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

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium and a program product. The communication method executed by a terminal comprises: on the basis of a time window in which the terminal is located, determining a processing mode for a on-demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB); and processing the OD-SSB on the basis of the processing mode. Thus, different processing can be performed on OD-SSBs in different time windows, thereby balancing the reliability of OD-SSB measurement results and power consumption to the greatest extent.

Description

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

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

[0002] To achieve energy saving, communication systems propose to support adaptation to common signals, such as the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB). Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products.

[0004] A first aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a terminal, and the method includes:

[0005] Determine the processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window.

[0006] Based on the aforementioned processing method, the OD-SSB is processed.

[0007] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a network device, and the method includes:

[0008] Based on the current time window, determine how the terminal processes the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB).

[0009] A third aspect of this application provides a terminal, the terminal comprising:

[0010] The processing module is used to determine the processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window.

[0011] The aforementioned processing module is also used to process the OD-SSB based on the processing method.

[0012] A fourth aspect of this application provides a network device, which includes:

[0013] The processing module is used to determine the terminal's processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window.

[0014] The solution proposed in this application involves the terminal first determining the processing method for OD-SSB based on the current time window, and then processing the OD-SSB according to the determined processing method. This approach minimizes terminal power consumption while ensuring the accuracy of OD-SSB measurements, achieving a maximum balance between OD-SSB measurement results and power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this application, the following description of the accompanying drawings is provided. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of this application and do not impose specific limitations on the scope of protection of this application.

[0016] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a secondary cell measurement timing using on-demand synchronization signal blocks provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2B is a timing diagram of an OD-SSB provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This application provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products.

[0026] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a communication method, which is executed by a terminal, and the method includes:

[0027] Determine the processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window.

[0028] Based on the aforementioned processing method, the OD-SSB is processed.

[0029] In the above embodiments, the terminal first determines the processing method for OD-SSB based on the current time window, and then processes the OD-SSB based on the determined processing method. This ensures the accuracy of OD-SSB measurement while minimizing terminal power consumption, achieving a balance between OD-SSB measurement results and power consumption to the greatest extent possible.

[0030] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described method of determining the processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window includes any of the following:

[0031] The time window in question is a type 1 time window, which determines the measurement of OD-SSB;

[0032] The current time window is a type II time window, therefore OD-SSB will not be measured.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the terminal can measure or not measure OD-SSB depending on the actual window type, thereby minimizing unnecessary power consumption.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0035] Determine the period for measuring the OD-SSB based on at least one of the following:

[0036] The transmission cycle of OD-SSB within the current time window;

[0037] The type of the adjacent preceding time window;

[0038] The duration of the preceding adjacent time window;

[0039] The spatial relationship between the OD-SSB within the current time window and the OD-SSB within the adjacent first-type window;

[0040] Terminal status;

[0041] OD-SSB measurement results.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the OD-SSB measurement cycle based on one or more of the multidimensional factors, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the determined OD-SSB measurement cycle.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the period for measuring the OD-SSB as described above includes at least one of the following:

[0044] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is greater than or equal to a specified duration. The transmission period of the OD-SSB within the current time window is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0045] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is not quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first type of time window. The transmission period of the OD-SSB in the current time window is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0046] The current time window and the adjacent previous time window are both of the first type of time window, and the first period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB;

[0047] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is less than the specified duration. The second period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0048] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first type of time window. The second period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the period for measuring OD-SSB within a time window based on the characteristics of different first-type time windows, thereby minimizing power consumption waste and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of OD-SSB measurement results within each first-type time window.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first period is greater than the transmission period of the OD-SSB, and the second period is greater than the transmission period of the OD-SSB.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0052] Send indication information to network devices, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the period of OD-SSB measurement corresponding to different time windows.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the terminal can indicate the measurement period of OD-SSB corresponding to different time windows to the network device, thereby assisting the network device in adjusting the transmission period (or frequency) of OD-SSB in different time windows. This reduces the power consumption of the network device and the transmission resources occupied by OD-SSB.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the second type of time window is the OD-SSB deactivation time; the end time of the second type of time window is the first OD-SSB activation time after the OD-SSB deactivation time.

[0055] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose a communication method, which is executed by a network device, and the method includes:

[0056] Based on the current time window, determine how the terminal processes the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB).

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method for determining the terminal's processing of the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window includes any of the following:

[0058] The time window in question is a first-type time window, confirming that the terminal measures the OD-SSB.

[0059] The time window in question is a second type of time window, indicating that the terminal does not measure the OD-SSB.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0061] The terminal receives indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the period of OD-SSB measurement corresponding to different time windows.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0063] The OD-SSB transmission frequency is adjusted according to the terminal's processing method for OD-SSB and / or the period at which the terminal measures OD-SSB.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the second type of time window is the time when the OD-SSB deactivation instruction is received; the end time of the second type of time window is the time when the next OD-SSB activation instruction adjacent to the OD-SSB deactivation instruction is received.

[0065] Thirdly, embodiments of this application propose a communication method, the method comprising:

[0066] Based on the time window in which they are located, the terminal and network equipment determine how the terminal processes the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB).

[0067] The terminal processes the OD-SSB based on the aforementioned processing method.

[0068] Fourthly, embodiments of this application propose a terminal, which includes a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein,

[0069] The aforementioned processing module is used to determine the processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window.

[0070] The aforementioned processing module is also used to process OD-SSB based on the processing method.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to perform any of the following:

[0072] The time window in question is a first-type time window, which determines the measurement of the OD-SSB;

[0073] The current time window is a second type of time window, so it is determined that the OD-SSB will not be measured.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to:

[0075] Determine the period for measuring the OD-SSB based on at least one of the following:

[0076] The transmission cycle of OD-SSB within the current time window;

[0077] The type of the adjacent preceding time window;

[0078] The duration of the preceding adjacent time window;

[0079] The spatial relationship between the OD-SSB within the current time window and the OD-SSB within the adjacent first-type window;

[0080] Terminal status;

[0081] OD-SSB measurement results.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to perform any of the following:

[0083] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is greater than or equal to a specified duration. The transmission period of the OD-SSB within the current time window is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0084] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is not quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first type of time window. The transmission period of the OD-SSB in the current time window is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0085] The current time window and the adjacent previous time window are both of the first type of time window, and the first period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB;

[0086] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is less than the specified duration. The second period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0087] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first type of time window. The second period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first period is greater than the transmission period of the OD-SSB, and the second period is greater than the transmission period of the OD-SSB.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is used to send indication information to the network device, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the period for measuring the OD-SSB corresponding to different time windows.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the second type of time window is the OD-SSB deactivation time;

[0091] The end time of the second type of time window is the first OD-SSB activation time after the OD-SSB deactivation time.

[0092] Fifthly, embodiments of this application propose a network device, which includes a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein,

[0093] The aforementioned processing module is used to determine the terminal's processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to perform any of the following:

[0095] The time window in question is a first-type time window, confirming that the terminal measures the OD-SSB.

[0096] The time window in question is a second type of time window, indicating that the terminal does not measure the OD-SSB.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is used to receive indication information sent by the terminal, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the period of OD-SSB measurement corresponding to different time windows of the terminal.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned processing module is further configured to adjust the OD-SSB transmission frequency according to the terminal's processing method for OD-SSB and / or the period at which the terminal measures OD-SSB.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the second type of time window is the time when the OD-SSB deactivation instruction is received; the end time of the second type of time window is the time when the next OD-SSB activation instruction adjacent to the OD-SSB deactivation instruction is received.

[0100] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a terminal, which includes one or more processors; wherein the terminal is used to execute the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect.

[0101] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to execute the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0102] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which is used to execute the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect, or to execute the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0103] Ninthly, embodiments of this application propose a communication system comprising: a terminal and a network device; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0104] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementation, or the second aspect and its optional implementation.

[0105] In the eleventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementation, or the second aspect and its optional implementation.

[0106] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, or the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0107] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to the first aspect and its optional implementations, or the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0108] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0109] This application provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method," "information processing method," and "data processing method" can be used interchangeably.

[0110] The embodiments in this application are not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. 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 the embodiments of this application, 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.

[0111] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0112] In the embodiments of this application, 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 after the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0113] In the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this application 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.

[0118] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0119] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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”.

[0122] 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.

[0123] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, various embodiments of this application can also be applied to structures that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with 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, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0127] 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.

[0128] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0129] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0130] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this application embodiment 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.

[0131] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0132] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0133] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device, satellite communication 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, wireless terminal device in smart home, and red-capped terminal, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be, for example, an access network device and / or a core network device.

[0135] 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, but is not limited to, 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.

[0136] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a satellite.

[0137] In some embodiments, the core network equipment (not shown in the figure) may be a single device, multiple devices, or a group of devices. The core network includes, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), 6G Core Network (6GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0138] 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.

[0139] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0140] The embodiments of this application can be applied to Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 6G 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 (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and IEEE IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi, registered trademark), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX, registered trademark), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Narrow Band-IoT (NB-IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G / 6G).

[0141] In some embodiments, a terminal (UE) configured with carrier aggregation (CA) (including in-band / inter-band carrier aggregation) and in connected mode can support the procedures and signaling for sending on-demand (OD) synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) in secondary cell (SCell) operations.

[0142] In some embodiments, the on-demand synchronization signal blocks can be transmitted and can be used by the UE for at least one of secondary cell time, secondary cell frequency synchronization, Layer 1 (L1) measurement, L3 measurement, and secondary cell activation, etc., and supports the transmission of on-demand synchronization signal blocks within the frequency range (FR)1 and FR2 of the non-shared spectrum.

[0143] In some embodiments, if the transmission of an on-demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) is triggered to activate a secondary cell (SCell), the period of the OD-SSB should be as short as possible so that the user equipment (UE) can complete the measurement quickly, thereby saving network power.

[0144] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a secondary cell measurement timing using on-demand synchronization signal blocks according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, within the first time window (as indicated by the dashed box), the UE can measure the OD-SSB within each OD-SSB period. That is, within this time window, the UE can "quickly measure" the OD-SSB, where the OD-SSB measurement period is, for example, T. fast For activated secondary cells, the period of OD-SSB measurement can be much sparser than that of inactive or soon-to-be-activated secondary cells, as shown in T in Figure 1B. slow In other words, the UE does not need to frequently measure OD-SSB to minimize its own power consumption. Compared with the former, this time window is a "slow measurement".

[0145] In some embodiments, power consumption and reliable measurement results can be balanced by controlling the timing of OD-SSB measurements. For example, the period of OD-SSB-based periodic measurements can be limited within a fast mode window, or the OD-SSB measurement period can be limited within a slow measurement window, or OD-SSB measurements can be stopped.

[0146] In some embodiments, the OD-SSB may be reactivated after deactivation, and within this time window, it is necessary to determine how the terminal should handle the OD-SSB.

[0147] The communication method provided in this disclosure allows the terminal to determine the processing method for OD-SSB based on the current time window, and then process the OD-SSB based on the determined processing method, thereby maximizing the balance between power consumption and the reliability of measurement results.

[0148] The communication method, communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, and program products provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0149] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiment of this application relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0150] Step S2101: The terminal and network equipment determine the processing method of the on-demand synchronization signal block OD-SSB according to the time window in which they are located.

[0151] In some embodiments, the terminal and network device can determine the time window they are in based on the current state of the OD-SSB.

[0152] In some embodiments, if the current OD-SSB is in an active state, then the time window in which it is located can be a first type of time window.

[0153] In some embodiments, if the current OD-SSB is in a deactivated (or dormant, or paused) state, then the time window in which it is located can be a second type of time window.

[0154] In some embodiments, within a first type of time window, the terminal's processing method for OD-SSB can be to measure OD-SSB.

[0155] In some embodiments, within the second type of time window, the terminal may process OD-SSB by not measuring OD-SSB.

[0156] In step S2102, the terminal determines the period for measuring OD-SSB.

[0157] In some embodiments, since one or more of the following factors may differ within different first-type time windows: the purpose of the terminal measuring OD-SSB, the period at which the network device transmits OD-SSB, the type of the adjacent preceding time window, the duration of the adjacent preceding time window, the spatial relationship between the OD-SSB in the current time window and the OD-SSB in the adjacent preceding first-type window, the terminal's state, and the OD-SSB measurement results, the terminal can determine the OD-SSB measurement period for each first-type time window. This allows the terminal to minimize power consumption while ensuring the reliability of the measurement results.

[0158] For example, Figure 2B is a timing diagram of an on-demand synchronization signal block provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, based on the state of the OD-SSB, the OD-SSB signal can be divided into two types of time windows in the time domain: a first type of time window (OD-SSB is in an active state) and a second type of time window (OD-SSB is in a deactivated state), as shown in the time window "Tsleep" corresponding to time t3 to time t4 in Figure 2B.

[0159] As shown in Figure 2B, if the OD-SSB is deactivated at time t3, since there is no longer any available OD-SSB, the terminal can stop measuring the OD-SSB within the time window starting from time t3.

[0160] In some embodiments, if the terminal is measuring a secondary cell based on OD-SSB, the terminal can stop measuring the secondary cell after OD-SSB deactivation. That is, after OD-SSB deactivation, the terminal can stop measuring the secondary cell until it is reactivated.

[0161] In some embodiments, the start time of the second type of time window Tsleep can be the deactivation time of OD-SSB, and the end time can be the reactivation time of OD-SSB, which is the first OD-SSB activation time after the deactivation time.

[0162] In some embodiments, the activation and deactivation times of the OD-SSB can be configured by the network device for the terminal.

[0163] In some embodiments, the activation time of OD-SSB can be the time when the terminal receives the OD-SSB activation command. The deactivation time of OD-SSB can be the time when the terminal receives the OD-SSB deactivation command.

[0164] In some embodiments, the activation time of the OD-SSB can be the time when the terminal receives the OD-SSB activation instruction to activate the OD-SSB. The deactivation time of the OD-SSB can be the time when the terminal receives the OD-SSB deactivation instruction to deactivate the OD-SSB.

[0165] In some embodiments, the activation time of OD-SSB can be a specific time after the terminal receives the OD-SSB activation instruction (e.g., after a certain period of time). The deactivation time of OD-SSB can be a specific time after the terminal receives the OD-SSB deactivation instruction (e.g., after a certain period of time), etc., and this disclosure does not limit it in this way.

[0166] In some embodiments, to further reduce the power consumption of the terminal, the first type of time window can be further divided into different time windows based on the status of the secondary cell, the type of adjacent time windows, the duration of adjacent time windows, and the spatial relationship between the OD-SSB in the current time window and the OD-SSB in the adjacent previous first type of time window. For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the first type of time window can be divided into: a fast measurement time window (from time t0 to time t2), a slow measurement time window (from time t2 to time t3), and a reactivation time window (from time t4 to time t5).

[0167] In some embodiments, if the preceding time window adjacent to a certain first-type time window is a second-type time window, and the duration of the preceding time window is relatively long (e.g., greater than or equal to a specified duration), that is, after the OD-SSB signal is deactivated, it is reactivated after a relatively long period of time. At this time, due to changes in channel state, changes in terminal location, etc., the measurement results of the terminal on the newly activated OD-SSB may differ significantly from the measurement results of the OD-SSB before deactivation. Therefore, in order to ensure the reliability of the OD-SSB measurement results, the terminal needs to measure the OD-SSB at a high frequency within this time window. For example, measuring each OD-SSB; that is, the transmission period of the OD-SSB within the current time window can be determined as the measurement period of the OD-SSB. This first-type time window can be called a "fast measurement time window".

[0168] In some embodiments, the specified duration may be configured by the network device or agreed upon by the protocol, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0169] In some embodiments, if the preceding time window adjacent to the current first-type time window is a second-type time window, and the OD-SSB within the current time window is not in a quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship with the OD-SSB within the preceding first-type time window, then the terminal cannot use the measurement results of the OD-SSB within the preceding first-type time window to help determine the measurement results of the OD-SSB within the current first-type time window. Therefore, to ensure the reliability of the OD-SSB measurement results, the terminal needs to measure the OD-SSB at a high frequency within this time window. For example, measuring each OD-SSB; that is, the transmission period of the OD-SSB within the current time window can be determined as the measurement period of the OD-SSB. This first-type time window can also be called a "fast measurement time window".

[0170] In some embodiments, if the current time window and the adjacent previous time window are both first-type time windows, that is, OD-SSB is active in both the current time window and the adjacent previous time window, then since the terminal has already obtained the OD-SSB measurement result in at least the previous time window, in order to reduce power consumption, the terminal can appropriately reduce the measurement frequency of OD-SSB in the current window. For example, the first period can be determined as the measurement period of OD-SSB, wherein the first period is longer than the transmission period of OD-SSB. This time window can be called, for example, a "slow measurement time window".

[0171] In some embodiments, the first period may be, for example, the secondary cell measurement period (measSCellCycle).

[0172] In some embodiments, if the current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is less than a specified duration. That is, the OD-SSB signal is deactivated and then quickly reactivated. At this time, since the channel state and terminal location do not change significantly, the previous OD-SSB measurement results can be considered still usable. To reduce terminal power consumption, the terminal can measure OD-SSB at sparser intervals. For example, the second period can be defined as the OD-SSB measurement period, where the second period is longer than the OD-SSB transmission period. The current first type of time window can be called the "reactivation time window".

[0173] In some embodiments, the second period can be configured by the network device or determined by the terminal based on its state and measurement results such as OD-SSB. For example, if the terminal is currently in a high-speed moving state, the terminal can determine the second period to a relatively small value, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the OD-SSB measurement while minimizing terminal power consumption. Alternatively, if the OD-SSB measurement result obtained by the terminal is poor, such as RSRP being less than the threshold, then in order to ensure the accuracy of the measurement result, the terminal can also determine the second period to a relatively small value, and so on. This disclosure does not limit the specific method for determining the value of the second period.

[0174] In some embodiments, if the current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB within the current time window is quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB within the previous first type of time window, the measurement result of the OD-SSB within the current first type of time window can be determined based on the measurement result of the OD-SSB within the previous first type of time window. Therefore, the terminal can measure the OD-SSB within the current time window at relatively sparse intervals. For example, the second interval can be determined as the interval for measuring the OD-SSB. The current first type of time window can be called the "reactivation time window".

[0175] In some embodiments, the terminal may also determine the current first type time window as a "fast measurement time window" when the current first type time window is in a second type time window, the duration of the second type time window is greater than or equal to a specified duration, and the OD-SSB in the previous first type time window is not quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the current first type time window.

[0176] In some embodiments, the terminal may also determine the current first type time window as a "reactivation time window" when the current first type time window is in a second type time window, the duration of the second type time window is less than a specified duration, and the OD-SSB in the previous first type time window and the OD-SSB in the current first type time window are quasi-co-located.

[0177] As shown in Figure 2B, if the OD-SSB signal is used to activate the secondary cell, the OD-SSB signal is activated at time t0. To activate the secondary cell as quickly as possible, the terminal can measure the OD-SSB at shorter intervals within this time window. For example, the transmission period of the OD-SSB within this time window can be determined as the measurement period of the OD-SSB. That is, within this time window, the terminal can measure each OD-SSB sent by the network device. Then, at time t1, the terminal receives the secondary cell activation command and completes the secondary cell activation at time t2. Since the secondary cell activation has been completed, if the terminal needs to continue secondary cell measurements based on OD-SSB within a subsequent time window, then within the time window after time t2, the terminal can measure OD-SSB according to the traditional requirements for inactive secondary cells (e.g., based on the secondary cell measurement cycle). At time t3, OD-SSB is deactivated, and the terminal no longer needs to perform OD-SSB measurements. At time t4, OD-SSB is reactivated. If the duration between time t3 and time t4 is short (e.g., less than a specified duration), then... If the OD-SSB activated at time t4 and the OD-SSB before time t3 are quasi-co-located, then after time t4, the terminal can measure the OD-SSB at a sparser interval. However, if the duration between time t3 and time t4 is relatively long (e.g., greater than or equal to a specified duration), and / or the OD-SSB activated at time t4 and the OD-SSB before time t3 are not quasi-co-located, then after time t4, the terminal still needs to measure the OD-SSB at a higher frequency, such as measuring each OD-SSB within the current time window.

[0178] In some embodiments, the transmission period of OD-SSB within the different first-type time windows shown in Figure 2B may be the same or different. The distribution of SSBs shown in the figure is only a schematic illustration of the measurement period of OD-SSB by the terminal within different time windows, and is not a limitation on the transmission period of OD-SSB.

[0179] Step S2103: The terminal sends an instruction message to the network device.

[0180] The indication information is used to indicate the period of the OD-SSB measurement corresponding to different time windows.

[0181] In some embodiments, since the period for measuring OD-SSB by the terminal may be different in different time windows, in order to reduce the power consumption of the network device and reduce the amount of transmission resources occupied by OD-SSB, the terminal may send the period for measuring OD-SSB corresponding to its different time windows to the network device to assist the network device in adjusting the transmission period of OD-SSB.

[0182] In some embodiments, the indication information may include the start and end times of different time windows determined by the terminal, and the measurement period of the corresponding OD-SSB measurement within each time window.

[0183] In some embodiments, the indication information may include window identifiers (e.g., fast measurement time window, slow measurement time window, etc.) corresponding to different time periods determined by the terminal, so as to implicitly indicate the measurement period of OD-SSB corresponding to different time periods through the indicated window identifiers, etc. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0184] In step S2104, the terminal processes the OD-SSB based on the processing method and / or the period of the measured OD-SSB.

[0185] In some embodiments, if the terminal determines that it will not measure OD-SSB within the current time window, then the terminal may not process OD-SSB.

[0186] In some embodiments, if the terminal determines that OD-SSB should be measured within the current time window, the terminal can then determine the measurement period within the current time window, and then measure OD-SSB based on the determined measurement period.

[0187] In some embodiments, steps S2103 and S2104 can be executed in parallel, or S2104 can be executed first, followed by S2103, etc. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0188] In step S2105, the network device adjusts the OD-SSB transmission frequency according to the terminal's processing method for OD-SSB and / or the period at which the terminal measures OD-SSB.

[0189] In some embodiments, after determining the terminal's processing method and measurement cycle for OD-SSB, the network device can adjust the transmission frequency of OD-SSB according to the terminal's processing method and measurement cycle for OD-SSB, thereby minimizing the power consumption of the network device and the transmission resources occupied by OD-SSB while ensuring that the terminal's measurement requirements are met.

[0190] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this application may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2105. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2101+S2102+S2104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2102+S2103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2103+S2105 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but it is not limited thereto.

[0191] In some embodiments, steps S2103+S2105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0192] In this embodiment, the terminal can determine the processing method for OD-SSB within each time window, and then process the OD-SSB based on the determined processing method. This reduces the terminal's power consumption and improves the flexibility of OD-SSB processing while ensuring the reliability of the OD-SSB measurement results.

[0193] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication method involved in this embodiment can be executed by a communication system, and the method includes:

[0194] Step S3101: The terminal and network equipment determine the processing method of the on-demand synchronization signal block OD-SSB according to the time window in which they are located.

[0195] In some embodiments, if the time window is a first type of time window, it can be determined that the terminal measures the OD-SSB;

[0196] In some embodiments, if the time window is a second type of time window, it can be determined that the terminal does not measure the OD-SSB.

[0197] In step S3102, the terminal processes the OD-SSB based on the processing method.

[0198] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0199] Determine the period for measuring OD-SSB based on at least one of the following:

[0200] The transmission cycle of OD-SSB within the current time window;

[0201] The type of the adjacent preceding time window;

[0202] The duration of the preceding adjacent time window;

[0203] The spatial relationship between the OD-SSB within the current time window and the OD-SSB within the adjacent first-type window;

[0204] Terminal status;

[0205] OD-SSB measurement results.

[0206] In some embodiments, determining the period for measuring the OD-SSB as described above includes at least one of the following:

[0207] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is greater than or equal to the specified duration. The transmission period of the OD-SSB within the current time window is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0208] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is not quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first type of time window. The transmission period of the OD-SSB in the current time window is determined as the period of the measured OD-SSB.

[0209] The current time window and the adjacent previous time window are both of type I time windows. The first period is determined as the period for measuring OD-SSB.

[0210] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is less than the specified duration. The second period is then determined as the period for measuring OD-SSB.

[0211] The current time window is a first-type time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second-type time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first-type time window. The second period is determined as the period for measuring OD-SSB.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first period is greater than the transmission period of the OD-SSB, and the second period is greater than the transmission period of the OD-SSB.

[0213] In some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0214] Send indication information to network devices, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the period for measuring the OD-SSB corresponding to different time windows.

[0215] In some embodiments, the start time of the second type of time window is the OD-SSB deactivation time, and the end time of the second type of time window is the first OD-SSB activation time after the OD-SSB deactivation time.

[0216] 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.

[0217] The following is an exemplary description of the methods described in the above embodiments, in conjunction with the following content:

[0218] Based on the UE's behavior at different stages of the OD-SSB measurement, we can divide the OD-SSB measurement process into the following time windows:

[0219] Within the Tfast (Fast Measurement Time Window), the UE needs to measure the OD-SSB according to the OD-SSB cycle. For example, based on the OD-SSB, secondary cell (SCell) measurements are performed.

[0220] Within the Tslow (slow measurement time window), the UE can perform secondary cell measurements using OD-SSB according to the traditional inactive secondary cell measurement requirements (e.g., based on "measSCellCycle").

[0221] During the Tsleep window from the time the OD-SSB is deactivated (t3 in Figure 2B) to the time the OD-SSB is reactivated (t4 in Figure 2B), the UE can stop any measurement.

[0222] Within the Tre-act (reactivation time window), the UE's behavior depends on the duration of Tsleep and / or the spatial relationship between the OD-SSB within the Tre-act time window and the OD-SSB within the previous Tslow time window.

[0223] In some embodiments, since there is no longer an available OD-SSB after the OD-SSB is deactivated, the UE can stop using the OD-SSB to measure the secondary cell (SCell) from that point onwards.

[0224] In some embodiments, Tsleep (sleep duration) can be defined after Tslow (slow measurement time window), with its start time being the OD-SSB deactivation time and its end time being the OD-SSB reactivation time.

[0225] Optionally, the duration of Tsleep after Tslow can start from the time point when OD-SSB is deactivated and end when OD-SSB is reactivated.

[0226] Optionally, the UE can stop measuring during the Tsleep period. That is, there are no requirements on the UE during the Tsleep period.

[0227] In some embodiments, if OD-SSB is used for co-frequency measurements, when the UE uses OD-SSB to measure secondary cells, the UE can stop measuring these secondary cells after OD-SSB is deactivated. Furthermore, there are no applicable requirements during the period from OD-SSB deactivation to reactivation.

[0228] In some embodiments, if OD-SSB is retried after the sleep period (Tsleep), in order to further reduce UE power consumption, the UE can adopt a sparser measurement method compared to the measurements during the fast measurement period (Tfast), provided the previous measurement results are still valid. Otherwise, the UE can take the same behavior as during the Tfast period.

[0229] Optionally, if the time interval between the latest OD-SSB deactivation and reactivation is less than a specified duration, the terminal can use a sparser measurement method.

[0230] In some embodiments, if the synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) before deactivation and after reactivation are quasi-co-located (QCL) in the spatial domain, then the terminal can employ a sparser measurement method.

[0231] In some embodiments, unless contradictory, the optional implementations in this embodiment can be implemented as independent embodiments, and the optional implementations in this embodiment can also be combined arbitrarily. The technical features of different feasible implementations in this embodiment can be combined to form new optional implementations based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0232] 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.

[0233] This application 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, which includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed, which 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.

[0234] 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.

[0235] In this application 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).

[0236] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of this application. The terminal 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4A, the terminal 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101, a processing module 4102, etc.

[0237] In some embodiments, the processing module 4102 described above is configured to:

[0238] Determine the processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window.

[0239] Based on the processing method, OD-SSB is processed.

[0240] In some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to perform any of the following:

[0241] The time window in question is a first-type time window, which determines the measurement of the OD-SSB;

[0242] The current time window is a second type of time window, so it is determined that the OD-SSB will not be measured.

[0243] In some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to:

[0244] Determine the period for measuring the OD-SSB based on at least one of the following:

[0245] The transmission cycle of OD-SSB within the current time window;

[0246] The type of the adjacent preceding time window;

[0247] The duration of the preceding adjacent time window;

[0248] The spatial relationship between the OD-SSB within the current time window and the OD-SSB within the adjacent first-type window;

[0249] Terminal status;

[0250] OD-SSB measurement results.

[0251] In some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to perform any of the following:

[0252] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is greater than or equal to a specified duration. The transmission period of the OD-SSB within the current time window is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0253] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is not quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first type of time window. The transmission period of the OD-SSB in the current time window is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0254] The current time window and the adjacent previous time window are both of the first type of time window, and the first period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB;

[0255] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is less than the specified duration. The second period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0256] The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first type of time window. The second period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first period is greater than the transmission period of the OD-SSB, and the second period is greater than the transmission period of the OD-SSB.

[0258] In some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is used to send indication information to the network device, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the period for measuring the OD-SSB corresponding to different time windows.

[0259] In some embodiments, the start time of the second type of time window is the OD-SSB deactivation time;

[0260] The end time of the second type of time window is the first OD-SSB activation time after the OD-SSB deactivation time.

[0261] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, such as S2103, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the third network element in any of the above methods (such as step S2101, step S2102, etc., but not limited to these), which will not be described in detail here.

[0262] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this application. The network device 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0263] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4B, network device 4200 may include at least one of transceiver module 4201, processing module 4202, etc.

[0264] In some embodiments, the processing module 4202 is used to determine the processing method of the terminal for the on-demand synchronization signal block OD-SSB according to the current time window.

[0265] In some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to perform any of the following:

[0266] The time window in question is a first-type time window, confirming that the terminal measures the OD-SSB.

[0267] The time window in question is a second type of time window, indicating that the terminal does not measure the OD-SSB.

[0268] In some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is used to receive indication information sent by the terminal, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the period of OD-SSB measurement corresponding to different time windows of the terminal.

[0269] In some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to adjust the OD-SSB transmission frequency according to the terminal's processing method for OD-SSB and / or the period at which the terminal measures OD-SSB.

[0270] In some embodiments, the start time of the second type of time window is the time when the OD-SSB deactivation instruction is received; the end time of the second type of time window is the time when the next OD-SSB activation instruction adjacent to the OD-SSB deactivation instruction is received.

[0271] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device in any of the above methods, such as S2103, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0272] 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.

[0273] 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.

[0274] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0275] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 5100 can be a network device (e.g., a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment), 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.

[0276] 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.

[0277] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5103. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5103, the transceiver 5103 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., S2103, etc., but not limited thereto) in the above-described method, such as sending and / or receiving, while the processor 5101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., S2101, step S2102, step S2104, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0278] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5102 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5102 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5102 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.

[0279] 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 application 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 a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, 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.

[0280] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this application. 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.

[0281] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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 (e.g., step S2103, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 5202 performing 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 other steps (e.g., S2101, step S2102, step S2104, etc., but not limited thereto).

[0284] 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.

[0285] This application 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.

[0286] This application 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.

[0287] This application also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: Determine the processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window. Based on the aforementioned processing method, the OD-SSB is processed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method for processing the on-demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window includes any of the following: The time window in question is a first-type time window, which determines the measurement of the OD-SSB; The current time window is a second type of time window, so it is determined that the OD-SSB will not be measured.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further includes: Determine the period for measuring the OD-SSB based on at least one of the following: The transmission cycle of OD-SSB within the current time window; The type of the adjacent preceding time window; The duration of the preceding adjacent time window; The spatial relationship between the OD-SSB within the current time window and the OD-SSB within the adjacent first-type window; Terminal status; OD-SSB measurement results.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, Determining the period for measuring the OD-SSB includes at least one of the following: The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is greater than or equal to a specified duration. The transmission period of the OD-SSB within the current time window is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB. The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is not quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first type of time window. The transmission period of the OD-SSB in the current time window is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB. The current time window and the adjacent previous time window are both of the first type of time window, and the first period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB; The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the duration of the previous time window is less than the specified duration. The second period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB. The current time window is a first type of time window, the adjacent previous time window is a second type of time window, and the OD-SSB in the current time window is quasi-co-located with the OD-SSB in the previous first type of time window. The second period is determined as the period for measuring the OD-SSB.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first period is longer than the transmission period of the OD-SSB, and the second period is longer than the transmission period of the OD-SSB.

6. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send indication information to network devices, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the period for measuring the OD-SSB corresponding to different time windows.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The start time of the second type of time window is the OD-SSB deactivation time; The end time of the second type of time window is the first OD-SSB activation time after the OD-SSB deactivation time.

8. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: Based on the current time window, determine how the terminal processes the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method for determining the terminal's processing of the on-demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window includes any of the following: The time window in question is a first-type time window, confirming that the terminal measures the OD-SSB. The time window in question is a second type of time window, indicating that the terminal does not measure the OD-SSB.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal receives indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the period of OD-SSB measurement corresponding to different time windows.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The OD-SSB transmission frequency is adjusted according to the terminal's processing method for OD-SSB and / or the period at which the terminal measures OD-SSB.

12. The method as described in any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The start time of the second type of time window is the time when the OD-SSB deactivation instruction is received; The end time of the second type of time window is the time when the next OD-SSB activation instruction adjacent to the OD-SSB deactivation instruction is received.

13. A communication method, the method being used in a communication system, the communication system comprising a terminal and network equipment, characterized in that, The method includes: Based on the time window in which they are located, the terminal and network equipment determine how the terminal processes the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB). The terminal processes the OD-SSB based on the aforementioned processing method.

14. A terminal, characterized in that, The terminal includes: The processing module is used to determine the processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window. The processing module is further configured to process the OD-SSB based on the processing method.

15. A network device, characterized in that, The network device includes: The processing module is used to determine the terminal's processing method for the On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) based on the current time window.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: One or more processors; The terminal is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-7, or to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 8-12.

17. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-7, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 8-12.

18. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7 and 8-12.

19. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1-7 and 8-12.

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