the terminal handover process.

[0266] The communication unit 602 is configured to receive a first message, the first message including indication information indicating that the terminal has an incomplete first task; and is also configured to send a second message, the second message including indication information indicating whether data return of the first task is allowed or not.

[0267] Optionally, the first message includes an indication that the terminal has data that needs to be transmitted back to the source network device for the first task; or, the first message includes a request indication for the transmission of the first task data.

[0268] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is further configured to receive data from the first task of the terminal; and to send the data of the first task to the source network device of the terminal.

[0269] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is further configured to receive a radio resource control reconfiguration completion message, which includes indication information indicating that the terminal has data for the first task.

[0270] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is also configured to receive an indication from the terminal that the first task processing has ended or the data reporting has been completed.

[0271] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is also configured to send an indication to the source network device of the terminal that the first task processing has ended or the data return has been completed.

[0272] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is also used to send instruction information to the terminal to indicate the release of the first task.

[0273] In one implementation, the communication device can be a terminal or a device matched with a terminal.

[0274] The communication unit 602 is used to send the data of the first task to the target network device after switching from the source network device to the target network device; the data of the first task is the data in the terminal to be reported to the source network device.

[0275] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is further configured to send a radio resource control reconfiguration completion message, which includes indication information indicating that the terminal has data for the first task.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 602 is further configured to send an indication that the first task processing has ended or the data reporting has been completed; and to receive an indication message for releasing the first task or to release the first task.

[0277] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. This communication device can be a terminal or a device paired with a terminal. It can also be a network device or a device paired with a network device. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 703. The transceiver 701, processor 702, and memory 703 can be connected via a bus 704 or other means. The bus is represented by a thick line in Figure 8. The connection methods between other components are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Buses can be classified as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 8, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0278] The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 701, processor 702, and memory 703.

[0279] Memory 703 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides instructions and data to processor 702. A portion of memory 703 may also include non-volatile random access memory.

[0280] The processor 702 can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; optionally, the processor 702 can also be any conventional processor.

[0281] In one optional implementation, memory 703 is used to store program instructions; processor 702 is used to call the program instructions stored in memory 703 to execute the steps performed by the terminal in the corresponding embodiments of FIG5 and FIG6.

[0282] In one optional implementation, memory 703 is used to store program instructions; processor 702 is used to call the program instructions stored in memory 703 to execute the steps performed by the network device in the corresponding embodiments of FIG5 and FIG6.

[0283] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by running a computer program (including program code) capable of performing the steps involved in the above-described methods on a general-purpose computing device, such as a computer, which includes processing elements and storage elements such as a CPU, random access memory (RAM), and read-only memory (ROM). The computer program can be recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium, loaded into the aforementioned computing device through the computer-readable recording medium, and run therein.

[0284] Based on the same inventive concept, the communication device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure solves the problem in a similar principle and with similar beneficial effects as the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 of this disclosure. For further details, please refer to the principle and beneficial effects of the method implementation. For the sake of brevity, these will not be repeated here.

[0285] The aforementioned communication device may be, for example, a chip or a chip module.

[0286] This disclosure also provides a chip, which includes a processor that can execute the relevant steps of the terminal in the method embodiment described in FIG5 above.

[0287] In one implementation, the chip is used to: receive first information, which is used to configure a first task; and send status information of the first task when a first condition is met.

[0288] In one possible implementation, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0289] First event; Receive the message for querying the status of the first task; Execution conditions for handover; First task completed; Data reporting for the first task completed; Terminal successfully accesses the target cell during the handover process.

[0290] In one possible implementation, the chip is used to: receive configuration information for the first condition.

[0291] In another implementation, the processor can execute the relevant steps of the network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0292] The chip is used to: send first information, which is used to configure a first task; and also to receive status information of the first task.

[0293] In one possible implementation, the chip is used to: send configuration information for a first condition, the configuration information being used to configure the terminal to report the status information of the first task when the first condition is met.

[0294] In one possible implementation, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0295] First event; Receive the message for querying the status of the first task; Execution conditions for handover; First task completed; Data reporting for the first task completed; Terminal successfully accesses the target cell during the handover process.

[0296] In one possible implementation, the chip is used to: send configuration information for the first event.

[0297] In one possible implementation, the chip is used to: send a message querying the first task status.

[0298] In one possible implementation, the state information includes at least one of the following:

[0299] Indications indicating completion of the first task; indication indicating completion of data reporting for the first task; indication indicating incomplete first task; remaining processing time for the first task; amount of data to be reported for the first task; or, indication that the terminal has data to be reported for the first task. The indication indicating incomplete first task may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: the first task has not been completed, or the data for the first task has not been reported.

[0300] In another implementation, the processor can execute the relevant steps of the source network device in the method embodiment described in Figure 6 above.

[0301] The chip is used to: send a first message, the first message including indication information indicating that the terminal has an incomplete first task; and also to receive a second message, the second message including indication information indicating whether data return of the first task is allowed or not.

[0302] In one possible implementation, the second message includes an indication message indicating that data return of the first task is not allowed (or disagreed with, or not accepted, or not supported, or rejected), and the communication unit 602 is also used to send an indication to terminate the first task to the terminal.

[0303] In another possible implementation, the second message includes an instruction message indicating permission (or consent, or acceptance, or support) for the data return of the first task, and the chip is also used to send an instruction to continue executing the first task to the terminal.

[0304] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: receive data from the first task transmitted back from the network device switched from the terminal.

[0305] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: receive an indication from the target network device switched from the terminal that the first task processing has ended or the data has been returned.

[0306] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: release the context information of the first task of the terminal.

[0307] In another implementation, the processor can execute the relevant steps of the target network device in the method embodiment described in Figure 6 above.

[0308] The chip is used to: receive a first message, the first message including indication information indicating that the terminal has an incomplete first task; and is also used to send a second message, the second message including indication information indicating whether data return of the first task is allowed or not.

[0309] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: receive data from a first task from the terminal; and send the data of the first task to the source network device of the terminal.

[0310] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: receive a radio resource control reconfiguration completion message, the radio resource control reconfiguration completion message including indication information for indicating that the terminal has data for a first task.

[0311] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: receive an indication from the terminal that the first task processing has ended or that data reporting has been completed.

[0312] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: send an indication to the source network device of the terminal that the first task processing has ended or the data return has been completed.

[0313] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: send instruction information to the terminal to indicate the release of the first task.

[0314] Optionally, the first message includes an indication that the terminal has data that needs to be transmitted back to the source network device for the first task; or, the first message includes a request indication for the transmission of the first task data.

[0315] Optionally, the above statement "instruction information allowing data return of the first task" may include one or more of the following expressions: instruction information agreeing to data return of the first task; instruction information accepting data return of the first task; or instruction information supporting data return of the first task. Correspondingly, the above statement "instruction information disallowing data return of the first task" may include one or more of the following expressions: instruction information disagreeing with data return of the first task; instruction information not accepting data return of the first task; instruction information not supporting data return of the first task; or instruction information rejecting data return of the first task.

[0316] In one possible implementation, the first message includes tunnel information for data backhaul corresponding to the first task.

[0317] In one possible implementation, the tunnel information corresponding to the first task includes at least one of an IP address and / or a TEID. Optionally, the tunnel information for data return can be configured according to the task instructions, and different tasks can be configured with different tunnel information.

[0318] In another implementation, the processor can execute the relevant steps of the terminal in the method embodiment described in Figure 6 above.

[0319] This chip is used to: after switching from the source network device to the target network device, send the data of the first task to the target network device; the data of the first task is the data in the terminal to be reported to the source network device.

[0320] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: send a radio resource control reconfiguration completion message, the radio resource control reconfiguration completion message including indication information for indicating that the terminal has data for a first task.

[0321] In one possible implementation, the chip is also used to: send an indication that the first task processing has ended or that data reporting has been completed; receive an indication message for releasing the first task or release the first task.

[0322] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip module provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. This chip module can execute the relevant steps of the cooperative sensing node or sensing control node in the foregoing method embodiments. The chip module includes a communication interface 801 and a chip 802.

[0323] The communication interface is used for internal communication within the chip module, or for communication between the chip module and external devices. The communication interface can also be described as a communication module.

[0324] Chip 802 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 of this disclosure. For example, chip 802 is used to receive first information, which is used to configure a first task; and to send status information of the first task when a first condition is met.

[0325] Chip 802 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the embodiment shown in FIG5 of this disclosure. For example, chip 802 is used to send first information, the first information being used to configure a first task; and is also used to receive status information of the first task.

[0326] Chip 802 is used to implement the functions of the source network device in the embodiment shown in FIG6 of this disclosure. For example, chip 802 is used to send a first message, the first message including indication information for indicating that the terminal has an incomplete first task; and is also used to receive a second message, the second message including indication information for indicating whether data back transmission of the first task is allowed or not.

[0327] Chip 802 is used to implement the functions of the target network device in the embodiment shown in FIG6 of this disclosure. For example, chip 802 is used to receive a first message, the first message including indication information indicating that the terminal has an incomplete first task; and is also used to send a second message, the second message including indication information indicating whether data return of the first task is allowed or not.

[0328] Chip 802 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 of this disclosure. For example, chip 802 is used to send the data of the first task to the target network device after switching from the source network device to the target network device; the data of the first task is the data in the terminal to be reported to the source network device.

[0329] Optionally, the chip module may also include a storage module 803 and a power module 804. The storage module 803 is used to store data and instructions. The power module 804 is used to provide power to the chip module.

[0330] For various devices and products applied to or integrated into chip modules, each of its modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module. Alternatively, at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated inside the chip module, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0331] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more instructions adapted for loading by a processor and executing the methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0332] This disclosure also provides a computer program product containing a computer program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0333] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the above embodiments are all described as a series of actions. Those skilled in the art should understand that this disclosure is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps in the embodiments of this disclosure can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are all optional embodiments, and the actions, steps, modules, or units involved are not necessarily essential to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0334] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0335] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in RAM, flash memory, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a terminal device or management device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the terminal device or management device.

[0336] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When these computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this disclosure is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0337] Regarding the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments, they can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of both. For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, and different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. The components can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the chip module. The remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into the terminal, each of its components / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or in different components within the terminal. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the terminal, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0338] The above detailed embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that the above are merely specific embodiments of the embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication method, the method comprising: Receive first information, which is used to configure the first task; If the first condition is met, send the status information of the first task.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The status information includes at least one of the following: Indication that the first task has been completed; Indication that the data reporting for the first task is complete; Indication that the first task has not been completed; The remaining processing time for the first task; The amount of data to be reported in the first task; or, The terminal has an indication that the data to be reported for the first task is available.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first condition includes at least one of the following: First event; Received the message for querying the status of the first task; The execution conditions for condition switching; The first task is complete; The data reporting for the first task is complete; The terminal successfully accessed the target cell during the handover process.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the configuration information for the first condition.

5. A communication method, the method comprising: Send the first message, which is used to configure the first task; Receive the status information of the first task.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The status information includes at least one of the following: Indication that the first task has been completed; Indication that the data reporting for the first task is complete; Indication that the first task has not been completed; The remaining processing time for the first task; The amount of data to be reported in the first task; or, The terminal has an indication that the data to be reported for the first task is available.

7. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein, The method further includes: Send configuration information for the first condition, wherein the configuration information is used to configure the terminal to report the status information of the first task when the first condition is met.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first condition includes at least one of the following: First event; Received the message for querying the status of the first task; The execution conditions for condition switching; The first task is complete; The data reporting for the first task is complete; The terminal successfully accessed the target cell during the handover process.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further includes: Configuration information for sending the first event.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further includes: Send the message for querying the status of the first task.

11. A method for switching, the method further comprising: Send a first message, the first message including indication information for indicating that there is an incomplete first task on the terminal; Receive a second message, the second message including indication information for allowing data back transmission of the first task, or indication information for disallowing data back transmission of the first task.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first message includes the tunnel information used for data backhaul corresponding to the first task.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein, The second message includes indication information for indicating that data feedback of the first task is not allowed, not agreed to, not accepted, not supported, or rejected, and the method includes: Send an instruction to abort the first task to the terminal.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: The network device switched from the terminal receives the data of the first task transmitted back.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: The target network device switched from the terminal receives an indication that the first task processing has ended or the data has been returned.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The method further includes: Release the context information of the first task of the terminal.

17. A method for switching, the method comprising: receiving a first message, the first message comprising indication information indicating that a terminal has an unfinished first task; sending a second message, the second message comprising indication information indicating that data backhaul of the first task is allowed, or indicating that data backhaul of the first task is not allowed.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving data of the first task from the terminal; sending the data of the first task to a source network device of the terminal.

19. The method of any one of claims 17-18, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a radio resource control reconfiguration complete message, the radio resource control reconfiguration complete message comprising indication information indicating that the terminal has data of the first task.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving an indication that the first task processing has ended or data has been reported from the terminal.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further comprises: sending an indication that the first task processing has ended or data backhaul has been completed to a source network device of the terminal.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further comprises: sending indication information to the terminal indicating that the first task is released.

23. A method of handover, the method comprising: sending data of a first task to a target network device after handover from a source network device to the target network device; the data of the first task being data in a terminal to be reported to the source network device.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a radio resource control reconfiguration complete message, the radio resource control reconfiguration complete message comprising indication information indicating that the terminal has data of the first task.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein, The method further comprises: sending an indication that the first task processing has ended or data has been reported; receiving indication information indicating that the first task is released or releasing the first task.

26. A communication apparatus comprising means or modules for implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 4, or comprising means or modules for implementing the method of any one of claims 5 to 10, or comprising means or modules for implementing the method of any one of claims 11 to 16, or comprising means or modules for implementing the method of any one of claims 17 to 22, or comprising means or modules for implementing the method of any one of claims 23 to 25.

27. A communication apparatus comprising a processor, a memory, and computer programs or instructions stored on the memory for execution by the processor to cause the communication apparatus to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 4, or to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 5 to 10, or to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 11 to 16, or to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 22, or to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 23 to 25.

28. A chip comprising at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute instructions to cause a communication device including the chip to perform the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25.

29. A chip module, comprising a communication interface and a chip, wherein the communication interface is used for internal communication within the chip module or for communication between the chip module and an external device; the chip is used to perform the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 10, or the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 16, or the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 17 to 22, or the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 23 to 25.

30. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, or the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25.

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