Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: sending a reference signal; sending a first message, wherein the first message is used for requesting measurement information corresponding to the reference signal, and the first message is a message in a random access procedure; and receiving a second message from a network device, wherein the second message comprises the measurement information. In the method, terminal devices can obtain measurement information from a network side while in an RRC idle state without the need to enter an RRC connected state, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal devices in obtaining the measurement information, and achieving low-power positioning or sensing on the basis of the measurement information.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510081821.0, filed on January 17, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] Mobile communication networks support various positioning technologies, including Time of Arrival (TDOA), Angle of Departure (AOD), Angle of Arrival (AOA), and Round Trip Time (RTT). Measurement devices (such as base stations and terminal equipment) can measure received reference signals to obtain measurement information, which can be used for positioning. This measurement information may include the values ​​of measurement parameters.

[0005] Currently, a terminal device can only achieve positioning when it is in either a connected (RRC) or inactive (RRC) state. This is because when the terminal device is in either RRC connected or inactive state, it can communicate with network devices to obtain the measurement information needed for positioning.

[0006] However, how to enable terminal devices in the RRC idle state to obtain measurement information from network devices remains an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for enabling a terminal device in an RRC idle state to obtain measurement information from a network device.

[0008] Firstly, this application provides a communication method, wherein the execution subject of the method is a terminal device or a module or chip within the terminal device; the method is described here using a terminal device as the execution subject as an example. The method includes: sending a reference signal; sending a first message, wherein the first message is used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal; the first message is a message during a random access process; and receiving a second message from a network device, wherein the second message includes the measurement information.

[0009] Using this method, the terminal device does not need to enter the RRC connected state; it can obtain measurement information from the network side while in the RRC idle state. This reduces the power consumption of the terminal device in obtaining measurement information and enables low-power positioning or sensing based on the measurement information.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first message is at least one of message 1, message 3, or message A.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the second message is a paging message or a message during the random access process.

[0012] This method allows terminal devices in the RRC idle state to receive the second message without entering the RRC connected state, thereby obtaining measurement information and reducing the power consumption of the terminal devices.

[0013] In one possible implementation, if the second message is a message in the random access process, the second message is message 4 or message B.

[0014] In one possible implementation, at least one of the following items of the first message corresponds to the reference signal:

[0015] The format of the preamble of the first message; the root sequence index of the preamble of the first message; the cyclic shift of the preamble of the first message; the time-frequency resources of the first message; and the timing of the random access channel for the first message.

[0016] This method enables network devices to determine that the preamble format of the first message corresponds to the reference signal, thus confirming that the first message is not used for random access but rather to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a radio resource control release message from the network device, the radio resource control release message being used to indicate the correspondence.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the radio resource control release message is further used to indicate at least one configuration information of the reference signal, the configuration information being used to indicate the time-frequency resources of the reference signal.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first message is further used to indicate first configuration information, which is one of the at least one configuration information, and the first configuration information is the configuration information of the reference signal.

[0020] This method allows the terminal device to provide first configuration information, enabling the network device to determine the configuration information corresponding to the reference signal in advance. This reduces the complexity of the network device receiving the reference signal and improves efficiency.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first message is used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal, including: the first message is used to request the periodic transmission of measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first message further indicates at least one of the following: the type of the measurement information; the distribution cycle of the measurement information; the granularity of the measurement information; the number of requested measurement information; and the maximum duration between the measurement information and the reference signal corresponding to the measurement information.

[0023] By using the above method, indicating the type of measurement information in the first message allows network devices to clearly define the type of measurement information to be sent, reducing measurement information overhead. Indicating the granularity of the measurement information in the first message allows terminal devices to request measurement information of appropriate granularity to match granularity requirements. Indicating the quantity of measurement information in the first message prevents the network side from sending more measurement information than the terminal device needs, reducing measurement information overhead. Indicating the maximum duration in the first message allows network devices to stop sending measurement information if the duration between the measurement information and the reference signal exceeds the maximum duration, reducing the sending of invalid measurement information and further reducing measurement information overhead.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the second message is a paging message, and the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) of the paging message is associated with the reference signal.

[0025] This method can prevent the paging message from being received by other devices, thus increasing the security of the paging message.

[0026] Secondly, this application provides a communication method, wherein the execution subject of the method is a network device or a module or chip within a network device; the method is described here using a network device as an example. The method includes: receiving a reference signal from a terminal device; receiving a first message from the terminal device, the first message being used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal; the first message being a message during a random access process; and sending a second message to the terminal device according to the first message, the second message including the measurement information.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first message is at least one of message 1, message 3, or message A.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the second message is a paging message or a message during the random access process.

[0029] In one possible implementation, if the second message is a message in the random access process, the second message is message 4 or message B.

[0030] In one possible implementation, at least one of the following items of the first message corresponds to the reference signal:

[0031] The format of the preamble of the first message; the root sequence index of the preamble of the first message; the cyclic shift of the preamble of the first message; the time-frequency resources of the first message; and the timing of the random access channel for the first message.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a radio resource control release message, the radio resource control release message being used to indicate the correspondence.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the radio resource control release message is further used to indicate at least one configuration information of the reference signal, the configuration information being used to indicate the time-frequency resources of the reference signal.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first message is further used to indicate first configuration information, which is one of the at least one configuration information, and the first configuration information is the configuration information of the reference signal.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first message is used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal, including:

[0036] The first message is used to request the periodic transmission of measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first message further indicates at least one of the following: the type of the measurement information; the distribution cycle of the measurement information; the granularity of the measurement information; the number of requested measurement information; and the maximum duration between the measurement information and the reference signal corresponding to the measurement information.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the second message is a paging message, and the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) of the paging message is associated with the reference signal.

[0039] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device capable of implementing any of the methods provided in any of the first to second aspects described above. This communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the network device or terminal device described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and devices such as terminal devices.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the methods provided in any of the first or second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor implements the functional modules of the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects through logic circuits or by executing computer programs or instructions. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions.

[0044] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product storing instructions is provided, which, when read and executed by a computer, implements the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, a circuit is provided for performing the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above. The circuit may include chip circuitry. Optionally, the circuit may also be coupled to a memory.

[0047] Eighthly, a chip is provided, comprising a processor, which, when executing a computer program or instructions, implements the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above. Optionally, the chip may further include a memory, and the chip may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0048] A ninth aspect provides a communication device including a processor that implements the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects by means of logic circuits or by executing computer programs or instructions.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising a unit or module for performing a method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0050] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system. The communication system includes: a terminal device for implementing the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; and a network device for implementing the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. The terms "first," "second," and corresponding terminology in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be interchanged where appropriate; this is merely a way of distinguishing objects with the same attributes in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of units is not necessarily limited to those units, but may include other units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The methods and apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application are based on the same or similar technical concepts. Since the principles by which the methods and apparatus solve problems are similar, the implementations of the apparatus and methods can refer to each other, and repeated details will not be repeated.

[0059] The method provided in this application can be applied to various mobile communication systems, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), fourth-generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)), fifth-generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., 5G New Radio (NR)), LTE and NR hybrid architectures, or new communication systems emerging in future communication developments. The communication system can also include machine-to-machine (M2M) networks, machine-type communication (MTC) networks, or other networks.

[0060] The following section will first explain some of the terms used in the embodiments of this application so that those skilled in the art can understand them.

[0061] In this embodiment, the network device can be a device in a wireless network, and can also be referred to as a network apparatus, a radio access network device, or an access network device. For example, the network device can be a radio access network (RAN) node that connects a terminal device to a wireless network, and can also be referred to as an access network device. The network device includes, but is not limited to: base station, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), transmission reception point (TRP), next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN), base station in a future mobile communication system, or access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system; or it can be a module or unit that performs some functions of a base station, such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a central unit control plane (CU-CP) module, or a central unit user plane (CU-UP) module. Access network equipment can be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, or donor nodes, etc. This application does not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the network equipment.

[0062] In some implementations, network devices can include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). This includes RAN devices at CU and DU nodes that separate the protocol layers of the gNB in ​​the NR system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed across the DUs, which are then centrally controlled by the CU. Furthermore, the CU can be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP). The CU-CP handles control plane functions, primarily including radio resource control (RRC) and the corresponding packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) (PDCP-C). PDCP-C is mainly responsible for control plane data encryption / decryption, integrity protection, and data transmission. The CU-UP handles user plane functions, primarily including the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) and the corresponding PDCP (PDCP-U). SDAP is mainly responsible for processing core network data and mapping flows to bearers. PDCP-U is primarily responsible for data plane encryption / decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission. CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via the E1 interface. CU-CP represents the gNB connected to the core network via the NG interface and to the DU via the F1 interface control plane (F1-C). CU-UP is connected to the DU via the F1 interface user plane (F1-U). Alternatively, PDCP-C may also be located within CU-UP.

[0063] It is understood that CU (including CU-CP or CU-UP) or DU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) 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, and CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU as examples. Network devices may also include active antenna units (AAU). CU implements some of the functions of gNB, and DU implements some of the functions of gNB. For example, CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the RRC layer. DU is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical (PHY) layer. In some deployments, the CU can also be divided into a centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) node and a centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) node. The CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions, while the CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions.

[0064] The terminal device involved in this application embodiment can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The terminal device can be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), terminal, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can also be a chip or system-on-a-chip, which is built into the aforementioned user equipment (UE), terminal, mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT). The terminal device can be a device including wireless communication functions (providing voice / data connectivity to the user). For example, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or an in-vehicle device, in-vehicle module, etc. Currently, examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, intelligent vehicles, in-vehicle infotainment systems (or onboard transmitters) (T-boxes), machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT). of things, IoT (Internet of Things) terminal devices, etc.For example, terminal devices can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, on-board units (OBU), roadside units (RSU), T-boxes, chips, or systems-on-chips (SOCs), which can be installed in vehicles, OBUs, RSUs, or T-boxes. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, etc. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, set-top boxes, etc. Terminal devices can also be V2X devices, such as smart cars, digital cars, unmanned cars, driverless cars, pilotless cars, autonomous cars, pure electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), new energy vehicles, and roadside units (RSUs). Terminal devices can also be devices in device-to-device (D2D) communication, such as electricity meters and water meters. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection.

[0065] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture diagram of a communication system 1000 applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one wireless access network device (110a and 110b in Figure 1) and at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1). The terminal device is wirelessly connected to the wireless access network device, and the wireless access network device is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the core network. The core network device and the wireless access network device may be independent physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the wireless access network device may be integrated on the same physical device, or a single physical device may integrate some of the functions of the core network device and some of the functions of the wireless access network device. Terminal devices and wireless access network devices may be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Figure 1 is just a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0066] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application. This communication system is illustrated using the positioning architecture in LTE and NR as an example. As shown in Figure 2, the network elements / modules involved mainly include three parts: next-generation radio access network (NG RAN), terminal equipment, and core network.

[0067] The core network includes the Location Management Function (LMF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Service Location Protocol (SLP), and Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC). The location server, i.e., the Location Management Function (LMF), connects to the AMF, and the LMF and AMF communicate via the NLs interface. The UE communicates with the serving base station via the Uu link; the Ng-eNB is an LTE base station, and the gNB is an NR base station, communicating with each other via the Xn interface; the base station communicates with the AMF via the NG-C interface, and the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) acts as a router for communication between the gNB and the LMF; the LMF performs location estimation for the UE, and the AMF and LMF communicate with each other via the NLs interface. The LMF is responsible for supporting different types of location services for terminal devices, including locating the terminal device and transmitting auxiliary data to it. The LMF can perform location calculations for the terminal device based on measurements from other network elements. The AMF can receive location service requests related to the terminal device from the 5th generation core network location services (5GC LCS) entity, or the AMF itself can initiate some location services on behalf of a specific terminal device and forward the location service requests to the LMF. After obtaining the location information returned by the terminal device, the AMF returns the relevant location information to the 5GC LCS entity.

[0068] NG RAN can include next-generation node B (gNB) and next-generation evolved node B (ng-eNB). gNB and ng-eNB are connected via the Xn interface, and LMF is connected to ng-eNB / gNB via the NG-C interface.

[0069] One or more network devices on the NG RAN side are configured with resources for transmitting reference signals and send these reference signals to the terminal device. The terminal device measures these reference signals and other downlink signals, and feeds back the measurement results to the LMF to support positioning. It should be understood that this reference signal is used for positioning and can also be called a positioning reference signal. The positioning reference signal can be a PRS, a common reference signal (CRS), channel state information (CSI)-RS, etc. This article uses PRS as an example for illustration; other reference signal methods can refer to this example and will not be elaborated further here. One possible implementation is that the PRS resources can be configured at the cell level, that is, PRS resources are configured separately for each cell. When the terminal device re-establishes a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the target cell, the base station of the target cell can configure PRS resources for the target cell. The terminal device acquires the PRS resources configured for the target cell to receive and measure PRS on these PRS resources.

[0070] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as LTE systems, 5th generation (5G) systems (e.g., NR), and next-generation communication systems. Of course, the technical solutions in this application can also be applied to other communication systems, as long as the communication system requires the location of terminal devices. Furthermore, the communication system can also be applied to future-oriented communication technologies. The systems described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of network architecture, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0071] It is understood that this application does not specifically limit the structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. It can be applied to modules in terminal devices or network devices, as long as they can communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. The following description takes the interaction between terminal devices and network devices as an example.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes:

[0073] Step 301: The terminal device sends a reference signal.

[0074] Correspondingly, network devices receive reference signals from terminal devices.

[0075] The type of reference signal is not limited. For example, the reference signal in this application can be any of the following: positioning reference signal (PRS), sounding reference signal (SRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), phase-tracking reference signal (PTRS), and sidelink positioning reference signal (SL-PRS).

[0076] In this application, the function of the reference signal is not limited; for example, the reference signal can be used for positioning or sensing.

[0077] The terminal device can be in an RRC idle state. The terminal device can transmit reference signals periodically or non-periodically; this application does not limit this.

[0078] The configuration information of the reference signal can be preset or configured by the network device. For example, when a terminal device enters the RRC idle state, the network device can release the terminal device's RRC connection through a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release message. The network device can also indicate the configuration information of the reference signal through the RRC release message. For instance, the network device can send a RRC release message; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the RRC release message from the network device. The RRC release message can also be used to indicate at least one configuration piece of the reference signal, which indicates at least one of the following: time-frequency resources; transmission period; subcarrier spacing.

[0079] The above are just examples. The configuration information can also indicate other information about the reference signal, which is not limited in this application.

[0080] Optionally, the time-frequency resources indicated by the configuration information can be resources that can be used within a certain area (covering multiple cells). When the terminal device is in the RRC idle state, it does not need to enter the RRC connected state to reacquire the resource configuration of the reference signal within this area, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device and reducing signaling overhead.

[0081] In this application, the network device can measure the reference signal to obtain measurement information, and the specific process is not limited. The types of measurement information include, but are not limited to, time of arrival (TOA), angle of departure (AOD), time difference of arrival (TDOA), angle of arrival (AOA), round trip time (RTT), speed, and phase.

[0082] Step 302: The terminal device sends the first message.

[0083] Correspondingly, the network device receives the first message from the terminal device.

[0084] The first message is used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal, which can be understood as triggering the network side to send measurement information. In this application, the first message is a message during the random access process.

[0085] In one implementation, the first message is the first message sent by the terminal device during the random access process. For example, the first message is message 1 in a four-step random access process, or message A in a two-step random access process. Message 1 can also be called a preamble or a random access preamble. Message 1 or message A is transmitted through the random access channel (RACH).

[0086] In one implementation, the first message is the second message sent by the terminal device during the random access process, for example, the first message is message 3 in the four-step random access process.

[0087] In this application, at least one of the following in the first message corresponds to the reference signal:

[0088] The format of the preamble for the first message; the root sequence index of the preamble for the first message; the cyclic shift of the preamble for the first message; the time-frequency resources of the first message; and the random access channel occasion (RACH, RO) for the first message.

[0089] The preamble format of the first message corresponds to that of the reference signal, meaning the preamble format of the first message is a specific format. Once the network device determines that the preamble format of the first message corresponds to the reference signal, it can conclude that the first message is not used for random access, but rather to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0090] In this context, the preamble root sequence index of the first message corresponds to the reference signal, which can be understood as a specific preamble root sequence index. Once the network device determines that the preamble root sequence index of the first message corresponds to the reference signal, it can conclude that the first message is not used for random access, but rather to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0091] In this context, the cyclic shift of the preamble in the first message corresponds to the reference signal, which can be understood as a specific cyclic shift of the preamble. Once the network device determines that the cyclic shift of the preamble in the first message corresponds to the reference signal, it can conclude that the first message is not used for random access, but rather to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0092] In this context, the time-frequency resources of the first message correspond to the reference signal, which can be understood as specific time-frequency resources. Once the network device determines that the time-frequency resources of the first message correspond to the reference signal, it can conclude that the first message is not used for random access, but rather to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0093] In this context, the random access channel timing of the first message corresponds to the reference signal, which can be understood as a specific random access channel timing. Once the network device determines that the random access channel timing of the first message corresponds to the reference signal, it can conclude that the first message is not used for random access, but rather to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0094] In this application, the aforementioned correspondence can be preset or configured by the network device. For example, the network device may indicate the aforementioned correspondence through a wireless resource control release message.

[0095] Optionally, if the first message is message A, message A can also correspond to a reference signal, meaning message A is a specific message. Once the network device determines that message A corresponds to the reference signal, it can conclude that message A is not used for random access, but rather to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0096] Optionally, if the first message is message 3, message 3 can also correspond to a reference signal, meaning message 3 is a specific message. Once the network device determines that message 3 corresponds to the reference signal, it can conclude that message 3 is not used for random access, but rather to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

[0097] In one implementation, the first message is used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal, which may mean that the first message is used to request the issuance of measurement information once.

[0098] In this implementation, after the terminal device sends the reference signal, if it needs to obtain measurement information, it can send a first message, thereby receiving the measurement information from the network side.

[0099] In another implementation, the first message is used to request the measurement information corresponding to the reference signal. This can mean that the first message is used to request the periodic transmission of the measurement information corresponding to the reference signal, or it can be understood as the first message being used to activate the transmission of periodic measurement information.

[0100] In this implementation, the terminal device can periodically send reference signals and periodically obtain measurement information. The period for sending the reference signals and the period for obtaining the measurement information can be different or the same; this application does not limit this.

[0101] In this application, the first message can also be used to indicate first configuration information, which is one of at least one set of configuration information, specifically configuration information for a reference signal. Optionally, the first configuration information can be configuration information that the terminal device will use, recommend, or switch to. By providing the first configuration information through this method, the terminal device can determine the configuration information corresponding to the reference signal in advance, thereby reducing the complexity of the network device receiving the reference signal and improving efficiency.

[0102] Optionally, the first configuration information may also be indicated by other messages, such as a third message; this application is not limited to this. For example, the first message may be message 1, and the third message may be message 3.

[0103] In this application, the first message can also be used to instruct at least one of the following:

[0104] The types of measurement information, including but not limited to TOA, AOD, TDOA, AOA, RTT, velocity, phase, etc.

[0105] The cycle for sending measurement information;

[0106] The granularity of the measurement information, for example, the granularity of the requested TDOA is 1 nanosecond (ns);

[0107] The amount of measurement information requested;

[0108] The maximum duration between the measurement information and the corresponding reference signal can be understood as the response time of the measurement information. If the duration between the measurement information and the reference signal exceeds this maximum duration, the network device may stop sending the measurement information.

[0109] By employing the above method, the terminal device indicates the type of measurement information via the first message, enabling the network device to clearly define the type of measurement information to be sent, thus reducing measurement information overhead. Indicating the granularity of the measurement information via the first message allows the terminal device to request measurement information of appropriate granularity to match granularity requirements. Indicating the quantity of measurement information via the first message prevents the network side from sending more measurement information than the terminal device needs, reducing measurement information overhead. Indicating the maximum duration via the first message allows the network device to stop sending measurement information if the duration between the measurement information and the reference signal exceeds the maximum duration, reducing the sending of invalid measurement information and further reducing measurement information overhead.

[0110] Optionally, at least one of the following: the type of measurement information, the frequency of measurement information delivery, the granularity of measurement information, the number of requested measurement information, and the maximum duration, may also be indicated by other messages, such as by a third message. This application is not limited in this regard. For example, the first message is message 1, and the third message is message 3.

[0111] Optionally, at least one of the following can be configured by the network device: the type of measurement information, the frequency of measurement information distribution, the granularity of measurement information, the number of requested measurement information, and the maximum duration. This application does not limit this.

[0112] Step 303: The network device sends the second message.

[0113] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives a second message from the network device.

[0114] The second message includes measurement information.

[0115] In one implementation, the second message is a paging message.

[0116] Optionally, the radio network temporary identity (RNTI) of the paging message is associated with a reference signal. This can be understood as the paging message's RNTI being a specific RNTI, such as an area-specific RNTI. This prevents the paging message from being received by other devices, increasing its security.

[0117] In one implementation, the second message is a message in the random access process. For example, the second message is message 4 in a four-step random access process, or the second message is message B in a two-step random access process.

[0118] Optionally, if the terminal device indicates at least one of the following: the type of measurement information, the frequency of measurement information delivery, the granularity of measurement information, the number of requested measurement information, and the maximum duration, the network device may also send measurement information in accordance with the above indications.

[0119] For example, if the terminal device indicates that the type of measurement information is TOA through the first message, then the measurement information sent by the network device is TOA.

[0120] For example, if the terminal device indicates in the first message that the transmission period of the measurement information is T, then the network device will send the measurement information according to the period T.

[0121] For example, if the terminal device indicates that the granularity of the measurement information is 1ns through the first message, then the granularity of the measurement information sent by the network device is 1ns.

[0122] For example, if the terminal device indicates in the first message that the number of measurement information requested is X, where X is an integer greater than 0, then the number of measurement information sent by the network device is X.

[0123] This application does not limit how the terminal device uses the measurement information. For example, the terminal device can perform operations such as positioning or sensing based on the measurement information; the specific process will not be elaborated here.

[0124] The method provided in this application allows the terminal device to obtain measurement information from the network side without entering the RRC connected state. This reduces the power consumption of the terminal device in obtaining measurement information and enables low-power positioning or sensing based on the measurement information.

[0125] Based on the preceding description, a specific example is given below.

[0126] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes:

[0127] Step 401: The network device sends a radio resource control release message to the terminal device.

[0128] The Radio Resource Control Release message is used to release the RRC connection of a terminal device and also to indicate at least one configuration information of the reference signal.

[0129] After receiving the Radio Resource Control Release message, the terminal device enters the RRC idle state.

[0130] When the terminal device is in the RRC idle state, the terminal device can send reference signals through the resources indicated by the configuration information, as described below.

[0131] Step 402: The terminal device sends a reference signal.

[0132] Network devices can measure reference signals and obtain measurement information.

[0133] Step 403: The terminal device sends message 1.

[0134] Message 1 is used to request measurement information. Message 1 is a specific message; for example, at least one of the following in Message 1 corresponds to a reference signal:

[0135] Preamble format; preamble root sequence index; preamble cyclic shift; time-frequency resources; RO.

[0136] If the network device determines that there is a corresponding relationship between at least one of the reference signals in message 1, then it can determine that message 1 is a specific message 1 and that message 1 is used to request measurement information.

[0137] Step 404: The network device sends message 2.

[0138] Message 2 can also be called a random access response (RAR).

[0139] Message 2 may include information such as the scheduling information of message 3, but this application does not limit this.

[0140] Step 405: The terminal device sends message 3.

[0141] Optionally, message 3 indicates at least one of the following: the type of measurement information, the frequency of measurement information delivery, the granularity of measurement information, the number of requested measurement information, and the maximum duration.

[0142] Optionally, message 3 can also be used to indicate first configuration information.

[0143] Step 406: The network device sends message 4.

[0144] Message 4 may include measurement information.

[0145] Optionally, the network device may send measurement information based on at least one of the following: the type of measurement information, the frequency of measurement information transmission, the granularity of measurement information, the number of requested measurement information, and the maximum duration. For details, please refer to the preceding description and it will not be repeated here.

[0146] Optionally, if message 3 is also used to indicate first configuration information, the network device can receive a reference signal based on the first configuration information.

[0147] Optionally, if message 1 is used to request the periodic transmission of measurement information corresponding to the reference signal, the network device can also periodically transmit the measurement information. The network device can periodically transmit measurement information through paging messages; the specific process will not be elaborated further.

[0148] Optionally, if the network device periodically sends measurement information and the terminal device does not need to receive the measurement information, the terminal device can also send a fourth message. This fourth message can be used to cancel or deactivate the periodic measurement information. For example, the fourth message can be message 1 or message A. Correspondingly, if the network device receives the fourth message, it can stop sending measurement information.

[0149] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal device or network device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0150] The following are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminal devices or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0151] As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 500 includes a processing unit 510 and a communication unit 520. The communication device 500 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the various method embodiments shown above.

[0152] When the communication device 500 is used to implement the functions of a terminal device:

[0153] The processing unit is configured to send a reference signal via a communication unit; send a first message, the first message being used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal; the first message being a message during a random access process;

[0154] The processing unit is configured to receive a second message from the network device via the communication unit, the second message including the measurement information.

[0155] When the communication device 500 is used to implement the functions of a network device:

[0156] The processing unit is configured to receive a reference signal from a terminal device via a communication unit; receive a first message from the terminal device, the first message being used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal; the first message being a message during a random access process.

[0157] The processing unit is configured to send a second message to the terminal device via the communication unit based on the first message, the second message including the measurement information.

[0158] More detailed descriptions of the processing unit 510 and the communication unit 520 can be obtained directly from the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0159] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, called and executed by a processing element of the device. Moreover, these units can be fully or partially integrated together, or implemented independently. The processing element here can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the operations or units described above can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0160] In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0161] The receiving unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the receiving unit is an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices. The transmitting unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to transmit signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the transmitting unit is an interface circuit for the chip to transmit signals to other chips or devices.

[0162] As another possible product form, the terminal device or network device of this application embodiment can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, refer to FIG6, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 600 includes a processor 601 and a transceiver 602. The communication device 600 can be a terminal device, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 600 can be a network device, or a chip or module therein. FIG6 only shows the main components of the communication device 600. In addition to the processor 601 and transceiver 602, the communication device 600 may further include a memory 603 and input / output devices (not shown in the figure).

[0163] Optionally, the processor 601 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. The memory 603 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 602 may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry and an antenna. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0164] Optionally, the processor 601, transceiver 602, and memory 603 can be connected via a communication bus.

[0165] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 601 can read the software program in the memory 603, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 601 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then performs RF processing on the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 601. The processor 601 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0166] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor that performs baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0167] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-described communication device 500 can take the form of the communication device 600 shown in FIG6 in terms of hardware implementation.

[0168] As an example, the function / implementation process of the processing unit 510 in FIG5 can be implemented by the processor 601 in the communication device 600 shown in FIG6 calling the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 603. The function / implementation process of the communication unit 520 in FIG5 can be implemented by the transceiver 602 in the communication device 600 shown in FIG6.

[0169] As another possible product form, the terminal device or network device in this application may adopt the composition structure shown in FIG. 7, or include the components shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 700 provided in this application.

[0170] As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 includes at least one processor 701. Optionally, the communication device also includes a communication interface 702.

[0171] When the relevant program instructions are executed in the at least one processor 701, the device 700 may implement the methods and any possible designs provided in any of the foregoing embodiments. Alternatively, the processor 701 may implement the methods and any possible designs provided in any of the foregoing embodiments through logic circuits or executable code instructions.

[0172] The communication interface 702 can be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor, or it can be used for communication interaction between the communication device 700 and other communication devices, such as exchanging control signaling and / or service data. For example, the communication interface 702 can be used to receive signals from other devices besides the communication device 700 and transmit them to the processor 701, or to send signals from the processor 701 to other communication devices besides the communication device 700.

[0173] Optionally, the communication interface 702 can be a code and / or data read / write interface circuit, or the communication interface 702 can be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver, or a chip pin.

[0174] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include at least one memory 703, which can be used to store the required program instructions and / or data. It should be noted that the memory 703 may exist independently of the processor 701 or may be integrated with the processor 701. The memory 703 may be located within or outside the communication device 700, without limitation.

[0175] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a power supply circuit 704, which can be used to power the processor 701. The power supply circuit 704 may be located in the same chip as the processor 701, or in a separate chip outside the chip containing the processor 701.

[0176] Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a bus, through which the various parts of the communication device 700 can be interconnected.

[0177] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 500 shown in FIG5 can take the form of the communication device 700 shown in FIG7 in terms of hardware implementation.

[0178] As an example, the function / implementation process of the processing unit 510 in FIG5 can be implemented by the processor 701 in the communication device 700 shown in FIG7 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 703. The function / implementation process of the communication unit 520 in FIG5 can be implemented by the communication interface 702 in the communication device 700 shown in FIG7.

[0179] It should be noted that the structure shown in Figure 7 does not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal device or network device. For example, in other embodiments of this application, the terminal device or network device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The components shown in the figure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0180] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, which is information sent to the terminal by the base station; or, the terminal chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, which is information sent to the base station by the terminal.

[0181] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a base station, the base station module implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the terminal to the base station; or, the base station module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the base station to the terminal. Here, the base station module can be the baseband chip of the base station, or a DU (Digital Unit) or other modules. The DU can be a DU under an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0182] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0183] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0184] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless 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 integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0185] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0186] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0187] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0188] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0189] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: Send a reference signal; Send a first message, which is used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal; The first message is a message from the random access process; A second message is received from the network device, the second message including the measurement information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first message is at least one of message 1, message 3, or message A.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second message is a paging message or a message during the random access process.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the second message is a message in the random access process, the second message is message 4 or message B.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first message corresponds to at least one of the following: The format of the preamble of the first message; the root sequence index of the preamble of the first message; the cyclic shift of the preamble of the first message; the time-frequency resources of the first message; and the timing of the random access channel for the first message.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a radio resource control release message from the network device, the radio resource control release message being used to indicate the correspondence.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The radio resource control release message is also used to indicate at least one configuration information of the reference signal, the configuration information being used to indicate the time-frequency resources of the reference signal.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first message is also used to indicate first configuration information, which is one of the at least one configuration information, and the first configuration information is the configuration information of the reference signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first message is used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal, including: The first message is used to request the periodic transmission of measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first message also indicates at least one of the following: The type of measurement information; The cycle for sending the measurement information; The granularity of the measurement information; The quantity of the requested measurement information; The maximum duration between the measurement information and the reference signal corresponding to the measurement information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The second message is a paging message, and the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) of the paging message is associated with the reference signal.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive reference signals from terminal devices; Receive a first message from the terminal device, the first message being used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal; The first message is a message from the random access process; A second message is sent to the terminal device based on the first message, the second message including the measurement information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first message is at least one of message 1, message 3, or message A.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The second message is a paging message or a message during the random access process.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, If the second message is a message in the random access process, the second message is message 4 or message B.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The first message corresponds to at least one of the following: The format of the preamble of the first message; the root sequence index of the preamble of the first message; the cyclic shift of the preamble of the first message; the time-frequency resources of the first message; and the timing of the random access channel for the first message.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a radio resource control release message, which is used to indicate the correspondence.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The radio resource control release message is also used to indicate at least one configuration information of the reference signal, the configuration information being used to indicate the time-frequency resources of the reference signal.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first message is also used to indicate first configuration information, which is one of the at least one configuration information, and the first configuration information is the configuration information of the reference signal.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that, The first message is used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal, including: The first message is used to request the periodic transmission of measurement information corresponding to the reference signal.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that, The first message also indicates at least one of the following: The type of measurement information; The cycle for sending the measurement information; The granularity of the measurement information; The quantity of the requested measurement information; The maximum duration between the measurement information and the reference signal corresponding to the measurement information.

22. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that, The second message is a paging message, and the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) of the paging message is associated with the reference signal.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processing unit, used to transmit reference signals via a communication unit; Send a first message, which is used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal; The first message is a message from the random access process; The processing unit is configured to receive a second message from a network device via the communication unit, the second message including the measurement information.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing unit is used to receive reference signals from the terminal device via the communication unit; Receive a first message from the terminal device, the first message being used to request measurement information corresponding to the reference signal; The first message is a message from the random access process; The processing unit is configured to send a second message to the terminal device via the communication unit based on the first message, the second message including the measurement information.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Including processor and memory; The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer contains a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

27. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor coupled to a memory for executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, such that the chip implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer reads and executes the computer program product, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 22 is performed.

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