Communication method, communication apparatus, and communication system

Abstract

A communication method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system. The communication method comprises: a policy control network element sends a first message to a network analytics function network element, wherein the first message is used for instructing the network analytics function network element to acquire state information of an application running on at least one terminal device, the at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user, and the first message comprises identification information of the at least one target user; the policy control network element acquires recommended plan information corresponding to the at least one target user, wherein the recommended plan information is determined on the basis of the identification information of the at least one target user, the state information, and a full set of plans, and the full set of plans comprises a plurality of different plans; and the policy control network element sends the corresponding recommended plan information to the at least one terminal device. In the communication method provided in the present application, because state information can reflect a real-time running state of an application used by a target user on a terminal device, the accuracy of plan recommendation can be improved.

Description

Communication methods, communication devices and communication systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on December 23, 2024, with application number 202411929592.5 and entitled "Communication Method, Communication Apparatus and Communication System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. Background Technology

[0003] While using an application (APP), users receive various recommended plans (such as limited-time data packages, data acceleration packages for specific applications, etc.) pushed by their mobile operators for them to choose from and subscribe to. However, the recommended plans determined by operators for users may not be accurate at present. For example, the recommended plans may not match the time users spend using the APP, the type of APP they use, or their APP usage habits, which reduces the accuracy and efficiency of the recommended plans. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system that can improve the accuracy of recommended packages determined for users.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. The executing entity of this method can be a policy control network element, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) supporting the policy control network element in implementing this method, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the policy control network element's functions. The method includes: sending a first message to a network analysis function network element, the first message instructing the network analysis function network element to obtain status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, wherein the at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user, and the first message includes identification information of at least one target user; obtaining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user, the recommended package information being determined based on the identification information of at least one target user, the status information, and a full package, the full package including multiple different packages; and sending the corresponding recommended package information to at least one terminal device.

[0006] The communication method provided in the first aspect recommends package information based on the identification information, status information, and full package information of at least one target user. Since the status information can reflect the real-time status of the application used by the target user on the terminal device, it realizes the determination of the recommended package for the user by using online data analysis, which can improve the accuracy of the obtained recommended package.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, obtaining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user includes: receiving recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user from the operator's management system. In this implementation, the recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user is determined by the operator's management system, which can reduce the complexity of obtaining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, obtaining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user includes: determining the recommended package information from the full range of packages obtained from the operator management system based on the identification information and status information of at least one target user obtained from the network analysis function network element.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, obtaining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user includes: determining the recommended package information from the full range of packages obtained from the operator management system based on the identification information of at least one target user obtained from a network analysis function element, the identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device, and the status information. This implementation can improve the efficiency and accuracy of obtaining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user.

[0010] For example, the status information of an application running on at least one terminal device includes: whether the application used by the target user on the terminal device experiences lag, delay, slow screen loading, or a waiting loading prompt, etc.

[0011] For example, target users can be high-value users, such as users who use a lot of data, users who use a lot of data plans, users who use high-priced data plans, and users whose apps meet certain requirements or conditions. Alternatively, specific areas (such as shopping malls, residential communities, stadiums, office buildings, etc.) can be defined as marketing areas, and all users within these marketing areas can be identified as target users.

[0012] For example, the identification information of at least one target user includes: an identifier of at least one target user; or, identification information of at least one region, wherein the identification information of at least one region is used to indicate a target user using the application in at least one region. In this implementation, using the identifier of the target user or the region identifier where the target user is located to indicate the target user can improve the accuracy and efficiency of indicating the target user, and the implementation method is flexible.

[0013] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The executing entity of this method can be a network analysis function network element, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) supporting the network analysis function network element in implementing this method, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network analysis function network element's functions. The method includes: receiving a first message from a policy control network element, the first message indicating the acquisition of status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, wherein the at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user, and the first message includes identification information of at least one target user; sending a second message to an access and mobility management network element, the second message indicating the access and mobility management network element to acquire status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, the second message including identification information of at least one target user; receiving the identification information and status information of at least one target user from the access and mobility management network element; and sending the identification information and status information of at least one target user to the policy control network element or an operator management system, wherein the identification information and status information of at least one target user are used to determine recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user.

[0014] The second aspect provides a communication method that can send status information and the identification information of at least one target user to a policy control network element or an operator management system. The policy control network element or operator management system then uses this information to determine recommended service packages for at least one target user and sends this information to the user. Since the status information reflects the real-time status of the application used by the target user on the terminal device, the accuracy of the determined recommended service packages can be improved.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device from an access and mobility management network element; sending the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device to the policy control network element or the operator management system, wherein the identification information of at least one target user and the status information used to determine the recommended package information corresponding to the at least one target user include: the identification information of at least one target user, the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device, and the status information used to determine the recommended package information corresponding to the at least one target user. This can further improve the accuracy of the determined recommended package.

[0016] For an explanation of the status information and the identification information of at least one target user, please refer to the corresponding part of the first aspect above and the explanation of the beneficial effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0017] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. The executing entity of this method can be an operator management system, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) supporting the operator management system in implementing this method, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the operator management system's functions. The method includes: receiving identification information of at least one target user and status information of an application running on at least one terminal device from a network analysis function network element, wherein the at least one terminal device is used by at least one target user; determining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user from a full range of packages based on the identification information and the status information of the at least one target user, wherein the full range of packages includes multiple different packages; and sending the recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user to a policy control network element.

[0018] The third aspect provides a communication method that can determine recommended service plans for at least one target user from the full range of service plans based on the received identification and status information of at least one target user. Since the status information reflects the real-time status of the application used by the target user on their terminal device, it can improve the accuracy of the determined recommended service plan.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device from the network analysis function element; and determining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user within the full package based on the identification information of at least one target user and the status information, including: determining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user within the full package based on the identification information of at least one target user, the identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device, and the status information. This implementation can further improve the accuracy of the determined recommended package.

[0020] For an explanation of the status information and the identification information of at least one target user, please refer to the corresponding part of the first aspect above and the explanation of the beneficial effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0021] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. The executing entity of this method can be a terminal device used by a target user, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) supporting the implementation of this method on the terminal device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: receiving indication information from an access and mobility management network element, the indication information indicating the status information of an application running on the terminal device, which is a terminal device used by the target user; sending the detected status information of a first application running on the terminal device to the access and mobility management network element; and receiving recommended package information from a policy control network element, the recommended package information being determined based on the target user's identification information, the status information, and a full package, the full package including multiple different packages.

[0022] The fourth aspect provides a communication method in which the recommended package information is determined based on the target user's identification information, status information, and full package information. Since the status information can reflect the real-time status of the target user when using the application on the terminal device, it can improve the accuracy of the determined recommended package.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: sending the identification information of the first application to the access and mobility management network element, wherein the recommended package information is determined based on the user's identification information, status information, and the full package. This includes: the recommended package information is determined based on the user's identification information, the identification information of the first application, status information, and the full package. This implementation can further improve the accuracy of the determined recommended package.

[0024] For an explanation of the status information and the identification information of at least one target user, please refer to the corresponding part of the first aspect above and the explanation of the beneficial effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes displaying the recommended package information at the location of the operator's identifier (e.g., China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, etc.) on the display interface. This flexible implementation improves the accuracy and efficiency of displaying recommended packages to users, and allows for a concise and accurate presentation of recommended content, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0026] Fifthly, a communication system is provided, comprising a policy control network element and a network analysis function network element; the policy control network element is used to send a first message to the network analysis function network element, the first message instructing the network analysis function network element to obtain status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, wherein the at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user, and the first message includes identification information of at least one target user; the network analysis function network element is used to receive the first message; the policy control network element is also used to obtain recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user, the recommended package information being determined based on the identification information of at least one target user, the status information, and the full package, wherein the full package includes multiple different packages; the policy control network element is also used to send the corresponding recommended package information to at least one terminal device.

[0027] The communication system provided in the fifth aspect obtains the recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user by the policy control network element based on the identification information, status information and full package information of at least one target user. Since the status information can reflect the real-time status of the application used by the target user on the terminal device during operation, the accuracy of the obtained recommended package can be improved.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the communication system further includes an access and mobility management network element; the network analysis function network element is further configured to: send a second message to the access and mobility management network element, the second message instructing the access and mobility management network element to obtain status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, the second message including identification information of at least one target user; the access and mobility management network element is configured to receive the second message; the network analysis function network element is further configured to: receive the identification information and status information of at least one target user from the access and mobility management network element; the network analysis function network element is further configured to: send the identification information and status information of at least one target user to the policy control network element or the operator management system; the policy control network element is further configured to: receive the identification information and status information of at least one target user.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the network analysis function network element is further configured to: receive status information of an application running on at least one terminal device from the access and mobility management network element; send the status information of the application running on at least one terminal device to the policy control network element or the operator management system; the policy control network element is further configured to: receive the status information of the application running on at least one terminal device.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the policy control network element uses the following method to obtain recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user: the policy control network element determines the recommended package information from the full range of packages obtained from the operator management system based on the identification information and status information of at least one target user obtained from the network analysis function network element.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the policy control network element is used to obtain recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user by: the policy control network element determining the recommended package information from the full package information obtained from the operator management system based on the identification information of at least one target user obtained from the network analysis function network element, the status information of the application running on at least one terminal device, and the status information.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the communication system further includes an operator management system; the operator management system is used to receive identification information and status information of at least one target user, determine the recommended package information in the full package based on the identification information and status information of at least one target user obtained from the network analysis function network element, and send it to the policy control network element.

[0033] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the communication system further includes an operator management system; the operator management system is used to receive identification information of at least one target user, status information and status information of an application running on at least one terminal device from a network analysis function network element; and based on the identification information of at least one target user, the status information and status information of the application running on at least one terminal device, determine the recommended package information in the full package and send it to the policy control network element.

[0034] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the communication system further includes an operator management system for sending the full package to the policy control network element.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the access and mobility management network element is further configured to: determine, based on the second message, whether a first user accessing the access and mobility management network element is a target user included among at least one target user; if the first user is determined to be a target user included among at least one target user, send indication information to the terminal device of the first user, the indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to detect the status information of an application running on the terminal device; receive the status information of the first application detected by the terminal device during runtime; and send the identification information of at least one target user and the status information to the network analysis function network element, wherein the at least one target user includes the first user.

[0036] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the access and mobility management network element is further configured to: receive identification information of the first application from the terminal device; and send the identification information of the application used by the at least one target user to the network analysis function network element.

[0037] For an explanation of the various possible implementation methods and beneficial effects of the fifth aspect, please refer to the corresponding parts of the first aspect to the third aspect and the explanation of beneficial effects mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0038] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising: a module (e.g., including a processing module and a communication module) for performing any of the steps of any of the first to fourth aspects above, or any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0039] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute: the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects above, or the method of any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include a memory storing a computer program, and at least one processor executes the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects above, or the method of any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects above, by executing the computer program stored in the memory.

[0041] In one possible implementation, at least one processor executes the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects above, or the method of any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects above, via logic circuitry or processing circuitry.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include interface circuitry for performing specific signal transmission and reception. For example, the communication device may be a policy control network element, a network analysis function network element, an operator management system, or a terminal device; it may also be a component (chip, chip system, or processor) within the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, operator management system, or terminal device; or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, operator management system, or terminal device.

[0043] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs: the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects above, or the method of any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0044] Ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed, performs: the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects above, or the method of any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0045] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip comprising: a processor for executing a computer program or instructions in a memory, causing a communication device having the chip mounted to perform: the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects above, or the method of any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects above. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to this application, provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to this application, provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a terminal device displaying recommended package information provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0051] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0055] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0056] In this article, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably.

[0057] In this embodiment, each network element (e.g., core network elements and terminal devices) may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the structure of the execution subject of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution subject of the method provided in this embodiment can be a core network element or a terminal device, or a functional module in the core network element or terminal device that can call and execute a program.

[0058] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0059] When a user accesses the network and uses an app through access network equipment (such as a base station or access point), the core network equipment records user data generated during app usage, including app usage time, data usage, and transmission rate. After the core network equipment records data for a preset period, such as half a month or a month, the user's operator retrieves this data from the core network equipment. The operator analyzes this data to determine the recommended service plan for the user (e.g., a data acceleration plan for a specific time period (e.g., nighttime), a targeted acceleration plan for a specific app, etc.). The operator then sends the plan information to the user via SMS for subscription.

[0060] However, in the aforementioned scheme, the user data analyzed by the operator is historical data generated by the user's use of the app over a previous period, not data generated by the user's use of the app at the current time (or real-time data generated while using the app). Recommending a plan based on this historical data may be inaccurate. For example, the recommended plan determined based on historical data is for the user's use in the current or subsequent time period. However, the user's app usage habits or methods in the current or subsequent time period may change compared to the previous period—for example, changes in the apps used, the time of use, or the method of use. Therefore, the recommended plan may be inaccurate. In other words, currently, operators use "offline analysis" or "post-event analysis" data to determine recommended plans for users.

[0061] In view of this, this application provides a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. The communication method includes: a policy control network element sending a first message to a network analysis function network element, the first message instructing the network analysis function network element to obtain status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, wherein the at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user, and the first message includes identification information of at least one target user; the policy control network element obtaining recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user, the recommended package information being determined based on the identification information, status information, and full package of the at least one target user, wherein the full package includes multiple different packages; and the policy control network element sending the corresponding recommended package information to at least one terminal device for the target user to obtain and subscribe to. Since the status information can reflect the real-time status of the application used by the target user on the terminal device during runtime, the accuracy of the obtained recommended package can be improved.

[0062] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced first with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0063] It should be understood that the communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, future evolution systems, or multiple communication convergence systems, as well as existing communication systems. The embodiments in this application are not limited herein.

[0064] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a policy control network element and a network analysis function network element. The policy control network element sends a first message to the network analysis function network element, instructing the network analysis function network element to obtain status information of an application running on at least one terminal device. The at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user, and the first message includes identification information of at least one target user. The network analysis function network element receives the first message. The policy control network element also obtains recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user and sends the corresponding recommended package information to at least one terminal device. The recommended package information is determined based on the identification information, status information, and full package of at least one target user, and the full package includes multiple different packages.

[0065] The status information can indicate or characterize the real-time status of the app used by the user on the terminal device during runtime. For example, the status information may include: whether the application on the terminal device experiences lag, delay (or latency) during runtime, slow screen loading, or a loading prompt, etc. It should be understood that in other implementations of this application, the status information may also include other specific content, as long as the content can reflect the real-time status of the app used by the user during runtime, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0066] A full-service plan can be understood as all plans managed by the operator's local rules. A full-service plan includes multiple or different plans. Information for each plan may include: plan name (packetName), plan type (packetType), plan description (packetDes), or plan address. The plan address may include the plan's Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), i.e., the plan address may include the plan's URI (packetUri).

[0067] In one possible implementation, the identification information of at least one target user may include the identifier of at least one target user, for example, it may be a list of user identifiers that includes the identifier of at least one target user.

[0068] For example, the identifier of the target user can be: the Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) used by the target user, such as the mobile phone number used by the target user. Another example is: the International Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (IMSI) used by the target user. It should be understood that in other implementations of this application, the identifier of the target user may have other implementations, and this application embodiment does not impose limitations on these.

[0069] In another possible implementation, the identification information of at least one target user may include the identification information of at least one region (e.g., the marketing region mentioned above). Here, at least one target user can be distributed across at least one region. For example, assuming the first message includes the identifier of region A, then all users within region A are target users, and the identification information of region A is used to indicate the target users using the application within region A. Optionally, region A may be referred to as marketing region A.

[0070] For example, the identifier of a region may include: the geographical location of the region (e.g., represented by longitude and latitude), or the geographical location of the region (e.g., represented by a place name), etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific implementation method of the region identifier.

[0071] For example, the first message may include: a list of identifiers for the target users (e.g., a list of MSISDNs or an IMSI list) or an identifier for at least one marketing region.

[0072] Optionally, in one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 1, the communication system further includes an access and mobility management network element. The dashed line in Figure 1 indicates that this network element is optional. The network analysis function network element is further configured to: send a second message to the access and mobility management network element, the second message instructing the access and mobility management network element to obtain status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, the second message including identification information of at least one target user; the access and mobility management network element is configured to: receive the second message and send the identification information and status information of at least one target user to the network analysis function network element; the network analysis function network element is further configured to: receive the identification information and status information of at least one target user from the access and mobility management network element, and send the identification information and status information of at least one target user to the policy control network element or the operator management system.

[0073] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the access and mobility management network element is further configured to: determine, based on the second message, whether the first user accessing the access and mobility management network element is a target user included among at least one target user; if the first user is determined to be a target user included among at least one target user, send indication information to the terminal device of the first user, the indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to detect the running status information of an application on the terminal device; receive the running status information of the first application detected by the terminal device; and send the identification information and status information of at least one target user, including the first user, to the network analysis function network element.

[0074] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the access and mobility management network element is also used to: receive identification information of a first application from a terminal device; and send identification information of at least one application running on the terminal device to the network analysis function network element.

[0075] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the policy control network element obtains recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user by: the policy control network element determining recommended package information from the full range of packages obtained from the operator management system based on the identification information and status information of at least one target user obtained from the network analysis function network element.

[0076] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the network analysis function network element is further configured to: receive identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device from the access and mobility management network element; send the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device to the policy control network element or the operator management system; the policy control network element is further configured to: receive the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device.

[0077] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the policy control network element obtains recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user by: determining recommended package information from the full range of packages obtained from the operator management system based on the identification information of at least one target user, the identification information and status information of the application running on at least one terminal device, obtained from the network analysis function network element.

[0078] Optionally, in one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 1, the communication system further includes an operator management system. The operator management system receives identification and status information of at least one target user from the network analysis function network element, determines recommended package information from the full range of packages based on the identification and status information of the at least one target user, and sends it to the policy control network element.

[0079] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the operator management system is used to receive identification information of at least one target user, identification information and status information of an application running on at least one terminal device from the network analysis function network element; based on the identification information of at least one target user, the identification information and status information of the application running on at least one terminal device, determine recommended package information from the full package and send it to the policy control network element.

[0080] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the operator management system is used to send the full package to the policy control network element.

[0081] Optionally, in one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 1, the communication system further includes a session management network element, which is used to forward messages transmitted between the mobility management network element and the network analysis function network element.

[0082] As an example, Figure 2 shows another schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to this application. The example in Figure 2 is illustrated using a 5G communication system. In this 5G communication system, the policy control network element can be implemented using a Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, and the network analysis function network element can be implemented using a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) network element. As shown in Figure 2, this communication system includes: PCF and NWDAF.

[0083] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the communication system may further include an access and mobility management network element. In a 5G communication system, the access and mobility management network element can be implemented using an access and mobility function (AMF) network element. The dashed line in Figure 2 indicates that this network element is optional.

[0084] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the communication system may also include access network equipment and a data network (DN).

[0085] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the communication system may also include terminal equipment and other core network elements, such as user plane function (UPF) network elements in a 5G communication system.

[0086] The terminal device shown in Figure 2 can be used to connect to the access network equipment deployed by the operator via the wireless air interface, and then connect to the data network via core network elements (such as user plane function (UPF) network elements); the access network equipment is mainly used to implement wireless physical layer functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control and mobility management, etc.

[0087] For the functions of each network element in Figure 2, please refer to the description of the corresponding network element in Figure 1. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0088] It should be noted that Figure 2 is merely an exemplary architecture diagram and should not impose any limitations on the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. In addition to the network elements shown in Figure 2, this network architecture may also include other functional units or functional network elements. For example, the communication system shown in Figure 2 may also include an operator management system, which can be implemented using the operator's business and operation support system (BOSS). The operator management system communicates with the PCF and NWDAF through a communication interface.

[0089] The terminal device in this application embodiment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, user agent, user device, or terminal device. The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, and can be used to connect people, objects, and machines, such as a handheld device with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle equipment, etc. The terminal devices in the embodiments of this application can be mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc. Optionally, the terminal device can be used to act as a base station. For example, the terminal device can act as a dispatching entity, providing sidelink signals between terminal devices in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or device-to-device (D2D) communications. For example, cellular phones and cars communicate with each other using sidelink signals. Cellular phones and smart home devices communicate without relaying communication signals through base stations.

[0090] It should be understood that in this embodiment of the application, the terminal device may have a display screen to show the user recommended package information.

[0091] In the architecture shown in Figure 2, the access network equipment can be an access network (AN) / radio access network (RAN) device, a network composed of multiple 5G-AN / 5G-RAN nodes. For example, the 5G-AN / 5G-RAN node can be: an access point (AP), a base station (BS), a gNB (gN) with separate central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) configurations, a transmission receive point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), or some other type of access node. It can also be a base station (NodeB, NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a RAN node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. Alternatively, the access network equipment can be a relay station, a wireless fidelity access point (WiFi AP) in WiMAX technology, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) access point, or a network device in a 5G network, or an access network device in a future public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0092] In one possible scenario, the access network device or radio access network device can also be referred to as a RAN node. In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes can cooperate to assist the terminal in achieving radio access, with different RAN nodes implementing some of the functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc.

[0093] In this application embodiment, as one possible implementation, the access network device (or RAN node) may include CU, DU, and RU, etc. As another possible implementation, the access network device (or RAN node) may be CU, DU, or RU, etc. This application embodiment does not impose limitations.

[0094] In the communication system shown in Figure 2, communication between devices can be achieved through connections established via next-generation (NG) interfaces. For example, terminal devices establish an air interface connection with RAN devices through the new radio (NR) interface for transmitting user plane data and control plane signaling; terminal devices establish a connection with AMF through NG interface 1 (N1) for transmitting QoS control rules, etc.; access network devices (e.g., AN / RAN devices) can establish a control plane signaling connection with AMF through NG interface 2 (N2); access network devices (e.g., AN / RAN devices) can establish a user plane signaling connection with UPF through NG interface 3 (N3); UPF can establish a control plane signaling connection with SMF through NG interface 4 (N4); and UPF can interact with the data network to exchange user plane data through NG interface 6 (N6).

[0095] In the communication system shown in Figure 2, each core network element can also communicate with other core network elements through the provided service interfaces. For example, the PCF can communicate with other core network elements through its own provided N... pcf The interface communicates with other core network elements (such as NWDAF). AMF can communicate through its own provided N... amf The SMF communicates with other core network elements via its interface. smf The interface communicates with other core network elements (such as NWDAF).

[0096] It should be understood that the interface names between network elements in the embodiments of this application are merely exemplary, and the interfaces between network elements may also have other names. This application does not limit the names of the interfaces.

[0097] It should also be understood that the above naming is defined only for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of using other naming in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in next-generation communication networks, some or all of the above-mentioned networks may use the terminology from 5G, or may use other names, etc. The interface names between the various network elements in Figure 2 are just examples, and the interface names in specific implementations may be other names, which this application does not specifically limit. In addition, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the above-mentioned network elements are also just examples and do not constitute any limitation on the function of the messages themselves.

[0098] The communication method provided in this application is illustrated below with specific examples. The communication method provided in this application can be applied to the architecture shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. Of course, it can also be applied to other scenarios or architectures with the above-mentioned technical problems. The embodiments of this application are not limited here.

[0099] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, each network element is used as the execution subject of the method to illustrate the method. As an example and not a limitation, the network element in this application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network element in implementing the method; or it may be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the network element functions.

[0100] It should also be understood that, in this application, "sending information to...(network element)" can be interpreted as the destination of the information being the network element. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the network element. "Receiving information from...(network element) or receiving information from the network element" can be interpreted as the source of the information being the network element, which can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the network element. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0101] It should be noted that the examples below use a 5G communication system to describe the communication method provided in this application. However, this application does not exclude the possibility of using other names for various network elements in 5G communication systems and other future communication systems. For example, in the examples shown in Figures 3 and 5 below, the names of various network elements can also be other names, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0102] The communication method provided in this application will be described below with reference to Figure 3, which is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0103] As shown in Figure 3, the method 300 illustrated in Figure 3 may include steps S301 to S313. The steps of method 300 are described in detail below with reference to Figure 3. Step S313 is optional.

[0104] S301, PCF obtains information about at least one target user.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the PCF can identify target users based on certain user characteristics. These target users can be high-value users, such as those who consume a lot of data, those with high-cost data plans, or those whose apps meet certain requirements or conditions. This application does not limit the specific conditions that target users need to meet. For example, the conditions for the apps used may include: using a specific app type (e.g., games, videos, voice or video calls, live streaming, etc.) or using the app during a specific time period (e.g., 6 PM to 12 AM). After the PCF identifies at least one target user, it can determine the information of that target user, such as identifying the identifier of that target user.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the PCF can define specific areas (such as shopping malls, residential communities, stadiums, office buildings, etc.) as marketing areas, and identify all users within these marketing areas as target users. For example, marketing areas may include areas with high foot traffic, high network load, or high consumption. This application does not limit the specific conditions that marketing areas need to meet. After the PCF determines at least one marketing area, it can determine the information of at least one target user. For example, it can use the identifier of at least one marketing area to indicate the information of at least one target user. The identifier information of a marketing area is used to indicate the target user using the application within that marketing area.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the PCF can also obtain information about at least one target user from other network elements. For example, the PCF can request the target user from the operator management system, and the operator management system can send the target user's information to the PCF. This could include sending the target user's identifier or the identifier of a marketing area to the PCF.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the PCF can periodically acquire information about at least one target user.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the PCF can obtain information about at least one target user based on the triggering of other network elements, such as the triggering of a request from the operator's management system or other core network elements. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0110] S302, PCF sends the first message to NWDAF. Correspondingly, NWDAF receives the first message.

[0111] The first message instructs NWDAF to obtain the status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, wherein the at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user. The first message includes the identification information of at least one target user.

[0112] After the PCF identifies at least one target user, it can send a first message to the NWDAF. The first message instructs the NWDAF to obtain the runtime status information of the APP used by at least one target user on the terminal device, or it can also be referred to as the status information of at least one target user using the APP on the terminal device. The first message includes the identification information of at least one target user.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the identification information of at least one target user includes: an identifier of at least one target user; or, identification information of at least one region, wherein the identification information of at least one region is used to indicate a target user using the application within said at least one region. Using the identifier of the target user or the identifier of the region where the target user is located to indicate the target user can improve the accuracy and efficiency of identifying the target user, and the implementation method is flexible.

[0114] For a detailed explanation of the identification information of at least one target user, please refer to the relevant sections of the communication system described above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the first message may further include indication information indicating that the NWDAF acquires status information of an application running on at least one terminal device. In other words, the first message may include the indication information and identification information of at least one target user.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the first message may further include identification information for at least one application, wherein the at least one application may be an application used by at least one target user on a terminal device. In other words, the PCF may also indicate the target application or specific application information corresponding to the status information to the NWDAF. In this case, the status information of the application running on at least one terminal device obtained by the NWDAF may be: the runtime status information of the specific application or target application on at least one terminal device.

[0117] For example, for each target user, the PCF can identify the specific application corresponding to each target user and send it to the NWDAF via a first message. As another example, for target users within a region, the PCF can identify the specific application corresponding to each region and send it to the NWDAF via a first message. In this case, the runtime status information of the application used by all target users on their terminal devices within a region is: the runtime status information of the same application (i.e., the specific application) used by all target users on their terminal devices within that region. As yet another example, for all target users or all regions, the PCF can identify the corresponding specific application and send it to the NWDAF via a first message. In this case, the status information of the application running on at least one terminal device is: the runtime status information of the same application (i.e., the specific application) on at least one terminal device. It is understood that a specific application can include one or more applications.

[0118] For example, the PCF can send the first message mentioned above to the NWDAF via the N23 interface.

[0119] S303, NWDAF sends a second message to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the second message.

[0120] The second message is used to instruct the AMF to obtain the status information of an application running on at least one terminal device. The second message includes the identification information of at least one target user.

[0121] After receiving the first message, since the AMF can communicate directly with the user's terminal device, the NWDAF can send a second message to the AMF network element to instruct the AMF to obtain the runtime status information of at least one application used by the target user on the terminal device. The second message includes the identification information of at least one target user.

[0122] For example, the second message may include: a list of target user identifiers or the identifier of at least one marketing region.

[0123] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the second message may further include indication information indicating that the AMF acquires status information of an application running on at least one terminal device. In other words, the second message may include the indication information and identification information of at least one target user.

[0124] Optionally, in one possible implementation, if the first message includes identification information of the target application or a specific application, then the second message includes the identification information of the target application or the specific application. The target application or the specific application includes at least one application.

[0125] For an explanation of the identification information of at least one target user, please refer to the relevant section in S302. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0126] S304, AMF determines whether the user accessing AMF is the target user based on the second message.

[0127] In this embodiment, the AMF can cache the identification information of at least one target user included in the second message, such as the identifier of at least one target user or the identifier of at least one region. When a user accesses the AMF for authentication using a terminal device, the AMF can determine whether the user (or the user of the terminal device) meets the requirements, that is, whether the user's identifier is included in the identification information of at least one target user. If it is included, the user is determined to be a target user; if it is not included, the user is determined not to be a target user.

[0128] In one possible implementation, when a user accesses the AMF (Applicant Management Function) via a terminal device for authentication, the AMF can obtain the user's identifier, such as the user's MSISDN or IMSI. If the target user's MSISDN or IMSI list includes the target user's MSISDN or IMSI, then the user is determined to be the target user. Otherwise, the user is determined not to be the target user.

[0129] In one possible implementation, when a user accesses the AMF (Application Function Foundation) for authentication using a terminal device, the AMF can obtain the identifier of the user's region (e.g., the identifier of the region where the terminal device is located). If the identifier of at least one region corresponding to the target user includes the identifier of the user's region, then the user can be determined to be the target user. If the identifier of at least one region corresponding to the target user does not include the identifier of the user's region, then the user is determined not to be the target user.

[0130] It should be understood that in S304, multiple users may access the AMF using their terminal devices for authentication. For each user accessing the AMF using their terminal device for authentication, the AMF can determine whether the user is the target user using the above method. In other words, in S304, the AMF can identify one or more target users.

[0131] S305, the AMF sends indication information to at least one terminal device used by the target user. Correspondingly, at least one terminal device used by the target user receives the indication information.

[0132] The indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to detect or collect the status information of the application running on the terminal device.

[0133] For example, if the AMF determines that a certain user connected to the AMF is the target user, the AMF can establish a non-access stratum (NAS) transmission channel with the terminal device used by that user.

[0134] It should be understood that the AMF can establish NAS transmission channels with terminal devices used by multiple different target users, and the AMF can send instruction information to terminal devices used by at least one target user through these transmission channels.

[0135] In one possible implementation, the indication information can be used to indicate that the terminal device detects or collects in real time the runtime status information of the application used by the target user on the terminal device.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the indication information can also be used to indicate that the terminal device sends the status information to the AMF via a transmission channel.

[0137] It should be understood that for each target user, the AMF can send instruction information to the terminal device through the transmission channel between the target user and the terminal device used by that target user.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the instruction information sent by the AMF to the terminal device used by the target user may also indicate the identification information of at least one application (i.e., the target application or specific application mentioned above). In this case, when the terminal device detects the runtime status information of the application, it only needs to detect the runtime status information of the target application or specific application.

[0139] S306, At least one terminal device used by the target user detects the status information of the application running on the terminal device according to the instruction information.

[0140] The following explanation will use a terminal device (e.g., the first terminal device) used by a target user (e.g., the first target user) as an example. The process of detecting the runtime status information of the application on the terminal devices used by other target users is similar to that of the first target user. For related explanations, please refer to the description of the first target user. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0141] After the first terminal device used by the first target user receives the instruction information from the AMF, the first terminal device can detect the running status information of the APP used by the user on the first terminal device. For example, the first terminal device can detect (or collect) the running status information of the APP used by the user on the first terminal device in real time and report it to the AMF. There are two possible implementation methods:

[0142] One possible implementation: The instruction information sent by the AMF to the first terminal device does not include the identification information of the target application or a specific application. In this case, the first terminal device or the first target user can determine the application to be detected themselves. The application to be detected determined by the first terminal device or the first target user can include all or some of the applications installed on the first terminal device. For example, the application to be detected determined by the first terminal device or the first target user can be an application currently being used by the first target user.

[0143] A second possible implementation: The instruction information sent by the AMF to the first terminal device includes the identification information of the target application or a specific application. In this case, the first terminal device determines that it needs to detect the runtime status information of the target application or a specific application.

[0144] In one possible implementation, for example, when the first target user is using APP1 (APP1 is the target application or the application that the first target user determines needs to be detected) on the first terminal device, if the first terminal device detects that APP1 is lagging or delayed, the first terminal device can send the status information of APP1 during operation (i.e., APP1 is lagging or delayed during operation) and the identification information of APP1 to AMF through the transmission channel.

[0145] Optionally, the first terminal device can also send the time information of when the APP1 lags or is delayed to the AMF through the transmission channel.

[0146] For example, the time information of when the APP lags or delays may include: the moment when the APP starts to lag or delay, or the moment when the APP starts to lag or delay and the moment when the APP lags or delays ends.

[0147] For example, if the first target user is using APP2 (APP2 is the target application or the application that the first target user determines to be detected) on the first terminal device, and the first terminal device does not detect any lag or delay in APP2, the first terminal device can also send the running status information of APP2 (i.e., APP2 does not lag or delay during operation) and the identification information of APP2 to AMF through the transmission channel.

[0148] Optionally, since APP2 does not experience any lag or delay, the first terminal device can also send the running time of APP2 used by the first target user (or the time the first target user uses APP2) to AMF through the transmission channel.

[0149] For example, if APP1 experiences lag or delay during operation, the first terminal device can send the identifier of APP1 and an indication message indicating that APP1 experienced lag or delay (e.g., "true", where "true" indicates that APP1 experienced lag or delay) to the AMF via the transmission channel. Optionally, the first terminal device can also send the time of APP1's lag or delay to the AMF via the transmission channel. If APP2 does not experience lag or delay during operation, the first terminal device can send the identifier of APP2 and an indication message indicating that APP2 did not experience lag or delay (e.g., "false", where "false" indicates that APP2 did not experience lag or delay) to the AMF via the transmission channel. Optionally, the first terminal device can also send the first target user's APP2 usage time information (or APP2's running time information) to the AMF via the transmission channel.

[0150] For example, the information sent by the first terminal device to the AMF can be implemented as shown in Table 1 below:

[0151] Table 1

[0152] It should be understood that Table 1 is merely exemplary and should not impose any limitations on the form of information sent by the terminal device to the AMF. In other implementations of this application, the specific form or content of the information sent by the terminal device to the AMF can also be other. For example, it may not include the time of lag or delay, may only include an APP identifier, or may include other content, such as whether a loading prompt appears. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations here.

[0153] In another possible implementation, the terminal device may not need to determine the APP identifier that caused the lag or delay. As long as it detects that at least one APP used by the first target user is experiencing lag or delay during runtime, it can determine that a lag or delay event has occurred and report the lag or delay of the APP used by the first target user to the AMF, without reporting the specific APP identifier to the AMF.

[0154] For example, when multiple apps are running on the first terminal device, as long as the first terminal device detects that at least one app is lagging or delayed, the first terminal device can send the event (i.e., status information) of the app lagging or delaying to the AMF through the transmission channel, without needing to send the specific app(s) that are lagging or delayed, i.e., without reporting the identification information of the apps used by the first target user. Optionally, the first terminal device can also send the time of the app lagging or delaying to the AMF through the transmission channel. For example, the time of the app lagging or delaying can be a time range (e.g., from T to M), within which the apps (one or more) used by the first target user are lagging or delayed, without needing to report the time of each app's lagging or delay.

[0155] For example, if multiple apps are running on a first terminal device, and the first terminal device detects that none of these apps are lagging or lagging, it can send the event (i.e., status information) indicating that the apps are running smoothly without lag or delay to the AMF via a transmission channel, without reporting the identification information of the first target user's use of these multiple apps. Optionally, the first terminal device can also send the time the first target user uses the apps to the AMF via a transmission channel. For example, the time the first target user uses the apps can be a time range (e.g., from X o'clock to Y o'clock), within which the first target user uses one or more apps, without reporting the time the first target user uses each app.

[0156] For example, the information sent by the first terminal device to the AMF can be implemented as shown in Table 2 below:

[0157] Table 2

[0158] For example, regarding a specific app currently used by the first target user, in one possible implementation, the first terminal device can send information such as whether the app is experiencing lag or delay, along with the app's identification information, to the AMF via a transmission channel. Optionally, the first terminal device can also send the AMF the time the app experienced lag or delay, or the time the first target user used the application. In another possible implementation, the first terminal device can send information such as whether the app is experiencing lag or delay via a transmission channel to the AMF without reporting the app's identification information to the AMF. Optionally, the first terminal device can also send the AMF the time the app experienced lag or delay, or the time the first target user used the application.

[0159] S307, at least one terminal device used by the target user sends status information to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the status information sent by at least one terminal device used by the target user.

[0160] In one possible implementation, at least one terminal device used by the target user can send status information to the AMF through the aforementioned transmission channel.

[0161] In one possible implementation, at least one terminal device used by the target user can also send the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device to the AMF via a transmission channel.

[0162] For example, for the first target user mentioned above, the first terminal device can send information to the AMF regarding whether the application running on the first terminal device is experiencing lag or delay, as shown in Table 2.

[0163] For example, for the first target user mentioned above, the first terminal device can identify the application running on the first terminal device (e.g., APP1 to APP1 mentioned above). n Information such as whether each application experiences stuttering or delay during runtime is sent to the AMF, as shown in Table 1.

[0164] Optionally, if the first terminal device also sends the application's identification information to the AMF, and if an application on the first terminal device experiences lag or delay during runtime, the first terminal device can also send the duration of the lag or delay to the AMF. Alternatively, if an application on the first terminal device does not experience lag or delay during runtime, the first terminal device can also send the duration of the first target user's use of the application to the AMF. In other words, the information in Table 1 above can be sent to the AMF.

[0165] In other words, in S307, at least one terminal device used by a target user can send the runtime status information of each application used by the target user to the AMF via the transmission channel. Optionally, in addition to this, at least one terminal device used by a target user can also send the identification information of each application used by the target user to the AMF.

[0166] In other words, in S307, the AMF can receive the identification information and status information of at least one target user. Alternatively, the AMF can receive the identification information of at least one target user, and the identification information and status information of an application running on at least one terminal device.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the first terminal device may also send the identifier of the first target user to the AMF through a transmission channel.

[0168] Since the AMF can obtain the identifier of the first target user, for example, during the authentication process when the first target user accesses the AMF, the first terminal device does not need to send the identifier of the first target user to the AMF.

[0169] In one possible implementation, for each other target user's terminal device, the identification information of the application used on the terminal device and information on whether each application experiences lag or delay during runtime can be sent to the AMF. Optionally, each terminal device can also send the duration of lag or delay for each application, or the duration of application usage, to the AMF.

[0170] In one possible implementation, for each other target user's terminal device, information about whether the application used on the terminal device experiences lag or delay during runtime can be sent to the AMF, without sending the application's identification information to the AMF.

[0171] In one possible implementation, each of the other target users can also send their respective user identifiers to the AMF via the transmission channel.

[0172] S308, the AMF sends the identification information and status information of at least one target user to the NWDAF. Correspondingly, the NWDAF receives the identification information and status information of at least one target user.

[0173] For example, the AMF can send to the NWDAF: identification information of at least one target user and status information corresponding to each target user.

[0174] In one possible implementation, if the AMF also receives identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device, the AMF may also send the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device to the NWDAF.

[0175] Optionally, the AMF may also send to the NWDAF: the time during which the application on at least one terminal device experienced a stutter or delay during runtime, or the runtime of the application on at least one terminal device.

[0176] S309, NWDAF sends the identification information and status information of at least one target user to the operator management system. Correspondingly, the operator management system receives the identification information and status information of at least one target user.

[0177] For example, NWDAF can send the identification and status information of at least one target user to the operator's management system through the Kafka interface.

[0178] In one possible implementation, if the NWDAF also receives identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device, then the NWDAF can also send the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device to the operator management system.

[0179] Optionally, NWDAF can also send the time when an application on at least one terminal device experiences lag or delay during runtime, or the runtime of an application on at least one terminal device, to the operator's management system.

[0180] S310: Based on the identification and status information of at least one target user, the operator management system determines the recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user from all packages.

[0181] In one possible implementation, for a target user (e.g., the first target user), the operator management system can determine the recommended package for that target user from the full range of packages based on the runtime status information of the APP used by the first target user, i.e. whether the APP used by the first target user experiences lag or delay during runtime.

[0182] For example, if the app used by the first target user experiences lag or delays during operation, the operator's management system can identify the data acceleration package from the full data plan as the recommended package for the first target user. If the operator's management system also obtains the time (e.g., a time range or time period) during which the app used by the first target user experiences lag or delays, the operator's management system can identify the data acceleration package (a data acceleration package for a specific time period) corresponding to that time range or time period from the full data plan as the recommended package for the first target user.

[0183] For other target users, the operator's management system can also determine the recommended package information for each target user in the same way described above.

[0184] By utilizing the runtime status information of the app used by the target user and the full data plan, a recommended data plan can be determined for the target user. While ensuring the accuracy of the recommended data plan, the efficiency of determining the recommended data plan can be improved and the implementation complexity can be reduced.

[0185] In another possible implementation, if the operator management system also obtains the identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device, then for a target user (e.g., the first target user), the operator management system can determine the type of the APP (e.g., game, video, voice or video call, or live streaming) based on the identification of the APP running on the terminal device used by the first target user. Then, it can determine the package that matches or is associated with the APP type from the full package list. Furthermore, based on whether there is any lag or delay during the use of the APP, it can determine the recommended package corresponding to the APP from the packages associated with the APP type.

[0186] Optionally, if the operator's management system also receives information about the time when the application runs on the terminal device and experiences lag or delay, the operator's management system can also use this information to determine the recommended package corresponding to the APP type from the packages associated with that APP.

[0187] The following explanation will use the example of the operator's management system determining the recommended package for the first target user.

[0188] For example, the operator's management system can determine the type (e.g., game type) of a specific app (e.g., the first app) running on the terminal device used by the first target user, and then determine the corresponding package from the full package list that matches or is associated with that game type app. Further, based on whether the first app experiences lag or delays during operation, a recommended package corresponding to the first app is determined from the packages that match or are associated with that game type app. It can be understood that the recommended package corresponding to the first app may include one or more recommended packages.

[0189] In one possible implementation, if the operator's management system also obtains the time when the first app experienced lag or delay, it can use this information to determine a recommended service plan from among the service plans matched or associated with game-type apps. For example, the recommended service plan corresponding to the first app could include: the service plan usage time and the service plan corresponding to the time the first app experienced lag or delay. Alternatively, if the first app did not experience lag or delay, and the operator's management system also obtains the time when the first target user used the first app, it can also use this information to determine a recommended service plan from among the service plans matched or associated with game-type apps. For example, the recommended service plan corresponding to the first app could include: the service plan usage time and the service plan corresponding to the time the first target user used the first app.

[0190] The operator's management system can determine the recommended data plan for each application based on the identifier of the app running on the terminal device used by the first target user, using the method described above. This allows them to determine the recommended data plan information for the first target user. For example, the recommended data plan for the first target user may include the recommended data plan for each application used by the first target user on their terminal device.

[0191] For other target users, the operator's management system can also determine the recommended package information for each target user in the same way described above.

[0192] By utilizing the running status information of the app on the terminal device, the identification information of the app running on the terminal device, and the full data plan, a recommended data plan can be determined for the target user, which can improve the accuracy of the determined recommended data plan.

[0193] It should be understood that each target user can correspond to one or more recommended packages.

[0194] For example, all target users within the same marketing region can have the same recommended service plan, or different target users can have different or the same recommended service plan. In other words, the recommended service plan determined by the operator's management system can be at the marketing region level or at the user level.

[0195] S311, the operator management system sends recommended package information for at least one target user to the PCF. Correspondingly, the PCF receives recommended package information for at least one target user.

[0196] For example, the operator's management system can send recommended package information for at least one target user to the PCF through the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) interface.

[0197] S312, the PCF sends the corresponding recommended package information to the terminal device used by at least one target user. Correspondingly, the terminal device used by at least one target user receives the corresponding recommended package information.

[0198] For example, PCF can send recommended package information corresponding to each target user to the terminal device used by each target user based on the target user's identifier.

[0199] For example, PCF can send recommendation information corresponding to at least one target user to the terminal device used by the corresponding target user via AMF.

[0200] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3, the method 300 may further include S313: at least one terminal device used by the target user displays recommended package information.

[0201] The following explanation will use a terminal device (e.g., the first terminal device) used by a target user (e.g., the first target user) as an example. The process of displaying recommended package information on other target users' terminal devices is similar to that of the first terminal device. For related explanations, please refer to the explanation of the first terminal device. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0202] In one possible implementation, the first terminal device can display recommended package information at the operator's logo location on the display interface.

[0203] For example, as shown in Figure 4, which illustrates a terminal device displaying a recommended data plan interface, assuming the PCF sends recommended data plans to the first terminal device including a Douyin (TikTok) targeted acceleration package and a nighttime data acceleration package, as shown in Figure 4a, the first terminal device can display the identifiers for these two recommended data plans in the operator's identification location (e.g., China Mobile), allowing users to click on these identifiers (e.g., the package names). After clicking, as shown in Figure 4b, the user can view the specific information of the two recommended data plans, such as fees and ordering address. Once the user confirms their intention to order, they can click the corresponding "Order" control to order the corresponding data plan from the operator's management system.

[0204] By displaying recommended service packages to users at the operator's logo location on the display interface, the implementation method is flexible, which can improve the accuracy and efficiency of displaying recommended service packages to users, and can achieve a concise and accurate presentation of recommended content, thereby improving the user experience.

[0205] It should be understood that in other implementations of the application, the terminal device may also display recommended package information to the user in other ways, such as via SMS, pop-up reminders, etc., and this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0206] The communication method provided in this application allows the PCF to instruct the NWDAF to acquire the runtime status information of an app on a target user's terminal device. Based on this information, the NWDAF instructs the AMF to collect the runtime status information of the app on the target user's terminal device. The AMF sends the collected identification and status information of at least one target user to the PCF via the NWDAF. The PCF then sends this information to the operator management system. Based on this information, the operator management system determines recommended package information for at least one target user from all available packages and sends it to the user via the PCF for the user to access and subscribe to. Since the status information reflects the real-time runtime status of the application used by the target user on the terminal device, it enables the determination of recommended packages for users using online data analysis, thus improving the accuracy of package recommendations. Furthermore, the terminal device displays the recommended package information to the user at the operator's logo location on the display interface, providing flexibility and improving the accuracy and efficiency of displaying recommended packages to users, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0207] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the method 500 shown in Figure 5 may include steps S501 to S513. The various steps in method 500 are described in detail below with reference to Figure 5. Among them, step S513 is optional.

[0208] S501: The operator management system sends the full package information to the PCF. Correspondingly, the PCF receives the full package information.

[0209] For example, the operator's management system can send the full package information to the PCF via the SOAP interface.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the PCF can request the full package information by sending a request message to the operator's management system, thereby the operator's management system sends the full package information to the PCF.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the operator management system can proactively send information about the full package to the PCF. For example, the operator management system can periodically send information about the full package to the PCF.

[0212] S502, PCF obtains information about at least one target user.

[0213] For S502, please refer to the specific description of S301 in method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0214] S503, PCF sends the first message to NWDAF. Correspondingly, NWDAF receives the first message.

[0215] The first message indicates that NWDAF acquires the status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, wherein the at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user. The first message includes the identification information of at least one target user.

[0216] For S503, please refer to the specific description of S302 in method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0217] S504, NWDAF sends a second message to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, AMF receives the second message.

[0218] The second message is used to instruct the AMF to obtain the status information of an application running on at least one terminal device. The second message includes the identification information of at least one target user.

[0219] For S504, please refer to the specific description of S303 in Method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0220] S505, AMF determines whether the user accessing AMF is the target user based on the second message.

[0221] For S505, please refer to the specific description of S304 in Method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0222] S506, the AMF sends indication information to at least one terminal device used by the target user. Correspondingly, at least one terminal device used by the target user receives the indication information.

[0223] The indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to detect the status information of the application running on the terminal device.

[0224] For S506, please refer to the specific description of S305 in Method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0225] S507, at least one terminal device used by the target user detects the status information of the application running on the terminal device according to the instruction information.

[0226] For S507, please refer to the specific description of S306 in Method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0227] S508, at least one terminal device used by the target user sends status information to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the status information sent by at least one terminal device used by the target user.

[0228] For S508, please refer to the specific description of S307 in Method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0229] S509, the AMF sends the identification information and status information of at least one target user to the NWDAF. Correspondingly, the NWDAF receives the identification information and status information of at least one target user.

[0230] For S509, please refer to the specific description of S308 in Method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0231] S510, NWDAF sends the identification information and status information of at least one target user to PCF. Correspondingly, PCF receives the identification information and status information of at least one target user.

[0232] In one possible implementation, if the NWDAF also receives identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device, then the NWDAF may also send the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device to the PCF.

[0233] Optionally, NWDAF can also send to PCF the time when the application on at least one terminal device experiences stuttering or delay during runtime, or the runtime of the application on at least one terminal device.

[0234] S511, PCF determines the recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user from the full package based on the identification information and status information of at least one target user.

[0235] For S511, please refer to the specific description of S310 in method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0236] S512, the PCF sends the corresponding recommended package information to the terminal device used by at least one target user. Correspondingly, the terminal device used by at least one target user receives the corresponding recommended package information.

[0237] For S512, please refer to the specific description of S312 in method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0238] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5, the method 500 may further include S513, where at least one terminal device used by the target user displays recommended package information.

[0239] For S513, please refer to the specific description of S313 in Method 300. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0240] The communication method provided in this application allows the PCF to instruct the NWDAF to obtain the runtime status information of an app on a target user's terminal device. Based on this information, the NWDAF instructs the AMF to collect or obtain the runtime status information of the app on the terminal device. The AMF sends the collected identification and status information of at least one target user to the PCF via the NWDAF. Based on this information, the PCF determines recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user from the full range of packages obtained from the operator's management system and sends it to the user for acquisition and subscription. This improves the accuracy of recommended packages. Furthermore, the terminal device displays the recommended package information to the user at the operator's logo location on the display interface, offering flexible implementation and improving the accuracy and efficiency of displaying recommended packages to users, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0241] It should be understood that the above description is merely to help those skilled in the art better understand the embodiments of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Based on the examples given above, those skilled in the art can obviously make various equivalent modifications or changes. For example, some steps in the above method embodiments may be unnecessary, or new steps may be added. Alternatively, any combination of two or more of the above embodiments may be used. Such modifications, changes, or combinations also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0242] It should also be understood that the methods, situations, categories, and classifications of embodiments in this application are for the convenience of description only and should not constitute a special limitation. Various methods, categories, situations, and features in embodiments can be combined without contradiction.

[0243] It should also be understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0244] It should also be understood that the above description of the embodiments of this application focuses on highlighting the differences between the various embodiments. Any similarities or differences not mentioned can be referred to each other. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0245] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The communication devices of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0246] This embodiment can divide various network elements (including the aforementioned policy control network elements, network analysis function network elements, access and mobility management network elements, business management system, or terminal equipment, etc.) into functional modules according to the above method. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware. It should be noted that the module division in this embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0247] It should be noted that the relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0248] The policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system, or terminal device provided in this application embodiment are used to execute any of the communication methods provided in the above method embodiments, thus achieving the same effect as the above implementation method. When using integrated units, the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system, or terminal device may include a processing module, and optionally a storage module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to control and manage the actions of the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system, or terminal device. For example, it can be used to support the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system, or terminal device in executing the steps executed by the processing unit. The storage module can be used to support the storage of program code and data, etc. The communication module can be used to support communication between the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system, or terminal device and other devices or network elements.

[0249] It should be understood that the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system, or terminal equipment provided in this application may be components (chips, chip systems, or processors) that support the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system, or terminal equipment in implementing the method, or may be logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system, or terminal equipment.

[0250] The processing module can be a processor or a controller. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination of functions that implement computing capabilities, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of digital signal processing (DSP) and a microprocessor, etc. The storage module can be a memory. The communication module can specifically be a radio frequency circuit, a Bluetooth chip, or other device that interacts with other network elements.

[0251] For example, FIG6 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6, the communication device 600 includes a processing unit 610 and a transceiver unit 620. The transceiver unit 620 is used to perform operations related to information transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 610. The processing unit may also be called a processing module, and the transceiver unit may also be called a communication unit, communication module, or communication interface, etc.

[0252] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 may correspond to the policy control network element (e.g., PCF) described in the above method embodiments, or it may be a component (chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the policy control network element, or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the policy control network element functions. For example, each module or unit in the communication device 600 is used to execute the actions or processes performed by the PCF in the above method 300 or method 500.

[0253] The transceiver unit 620 is configured to: send a first message to the network analysis function network element, the first message instructing the network analysis function network element to obtain status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, wherein the at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user, and the first message includes identification information of at least one target user; obtain recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user, the recommended package information being determined based on the identification information of at least one target user, the status information, and the full package, wherein the full package includes multiple different packages; and send the corresponding recommended package information to at least one terminal device.

[0254] The communication device provided in this application obtains recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user based on the identification information, status information, and full package information of at least one target user, which can improve the accuracy of the obtained recommended package.

[0255] In one possible implementation, the recommended package information is determined based on the identification information, status information, and full package information of at least one target user. This includes: the recommended package information is determined based on the identification information of at least one target user, the identification information and status information of at least one application used by the target user, and the full package information.

[0256] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is specifically used to: receive recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user from the operator's management system.

[0257] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is specifically used to: receive the identification information and status information of at least one target user from the network analysis function network element, as well as the full package from the operator management system; and the processing unit 610 is used to: determine the recommended package information from the full package based on the identification information and status information of at least one target user.

[0258] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is specifically used to: receive identification information of at least one target user, identification information and status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, and full package information from the operator management system, and the processing unit 610 is used to: determine the recommended package information from the full package information based on the identification information of at least one target user, the identification information and status information of the application running on at least one terminal device.

[0259] The specific process by which each unit in the communication device 600 performs the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the PCF of the relevant embodiments of method 300 or method 500 above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0260] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 may correspond to the network analysis function network element described in the above method embodiments, or it may be a component (chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the network analysis function network element, or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network analysis function network element functions. For example, each module or unit in the communication device 600 is used to execute the actions or processes performed by the NWDAF in the above method 300 or method 500.

[0261] The transceiver unit 620 is configured to: receive a first message from a policy control network element, the first message instructing a network analysis function network element to obtain status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, wherein the at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user, and the first message includes identification information of at least one target user; send a second message to an access and mobility management network element, the second message instructing the access and mobility management network element to obtain status information of an application running on at least one terminal device, and the second message includes identification information of at least one target user; receive identification information and status information of at least one target user from the access and mobility management network element; and send identification information and status information of at least one target user to a policy control network element or an operator management system, wherein the identification information and status information of at least one target user are used to determine recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user.

[0262] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can send the status information of an application running on at least one terminal device to a policy control network element or an operator management system, so that the policy control network element or the operator management system can determine the recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user based on the information, thereby improving the accuracy of the determined recommended package information.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to: receive identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device from an access and mobility management network element; and send the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device to a policy control network element or an operator management system, wherein the identification information of at least one target user, the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device, and the status information are used to determine the recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user.

[0264] For an explanation of the status information and the identification information of at least one target user, please refer to the above explanation. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0265] The specific process by which each unit in the communication device 600 performs the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the previous description of NWDAF in conjunction with the relevant embodiments of method 300 or method 500. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0266] In some embodiments: the communication device 600 may correspond to the operator management system (e.g., BOSS) described in the above method embodiments, or it may be a component (chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the operator management system, or it may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the operator management system. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 600 is used to execute the actions or processes performed by the operator management system in method 300 or method 500.

[0267] The transceiver unit 620 is used to receive identification information of at least one target user and status information of an application running on at least one terminal device from a network analysis function element. The at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user.

[0268] The processing unit 610 is configured to: determine recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user in the full package based on the identification information and status information of at least one target user, wherein the full package includes multiple different packages.

[0269] The transceiver unit 620 is also used to send recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user to the policy control network element.

[0270] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can determine recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user from the full package list based on the received identification information and status information of at least one target user, and send it to the policy control network element. This can improve the accuracy of the obtained recommended packages.

[0271] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to: receive identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device from a network analysis function network element; the processing unit 610 is specifically configured to: determine recommended package information corresponding to at least one target user in the full package based on the identification information of at least one target user, the identification information of the application running on at least one terminal device, and the status information.

[0272] For an explanation of the status information and the identification information of at least one target user, please refer to the above explanation. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0273] The specific process by which each unit in the communication device 600 performs the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the previous description of the operator management system in conjunction with the relevant embodiments of method 300 or method 500. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0274] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 may correspond to the terminal device described in the above method embodiments (e.g., a terminal device used by a target user), or it may be a component applied to the terminal device (a chip, chip system, or processor), or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 600 is used to execute the actions or processing procedures performed by the terminal device in method 300 or method 500.

[0275] The transceiver unit 620 is configured to: receive indication information from the access and mobility management network element, the indication information being used to indicate the status information of an application running on a terminal device, the terminal device being a terminal device used by a target user; send the detected status information of a first application running to the access and mobility management network element; and receive recommended package information from the policy control network element, the recommended package information being determined based on the target user's identification information, the status information, and the full package, the full package including multiple different packages.

[0276] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can detect the running status information of a first application used by a user on a terminal device according to indication information and send it to the access and mobility management network element, thereby receiving recommended package information corresponding to the target user using the communication device. This recommended package information is determined based on the running status information of the application used by the user on the communication device and the full data plan, which can improve the accuracy of the recommended package for the user.

[0277] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to: send identification information of the first application to the access and mobility management network element, wherein the recommended package information is determined based on the user's identification information, status information, and full package, including: the recommended package information is determined based on the user's identification information, the identification information of the first application, status information, and full package.

[0278] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 610 is used to control the communication device to display the recommended package information at the operator identifier position in the display interface.

[0279] The specific process of each unit in the communication device 600 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the previous description of the terminal device used by the target user in conjunction with the relevant embodiments of method 300 or method 500. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0280] Furthermore, the communication device 600 may also include a storage unit, and the transceiver unit 620 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, pins, or interface circuitry. The storage unit is used to store instructions executed by the transceiver unit 620 and the processing unit 610. The transceiver unit 620, the processing unit 610, and the storage unit are coupled to each other. The storage unit stores instructions, the processing unit 610 executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, and the transceiver unit 620 performs specific signal transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 610.

[0281] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 620 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit may be a memory. The processing unit 610 may be implemented by a processor.

[0282] As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 may include a processor 710. Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a memory 720 and a transceiver 730. The dashed lines in Figure 7 indicate that this unit or module is optional. This communication device 700 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0283] The communication device 700 shown in Figure 7 can implement the steps executed by the aforementioned policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system, or terminal device. Similar descriptions can be found in the descriptions of the corresponding methods described above. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0284] In one possible implementation, the communication device 600 shown in FIG. 6 or the communication device 700 shown in FIG. 7 can be a policy control network element, a network analysis function network element, an access and mobility management network element, a business management system, or a terminal device. Alternatively, the policy control network element, the network analysis function network element, the access and mobility management network element, the business management system, or the terminal device may include the communication device 600 shown in FIG. 6 or the communication device 700 shown in FIG. 7.

[0285] It should also be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, and its function can be called and executed by a processing element within the device. Here, the processing element can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0286] In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more DSPs, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0287] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a CPU, but it can also be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, microprocessors (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), artificial intelligence processors (AI processors), neural processing units (NPUs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0288] It should also be understood that the memory 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), EPROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be cache or random access memory (RAM) (which serves 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).

[0289] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means.

[0290] This application also provides a computer-readable medium for storing computer program code, the computer program including instructions for executing any of the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application. The readable medium may be the memory described in the examples above, and this application does not limit this to such methods.

[0291] This application also provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause a policy control network element, a network analysis function network element, an access and mobility management network element, a business management system, or a terminal device to perform operations corresponding to the corresponding network element or device in the above method embodiments.

[0292] This application also provides a chip, which includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, and the communication unit may be, for example, an input / output interface, interface circuitry, pins, or circuitry. The processing unit can execute computer instructions to cause the chip within the communication device to perform any of the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0293] Optionally, any of the communication devices provided in the above embodiments of this application may include the chip.

[0294] Optionally, the computer instructions are stored in a storage unit.

[0295] Optionally, the storage unit can be an internal storage unit within the chip, such as a register or cache. Alternatively, it can be an external storage unit within the communication device, such as ROM or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, like RAM. The processing unit and the storage unit can be decoupled and located on different physical devices, connected via wired or wireless means to implement their respective functions, thus supporting the chip in performing the various functions described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit and the memory can also be coupled to the same device.

[0296] In this embodiment, the policy control network element, network analysis function network element, access and mobility management network element, business management system or terminal equipment, communication system, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product or chip are all used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0297] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0298] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0299] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Send a first message to a network analysis function network element. The first message is used to instruct the network analysis function network element to obtain the status information of an application running on at least one terminal device. The at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user. The first message includes the identification information of the at least one target user. Obtain recommended package information for at least one target user. The recommended package information is determined based on the identification information of the at least one target user, the status information, and the full package, which includes multiple different packages. Send the corresponding recommended package information to the at least one terminal device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of obtaining recommended package information for at least one target user includes: Based on the identification information and status information of the at least one target user obtained from the network analysis function element, the recommended package information is determined from the full package information obtained from the operator management system.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of obtaining recommended package information for at least one target user includes: Based on the identification information of the at least one target user, the identification information of the application running on the at least one terminal device, and the status information obtained from the network analysis function network element, the recommended package information is determined from the full package obtained from the operator management system.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of obtaining recommended package information for at least one target user includes: Receive recommended package information for at least one target user from the operator's management system.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The status information includes: whether the application on the at least one terminal device experiences lag during runtime; or whether the application on the at least one terminal device experiences delay during runtime.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The identification information of the at least one target user includes: the identifier of the at least one target user; or, the identification information of at least one region, which is used to indicate the target user using the application in the at least one region.

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Receive a first message from a policy control network element. The first message is used to indicate the acquisition of the status information of an application running on at least one terminal device. The at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user. The first message includes the identification information of the at least one target user. Send a second message to the access and mobility management network element, the second message being used to instruct the access and mobility management network element to obtain the status information of the application running on the at least one terminal device, the second message including the identification information of the at least one target user; Receive the identification information and status information of the at least one target user from the access and mobility management network element; The identification information and status information of the at least one target user are sent to the policy control network element or the operator management system. The identification information and status information of the at least one target user are used to determine the recommended package information corresponding to the at least one target user.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further includes: Receive identification information from at least one terminal device running an application from the access and mobility management network element; Send the identification information of the application running on the at least one terminal device to the policy control network element or the operator management system; the identification information of the at least one target user and the status information are used to determine the recommended package information corresponding to the at least one target user, including: the identification information of the at least one target user, the identification information of the application running on the at least one terminal device and the status information are used to determine the recommended package information corresponding to the at least one target user.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The status information includes: whether the application on the at least one terminal device experiences lag during runtime; or whether the application on the at least one terminal device experiences delay during runtime.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The identification information of the at least one target user includes: the identifier of the at least one target user; or, the identification information of at least one region, which is used to indicate the target user using the application in the at least one region.

11. A communication method, comprising: The method includes: The system receives indication information from the access and mobility management network element, the indication information being used to indicate the status information of an application running on a detection terminal device, the terminal device being a terminal device used by the target user; Send the detected runtime status information of the first application on the terminal device to the access and mobility management network element; The system receives recommended package information from the policy control network element. The recommended package information is determined based on the target user's identification information, status information, and full package information, which includes multiple different packages.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: The identification information of the first application is sent to the access and mobility management network element, wherein the recommended package information is determined based on the identification information of the target user, the status information, and the full package, including: the recommended package information is determined based on the identification information of the target user, the identification information of the first application, the status information, and the full package.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The status information includes: whether the first application experiences lag during runtime; or whether the first application experiences delays during runtime.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes displaying recommended package information at the operator's identification location in the display interface.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes policy control network elements and network analysis function network elements; The policy control network element is used to send a first message to the network analysis function network element. The first message is used to instruct the network analysis function network element to obtain the status information of an application running on at least one terminal device. The at least one terminal device is a terminal device used by at least one target user. The first message includes the identification information of the at least one target user. The network analysis function element is used to receive the first message; The policy control network element is also used to obtain recommended package information corresponding to the at least one target user and send the corresponding recommended package information to the at least one terminal device. The recommended package information is determined based on the identification information of the at least one target user, the status information, and the full package, wherein the full package includes multiple different packages.

16. The communication system of claim 15, wherein, The communication system also includes access and mobility management network elements; The network analysis function network element is also used to: send a second message to the access and mobility management network element, the second message being used to instruct the access and mobility management network element to obtain the status information of the application running on the at least one terminal device, the second message including the identification information of the at least one target user; The access and mobility management network element is used to: receive the second message and send the identification information and status information of the at least one target user to the network analysis function network element; The network analysis function network element is also used to: receive the identification information and status information of the at least one target user from the access and mobility management network element, and send the identification information and status information of the at least one target user to the policy control network element or the operator management system; The policy control network element is also used to: receive the identification information and status information of the at least one target user.

17. The communication system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The strategy control network element is used to obtain recommended package information corresponding to the at least one target user, including: The policy control network element determines the recommended package information from the full range of packages obtained from the operator management system based on the identification information and status information of the at least one target user obtained from the network analysis function network element.

18. The communication system of claim 16, wherein, The network analysis function network element is also used to: receive identification information of an application running on at least one terminal device from the access and mobility management network element; and send the identification information of the application running on the at least one terminal device to the policy control network element or the operator management system. The policy control network element is also used to: receive the identification information of the application running on the at least one terminal device.

19. The communication system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The strategy control network element is used to obtain recommended package information corresponding to the at least one target user, including: The policy control network element determines the recommended package information from the full range of packages obtained from the operator management system based on the identification information of the at least one target user, the identification information of the application running on the at least one terminal device, and the status information obtained from the network analysis function network element.

20. The communication system of claim 16, wherein, The communication system also includes an operator management system; The operator management system is used to receive the identification information and status information of the at least one target user from the network analysis function network element, and determine the recommended package information from the full package based on the identification information and status information of the at least one target user and send it to the policy control network element.

21. The communication system of claim 18, wherein, The communication system also includes an operator management system; The operator management system is used to receive the identification information of the at least one target user, the identification information of the application running on the at least one terminal device, and the status information from the network analysis function network element. Based on the identification information of the at least one target user, the identification information of the application running on the at least one terminal device, and the status information, the recommended package information is determined from the full package and sent to the policy control network element.

22. The communication system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The communication system also includes an operator management system, which is used to send the full package to the policy control network element.

23. The communication system according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that, The access and mobility management network element is further configured to: determine, based on the second message, whether the first user accessing the access and mobility management network element is a target user included among the at least one target user; if the first user is determined to be a target user included among the at least one target user, send indication information to the terminal device of the first user, the indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to detect the status information of the application running on the terminal device; and receive the status information of the first application detected by the terminal device during runtime. The identification information and status information of at least one target user are sent to the network analysis function network element, wherein the at least one target user includes the first user.

24. A communications device, characterized by include: A unit for performing the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or a unit for performing the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, or a unit for performing the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14.

25. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform: the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10.

26. A computer program product, characterised in that, include: A computer program, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform: the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14.

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