Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium and a program product. The communication method comprises: a first network element receiving first information, wherein the first information comprises priority information corresponding to a service supported by a terminal. By means of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the power consumption of a terminal can be reduced, and the communication efficiency can be improved.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products. Background Technology

[0002] As next-generation communication functions and services expand from communication to fields such as sensing, computing, and artificial intelligence, terminals can support an increasing number of services. For example, terminals can support artificial intelligence and computing-related services, as well as services involving high data transmission volumes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] How to manage the priority information of the services supported by the terminal in order to save the terminal's power consumption is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0004] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: a first network element receiving first information, the first information including priority information corresponding to services supported by the terminal.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: a terminal sending first information to a first network element, the first information including priority information corresponding to services supported by the terminal.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: a second network element sending subscription data to a first network element, the subscription data including priority information, the priority information including at least one service supported by a terminal and at least one of the priorities corresponding to each service supported by the terminal; or, the second network element receiving priority information sent by the first network element, the priority information being priority information corresponding to the services supported by the terminal.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for performing the communication method of any of the above aspects.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including a first network element, a terminal, and a second network element, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect, and the second network element is configured to implement the communication method of the third aspect.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any of the above aspects.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, the communication method of any of the above aspects is implemented.

[0012] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first network element receives first information, which includes priority information corresponding to the services supported by the terminal. That is, the services supported by the terminal have corresponding priority information, which facilitates the regulation of the terminal's services based on priority, thereby saving the terminal's power consumption and improving communication efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3A is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 7C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products.

[0033] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method, the method comprising: a first network element receiving first information, the first information including priority information corresponding to services supported by the terminal.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the first network element receives first information, which includes priority information corresponding to the services supported by the terminal. That is, the services supported by the terminal have corresponding priority information, which facilitates the regulation of the terminal's services based on priority, thereby saving the terminal's power consumption and improving communication efficiency.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first request sent by the terminal; the first information includes at least one of a first capability, a first service list, and a second service list, wherein the first capability indicates that the terminal supports energy efficiency services, the first service list includes at least one first service supported by the terminal, the second service list includes at least one second service supported by the terminal, and the priority of the first service is higher than the priority of the second service.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first request sent by the terminal; wherein the first information includes: at least one service supported by the terminal, and the priority of each service supported by the terminal.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network element determining whether the terminal is authorized for energy efficiency services based on the terminal's subscription data; in response to the terminal being authorized for energy efficiency services, the first network element sending the priority information to the second network element.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network element sending a first response to the terminal, the first response corresponding to the first request, the first response including policy information and parameters.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is subscription information sent by the second network element, and the subscription data includes at least one service supported by the terminal and the priority of each service supported by the terminal.

[0040] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element storing the priority information in terminal context information.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network element receiving a second request sent by the terminal, the second request being used to update the priority information, the second request including at least one of the following: an updated first service list, an updated second service list, and updated priorities corresponding to each service supported by the terminal.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network element updating the priority information based on the second request.

[0043] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element sending updated priority information to the second network element.

[0044] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element sending a second response to the terminal, the second response corresponding to the second request.

[0045] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element receiving a first notification sent by the second network element, the first notification being used to notify that the priority information has been updated.

[0046] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element updating the priority information based on the first notification.

[0047] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element sending a first confirmation message to the second network element, the first confirmation message corresponding to the first notification.

[0048] Secondly, this disclosure provides a communication method, which includes: a terminal sending first information to a first network element, the first information including priority information corresponding to services supported by the terminal.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first request sent by the terminal; the first information includes at least one of a first capability, a first service list, and a second service list, wherein the first capability indicates that the terminal supports energy efficiency services, the first service list includes at least one first service supported by the terminal, the second service list includes at least one second service supported by the terminal, and the priority of the first service is higher than the priority of the second service.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first request sent by the terminal; wherein the first information includes: at least one service supported by the terminal, and the priority of each service supported by the terminal.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal receiving a first response sent by the first network element, the first response corresponding to the first request, the first response including policy information and parameters.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal sending a second request to the first network element, the second request being used to update the priority information, the second request including at least one of the following: an updated first service list, an updated second service list, and updated priorities corresponding to each service supported by the terminal.

[0053] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the second aspect, the method further includes: the terminal receiving a second response sent by the first network element, the second response corresponding to the second request.

[0054] Thirdly, this disclosure provides a communication method, which includes: a second network element sending subscription data to a first network element, the subscription data including priority information, the priority information including at least one service supported by the terminal and at least one of the priorities corresponding to each service supported by the terminal; or, the second network element receiving priority information sent by the first network element, the priority information being priority information corresponding to the services supported by the terminal.

[0055] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the third aspect, the method further includes: the second network element sending a first notification to the first network element, the first notification being used to notify that the priority information has been updated.

[0056] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the third aspect, the method further includes: the second network element receiving a first confirmation message sent by the first network element, the first confirmation message corresponding to the first notification.

[0057] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the third aspect, the method further includes: the second network element storing the priority information.

[0058] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the third aspect, the method further includes: the second network element receiving updated priority information sent by the first network element.

[0059] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the communication method described in any of the above aspects.

[0060] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication system including a first network element, a terminal, and a second network element, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect, and the second network element is configured to implement the communication method of the third aspect.

[0061] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the communication methods described above.

[0062] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, the communication method of any of the above aspects is implemented.

[0063] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform any of the communication methods described above.

[0064] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the alternative implementations of any of the preceding aspects.

[0065] It is understood that the aforementioned network elements, terminals, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] This disclosure provides communication methods, terminals, network devices, communication systems, and storage media. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information sending method," "information receiving method," etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0067] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0068] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0069] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0070] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0071] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0072] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0073] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0074] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0075] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0076] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0077] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0078] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0079] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0080] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0081] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0082] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0083] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0084] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0085] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0086] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0087] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0088] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first network element 101, a terminal 102, and a second network element 103.

[0090] In some embodiments, terminal 102 may be user equipment (UE), and terminal 102 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0091] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0093] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0094] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device, including a first network element 101, a second network element 103, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element 101, the second network element 103, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), 6G Core Network (6GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0095] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 is, for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0096] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as user location updates, user registration network, user handover, etc., or the first network element 101 is responsible for providing a unified policy framework to control network behavior, providing policy rules to the control layer network functions, and also responsible for obtaining user subscription data related to policy decisions, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second network element 103 is, for example, a unified data management network element (UDM) or a unified data repository (UDR).

[0098] In some embodiments, the second network element 103 is used to store terminal information, such as subscription data, the name of which is not limited thereto.

[0099] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0100] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0101] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0102] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0103] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0104] Within the framework and objectives of future development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), sustainability is considered a design principle universally applicable to all use cases. Supporting end-to-end energy efficiency is a key design goal for the sustainability of 6G systems.

[0105] In end-to-end energy efficiency of 6G systems, terminal energy efficiency is a crucial component. Due to the need to support high-power characteristics such as artificial intelligence and computing, and the strong demand for high-data-volume transmission, the power consumption of modems (including baseband and RF) contributes increasingly to the total power consumption of the terminal. Energy-efficient terminal design can further extend battery life while maintaining a certain level of service quality. In 6G systems, it is expected that the network, as a service, will help terminals improve energy efficiency; for example, terminals can subscribe to energy efficiency services to achieve network-assisted power saving. Terminals can also help the network improve system energy efficiency, further reducing the operating costs of mobile operators. Therefore, terminals and networks can mutually benefit from coordinated improvements in energy efficiency.

[0106] For example, after a long trip, a user needs to spend nearly an hour taking a bus home. The user finds their phone battery is below 10% and cannot charge it on the bus. The user instructs the network device to request an energy efficiency boost service for their phone. Following the instruction, the network device applies the energy efficiency boost service to the user's phone. To reduce terminal power consumption, the network device only provides network access for a limited number of predefined basic services (such as voice calls).

[0107] How to prioritize energy-efficient services in 6G is a technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0108] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0109] Step S2101: The terminal sends a first request to the first network element.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a first request sent by the terminal.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first request carries first information, that is, the first information is carried in the first request sent by the terminal.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first information includes priority information corresponding to the services supported by the terminal.

[0113] In some embodiments, priority information is used to represent the priority of a service. Priority can be represented by a numerical value, a priority level, a list, or other forms.

[0114] For example, priority is represented by a numerical value. Priority information can be a value between 0 and 1, such as 0.4, 0.6, etc., where the larger the value, the higher the priority of the service.

[0115] For example, priority can be represented by levels, such as Level 1, Level 2, etc., where a higher level indicates a higher service priority, or a lower level indicates a higher service priority.

[0116] For example, priorities can be represented using lists. Services can be categorized into different priority lists based on their priority level, with different lists corresponding to different priorities. For instance, the first service list might be a high-priority list, and the second service list might be a low-priority list. Services in the first service list have a higher priority than those in the second service list.

[0117] In some embodiments, priority information can be represented in the form of key-value pairs, where the key corresponds to the service supported by the terminal and the value pair corresponds to the priority of the service.

[0118] In some embodiments, priority information can be represented in the form of a priority list. There can be one or more priority lists, and each priority list includes one or more services. Each priority list corresponds to a different priority.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terminal may support one or more services, the terminal may set a priority for each service, and the terminal may send the priority information corresponding to the service to the first network element.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first network element is used to receive priority information corresponding to services supported by the terminal. The first network element may store the priority information corresponding to services supported by the terminal, and may also send the priority information corresponding to services supported by the terminal to a second network element. When the priority information is updated, the first network element is used to receive the updated priority information.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a Policy Control Function (PCF), but the name is not limited thereto.

[0122] In some embodiments, the second network element is used to store terminal information, such as the terminal's subscription data. Subscription data may also be referred to as subscription information, and the terminology is not limited thereto.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, a Unified Data Manager (UDM) or a Unified Data Repository (UDR), but the name is not limited thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first request may be, for example, a registration request or an energy efficiency service request, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of a first capability, a first service list, and a second service list. The first capability indicates that the terminal supports energy efficiency services. The first service list includes at least one first service supported by the terminal. The second service list includes at least one second service supported by the terminal. The first service has a higher priority than the second service.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first capability may also be referred to as energy efficiency service capability. The first capability indicates that the terminal supports energy efficiency services, which means that when the terminal meets certain conditions, the network device can automatically control the terminal to run higher-priority services and suspend lower-priority services based on service priority information. These conditions may include, for example, the terminal's battery level being below a threshold, or the signal quality of the area where the terminal is located being below a threshold.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first capability can be one of the 5GC mobility management (5GS mobility management, 5GMM) capabilities. The first capability can be sent to the first network element together with other 5GMM capabilities supported by the terminal. Other 5GMM capabilities may be capabilities that support sensing services, capabilities that support artificial intelligence (AI) services, capabilities that support location services, etc.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first service list may also be referred to as the high-priority service list, and the second service list may also be referred to as the low-priority service list. The first service list includes one or more services with higher priority, and the services included in the first service list may be referred to as the first service. The second service list includes one or more services with lower priority, and the services included in the second service list may be referred to as the second service.

[0129] In other embodiments, the first information includes: at least one service supported by the terminal, and the priority of each service supported by the terminal.

[0130] In other embodiments, the first information includes the services supported by the terminal and their corresponding priorities, meaning the terminal can associate supported services with priorities. The priorities can be represented numerically or by priority levels, such as high priority and low priority.

[0131] For example, the terminal supports services such as sensing services, AI services, and location services. Among them, sensing services have low priority, AI services have low priority, and location services have high priority. Therefore, the first piece of information can include [sensing, low priority], [artificial intelligence, low priority], and [location, high priority].

[0132] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first request may further include a terminal identifier.

[0133] In step S2102, the first network element determines whether the terminal is authorized for energy efficiency services based on the terminal's contract data.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first network element can retrieve the terminal's subscription data and determine whether the terminal is authorized for energy efficiency services based on the terminal's subscription data.

[0135] In some embodiments, the terminal's subscription data is stored in the second network element, and the first network element can obtain the terminal's subscription data from the second network element, that is, the second network element can send the terminal's subscription data to the first network element.

[0136] In some embodiments, in response to the terminal's subscription data including energy efficiency services, the first network element determines that the terminal is authorized to provide energy efficiency services; in response to the terminal's subscription data not including energy efficiency services, the first network element determines that the terminal is not authorized to provide energy efficiency services.

[0137] In some embodiments, energy efficiency service may also be referred to as first service, and this disclosure does not limit the name of energy efficiency service.

[0138] In some embodiments, in response to the terminal being authorized to an energy efficiency service, the first network element can store priority information in the terminal context information, and the first network element can send the priority information to the second network element. That is, in response to the terminal being authorized to an energy efficiency service, steps S2103 and S2104 are executed.

[0139] In some embodiments, in response to the terminal not being authorized for energy efficiency services, steps S2103 and S2104 are not executed, and steps S2106 to S2109 are not executed.

[0140] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0141] In step S2103, the first network element stores the priority information in the terminal context information.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first network element stores terminal context information, and the first network element can store the received priority information into the terminal context information.

[0143] In some embodiments, step S2103 is optional, meaning that the first network element may not store the priority information in the local terminal context information.

[0144] In step S2104, the first network element sends priority information to the second network element.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second network element receives priority information sent by the first network element.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second network element may store the received priority information in the terminal's subscription data.

[0147] In some embodiments, priority information can be carried in a notification message, i.e., the first network element sends a notification message to the second network element, and the notification message includes priority information.

[0148] In some embodiments, priority information can be carried in a request message, i.e., the first network element sends a request message to the second network element, and the request message includes priority information. For ease of distinction, this request message can be referred to as a third request. Upon receiving the third request, the second network element can return a third response to the first network element, and the third response corresponds to the third request.

[0149] In step S2105, the first network element sends a first response to the terminal.

[0150] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a first response sent by the second network element.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first response corresponds to the first request.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first response may be, for example, a registration response or an energy efficiency service response, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0153] In some embodiments, when the first network element determines that the terminal is authorized to energy efficiency services, the first response sent by the first network element to the terminal includes policy information and / or parameters.

[0154] In some embodiments, if the first network element determines that the terminal is not authorized to provide energy efficiency services, the first network element sends a first response to the terminal to reject the first request.

[0155] Step S2106: The terminal sends a second request to the first network element.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a second request sent by the terminal.

[0157] In some embodiments, the terminal may update the priority information.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second request may be an update request, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0159] In some embodiments, the second request is used to update priority information, and the second request includes at least one of the following: an updated first service list, an updated second service list, and updated priorities corresponding to each service supported by the terminal.

[0160] In some embodiments, the second request may include an updated first service list and an updated second service list. The terminal may adjust the priority of services, for example, moving a service from the first service list to the second service list, i.e., changing the service's priority from high to low. The terminal may also add supported services to the first and / or second service lists. For example, if the terminal previously did not support AI services but now supports them, the terminal can add the AI ​​service to the first service list, meaning the terminal supports AI services and the AI ​​service is given high priority.

[0161] In other embodiments, the second request may include the updated priorities of various services supported by the terminal. For example, if the terminal supports a sensing service and the sensing service is of low priority, and the terminal currently adjusts the priority of the sensing service to high priority, the terminal may send the sensing service and its updated priority to the first network element. For example, the information sent by the terminal to the first network element may be: [sensing, high priority].

[0162] Step S2107: The first network element updates the priority information based on the second request.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first network element updates the priority information stored in its local terminal context information based on the second request.

[0164] In some embodiments, if the first network element does not store the priority in the local terminal context information, step S2107 can be omitted.

[0165] In step S2108, the first network element sends the updated priority information to the second network element.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second network element receives updated priority information sent by the first network element.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second network element updates the locally stored subscription data based on the updated priority information.

[0168] In some embodiments, the updated priority information can be carried in a notification message, that is, the first network element sends a notification message to the second network element, and the notification message includes the updated priority information.

[0169] In some embodiments, the updated priority information can be carried in a request message, i.e., the first network element sends a request message to the second network element, and the request message includes the updated priority information. For ease of distinction, this request message can be referred to as the fourth request. Upon receiving the fourth request, the second network element can return a fourth response to the first network element, and the fourth response corresponds to the fourth request.

[0170] In step S2109, the first network element sends a second response to the terminal.

[0171] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a second response sent by the second network element.

[0172] In some embodiments, the second response corresponds to the second request.

[0173] In some embodiments, the second response may be, for example, an update response, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0174] In some embodiments, the second response is used to acknowledge receipt of the second request, or the second response is used to indicate that the priority information has been updated.

[0175] The communication method provided in this embodiment includes a first network element receiving first information, which includes priority information corresponding to the services supported by the terminal. That is, the services supported by the terminal have corresponding priority information, which facilitates the regulation of the terminal's services based on priority, thereby saving the terminal's power consumption and improving communication efficiency.

[0176] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2109. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S2106 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0177] In some embodiments, steps S2102 and S2103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0178] In some embodiments, step S2104 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0179] In some embodiments, step S2105 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0180] In some embodiments, steps S2107 and S2108 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0181] In some embodiments, step S2109 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0182] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2A.

[0183] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Figure 2A, priority information is provided by the terminal; in the embodiment of Figure 2B, priority information is provided by a second network element. As shown in Figure 2B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0184] Step S2201: The terminal sends a first request to the first network element.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a first request sent by the terminal.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first request may be, for example, a registration request or an energy efficiency service request, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first request may include a first capability, which indicates that the terminal supports energy efficiency services.

[0188] In this embodiment, the first request may not include priority information corresponding to the services supported by the terminal.

[0189] In step S2202, the first network element sends a contract data request to the second network element.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second network element receives a subscription data request sent by the first network element.

[0191] In some embodiments, a contract data request is used to request contract data.

[0192] In some embodiments, the contract data request may also be referred to as the fifth request, but the name is not limited thereto.

[0193] In step S2203, the second network element sends the contract data to the first network element.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first network element receives subscription data sent by the second network element.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first information may be included in the subscription data sent by the second network element, that is, the priority information corresponding to the terminal-supported services provided by the second network element to the first network element.

[0196] In some embodiments, the subscription data includes priority information, which includes at least one of the services supported by the terminal and the priority of each service supported by the terminal.

[0197] In some embodiments, priority information is included in the terminal's subscription data, the subscription data is stored in the second network element, and the first network element obtains the priority information from the subscription data provided by the second network element.

[0198] In some embodiments, priority information can be represented in the form of key-value pairs, where the key corresponds to the service supported by the terminal and the value pair corresponds to the priority of the service.

[0199] In some embodiments, priority information can be represented in the form of a priority list. There can be one or more priority lists, and each priority list includes one or more services. Each priority list corresponds to a different priority.

[0200] In step S2204, the first network element determines whether the terminal is authorized for energy efficiency services based on the terminal's subscription data.

[0201] In some embodiments, in response to the terminal's subscription data including energy efficiency services, the first network element determines that the terminal is authorized to provide energy efficiency services; in response to the terminal's subscription data not including energy efficiency services, the first network element determines that the terminal is not authorized to provide energy efficiency services.

[0202] In some embodiments, energy efficiency service may also be referred to as first service, and this disclosure does not limit the name of energy efficiency service.

[0203] In some embodiments, in response to the terminal being authorized to energy efficiency services, the first network element can store priority information in the terminal context information, that is, in response to the terminal being authorized to energy efficiency services, step S2205 is executed.

[0204] In some embodiments, in response to the terminal not being authorized for energy efficiency services, step S2205 is not executed, and steps S2207 to S2210 are not executed.

[0205] In step S2205, the first network element stores the priority information in the terminal context information.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first network element stores terminal context information, and the first network element can store the received priority information into the terminal context information.

[0207] Step S2206: The first network element sends a first response to the terminal.

[0208] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a first response sent by the second network element.

[0209] The optional implementation of step S2206 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0210] In step S2207, the terminal sends a second request to the first network element.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a second request sent by the terminal.

[0212] In some embodiments, the terminal can update the priority information in both cases where the first network element obtains priority information from the terminal and cases where the first network element obtains priority information from the second network element.

[0213] The optional implementation of step S2207 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0214] In step S2208, the first network element updates the priority information based on the second request.

[0215] The optional implementation of step S2208 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] Step S2209: The first network element sends the updated priority information to the second network element.

[0217] In some embodiments, the second network element receives updated priority information sent by the first network element.

[0218] The optional implementation of step S2209 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0219] In step S2210, the first network element sends a second response to the terminal.

[0220] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a second response sent by the second network element.

[0221] The optional implementation of step S2210 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0222] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2210. For example, steps S2202 and S2203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and step S2207 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0223] In some embodiments, step S2201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0224] In some embodiments, step S2204 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0225] In some embodiments, step S2205 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0226] In some embodiments, step S2206 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0227] In some embodiments, steps S2207 to S2210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0228] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2B.

[0229] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2C, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0230] Step S2301: The second network element sends the contract data to the first network element.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first network element receives subscription data sent by the second network element.

[0232] In some embodiments, before the second network element sends the subscription data to the first network element, the first network element may send a subscription data request to the second network element, and the second network element responds to the subscription data request by sending the subscription data to the first network element.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first information may be included in the subscription data sent by the second network element, that is, the priority information corresponding to the terminal-supported services provided by the second network element to the first network element.

[0234] In some embodiments, the subscription data includes priority information, which includes at least one of the services supported by the terminal and the priority of each service supported by the terminal.

[0235] In some embodiments, priority information is included in the terminal's subscription data, the subscription data is stored in the second network element, and the first network element obtains the priority information from the subscription data provided by the second network element.

[0236] In some embodiments, priority information can be represented in the form of key-value pairs, where the key corresponds to the service supported by the terminal and the value pair corresponds to the priority of the service.

[0237] In some embodiments, priority information can be represented in the form of a priority list. There can be one or more priority lists, and each priority list includes one or more services. Each priority list corresponds to a different priority.

[0238] In step S2302, the first network element stores the priority information in the terminal context information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first network element stores terminal context information, and the first network element can store the received priority information into the terminal context information.

[0240] In step S2303, the second network element sends a first notification to the first network element.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a first notification sent by the second network element.

[0242] In some embodiments, when priority information is updated, the second network element sends a first notification to the first network element.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first network element has subscribed to the first notification from the second network element, that is, the first network element has subscribed to the terminal priority information update event from the second network element. Therefore, when the priority information is updated, the second network element will automatically send the first notification to the first network element.

[0244] In some embodiments, the second network element can update the priority information.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first notification is used to notify that priority information has been updated.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first notification may be, for example, a contract data update notification, used to notify that the contract data has been updated.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first notification may include updated priority information.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first notification may include at least one of the following: an updated first service list, an updated second service list, and an updated priority for each service supported by the terminal.

[0249] Step S2304: The first network element updates its priority information based on the first notification.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first network element updates the priority information stored in its local terminal context information based on the first notification.

[0251] In step S2305, the first network element sends a first confirmation message to the second network element.

[0252] In some embodiments, the second network element receives a first confirmation message sent by the first network element.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first confirmation message corresponds to the first notification.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first confirmation message is used to confirm receipt of the updated priority information.

[0255] In some embodiments, such as a contract data update confirmation, it can be used to confirm receipt of the first notification.

[0256] The communication method provided in this embodiment includes a first network element receiving first information, which includes priority information corresponding to the services supported by the terminal. That is, the services supported by the terminal have corresponding priority information, which facilitates the regulation of the terminal's services based on priority, thereby saving the terminal's power consumption and improving communication efficiency.

[0257] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2305. For example, step S2301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2303 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S2303-S2305 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0258] In some embodiments, step S2302 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0259] In some embodiments, step S2304 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0260] In some embodiments, step S2305 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0261] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2C.

[0262] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0263] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0264] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0265] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0266] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0267] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value (bool)) represented by true or false, or by a numerical comparison (e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0268] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0269] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first network element, the method including:

[0270] Step S3101: Obtain the first request.

[0271] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, step S2201 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a first request sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a first request sent by other entities.

[0273] Step S3102: Determine whether the terminal is authorized for energy efficiency services based on the terminal's contract data.

[0274] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first network element determines whether the terminal is authorized for energy efficiency services based on the terminal's subscription data.

[0276] Step S3103: Store the priority information in the terminal context information.

[0277] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first network element stores priority information in the terminal context information.

[0279] Step S3104: Send priority information.

[0280] The optional implementation of step S3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first network element sends priority information to the second network element, but it is not limited to this; priority information can also be sent to other entities.

[0282] Step S3105: Obtain the second request.

[0283] The optional implementation of step S3105 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a second request sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a second request sent by other entities.

[0285] Step S3106: Update the priority information based on the second information.

[0286] The optional implementation of step S3106 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first network element updates priority information based on the second information.

[0288] Step S3107: Send the updated priority information.

[0289] The optional implementation of step S3107 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first network element sends updated priority information to the second network element, but it is not limited to this; it may also send updated priority information to other entities.

[0291] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3107. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S3104 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0292] In some embodiments, steps S3102 and S3103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0293] In some embodiments, step S3104 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0294] In some embodiments, steps S3105, S3106, and S3107 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0295] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first network element, the method including:

[0296] Step S3201: Obtain contract data.

[0297] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2301 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] In some embodiments, the first network element receives contract data sent by the second network element, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive contract data sent by other entities.

[0299] Step S3202: Store the priority information in the terminal context information.

[0300] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2302 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0301] Step S3203: Obtain the first notification.

[0302] The optional implementation of step S3203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2303 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a first notification sent by the second network element, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a first notification sent by other entities.

[0304] Step S3204: Update priority information based on the first notification.

[0305] The optional implementation of step S3204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2304 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0306] Step S3205: Send the first confirmation message.

[0307] The optional implementation of step S3205 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2305 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a first confirmation message to the second network element, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a first confirmation message sent by other entities.

[0309] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3205. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S3203 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0310] In some embodiments, steps S3202 and S3203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0311] In some embodiments, steps S3204 and S3205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0312] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0313] Step S4101: Send the first request.

[0314] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0315] In some embodiments, the terminal sends a first request to the first network element.

[0316] Step S4102: Obtain the first response.

[0317] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0318] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a first response sent by the first network element.

[0319] Step S4103: Send the second request.

[0320] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0321] In some embodiments, the terminal sends a second request to the first network element.

[0322] Step S4104: Obtain the second response.

[0323] The optional implementation of step S4104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0324] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a second response sent by the first network element.

[0325] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4104. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0326] In some embodiments, steps S4102, S4103, and S4014 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0327] Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a second network element, the method comprising:

[0328] Step S5101: Obtain priority information.

[0329] The optional implementation of step S5101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] In some embodiments, the second network element receives priority information sent by the first network element.

[0331] Step S5102: Obtain the updated priority information.

[0332] The optional implementation of step S5102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0333] In some embodiments, the second network element receives updated priority information sent by the first network element.

[0334] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 to S5102. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0335] Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a second network element, the method comprising:

[0336] Step S5201: Send the contract data.

[0337] The optional implementation of step S5201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2301 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] In some embodiments, the second network element sends subscription data to the first network element.

[0339] Step S5202: Send the first notification.

[0340] The optional implementation of step S5202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2303 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0341] In some embodiments, the second network element sends a first notification to the first network element.

[0342] Step S5203: Obtain the first confirmation message.

[0343] The optional implementation of step S5203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2305 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0344] In some embodiments, the second network element receives a first confirmation message sent by the first network element.

[0345] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S5201 to S5203. For example, step S5201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0346] Figure 6 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0347] Step S6101: The terminal sends the first information to the first network element.

[0348] The optional implementation of step S6101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0349] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods of the embodiments of the communication system side, terminal side, network element side, etc., which will not be described again here.

[0350] This disclosure provides a communication method capable of managing service priority information for energy efficiency.

[0351] Figure 7A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0352] Step S7101: The UE sends a registration request or an energy service request to the AMF / PCF.

[0353] In some embodiments, the AMF / PCF receives a registration request or energy efficiency service request sent by the UE.

[0354] In some embodiments, the UE sends a request to the AMF to set service prioritization, which includes energy-efficient service capabilities, a high-priority service list, and a low-priority service list as part of the 5GC mobility management (5GMM) capability.

[0355] In some embodiments, the terminal may provide a priority value along with each terminal service capability in the 5GMM capabilities. For example, the terminal supports functions such as sensing, AI, and location. The terminal may associate the service capabilities and priority values ​​together and provide them in the registration request.

[0356] For example, registration request: (UE identifier, 5GMM capabilities: [perception, low priority], [artificial intelligence, low priority], [location, high priority]).

[0357] In some embodiments, the UE provides energy efficiency capabilities only in the request message.

[0358] In step S7102, subscription data is retrieved / updated between AMF / PCF and UDM / UDR.

[0359] In some embodiments, the AMF / PCF can retrieve UE subscription data to check the UE's authorization to use energy efficiency services.

[0360] If the terminal is authorized to use energy efficiency services, the AMF / PCF can provide the UDM with at least one of the following: a priority value, a list of high-priority services, and a list of low-priority services. The UDM stores the priority information locally in the UE context.

[0361] Alternatively, the AMF / PCF can store priority information in the local UE context.

[0362] Alternatively, priority information can be stored in the UE subscription data within the UDM. After checking the UE authorization, the AMF / PCF retrieves the UE subscription data from the UDM and stores the priority information locally.

[0363] In step S7103, the AMF / PCF sends a registration response or an energy service response to the UE.

[0364] In some embodiments, the UE receives a registration response or energy efficiency service response sent by the AMF / PCF.

[0365] In some embodiments, the AMF / PCF sends a response to the UE, and the response message may include policy information and parameters for energy efficiency services.

[0366] Figure 7B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B illustrates the process of updating service priority. As shown in Figure 7B, this disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0367] Step S7201: The UE sends an update request to the AMF / PCF.

[0368] In some embodiments, the UE sends a request to the AMF / PCF to update service priority information. The update request may include at least one of the following: a new list of low-priority services, a new list of high-priority services, and new priority values ​​for supported services.

[0369] Step S7202: Contract data is updated between AMF / PCF and UDM / UDR.

[0370] In some embodiments, upon receiving an update request, the AMF / PCF updates the priority information stored in the UE context and provides the updated information to the UDM / UDR. The UDM / UDR can then update the terminal's subscription data accordingly.

[0371] In step S7203, the AMF / PCF sends an update response to the UE.

[0372] In some embodiments, the AMF / PCF will return an acknowledgment to the UE.

[0373] Figure 7C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7C, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0374] Step S7301: UDM / UDR sends a subscription data update notification to AMF / PCF.

[0375] In some embodiments, terminal subscription data, including priority information, can be updated. After the UE subscription data is updated, the UDM / UDR sends a notification message to the subscribed AMF / PCF.

[0376] In step S7302, the AMF / PCF sends a subscription data update acknowledgement to the UDM / UDR.

[0377] In some embodiments, the AMF / PCF will return an acknowledgment to the UDM / UDR.

[0378] In some embodiments, service priority information may be stored in the UE context in the AMF or in the UE subscription data in the UDM.

[0379] The storage structure for priority information can be as shown in Table 1 or Table 2.

[0380] Table 1

[0381] Table 2

[0382] In some embodiments, the UE can set and update service priority information.

[0383] In some embodiments, the UE can send a request with service priority information to the AMF / PCF.

[0384] In some embodiments, the AMF can store priority information in the UE context.

[0385] In some embodiments, the AMF can update service priority information after receiving a notification message from the UDM / UDR.

[0386] In some embodiments, the AMF can send a request message containing service priority information to the UDM.

[0387] In some embodiments, the AMF can retrieve service priority information from the UE subscription data.

[0388] In some embodiments, UDM / UDR can store storage priority information in UE subscription data.

[0389] In some embodiments, if service priority information is updated, the UDM / UDR can send a notification message to the subscribed AMF / PCF.

[0390] In some embodiments, the UDM / UDR can receive request messages containing priority information from the AMF / PCF.

[0391] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0392] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0393] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only 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, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0394] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0395] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 8A, the first network element 8100 may include a transceiver module 8101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 is used to receive first information.

[0396] In some embodiments, the first network element further includes a processing module.

[0397] In some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first request sent by the terminal; the first information includes at least one of a first capability, a first service list, and a second service list, wherein the first capability indicates that the terminal supports energy efficiency services, the first service list includes at least one first service supported by the terminal, the second service list includes at least one second service supported by the terminal, and the first service has a higher priority than the second service.

[0398] In some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first request sent by the terminal; wherein the first information includes: at least one service supported by the terminal, and the priority of each service supported by the terminal.

[0399] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine whether the terminal is authorized for energy efficiency services based on the terminal's subscription data; the transceiver module is further configured to, in response to the terminal being authorized for energy efficiency services, send the priority information to the second network element.

[0400] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a first response to the terminal, the first response corresponding to the first request, and the first response including policy information and parameters.

[0401] In some embodiments, the first information is subscription data sent by the second network element, and the subscription data includes at least one service supported by the terminal and the priority of each service supported by the terminal.

[0402] In some embodiments, the processing module is used to store the priority information in terminal context information.

[0403] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a second request sent by the terminal, the second request being used to update the priority information, the second request including at least one of the following: an updated first service list, an updated second service list, and updated priorities corresponding to each service supported by the terminal.

[0404] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to update the priority information based on the second request.

[0405] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is also used to send updated priority information to the second network element.

[0406] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a second response to the terminal, the second response corresponding to the second request.

[0407] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a first notification sent by a second network element, the first notification being used to notify that the priority information has been updated.

[0408] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to update the priority information based on the first notification.

[0409] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a first confirmation message to the second network element, the first confirmation message corresponding to the first notification.

[0410] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 8B, the terminal 8200 may include a transceiver module 8201. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8201 is used to send first information to a first network element.

[0411] In some embodiments, the terminal may further include a processing module.

[0412] In some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first request sent by the terminal; the first information includes at least one of a first capability, a first service list, and a second service list, wherein the first capability indicates that the terminal supports energy efficiency services, the first service list includes at least one first service supported by the terminal, the second service list includes at least one second service supported by the terminal, and the first service has a higher priority than the second service.

[0413] In some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first request sent by the terminal; wherein the first information includes: at least one service supported by the terminal, and the priority of each service supported by the terminal.

[0414] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a first response sent by the first network element, the first response corresponding to the first request, and the first response including policy information and parameters.

[0415] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a second request to the first network element, the second request being used to update the priority information, the second request including at least one of the following: an updated first service list, an updated second service list, and updated priorities corresponding to each service supported by the terminal.

[0416] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a second response sent by the first network element, the second response corresponding to the second request.

[0417] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 8C, the second network element 8300 may include a transceiver module 8301. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8301 sends subscription data to the first network element or receives priority information sent by the first network element.

[0418] In some embodiments, the second network element may further include a transceiver module.

[0419] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a first notification to the first network element, the first notification being used to notify that the priority information has been updated.

[0420] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a first confirmation message sent by the first network element, the first confirmation message corresponding to the first notification.

[0421] In some embodiments, the processing module is used to store the priority information.

[0422] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive updated priority information sent by the first network element.

[0423] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0424] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 9100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 9100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 9100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0425] As shown in Figure 9A, the communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 9100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 9101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 9100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0426] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9102. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9102, the transceiver 9102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto) in the above method, such as sending and / or receiving, while the processor 9101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0427] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9103 may be located outside the communication device 9100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 9100 may include one or more interface circuits 9104. Optionally, the interface circuits 9104 are connected to the memories 9103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 9103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 9103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 9104 can read data stored in the memories 9103 and send that data to the processor 9101.

[0428] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 may not be limited by FIG. 9A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0429] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 9200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 9200 shown in Figure 9B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0430] Chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201. Chip 9200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0431] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9203 may be located outside chip 9200. Optionally, interface circuit 9202 is connected to memory 9203, and interface circuit 9202 can be used to receive data from memory 9203 or other devices, and interface circuit 9202 can be used to send data to memory 9203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 9202 can read data stored in memory 9203 and send the data to processor 9201.

[0432] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 9202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto). For example, the interface circuit 9202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method means that the interface circuit 9202 performs data interaction between the processor 9201, the chip 9200, the memory 9203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 9201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto).

[0433] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0434] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 9100, cause the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0435] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0436] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

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