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 method comprises: receiving, within a first area by means of an LR, downlink information sent by a network device, wherein the first area comprises at least one cell configured with a low-power signal. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, in an area where a low-power signal is deployed, such as a first area, a terminal can receive, when located in any of different cells within the first area, downlink information by means of an LR without activating or waking up MR, thereby effectively improving the energy-saving effect of the terminal.

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] With the development of communication technology, the energy consumption of terminals is also increasing. In order to save energy, many terminal energy-saving technologies have been introduced. For example, Connected-mode Discontinuous Reception (C-DRX) and measurement relaxation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The energy-saving effect of the terminal needs to be improved under the energy-saving method based on low-power signals.

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0006] Downlink information transmitted by network devices is received via a Low Power Wake Up Receiver (LR) within a first area, wherein the first area includes at least one cell configured with low power signals.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0008] Downlink information is sent to the LR of the terminal in a first area, wherein the first area includes at least one cell configured with low-power signals.

[0009] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0010] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein,

[0011] The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0012] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0013] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0014] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of this disclosure provides a program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0016] In this embodiment of the disclosure, in areas where low-power signals are deployed, such as the first area, the terminal can receive downlink information via LR in different cells within the first area without activating or waking up the main transceiver (MR), thereby effectively improving the energy-saving effect of the terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 1B is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figures 2A and 2B are exemplary interactive diagrams of a method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figures 2C to 2E are schematic diagrams illustrating scenarios according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figures 3A to 3D are exemplary interactive schematic diagrams of a method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0028] The downlink information transmitted by the network device is received via LR in the first area, wherein the first area includes at least one cell configured with low power signal.

[0029] In the above embodiments, in areas where low-power signals are deployed, such as the first area, the terminal can receive downlink information through LR in different cells within the first area without activating or waking up MR, thereby effectively improving the energy-saving effect of the terminal.

[0030] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0031] Receive first information sent by the network device, the first information being used to indicate information in the first area.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the terminal can obtain information about the first area by receiving the first information, thereby enabling energy-saving performance to be improved within the first area based on LR communication.

[0033] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0034] Regional information for the first region;

[0035] Configuration information for low-power signals in the first region.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the range of the first region based on the region information of the first region and / or the configuration information of the low-power signal in the first region, thereby achieving maximum energy saving effect in the first region.

[0037] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information of the low-power signal includes at least one of the following:

[0038] Sequence information of the low-power signal corresponding to the first region;

[0039] Frequency information of low-power signals in the first region.

[0040] In the above embodiments, based on the configuration information of low-power signals in the first region, the terminal can receive low-power signals at appropriate times and frequencies, ensuring communication efficiency while saving energy in the terminal.

[0041] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0042] The system receives a second message sent by a network device, which is used to indicate neighboring cell information of the first area.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the terminal can obtain the neighboring cell situation of the first area by receiving the second information, which facilitates the execution of measurements when necessary to ensure communication performance.

[0044] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0045] The configuration information of low-power signals in the second region, wherein the second region is a neighboring region of the first region, and the second region includes at least one cell configured with low-power signals;

[0046] Configuration information of neighboring cells in the first area.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the second information can be configured as a neighboring region or neighboring cell for the terminal, which facilitates the terminal to reselect a region or cell in the future and ensures communication quality.

[0048] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information of the low-power signal in the second region includes at least one of the following:

[0049] Sequence information of low-power signals in the second region;

[0050] Frequency information of low-power signals in the second region;

[0051] Time-frequency resource information for low-power signal monitoring in the second region;

[0052] Scrambling information for low-power signals in the second region;

[0053] Duty cycle for low-power signal monitoring in the second area;

[0054] Limitation parameters for low-power signals in the second region;

[0055] Waveform information of low-power signals in the second region;

[0056] Beam scanning configuration for low-power signals in the second region;

[0057] The time-frequency offset between the main receiver MR and LR in the second region.

[0058] In the above embodiments, based on the configuration of the low-power signal in the second region, the terminal can receive the low-power signal in the second region at appropriate times and frequencies, thereby achieving the necessary measurements while saving energy in the terminal.

[0059] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information of neighboring cells includes at least one of the following:

[0060] Frequency list of neighboring cells;

[0061] Synchronization Signal Physical Broadcast Channel Block Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) for neighboring cells;

[0062] The offset parameters corresponding to neighboring cells.

[0063] In the above embodiments, based on the configuration information of neighboring cells, the terminal can perform relevant neighboring cell measurements and reselection to ensure communication quality.

[0064] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0065] The first measurement result is obtained by measuring the low-power signal in the first region using LR.

[0066] In the above embodiments, measuring the low-power signal in the first region via LR eliminates the need to activate MR, thus saving terminal power consumption. Furthermore, the current signal quality of the first region can be determined using the obtained first measurement results.

[0067] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments,

[0068] If the first threshold is not configured or defined, the low-power signal of the second region is measured via LR to obtain a second measurement result; or,

[0069] Configure or define a first threshold. If the first measurement result is less than the first threshold, measure the low-power signal of the second region through LR to obtain a second measurement result.

[0070] In the above embodiments, after obtaining the first measurement result, the terminal can directly measure the low-power signal of the second region through LR, thereby obtaining the signal quality of the neighboring region while saving terminal power consumption; or, the terminal can perform the measurement of the neighboring region only if the first measurement result meets the first threshold restriction, thereby further saving terminal power consumption.

[0071] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0072] If the first measurement result is less than the second threshold and the second measurement result is less than the third threshold, the third measurement result is obtained by measuring the neighboring cells of the first region using MR.

[0073] If the third measurement result is greater than the fourth threshold, the cell will be reselected to a neighboring cell in the first region.

[0074] In the above embodiment, if the first measurement result is less than the second threshold and the second measurement result is less than the third threshold, it indicates that the signal quality of the low-power signal in the first region and the low-power signal in the second region is poor. At this time, the terminal can activate MR and measure the neighboring cells in the first region through MR to determine the neighboring cells with better signal quality and improve communication performance.

[0075] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0076] If the first measurement result is less than the fifth threshold and the second measurement result is greater than the sixth threshold, then reselect to the second region.

[0077] In the above embodiment, if the first measurement result is less than the fifth threshold, it indicates that the signal quality of the low-power signal in the first region is poor. If the second measurement result is greater than the sixth threshold, it indicates that the signal quality of the low-power signal in the second region is better. The terminal can reselect to the second region with better low-power signal quality to improve communication performance.

[0078] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0079] After reselecting to the second region, the cell to be occupied in the second region is determined by MR;

[0080] The third information sent by the network device is received in the stationed cell. The third information is used to indicate information in the second area and / or information in the neighboring cells of the second area.

[0081] In the above embodiments, after reselecting to the second region, the terminal needs to determine the cell to camp on based on the MR and obtain valid configuration information so that the terminal can receive information through the LR based on the valid configuration information when the MR is dormant or deactivated, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0082] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the area information associated with the second area is different from that of the first area, and the first and second information already obtained by the terminal are invalid.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the area information associated with the second area is different from that of the first area. The terminal needs to obtain the configuration information related to the second area again so that it can achieve terminal energy saving based on the effective configuration information in the second area.

[0084] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after reselecting to the second region, the region information associated with the second region is the same as that of the first region, and the first information and / or the second information already obtained by the terminal is valid.

[0085] In the above embodiments, the second region is associated with the same region information as the first region, indicating that the configuration information of the first region already obtained by the terminal can be applied to the second region. There is no need to re-obtain the configuration information of the second region, and communication can continue in the second region based on the obtained configuration information, further saving terminal power consumption.

[0086] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second region has the same region information as the first region, including at least one of the following:

[0087] The second region has the same area identifier as the first region;

[0088] The sequences of low-power signals corresponding to the second region and the first region belong to the same sequence set.

[0089] In the above embodiments, the regional information of two regions is determined to be the same based on different methods, so that the terminal can obtain effective configuration information in a timely manner, ensuring communication quality, or reducing unnecessary information acquisition, and further improving the terminal's energy-saving effect.

[0090] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0091] Downlink information is sent to the LR of the terminal in the first area, wherein the first area includes at least one cell configured with low power signal.

[0092] In the above embodiments, in areas where low-power signals are deployed, such as the first area, network devices send downlink information to the terminal's LR in the first area, and the terminal receives it based on the LR without needing to activate or wake up the MR, thereby achieving terminal energy saving.

[0093] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0094] Send first information to the terminal. The first information is used to indicate information in the first area.

[0095] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0096] Regional information for the first region;

[0097] Configuration information for low-power signals in the first region.

[0098] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information of the low-power signal includes at least one of the following:

[0099] Sequence information of the low-power signal corresponding to the first region;

[0100] Frequency information of low-power signals in the first region.

[0101] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0102] Send a second message to the terminal, which is used to indicate the neighboring cell information of the first area.

[0103] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0104] The configuration information of low-power signals in the second region, wherein the second region is a neighboring region of the first region, and the second region includes at least one cell configured with low-power signals;

[0105] Configuration information of neighboring cells in the first area.

[0106] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information of the low-power signal in the second region includes at least one of the following:

[0107] Sequence information of low-power signals in the second region;

[0108] Frequency information of low-power signals in the second region;

[0109] Time-frequency resource information for low-power signal monitoring in the second region;

[0110] Scrambling information for low-power signals in the second region;

[0111] Duty cycle for low-power signal monitoring in the second area;

[0112] Limitation parameters for low-power signals in the second region;

[0113] Waveform information of low-power signals in the second region;

[0114] Beam scanning configuration for low-power signals in the second region;

[0115] The time-frequency shift of MR and LR in the second region.

[0116] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the configuration information of neighboring cells includes at least one of the following:

[0117] Frequency list of neighboring cells;

[0118] The SMTC corresponding to the neighboring cell;

[0119] The offset parameters corresponding to neighboring cells.

[0120] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, a low-power signal from the first region is used to obtain a first measurement result.

[0121] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, no first threshold is configured or defined, and the low-power signal of the second region is used to obtain the second measurement result; or,

[0122] Configure or define a first threshold, and if the first measurement result is less than the first threshold, the low-power signal of the second region is used to obtain the second measurement result.

[0123] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first measurement result is less than the second threshold, and the second measurement result is less than the third threshold, and the neighboring cells of the first region are used to obtain the third measurement result;

[0124] If the third measurement result is greater than the fourth threshold, the third measurement result is used to determine the neighboring cell to be reselected to the first region.

[0125] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first measurement result is less than the fifth threshold and the second measurement result is greater than the sixth threshold, and the first measurement result and the second measurement result are used to determine reselection to the second region.

[0126] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0127] After reselecting to the second region, the cell residing in the second region sends third information to the terminal. The third information is used to indicate information about the second region and / or neighboring cell information of the second region.

[0128] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the area information associated with the second area is different from that of the first area, and the first and second information already obtained by the terminal are invalid.

[0129] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after reselecting to the second region, the region information associated with the second region is the same as that of the first region, and the first information and / or the second information already obtained by the terminal are valid.

[0130] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second region has the same region information as the first region, including at least one of the following:

[0131] The second region has the same area identifier as the first region;

[0132] The sequences of low-power signals corresponding to the second region and the first region belong to the same sequence set.

[0133] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0134] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein,

[0135] The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0136] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0137] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0138] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0139] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of this disclosure provides a program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0140] It is understood that the aforementioned communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, etc., 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.

[0141] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method may be used interchangeably.

[0142] 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. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0146] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0147] 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 whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0148] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); 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, and C.

[0149] 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.

[0150] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0151] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0152] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0153] 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”.

[0154] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0155] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0161] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0162] 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.

[0163] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0165] In some embodiments, terminal 101 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.

[0166] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. 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), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0171] 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.

[0172] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. 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.

[0173] 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), 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).

[0174] In some implementations, with the development of communication technologies, communication systems such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G system can meet users' demands for speed, latency, high-speed mobility, energy efficiency, and the diverse and complex needs of future services. The main application scenarios of 5G include: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC). eMBB still aims to provide users with multimedia content, services, and data, and its demand is growing rapidly. On the other hand, because eMBB may be deployed in different scenarios, such as indoors, urban areas, and rural areas, its capabilities and needs vary considerably, so generalizations cannot be made; a detailed analysis based on the specific deployment scenario is necessary. Typical applications of URLLC include: industrial automation, power automation, remote medical operations (surgery), and traffic safety assurance. Typical characteristics of mMTC include: high connection density, small data volume, latency-insensitive services, low module cost, and long service life.

[0175] In some implementations, terminal power saving is a serious issue; for example, 5G terminals in Release 15 (R15) have very high power consumption. To address this, many terminal power saving technologies have been introduced. These include C-DRX and measurement relaxation, which are supported by both 4G and 5G.

[0176] In some implementations, to further enhance terminal power efficiency, Release 16 introduces a wake-up signal (WUS) for Radio Resource Control Connected (RRC) connected-mode terminals. An offset is used to define a duration for transmitting the WUS signal, preceding the on-duration of the terminal's (UE) C-DRX. During this WUS duration, the network device transmits the WUS signal, as shown in Downlink Control Information (DCI) 2-6. This DCI can be scrambled with a Paging Scheduling Radio Network Temporary Identifier (PS-RNTI) to indicate whether the terminal should wake up and listen to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) during the subsequent C-DRX on-duration.

[0177] In some implementations, R17 introduces paging WUS to conserve power for RRC_IDLE or INACTIVE terminals. Network devices can begin sending paging WUS, or paging early indication (PEI), at a certain time before the paging occasion (PO), to indicate whether the terminal is listening for paging scheduling information at that PO. The PEI is DCI 2-7, scrambled using PEI-RNTI.

[0178] In some implementations, Release 18 (R18) introduces a Low Power Wake-up (LR) signal and a Low Power Wake-up (LP-WUS) signal to further enhance terminal energy efficiency. In R18 LP-WUS, as shown in Figure 1B, network devices such as base stations perform downlink (DL) transmissions and send LP-WUS signals to the terminal via their antennas to wake up the terminal from MR sleep. During MR sleep, the terminal uses a separate, lower-sensitivity LR signal to receive the LP-WUS signal. Upon receiving the LP-WUS signal, the terminal's higher-sensitivity MR signal can be woken up for data transmission and reception (or data transmission). The power consumption of the terminal's LR signal is significantly lower than that of the terminal's MR signal.

[0179] In the above implementation, the method of LP-WUS transmission and the relationship between LP-WUS and the cell are not clearly defined. For example, is there a one-to-one relationship between the Low Power-Synchronization Signal (LP-SS) and LP-WUS and a cell?

[0180] In some implementations, LP-WUS and LP-SS have poor coverage, potentially failing to reach the cell's coverage area. For terminals in RRC idle or inactive states, performing traditional cell reselection requires Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements, which in turn requires activating MR. This has limited or negative energy-saving effects on LR-based terminals. Alternatively, if LP-SS is used instead of the Synchronization Signal Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) for RRM measurements to determine cell reselection, many factors influence cell suitability after reselection. Therefore, after the terminal performs cell reselection measurements based on LP-SS, MR still needs to be activated to receive system broadcast information in the new cell and determine cell suitability. This also negatively impacts the energy-saving performance of LR-based terminals. Clearly, the energy-saving performance of terminals using LR or low-power signal-based energy-saving methods needs further improvement.

[0181] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0182] In step S2101, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0183] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives first information sent by network device 102.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate information about the first region.

[0185] Optionally, the first information may be instruction information or configuration information.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first region includes one or more cells, and the first region may be the region where the terminal 101 is currently located.

[0187] Optionally, the first area includes at least one cell configured with a low-power signal, such that a low-power signal can be transmitted on each cell in the first area. The low-power signal may include LP-SS and / or LP-WUS. Optionally, the first area may also be referred to as an LP WUS area or an LP SS area.

[0188] For example, the first area shown in Figure 2C can be an LP-WUS area, which includes multiple cells. Each cell can correspond to a base station, and network device 102 includes base stations corresponding to multiple cells; or, the network device includes the same base station corresponding to multiple cells. In each cell of this LP-WUS area, LP-SS and / or LP-WUS can be transmitted between the base station and terminal 101.

[0189] For example, the first area shown in Figure 2D can be LP-SS area 1, which includes multiple cells.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0191] Regional information for the first region;

[0192] Configuration information for low-power signals in the first region.

[0193] Optionally, the area information of the first area includes the area identifier (area ID) of the first area, wherein the area identifier can identify the corresponding first area;

[0194] Optionally, the region information of the first region includes a set or list of low-power signal sequences in the first region. The set or list of sequences may include signal sequences (or simply sequences) of low-power signals corresponding to multiple cells in the first region. For example, the sequence set may include LP-SS sequences of multiple cells. Alternatively, the set or list of sequences may include sequence information or parameter combinations of low-power signals corresponding to multiple cells in the first region. The sequence information or parameter combinations are used to indicate the relevant parameters for generating the sequences, and may include at least one of the following: parameters M of the low-power signal sequence, sequence length L, sequence index, sequence type, and the table to which the sequence belongs.

[0195] Optionally, the configuration information for the low-power signal in the first region includes at least one of the following:

[0196] The sequence information of the low-power signal corresponding to the first region, wherein the sequence information of the low-power signal is used to represent the sequence of the low-power signal or the sequence generation method. For example, the sequence information may include at least one of the following: sequence length, sequence type, sequence index, sequence set or sequence list to which the sequence belongs.

[0197] Frequency information of low-power signals in the first region, wherein the frequency information is used to characterize the frequency or frequency point when low-power signals are transmitted in the first region.

[0198] Optionally, the low-power configuration information may be LP-SS configuration information and / or LP WUS configuration information.

[0199] Optionally, the sequences of multiple low-power signals corresponding to different cells in the first region can be the same.

[0200] Optionally, the frequency information can also indicate the frequency range (FR), such as whether the configuration information of the low-power signal in the first region is applied to FR1, FR2, or a higher frequency.

[0201] In one example, as shown in Figure 2C, a first region defines an LP-SS region (or LP-WUS region). This LP-SS region contains multiple cells, and each cell transmits the same LP-SS signal sequence (or sequence). This signal sequence may include the region identifier of the LP-SS region; for example, the signal sequence is generated based on the region identifier input of the LP-SS region. In this example, all cells within the LP-SS region can transmit the same LP-SS frequency. At the cell edge, even if the signal of one cell is weak, the terminal can still reliably receive the LP-SS due to the combining gain within the region, thus improving the coverage performance of LP-SS.

[0202] Optionally, LP-WUS may not be based on co-frequency network transmission, that is, the frequency points for transmitting LP-WUS in all cells within the first area are different, and LP-WUS is still transmitted per cell.

[0203] In one example, as shown in Figures 2D and 2E, the first region (LP-SS region 1) is defined as including at least one cell, each cell can be configured with a per-cell LP-SS, such as each cell can send LP-SS. The sequence of LP-SS from multiple cells constitutes the first region, and the terminal 101 determines whether it crosses the first region based on LP-SS detection or measurement. In some embodiments, when the MR is activated, the terminal 101 can obtain first information, such as LP-SS configuration information, from the currently camped cell and obtain the region identifier of the first region, such as the LP-SS region. After obtaining the relevant configuration information, the MR can be deactivated or enter a dormant state.

[0204] Optionally, if the terminal 101 detects a change in the area identifier of the first area, such as the LP-SS area, during movement, the terminal 101 can reactivate MR and initiate a registration process with the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The terminal 101 can obtain LP-WUS configuration information in the currently registered cell. The LP-WUS configuration information can also be per area, meaning each area corresponds to the same LP-WUS configuration information. In this case, the LP-WUS and LP-SS have the same area range, both being the first area.

[0205] Optionally, terms such as activating MR, waking up MR, and starting MR can be used interchangeably. Terms such as deactivating MR, MR in dormant state, and turning off MR can also be used interchangeably.

[0206] 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.

[0207] In some embodiments, the terms "synchronization signal (SS)," "synchronization signal block (SSB)," "reference signal (RS)," "pilot," and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0208] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)," "cell," "frequency carrier," and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0209] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0210] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0211] 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.

[0212] In step S2102, network device 102 sends second information to terminal 101. In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives the second information sent by network device 102.

[0213] Optionally, the second information may be instruction information or configuration information.

[0214] Optionally, network device 102 can send a second message via system information broadcast.

[0215] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate neighboring cell information of the first region. The neighboring cells of the first region include regions adjacent to the first region (neighboring regions) and / or cells adjacent to the first region (neighboring cells). The neighboring cell information may include relevant information about the neighboring regions and / or relevant information about the neighboring cells.

[0216] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0217] The configuration information of low-power signals in the second region; wherein, the second region is a neighboring region of the first region, and the second region includes at least one cell configured with low-power signals, as shown in Figure 2D or Figure 2E. The second region can be LP-SS region 2 in Figure 2D or Figure 2E.

[0218] Configuration information of neighboring cells in the first region; as shown in Figure 2D or Figure 2E, the neighboring cells in the first region can be Cell 1 in Figure 2D or Figure 2E.

[0219] Optionally, when the first region is an LP-SS region, the second region can be an adjacent LP-SS region.

[0220] In some embodiments, the configuration information for the low-power signal in the second region includes at least one of the following:

[0221] The second region contains sequence information of low-power signals, wherein the sequence information of low-power signals is used to represent the sequence of low-power signals or the parameters for generating the sequence, and the sequence information may include at least one of the following: sequence length, sequence type, sequence index, sequence set to which the sequence belongs, or sequence list;

[0222] The frequency information of the low-power signal in the second region; the frequency information can indicate whether the configuration information is applied to FR1, FR2, or a higher frequency.

[0223] The second region contains time-frequency resource information for low-power signal monitoring, including frequency resource information and / or time resource information.

[0224] The second region contains scramble code information for low-power signals, wherein the scramble code information is used to address terminal 101;

[0225] Duty cycle for low-power signal monitoring in the second area;

[0226] The second region contains limiting parameters for low-power signals, wherein the limiting parameters are used to characterize the dedicated parameters configured for low-power signals;

[0227] Waveform information of low-power signals in the second region;

[0228] Beam sweeping related configuration for low-power signals in the second region;

[0229] The second region contains the time-frequency offset between MR and LR, where the time-frequency offset may include frequency or downlink timing offset.

[0230] Optionally, the time-frequency resource information includes at least one of the following:

[0231] Sub-channel index, for example, in a 5MHz frequency resource with 20 sub-channels, this configuration information indicates the sub-channel index where low-power signal monitoring is located;

[0232] A slot index within a period.

[0233] Optionally, the scrambling information can be located in a sub-channel and / or time slot.

[0234] Optionally, the limiting parameters may include at least one of the following:

[0235] Validity area;

[0236] Timer;

[0237] Specific Radio Network Temporary Identity (RNTI) is used to activate or deactivate low-power signals.

[0238] In some embodiments, the configuration information of neighboring cells includes at least one of the following:

[0239] Frequency list of neighboring cells;

[0240] Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) for the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) of the neighboring cell;

[0241] The offset parameters corresponding to neighboring cells.

[0242] Optionally, the offset parameters include at least one of the following: frequency-level offset parameters; cell-level offset parameters.

[0243] Optionally, the configuration information of neighboring cells can be found in the relevant methods.

[0244] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the low-power signal in the second region and the configuration information of the neighboring cells may include other information in addition to the information listed in the above embodiments.

[0245] In some embodiments, the terminal may obtain first information and / or second information through MR.

[0246] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, such as in scenarios where mobility management is not involved, where the network device 102 may not configure the second information.

[0247] 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.”

[0248] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0249] In some embodiments, the terms "precoding", "precoder", "weight", "precoding weight", "quasi-co-location (QCL)", "transmission configuration indication (TCI) status", "spatial relation", "spatial domain filter", "transmission power", "phase rotation", "antenna port", "antenna port group", "layer", "the number of layers", "rank", "resource", "resource set", "resource group", "beam", "beam width", "beam angular degree", "antenna", "antenna element", and "panel" can be used interchangeably.

[0250] In some embodiments, the terms “frame”, “radio frame”, “subframe”, “slot”, “sub-slot”, “mini-slot”, “symbol”, “symbol”, and “transmission time interval (TTI)” can be used interchangeably.

[0251] In step S2103, network device 102 sends downlink information to the LR of terminal 101 in the first area.

[0252] In some embodiments, after the network device 102 configures the first information or after the terminal 101 obtains the first information, the MR of the terminal 101 may be in a deactivated or dormant state, and receive downlink information through the LR.

[0253] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives downlink information sent by network devices via LR within a first area.

[0254] In some embodiments, LR refers to a receiving module for receiving or processing signals or channels related to low-power wake-up.

[0255] In some embodiments, MR refers to a transmission and / or reception module for processing signals or channels such as 5G NR signals or channels, other than those associated with low-power wake-up.

[0256] In some embodiments, downlink information may include paging, system broadcast information, service data or other information, and the content of downlink information is not limited in this disclosure.

[0257] Optionally, within this first area, terminal 101 does not need to activate MR, nor perform cell selection and reselection. Network devices can perform paging within this first area, and terminal 101 can also listen based on LR. Thus, within this first area, terminal 101 completes relevant communication needs based on LR without activating or waking up MR, resulting in significant energy savings.

[0258] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0259] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0260] In step S2104, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the first region through LR to obtain the first measurement result.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first measurement result is used to characterize the signal quality of the low-power signal in the first region. The first measurement result includes signal quality parameters of the low-power signal in the first region. For example, the signal quality parameter may be the Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP).

[0262] Optionally, terminal 101 measures the LP-SS of the first region via LR to obtain the first measurement result.

[0263] Optionally, the MR can be kept in a deactivated or dormant state during this step to achieve energy saving.

[0264] In step S2105, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the second region through LR to obtain the second measurement result.

[0265] In some embodiments, the second measurement result is used to characterize the signal quality of the low-power signal in the second region. The second measurement result includes signal quality parameters of the low-power signal in the second region, such as RSRP.

[0266] In some embodiments, when no first threshold is configured or defined, after obtaining the first measurement result, the terminal 101 can directly measure the low-power signal of the second region through LR to obtain the second measurement result.

[0267] Alternatively, if the first threshold is not configured or defined, terminal 101 may continuously perform measurements of the low-power signal in the second region based on system broadcast measurements.

[0268] In some embodiments, when configuring or defining a first threshold, if the first measurement result is less than the first threshold, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the second region via LR to obtain a second measurement result. For example, if the RSRP of the low-power signal in the first region is less than the first threshold, then terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the second region via LR. The first threshold is a preset threshold value, which can be configured by network device 102 or defined by a protocol.

[0269] Optionally, if the first measurement result is less than the first threshold, it indicates that the signal quality of the low-power signal in the first area is poor. In this case, it is necessary to reselect to other areas or cells to ensure communication quality.

[0270] Optionally, terminal 101 measures the LP-SS of the second region via LR to obtain a second measurement result.

[0271] Optionally, the MR can be kept in a deactivated or dormant state during this step to achieve energy saving.

[0272] In step S2106, terminal 101 obtains a third measurement result by measuring neighboring cells in the first region through MR.

[0273] In some embodiments, the third measurement result is used to characterize the signal quality of the neighboring cell. The third measurement result includes the signal quality parameters of the neighboring cells in the first region. For example, the signal quality parameter may be RSRP.

[0274] In some embodiments, if the first measurement result is less than a second threshold and the second measurement result is less than a third threshold, the terminal 101 obtains a third measurement result by measuring neighboring cells in the first area via MR. The second threshold is a preset threshold, which can be configured by the network device 102 or defined by a protocol. The third threshold is also a preset threshold, which can be configured by the network device 102 or defined by a protocol.

[0275] Optionally, if the first measurement result is less than the second threshold, it indicates that the signal quality of the low-power signal in the first area is poor. If the second measurement result is less than the third threshold, and the terminal does not detect an RSRP greater than the third threshold in that area, it indicates that the signal quality of the low-power signal in the second area is poor. In this case, if reselection is required, it needs to be reselected to another area or cell other than the first and second areas.

[0276] Optionally, the second threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold.

[0277] Optionally, the third threshold may be greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0278] Optionally, if the first measurement result is less than the second threshold and the second measurement result is less than the third threshold, the terminal 101 first activates MR, and then measures the neighboring cells of the first area through MR.

[0279] In step S2107, terminal 101 reselects a neighboring cell in the first region.

[0280] In some embodiments, if the third measurement result is greater than the fourth threshold, the terminal 101 reselects a neighboring cell in the first region. The fourth threshold is a preset threshold that can be configured by the network device 102 or defined by a protocol.

[0281] Optionally, if the third measurement result is greater than the fourth threshold, and the terminal 101 stays in the first area for a longer period than a set duration, it will reselect to a neighboring cell in the first area. For example, the set duration can be 1 second or another duration.

[0282] Optionally, if the third measurement result is greater than the fourth threshold, it indicates that the signal quality of the neighboring cell is better, and the cell can be reselected.

[0283] In one example, as shown in Figures 2D and 2E, if terminal 101 moves from LP-SS area 1 to cell 1 via path 2, it can be reselected to cell 1 (a neighboring cell of the first area) based on the measurement results.

[0284] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2107. For example, step S2103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, steps S2103, S2104 to S2107 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and steps S2102 to S2107 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0285] In some embodiments, steps S2104 and S2105 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0286] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2102 are optional, or can be performed simultaneously.

[0287] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2102 and steps S2104 to S2107 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0288] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0289] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0290] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0291] In step S2201, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0292] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2201 can be found in the implementation of step S2101 in FIG2A.

[0293] In step S2202, network device 102 sends second information to terminal 101.

[0294] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2202 can be found in the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2A.

[0295] In step S2203, network device 102 sends downlink information to the LR of terminal 101 in the first area.

[0296] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2203 can be found in the implementation of step S2103 in FIG2A.

[0297] In step S2204, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the first region through LR to obtain the first measurement result.

[0298] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2204 can be found in the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2A.

[0299] In step S2205, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the second region through LR to obtain the second measurement result.

[0300] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2205 can be found in the implementation of step S2105 in FIG2A.

[0301] Step S2206: Terminal 101 reselects to the second region.

[0302] In some embodiments, if the first measurement result is less than a fifth threshold and the second measurement result is greater than a sixth threshold, the terminal 101 reselects to the second region. The fifth threshold is a preset threshold that can be configured by the network device 102 or defined by a protocol, and the sixth threshold is also a preset threshold that can be configured by the network device 102 or defined by a protocol.

[0303] Optionally, if the first measurement result is less than the fifth threshold, it indicates that the signal quality of the low-power signal in the first region is poor. If the second measurement result is greater than the sixth threshold, it indicates that the signal quality of the low-power signal in the second region is good. Therefore, the signal can be reselected to the second region to ensure communication quality.

[0304] Optionally, the fifth threshold may be the same as or different from the first and second thresholds.

[0305] Optionally, the sixth threshold and the third threshold can be the same or different. Optionally, the sixth threshold can be greater than the third threshold.

[0306] Optionally, if the first measurement result is less than the fifth threshold, the second measurement result is greater than the sixth threshold, and the terminal 101 stays in the first area for a duration longer than a set duration, then it will reselect to the second area. For example, the set duration can be 1 second or another duration.

[0307] In one example, as shown in Figures 2D and 2E, if terminal 101 moves from LP-SS region 1 to LP-SS region 2 via Path 1, it can be reselected to LP-SS region 2 (the second region) based on the measurement results.

[0308] In some embodiments, after reselecting to the second region, the terminal 101 may determine whether the obtained configuration information, such as the first information and / or the second information, is valid.

[0309] Optionally, after reselecting to the second region, if the configuration information of the first region and the second region is of a regional nature, such as the configuration information being applicable to both regions, or the configuration information of the first region and the second region being associated with the same regional information, then the validity of the obtained first information and / or second information can be determined based on whether the regional information associated with the first region and the second region is the same.

[0310] Optionally, the second region has the same regional information as the first region, including at least one of the following:

[0311] The second region has the same area identifier as the first region;

[0312] The sequences of low-power signals corresponding to the second region and the first region belong to the same sequence set.

[0313] Optionally, network device 102 periodically broadcasts the area identifier via a low-power signal. For example, network device 102 periodically broadcasts the area identifier via an LP-WUS signal.

[0314] Optionally, terminal 101 obtains the area identifier corresponding to the second area. If the area identifier corresponding to the second area is the same as the area identifier corresponding to the first area and / or the second area obtained previously, it is determined that the first information and / or the second information obtained by terminal 101 is valid.

[0315] Optionally, after reselecting to the second region, the region information associated with the second region is the same as that of the first region, and the first information and / or the second information obtained by the terminal 101 are valid.

[0316] Optionally, the configuration information for the first region may include first information and / or second information, that is, it may include configuration information related to this region and / or related neighboring cell information. The configuration information for the second region may include first information and / or second information corresponding to the second region, such as including the relevant configuration of the second region and / or the neighboring cell information of the second region.

[0317] In some embodiments, if the area information associated with the second region is the same as that of the first region, that is, when the first information and / or the second information obtained by the terminal 101 are valid, the terminal 101 can use LR communication to keep the MR in a deactivated or dormant state, thereby improving energy saving gains.

[0318] In step S2207, terminal 101 determines the cell to be camped in the second region via MR.

[0319] In some embodiments, after reselecting to the second region, the terminal 101 determines the cell to be camped in the second region via MR.

[0320] In some embodiments, if the first information and / or the second information already obtained by the terminal 101 is invalid, the MR is activated, and the cell to be camped in the second region is determined by the MR.

[0321] Optionally, after reselecting to the second region, if the region information associated with the second region is different from that of the first region, the first information and / or the second information already obtained by the terminal becomes invalid.

[0322] In some embodiments, after reselecting to the second region, the terminal 101 does not need to determine whether the first information and / or the second information is valid, but directly activates MR, and then determines the cell to be camped in the second region through MR.

[0323] In some embodiments, terminal 101 performs cell search in the second region via MR to determine the cell to be camped in the second region.

[0324] In step S2208, network device 102 sends third information to terminal 101 in the cell where it is stationed.

[0325] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives third information sent by network equipment in the cell where it is camped.

[0326] In some embodiments, network device 102 may transmit third information via system information broadcast.

[0327] Optionally, after determining the cell to be camped in the second region through MR, the terminal 101 can obtain the system information or system broadcast information of the camped cell, thereby obtaining third information.

[0328] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate information about the second region and / or neighboring cell information of the second region.

[0329] Optionally, the third information can be instruction information or configuration information.

[0330] Optionally, the information in the second area includes at least one of the following:

[0331] Regional information for the second area;

[0332] Configuration information for low-power signals in the second region.

[0333] Optionally, the information description of the second region can refer to the description of the relevant information in the first region.

[0334] In some embodiments, the neighbor cell information of the second region may include neighbor area information and / or neighbor cell information of the second region, and the relevant information description may refer to the description of the neighbor cell information of the first region. For example, if the second cell is LP-SS region 2, the third information may include relevant information of LP-SS region 2, and LP-SS and / or LP-WUS configuration information of neighboring LP-SS regions of LP-SS region 2.

[0335] In some embodiments, after obtaining the third information, the terminal 101 can deactivate MR and continue to communicate with the network device 102 in the second area based on LR, thereby achieving terminal power saving in the second area.

[0336] Optionally, network device 102 sends downlink information to the LR of terminal 101 in the second area.

[0337] In some embodiments, the reselection or measurement method of the terminal 101 in the second region can refer to the implementation method of the first region.

[0338] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2208. For example, step S2203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2203, S2204 to S2206 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S2203, S2204 to S2208 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0339] In some embodiments, steps S2204 and S2205 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0340] In some embodiments, steps S2201 and S2202 can be executed simultaneously.

[0341] In some embodiments, steps S2201, S2202 and steps S2204 to S2208 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0342] In some embodiments, steps S2201, S2202, S2207, and S2208 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0343] In some embodiments, steps S2201 and S2202 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0344] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0345] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0346] In step S3101, network device 102 sends downlink information to the LR of terminal 101 in the first area.

[0347] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3101 can be referred to the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2A.

[0348] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0349] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0350] In step S3201, network device 102 sends downlink information to the LR of terminal 101 in the first area.

[0351] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3201 can be referred to the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2A.

[0352] In step S3202, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the first region through LR to obtain the first measurement result.

[0353] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3202 can be referred to the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2A.

[0354] In step S3203, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the second region through LR to obtain the second measurement result.

[0355] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3203 can be referred to the implementation of step S2105 in FIG2A.

[0356] In step S3204, terminal 101 obtains a third measurement result by measuring neighboring cells in the first region using MR.

[0357] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3204 can be referred to the implementation of step S2107 in FIG2A.

[0358] In step S3205, terminal 101 reselects a neighboring cell in the first region.

[0359] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3205 can be referred to the implementation of step S2107 in FIG2A.

[0360] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0361] Figure 3C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0362] In step S3301, network device 102 sends downlink information to the LR of terminal 101 in the first area.

[0363] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3301 can be referred to the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2A.

[0364] In step S3302, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the first region through LR to obtain the first measurement result.

[0365] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3302 can be referred to the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2A.

[0366] In step S3303, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the second region through LR to obtain the second measurement result.

[0367] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3303 can be referred to the implementation of step S2105 in FIG2A.

[0368] Step S3304: Terminal 101 reselects to the second region.

[0369] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3304 can be referred to the implementation of step S2206 in FIG2B.

[0370] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0371] Figure 3D is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3D, a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0372] In step S3401, network device 102 sends downlink information to the LR of terminal 101 in the first area.

[0373] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3401 can be referred to the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2A.

[0374] In step S3402, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the first region through LR to obtain the first measurement result.

[0375] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3402 can be referred to the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2A.

[0376] In step S3403, terminal 101 measures the low-power signal of the second region through LR to obtain the second measurement result.

[0377] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3403 can be referred to the implementation of step S2105 in FIG2A.

[0378] Step S3404: Terminal 101 reselects to the second region.

[0379] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3404 can be found in the implementation of step S2206 in FIG2B.

[0380] In step S3405, terminal 101 determines the cell to be camped in the second region via MR.

[0381] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3405 can be referred to the implementation of step S2207 in FIG2B.

[0382] In step S3406, network device 102 sends third information to terminal 101 in the cell where it is camped.

[0383] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3406 can be referred to the implementation of step S2208 in FIG2B.

[0384] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0385] The methods provided in this disclosure have the following effects. To facilitate understanding of these embodiments, some examples are listed below:

[0386] Example 1:

[0387] Example 1-1: The scheme of this embodiment can be applied to the co-frequency LP-SS scenario shown in Figure 2C. An LP-SS area is defined, containing multiple cells. Each cell transmits the same LP-SS signal sequence, and this signal sequence contains the LP-SS area ID. For example, the signal sequence is generated based on the LP-SS area ID as input. Since all cells within the LP-SS transmit the same LP-SS at the same frequency, even if the signal from one cell is weak at the cell edge, the LP-SS can still be reliably received due to the combining gain.

[0388] When a terminal activates MR, it obtains the LP-SS configuration information and the LP-SS area ID from the currently camped cell. If the UE detects a change in the LP-SS area ID during movement, it activates MR and initiates a registration process with the AMF. The terminal can also obtain LP-WUS configuration information in the currently registered cell. The LP-WUS configuration information can also be per-area, meaning it has the same area range as the LP-SS. However, LP-WUS is not transmitted based on the same frequency network; it is still transmitted per cell.

[0389] Examples 1-2: The scheme of this disclosure embodiment can also be applied to the scenarios shown in Figures 2D and 2E: A region is defined as at least one cell, and each cell is configured with one per-cell LP-SS. The multiple LP-SS sequences constitute this region. The UE determines whether it crosses this region based on LP-SS detection. Within this region, the UE does not need to activate MR, perform cell selection and reselection, and paging is also performed within this region. The region composed of the multiple LP-SS sequences needs to be configured for the UE.

[0390] Example 2: Configuration of Neighbor LP-SS

[0391] The terminal obtains the configuration information of the neighboring LP-SS areas and / or neighboring cells of the current LP-SS area through system broadcast information.

[0392] Optionally, the current LP-SS area is equivalent to the first area in the above embodiment, the neighboring LP-SS area is equivalent to the second area in the above embodiment, and the configuration information of the neighboring LP-SS area is equivalent to the configuration information of the low-power signal in the second area in the above embodiment.

[0393] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the adjacent LP-SS area includes, but is not limited to:

[0394] Configuration parameters for LP-SS sequence generation, such as sequence length, sequence type, or the table to which the sequence belongs. Also includes the index of the LP-SS sequence;

[0395] FR indication, for example, whether the indication is applied to FR1, FR2, or a higher frequency;

[0396] Duty cycle monitored by LP-WUS;

[0397] LP-WUS monitoring frequency resources and / or time resources:

[0398] Sub-channel index, for example, 20 sub-channels in a 5MHz frequency resource;

[0399] Time slot index within a period;

[0400] Scrambling codes used for addressing terminals, for example, in a sub-channel and / or time slot;

[0401] Valid area or timer configured in LP-WUS;

[0402] If present, a dedicated RNTI for LP-WUS;

[0403] Waveform of LP-WUS;

[0404] Beam scanning configuration for LP-WUS transmission;

[0405] Frequency / downlink timing shift between MR and LR.

[0406] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the neighboring cells includes, but is not limited to, (similar to the definitions in the inter-frequency carrier frequency information (InterFreqCarrierFreqInfo) and the intra-frequency neighbor cell list (intraFreqNeighCellList) in the protocol):

[0407] Frequency list;

[0408] SMTC configuration for each frequency layer, frequency layer offset parameters;

[0409] Bias parameters for each neighborhood level.

[0410] Example 3: Reselection Measurement and Reselection Decision

[0411] Example 3-1: The terminal performs measurements on LP-SS. When the measured RSRP of LP-SS is lower than the network-configured threshold 1, it initiates measurements on neighboring LP-SS. If no threshold is configured, it continuously performs measurements on neighboring LP-SS based on system broadcast measurements.

[0412] Example 3-2: If the current LP-SS measurement threshold is lower than threshold 2, but no other LP-SS with an RSRP greater than threshold 3 is detected, then MR is activated to start measurement for neighboring cells. If the neighboring cell measurement RSRP is greater than a certain threshold 4, and the UE has been camped in that LP-SS area for more than 1 second, then it is reselected to that neighboring cell.

[0413] Example 3-3: If the current LP-SS measurement threshold is lower than threshold 5, but the RSRP measurement of the neighboring LP-SS is greater than threshold 6, and the UE has been camped in the LP-SS area for more than 1 second, then it will be reselected to the neighboring LP-SS area.

[0414] Optionally, threshold 1 is equivalent to the first threshold in the above embodiments, threshold 2 is equivalent to the second threshold in the above embodiments, threshold 3 is equivalent to the third threshold in the above embodiments, threshold 4 is equivalent to the fourth threshold in the above embodiments, threshold 5 is equivalent to the fifth threshold in the above embodiments, and threshold 6 is equivalent to the sixth threshold in the above embodiments.

[0415] Example 3-4: After reselecting to the adjacent LP-SS area, the terminal behaves as follows:

[0416] Option 1: Activate MR, perform cell search, find a suitable cell to camp on, and obtain the system broadcast information of that cell, obtain the LP-SS configuration information of the LP-SS area where the current cell is located, and / or the LP-SS configuration information of the neighboring LP-SS areas, and / or the LP-WUS configuration information. Then activate MR.

[0417] Option 2: If the LP-SS configuration information for the current LP-SS region and neighboring LP-SS regions is region-based, for example, the configuration information can apply to multiple LP-SS regions. For instance, the LP-SS configuration information for the current region and / or neighboring regions is associated with a single region. Possible implementation examples include:

[0418] For example, the region information is a set of multiple LP-SS sequences, or a set of parameter groups representing a sequence. The parameter group includes at least one of the following: parameters M that determine the LP-SS sequence, length L, sequence index, etc.

[0419] When the UE detects a sequence of neighboring LP-SSs, and these neighboring LP-SSs belong to the aforementioned set, it proves that the previously obtained LP-SS configuration information for the current area and / or neighboring areas is still valid. Otherwise, it is invalid, and MR needs to be activated. Cell search is then performed to find a suitable cell to camp on, and the system broadcast information of that cell is obtained. The LP-SS area of ​​the current cell, and / or the LP-SS and / or LP-WUS configuration information of the neighboring LP-SS areas are then obtained. Then, MR is activated again.

[0420] For example, the area information is an area ID, which LP-WUS broadcasts periodically. The UE obtains the area ID from neighboring LP-WUS. If it is the same as the area ID associated with the previously obtained LP-SS configuration information of the current area and / or neighboring areas, it proves that the previously obtained LP-SS configuration information of the current area and / or neighboring areas is still valid; otherwise, it is invalid, and MR needs to be activated. Cell search is performed to find a suitable cell to camp on, and the system broadcast information of that cell is obtained. The LP-SS area of ​​the current cell and / or the LP-SS and / or LP-WUS configuration information of the neighboring LP-SS areas are obtained. Then, MR is activated again.

[0421] This disclosure provides embodiments of the following: in the case of region-based LP-SS (i.e., LP-SS of at least two cells) deployment, the UE mobility measurement and reselection process between LP-SS regions and between LP-SS and cells, as well as the region-based neighbor LP-SS configuration acquisition process.

[0422] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed 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.

[0423] 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.

[0424] 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).

[0425] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Terminal 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4A, terminal 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101, a processing module 4102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4101 is used to receive downlink information transmitted by a network device through a low-power receiver (LR) in a first area, wherein the first area includes at least one cell configured with a low-power signal. Optionally, the transceiver module 4101 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as transmission and / or reception performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 4102 is used to execute at least one of the other steps performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0426] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The network device 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4B, the network device 4200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4201, a processing module 4202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4201 is used to transmit downlink information to a low-power receiver (LR) of a terminal in a first area, wherein the first area includes at least one cell configured with a low-power signal. Optionally, the transceiver module 4201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as transmission and / or reception, performed by the network device 4200 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 4202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 4200 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0427] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0428] 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.

[0429] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0430] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 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 5100 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.

[0431] As shown in Figure 5A, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may 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 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0432] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method, and the processor 5101 performs at least one of the other steps. 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, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0433] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5103 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5103 may also be located outside the communication device 5100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected to the memory 5102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 5102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5101.

[0434] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 5A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be 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 having one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (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.

[0435] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 5200 shown in Figure 5B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0436] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0437] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, the interface circuit 5202 is connected to the memories 5203, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 5203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5201.

[0438] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 5202 performs data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0439] 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.

[0440] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device 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.

[0441] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0442] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. Industrial applicability

[0443] In areas where low-power signals are deployed, such as the first area, the terminal can receive downlink information through LR in different cells within the first area without activating or waking up MR, thereby effectively improving the energy-saving effect of the terminal.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: Downlink information transmitted by network devices is received via a low-power receiver (LR) within a first area, wherein the first area includes at least one cell configured with low-power signals.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The system receives first information sent by the network device, the first information being used to indicate information about the first area.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: The region information of the first region; Configuration information for low-power signals in the first region.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The configuration information for the low-power signal includes at least one of the following: The sequence information of the low-power signal corresponding to the first region; Frequency information of low-power signals in the first region.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The method further includes: The system receives second information sent by the network device, the second information being used to indicate neighboring cell information of the first area.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: The configuration information of low-power signals in the second region, wherein the second region is a neighboring region of the first region, and the second region includes at least one cell configured with low-power signals; Configuration information of neighboring cells in the first region.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The configuration information for the low-power signals in the second region includes at least one of the following: Sequence information of low-power signals in the second region; Frequency information of low-power signals in the second region; Time-frequency resource information for low-power signal monitoring in the second region; Scrambling information for low-power signals in the second region; The duty cycle for low-power signal monitoring in the second region; Limiting parameters for low-power signals in the second region; Waveform information of low-power signals in the second region; Beam scanning configuration for low-power signals in the second region; The time-frequency offset between the main receiver MR and the LR in the second region.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, The configuration information of the neighboring cells includes at least one of the following: The frequency list of neighboring cells; The synchronization signal block measurement time configuration (SMTC) for the neighboring cell; The bias parameters corresponding to the neighboring cells.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The method further includes: The first measurement result is obtained by measuring the low-power signal in the first region using the LR.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, If the first threshold is not configured or defined, a second measurement result is obtained by measuring the low-power signal of the second region through the LR; or, Configure or define the first threshold, and if the first measurement result is less than the first threshold, measure the low-power signal of the second region through the LR to obtain the second measurement result.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further includes: If the first measurement result is less than the second threshold and the second measurement result is less than the third threshold, the third measurement result is obtained by measuring the neighboring cells of the first area using MR. If the third measurement result is greater than the fourth threshold, the cell is reselected to a neighboring cell in the first region.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further includes: If the first measurement result is less than the fifth threshold and the second measurement result is greater than the sixth threshold, then reselect to the second region.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The method further includes: After reselecting to the second region, the cell to be camped in the second region is determined by MR; The third information sent by the network device is received in the cell where the second area is located. The third information is used to indicate information of the second area and / or neighboring cell information of the second area.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The second region has different region information associated with the first region, so the first and second information already obtained by the terminal are invalid.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein, After reselecting to the second region, the second region has the same region information as the first region, and the first information and / or the second information obtained by the terminal are valid.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The second region has the same region information as the first region, including at least one of the following: The second region has the same region identifier as the first region; The sequences of low-power signals corresponding to the second region and the first region belong to the same sequence set.

17. A communication method performed by a network device, the method comprising: Downlink information is transmitted to the low-power receiver (LR) of the terminal within a first area, wherein the first area includes at least one cell configured with low-power signals.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further includes: Send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate information about the first area.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: The region information of the first region; Configuration information for low-power signals in the first region.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The configuration information for the low-power signal includes at least one of the following: The sequence information of the low-power signal corresponding to the first region; Frequency information of low-power signals in the first region.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein, The method further includes: Send a second message to the terminal, the second message being used to indicate neighboring cell information of the first area.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: The configuration information of low-power signals in the second region, wherein the second region is a neighboring region of the first region, and the second region includes at least one cell configured with low-power signals; Configuration information of neighboring cells in the first region.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The configuration information for the low-power signals in the second region includes at least one of the following: Sequence information of low-power signals in the second region; Frequency information of low-power signals in the second region; Time-frequency resource information for low-power signal monitoring in the second region; Scrambling information for low-power signals in the second region; The duty cycle for low-power signal monitoring in the second region; Limiting parameters for low-power signals in the second region; Waveform information of low-power signals in the second region; Beam scanning configuration for low-power signals in the second region; The time-frequency offset between the main receiver MR and the LR in the second region.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein, The configuration information of the neighboring cells includes at least one of the following: The frequency list of neighboring cells; The synchronization signal block measurement time configuration (SMTC) for the neighboring cell; The bias parameters corresponding to the neighboring cells.

25. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein, The low-power signal in the first region is used to obtain the first measurement result.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, If the first threshold is not configured or defined, the low-power signal of the second region is used to obtain the second measurement result; or, Configure or define the first threshold, and if the first measurement result is less than the first threshold, the low-power signal of the second region is used to obtain the second measurement result.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein, If the first measurement result is less than the second threshold and the second measurement result is less than the third threshold, the neighboring cells of the first region are used to obtain the third measurement result; The third measurement result is greater than the fourth threshold, and the third measurement result is used to determine the neighboring cell to be reselected to the first region.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein, The first measurement result is less than the fifth threshold, and the second measurement result is greater than the sixth threshold. The first measurement result and the second measurement result are used to determine reselection to the second region.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, The method further includes: After reselecting to the second region, the cell residing in the second region sends third information to the terminal, the third information being used to indicate information about the second region and / or neighboring cell information of the second region.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein, The second region has different region information associated with the first region, so the first and second information already obtained by the terminal are invalid.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein, After reselecting to the second region, the second region has the same region information as the first region, and the first information and / or the second information obtained by the terminal are valid.

32. The method of claim 30 or 31, wherein, The second region has the same region information as the first region, including at least one of the following: The second region has the same region identifier as the first region; The sequences of low-power signals corresponding to the second region and the first region belong to the same sequence set.

33. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or any one of claims 17 to 32.

34. A communication system, comprising a terminal and network equipment, wherein, The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16; The network device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 17 to 32.

35. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16 or any one of claims 17 to 32.

36. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16 or any one of claims 17 to 32.

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