Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus. In the method, during a silence period, after obtaining N second-type frames, a first communication apparatus sends, in a transmission gap, Y second-type frames obtained after obtaining the N second-type frames, which is equivalent to the first communication apparatus ignoring / discarding the first N second-type frames. In this way, the accumulated delay caused by a mismatch between the period of obtaining first-type frames and the period of a first transmission gap can be reduced, that is, the delay caused by the first-type frames in a speech period can be reduced, thereby improving call quality and then enhancing call experience of users.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411935525.4, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 24, 2024, entitled “A Communication Method and Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Voice services are an important component of mobile networks. In non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenarios, terminal time and frequency resources are limited, resulting in limited transmission rates. Therefore, a common method is to use multiple voice data packets to share a header for framing, in order to improve the transmission rate of voice data packets.

[0004] When coverage-enhanced user equipment (UE) exists in an NTN cell, a downlink gap (DL Gap) needs to be configured to avoid service congestion for other UEs. Coverage-enhanced UEs are characterized by narrowband physical downlink control channels (NPDCCH) and narrowband physical downlink shared channels (NPDSCH) with a high repetition rate. For example, the NPDCCH and NPDSCH with a high repetition rate can be mapped to non-contiguous subframes (subframes outside the DL Gap). For UEs with normal or moderate coverage, transmission occurs within the DL Gap subframes, thus avoiding service congestion for UEs with normal or moderate coverage.

[0005] However, voice services are characterized by periodic transmission and reception. When using a method where multiple voice data packets share a common header for framing, the generation period of the voice data packets does not match the period of the DL Gap, resulting in an interval between them. As voice services continuously send / receive, latency accumulates, affecting call quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the latency caused by the mismatch between the generation period of voice data packets and the period of DL Gap, improve call quality, and thus enhance the user's call experience.

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, for example, by the first communication device itself, or by a module applied to the first communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution of the method by the first communication device as an example. The method includes: transmitting M first-type frames during the transmission interval of a call period of a first service, the period of transmitting the first-type frames being the same as the period of the transmission interval during the call period. After acquiring N second-type frames, transmitting Y second-type frames during the transmission interval of a silent period of the first service, the period of the transmission interval during the call period being the same as the period of the transmission interval during the silent period, and the period of transmitting the second-type frames being the same as the period of the transmission interval during the silent period, wherein the Y second-type frames are acquired after acquiring the N second-type frames. Wherein, M, N, and Y are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0008] Based on the method in the first aspect, after the call enters the silent period, the first communication device acquires N second-type frames before sending Y second-type frames acquired after acquiring N second-type frames in the transmission interval. This is equivalent to the first communication device ignoring / discarding the first N second-type frames. In this way, the cumulative delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring the first-type frames and the period of the transmission interval during the call can be reduced or eliminated, thereby improving the call quality and thus improving the user's call experience.

[0009] Optionally, the value of N is determined based on M, the period of the transmission interval during the call, and the period of acquiring the first type of frame.

[0010] Where M represents the number of first-type frames transmitted by the first communication device during the call. Based on the difference between the transmission interval period and the acquisition period of the first-type frames during the call, and the value of M, the delay caused by the mismatch between the acquisition period of the first-type frames and the transmission interval period during the call can be calculated. Furthermore, based on this delay and the transmission interval period during the call, the number N of second-type frames to be discarded / ignored can be calculated; in other words, an appropriate number of second-type frames to discard / ignore can be determined to avoid discarding / ignoring too many second-type frames, resulting in no second-type frames to transmit during the transmission interval, or discarding too few, thus reducing the effectiveness of delay elimination.

[0011] Optionally, the period of the transmission interval during the call is greater than or equal to the period of acquiring the first type of frame.

[0012] The first communication device can obtain the period for generating the first type of frame from the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling during the call setup period. The period for the first communication device to obtain the first type of frame can be considered to be consistent with the period for generating the first type of frame, i.e., the delay between generating the first type of frame at the application layer and obtaining it at the physical layer is ignored. Thus, by configuring the period of the transmission interval during the call period to be greater than or equal to the period for obtaining the first type of frame, it can be ensured that a first type of frame is received / transmitted within one transmission interval period during the call.

[0013] Optionally, the period for acquiring the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the transmission interval within the silent period.

[0014] The first communication device can obtain the period for generating the second type of frame from the SIP signaling during the call setup period. The period for obtaining the second type of frame can be regarded as being consistent with the period for generating the second type of frame, that is, the delay between generating the second type of frame at the application layer and obtaining the second type of frame at the physical layer is ignored.

[0015] This facilitates further reduction of latency caused by the transmission interval period during the call being longer than the acquisition period of the first type of frame. For example, if N second type frames are ignored / discarded, and the latency caused by the first type of frame during the call is not completely eliminated, then by ensuring that the acquisition period of the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the transmission interval period during the silent period, the latency can be further reduced after sending several second type of frames. Furthermore, this facilitates subsequent reduction or elimination of the latency caused by the second type of frame during the silent period.

[0016] Optionally, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending first information, the first information indicating the period of transmission intervals during a call and / or the period of transmission intervals during a silent period.

[0017] When the first communication device is a network device, the first communication device sends first information to a terminal (such as a second communication device) to indicate to the terminal the period of the transmission interval during a call and / or the transmission interval during a silent period configured by the network device. When the first communication device is a terminal, the first communication device receives the first information from the network device (such as the second communication device).

[0018] In this way, the first communication device and the second communication device can align the transmission intervals during the call period and / or the transmission intervals during the silence period, which facilitates the subsequent transmission and reception of the first type of frames during the transmission intervals during the call period and / or the transmission and reception of the second type of frames during the transmission intervals during the silence period.

[0019] Optionally, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending second information, the second information being used to activate semi-persistent scheduling (SPS), the semi-persistent scheduling being used to instruct the transmission of a first type of frame at the period of the transmission interval during the call period, and the transmission of a second type of frame at the period of the transmission interval during the silent period.

[0020] The second information can be SPS configuration information, or in other words, information used to configure the SPS. The second information can be carried in a broadcast message. If the first communication device is a network device, it sends the second information to the serving terminals (including the second communication device) via a broadcast message. If the first communication device is a terminal, it receives the second information from the network device (i.e., the second communication device) via a broadcast message.

[0021] The first communication device activates SPS during both the call period and the silent period based on the second information, meaning the SPS configuration remains consistent during the silent period as it is during the call period. Specifically, the first communication device transmits second-type frames within the transmission interval period of each silent period. The SPS period is configured to be the same as the transmission interval period during the call period. This ensures that the first communication device schedules / transmits first-type frames during the call period at the same time as it schedules / transmits second-type frames during the silent period.

[0022] In one possible implementation, sending Y second-type frames during the transmission interval of the quiet period of the first service may include: after sending the first y1 second-type frames out of the Y second-type frames, sending the (y1+1)th second-type frame, which is the same as the y1th second-type frame. Here, y1 is an integer less than Y and greater than or equal to 1.

[0023] Since the period for acquiring the second type frame is greater than or equal to the period of the transmission interval within the silent period, after the first communication device sends the first y1 second type frames out of Y, when the time domain resource (or transmission opportunity) corresponding to the y1+1 second type frame arrives, the next second type frame has not yet been generated. Therefore, the y1 second type frame is repeatedly sent, that is, the y1+1 second type frame sent by the first communication device is the same as the y1 second type frame.

[0024] This avoids the situation where the first communication device fails to transmit a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (y1+1)th second-type frame, and thus avoids the bit error rate caused by the second communication device failing to receive a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (y1+1)th second-type frame. Furthermore, it reduces the latency caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the second-type frame and the period of the transmission interval within the silent period.

[0025] In addition, by repeatedly sending the most recent second-type frame, the background noise parsed from the second-type frame is continuous, thereby improving the user's call quality.

[0026] In another possible implementation, sending Y second-type frames during the transmission interval of the quiet period of the first service may include: after sending the first y1 second-type frames of the Y second-type frames, sending a padding frame, where y1 is an integer less than Y and greater than or equal to 1.

[0027] After the first communication device sends the first y1 of the Y second-type frames, when the time-domain resource (or transmission opportunity) corresponding to the (y1+1)th second-type frame arrives, the next second-type frame has not yet been generated. Therefore, a padding frame is sent. This avoids the situation where the first communication device fails to send a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (y1+1)th second-type frame, and thus avoids the second communication device failing to receive a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (y1+1)th second-type frame, resulting in a lower bit error rate. Furthermore, it reduces the latency caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the second-type frame and the period of the transmission interval within the silent period.

[0028] Optionally, the value of y1 is determined based on M, the period of transmission interval during the call, the period of acquiring the first type of frame, and the period of acquiring the second type of frame.

[0029] In this way, not only can the delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring the second type of frame and the period of the transmission interval during the silent period be reduced, but the remaining delay during the call period can also be eliminated after discarding / ignoring N second type of frames.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: after sending the (y1+1)th second-type frame, and after sending the (y2)th second-type frame, sending the (y3)th second-type frame, where the (y3-1)th second-type frame is the same as the (y3-1)th second-type frame, and (y3 = y1+1 + y2+1). Alternatively, after sending the (y1+1)th second-type frame, and after sending the (y2)th second-type frame, sending a padding frame. Here, y2 and y3 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0031] The first communication device can choose to send y1+1+y2 second-type frames before sending the y3rd second-type frame or a padding frame. This avoids the situation where the first communication device fails to send a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the y3rd second-type frame, and consequently, avoids the second communication device failing to receive a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the y3rd second-type frame, thus preventing the resulting bit error rate. Furthermore, it can further reduce the latency caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring second-type frames and the period of the transmission interval within the silent period.

[0032] In another possible implementation, the communication method may further include: after sending y1 second-type frames and a padding frame, and after sending y2 more second-type frames, sending a y4th second-type frame, where the y4th second-type frame is the same as the y4-1th second-type frame, y4 = y1 + y2 + 1. Alternatively, after sending y1 second-type frames and a padding frame, and after sending y2 more second-type frames, sending a padding frame. Here, y2 and y4 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0033] The first communication device can choose to send y1 second-type frames, one padding frame, and y2 second-type frames before sending the y4th second-type frame or one padding frame. This avoids the situation where the first communication device fails to send a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the y4th second-type frame, and consequently avoids the second communication device failing to receive a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the y4th second-type frame, thus preventing the resulting bit error rate. Furthermore, it can further reduce the latency caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring second-type frames and the period of the transmission interval within the silent period.

[0034] Optionally, the value of y2 is determined based on the period of the transmission interval during the silent period and the period of acquiring the second type of frame.

[0035] In this way, the value of y2 can be accurately calculated. By repeatedly sending second-type frames or sending padding frames, the cumulative delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring second-type frames and the period of transmission intervals during the silent period can be reduced.

[0036] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device, for example, by the second communication device itself, or by a module applied to the second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution of the method by the second communication device as an example. The method includes: receiving M first-type frames from the first communication device during the transmission interval of a call period of a first service, the period of receiving the first-type frames being the same as the period of the transmission interval during the call period. Receiving Y second-type frames from the first communication device during the transmission interval of a silent period of the first service, the period of receiving the second-type frames being the same as the period of the transmission interval during the silent period. The transmission interval during the call period and the transmission interval during the silent period have the same period, and the Y second-type frames are acquired and sent by the first communication device after acquiring N second-type frames. Wherein, M, N, and Y are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0037] Optionally, the value of N is determined based on M, the period of the transmission interval during the call, and the period during which the first communication device acquires the first type of frame.

[0038] Optionally, the period of the transmission interval during the call is greater than or equal to the period during which the first communication device acquires the first type of frame.

[0039] Optionally, the period during which the first communication device acquires the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the transmission interval within the silent period.

[0040] Optionally, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending first information, the first information indicating the period of transmission intervals during a call and / or the period of transmission intervals during a silent period.

[0041] Optionally, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending second information, the second information being used to activate semi-static scheduling, the semi-static scheduling being used to instruct the reception of first type frames at the period of transmission intervals during a call, and / or the reception of second type frames at the period of transmission intervals during a silent period.

[0042] In one possible implementation, receiving Y second-type frames from the first communication device during the transmission interval of the quiet period of the first service may include: after receiving the first y1 second-type frames from the Y second-type frames from the first communication device, receiving the (y1+1)th second-type frame, where the (y1+1)th second-type frame is the same as the y1th second-type frame. Here, y1 is an integer less than Y and greater than or equal to 1.

[0043] In another possible implementation, receiving Y second-type frames from the first communication device during the transmission interval of the first service's quiet period may include: receiving a padding frame after receiving the first y1 second-type frames from the Y second-type frames from the first communication device, where y1 is an integer less than Y and greater than or equal to 1.

[0044] Optionally, the value of y1 is determined based on M, the period of the transmission interval during the call, the period of the first communication device acquiring the first type of frame, and the period of the first communication device acquiring the second type of frame.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: after receiving the (y1+1)th second-type frame, and then after receiving the y2th second-type frame, receiving the y3th second-type frame, where the y3th second-type frame is the same as the (y3-1)th second-type frame, and y3 = y1+1+y2+1. Alternatively, after receiving the (y1+1)th second-type frame, and then after receiving the y2th second-type frame, receiving a padding frame. Here, y2 and y3 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0046] In another possible implementation, the communication method may further include: after receiving y1 second-type frames and a padding frame, and then after receiving y2 second-type frames, receiving a y4th second-type frame, where the y4th second-type frame is the same as the y4-1th second-type frame, y4 = y1 + y2 + 1. Alternatively, after receiving y1 second-type frames and a padding frame, and then after receiving y2 second-type frames, receiving a padding frame. Here, y2 and y4 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0047] Optionally, the value of y2 is determined based on the period of the transmission interval during the silent period and the period during which the first communication device acquires the second type of frame.

[0048] It is understood that the technical effects of the method in the second aspect mentioned above can also be referred to the relevant introduction in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, for example, by the first communication device itself, or by a module applied to the first communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution of the method by the first communication device as an example. The method includes: transmitting a first type of frame during the transmission interval of a call period of a first service, the period of transmitting the first type of frame being the same as the period of the transmission interval during the call period; transmitting a second type of frame during the transmission interval of a silent period of the first service, the period of transmitting the second type of frame being different from the period of the transmission interval during the silent period, the period of the transmission interval during the call period being the same as the period of the transmission interval during the silent period, and the period of acquiring the second type of frame being greater than or equal to the period of the transmission interval during the silent period.

[0050] Based on the third aspect of the method, it can be seen that after the call enters the silent period, since the period of acquiring the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the transmission interval within the silent period, after sending a number of second type of frames, the accumulated delay during the call period due to the mismatch between the period of the transmission interval within the call period and the period of acquiring the first type of frame can be reduced.

[0051] Optionally, the period of the transmission interval during the call is greater than or equal to the period of acquiring the first type of frame.

[0052] The first communication device can obtain the period for generating the first type of frame from the SIP signaling during the call setup period. The period for obtaining the first type of frame can be considered to be consistent with the period for generating the first type of frame, i.e., the delay between generating the first type of frame at the application layer and obtaining it at the physical layer is ignored. Thus, by configuring the period of the transmission interval during the call period to be greater than or equal to the period for obtaining the first type of frame, it can be ensured that a first type of frame is received / transmitted within one transmission interval period during the call.

[0053] Optionally, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending first information, the first information indicating the period of transmission intervals during a call and / or the period of transmission intervals during a silent period.

[0054] When the first communication device is a network device, the first communication device sends first information to a terminal (such as a second communication device) to indicate to the terminal the period of the transmission interval during a call and / or the transmission interval during a silent period configured by the network device. When the first communication device is a terminal, the first communication device receives the first information from the network device (such as the second communication device).

[0055] In this way, the first communication device and the second communication device can align the transmission intervals during the call period and / or the transmission intervals during the silence period, which facilitates the subsequent transmission and reception of the first type of frames during the transmission intervals during the call period and / or the transmission and reception of the second type of frames during the transmission intervals during the silence period.

[0056] Optionally, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending second information, the second information being used to activate semi-static scheduling, the semi-static scheduling being used to instruct the transmission of a first type of frame at the period of the transmission interval during the call.

[0057] Optionally, before sending a second type of frame during the transmission interval of the first service's quiet period, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending third information, which is used to deactivate the semi-static scheduling.

[0058] In other words, after the call enters a silent period, the first communication device deactivates semi-static scheduling, and at this time the period for sending the second type of frame is inconsistent with the period of the transmission interval during the silent period.

[0059] In one possible implementation, there are multiple second-type frames. Sending second-type frames during the transmission interval of the first service's quiet period may include: sending the i-th second-type frame during the transmission interval of the first service's quiet period. If the (i+1)-th second-type frame is not acquired, a padding frame is sent on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (i+1)-th second-type frame. Here, i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0060] If the silence period is long, after compensating for the accumulated delay during the call, the delay caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the second type of frame and the period of the transmission interval within the silence period will result in the corresponding second type of frame not being generated or acquired at the transmission opportunity (i.e., the time domain resource corresponding to the (i+1)th second type of frame) within a certain silence period (denoted as transmission interval #1). At this time, the first communication device sends a padding frame at the transmission opportunity corresponding to transmission interval #1. In this way, the delay caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the second type of frame and the period of the transmission interval within the silence period can be reduced.

[0061] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second communication device, for example, by the second communication device itself, or by a module applied to the second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution of the method by the second communication device as an example. The method includes: receiving a first type of frame from the first communication device during a transmission interval in a call period of a first service; the period for receiving the first type of frame is the same as the period of the transmission interval in the call period. Receiving a second type of frame from the first communication device during a transmission interval in a silent period of the first service, the period for receiving the second type of frame is different from the period of the transmission interval in the silent period, the period of the transmission interval in the call period is the same as the period of the transmission interval in the silent period, and the period for the first communication device to acquire the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the transmission interval in the silent period.

[0062] Optionally, the period of the transmission interval during the call is greater than or equal to the period during which the first communication device acquires the first type of frame.

[0063] Optionally, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending first information, the first information indicating the period of transmission intervals during a call and / or the period of transmission intervals during a silent period.

[0064] Optionally, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending second information, the second information being used to activate semi-static scheduling, the semi-static scheduling being used to instruct the reception of first type frames at the period of transmission intervals during the call.

[0065] Optionally, before receiving a second type frame from the first communication device during the transmission interval of the first service's quiet period, the communication method may further include: receiving or sending third information, the third information being used to deactivate the semi-static scheduling.

[0066] In one possible implementation, receiving a second-type frame from the first communication device during a transmission interval within the quiet period of the first service may include: receiving the i-th second-type frame from the first communication device during the transmission interval within the quiet period of the first service; and receiving a padding frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (i+1)-th second-type frame. The communication method may further include: replacing the padding frame with the i-th second-type frame during decoding. Here, i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0067] It is understood that the technical effects of the method in the fourth aspect mentioned above can also refer to the relevant introduction of any aspect in the third aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to perform the method according to any one of the embodiments of the first to fourth aspects.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the communication device of the fifth aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used by the communication device of the fifth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the communication device of the fifth aspect may further include a memory. This memory may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately. The memory may be used to store computer programs and / or data relating to the methods of any of the embodiments of the first to fourth aspects.

[0071] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of any of the embodiments in the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0072] A sixth aspect provides a communication device. The communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method of any one of the embodiments of the first to fourth aspects.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device and other communication devices.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes the memory for storing the aforementioned computer program or instructions. Optionally, the memory and processor are integrated together.

[0075] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the sixth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of any of the embodiments in the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] A seventh aspect provides a communication system. The communication system includes: a first communication device for performing the method described in any embodiment of the first aspect, and a second communication device for performing any embodiment of the second aspect. Alternatively, it includes a first communication device for performing the method described in any embodiment of the third aspect, and a second communication device for performing any embodiment of the fourth aspect.

[0077] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; which, when executed, cause the method of any embodiment of the first aspect above to be implemented, or cause the method of any embodiment of the second aspect above to be implemented, or cause the method of any embodiment of the third aspect above to be implemented, or cause the method of any embodiment of the fourth aspect above to be implemented.

[0078] Ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any embodiment of the first aspect above to be implemented, or cause the method of any embodiment of the second aspect above to be implemented, or cause the method of any embodiment of the third aspect above to be implemented, or cause the method of any embodiment of the fourth aspect above to be implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the NB-IoT DL Gap;

[0080] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable;

[0081] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable;

[0082] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of each cycle in the call period and silent period of voice service.

[0084] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of each cycle in the call period and silence period of voice service;

[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of each cycle in the call period and silent period of voice service;

[0087] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems.

[0090] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0091] 1. Voice services:

[0092] Voice services are an important component of mobile networks.

[0093] Voice services are characterized by periodically sending data packets during a call. For example, in voice services based on the Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) in terrestrial networks (TN), the generation period for voice data packets in Voice over LTE (VoLTE) / VoNR is 20ms.

[0094] IMS-based voice data packets contain a large amount of header information, such as Internet Protocol (IP) + User Datagram Protocol (UDP) + Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) headers, as well as Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) + Radio Link Control (RLC) + Media Access Control (MAC) headers. Even with robust header compression (RoHC) applied to the IP+UDP+RTP headers, the proportion of valid voice data in the voice data packets remains relatively low.

[0095] In terrestrial networks, due to relatively abundant spectrum resources and a certain guaranteed transmission rate, voice data packets can be transmitted and received within a cycle. However, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) terminals have limited time and frequency resources (only 180kHz resources in the frequency domain), and the transmission rate is limited in NTN scenarios, requiring a longer unit voice transmission duration to complete the transmission / reception of a single voice data packet compared to TN scenarios.

[0096] In current NTN voice services, multiple voice data packets generated at 20ms / 40ms intervals are typically framed using a single header. Specifically, one IP+UDP+RTP header and one PDCP+RLC+MAC header control N 20ms / 40ms voice data packets. At the physical layer, the actual generation period of the voice data packets can be considered as N*20ms or N*40ms. This improves the transmission rate of voice data packets in NTN scenarios.

[0097] 2. Call duration:

[0098] The call period refers to the time during which the terminal sends voice data packets uplink or receives voice data packets downlink. During the call period, voice data packets are generated periodically. The size of the voice data packets is determined by the voice coding rate, and the size of the periodically generated voice data packets remains unchanged during the voice call period. That is, the period for generating voice data packets and the size of the voice data packets are fixed.

[0099] 3. Quiet period:

[0100] The silence period refers to the time during which a terminal sends a silence insertion descriptor (SID) frame on the uplink or receives an SID frame on the downlink. In terrestrial network voice services, the SID frame transmission period is typically 160ms. For adaptive multiple rate (AMR) voice coding rates, the SID frame length is 56 bits, usually smaller than a voice data packet.

[0101] 4. Semi-static scheduling:

[0102] Semi-static scheduling refers to a situation where, after the initial scheduling allocation, the terminal assumes that downlink resource allocation or uplink grants repeat at a fixed period. After activating semi-persistent scheduling, the terminal periodically receives downlink data or sends uplink data using the transmission parameters indicated by the NPDCCH activation, according to the period configured in the radio resource control (RRC) protocol. Semi-static scheduling uses only one control signaling instruction, thus reducing the transmission overhead of control signaling.

[0103] 5. DL Gap:

[0104] When downlink resources are continuously occupied by the NPDCCH and NPDSCH of a coverage-enhanced UE, downlink service transmissions for other UEs on the carrier, especially those that do not require coverage enhancement, will be blocked. Therefore, when a coverage-enhanced UE exists in an NTN cell, a DL Gap can be configured to prevent service blocking for other UEs.

[0105] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the NB-IoT DL Gap. As shown in Figure 1, NPDCCH and NPDSCH with a large number of repetitions, i.e., the NPDCCH and NPDSCH of coverage-enhanced UEs, are mapped to non-contiguous subframes (i.e., subframes outside the DL Gap). Meanwhile, the NPDCCH and NPDSCH of UEs with normal or medium coverage are transmitted within the DL Gap.

[0106] The starting frame of the DL Gap satisfies the following formula:

[0107] Where, n f n is the wireless frame number. s The time slot number is based on the physical subframe definition, with a period T. gThe length of the DL Gap is configured by 2 bits in the system information block-narrow band (SIB-NB), with a value set of {64, 128, 256, 512} ms. The gap period is {1 / 8, 1 / 4, 3 / 8, 1 / 2}, configured by 2 bits in the SIB-NB.

[0108] Therefore, the configuration period for the DL Gap is {64, 128, 256, 512} ms. However, when using the method of sharing a header for framing multiple voice packets in NTN voice services, the voice data packet generation period is N*20ms or N*40ms. The DL Gap period and the voice data packet generation period do not match, resulting in a certain interval. After continuous voice transmission / reception, this will continuously accumulate latency, affecting call quality.

[0109] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application propose the following technical solutions.

[0110] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0112] Furthermore, the specific instruction method can also be any existing instruction method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned instruction methods and their various combinations. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the instruction methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required instruction method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected instruction method. Therefore, the instruction methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be instructed to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0113] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the sending node device by sending configuration information to the receiving node device.

[0114] In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal or other network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0115] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal or other network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0116] In this application, phrases such as "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as indicating that the destination of the information is a terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to a terminal. Similarly, phrases such as "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)," or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as indicating that the source of the information is a terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from a terminal. 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 similarly and will not be elaborated further here.

[0117] "Predefined" or "pre-configured" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0118] The “protocol” mentioned in the embodiments of this application may refer to a protocol family in the field of communication, a standard protocol with a similar protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol applied to future communication systems. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0119] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time. They do not require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0120] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application 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 alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or implementation described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or implementations. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0121] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0122] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail first using the communication system shown in FIG2 as an example. For example, FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable.

[0123] As shown in Figure 2, the communication system mainly includes a first communication device and a second communication device.

[0124] The communication device can be a terminal or a network device. For example, the first communication device can be a terminal and the second communication device can be a network device, or the first communication device can be a terminal and the second communication device can be a terminal. Of course, it can also be communication between terminals or between network devices.

[0125] This application primarily targets NTN scenarios, meaning that in this communication system, network devices can be deployed on satellites. The following description uses a base station as an example to illustrate the communication system provided in this application.

[0126] For example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in this application is applicable. As shown in Figure 3(a), in this communication system, the terminal can be connected to the satellite via a wireless link. The base station is deployed on the satellite and connected to the ground station on the ground via a wireless link. The ground station is connected to the core network on the ground via wired or wireless means. The core network includes access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements and session management function (SMF) network elements. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3(b), the base station can also be deployed on the ground and connected to the ground station for satellite communication.

[0127] Optionally, different satellites can transmit signaling or data via a wireless link (also known as an inter-satellite link). As shown in Figure 3(c), if a satellite has a transparent forwarding function but lacks the processing function of a base station (e.g., the base station is deployed on the ground), then the transparent forwarding function can be achieved between satellites via a wireless link. If all or part of the functions of the base station are deployed on the satellite, then the signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations can be completed between satellites via a wireless link.

[0128] Optionally, the communication system may also include a data network (DN). The data network can be connected to the core network. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the data network can be connected to the user plane function (UPF) network elements in the core network.

[0129] In the communication system shown in Figure 3, the air interface between the terminal and the satellite / base station can be an air interface from various communication systems. For example, it can be an air interface from a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication system, such as a 4G, 5G, or future-oriented evolution system. Alternatively, it can be an air interface from an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) or a cloud radio access network (CRAN). It can also be an air interface from a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0130] The network elements in the communication system shown in Figure 3 are described below:

[0131] A terminal can be a terminal with transceiver capabilities, or it can be a chip or chip system installed in the terminal. The terminal can also be referred to as a UE, access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user equipment. The terminals in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, wireless data cards, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, vehicle-mounted terminals, and roadside units with terminal functions. The terminal in this application can also be an onboard module, onboard unit, onboard component, onboard chip, or onboard unit that is built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, it can be a device that functions as a terminal in D2D communication.

[0132] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0133] Network equipment, also known as access network equipment, RAN nodes, or access nodes, is used to help terminal devices achieve wireless access. In one possible scenario, access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a future mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. Access network equipment can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node or master node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. All or part of the functions of the access network equipment in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The access network equipment in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of an access network equipment.

[0134] It is understood that the RAN node mentioned above can be a newly defined name, and RAN nodes can also be described in different ways, such as access node, wireless access node, etc., without limitation. Unless otherwise specified in this application, network devices will be used as the term.

[0135] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with each access network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, the access network devices 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. The CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0136] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0137] Logically, the core network can be divided into two parts: the user plane and the control plane. The control plane is responsible for the management of the mobile network, while the user plane is responsible for the transmission of service data. Different network elements in the core network are responsible for different functions. For example, as shown in Figure 3, in the 5G core network, the AMF (Access Window) element is mainly responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The SMF (Service Window) element is mainly responsible for interacting with the separate data plane, creating, updating, and deleting Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, and managing the session context with the UPF (User Plane Window). The UPF (User Plane Window) element is mainly responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics.

[0138] Ground stations are responsible for relaying signaling and data between satellites and the core network.

[0139] In this embodiment of the application, the network element can also be referred to as an entity or functional entity.

[0140] In this communication system, after the call enters a silent period, the first communication device acquires N second-type frames before sending Y second-type frames acquired after acquiring N second-type frames during the transmission interval. This is equivalent to the first communication device ignoring / discarding the first N second-type frames. In this way, the cumulative delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring the first-type frames and the period of the transmission interval during the call can be reduced or eliminated, thereby improving the call quality and thus improving the user's call experience.

[0141] The interaction process between various network elements / devices in the above-described communication system will be specifically described below with reference to Figures 4-8 through method embodiments. The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the above-described communication system and specifically applied to various scenarios / processes mentioned in the above-described communication system, which will be described in detail below.

[0142] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method is applicable to the above-mentioned communication system and mainly involves the interaction between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0143] As shown in Figure 4, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0144] S401, the first communication device sends M first type frames during the transmission interval of the first service call period, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives M first type frames from the first communication device.

[0145] Where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The period during which the first communication device sends the first type of frame is the same as the period of the transmission interval (denoted as the first transmission interval) during the call.

[0146] The first service can be a service that enables communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, such as voice service, specifically including terrestrial network voice service, NTN voice service, etc., without limitation.

[0147] After a voice call is established, it can be divided into two states: the call period and the silent period. The terms "call period" and "silent period" can be found in the technical terminology section above and will not be repeated here.

[0148] The first type of frame can be used to carry and transmit data generated during a call for the first service. For example, if the first service is a voice service, the first type of frame is a voice frame, which contains voice data packets generated during the call.

[0149] Taking a voice frame as an example, a first-type frame can contain one or more voice data packets. For example, if the first service is a terrestrial network voice service, a voice frame can contain a voice data packet (denoted as voice data packet #1) generated with a period of 20ms / 40ms. It should be understood that 20ms / 40ms is an example of a voice data packet generation period; in specific applications, this period can be other values ​​without restriction. This application uses a voice data packet generation period of 20ms / 40ms as an example.

[0150] For example, the first service could be an NTN voice service. In an NTN voice service, a voice frame can be obtained by framing multiple voice data packets (i.e., voice data packets #1) generated with a period of 20ms / 40ms, sharing a single header. The multiple voice data packets contained in a voice frame are denoted as voice data packets #2. That is, voice data packets #2 are composed of multiple voice data packets #1. A voice frame contains voice data packets #2. In this embodiment, the period for generating voice data packets #2 can be considered as n*20ms or n*40ms (there are choices of 20ms and 40ms under different voice coding methods and rates), where n is the number of voice data packets #1 generated with a period of 20ms / 40ms, and n is an integer greater than 1. The number of n can be selected based on the air interface channel quality and the demodulation capability of the receiving end (i.e., the second communication device). The air interface channel quality and the demodulation capability of the receiving end can be obtained based on the session initiation protocol (SIP) signaling during the call setup period of the first service.

[0151] The embodiments of this application are mainly applicable to the scenario of NTN voice service. Therefore, the following description takes the first service as NTN voice service and the first type frame containing voice data packet #2 as an example.

[0152] It is understood that the first type of frame can be replaced with other possible expressions, such as first frame, first data frame, voice frame, etc., without limitation.

[0153] The first transmission interval corresponds to resources in the time domain, which can be used to send M first-type frames. The first transmission interval can be a DL Gap, or a transmission time interval corresponding to future newly added time domain resources. The DL Gap can be referred to the above technical terminology introduction, and will not be elaborated here.

[0154] The period during which the first communication device sends the first type of frame is the same as the period of the first transmission interval. That is, the first communication device sends the first type of frame on the time domain resources corresponding to the first transmission interval, and the first type of frame corresponds one-to-one with the first transmission interval. In other words, one first type of frame is sent on each transmission opportunity (or time domain resource) corresponding to the first transmission interval.

[0155] Optionally, the period of the first transmission interval is greater than or equal to the period of acquiring the first type of frame.

[0156] The first communication device can obtain the period for generating the first type of frame from the SIP signaling during the call setup period. The period for the first communication device to obtain the first type of frame can be regarded as consistent with the period for generating the first type of frame, that is, the delay between generating the first type of frame at the application layer and obtaining the first type of frame at the physical layer is ignored. For example, the period for generating the first type of frame can be the period for generating voice data packet #2, that is, the period for obtaining the first type of frame can be the period for generating voice data packet #2, such as n*20ms or n*40ms.

[0157] Thus, by configuring the period of the first transmission interval to be greater than or equal to the period of acquiring the first type of frame through the first communication device, it can be ensured that a first type of frame is received / sent within the period of one first transmission interval.

[0158] Optionally, the period of the first transmission interval is greater than or equal to the period of acquiring the first type of frame, and the period closest to the period of acquiring the first type of frame is selected within the configurable period of the first transmission interval.

[0159] For example, the first transmission interval is DL Gap, and the optional configuration period of DL Gap is {64, 128, 256, 512} ms. If the period for generating voice data packet #2 (i.e., the period for acquiring the first type of frame) is 4*20 = 80 ms, then the period of the first transmission interval is configured to be 128 ms.

[0160] Thus, while ensuring that a first type of frame can be received / sent within the period of a first transmission interval, the resource utilization of the first transmission interval can be improved.

[0161] S402, after acquiring N second-type frames, the first communication device sends Y second-type frames during the transmission interval of the quiet period of the first service, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives Y second-type frames from the first communication device.

[0162] Where N and Y are integers greater than or equal to 1. The period of the first transmission interval is the same as the period of the transmission interval within the silent period (denoted as the second transmission interval), the period of the first communication device sending the second type of frames is the same as the period of the second transmission interval, and Y second type of frames are acquired after acquiring N second type of frames.

[0163] The second type of frame can be used to carry and transmit data generated by the first service during the quiet period. For example, if the first service is a voice service, the second type of frame is a SID frame (also known as a quiet frame). The SID frame contains background noise information generated during the quiet period.

[0164] Let's take the second type of frame, the SID frame, as an example. A SID frame can contain one or more SID data packets. For example, in NTN voice services, SID frames can use the same framing method as voice data packets, with one SID frame containing multiple SID data packets. Of course, SID frames can also be unframed, containing only one SID data packet; there is no restriction on this.

[0165] It is understood that the second type of frame can be replaced with other possible terms, such as second frame, second data frame, SID frame, etc., without limitation.

[0166] The second transmission interval corresponds to resources in the time domain and can be used to send Y second-type frames. The second transmission interval can be a DL Gap, or a transmission time interval corresponding to future newly added time domain resources. The DL Gap can be referred to the above technical terminology introduction, and will not be elaborated here.

[0167] The period during which the first communication device sends the second type of frame is the same as the period of the second transmission interval. That is, the second type of frame is transmitted on the time domain resources corresponding to the second transmission interval, and the second type of frame corresponds one-to-one with the second transmission interval. In other words, one second type of frame is sent on each transmission opportunity (or time domain resource) of the second transmission interval.

[0168] The first transmission interval and the second transmission interval have the same period, that is, the first type of frame and the second type of frame are scheduled / sent with the same period.

[0169] After acquiring N second-type frames, the first communication device begins to transmit the Y second-type frames acquired in the second transmission interval; that is, it transmits the Y second-type frames acquired after acquiring the N second-type frames. The first communication device may discard the N second-type frames, store them without transmitting them, or ignore them. In short, the first communication device does not transmit the N second-type frames.

[0170] Thus, during the silent period, the first communication device acquires N second-type frames before sending Y second-type frames acquired after acquiring N second-type frames in the transmission interval. This is equivalent to the first communication device ignoring / discarding the first N second-type frames. In this way, the cumulative delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring the first-type frames and the period of the first transmission interval can be reduced, that is, the delay caused by the first-type frames during the call can be reduced, the call quality can be improved, and thus the user's call experience can be improved.

[0171] Optionally, at the beginning of the transition from the call period to the silent period, the first communication device chooses to ignore / discard the first N second-type frames. This avoids the second-type frames from not being ignored / discarded in time because the physical layer cannot know the end time of the silent frame, thereby avoiding the delay caused by the first-type frames during the call period not being reduced in time.

[0172] Of course, the first communication device can also choose to send several second-type frames in the middle of the silent period, and then ignore / discard the N acquired second-type frames, which can also reduce the delay caused by the first-type frames during the call. There is no restriction on this.

[0173] The above provides an overview of the process of the embodiments of this application. For ease of understanding, S402 will be described in detail below.

[0174] Optionally, the value of N is determined based on M, the period of the first transmission interval, and the period for acquiring the first type of frame.

[0175] Where M represents the number of first-type frames transmitted by the first communication device during the call. Based on the difference between the period of the first transmission interval and the period of acquiring the first-type frames, and the value of M, the delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring the first-type frames and the period of the first transmission interval during the call can be calculated. Furthermore, based on this delay and the period of the second transmission interval, the number N of second-type frames that should be discarded / ignored can be calculated.

[0176] For example, the first communication device uses a voice packet counter (counter1) to count the transmitted first type of frames. The period of the second transmission interval is T, just like the period of the first transmission interval. When the call ends and a silent period begins, the delay caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the first type of frames and the period of the first transmission interval is counter1*Δt1, which is ignored / discarded. A silent frame is executed, and counter1 is cleared to zero, where Δt1 is the difference between the period for acquiring the first type of frame and the period for the first transmission interval. In this way, the cumulative delay introduced by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the first type of frame and the period for the first transmission interval is shortened or eliminated by ignoring / discarding SID frames.

[0177] Optionally, the period for acquiring the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the second transmission interval.

[0178] The first communication device can obtain the period for generating the second type of frame from the SIP signaling during the call setup period. The period for obtaining the second type of frame can be considered to be consistent with the period for generating the second type of frame, that is, the delay between generating the second type of frame at the application layer and obtaining the second type of frame at the physical layer is ignored. For example, the second transmission interval is DL Gap, the second type of frame is a SID frame, and the period for generating the SID frame is greater than or equal to the period of DL Gap.

[0179] This facilitates further reduction of the latency caused by the period of the first transmission interval being longer than the period of acquiring the first type of frame. For example, if N second type frames are ignored / discarded, and the latency caused by the first type of frame during the call is not completely eliminated, then by making the period of acquiring the second type of frame greater than or equal to the period of the second transmission interval, the latency can be further reduced after sending several second type frames. Furthermore, it facilitates the subsequent reduction or elimination of the latency caused by the second type of frame during the silent period, as described in detail later.

[0180] Optionally, the period for acquiring the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the second transmission interval, and the period for acquiring the second type of frame is selected as the period closest to the period of the second transmission interval.

[0181] For example, if the period for generating a SID data packet is 160ms, and the period of the DL Gap (i.e., the second transmission interval) is less than or equal to 160ms, then a SID frame (i.e., a second-type frame) can contain one SID data packet. Thus, the period for acquiring the SID frame (i.e., the period of the second-type frame) can be greater than or equal to the period of the DL Gap. If the period of the DL Gap is greater than 160ms, that is, 256ms or 512ms, then a SID frame header contains multiple SID data packets, and the period for generating the SID frame is m * 160ms, where m is the number of SID data packets contained in the SID frame, and m is an integer greater than 1. If the period of the DL Gap is 256ms, then m is 2, meaning the period for generating the SID frame is 320ms; if the period of the DL Gap is 512ms, then m is 4, meaning the period for generating the SID frame is 640ms. In this way, the period for acquiring the SID frame can be greater than or equal to the period of the DL Gap, and the period for acquiring the SID frame can be selected as the period closest to the period of the DL Gap.

[0182] In this way, the delay caused by the period of acquiring the second type of frame being longer than the period of the second transmission interval can be reduced when the duration of the silent period is long.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: a first communication device sending first information to a second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receiving the first information from the first communication device. Alternatively, the second communication device sending first information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receiving the first information from the second communication device. Wherein, the first information indicates the period of a first transmission interval and / or the period of a second transmission interval.

[0184] When the first communication device is a network device, the first communication device sends first information to a terminal (such as a second communication device) to indicate to the terminal the period of a first transmission interval and / or the period of a second transmission interval configured by the network device. When the first communication device is a terminal, the network device (such as a second communication device) sends the first information to the first communication device.

[0185] Thus, the first communication device and the second communication device can align the periods of the first transmission interval and / or the second transmission interval, which facilitates the subsequent transmission and reception of the first type of frame in the first transmission interval and / or the transmission and reception of the second type of frame in the second transmission interval.

[0186] Optionally, the communication method may further include: a first communication device sending second information to a second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receiving the second information from the first communication device. Alternatively, the second communication device sending second information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receiving the second information from the second communication device. The second information is used to activate semi-persistent scheduling (SPS), which instructs the transmission of a first type of frame at a period of a first transmission interval and the transmission of a second type of frame at a period of a second transmission interval.

[0187] The second information can be SPS configuration information, or information used to configure the SPS. The second information can be carried in a broadcast message. If the first communication device is a network device, it sends the second information to the serving terminals (including the second communication device) via a broadcast message. If the first communication device is a terminal, the network device serving the first communication device (i.e., the second communication device) sends the second information via a broadcast message, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second information from the second communication device via a broadcast message.

[0188] The first communication device activates SPS during both the call period and the silent period based on the second information, meaning the SPS configuration remains consistent during the silent period as it is during the call period. Specifically, the first communication device transmits a second type of frame within the period of each second transmission interval. The SPS period is configured to be the same as the period of the first transmission interval. This ensures that the period during which the first communication device schedules / transmits the first type of frame during the call period is the same as the period during which it schedules / transmits the second type of frame during the silent period.

[0189] In this way, by enabling SPS during both the silent period and the call period, signaling overhead can be saved, and room for subsequent latency processing can be provided.

[0190] Furthermore, to ensure that the size / length of the second type of frame is consistent with that of the first type of frame after SPS is activated during the silent period, zero-padding can be used to fill the payload of the second type of frame to match the size / length of the first type of frame during framing. In this way, the size / length of the second type of frame is consistent and fixed with that of the first type of frame. After SPS is activated during both the call and silent periods, the second communication device can decode according to the fixed size / length, avoiding decoding errors caused by the inconsistency in size / length between the second and first type of frames.

[0191] The above section introduced methods to reduce the latency during the call period caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the first type of frame and the period of the first transmission interval. The following section introduces methods to reduce the time difference during the silence period caused by the period for acquiring the second type of frame being longer than the period of the second transmission interval.

[0192] In one possible implementation, S402 may include: after sending the first y1 second-type frames out of Y second-type frames, the first communication device sends the (y1+1)th second-type frame. The (y1+1)th second-type frame is the same as the y1th second-type frame. Here, y1 is an integer less than Y and greater than or equal to 1.

[0193] Since the period for acquiring the second type frame is greater than or equal to the period of the second transmission interval, after the first communication device sends the first y1 second type frames out of Y, when the time domain resource (or transmission opportunity) corresponding to the y1+1 second type frame arrives, the next second type frame has not yet been generated. Therefore, the y1 second type frame is repeatedly sent, that is, the y1+1 second type frame sent by the first communication device is the same as the y1 second type frame.

[0194] In this way, the situation where the first communication device fails to transmit a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (y1+1)th second-type frame can be avoided, which also avoids the bit error rate caused by the second communication device failing to receive a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (y1+1)th second-type frame. Furthermore, it can reduce the time difference caused by the silence period being longer than the period of the second transmission interval.

[0195] In addition, by repeatedly sending the most recent second-type frame, the background noise parsed from the second-type frame is continuous, thereby improving the user's call quality.

[0196] In another possible implementation, S402 may include: after sending the first y1 second-type frames out of Y second-type frames, sending a padding frame, where y1 is an integer less than Y and greater than or equal to 1.

[0197] After the first communication device sends the first y1 of the Y second-type frames, when the time domain resource (or transmission opportunity) corresponding to the y1+1 second-type frame arrives, the next second-type frame has not yet been generated. Therefore, a padding frame is sent.

[0198] In this way, the situation where the first communication device fails to transmit a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (y1+1)th second-type frame can be avoided, which also avoids the bit error rate caused by the second communication device failing to receive a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (y1+1)th second-type frame. Furthermore, it can reduce the time difference caused by the silence period being longer than the period of the second transmission interval.

[0199] Optionally, the value of y1 is determined based on M, the period of the first transmission interval / second transmission interval, the period of acquiring the first type of frame, and the period of acquiring the second type of frame.

[0200] Based on the difference between the period of the first transmission interval and the period of acquiring the first type of frame, and the value of M, the remaining latency of the call period after discarding / ignoring N second type frames can be calculated. Furthermore, based on the difference between the period of acquiring the second type of frame and the period of the second transmission interval, the period of the second transmission interval, and the remaining latency of the call period, it can be calculated after sending the nth second type of frame that a second type frame or a padding frame needs to be retransmitted.

[0201] For example, after entering the silent period from the call period, after discarding / ignoring N second-type frames, the first communication device uses counter2 to count the transmitted second-type frames. The period of the second transmission interval and the period of the first transmission interval are both T. The delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring second-type frames and the period of the second transmission interval during the silent period is counter2*Δt2, where Δt2 is the difference between the period of acquiring second-type frames and the period of the second transmission interval. When counter2 counts for the first time, when... The system either repeatedly sends the nearest Type II frame or sends a padding frame. Here, counter1*Δt1%T is the remaining delay during the call after N Type II frames are discarded / ignored during the silent period.

[0202] In this way, not only can the time difference caused by the acquisition period of the second type of frame being longer than the period of the second transmission interval be reduced, but the remaining delay during the call period can also be eliminated after N second type of frames are discarded / ignored.

[0203] The above describes the method for repeatedly sending a Type II frame or a padding frame during the first retransmission of the silent period. The following describes the method for repeatedly sending a Type II frame or a padding frame during the second retransmission of the silent period.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: after the first communication device sends the (y1+1)th second-type frame, and then after sending the y2th second-type frame, sending the y3th second-type frame. The y3th second-type frame is the same as the (y3-1)th second-type frame, where y3 = y1+1 + y2+1. Here, y2 and y3 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0205] It can be understood that when the first communication device sends the (y1+1)th second-type frame, it means that the first communication device repeatedly sends a second-type frame during the silent period. After this, the first communication device sends y2 more second-type frames, at which point the last second-type frame sent is the (y1+1+y2)th second-type frame. Then, the third second-type frame sent is the (y1+1+y2+1)th second-type frame. The third second-type frame is the same as the (y3-1)th second-type frame, meaning that after sending y2 more second-type frames, the first communication device repeatedly sends the nearest second-type frame.

[0206] Alternatively, after the first communication device sends the y1+1th second-type frame, and then after sending the y2th second-type frame, it sends a padding frame.

[0207] In other words, the first communication device can choose to send y1+1+y2 second-type frames before sending the y3rd second-type frame or send a padding frame. This avoids the situation where the first communication device fails to send a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the y3rd second-type frame, and consequently avoids the second communication device failing to receive a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the y3rd second-type frame, thus preventing the resulting bit error rate. Furthermore, it can further reduce the delay caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the second-type frame and the period of the second transmission interval.

[0208] In another possible implementation, the communication method may further include: after the first communication device sends y1 second-type frames and a padding frame, and then sends y2 second-type frames, it sends a y4th second-type frame, which is the same as the y4-1th second-type frame, where y4 = y1 + y2 + 1. Here, y2 and y4 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0209] Since the padding frame is not included in the Y second-type frames, if the first communication device sends y1 second-type frames and one padding frame, and then sends y2 second-type frames, the y4th second-type frame sent at this time will be the y1+y2+1th second-type frame. The y4th second-type frame is the same as the y4-1th second-type frame, indicating that the first communication device repeatedly sends the nearest second-type frame after sending y2 second-type frames.

[0210] Alternatively, after the first communication device sends y1 second-type frames and a padding frame, it sends a padding frame after sending y2 second-type frames.

[0211] In other words, the first communication device can choose to send y1 second-type frames, one padding frame, and y2 second-type frames before sending the y4th second-type frame or sending one padding frame. This avoids the situation where the first communication device fails to send a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the y4th second-type frame, and consequently avoids the second communication device failing to receive a second-type frame on the time-domain resource corresponding to the y4th second-type frame, thus preventing the resulting bit error rate. Furthermore, it can further reduce the latency caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring second-type frames and the period of the second transmission interval during the silent period.

[0212] Optionally, the value of y2 is determined based on the period of the first transmission interval / second transmission interval and the period of acquiring the second type of frame.

[0213] By using the difference between the period of the second transmission interval and the period of acquiring the second type of frame, as well as the period of the second transmission interval, it is possible to calculate that after sending y1 second type frames and one padding frame, or after sending y1+1 second type frames, and then sending several more second type frames, it is necessary to repeatedly send one second type frame or one padding frame.

[0214] This example illustrates the second retransmission of a Type 2 frame or a padding frame. It is understood that if the silent period is long, there may be a third retransmission of a Type 2 frame or a padding frame. The calculation for the third retransmission can be referenced from the second retransmission, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0215] For example, continuing the above example of repeatedly sending the nearest second type of frame, or sending a padding frame. When counter2 first counts... If necessary, repeatedly send the nearest Type II frame, or send a padding frame. At this point, reset counter2 to zero and restart the count; thereafter, whenever... The system will repeatedly send the most recent silent frame or send a padding frame, and then reset counter2 to zero and start counting again. When the silent period ends and the call period resumes, counter2 will be reset to zero.

[0216] Thus, by repeatedly sending the second type of frame or sending padding frames, the cumulative delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring the second type of frame and the period of the second transmission interval can be reduced.

[0217] To facilitate a more intuitive understanding, examples of specific configurations for each cycle are given below in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6.

[0218] For example, Figure 5 illustrates the cycles during the call and silence periods of a voice service. As shown in Figure 5(a), the cycle of the DL Gap (i.e., the cycle of the first transmission interval / second transmission interval) is greater than the cycle of generating voice data packets (i.e., the cycle of acquiring the first type of frame). This difference will result in a cumulative delay during the call period, such as accumulating from Δt1 to 5Δt1. As shown in Figure 5(b), the first and second communication devices transmit SIP signaling during the call setup period, transmit voice data packets during the call period, and transmit SID frames during the silence period. Both the call and silence periods are within the SPS active period, meaning that SPS is activated during both the call and silence periods.

[0219] The period for generating voice data packets: T data =240ms; Period of DL Gap / SPS: T DLGap =T SPS = 256ms; Period for generating SID frames (i.e., the period for acquiring the second type of frame mentioned above): T SID =320ms.

[0220] When the period of the DL Gap does not match the period of generating voice data packets, the delay Δt1 for sending a voice data packet is 256 - 240 = 16 ms. When the period of the DL Gap does not match the period of generating SID frames, the delay Δt2 for sending a SID frame is 320 - 256 = 64 ms.

[0221] Figure 6 illustrates the second phase of the voice service's call and silence periods. As shown in Figure 6, the difference between the DL Gap period and the voice data packet generation period will cause delays during the call period. If the number of voice data packets sent by the first communication device during the first call period (i.e., M mentioned above) is 20 (counter1 = 20), then the cumulative delay caused by sending 20 voice data packets during the call period is 20 * Δt1 = 20 * 16 = 320 ms. Alternatively, the time required for the first communication device to generate voice data packets is 4800 ms. The actual time to send all voice data packets at the physical layer is the product of the DL Gap period and the number of voice data packets, which is 5120 ms. Therefore, the total delay can be calculated to be 320 ms.

[0222] calculate Then discard / ignore the first SID frame after entering the silent period (i.e., the above N second type frames, where N is 1). As shown in Figure 6, the second SID frame is sent on the next available uplink resource (i.e., the second transmission interval), and counter2 counting is started.

[0223] As shown in Figure 6, since the period for generating SID frames is longer than the period for the DL Gap, after sending 3 SID frames (i.e., the first y1 second-type frames mentioned above), that is, when counter2 = 3, it can be calculated that... The SID frame with counter2=3 is retransmitted once in the next DL Gap cycle, or a padding frame is transmitted in the next DL Gap cycle after transmitting the SID frame with counter2=3, and counter2 is reset to zero and the count restarts. Thereafter, whenever 4 SID frames (i.e., the aforementioned y2 second-type frames) are transmitted, i.e., counter2=4, that is... When counter2=4, the SID frame is sent again once or a padding frame is sent, and counter2 is cleared and the count is restarted.

[0224] Once the call period resumes, counter1 restarts counting.

[0225] In summary, during the silent period, the first communication device acquires N second-type frames before sending the Y second-type frames acquired after acquiring the N second-type frames within the transmission interval. This is equivalent to the first communication device ignoring / discarding the first N second-type frames, thus reducing the cumulative delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring the first-type frames and the period of the first transmission interval. By repeatedly sending second-type frames or sending padding frames, the cumulative delay caused by the mismatch between the period of acquiring the second-type frames and the period of the second transmission interval during the silent period can be reduced. This improves call quality and thus enhances the user's call experience.

[0226] In the embodiments described above, the period during which the first communication device sends the first type of frames during a call is the same as the period during which it sends the second type of frames during a silent period. The following describes an embodiment where the period during which the first communication device sends the first type of frames during a call is different from the period during which it sends the second type of frames during a silent period.

[0227] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method is applicable to the aforementioned communication system and mainly involves the interaction between a first communication device and a second communication device. It is understood that descriptions such as "first" and "second" are at the embodiment level. The content indicated by the descriptions such as "first" and "second" in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 4 may differ from that in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 7. For example, the second information in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 4 differs from the content indicated by the second information in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 7.

[0228] As shown in Figure 7, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0229] S701, the first communication device sends a first type frame during the transmission interval of the first service call period, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first type frame from the first communication device.

[0230] The period during which the first communication device sends the first type of frame is the same as the period of the transmission interval (denoted as the first transmission interval) during the call.

[0231] The first service can be referred to in the description of the first service in S401, the first transmission interval can be referred to in the description of the first transmission interval in S401, and the first type of frame can be referred to in the description of the first type of frame in S401. They will not be repeated here.

[0232] Optionally, the period of the first transmission interval is greater than or equal to the period of acquiring the first type of frame. The period of acquiring the first type of frame can be referred to in the description of the period of acquiring the first type of frame in S401, and will not be repeated here.

[0233] The introduction to S701 can be referenced in its entirety, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0234] S702, the first communication device sends a second type frame during the transmission interval of the quiet period of the first service, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the second type frame from the first communication device.

[0235] The period during which the first communication device sends the second type of frame is different from the period of the transmission interval within the silent period (denoted as the second transmission interval). The periods of the first transmission interval and the second transmission interval are the same. The period for acquiring the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the second transmission interval.

[0236] The second transmission interval can be referred to in the description of the second transmission interval in S402, the second type of frame can be referred to in the description of the second type of frame in S402, and the period for acquiring the second type of frame can be referred to in the description of the period for acquiring the second type of frame in S402, which will not be elaborated here.

[0237] In other words, the period during which the first communication device sends the second type of frames is different from the period during which it sends the first type of frames. During a call, the first communication device sends the first type of frames according to the period of the first transmission interval, while during a silent period, although the first communication device sends the second type of frames in the second transmission interval, it may not send the second type of frames according to the period of the second transmission interval.

[0238] Optionally, the first communication device sends a second type frame based on the fourth information. If the first communication device receives the fourth information from the second communication device, the fourth information instructs the first communication device to send a second type frame. That is, the period during which the first communication device receives the fourth information is the same as the period during which it sends the second type frame. The fourth information may be downlink control information (DCI) carried on the NPDCCH.

[0239] Thus, after the call enters a silent period, since the period for acquiring the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period for the second transmission interval, after sending a number of second type of frames, the accumulated delay during the call period due to the mismatch between the period for the first transmission interval and the period for acquiring the first type of frame can be reduced.

[0240] The S702 will be described in detail below.

[0241] Optionally, the communication method may further include: a first communication device sending first information to a second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receiving the first information from the first communication device. Alternatively, the second communication device sending first information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receiving the first information from the second communication device. The first information indicates the period of a first transmission interval and / or the period of a second transmission interval.

[0242] The first information can be found in the description of the first information in S402, and will not be repeated here.

[0243] Optionally, the communication method may further include: a first communication device sending second information to a second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receiving the second information from the first communication device. Alternatively, the second communication device sending second information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receiving the second information from the second communication device. The second information is used to activate semi-static scheduling, which instructs the transmission of a first type of frame at a period of a first transmission interval.

[0244] The second information is used to indicate that semi-static scheduling is activated during the call, and the period of semi-static scheduling is consistent with the period of the first transmission interval.

[0245] Optionally, prior to S702, the communication method may further include: the first communication device sending third information to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receiving the third information from the first communication device. Alternatively, the second communication device sending third information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receiving the third information from the second communication device. The third information is used to deactivate the semi-static scheduling.

[0246] In other words, after the call enters a silent period, the first communication device activates semi-static scheduling, at which point the period for sending the second type of frame is inconsistent with the period for the second transmission interval.

[0247] For example, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of each cycle in the call period and silence period of a voice service. As shown in Figure 8, the first communication device and the second communication device transmit SIP signaling during the call setup period, transmit voice data packets during the call period, and transmit SID frames during the silence period. The call period is within the SPS active period, that is, the SPS is activated during the call period. The silence period is not within the SPS active period, that is, the SPS is deactivated during the silence period. After deactivating the SPS during the silence period, the SID frame is sent according to the instruction of the NPDCCH, that is, after receiving the DCI carried by the NPDCCH, the SID frame is sent.

[0248] In one possible implementation, there are multiple second-type frames; S702 may include: the first communication device transmitting the i-th second-type frame in the second transmission interval. If the (i+1)-th second-type frame is not acquired, a padding frame is transmitted on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (i+1)-th second-type frame, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives a padding frame from the first communication device on the time-domain resource corresponding to the (i+1)-th second-type frame. Here, i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0249] If the silence period is long, after compensating for the accumulated delay during the call, the delay caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the second type of frame and the period of the second transmission interval will result in the corresponding second type of frame not being generated or acquired at a transmission opportunity (i.e., the time domain resource corresponding to the (i+1)th second type of frame) within a certain second transmission interval (denoted as second transmission interval #1). At this time, the first communication device sends a padding frame at the transmission opportunity corresponding to the second transmission interval #1. In this way, the delay caused by the mismatch between the period for acquiring the second type of frame and the period of the second transmission interval can be reduced.

[0250] Optionally, the communication method may further include: when the second communication device is decoding, replacing a padding frame received on the time domain resource corresponding to the (i+1)th second type frame with the i-th second type frame.

[0251] When the second communication device decodes / decodes the padding frame, it replaces the data of the padding frame with the data from the previous second-type frame. This ensures that the background noise parsed from the second-type frame is continuous, thereby improving the user's call quality.

[0252] Optionally, padding frames can be used instead of type 2 frames; that is, instead of sending type 2 frames in the second transmission interval, padding frames are sent to control latency. The method of sending padding frames is the same as that of sending type 2 frames, and will not be described in detail.

[0253] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the DL Gap configuration can be cancelled by prioritizing the service of terminals within the NTN cell. Terminals are prioritized according to service type and coverage level. For example, coverage enhancement terminals for voice services have the highest priority, followed by voice service terminals. When both voice service terminals and coverage enhancement terminals exist simultaneously in the NTN cell, if the coverage enhancement terminal is not a voice service terminal, data transmission for the coverage enhancement terminal is suspended, and the DL Gap configuration is cancelled. The voice service terminal is configured to transmit uplink voice data and receive downlink voice data according to the period for generating voice data packets. When the voice service ends, the DL Gap configuration is reactivated, and the service of the coverage enhancement terminal is restored. For another example, if the coverage enhancement terminal is a voice service terminal, the DL Gap configuration is cancelled, and data for the voice service of the coverage enhancement terminal is transmitted directly. Because voice services have the characteristic of simultaneously transmitting uplink voice data and receiving downlink voice data within a single period during a call, the network device, while prioritizing the voice service of the coverage enhancement terminal, uses the time period for uplink transmission by the voice service terminal for downlink services of other terminals.

[0254] It is understood that the above-mentioned possible implementation methods can be used individually or in combination, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0255] The method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 4-8. The communication apparatus used to perform the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 9-10.

[0256] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As exemplarily shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a transceiver module 901 and a processing module 902. For ease of explanation, Figure 9 only shows the main components of the communication device.

[0257] The transceiver module 901 is used to perform the transceiver function of the method shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7, and the processing module 902 is used to perform other functions of the method shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7 besides the transceiver function.

[0258] Optionally, the transceiver module 901 may include a transmitting module (not shown in FIG. 9) and a receiving module (not shown in FIG. 9). The transmitting module is used to implement the transmitting function of the communication device 900, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device 900.

[0259] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 9) that stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 902 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 900 can perform the functions of the terminal or network device in the methods shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 7 described above.

[0260] It is understood that the communication device 900 may be a terminal or network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the terminal or network device, or a device that includes the terminal or network device. This application does not limit it in this respect.

[0261] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 900 can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0262] Figure 10 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a terminal, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the terminal. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may include a processor 1001. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1002 and / or a transceiver 1003. The processor 1001 is coupled to the memory 1002 and / or the transceiver 1003, for example, by means of a communication bus, an internal chip interface, or other communication lines. Optionally, the memory 1002 may be integrated with the processor 1001.

[0263] The following is a detailed description of each component of the communication device 1000, with reference to Figure 10:

[0264] The processor 1001 is the control center of the communication device 1000. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1001 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0265] Optionally, the processor 1001 can perform various functions of the communication device 1000 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1002 and calling data stored in the memory 1002, such as performing the communication methods shown in FIG4 or FIG7 above.

[0266] In a specific implementation, as one example, processor 1001 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG10.

[0267] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 1000 may also include multiple processors, such as processors 1001 and 1004 shown in FIG. 10. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0268] The memory 1002 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 1001 to execute it. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0269] Optionally, the memory 1002 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 1002 may be integrated with the processor 1001 or may exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1001 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1000 (not shown in FIG. 10). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0270] Transceiver 1003 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 1000 is a terminal, transceiver 1003 can be used to communicate with a network device or with another terminal device. As another example, if communication device 1000 is a network device, transceiver 1003 can be used to communicate with a terminal or with another network device.

[0271] Optionally, transceiver 1003 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in Figure 10). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0272] Optionally, the transceiver 1003 can be integrated with the processor 1001 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1001 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1000 (not shown in FIG10). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0273] It is understood that the structure of the communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. Actual communication devices may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0274] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1000 can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0275] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, 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, etc.

[0276] 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 ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (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).

[0277] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in 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. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0278] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article 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, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0279] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0280] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes 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.

[0281] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0282] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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.

[0285] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0286] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes all the various possible memories described above.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: During the call period of the first service, M first type frames are sent during the transmission interval, and the period of sending the first type frames is the same as the period of the transmission interval during the call period. After acquiring N second-type frames, Y second-type frames are sent during the transmission interval of the silent period of the first service. The transmission interval during the call period has the same period as the transmission interval during the silent period, and the period of sending the second-type frames has the same period as the transmission interval during the silent period. The Y second-type frames are acquired after acquiring the N second-type frames. Where M, N, and Y are integers greater than or equal to 1.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The value of N is determined based on M, the period of the transmission interval during the call, and the period of acquiring the first type of frame.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The period of the transmission interval during the call is greater than or equal to the period of acquiring the first type of frame.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The period for acquiring the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the transmission interval within the silent period.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive or send first information, the first information indicating the period of transmission intervals during the call period and / or the period of transmission intervals during the silence period.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive or send second information, the second information being used to activate semi-static scheduling, the semi-static scheduling being used to instruct the transmission of the first type of frames at the period of the transmission interval during the call period, and the transmission of the second type of frames at the period of the transmission interval during the silent period.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The transmission interval during the quiet period of the first service, sending Y second-type frames, includes: After sending the first y1 second-type frames of the Y second-type frames, the (y1+1)th second-type frame is sent, and the (y1+1)th second-type frame is the same as the y1th second-type frame; Where y1 is an integer less than Y and greater than or equal to 1.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The transmission interval during the quiet period of the first service, sending Y second-type frames, includes: After sending the first y1 second-type frames out of the Y second-type frames, a padding frame is sent, where y1 is an integer less than Y and greater than or equal to 1.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The value of y1 is determined based on M, the period of the transmission interval during the call, the period of acquiring the first type of frame, and the period of acquiring the second type of frame.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: After sending the (y1+1)th second-type frame, and after sending the y2th second-type frame, the y3rd second-type frame is sent. The y3rd second-type frame is the same as the (y3-1)th second-type frame, where y3 = y1+1 + y2+1. or, After sending the (y1+1)th second-type frame, and after sending the y2th second-type frame, a padding frame is sent. Where y2 and y3 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: After sending y1 second-type frames and one padding frame, and then after sending y2 second-type frames, the y4th second-type frame is sent. The y4th second-type frame is the same as the y4-1th second-type frame, where y4 = y1 + y2 + 1. or, After sending y1 second-type frames and one padding frame, after sending y2 second-type frames, send one padding frame; Where y2 and y4 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The value of y2 is determined based on the period of the transmission interval during the silent period and the period of acquiring the second type of frame.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: During the transmission interval of the first service call period, M first type frames are received from the first communication device; The period for receiving the first type of frame is the same as the period of the transmission interval during the call; During the silent period of the first service, Y second-type frames are received from the first communication device during the transmission interval. The period for receiving the second-type frames is the same as the period of the transmission interval during the silent period. The transmission interval during the call period is the same as the period of the transmission interval during the silent period. The Y second-type frames are acquired and sent by the first communication device after acquiring N second-type frames. Where M, N, and Y are integers greater than or equal to 1.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, include: During the call period of the first service, a first type of frame is sent during the transmission interval, and the period of sending the first type of frame is the same as the period of the transmission interval during the call period. During the silent period of the first service, a second type of frame is sent during the transmission interval. The period of sending the second type of frame is different from the period of the transmission interval during the silent period. The transmission interval during the call period is the same as the period of the transmission interval during the silent period. The period of acquiring the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the transmission interval during the silent period.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The period of the transmission interval during the call is greater than or equal to the period of acquiring the first type of frame.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive or send first information, the first information indicating the period of transmission intervals during the call period and / or the period of transmission intervals during the silence period.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive or send a second message, the second message being used to activate a semi-static scheduling, the semi-static scheduling being used to instruct the transmission of the first type of frames at the period of the transmission interval within the call period.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Before sending the second type of frame during the transmission interval within the quiet period of the first service, the method further includes: Receive or send third information, which is used to deactivate the semi-static scheduling.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, The second type of frame is multiple; the transmission interval during the quiet period of the first service to send the second type of frame includes: During the quiet period of the first service, the i-th second type frame is sent during the transmission interval. If the (i+1)th second type frame is not obtained, a padding frame is sent on the time domain resource corresponding to the (i+1)th second type frame. Where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, include: During the transmission interval of the first service call period, a first type of frame is received from the first communication device; The period for receiving the first type of frame is the same as the period of the transmission interval during the call; During the silent period of the first service, the transmission interval receives a second type of frame from the first communication device. The period for receiving the second type of frame is different from the period of the transmission interval during the silent period. The period of the transmission interval during the call period is the same as the period of the transmission interval during the silent period. The period for the first communication device to acquire the second type of frame is greater than or equal to the period of the transmission interval during the silent period.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Receiving a second type of frame from the first communication device during the transmission interval in the quiet period of the first service includes: During the transmission interval of the quiet period of the first service, the i-th second type frame from the first communication device is received; A padding frame is received on the temporal resource corresponding to the (i+1)th second type frame; The method further includes: During decoding, the filling frame is replaced with the i-th second type frame; Where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-12, or a module for performing the method as described in claim 13, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 14-19, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 20-21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processing unit and a storage unit; the storage unit is used to store computer instructions, which, when executed by the processing unit, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-12 to be executed, or cause the method as described in claim 13 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 14-19 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 20-21 to be executed.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, or cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in claim 13, or cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 14-19, or cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 20-21.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-12 to be performed, or the method as described in claim 13 to be performed, or the method as described in any one of claims 14-19 to be performed, or the method as described in any one of claims 20-21 to be performed.

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