Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application discloses a communication method and an apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal apparatus receives first information, the first information being used for indicating whether the terminal apparatus detects a paging message; and the terminal apparatus determines an execution time of an AI operation on the basis of the first information. In the present application, because a terminal apparatus may need to execute a communication service upon detecting a paging message, the terminal apparatus determines an execution time of an AI operation on the basis of whether to detect the paging message, so that the execution time of the AI operation does not overlap, as much as possible, an execution time of the communication service, reducing mutual impact between the AI operation and the communication service, thereby ensuring the performance of the AI operation and the communication service.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411908542.9, filed on December 20, 2024, and entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0004] With the development of networks, the services supported by the networks are becoming more and more diverse, and the needs to be met are becoming more and more diverse. These new needs bring unprecedented challenges to network planning, operation and efficient operation. In order to meet this challenge, artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be introduced into the network, thereby realizing network intelligence.

[0005] Currently, AI-related operations can include data collection (such as collecting AI model training data and / or AI model inference data), AI model training, AI model inference, AI model performance monitoring, etc. In future mobile communications, there can be scenarios where AI operations coexist with communications, and terminal devices need to perform both communication services and AI operations. However, the terminal devices currently mainly perform communication services, and it is not possible to determine when to perform AI operations. SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus for determining the time when a terminal device performs AI operations.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus is a terminal-side apparatus, for example, the terminal apparatus is a terminal device, or is other equipment including the function of a terminal device, or is a chip system (or a chip) or other functional module, which can realize the function of a terminal device. For example, the chip system or functional module is arranged in a terminal device. The method comprises: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal apparatus detects a paging message; and determining the time when AI operations are performed according to the first information.

[0008] In this embodiment, since the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting a paging message, the terminal device determines the time to perform AI operations based on whether a paging message is detected. This can minimize the overlap between the time of performing AI operations and the time of performing communication services, reduce the mutual influence between AI operations and communication services, and thus ensure the performance of AI operations and communication services.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the first paging time, wherein the reception time of the first indication information is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation; or, the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, and the first timer is started at the reception time of the first indication information.

[0010] In this embodiment, the network device can instruct the terminal device via the first indication information not to detect paging messages at the first paging time. Therefore, the terminal device can perform AI operations without interfering with communication services, ensuring the performance of both. For example, the terminal device can start executing the AI ​​operation at the time the first indication information is received, ensuring timely execution; alternatively, the terminal device can start a first timer at the time the first indication information is received and then begin executing the AI ​​operation at the end of the first timer, allowing preparation time for the AI ​​operation and thus improving its performance.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the duration of the first timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0012] For example, the duration of the first timer corresponding to different AI operations can be different. If the terminal device does not start executing the AI ​​operation at the time of receiving the first indication information, but instead starts executing the AI ​​operation at the end of the first timer, the execution time of the AI ​​operation by the terminal device may be shortened. Therefore, if the time required to execute the AI ​​operation is long, the duration of the first timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation can be short, thereby reserving more time for the execution of the AI ​​operation and ensuring that the terminal device has enough time to complete the AI ​​operation; or, if the time required to execute the AI ​​operation is short, the duration of the first timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation can be long, allowing the terminal device more preparation time.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, wherein the first information further includes second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing, wherein the second paging timing is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0014] In this embodiment, if the terminal device does not start executing the AI ​​operation at the time of receiving the first indication information, but instead starts the first timer at the time of receiving the first indication information and then starts executing the AI ​​operation at the end of the first timer, compared to starting the AI ​​operation at the time of receiving the first indication information, starting the AI ​​operation at the end of the first timer effectively shortens the time for the terminal device to execute the AI ​​operation. Since the second indication information instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging timing, to ensure that the execution of the AI ​​operation and the execution of communication services by the terminal device do not interfere with each other, the terminal device can end executing the AI ​​operation at the second paging timing. Moreover, since the second paging timing is later than the end time of the second indication information, ending the AI ​​operation at the second paging timing allows the terminal device more time to execute the AI ​​operation, which is beneficial for the terminal device to complete the AI ​​operation as much as possible.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at a second paging time, wherein the receiving time of the second indication information is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0016] In this embodiment, the network device can instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time through the second indication information. For example, if the terminal device is in the state of performing AI operation before receiving the second indication information, the terminal device can perform AI operation at the end of the time when the second indication information is received, so that the terminal device's performance of AI operation and the terminal device's performance of communication service do not affect each other, which is beneficial to ensuring the performance of AI operation and communication service.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing. The earliest of the two times—the end time of the second timer and the reception time of the second indication information—is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. Alternatively, the earliest of the two times—the end time of the second timer and the second paging timing—is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. The second timer is started at the start time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0018] In this embodiment, since the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting a paging message, if the terminal device starts a second timer at the start time of the AI ​​operation, the terminal device can end the AI ​​operation at the earliest of the two times: the end time of the second timer and the reception time of the second indication information. This not only ensures that the AI ​​operation and communication services do not interfere with each other, guaranteeing the performance of both, but also reduces the power consumption of the terminal device when performing the AI ​​operation by ending the AI ​​operation at an earlier time. Alternatively, the terminal device can end the AI ​​operation at the earliest of the two times: the end time of the second timer and the paging timing. The second paging timing is later than the reception time of the second indication information, which can ensure that the terminal device can complete the AI ​​operation as much as possible.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the duration of the second timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0020] For example, the duration of the second timer can vary depending on the AI ​​operation. If the terminal device starts the second timer at the start time of the AI ​​operation and determines the end time of the AI ​​operation based on the end time of the second timer, then the terminal device can control the duration of the AI ​​operation by adjusting the duration of the second timer. Therefore, if the time required to complete the AI ​​operation is long, the duration of the second timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation will be long; if the time required to complete the AI ​​operation is short, the duration of the second timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation will be short, thus ensuring that the terminal device has sufficient time to complete the AI ​​operation as much as possible.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time, wherein the end time of the third timer is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation, and the third timer is started at the time of receiving the second indication information.

[0022] In this embodiment, it can be assumed that the terminal device can control the duration of AI operation by controlling the duration of the third timer.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the duration of the third timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0024] For example, the duration of the third timer can vary depending on the AI ​​operation. If the terminal device starts the third timer at the time of receiving the second indication information and ends the AI ​​operation at the end time of the third timer, then the terminal device can control the duration of the AI ​​operation by setting the duration of the third timer. Therefore, if the time required to complete the AI ​​operation is long, the duration of the third timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation will be long; if the time required to complete the AI ​​operation is short, the duration of the third timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation will be short, ensuring that the terminal device has sufficient time to complete the AI ​​operation as much as possible.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing. If a first time difference is greater than a time difference threshold, the second paging timing is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation; or, if the first time difference is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, the reception time of the second indication information is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. The first time difference is the time difference between the reception time of the second indication information and the second paging timing.

[0026] In this embodiment, if the time difference between the reception time of the second indication information and the second paging timing is greater than a time difference threshold, it indicates that the time between the reception time of the second indication information and the second paging timing is still sufficient. In this case, the terminal device can end the AI ​​operation at the second paging timing to ensure that the terminal device has enough time to complete the AI ​​operation. Alternatively, if the time difference between the reception time of the second indication information and the second paging timing is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, it indicates that the time between the reception time of the second indication information and the second paging timing is too short and may not be sufficient for the terminal device to complete the AI ​​operation. Therefore, to reduce the power consumption of performing the AI ​​operation, the terminal device can end the AI ​​operation at the reception time of the second indication information.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining the AI ​​operation based on the first time difference.

[0028] For example, if the time difference between receiving the second instruction information and the second paging timing is large, it indicates that there is sufficient time to perform AI operations, allowing the terminal device to execute AI operations requiring a longer duration, such as AI model training. Conversely, if the time difference between receiving the second instruction information and the second paging timing is small, it indicates that there is less time to perform AI operations, allowing the terminal device to execute AI operations requiring a shorter duration, such as AI model performance monitoring. This ensures that time is fully utilized and that the terminal device can complete AI operations within a limited timeframe.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information indicating rules for determining the time to perform the AI ​​operation.

[0030] In the various embodiments described above, it can be assumed that the terminal device determines the timing of the AI ​​operation according to corresponding rules. In this embodiment, the rule is indicated by another device, such as a network device or a third-party device other than the network device. Alternatively, the terminal device may determine the rule in other ways, such as by setting the rule itself, by predefining it according to a protocol, or by preconfiguring it in the terminal device; there are no restrictions on this.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which can be applied to a network device, such as a network-side communication device, or a network equipment, or other device including network equipment functions, or a chip system (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the functions of the network equipment, and the chip system or functional module being, for example, disposed within the network equipment. The method includes: sending second information, the second information indicating rules for determining the timing of performing AI operations.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first information, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal device detects a paging message.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the first paging time, wherein the reception time of the first indication information is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation; or, the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, and the first timer is started at the reception time of the first indication information.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the duration of the first timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, wherein the first information further includes second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing, wherein the second paging timing is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at a second paging time, wherein the receiving time of the second indication information is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing. The earliest of the two times—the end time of the second timer and the reception time of the second indication information—is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. Alternatively, the earliest of the two times—the end time of the second timer and the second paging timing—is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. The second timer is started at the start time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the duration of the second timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation. The first timer is started at the time of receiving the first indication information. The first information further includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at a second paging timing. The time of receiving the first indication information is earlier than the time of receiving the second indication information. The second paging timing is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time, wherein the end time of the third timer is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation, and the third timer is started at the time of receiving the second indication information.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the duration of the third timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing. If a first time difference is greater than a time difference threshold, the second paging timing is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation; or, if the first time difference is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, the reception time of the second indication information is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. The first time difference is the time difference between the reception time of the second indication information and the second paging timing.

[0043] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device. The communication device can be the terminal device described in the first aspect above. The communication device possesses the functions of the aforementioned terminal device. The communication device is, for example, a terminal equipment, or other equipment including terminal equipment functions, or a chip system (or chip) or other functional module. The chip system or functional module can implement the functions of the terminal equipment, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, disposed in the terminal equipment. In one optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit can implement both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit implements the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module), and when the transceiver unit implements the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can implement both sending and receiving functions; or, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a general term for these functional modules.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is configured to receive first information, which is used to indicate whether the terminal device detects a paging message.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to determine the time for performing the AI ​​operation based on the first information.

[0046] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device. The communication device can be the network device described in the second aspect above. The communication device possesses the functions of the aforementioned network device. The communication device is, for example, a network device, or other device including network device functions, or a chip system (or chip) or other functional module. The chip system or functional module can implement the functions of a network device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, disposed within a network device. In one optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit can implement both transmitting and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit implements the transmitting function, it can be called a transmitting unit (sometimes also called a transmitting module), and when the transceiver unit implements the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The transmitting unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can implement both transmitting and receiving functions; or, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a collective term for these functional modules.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is configured to send second information indicating rules for determining the timing of AI operations.

[0048] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the terminal device described in the first aspect above. The communication device possesses the functions of the terminal device described above. The communication device is, for example, a terminal equipment, or other equipment including the functions of a terminal equipment, or a system-on-a-chip (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the functions of a terminal equipment, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, disposed in a terminal equipment. The communication device includes a processor for executing the functions of the terminal device described in the first or third aspect above. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is coupled to the memory. When the processor reads the computer program or instructions, it causes the communication device to execute the methods executed by the terminal device in the above aspects. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0049] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, which can be a network device as described in the second aspect above. The communication device possesses the functions of the aforementioned network device. The communication device is, for example, a network equipment, or other equipment including network equipment functions, or a system-on-a-chip (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the functions of a network equipment, and the system-on-a-chip or functional module is, for example, disposed within a network equipment. The communication device includes a processor for executing the functions of the network device as described in the second or fourth aspect above. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor is coupled to the memory. When the processor reads the computer program or instructions, it causes the communication device to execute the methods performed by the network device in the aforementioned aspects. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0050] A seventh aspect provides a communication system including a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect. For example, the terminal device can be implemented using the communication device described in the third or fifth aspect. The network device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect. For example, the network device can be implemented using the communication device described in the fourth or sixth aspect.

[0051] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the methods performed by the terminal device or network device in the above aspects to be implemented.

[0052] Ninthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, causes the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented.

[0053] In a tenth aspect, a chip system is provided, including a processor and an interface, the processor being configured to call and execute instructions from the interface to enable the chip system to implement the methods described above.

[0054] The beneficial effects of the second to tenth aspects and their embodiments described above can be referred to the beneficial effects of the first aspect and any of its embodiments, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a wireless access network intelligent controller provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an artificial intelligence module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a paging cycle, paging frame, and paging timing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of a DRX cycle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 4c is a schematic diagram of a paging advance indication provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of a first instruction information and a second instruction information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the start time of performing an AI operation according to an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 6c is a schematic diagram of another start time for performing AI operations provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 6d is a schematic diagram of the end time of performing an AI operation according to an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 6e is a schematic diagram of another end time for performing AI operations provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 6f is a schematic diagram of another end time for performing AI operations provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 6g is a schematic diagram of another end time for performing AI operations provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 6h is a schematic diagram of another end time for performing AI operations provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 6i is a schematic diagram of another end time for performing AI operations provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0073] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems (specifically, New Radio (NR) communication systems, or NR communication systems that introduce Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) technology), or they can also be applied to other next-generation mobile communication systems, other similar communication systems, or communication systems in the future evolution process. Other similar communication systems may include Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, or the Industrial Internet, etc.

[0075] Referring to Figure 1, it is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system may include a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system may also include the Internet 300.

[0076] The wireless access network 100 may include at least one access network device (such as access network devices 110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as access network device 110) and at least one terminal device (such as terminal devices 120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as terminal device 120). The wireless access network 100 may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to access network device 110. Access network device 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. Core network device 210 in core network 200 and access network device 110 in wireless access network 100 may be different physical devices, or they may be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions. Access network device 110 and core network device 210 may be referred to as network devices.

[0077] The radio access network 100 can be a 3GPP-related communication system (such as a 5G mobile communication system) or a future mobile communication system. The radio access network 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. The radio access network 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0078] Access network equipment 110, also known as RAN node, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help terminal equipment 120 achieve wireless access.

[0079] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, a RAN node can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0080] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to assist terminal device 120 in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes 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 configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). The CU can perform the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU can perform the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer and medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also perform some or all of the physical (PHY) layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of 3GPP.

[0081] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0082] In different systems, RAN nodes can communicate with different devices. For example, as shown in Figure 2, in an ORAN system, RAN nodes (such as CU, DU, or RU) can communicate with the RAN intelligent controller (RIC). RICs include near-real-time RICs (near-RT RICs) and non-real-time RICs (non-RT RICs).

[0083] Near real-time RICs are used for model training and / or inference. For example, they are used to train artificial intelligence (AI) models and then use those AI models for inference. Near real-time RICs can obtain information from RAN nodes and / or terminal devices. This information can be used as training data or inference data. Optionally, the near real-time RIC can deliver inference results to RAN nodes and / or terminal devices. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, the near real-time RIC delivers the inference result to the DU, and the DU sends it to the RU.

[0084] Non-real-time RICs are used for model training and / or inference. For example, they are used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. Non-real-time RICs can obtain information from RAN nodes and / or terminal devices. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to the RAN nodes and / or terminal devices. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs; for example, a non-real-time RIC delivers inference results to a DU, which then forwards them to an RU.

[0085] Near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be configured as separate network elements. Optionally, near real-time and non-real-time RICs can also be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RICs can be set in RAN nodes (such as CUs or DUs), while non-real-time RICs can be set in operation administration and maintenance (OAM) systems, cloud servers, or other RAN nodes.

[0086] For example, as shown in Figure 3, in an ORAN system, network elements are connected via interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn, or F1) or air interfaces. These network element nodes, such as RAN nodes, terminal devices, or one or more devices in the OAM system, are equipped with one or more AI modules (for simplicity, only one is shown in Figure 3). A RAN node can be a single RAN node or multiple RAN nodes, for example, including CUs and DUs. CUs and / or DUs can also be equipped with one or more AI modules. Optionally, a CU can be further divided into CU-CPs and CU-UPs. One or more AI models are configured in CU-CPs and / or CU-UPs.

[0087] AI modules are used to implement corresponding AI functions. AI modules deployed in different network elements can be the same or different. Depending on the parameter configuration, the AI ​​module can implement different functions. The AI ​​module model can be configured based on one or more of the following parameters: structural parameters (e.g., at least one of the following: number of neural network layers, neural network width, inter-layer connections, neuron weights, neuron activation function, or biases in the activation function), input parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the input parameters), or output parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the output parameters). The biases in the activation function can also be referred to as the neural network biases.

[0088] An AI module can have one or more models. A model can infer an output, which includes one or more parameters. The learning, training, or inference processes of different models can be deployed on different nodes or devices, or they can be deployed on the same node or device.

[0089] In this embodiment, the access network device 110 and its components (such as chips, processing units, or processors) can be collectively referred to as network devices. For example, it can be the access network device 110 shown in FIG1, or it can be the chip (system) in the access network device 110 in FIG1.

[0090] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the access network device 110. The apparatus for implementing the functions of the access network device 110 can be the access network device 110 itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the access network device 110 in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This apparatus can be installed in the access network device 110 or used in conjunction with the access network device 110. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. All or part of the functions of the access network device 110 in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0091] Terminal equipment 120, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., refers to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user.

[0092] Terminal device 120 can be a handheld device, vehicle-mounted device, or other device with wireless connectivity. For example, terminal device 120 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, smart bracelet, pedometer, smart glasses, etc.), vehicle-mounted device (e.g., car, bicycle, electric vehicle, airplane, ship, train, high-speed rail, etc.), satellite terminal, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, point of sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (light UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminal in industrial control, smart home device (e.g., refrigerator, television, air conditioner, electricity meter, etc.), smart robot, robotic arm, workshop equipment, wireless terminal in autonomous driving, wireless terminal in telemedicine, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, or wireless terminal in smart home, flying device (e.g., smart robot, hot air balloon, drone, airplane), etc. Terminal device 120 can also be a vehicle device, such as a complete vehicle device, vehicle module, vehicle chip, on-board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX). Terminal device 120 can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, terminal device 120 can also be a device that plays a terminal function in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0093] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device 120 and its components (such as chips, processing units, or processors) can be collectively referred to as a terminal device. For example, it can be the terminal device 120 shown in FIG1, or it can be the chip (system) in the terminal device 120 in FIG1.

[0094] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal device 120. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal device 120 can be the terminal device 120 itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal device 120 in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device 120 or used in conjunction with the terminal device 120. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. All or part of the functions of the terminal device 120 in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0095] Core network equipment 210 may include different network elements in different communication systems. For example, in a 4G mobile communication system, core network equipment 210 includes user plane network elements and control plane network elements. User plane network elements include serving gateways (SGW) and packet data network gateways (PGW), etc. Control plane network elements include mobility management entities (MME). In a 5G mobile communication system, core network equipment 210 includes user plane network elements and control plane network elements. User plane network elements include user plane functions (UPF). The control plane network elements include authentication server function (AUSF) network elements, access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), network slicing selection function (NSSF), network exposure function (NEF), network repository function (NRF), policy control function (PCF), unified data management (UDM), application function (AF), network slice-specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF), service communication proxy (SCP), network slice admission control function (NSACF), and edge application server discovery function (EASDF), etc. Of course, the core network equipment 210 may also include other network elements, which are not listed here.

[0096] In this embodiment, the core network device 210 and its components (such as chips, processing units, or processors) can be collectively referred to as network devices. For example, it can be the core network device 210 shown in FIG1, or it can be the chip (system) in the core network device 210 in FIG1.

[0097] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the core network device 210. The apparatus used to implement the functions of the core network device 210 can be the core network device 210 itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the core network device 210 in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This apparatus can be installed in the core network device 210 or used in conjunction with the core network device 210. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. All or part of the functions of the core network device 210 in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0098] The communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application has been briefly introduced above. The relevant technical solutions involved in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0099] I. RRC Idle State and RRC Connected State

[0100] RRC idle state (or RRC disconnected state) refers to a situation where the terminal device, after camping on a cell, has not established an RRC connection with the network device. In this state, the terminal device can receive paging messages from the network device, but cannot transmit data. RRC connected state refers to a situation where the terminal device, after camping on a cell, has established an RRC connection with the network device through a random access procedure. In this state, data transmission between the terminal device and the network device is possible.

[0101] II. Paging Messages

[0102] The paging message includes a paging record, which may include the identifier (ID) of at least one paged terminal device. If the paging message received by a terminal device includes the terminal device's identifier, it indicates that the terminal device has been paged, and the terminal device can initiate random access in subsequent procedures to establish an RRC connection with the network device.

[0103] There are two triggering methods for paging messages: 1) Core network paging: When downlink data arrives at a terminal device in RRC idle state, the core network sends a paging message to the terminal device. When the terminal receives the paging message, it needs to perform a random access procedure to establish an RRC connection with the network device; 2) Access network paging: When downlink data arrives at a terminal device in RRC idle state, the access network sends a paging message to the terminal device. When the terminal receives the paging message, it does not need to perform a random access procedure, but instead uses the stored RRC context to establish an RRC connection with the network device.

[0104] A paging cycle may include one or more paging frames (PF). A paging frame may include one or more paging occasions (PO). A paging occasion may include one or more slots (or subframes, or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols).

[0105] In this context, paging timing can be understood as a set of monitoring occasions for the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). During these paging occasions, there may be a PDCCH scrambled with the physical radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI) and indicating the paging message. The PDCCH can carry downlink control information (DCI). DCI can be used to schedule the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and / or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). PDSCH or PUSCH can be used to carry data or signaling.

[0106] For example, Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a paging cycle, paging frame, and paging timing provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4a, one paging cycle T includes N paging frames, and one paging frame includes N s A paging opportunity, N and N s It is a positive integer.

[0107] Network devices can send paging messages at a specific paging time within a specific paging frame of each paging cycle. Correspondingly, terminal devices can detect (or receive) paging messages at a specific paging time within a specific paging frame of each paging cycle.

[0108] III. Connected-discontinuous reception (C-DRX or DRX) mechanism

[0109] To reduce the power consumption of terminal devices in the RRC idle state, the DRX mechanism was introduced. The DRX mechanism essentially configures the DRX cycle for the terminal device. The terminal device "wakes up" to receive the paging message at a specific paging time in a specific paging frame within the DRX cycle, and can remain in a "sleep" state at other times in the DRX cycle to reduce power consumption. In other words, the DRX cycle is equivalent to the paging cycle.

[0110] For example, Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of a DRX cycle provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4b, time is divided into consecutive DRX cycles. The DRX cycle consists of "On Duration" (wake-up period or wake-up time or activation period or activation time) and "Opportunity for DRX" (sleep period or sleep time). During the "On Duration" period, the terminal device detects and receives the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). During the "Opportunity for DRX" period, the terminal device does not detect and receive the PDCCH to reduce power consumption.

[0111] When a terminal device is configured with a DRX cycle, its state can be divided into DRX active state and DRX sleep state. During the DRX active period, the terminal device is in the DRX active state; during the DRX sleep period, it is in the DRX sleep state. When the terminal device is in the DRX active period, it will detect and receive the PDCCH. If the terminal device is in the DRX sleep period, it will not detect and receive the PDCCH to reduce power consumption.

[0112] Key parameters of the DRX cycle include one or more of the following: DRX onDurationTimer; DRX inactivityTimer; DRX hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) round trip time (RTT) timer; and DRX retransmission timer.

[0113] IV. Paging Early Indicator (PEI)

[0114] To further reduce the power consumption of terminal devices in the RRC idle state, an energy-saving technology is proposed: paging advance indication. The principle of paging advance indication is that the terminal device can receive a paging advance indication before receiving a paging message. The paging advance indication can indicate whether the terminal device needs to detect the paging message in the following paging timing. For example, Figure 4c is a schematic diagram of a paging advance indication provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4c, the terminal device receives PEI#1 at T1, and PEI#1 indicates that the terminal device should detect the paging message at T2 and T3; the terminal device receives PEI#2 at T4, and PEI#2 indicates that the terminal device should not detect the paging message at T5.

[0115] V. AI Operation

[0116] As networks evolve, the services they support become increasingly diverse, and the demands they need to meet also grow. These new demands present unprecedented challenges to network planning, operation, and efficient management. To address these challenges, AI technology can be introduced into networks to achieve network intelligence.

[0117] AI-related operations can include data collection (e.g., collecting AI model training data and / or AI model inference data), AI model training, AI model inference, and AI model performance monitoring.

[0118] Currently, in future mobile communications, there may be scenarios where AI operations and communication coexist. In such cases, terminal devices would need to perform both communication services and AI operations. However, currently, terminal devices primarily perform communication services, and it is uncertain when they will perform AI operations.

[0119] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method for determining the time when a terminal device performs an AI operation.

[0120] In the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" can be substituted, and "when" and "in the case of" can be substituted. "When" and "if" / "if" can be substituted.

[0121] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0122] In this document, "used for indication" can include both direct and indirect indication. For example, when descriptive information I is used to indicate information J, it can mean that information I directly indicates information J or indirectly indicates information J, but it does not necessarily mean that information I carries information J.

[0123] Let information J, indicated by information I, be called the information to be indicated. In practice, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be indicated, such as the information itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the indication of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) order of various pieces of information, thereby reducing indication overhead to some extent. Simultaneously, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the indication overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0124] Furthermore, the specific instruction method can also be any existing instruction method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned instruction methods and their various combinations. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the instruction methods for different pieces of information may differ. In specific implementation, the required instruction method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected instruction method. Therefore, the instruction methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be instructed to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0125] In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0126] Information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination ends, but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar statements in the embodiments of this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here.

[0127] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " can indicate that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0128] In this application, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For a technical feature, the technical features within that technical feature are distinguished by "A", "B", "C", and "D", and there is no sequential or size order among the technical features described by "A", "B", "C", and "D".

[0129] The solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is used as an example applied to the communication systems shown in Figures 1-3. The communication systems and application scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that with the evolution of communication systems and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0130] The communication method provided in this application is described below using an example of a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device can be the terminal equipment shown in Figures 1-3, or it can be a component (such as a chip, processing unit, or processor module) within the terminal equipment shown in Figures 1-3. The network device can be the network equipment shown in Figures 1-3, or it can be a component (such as a chip, processing unit, or processor module) within the network equipment shown in Figures 1-3.

[0131] When this communication method is implemented by components in a terminal device and a network device, the receiving and transmitting steps can be understood as the component communicating with other components, such as communication between a baseband chip and a radio frequency circuit. In the embodiments of this application, the processing performed by a single execution entity can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device can be divided into execution by at least one of a CU and a DU.

[0132] Referring to Figure 5, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, the communication method includes the following steps, as shown in Figure 5.

[0133] S501. The network device sends first information, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information; wherein, the first information is used to indicate whether the terminal device detects a paging message.

[0134] In the embodiments of this application, the first information may be encapsulated or carried in a wake-up signal (WUS), or downlink control information (DCI), or medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), or other messages. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0135] The first information may include one or more indications for instructing the terminal device whether to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging timing. For example, the first information may include one or more paging advance indications. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0136] For example, the first information may include first indication information and second indication information, wherein the first indication information may be used to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the first paging time, and the second indication information may be used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging at the second paging time. The transmission time of the first indication information may be earlier than the transmission time of the second indication information, and the reception time of the first indication information may be earlier than the reception time of the second indication information.

[0137] It is understood that the sending time can be the time when sending begins or the time when sending is completed; the receiving time can be the time when receiving begins or the time when receiving is completed, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0138] It is understood that the network device may also send one or more indication messages between the sending time of the first indication message and the sending time of the second indication message to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time. Correspondingly, the terminal device may also receive one or more indication messages between the receiving time of the first indication message and the receiving time of the second indication message to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0139] The network device may also send one or more indication messages before the sending time of the first indication message to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time. Correspondingly, the terminal device may receive one or more indication messages before the receiving time of the first indication message to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0140] In other words, the first indication information may or may not be the first indication information received by the terminal device after it enters the RRC idle state to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message, and the second indication information may or may not be the first indication information received by the terminal device after it enters the RRC idle state to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message.

[0141] It is understandable that the sending time of the indication information is earlier than the receiving time of the indication information. However, since the time difference between the sending time and the receiving time of the indication information is small, it can be ignored. Therefore, for ease of explanation, the following text will take the example where the sending time of the indication information is equal to the receiving time of the indication information.

[0142] For example, as shown in Figure 6a, after the terminal device is in the RRC idle state, the network device sends indication information #1 to the terminal device at time 1. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives indication information #1 from the network device at time 1. Indication information #1 is used to instruct the terminal device not to detect paging messages at time 4.

[0143] At time 2, the network device sends instruction information #2 to the terminal device. Correspondingly, at time 2, the terminal device receives instruction information #2 from the network device. Instruction information #2 is used to instruct the terminal device not to detect paging messages at time 5.

[0144] The network device sends instruction information #3 to the terminal device at time 3. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives instruction information #3 from the network device at time 3. Instruction information #3 is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at time 6.

[0145] That is, the first instruction information mentioned above can be instruction information #1 or instruction information #2 shown in Figure 6a, and the second instruction information mentioned above can be instruction information #3 shown in Figure 6a.

[0146] S502. The terminal device determines the time to perform the AI ​​operation based on the first information.

[0147] In the embodiments of this application, AI operations may include data collection (e.g., collecting AI model training data and / or AI model inference data), AI model training, AI model inference, AI model performance monitoring, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0148] The time for executing AI operations can be understood as one or more DRX activation periods used to execute one or more AI operations. The DRX activation period for executing AI operations can be called the AI-DRX activation period or the AI-DRX activation period; however, this application does not limit the name of the DRX activation period for executing AI operations. For ease of explanation, the following example uses the term AI-DRX activation period to refer to the DRX activation period for executing AI operations.

[0149] It is understandable that the terminal device can perform AI operations during the AI-DRX activation period, but not outside of it. In other words, the terminal device can perform AI operations in stages to reduce its power consumption.

[0150] It is understood that a terminal device may execute one or more AI operations within one AI-DRX activation period, i.e., one AI-DRX activation period corresponds to one or more AI operations; or, a terminal device may execute one AI operation within one or more AI-DRX activation periods, i.e., one AI operation corresponds to multiple AI-DRX activation periods. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0151] It is understood that the relationship between the first information and the time of performing the AI ​​operation, that is, the relationship between one or more indications used to instruct the terminal device whether to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time and the time of performing the AI ​​operation, can be pre-configured, or it can be defined by a standard, or it can be negotiated between the network device and the terminal device, such as being configured by the network device to the terminal device. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0152] For example, a network device can send second information to a terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device can receive the second information from the network device. The second information can be encapsulated or carried in WUS, DCI, MAC CE, or other messages; this application embodiment does not limit this. The second information can indicate rules for determining the timing of AI operations, that is, the second information can indicate the relationship between the first information and the timing of AI operations.

[0153] In practice, the terminal device can determine the time to perform AI operations in the following ways.

[0154] The following describes how the terminal device determines the start time for executing AI operations.

[0155] Scenario 1: The terminal device does not begin executing AI operations before receiving the first instruction information.

[0156] In other words, the first indication information is the first indication information received by the terminal device after it enters the RRC idle state, which instructs the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time. The second indication information is the first indication information received by the terminal device after it enters the RRC idle state, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time. For example, the first indication information is indication information #1 shown in Figure 6a, and the second indication information is indication information #3 shown in Figure 6a.

[0157] In method A1, the terminal device can determine the time of receiving the first instruction information as the start time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0158] For example, as shown in Figure 6b, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, then the terminal device can determine that time 1 is the start time for executing the AI ​​operation, that is, the terminal device can start executing the AI ​​operation at time 1.

[0159] It can be understood that the first indication information is the first indication information received by the terminal device after it enters the RRC idle state, instructing the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging timing. That is, the first terminal device has not started executing AI operations before receiving the first indication information. Since the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting the paging message, if the first indication information instructs the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the first paging timing, it means that the terminal device may not need to perform communication services during the time between the reception time of the first indication information and the paging timing corresponding to the first indication information. Therefore, the first terminal device can start executing AI operations at the reception time of the first indication information, which not only ensures that the execution of AI operations and the execution of communication services by the terminal device do not interfere with each other, guaranteeing the performance of both AI operations and communication services, but also ensures that AI operations are executed in a timely manner.

[0160] In method A2, the terminal device may start a first timer at the time of receiving the first instruction information and determine the end time of the first timer as the start time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0161] The first timer can be called the on-prepare timer, but the name of the first timer is not limited in this embodiment.

[0162] The duration of the first timer can be related to the AI ​​operation. This can be understood as different AI operations having the same duration of the first timer. For example, if the terminal device does not start executing the AI ​​operation at the time of receiving the first indication information, but instead starts executing the AI ​​operation at the end of the first timer, compared to starting the AI ​​operation at the time of receiving the first indication information, starting at the end of the first timer effectively shortens the time for the terminal device to execute the AI ​​operation. Therefore, if the time required to execute the AI ​​operation is long, the duration of the first timer corresponding to that AI operation can be short, thus reserving more time for the execution of the AI ​​operation and ensuring that the terminal device has sufficient time to complete the AI ​​operation; or, if the time required to execute the AI ​​operation is short, the duration of the first timer corresponding to that AI operation can be long, allowing the terminal device more preparation time.

[0163] Alternatively, the duration of the first timer can be independent of the AI ​​operation. This can be understood as the first timer having the same duration for different AI operations.

[0164] The duration of the first timer corresponding to different AI operations can be pre-configured, or it can be defined by a standard, or it can be negotiated between the network device and the terminal device, such as being configured by the network device to the terminal device. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0165] For example, as shown in Figure 6c, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the first timer at time 1 and stop the first timer at time 7. The terminal device can determine that time 7 is the start time for executing the AI ​​operation, that is, the terminal device can start executing the AI ​​operation at time 7.

[0166] It is understandable that the first timer is used to reserve preparation time for AI operation. The terminal device can start the first timer when the first instruction information is received, and start executing the AI ​​operation when the first timer ends, which helps to ensure the performance of the AI ​​operation.

[0167] Scenario 2: The terminal device has already started performing AI operations before receiving the first instruction information.

[0168] In other words, the first indication information is not the first indication information received by the terminal device after it enters the RRC idle state, which instructs the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time. The second indication information may or may not be the first indication information received by the terminal device after it enters the RRC idle state, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time. For example, the first indication information is indication information #2 shown in Figure 6a, and the second indication information is indication information #3 shown in Figure 6a.

[0169] In method A3, the terminal device can determine that the time of receiving the first instruction information is later than the start time of executing the AI ​​operation and earlier than the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0170] It is understandable that the terminal device continues to perform AI operations upon receiving the first instruction information.

[0171] For example, as shown in Figure 6b, if the first indication information is indication information #2 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can determine that time 1 is the start time for executing the AI ​​operation. That is, the terminal device can start executing the AI ​​operation at time 1 and receive indication information #2 at time 2 and continue executing the AI ​​operation.

[0172] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6c, if the first indication information is indication information #2 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the first timer at time 1 and stop the first timer at time 7. The terminal device can determine that time 7 is the start time for executing the AI ​​operation, that is, the terminal device can start executing the AI ​​operation at time 7 and receive indication information #2 at time 3 and continue executing the AI ​​operation.

[0173] It is understandable that the first indication information is not the first indication information received by the terminal device after it enters the RRC idle state, instructing the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the corresponding paging time. That is, the first terminal device has already started performing AI operations before receiving the first indication information. Since the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting the paging message, if the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the first paging time, it means that the terminal device may not need to perform communication services during the time between receiving the first indication information and the paging time corresponding to the first indication information. Therefore, the first terminal device can continue performing AI operations during the time the first indication information is received. In other words, the terminal device can perform AI operations while detecting the indication information. Because the terminal device does not stop performing AI operations while detecting the indication information, the AI ​​operations are prevented from being interrupted by the indication information.

[0174] The following describes how the terminal device determines the end time of executing AI operations.

[0175] In method B1, the terminal device can determine the time of receiving the second instruction information as the end time of performing the AI ​​operation.

[0176] For example, as shown in (1) of Figure 6d, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can determine that time 1 is the start time of performing the AI ​​operation and time 3 is the end time of performing the AI ​​operation, that is, the terminal device can perform the AI ​​operation within the time between time 1 and time 3.

[0177] As shown in (2) of Figure 6d, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the first timer at time 1 and stop the first timer at time 7. The terminal device can determine that time 7 is the start time for executing the AI ​​operation and time 3 is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation, that is, the terminal device can execute the AI ​​operation within the time between time 1 and time 3.

[0178] It is understandable that since the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting a paging message, if the second indication information instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time, it means that the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting the paging message paging it at the second paging time. Therefore, if the terminal device is in a state of performing AI operations before receiving the second indication information, the terminal device can end its AI operations at the time of receiving the second indication information, so that the terminal device's AI operations and communication services do not interfere with each other, ensuring the performance of both AI operations and communication services.

[0179] In method B2, the terminal device can start a second timer at the start time of executing the AI ​​operation and determine the end time of executing the AI ​​operation based on the end time of the second timer.

[0180] The second timer can be called the start timer (onTimer), but the name of the second timer is not limited in this embodiment.

[0181] The duration of the second timer can be related to the AI ​​operation. This can be understood as different AI operations having different durations of the second timer. For example, if the terminal device starts the second timer at the start time of an AI operation and determines the end time of the AI ​​operation based on the end time of the second timer, then the terminal device can control the duration of the AI ​​operation through the duration of the second timer. Therefore, if the time required to complete the AI ​​operation is long, the duration of the second timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation will be long; if the time required to complete the AI ​​operation is short, the duration of the second timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation will be short, thus ensuring that the terminal device has sufficient time to complete the AI ​​operation as much as possible.

[0182] Alternatively, the duration of the second timer can be independent of the AI ​​operation. This can be understood as different AI operations having the same duration of the second timer.

[0183] The duration of the second timer corresponding to different AI operations can be pre-configured, or it can be defined by a standard, or it can be negotiated between the network device and the terminal device, such as being configured by the network device to the terminal device. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0184] Specifically, the terminal device can determine the earliest of the two times, the end time of the second timer and the reception time of the second indication information, as the end time for performing the AI ​​operation.

[0185] For example, as shown in (1) of Figure 6e, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the second timer at time 1 and stop the second timer at time 8. Since the end time of the second timer (i.e., time 8) is earlier than the reception time of the second indication information (i.e., time 3), the terminal device can determine that time 1 is the start time for performing the AI ​​operation and time 8 is the end time for performing the AI ​​operation. That is, the terminal device can perform the AI ​​operation within the time between time 1 and time 8.

[0186] As shown in (2) of Figure 6e, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the first timer at time 1, stop the first timer and start the second timer at time 7, and end the second timer at time 9. Since the end time of the second timer (i.e., time 9) is later than the reception time of the second indication information (i.e., time 3), the terminal device can determine that time 7 is the start time for performing the AI ​​operation and time 3 is the end time for performing the AI ​​operation. That is, the terminal device can perform the AI ​​operation within the time between time 7 and time 3.

[0187] Alternatively, the terminal device can determine the earliest of the two timers (the end time of the second timer and the second paging opportunity) as the end time for performing the AI ​​operation.

[0188] For example, as shown in (1) of Figure 6f, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the second timer at time 1 and stop the second timer at time 10. Since the end time of the second timer (i.e., time 10) is earlier than the second paging opportunity (i.e., time 6), the terminal device can determine that time 1 is the start time for executing the AI ​​operation and time 10 is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. That is, the terminal device can execute the AI ​​operation within the time between time 1 and time 10.

[0189] As shown in (2) of Figure 6f, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the first timer at time 1, stop the first timer and start the second timer at time 7, and end the second timer at time 11. Since the end time of the second timer (i.e., time 11) is later than the second paging opportunity (i.e., time 6), the terminal device can determine that time 7 is the start time for executing the AI ​​operation and time 6 is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. That is, the terminal device can execute the AI ​​operation within the time between time 7 and time 6.

[0190] It is understandable that since the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting a paging message, if the second indication information instructs the terminal device to detect a paging message at the second paging timing, it means that the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting a paging message paging it at the second paging timing. Therefore, if the terminal device starts the second timer at the start time of performing the AI ​​operation, the terminal device can end the AI ​​operation at the earliest time between the end time of the second timer and the second paging timing by comparing the end time of the second timer and the second paging timing. This not only ensures that the AI ​​operation and communication services do not interfere with each other, guaranteeing the performance of both AI operation and communication services, but also reduces the power consumption of the terminal device when performing the AI ​​operation by ending the AI ​​operation at an earlier time. Alternatively, the terminal device can end the AI ​​operation at the earliest time between the end time of the second timer and the reception time of the second indication information, with the second paging timing being later than the reception time of the second indication information, to ensure that the terminal device can complete the AI ​​operation as much as possible.

[0191] It is understandable that the second timer is used to control the power consumption of the terminal device when performing AI operations. The terminal device can control the duration of the AI ​​operation by controlling the duration of the second timer, thereby controlling the power consumption of the terminal device when performing AI operations.

[0192] In method B3, the terminal device can start a first timer at the time of receiving the first instruction information, and if the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, determine the second paging timing as the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0193] For example, as shown in Figure 6g, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the first timer at time 1 and stop the first timer at time 7. Since starting the first timer will reduce the duration of the AI ​​operation performed by the terminal device, in order to extend the duration of the AI ​​operation performed by the terminal device and ensure that the terminal device can complete the AI ​​operation as much as possible, the terminal device can determine time 7 as the start time of the AI ​​operation and time 6 as the end time of the AI ​​operation. That is, the terminal device can perform the AI ​​operation within the time between time 7 and time 6.

[0194] It is understandable that the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting a paging message. If the first indication information instructs the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the first paging time, it means that the terminal device may not need to perform communication services during the time between the reception time of the first indication information and the paging time corresponding to the first indication information. If the second indication information instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time, it means that the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting the paging message paging it at the second paging time. Therefore, in order to ensure that the terminal device's AI operation and communication service performance do not interfere with each other and to guarantee the performance of both, the terminal device can perform the AI ​​operation during the time between the reception time of the first indication information and the second paging time. If the terminal device does not start performing the AI ​​operation at the reception time of the first indication information, but instead starts the first timer at the reception time of the first indication information and then starts performing the AI ​​operation at the end time of the first timer, it effectively shortens the time for the terminal device to perform the AI ​​operation compared to starting the AI ​​operation at the end time of the first timer. To ensure that the terminal device can complete the AI ​​operation as much as possible, the terminal device can end the AI ​​operation at the second paging time.

[0195] In method B4, the terminal device can start a third timer at the time of receiving the second instruction information, and determine the end time of the third timer as the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0196] The third timer can be called the before-paging timer, but the name of the third timer is not limited in this embodiment.

[0197] The duration of the third timer can be related to the AI ​​operation. This can be understood as different AI operations having different durations of the third timer. For example, if the terminal device starts the third timer at the time of receiving the second indication information and ends the AI ​​operation at the end time of the third timer, then the terminal device can control the duration of the AI ​​operation through the duration of the third timer. Therefore, if the time required to complete the AI ​​operation is long, the duration of the third timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation will be long; if the time required to complete the AI ​​operation is short, the duration of the third timer corresponding to the AI ​​operation will be short, ensuring that the terminal device has sufficient time to complete the AI ​​operation as much as possible.

[0198] Alternatively, the duration of the third timer can be independent of the AI ​​operation. This can be understood as the third timer having the same duration for different AI operations.

[0199] The duration of the third timer corresponding to different AI operations can be pre-configured, or it can be defined by a standard, or it can be negotiated between the network device and the terminal device, such as being configured by the network device to the terminal device. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0200] The end time of the third timer can be earlier than or equal to the second paging time.

[0201] For example, as shown in (1) of Figure 6h, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the third timer at time 3 and stop the third timer at time 12. The terminal device can determine that time 1 is the start time for performing the AI ​​operation and time 12 is the end time for performing the AI ​​operation, that is, the terminal device can perform the AI ​​operation within the time between time 1 and time 12.

[0202] As shown in (2) of Figure 6h, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the first timer at time 1, stop the first timer at time 7, start the third timer at time 3, and stop the third timer at time 12. The terminal device can determine that time 7 is the start time for executing the AI ​​operation and time 12 is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation, that is, the terminal device can execute the AI ​​operation within the time between time 7 and time 12.

[0203] It is understandable that since the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting a paging message, if the second indication information instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time, and the terminal device is in the state of performing AI operations before receiving the second indication information, then the terminal device can start a third timer at the end time of the second indication information, stop the third timer before or at the second paging time, and end the AI ​​operation at the end time of the third timer. This ensures that the terminal device's AI operation and the terminal device's detection of the paging message do not affect each other, guaranteeing the performance of AI operations and communication services, and controlling the power consumption of the terminal device performing AI operations.

[0204] It is understandable that the third timer is used to control the power consumption of the terminal device when performing AI operations. The terminal device can control the duration of AI operations by controlling the duration of the third timer, thereby controlling the power consumption of the terminal device when performing AI operations.

[0205] In method B5, the terminal device can determine the second paging timing as the end time for executing the AI ​​operation if the first time difference is greater than a time difference threshold. Alternatively, the terminal device can determine the reception time of the second instruction information as the end time for executing the AI ​​operation if the first time difference is less than or equal to a time difference threshold.

[0206] The first time difference can be the time difference between the time of receiving the second instruction information and the time of the second paging.

[0207] The time difference threshold can be related to AI operations. This can be understood as different AI operations having different time difference thresholds. For example, if AI operation 1 requires a longer duration, then the time difference threshold for AI operation 1 is larger; if AI operation 2 requires a shorter duration, then the time difference threshold for AI operation 2 is smaller.

[0208] Alternatively, the time difference threshold can be independent of the AI ​​operation. This can be understood as different AI operations having the same time difference threshold; for example, AI operation 1 and AI operation 2 both have a time difference threshold of 1.

[0209] The time difference thresholds corresponding to different AI operations can be pre-configured, or they can be defined by a standard, or they can be negotiated between the network device and the terminal device, such as being configured by the network device to the terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0210] For example, as shown in (1) of Figure 6i, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can determine that the time difference 1 between the receiving time of the second indication information (i.e., time 3) and the second paging opportunity (i.e., time 6) is greater than the time difference threshold 1. Then the terminal device can determine that time 1 is the start time of performing AI operation and time 6 is the end time of performing AI operation. That is, the terminal device can perform AI operation within the time between time 1 and time 6.

[0211] As shown in (2) of Figure 6i, if the first indication information is indication information #1 and the second indication information is indication information #3, the terminal device can start the first timer at time 1 and stop the first timer at time 7. The terminal device can determine that the time difference 1 between the receiving time of the second indication information (i.e., time 3) and the second paging opportunity (i.e., time 6) is less than the time difference threshold 1. Therefore, the terminal device can determine that time 7 is the start time for performing the AI ​​operation and time 3 is the end time for performing the AI ​​operation. That is, the terminal device can perform the AI ​​operation within the time between time 1 and time 3.

[0212] It is understandable that since the terminal device may need to perform communication services after detecting a paging message, if the second indication information instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging timing, and the terminal device is in a state of performing AI operations before receiving the second indication information, then the terminal device can end the AI ​​operation at the time of receiving the second indication information or at the second paging timing. This ensures that the terminal device's AI operation and communication services do not interfere with each other, guaranteeing the performance of both operations. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine whether the time difference between the time of receiving the second indication information and the second paging timing is greater than a time difference threshold. If the time difference is greater than the threshold, it indicates that there is still sufficient time between the two times, allowing the terminal device to end the AI ​​operation at the second paging timing, thus ensuring that the terminal device has enough time to complete the AI ​​operation. If the time difference between the reception time of the second instruction information and the second paging opportunity is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, it indicates that the time between the reception time of the second instruction information and the second paging opportunity is too short, which may not be able to support the terminal device to complete the AI ​​operation. Therefore, in order to reduce the power consumption of performing the AI ​​operation, the terminal device can perform the AI ​​operation at the end of the reception time of the second instruction information.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can determine the AI ​​operation based on a first time difference. For example, if the time difference between the reception time of the second instruction information and the second paging timing is greater than a time difference threshold 1, it indicates that the terminal device can perform AI model training. If the time difference between the reception time of the second instruction information and the second paging timing is less than or equal to time difference threshold 1 and greater than time threshold 2, it indicates that the terminal device can perform AI model inference. If the time difference between the reception time of the second instruction information and the second paging timing is less than or equal to time threshold 2, it indicates that the terminal device can perform AI model performance monitoring.

[0214] The methods provided in this application are described above using terminal devices and network devices as examples. In this application, each embodiment can be implemented independently or in combination based on certain inherent connections; in each embodiment, different implementation methods can be implemented in combination or independently. To achieve the functions of the methods provided in the above embodiments, the steps executed by the terminal device can be implemented by different functional entities constituting the terminal device. The steps executed by the network device can be implemented by different functional entities constituting the communication device. To achieve the functions of the methods provided in the above embodiments, the terminal device and network device can include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0215] The methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The apparatus provided by the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0216] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a module / unit / means for executing the method performed by the device in the above-described method embodiments. This module / unit / means can be implemented in software, or in hardware, or implemented by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0217] For example, referring to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of a communication device 700, the device 700 includes a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702. The device can be the aforementioned terminal device or network device.

[0218] When the device 700 is a terminal device, the functions of each module of the device 700 are as follows:

[0219] The transceiver module 701 is used to receive first information, which is used to indicate whether the terminal device detects a paging message.

[0220] The processing module 702 is used to determine the time to perform the AI ​​operation based on the first information.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the first paging time, wherein the reception time of the first indication information is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation; or, the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, and the first timer is started at the reception time of the first indication information.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the duration of the first timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, wherein the first information further includes second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing, wherein the second paging timing is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at a second paging time, wherein the receiving time of the second indication information is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing. The earliest of the two times—the end time of the second timer and the reception time of the second indication information—is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. Alternatively, the earliest of the two times—the end time of the second timer and the second paging timing—is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. The second timer is started at the start time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the duration of the second timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time, wherein the end time of the third timer is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation, and the third timer is started at the time of receiving the second indication information.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the duration of the third timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing. If a first time difference is greater than a time difference threshold, the second paging timing is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation; or, if the first time difference is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, the reception time of the second indication information is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. The first time difference is the time difference between the reception time of the second indication information and the second paging timing.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining the AI ​​operation based on the first time difference.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information indicating rules for determining the time to perform the AI ​​operation.

[0232] Alternatively, when the device 700 is a network device, the functions of each module of the device 700 are as follows:

[0233] The transceiver module 701 is used to send second information, which indicates rules for determining the time to perform AI operations;

[0234] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 701 is used to send first information, which is used to indicate whether the terminal device detects a paging message.

[0235] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device not to detect the paging message at the first paging time, wherein the reception time of the first indication information is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation; or, the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, and the first timer is started at the reception time of the first indication information.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the duration of the first timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, wherein the first information further includes second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing, wherein the second paging timing is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0238] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at a second paging time, wherein the receiving time of the second indication information is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0239] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing. The earliest of the two times—the end time of the second timer and the reception time of the second indication information—is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. Alternatively, the earliest of the two times—the end time of the second timer and the second paging timing—is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. The second timer is started at the start time of executing the AI ​​operation.

[0240] In one possible implementation, the duration of the second timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0241] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time, wherein the end time of the third timer is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation, and the third timer is started at the time of receiving the second indication information.

[0242] In one possible implementation, the duration of the third timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect a paging message at a second paging timing. If a first time difference is greater than a time difference threshold, the second paging timing is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation; or, if the first time difference is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, the reception time of the second indication information is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation. The first time difference is the time difference between the reception time of the second indication information and the second paging timing.

[0244] In practical implementation, the above-mentioned device 700 can have various product forms. Several possible product forms are introduced below.

[0245] Referring to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of another communication device, the communication device 800 includes a processor 801, which uses logic circuits or execution instructions to implement the methods executed by the communication device or terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0246] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include an interface circuit 802, which is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor 801, or to send signals from the processor 801 to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor 801 and the interface circuit 802 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 802 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0247] Optionally, the communication device 800 may also include a memory 803 for storing instructions executed by the processor 801, or storing input data required by the processor 801 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 801 executes instructions.

[0248] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, implemented by reading software code stored in memory.

[0249] For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microprocessor units (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), artificial intelligence processors (AI processors) or neural processing units (NPUs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0250] It should be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be cache or random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0251] It is understandable that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0252] It should be noted that the memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0253] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, causes the methods executed by the terminal device and the network device in the above method embodiments to be implemented.

[0254] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the methods executed by the terminal device and the network device in the above method embodiments to be implemented.

[0255] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0256] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0257] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0258] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, which is used to instruct the terminal device whether to detect a paging message; Based on the first information, determine the time to perform the artificial intelligence (AI) operation.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information, which instructs the terminal device not to detect the paging message during the first paging event. The time of receiving the first indication information is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation; or, The end time of the first timer is the start time of the execution of the AI ​​operation. The first timer is started at the time of receiving the first indication information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The duration of the first timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, wherein, The first information also includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at a second paging timing, wherein the second paging timing is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time. The time of receiving the second indication information is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time. The earliest of the two times, the end time of the second timer and the reception time of the second indication information, is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation; or, The earliest of the two timer expiration times is the end time of the AI ​​operation; The second timer is started at the beginning of the execution of the AI ​​operation.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The duration of the second timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time. The end time of the third timer is the end time of the execution of the AI ​​operation, and the third timer is started at the time of receiving the second indication information.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The duration of the third timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time. If the first time difference is greater than the time difference threshold, then the second paging timing is the end time of the AI ​​operation; or, If the first time difference is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, then the time of receiving the second indication information is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation; Wherein, the first time difference is the time difference between the time of receiving the second indication information and the time of the second paging.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The AI ​​operation is determined based on the first time difference.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, which indicates rules for determining the timing of the AI ​​operation.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a second message, which indicates the rules for determining the timing of AI operations.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message, which is used to indicate whether the terminal device detects a paging message.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information, which instructs the terminal device not to detect the paging message during the first paging event. The time of receiving the first indication information is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation; or, The end time of the first timer is the start time of the execution of the AI ​​operation. The first timer is started at the time of receiving the first indication information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The duration of the first timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The end time of the first timer is the start time of executing the AI ​​operation, wherein, The first information also includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the paging message at a second paging timing, wherein the second paging timing is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time. The time of receiving the second indication information is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time. The earliest of the two times, the end time of the second timer and the reception time of the second indication information, is the end time for executing the AI ​​operation; or, The earliest of the two timer expiration times is the end time of the AI ​​operation; The second timer is started at the beginning of the execution of the AI ​​operation.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The duration of the second timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time. The end time of the third timer is the end time of the execution of the AI ​​operation, and the third timer is started at the time of receiving the second indication information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The duration of the third timer is related to the AI ​​operation.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The first information includes second indication information, which instructs the terminal device to detect the paging message at the second paging time. If the first time difference is greater than the time difference threshold, then the second paging timing is the end time of the AI ​​operation; or, If the first time difference is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, then the time of receiving the second indication information is the end time of executing the AI ​​operation; Wherein, the first time difference is the time difference between the time of receiving the second indication information and the time of the second paging.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor, which is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 23.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 23 to be performed.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 23 to be performed.

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