Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and a related apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal device receiving indication information, wherein the indication information indicates at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing mode; and the terminal device collecting, on the basis of a first data collection configuration among the at least one data collection configuration, data for an AI function, and / or processing, on the basis of a first data processing mode among the at least one data processing mode, stored data for the AI function, wherein the AI function is used for optimizing a communication network function.

Description

Communication methods and related devices

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510392442.3, filed on March 28, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] With the rapid development of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been increasingly widely applied. Currently, AI technology can be used in communication systems such as New Radio (NR) to improve network performance and user experience through intelligent data collection and analysis. Data collection for AI models is a crucial part of the AI ​​model lifecycle management, and the quality of the collected data directly impacts the performance of the AI ​​model. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality of the sample data used for AI models. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method and related apparatus, which helps to improve the quality of sample data used in AI models, thereby improving communication performance.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applicable to a terminal device, which may be the terminal device itself or a chip within the terminal device. The method includes:

[0007] Receive instruction information, the instruction information indicating at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method;

[0008] Data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions is collected based on a first data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration and / or stored data for AI functions is processed based on a first data processing method in the at least one data processing method, wherein the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions.

[0009] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a data collection configuration based on network-side instructions collects data for AI functions and / or a data processing method based on network-side instructions processes the already stored data for AI functions.

[0010] Optionally, in conjunction with the first aspect, the indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method.

[0011] Optionally, in conjunction with the first aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0012] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0013] Target to be measured;

[0014] Measurement configuration;

[0015] Report configuration;

[0016] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0017] Additional network conditions;

[0018] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0019] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0020] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0021] Optionally, in conjunction with the first aspect, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0022] Data retention;

[0023] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0024] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0025] Data discard;

[0026] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0027] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0028] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0029] Optionally, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method includes:

[0030] Obtain third information, which indicates the network coverage area of ​​the serving cell and / or additional network conditions of the serving cell;

[0031] Based on the third information, the first data collection configuration is determined from the at least one data collection configuration; or...

[0032] Based on the third information, the first data processing method is determined from the at least one data processing method.

[0033] Optionally, in conjunction with the first aspect, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0034] The serving cell's cell identifier, the serving cell's network additional conditions, the area to which the serving cell's network additional conditions apply, or a mapping relationship; wherein, the mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply.

[0035] Optionally, in conjunction with the first aspect, the receiving indication information includes:

[0036] The instruction information is received before or during the handover.

[0037] Optionally, in conjunction with the first aspect, the indication information is carried in a radio resource control (RRC) message, a medium access control element (MAC CE), or downlink control information (DCI).

[0038] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applicable to a first access network device, which may be the access network device itself or a chip within the access network device. The method includes:

[0039] Acquire at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method, wherein the data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process data of already stored AI functions, and the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions;

[0040] Send an instruction message that indicates the at least one data collection configuration and / or the at least one data processing method.

[0041] Optionally, in conjunction with the second aspect, acquiring at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method includes:

[0042] Receive a fourth message, which indicates the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0043] Optionally, in conjunction with the second aspect, before receiving the second information, the method further includes:

[0044] Send a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0045] Optionally, in conjunction with the second aspect, the fifth information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information.

[0046] Optionally, in conjunction with the second aspect, the indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method.

[0047] Optionally, in conjunction with the second aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0048] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0049] Target to be measured;

[0050] Measurement configuration;

[0051] Report configuration;

[0052] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0053] Additional network conditions;

[0054] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0055] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0056] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0057] Optionally, in conjunction with the second aspect, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0058] Data retention;

[0059] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0060] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0061] Data discard;

[0062] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0063] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0064] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0065] Optionally, in conjunction with the second aspect, the sending of the indication information includes:

[0066] The instruction information is sent before or during the handover.

[0067] Optionally, in conjunction with the second aspect, the indication information is carried in an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI.

[0068] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applicable to a second access network device or a third access network device. The second or third access network device can be the access network device itself, or it can be a chip within the access network device. The method includes:

[0069] Send a fourth message, which indicates the data collection configuration and / or data processing method;

[0070] The data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process the stored AI function data, and the AI ​​function is used to optimize communication network functions.

[0071] Optionally, in conjunction with the third aspect, before sending the fourth information, the method further includes:

[0072] Receive a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0073] Optionally, in conjunction with the third aspect, the fifth information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information.

[0074] Optionally, in conjunction with the third aspect, the fourth information includes first information and / or second information, wherein the first information indicates the data collection configuration and the second information indicates the data processing method.

[0075] Optionally, in conjunction with the third aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0076] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0077] Target to be measured;

[0078] Measurement configuration;

[0079] Report configuration;

[0080] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0081] Additional network conditions;

[0082] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0083] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0084] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0085] Optionally, in conjunction with the third aspect, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0086] Data retention;

[0087] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0088] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0089] Data discard;

[0090] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0091] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0092] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0093] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which may be the terminal device itself, or a chip within the terminal device. The device includes:

[0094] Transceiver unit, used to receive instruction information, the instruction information indicating at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method;

[0095] A processing unit is configured to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions based on a first data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration and / or process stored data for AI functions based on a first data processing method in the at least one data processing method, wherein the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions.

[0096] Optionally, in conjunction with the fourth aspect, the indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method.

[0097] Optionally, in conjunction with the fourth aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0098] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0099] Target to be measured;

[0100] Measurement configuration;

[0101] Report configuration;

[0102] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0103] Additional network conditions;

[0104] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0105] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0106] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0107] Optionally, in conjunction with the fourth aspect, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0108] Data retention;

[0109] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0110] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0111] Data discard;

[0112] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0113] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0114] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0115] Optionally, in conjunction with the fourth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to:

[0116] Obtain third information, which indicates the network coverage area of ​​the serving cell and / or additional network conditions of the serving cell;

[0117] Based on the third information, the first data collection configuration is determined from the at least one data collection configuration; or...

[0118] Based on the third information, the first data processing method is determined from the at least one data processing method.

[0119] Optionally, in conjunction with the fourth aspect, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0120] The serving cell's cell identifier, the serving cell's network additional conditions, the area to which the serving cell's network additional conditions apply, or a mapping relationship; wherein, the mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply.

[0121] Optionally, in conjunction with the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive the indication information through the following operations:

[0122] The instruction information is received before or during the handover.

[0123] Optionally, in conjunction with the fourth aspect, the indication information is carried in an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI.

[0124] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which may be the first access network device itself, or a chip within the first access network device. The device includes:

[0125] A processing unit is configured to acquire at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method, wherein the data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process data of already stored AI functions, and the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions;

[0126] A transceiver unit is used to send instruction information, which indicates the at least one data collection configuration and / or the at least one data processing method.

[0127] Optionally, in conjunction with the fifth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to acquire at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method by receiving fourth information through the transceiver unit, the fourth information indicating the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0128] Optionally, in conjunction with the fifth aspect, before receiving the second information, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0129] Send a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0130] Optionally, in conjunction with the fifth aspect, the fifth information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information.

[0131] Optionally, in conjunction with the fifth aspect, the indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method.

[0132] Optionally, in conjunction with the fifth aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0133] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0134] Target to be measured;

[0135] Measurement configuration;

[0136] Report configuration;

[0137] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0138] Additional network conditions;

[0139] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0140] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0141] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0142] Optionally, in conjunction with the fifth aspect, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0143] Data retention;

[0144] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0145] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0146] Data discard;

[0147] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0148] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0149] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0150] Optionally, in conjunction with the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send the indication information via the following operations:

[0151] The instruction information is sent before or during the handover.

[0152] Optionally, in conjunction with the fifth aspect, the indication information is carried in an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI.

[0153] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which may be the second access network device itself, or a chip within the second access network device. The device includes:

[0154] The transceiver unit is used to send a fourth message, which indicates the data collection configuration and / or data processing method;

[0155] The data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process the stored AI function data, and the AI ​​function is used to optimize communication network functions.

[0156] Optionally, in conjunction with the sixth aspect, before sending the fourth information, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0157] Receive a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0158] Optionally, in conjunction with the sixth aspect, the fifth information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information.

[0159] Optionally, in conjunction with the sixth aspect, the fourth information includes first information and / or second information, wherein the first information indicates the data collection configuration and the second information indicates the data processing method.

[0160] Optionally, in conjunction with the sixth aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0161] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0162] Target to be measured;

[0163] Measurement configuration;

[0164] Report configuration;

[0165] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0166] Additional network conditions;

[0167] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0168] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0169] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0170] Optionally, in conjunction with the sixth aspect, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0171] Data retention;

[0172] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0173] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0174] Data discard;

[0175] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0176] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0177] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0178] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor being configured to cause the chip to perform the methods described in the first, second, or third aspects above.

[0179] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a module device, which includes a communication module, a power module, a storage module, and a chip, wherein: the power module is used to provide electrical energy to the module device; the storage module is used to store data and instructions; the communication module is used to perform internal communication within the module device or to enable communication between the module device and external devices; and the chip is used to execute the methods described in the first, second, or third aspects above.

[0180] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure disclose a communication device including a memory and a processor. The memory is used to store a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, and the processor is configured to invoke the program instructions to execute the methods described in the first, second, or third aspects above.

[0181] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first, second, or third aspects.

[0182] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program or computer program product, including code or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first, second, or third aspects above.

[0183] In a twelfth aspect, this disclosure provides a communication system including a terminal device, a first access network device, and a second access network device / third access network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect, the first access network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect, and the second access network device / third access network device is configured to perform the method described in the third aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0184] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0185] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0186] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0187] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0188] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0189] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0190] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a module device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0191] The terminology used in the following embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used in the specification and appended claims of this disclosure, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to include the plural expressions as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0192] In this disclosure, "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural.

[0193] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the symbol " / " can indicate that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0194] In this disclosure, "at least one item" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. "One or more" means one or more, while "multiple" means two or more. For example, "at least one item" of a, b, or c can represent the following seven cases: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; a, b, and c. Each of a, b, and c can be an element or a set containing one or more elements.

[0195] In this disclosure, "equal to" can be used with "greater than" and is applicable to technical solutions where "greater than" is used; it can also be used with "less than" and is applicable to technical solutions where "less than" is used. When "equal to" is used with "greater than", it is not used with "less than"; when "equal to" is used with "less than", it is not used with "greater than".

[0196] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the term "comprising" and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or server that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0197] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure, the system architecture involved in this disclosure will be described below.

[0198] This disclosure can be applied to fifth-generation (5G) systems, also known as new radio (NR) systems; or to sixth-generation (6G) systems, or seventh-generation (7G) systems, or other future communication systems; or it can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, etc. Optionally, the descriptions of 6G, 7G, etc. in this disclosure refer to future communication systems, and this disclosure does not limit 6G, 7G, etc., and there may be other ways of expressing them.

[0199] This disclosure can be applied to the system architecture shown in Figure 1. The communication system 10 shown in Figure 1 may include, but is not limited to, access network device 110 and terminal device 120. The number and configuration of devices in Figure 1 are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. For example, in practical applications, multiple terminal devices may be included.

[0200] I. Terminal Equipment

[0201] A terminal device can be a device with transceiver capabilities, and can also be called a terminal, user equipment (UE), remote terminal equipment (relay UE), relay equipment (relay UE), access terminal equipment, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, mobile device, user terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. It should be noted that a relay device is a terminal device capable of providing relay forwarding services to other terminal devices (including remote terminal devices).

[0202] For example, terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, mixed reality (MR) terminal devices, wireless terminal devices in industrial control, wireless terminal devices in autonomous driving, wireless terminal devices in remote medical care, wireless terminal devices in smart grids, wireless terminal devices in transportation safety, wireless terminal devices in smart cities, or wireless terminal devices in smart homes, etc.

[0203] For example, terminal devices can also be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in next-generation communication systems (such as NR communication systems and 6G communication systems), or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc., without specific limitations.

[0204] In some possible implementations, the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can be deployed on water (such as ships); or it can be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites).

[0205] In some possible implementations, the terminal device may include means for wireless communication functionality, such as a chip system, a chip, or a chip module. For example, the chip system may include a chip, and may also include other discrete devices.

[0206] In some possible implementations, the terminal device described in the embodiments of this disclosure may be a chip, chip module, device, unit, etc., and no specific limitation is made thereto.

[0207] II. Access Network Equipment

[0208] Access network equipment can be a device with transceiver capabilities, which can be used to communicate with terminal devices.

[0209] In some possible implementations, access network devices can be responsible for radio resource management (RRM), quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, and data transmission and reception on the air interface side.

[0210] In some possible implementations, access network equipment may include base stations (BS) in a communication system or equipment deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions; that is, access network equipment may include equipment in the RAN.

[0211] For example, devices in the RAN may include evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB) in long term evolution (LTE) communication systems, next generation evolved node B (ng-eNB) in NR communication systems, next generation node B (gNB) in NR communication systems, master node (MN) in dual connectivity architecture, and secondary node (SN) in dual connectivity architecture, etc., without specific restrictions.

[0212] In some possible implementations, access network devices may include devices in the core network (CN).

[0213] For example, devices in a CN may include access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), session management function (SMF), etc.

[0214] In some possible implementations, access network devices can also be access points (APs) in WLANs, relay stations, communication devices in future PLMN networks, communication devices in NTN networks, etc.

[0215] In some possible implementations, the access network device may include means for providing wireless communication capabilities to terminal devices, such as a chip system, a chip, or a chip module. For example, the chip system may include a chip, or it may include other discrete devices.

[0216] In some possible implementations, access network devices can communicate with Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet, private IP networks, or other data networks.

[0217] In some possible implementations, the access network device may include a single node to implement the functions of the aforementioned base station, or it may include two or more independent nodes to implement the functions of the aforementioned base station. For example, the access network device includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), such as gNB-CU and gNB-DU. Further, in some other embodiments of this disclosure, the access network device may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the functions of the access network device, and the DU implements other functions. For example, the CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, and physical (PHY) layer. In addition, the AAU can implement some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and related functions of the active antenna. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this network deployment, higher-layer signaling (such as RRC messages) can be considered to be generated by the CU and sent by the DU, or jointly sent by the DU and AAU. It is understood that access network devices can include at least one of CU, DU, and AAU. Furthermore, the CU can be classified as a RAN device, or it can be classified as a core network device; there are no specific limitations on this.

[0218] In some possible implementations, the access network device can be any site in a multi-site coherent joint transmission (CJT) with the terminal device, or another site outside of that multi-site group, or other access network devices communicating with the terminal device via the network; no specific limitations are imposed. Multi-site coherent joint transmission can be joint coherent transmission by multiple sites, or different data belonging to the same physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) being sent from different sites to the terminal device, or multiple sites being virtually merged into one site for transmission. Names with the same meaning as those specified in other standards also apply to this disclosure; that is, this disclosure does not limit the names of these parameters. The sites in multi-site coherent joint transmission can be remote radio heads (RRHs), transmission and reception points (TRPs), access network devices, etc., without specific limitations.

[0219] In some possible implementations, the access network device can be any of the multiple sites performing noncoherent cooperative transmission with the terminal device, or other sites outside of those multiple sites, or other access network devices communicating with the terminal device; no specific limitations are imposed. The multi-site noncoherent cooperative transmission can be a joint noncoherent transmission by multiple sites, or different data belonging to the same PDSCH being sent to the terminal device from different sites, or different data belonging to the same PDSCH being sent to the terminal device from different sites. Names with the same meaning as those specified in other standards also apply to this disclosure; that is, this disclosure does not limit the names of these parameters. The sites in the multi-site noncoherent cooperative transmission can be RRH, TRP, access network devices, etc., without specific limitations.

[0220] In some possible implementations, the access network equipment can have mobility characteristics; for example, the access network equipment can be a mobile device. Optionally, the access network equipment can be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite can be a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, etc. Optionally, the access network equipment can also be a base station located on land, water, or other similar locations.

[0221] In some possible implementations, access network equipment can provide services to a cell, and terminal equipment within that cell can communicate with the access network equipment via transmission resources (such as spectrum resources). This cell can be a macro cell, small cell, metro cell, micro cell, pico cell, or femto cell, etc.

[0222] In some possible implementations, the access network device described in the embodiments of this disclosure may be a chip, chip module, device, unit, etc., and there are no specific limitations on it.

[0223] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0224] 1. Cell:

[0225] A cell is described from the perspective of resource management, mobility management, or service units. The coverage area of ​​each access network device can be divided into one or more cells, and each cell can correspond to one or more frequency points. In other words, each cell can be regarded as an area formed by the coverage of one or more frequency points.

[0226] It should be noted that a cell can be an area within the coverage range of the wireless network of an access network device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, different cells can correspond to the same or different access network devices. For example, in some embodiments, there is a one-to-one relationship between the access network device and the cell, that is, one access network device manages one cell. In other embodiments, there is a one-to-many relationship between the access network device and the cell, that is, the same access network device can manage at least two different cells.

[0227] In the mobile communication system of this disclosure embodiment, due to the movement of the terminal device, the communication link between the terminal device and the access network device changes. The access network device will instruct the terminal device to perform cell handover / cell selection based on the terminal device's movement, or the terminal device will select a cell to camp on based on cell selection / cell reselection criteria. For ease of distinction and understanding, the cells described in this disclosure embodiment are divided into the following three categories:

[0228] (1) Source cell: The cell to which the terminal device belongs before it performs cell handover / cell selection / cell reselection.

[0229] (2) Candidate Cell: At least one cell that the terminal device may hand over / select / reselect when performing cell handover / cell selection / cell reselection. The target cell is included in the at least one candidate cell of the terminal device. Optionally, the candidate cell may be, for example, a neighboring cell (abbreviated as neighboring cell).

[0230] (3) Target cell: The cell that the terminal device ultimately needs to switch to / select / reselect.

[0231] In this design, the access network device managing the source cell is referred to as the first access network device, and the access network device managing the target cell is referred to as the second access network device. The first and second access network devices can be devices in a co-site handover / selection / reselection scenario, meaning they can be the same device; alternatively, they can be devices in a cross-site handover / selection / reselection scenario, meaning they are different devices. In a co-site handover / selection / reselection scenario, communication between the first and second access network devices is intra-site communication. Optionally, the access network device managing the radio resources of the candidate cell can also be referred to as the third access network device, where the second access network device is a special case of the third access network device. In this embodiment, the third access network device can be the same device as the first access network device, meaning that the third access network device and the first access network device can be devices in a co-site handover / selection / reselection scenario. In this co-site handover / selection / reselection scenario, the communication between the first access network device and the third access network device is intra-site communication. Alternatively, the third access network device and the first access network device can also be different devices, meaning that the third access network device and the first access network device can be devices in an inter-site handover / selection / reselection scenario. Any two of the first access network devices, second access network devices, or third access network devices described in the following method embodiments can be the same device or different devices, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0232] 2. Service Communities

[0233] In order to communicate with access network equipment, terminal equipment needs to establish a wireless connection with the cell controlled by the access network equipment. This cell that needs to establish a wireless connection with the terminal equipment can be called the serving cell of the terminal equipment.

[0234] In one embodiment of this disclosure, before the terminal device performs cell handover / cell selection / cell reselection, the serving cell is the source cell. After the terminal device performs cell handover / cell selection / cell reselection, the serving cell is the target cell.

[0235] In one possible embodiment, the access network device for managing the serving cell is referred to as the first access network device.

[0236] 3. Reference signal (RS):

[0237] According to the LTE / New Radio Access Technology (NR) protocol, at the physical layer, uplink communication includes the transmission of uplink physical channels and uplink reference signals. Downlink communication includes the transmission of downlink physical channels and downlink reference signals.

[0238] The uplink physical channels include the random access channel (PRACH), the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), while the uplink reference signals include the channel sounding reference signal (SRS), the PUCCH-demodulation reference signal (DMRS), the PUSCH-DMRS, the uplink phase noise tracking reference signal (PTRS), and the uplink positioning reference signal (RS).

[0239] Downlink physical channels include the physical broadcast channel (PBCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), etc. Downlink reference signals include the primary synchronization signal (PSS) / secondary synchronization signal (SSS), PDCCH-DMRS, PDSCH-DMRS, downlink PTRS, channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS), cell reference signal (CRS) (not present in NR), time / frequency tracking reference signal (TRS) (not present in LTE), and LTE / NR positioning signal (positioning RS), etc.

[0240] 4. Region

[0241] The areas described below, such as areas applicable to data collection configuration, network additional conditions, data retention, and data discarding, can be understood as geographical areas, or as cells, or tracking areas (TA), etc., without limitation. In an optional implementation, the area can be represented by cell ID, physical cell identity (PCI) ID, frequency ID, synchronization signal block (SSB) ID, TA, tracking area code (TAC), registration area (RA), tracking area identity (TAI), public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., without limitation.

[0242] 5. Handover

[0243] Handover, also known as cell handover, is a fundamental process in wireless communication. A typical example of handover is that, while a terminal device is moving, it can switch serving cells based on handover configuration information sent by the network side in order to maintain communication quality.

[0244] 6. RRC status of terminal equipment

[0245] Terminal devices can exist in multiple RRC states.

[0246] For example, in a typical 5G mobile communication system, the RRC state of a terminal device includes three types: RRC connected state (RRC_connected, or simply connected state), RRC idle state (RRC_idle, or simply idle state), and RRC inactive state (RRC_inactive, or simply inactive state).

[0247] When an RRC connection exists between the terminal device and the base station, the terminal device is in a connected state. In this connected state, the cell the terminal device accesses is called its serving cell. When the RRC connection between the terminal device and the base station is released, the terminal device is in an idle state. In this idle state, the terminal device does not access any cell but selects a cell to camp on; this cell is called the terminal device's camping cell. If the signal quality between the terminal device and its camping cell deteriorates, the terminal device will perform cell reselection, choosing another cell to camp on.

[0248] The inactive state, also known as the deactivated state, refers to the terminal device remaining in the connection management (CM)-connected state. It can move within the area configured by the base station without notifying the base station. In the inactive state, the last serving gNB maintains the UE context and associated NG connection with the Serving Access and Mobility Management function (AMF) and User Plane function (UPF). When the terminal device is in the inactive state, it does not access any cell; instead, it selects a cell to camp on. This cell can be called the terminal device's camping cell. If the signal quality between the terminal device and the camping cell deteriorates, the terminal device will perform cell reselection, choosing another cell to camp on.

[0249] It should be understood that when the terminal device is in a connected state, links have been established between the terminal device and the base station and the core network. Data arriving at the network can be directly transmitted to the terminal device. When the terminal device is in an inactive state, it means that the terminal device previously established links with the base station and the core network, but this link between the terminal device and the base station has been released. Although the link is released, the base station stores the terminal device's context, and can quickly restore this link when data needs to be transmitted. When the terminal device is in an idle state, there are no links between the terminal device and the base station and the core network. When data needs to be transmitted, a link needs to be established between the terminal device and the base station and the core network. It should be noted that in this disclosure, "connected state" refers to a state where links have been established between the terminal device and the base station and the core network. This connected state of the terminal device can use different names in different scenarios and applications; for example, "connected state" can also be called "first state," "mode A," etc. Any state that conforms to the condition that links have been established between the terminal device and the base station and the core network can be understood as the connected state in this disclosure.

[0250] With the rapid development of AI technology, it can now be applied to communication systems such as NR (Network Radio) to improve network performance and user experience through intelligent data collection and analysis. Data collection for AI models is a crucial part of the AI ​​model lifecycle management, and the quality of the collected data directly impacts the performance of the AI ​​model.

[0251] Based on this, this disclosure proposes a communication method that can improve the quality of sample data used in AI models, thereby improving communication performance.

[0252] Optionally, the terms "message" and "signaling" can be used interchangeably; for example, an RRC message can also be described as RRC signaling.

[0253] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method includes steps S201 to S202. The method execution entity shown in Figure 2 can be a terminal device and an access network device (e.g., a first access network device), or the execution entity can be a chip in the terminal device and a chip in the access network device (e.g., the first access network device). Alternatively, the method execution entity shown in Figure 2 can also be other types of products, and those skilled in the art can further expand upon this based on the content disclosed in the specification. The method execution entity shown in Figure 2 uses a terminal device and an access network device (e.g., a first access network device) as an example. It should be noted that the first access network device in this embodiment is an access network device that manages the radio resources of the serving cell or the source cell. Wherein:

[0254] S201. The first access network device sends an instruction message, and the terminal device receives the instruction message accordingly.

[0255] Typically, a first access network device can first acquire at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method, and then send indication information to the terminal device to indicate at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method. In one design 1, the first access network device can determine the data collection configuration and / or data processing method based on its own implementation. In one design 2, the data collection configuration and / or data processing method can be predefined, such as protocol predefined, so the first access network device can acquire the predefined data collection configuration and / or data processing method. In one design 3, the first access network device can receive data collection configuration and / or data processing methods from other access network devices (e.g., a second access network device or a third access network device).

[0256] For example, the aforementioned indication information may be carried in an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI, etc. Generally, after the terminal device receives the indication information, the terminal device may store the data collection configuration and / or data processing method indicated by the indication information.

[0257] It should be noted that, for the first access network device, the indication information it sends can be used to indicate the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to one or more cells. Optionally, a cell may also correspond to one or more data collection configurations and / or one or more data processing methods, which is not limited in this disclosure. For ease of understanding, the following description will use one cell corresponding to one data collection configuration and / or one data processing method as an example.

[0258] In one possible embodiment, after the terminal device receives the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to different cells, the terminal device can store the correspondence between cell identifiers and data collection configuration identifiers and / or data processing methods. For example, cell 1 corresponds to data collection configuration identifier 1; cell 2 corresponds to data collection configuration identifier 2; cell 3 corresponds to data collection configuration identifier 3; and cell 4 corresponds to data collection configuration identifier 4. Specifically, data collection configuration identifier 1 corresponds to data collection configuration 1, data collection configuration identifier 2 corresponds to data collection configuration 2, data collection configuration identifier 3 corresponds to data collection configuration 3, and data collection configuration identifier 4 corresponds to data collection configuration 4. The identifier for cell 1 is 1, the identifier for cell 2 is 2, the identifier for cell 3 is 3, and the identifier for cell 4 is 4. Optionally, after the terminal device receives the data processing method corresponding to different cells, the terminal device can also store the correspondence between cell identifiers and data processing methods.

[0259] Optionally, the data collection configuration is used to configure the objects of data collection, the scenarios for data collection, the conditions for data collection, and the reporting configuration for the collected data. The data processing method is used to indicate the storage status of the data.

[0260] In one possible embodiment, the indication information may include at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in at least one data processing method. Optionally, it can also be understood that the data collection configuration is represented by the first information, and the data processing method is represented by the second information.

[0261] For example, the first information may include at least one of the following: ① data collection configuration identifier; ② measurement target; ③ measurement configuration; ④ reporting configuration; ⑤ area to which the data collection configuration applies; ⑥ network additional conditions; ⑦ area to which the network additional conditions apply; ⑧ mapping relationship, wherein the mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between areas to which different network additional conditions apply; ⑨ first timer, wherein the first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration. It should be understood that the parameters included in the above first information can also be combined. For example, the first information may include a data collection configuration identifier, measurement target, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, network additional conditions, and a first timer. As another example, the first information may include a data collection configuration identifier, measurement target, measurement configuration, reporting configuration, area to which the data collection configuration applies, and a first timer. These are not listed individually here.

[0262] Optionally, one or more pieces of information included in the above data collection configuration may also be predefined, such as protocol-predefined information; for example, the mapping relationship may be protocol-predefined. Wherein:

[0263] A data collection configuration identifier (ID) is used to identify a data collection configuration. Optionally, the data collection configuration identifier is also called a data collection configuration index.

[0264] The measurement target, also known as the measurement object (MO), includes a frequency point; each configured measurement object is a separate frequency point, which includes one or more cells. Optionally, the measurement object may also include SSB, CSI-RS, cell ID, etc., without limitation.

[0265] Measurement configuration (MeasConfig) refers to the configuration information sent by the network side to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to perform measurements. For example, measurement configuration may include information such as sampling interval, measurement period, and sampling duration.

[0266] The report configuration (ReportConfig) indicates the criteria for triggering measurement report reporting and the format of the measurement report. The criteria for triggering measurement report reporting are categorized by type: event-triggered reporting, periodic reporting, and semi-persistent reporting. Event-triggered reporting includes reporting based on predefined measurement events. Periodic reporting involves the terminal device sending measurement reports according to a specified report interval. Semi-persistent reporting is mainly used in Channel State Information (CSI) scenarios; it requires configuring basic parameters via RRC messages before triggering the periodic reporting process via MAC CE or DCI. Optionally, semi-persistent reporting can also be referred to as semi-continuous reporting.

[0267] The regions to which the data collection configuration applies are also called the effective regions of the data collection configuration. For example, the data collection configuration applies to regions 1 and 2. That is to say, the data collection configuration is effective only if the terminal device is within the range of regions 1 and 2. If the terminal device is outside the range of regions 1 and 2, such as region 3, the data collection configuration will no longer apply, or the data collection configuration will be invalid.

[0268] Network side additional conditions (NW side additional conditions) are used to identify the network environment in which the data collected by the terminal device is collected. For example, NW side additional conditions can take the form of associated IDs, where an associated ID indicates a network environment. For instance, network environments include antenna downtilt angle, antenna pattern configuration, network parameter configuration, etc., and are not limited to these. Generally, NW side additional conditions may differ across regions, or even if the associated IDs are the same across different regions, their corresponding network environments may differ. For example, associated ID1 in region 1 represents network environment 1, but in region 2, associated ID1 may represent network environment 2, where network environment 1 and network environment 2 are different.

[0269] The area to which network conditions apply is also called the effective area of ​​the network conditions. For example, if the network conditions apply to area 1, then the network conditions are valid only if the terminal device is located within area 1. If the terminal device is located outside area 1, such as in area 2, the network conditions will no longer apply, or the network conditions will be invalid.

[0270] In one alternative implementation, the mapping relationship can be between different network conditions, where one network condition may be associated with one or more network conditions. Alternatively, the mapping relationship can be between regions to which different network conditions apply, where one region to which one network condition applies may be associated with one or more regions to which one network condition applies. Or, the mapping relationship can also be between different network conditions and regions to which different network conditions apply, where one network condition may be associated with one or more regions to which one network condition applies, and vice versa. It should be noted that this mapping relationship is primarily used to determine the data collection configuration used.

[0271] For example, the mapping relationship between different network additional conditions can be shown in Table 1 below, where associated ID1 can be mapped to associated ID2 and associated ID3; associated ID2 can be mapped to associated ID1 and associated ID4; associated ID3 can be mapped to associated ID1; and associated ID4 can be mapped to associated ID2.

[0272] Table 1. Mapping relationships between different network additional conditions

[0273] For example, if the serving cell of the terminal device is cell 2, or the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is cell 2, and cell 2 corresponds to associated ID 3, in response to the fact that the terminal device does not store the data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID 3, the terminal device can determine that associated ID 3 and associated ID 1 have a mapping relationship according to the mapping relationship shown in Table 1; if the data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if data collection configuration 1, which is one of the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, includes associated ID 1, then the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2.

[0274] Optionally, when the above mapping relationship is a one-to-many relationship, the terminal device can randomly select one piece of information from multiple pieces of information as the information to be used. For example, if the serving cell of the terminal device is cell 2, and cell 2 corresponds to associated ID1, in response to the fact that the data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID1 is not stored in the terminal device, the terminal device can determine that associated ID1 has a mapping relationship with associated ID2 and associated ID3 according to the mapping relationship shown in Table 1. The data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID2 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 2, and the data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID3 is data collection configuration 3. Or, if there is a case where data collection configuration 2 includes associated ID2 and data collection configuration 3 includes associated ID3 among the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 2 or data collection configuration 3 to collect data in cell 2.

[0275] For example, when the area to which the network additional conditions apply is not based on a cell, but rather a smaller area than the network coverage area of ​​a cell, the mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply can be shown in Table 2 below, where area 1 can be mapped to area 2 and area 3; area 2 can be mapped to area 1 and area 4; area 3 can be mapped to area 1; and area 4 can be mapped to area 2.

[0276] Table 2 Mapping relationships between regions applicable to different network additional conditions.

[0277] For example, if the serving cell of the terminal device is cell 2, where cell 2 corresponds to associated ID 3, and the area to which associated ID 3 applies is region 3, then region 3 can be understood as a finer-grained area within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2, meaning region 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2. In response to the terminal device not storing associated ID 3 and the data collection configuration corresponding to region 3, the terminal device can determine that region 3 and region 1 have a mapping relationship based on the mapping relationship shown in Table 2. If the data collection configuration corresponding to region 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if data collection configuration 1, which includes region 1, is among the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, then the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2.

[0278] For example, when the area to which the network additional conditions apply is a cell, or when the area to which the network additional conditions apply is a cell, the mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply can be shown in Table 3 below, where cell 1 can be mapped to cell 2 and cell 3; cell 2 can be mapped to cell 1 and cell 4; cell 3 can be mapped to cell 1; and cell 4 can be mapped to cell 2.

[0279] Table 3 Mapping relationships between different communities

[0280] For example, if the serving cell of the terminal is cell 3, but the terminal device does not store the data collection configuration corresponding to cell 3, then according to the mapping relationship in Table 3 above, it can be determined that cell 3 can be mapped to cell 1. Since the terminal device stores the data collection configuration 1 corresponding to cell 1, the terminal device can use the data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 3.

[0281] For example, the mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and the areas to which the network additional conditions apply, or the mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply and the network additional conditions, can be shown in Table 4 below. It should be understood that the areas to which the network additional conditions apply in Table 4 are smaller than the network coverage area of ​​the cell. Specifically, associated ID1 can be mapped to area 2 and area 3; associated ID2 can be mapped to area 1 and area 4; associated ID3 can be mapped to area 1; and associated ID4 can be mapped to area 2. Area 1 can be mapped to associated ID2 and associated ID3; area 2 can be mapped to associated ID1 and associated ID4; area 3 can be mapped to associated ID1; and area 4 can be mapped to associated ID2.

[0282] Table 4. Mapping relationship between network additional conditions and the regions where network additional conditions apply.

[0283] For example, if the serving cell of the terminal device is cell 2, where cell 2 corresponds to associated ID 3, and the area to which associated ID 3 applies is region 3, then region 3 can be understood as a finer-grained area within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2, meaning region 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2. In response to the terminal device not storing associated ID 3 and / or the data collection configuration corresponding to region 3, the terminal device can determine that associated ID 3 and region 1 have a mapping relationship based on the mapping relationship shown in Table 4. If the data collection configuration corresponding to region 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if data collection configuration 1, which includes region 1, is among the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2.

[0284] For another example, if the serving cell of the terminal device is cell 2, where cell 2 corresponds to associated ID 3, and the area to which associated ID 3 applies is region 3, then region 3 can be understood as a finer-grained area within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2; that is, region 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2. In response to the terminal device not storing the data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID 3 and / or region 3, the terminal device can determine, based on the mapping relationship shown in Table 4, that associated ID 3 and region 1 have a mapping relationship, and region 3 and associated ID 1 have a mapping relationship. If the data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if among the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, data collection configuration 1 includes associated ID 1, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2.

[0285] For example, the mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and the areas to which the network additional conditions apply, or the mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply and the network additional conditions, can be shown in Table 5 below. It should be understood that the areas to which the network additional conditions apply in Table 5 are cells. Specifically, associated ID1 can be mapped to cells 2 and 3; associated ID2 can be mapped to cells 1 and 4; associated ID3 can be mapped to cell 1; and associated ID4 can be mapped to cell 2. Cell 1 can be mapped to associated ID2 and associated ID3; cell 2 can be mapped to associated ID1 and associated ID4; cell 3 can be mapped to associated ID1; and cell 4 can be mapped to associated ID2.

[0286] Table 5. Mapping relationship between network additional conditions and the regions to which network additional conditions apply.

[0287] For example, if the serving cell of the terminal is cell 3, but the terminal device does not store the data collection configuration corresponding to cell 3, then according to the mapping relationship in Table 5 above, it can be determined that cell 3 can be mapped to associated ID1, and the terminal device stores the data collection configuration 1 corresponding to associated ID1. Therefore, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 3.

[0288] For example, the network additional conditions and the areas to which the network additional conditions apply, as well as the mapping relationship between the network additional conditions and the areas to which the network additional conditions apply, can be shown in Table 6 below. It should be understood that the areas to which the network additional conditions apply in Table 6 are smaller than the network coverage area of ​​the cell. Among them, (associated ID1, area 1) can be mapped to (associated ID2, area 2) and (associated ID3, area 3); (associated ID2, area 2) can be mapped to (associated ID1, area 1) and (associated ID4, area 4); (associated ID3, area 3) can be mapped to (associated ID1, area 1); and (associated ID4, area 4) can be mapped to (associated ID2, area 2).

[0289] Table 6

[0290] For example, if the serving cell of the terminal is cell 2, and the network additional conditions and the area to which the network additional conditions apply are (associated ID3, area 3), in response to the fact that the terminal device does not store associated ID3 and the data collection configuration corresponding to area 3, the terminal device can determine that (associated ID3, area 3) and (associated ID1, area 1) have a mapping relationship according to the mapping relationship shown in Table 6. If the data collection configuration corresponding to area 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if among the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, data collection configuration 1 includes associated ID1 and the area 1 to which associated ID1 applies, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2. Here, area 3 can be understood as a more granular area within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2, that is, area 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2.

[0291] For example, the network additional conditions and the areas to which the network additional conditions apply, as well as the mapping relationship between the network additional conditions and the areas to which the network additional conditions apply, can be shown in Table 7 below. It should be understood that the areas to which the network additional conditions apply in Table 7 are cells. Among them, (associated ID1, cell 1) can be mapped to (associated ID2, cell 2) and (associated ID3, cell 3); (associated ID2, cell 2) can be mapped to (associated ID1, cell 1) and (associated ID4, cell 4); (associated ID3, cell 3) can be mapped to (associated ID1, cell 1); and (associated ID4, cell 4) can be mapped to (associated ID2, cell 2).

[0292] Table 7

[0293] For example, if the serving cell of the terminal is cell 3, and the network additional conditions of cell 3 and the cell to which the network additional conditions apply are (associated ID3, cell 3), in response to the fact that the terminal device does not store the data collection configuration corresponding to cell 3, the terminal device can determine that (associated ID3, cell 3) and (associated ID1, cell 1) have a mapping relationship according to the mapping relationship shown in Table 7; if the terminal device stores the data collection configuration corresponding to cell 1 as data collection configuration 1, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 3.

[0294] The duration of the first timer can be configured on the network side or predefined by the protocol; this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this. Optionally, the duration for which the first timer indicates the validity of the data collection configuration can also be described as the duration for which the first timer indicates the validity of the data collection configuration. Generally, the first timer is used for terminal devices in idle or inactive states. This is because in idle and inactive states, the terminal device cannot obtain the latest data collection configuration in real time. Therefore, to ensure the validity of the data collection configuration and the validity of the collected data, the first timer can be used to indicate the validity duration of the data collection configuration. Optionally, the first timer can also be used for terminal devices in connected states. Generally, based on the timeout / expiration of the first timer, the relevant data collection configuration becomes invalid, or it can be understood that the terminal device deletes the corresponding data collection configuration.

[0295] For example, the second information includes at least one of the following: (1) data retention; (2) the region to which data retention applies; (3) the data type to which data retention applies; (4) data discard; (5) the region to which data discard applies; (6) the data type to which data discard applies; and (7) a second timer, which indicates the effective duration of the first data, which is data already stored for AI functions. Optionally, one or more of the information included in the above data processing method may also be predefined, such as protocol predefined, for example, the second timer may be protocol predefined.

[0296] It should be understood that the parameters included in the above-mentioned second information can also be combined. For example, the second information may include data retention and a second timer. Alternatively, the second information may include data discarding and a second timer. Another example is that the second information may include the area to which data retention applies and a second timer. Yet another example is that the second information may include the area to which data discarding applies and a second timer. These are not listed individually here.

[0297] The aforementioned data retention can also be described as data storage, that is, storing data that has already been collected.

[0298] The area to which data retention applies can also be described as the area where data retention is effective.

[0299] In one possible embodiment, the terminal device retains data collected within the effective area of ​​data retention, while discarding data collected outside the effective area of ​​data retention. For example, if the effective area of ​​data retention is area 4, and the data already stored in the terminal device for AI functions includes data collected in areas 1, 2, and 3, in response to the terminal device moving to area 4, the terminal device discards the data already stored in areas 1, 2, and 3, while retaining the data collected in area 4.

[0300] In another possible embodiment, the terminal device retains the data indicated by the effective area of ​​data retention, while discarding data not indicated by the effective area of ​​data retention. For example, if the effective areas of data retention are area 1, area 2, and area 3, and the data already stored in the terminal device for AI functions includes data collected in area 1, area 2, area 3, and area 4, the terminal device retains the data collected in area 1, area 2, and area 3, and discards the data collected in area 4.

[0301] The data type for which data retention applies can be understood as employing differentiated data retention for different types of data. For example, the data type could be location, beam management, or mobility management. As another example, the data type could be cell-level or beam-level. Furthermore, the data type can also be divided by cell, such as data collected in cell 1 and data collected in cell 2 being two different data types. For instance, if the data type for which retention applies is location, then for a terminal device, if the terminal device already stores data for AI functions, including data for location and data for beam management, the terminal device will retain the data for location and discard the data for beam management.

[0302] Data discarding can also be called data deletion or data release.

[0303] The area to which data discarding applies can also be described as the area where data discarding is effective.

[0304] In one possible embodiment, the effective area for data discarding can be understood as the terminal device discarding data collected within the effective area for data discarding, while retaining data not collected within the effective area for data discarding. For example, if the effective area for data discarding is area 4, and the data already stored in the terminal device for AI functions includes data collected in areas 1, 2, 3, and 4, the terminal device retains the data collected in areas 1, 2, and 3, and performs a discard operation on the data collected in area 4.

[0305] In another possible embodiment, the effective area for data discarding can also be understood as the terminal device discarding stored data based on the terminal device being within the effective area for data discarding. For example, if the effective area for data discarding is area 4, and the data stored in the terminal device for AI functions includes data collected in areas 1, 2, and 3, then in response to the terminal device moving to area 4, the terminal device discards the stored data collected in areas 1, 2, and 3.

[0306] The applicable data types for data discarding can be understood as different types of data that can be discarded in a differentiated manner. For example, if the applicable data type for data discarding is location, then for the terminal device, in response to the data already stored on the terminal device for AI functions, including data for location and data for beam management, the terminal device discards the data for location and retains the data for beam management.

[0307] The timing length of the second timer can be configured on the network side or predefined by the protocol; this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this. Optionally, the second timer used to indicate the validity period of the first data can also be described as the second timer used to indicate the retention period or storage period of the first data. The first data is data already stored in the terminal device for AI functions. Optionally, the number of second timers can be one or more. For example, if there is only one second timer, it can be understood that the storage period of different data types is the same. Alternatively, if there are multiple second timers, the timing length of each second timer can be different. For example, different second timers can be set for different data types to indicate the validity period of different data types already stored for AI functions. For instance, if the terminal device has stored data for positioning and data for sensing, the timing length of the second timer corresponding to the positioning data can be 500s, and the timing length of the second timer corresponding to the sensing data can be 1000s. Generally, in the event of a second timer timeout / expiration, the terminal device can discard the stored data or discard the data associated with the second timer.

[0308] S202, The terminal device collects data for AI functions based on a first data collection configuration in at least one data collection configuration and / or processes the stored data for AI functions based on a first data processing method in at least one data processing method.

[0309] In one possible embodiment, collecting data for AI functions can be understood as using the collected data for purposes such as training, inference, updating, fine-tuning, or optimizing AI functions.

[0310] The AI ​​function is used to optimize communication network functions. Optionally, the AI ​​function involved in this disclosure embodiment can also be understood as an AI model, for example, the AI ​​function is positioning, or described as an AI model for positioning. Optionally, the AI ​​function can also be understood as parameter configuration, for example, parameter configuration for positioning, which implicitly indicates the positioning function. For example, the AI ​​function can also be energy saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) feedback enhancement, beam management enhancement (BME), sensing, or described as an AI model for energy saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, CSI-RS feedback enhancement, beam management enhancement, sensing, etc., or described as parameter configuration for energy saving, parameter configuration for load balancing, parameter configuration for mobility optimization, parameter configuration for CSI-RS feedback enhancement, parameter configuration for beam management enhancement, parameter configuration for sensing, etc.

[0311] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure. This communication method includes steps S300 to S302. The execution entity shown in Figure 3 can be a terminal device and an access network device (e.g., a first access network device and a third access network device), or the execution entity can be a chip in the terminal device and a chip in the access network device (e.g., a first access network device and a third access network device). Alternatively, the execution entity shown in Figure 3 can also be other types of products, and those skilled in the art can further expand upon this based on the content disclosed in the specification. The execution entity shown in Figure 3 is executordination of a terminal device and an access network device (e.g., a first access network device and a third access network device). It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first access network device is an access network device that manages the radio resources of a serving cell or a source cell, and the third access network device is an access network device that manages the radio resources of candidate cells, including the new serving cell to which the terminal device has moved. The third access network device and the first access network device may be the same device or different devices. When they are the same device, the communication between the first access network device and the third access network device is intra-site communication. The following method embodiments are described using the first access network device and the third access network device as different devices, and this disclosure does not limit the scope of the embodiments. Wherein:

[0312] S300: The third access network device sends the fourth information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the fourth information from the third access network device.

[0313] It should be understood that the number of third access network devices can be one or more, and this disclosure does not limit this. Optionally, the number of cells managed by one third access network device may also be one or more, and this disclosure does not limit this. For ease of understanding, some embodiments of this disclosure are mainly illustrated by the example of one third access network device managing multiple cells, and one cell corresponding to one data collection configuration and / or one data processing method. It should be noted that "multiple" in this disclosure refers to two or more. Therefore, the fourth information can indicate the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to multiple cells managed by the third access network device, or be described as the fourth information indicating the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to multiple candidate cells managed by the third access network device, or be described as the fourth information indicating the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to multiple candidate cells, or be described as the fourth information including multiple data collection configurations and / or multiple data processing methods.

[0314] In one possible implementation, the fourth information can be carried in a notification message between access network devices. That is, the third access network device can proactively send the fourth information to the first access network device. For example, the third access network device can periodically send a notification message carrying the fourth information to the second access network device.

[0315] In another possible implementation, before the third access network device sends the fourth information to the first access network device, the first access network device may first send a fifth information to the third access network device. This fifth information is used to request data collection configuration and / or data processing method. That is, the first and third access network devices can transmit the fourth information based on a request / response message. Optionally, the fifth information may also include the terminal device's data collection configuration in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information. Optionally, the serving cell can be understood as the source cell, or the cell managed by the first access network device.

[0316] S301. The first access network device sends an instruction message to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the instruction message from the first access network device accordingly.

[0317] In one possible implementation, the first access network device can send indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the indication information from the first access network device. This indication information may include data collection configurations and / or data processing methods corresponding to multiple candidate cells. This is because the first access network device does not know which cell the terminal device will ultimately move to, and therefore needs to configure the data collection configurations and / or data processing methods for all possible candidate cells the terminal device may move to. Optionally, candidate cells can also be referred to as neighboring cells, or simply neighboring cells.

[0318] As described in step S300, some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated using the example of a third access network device (NAPDN) with one NAPDN device and multiple cells / candidate cells managed by the NAPDN device. That is, the following description will use the example of indication information including data collection configurations and / or data processing methods corresponding to multiple candidate cells, or the indication information including multiple data collection configurations and / or multiple data processing methods, or the indication information including a data collection configuration list and / or a data processing method list, wherein the data collection configuration list includes multiple data collection configurations and the data processing method list includes multiple data processing methods.

[0319] For example, the terminal may receive instruction information before handover. This handover is merely one example scenario; some embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to other scenarios, such as before cell selection / cell reselection.

[0320] In one possible embodiment, the data collection configuration can be characterized by first information, and the data processing method can be characterized by second information. For an understanding of the content of the first and / or second information, please refer to the description in S201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0321] It should be noted that the number of parameters / parameter dimensions included in the data collection configuration and / or data processing method may differ between different residential communities. For example, the data collection configuration for community 1 includes a data collection configuration identifier, measurement target, measurement configuration, report configuration, applicable area for the data collection configuration, and additional network conditions; the data collection configuration for community 2 includes a data collection configuration identifier, measurement target, measurement configuration, report configuration, applicable area for the data collection configuration, additional network conditions, and applicable area for the additional network conditions. Similarly, the data processing method for community 1 includes data retention and the applicable area for data retention; the data processing method for community 2 includes data retention, the applicable area for data retention, the applicable data type for data retention, data discarding, the applicable area for data discarding, and the applicable data type for data discarding.

[0322] S302, the terminal device collects data for AI functions based on a first data collection configuration among multiple data collection configurations and / or processes stored data for AI functions based on a first data processing method among multiple data processing methods. This helps improve the quality of sample data used for AI models, thereby improving communication performance.

[0323] As described above, the instruction information sent by the first access network device to the terminal device includes multiple data collection configurations and / or multiple data processing methods. Therefore, before collecting data for AI functions based on the data collection configuration and / or processing stored data for AI functions based on the data processing method, the terminal device needs to know which data collection configuration should be used to collect data for AI functions and / or which data processing method should be used to process stored data for AI functions. Optionally, the data collection configuration ultimately used by the terminal device can also be described as the first data collection configuration. Optionally, the data processing method ultimately used by the terminal can also be described as the first data processing method.

[0324] Optionally, when the number of data collection configurations indicated by the instruction information is one, the first data collection configuration is the data collection configuration indicated by the instruction information. Similarly, when the number of data processing methods indicated by the instruction information is one, the first data processing method is the data processing method indicated by the instruction information. Some embodiments of this disclosure do not focus on the case where the instruction information only indicates one number of data collection configurations or one data processing method.

[0325] Optionally, when the number of data collection configurations indicated by the indication information is multiple / at least two, in response to determining the first data collection configuration, the terminal device can obtain third information. Further, the terminal device can determine the first data collection configuration from the multiple / at least two data collection configurations indicated by the indication information based on the third information, and then collect data for AI functions based on the first data collection configuration. The third information indicates the network coverage area of ​​the serving cell and / or the network additional conditions of the serving cell. Here, the serving cell can also be referred to as a cell managed by the first access network device. In an optional implementation, the third information may include at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the serving cell, the network additional conditions of the serving cell, the area to which the network additional conditions of the serving cell apply, or a mapping relationship. The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply. Similarly, when determining the first data processing method, the terminal device can also determine the first data processing method from the multiple / at least two data processing methods indicated by the indication information based on the third information, and then process the stored data for AI functions based on the first data processing method. Among them, the terminal device may determine the first data processing method from multiple data processing methods indicated by the instruction information based on the third information, which may have the following three possible implementations:

[0326] In one possible embodiment (a), the third information includes the cell identifier of the serving cell. Therefore, the terminal device can select the data collection configuration corresponding to the data collection configuration identifier that matches the cell identifier of the current serving cell as the first data collection configuration based on the stored correspondence between cell identifiers and data collection configuration identifiers. Similarly, the terminal device can select the data processing method corresponding to the data processing method identifier that matches the cell identifier of the current serving cell as the first data processing method based on the stored correspondence between cell identifiers and data processing methods.

[0327] In one possible embodiment (ii), the terminal device can select a matching first data collection configuration and / or first data processing method from multiple data collection configurations and / or multiple data processing methods indicated by the indication information, based on the network additional conditions of the serving cell and / or the area to which the network additional conditions of the serving cell apply.

[0328] For example, a terminal device can select a first data collection configuration and / or a first data processing method from multiple data collection configurations and / or multiple data processing methods indicated by the instruction information, based on the network additional conditions of the serving cell and / or the area to which the network additional conditions of the serving cell apply, and in combination with the mapping relationship. Then, it can collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions according to the first data collection configuration, and / or process the data already stored for AI functions based on the first data processing method.

[0329] For example, a terminal device can directly select a data collection configuration with the same network conditions and / or the area where the network conditions of the serving cell apply, from multiple data collection configurations and / or multiple data processing methods indicated by the instruction information, as the first data collection configuration and / or the first data processing method, based on the network additional conditions of the serving cell and / or the area where the network additional conditions of the serving cell apply. Here, "area" can be understood as a smaller area than the network coverage area of ​​the cell.

[0330] In one possible embodiment (iii), when selecting a first data collection configuration and / or a first data processing method from multiple data collection configuration information and / or multiple data processing methods indicated by the indication information based on the network additional conditions of the serving cell and / or the area to which the network additional conditions apply, the terminal device may also determine the first data collection configuration and / or the first data processing method without combining the mapping relationship, but based on the terminal device's own implementation. For example, the terminal device may use a stored data collection configuration and / or data processing method associated with the network additional conditions and / or the area to which the network additional conditions apply of the serving cell are similar or close to the area to which the network additional conditions apply as the first data collection configuration and / or the first data processing method.

[0331] Optionally, the aforementioned third information can be sent to the terminal device by the first access network device. For example, the first access network device can carry the third information of the serving cell in a broadcast message or a dedicated message.

[0332] It should be noted that this disclosure does not limit the timing relationship between the third information and the indication information. For example, the first access network device may send the indication information first, and then send the third information. Alternatively, the first access network device may send the third information first, and then send the indication information. Yet another example is that the first access network device may send the third information and the indication information simultaneously; optionally, in this case, the third information and the indication information may be carried in the same message.

[0333] Optionally, the mapping relationship involved in this disclosure may be predefined by the protocol, or it may be carried in the third information, or it may be carried in the indication information. Optionally, when both the third information and the indication information carry mapping relationships, the mapping relationships included in the third information and the mapping relationships included in the indication information may be different. In this scenario, the terminal device may select the final mapping relationship to be used based on predefined rules. For example, the terminal device may select the mapping relationship carried in the most recently / latest received information as the final mapping relationship to be used, or the terminal device may also use the mapping relationship carried in the dedicated message as the final mapping relationship to be used.

[0334] For example, if the third information is carried in the broadcast message and the indication information is carried in the RRC message, and both the third information and the indication information carry a mapping relationship, the terminal device can select the mapping relationship contained in the indication information as the final mapping relationship to be used.

[0335] For example, if the third information is sent before the indication information, and the third information is carried in the RRC message while the indication information is carried in the DCI message, and both the third information and the indication information carry a mapping relationship, the terminal device can choose the mapping relationship contained in the indication information as the final mapping relationship to be used.

[0336] To facilitate understanding, several exemplary examples are provided below to illustrate how a terminal device selects a first data collection configuration from multiple data collection configurations included in the indication information based on third information. For details on the implementation of selecting a first data processing method from multiple data processing methods included in the indication information based on third information, please refer to the section on the implementation of selecting a first data collection configuration from multiple data collection configurations included in the indication information based on third information; these details will not be repeated below.

[0337] Regarding the above possible embodiment (one), for example, the terminal device stores data collection configuration identifier 1 corresponding to cell 1; data collection configuration identifier 2 corresponding to cell 2; data collection configuration identifier 3 corresponding to cell 3; and data collection configuration identifier 4 corresponding to cell 4, wherein data collection configuration identifier 1 corresponds to data collection configuration 1, data collection configuration identifier 2 corresponds to data collection configuration 2, data collection configuration identifier 3 corresponds to data collection configuration 3, and data collection configuration identifier 4 corresponds to data collection configuration 4. Optionally, after the terminal device receives the data processing method corresponding to different cells, the terminal device can also store the correspondence between cell identifiers and data processing methods. When the identifier of the serving cell is cell 1, the terminal device can determine that data collection configuration identifier 1 corresponds to data collection configuration 1 as the first data collection configuration.

[0338] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), as an example, if the serving cell of the terminal device is cell 2, and cell 2 corresponds to associated ID 3, in response to the fact that the terminal device does not store the data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID 3, the terminal device can determine that associated ID 3 and associated ID 1 have a mapping relationship according to the mapping relationship shown in Table 1; if the data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if data collection configuration 1, which is one of the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, includes associated ID 1, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2, that is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1.

[0339] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. In the case where the serving cell of the terminal device is cell 2, where cell 2 corresponds to associated ID 3, and the area to which associated ID 3 applies is region 3, region 3 can be understood as a finer-grained region within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2, i.e., region 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2. In response to the terminal device not storing associated ID 3 and the data collection configuration corresponding to region 3, the terminal device can determine that region 3 and region 1 have a mapping relationship based on the mapping relationship shown in Table 2. If the data collection configuration corresponding to region 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if data collection configuration 1 includes region 1 among the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2; that is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1.

[0340] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. If the serving cell of the terminal is cell 3, but the terminal device does not store the data collection configuration corresponding to cell 3, then according to the mapping relationship in Table 3 above, it can be determined that cell 3 can be mapped to cell 1. Since the terminal device stores the data collection configuration 1 corresponding to cell 1, the terminal device can use the data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 3, that is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1.

[0341] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. In the case where the serving cell of the terminal device is cell 2, where cell 2 corresponds to associated ID 3, and the area to which associated ID 3 applies is region 3, region 3 can be understood as a finer-grained region within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2, i.e., region 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2. In response to the terminal device not storing associated ID 3 and / or the data collection configuration corresponding to region 3, the terminal device can determine, based on the mapping relationship shown in Table 4, that associated ID 3 and region 1 have a mapping relationship. If the data collection configuration corresponding to region 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if, among the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, data collection configuration 1 includes region 1, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2; that is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1.

[0342] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. In the case where the serving cell of the terminal device is cell 2, where cell 2 corresponds to associated ID 3, and the area to which associated ID 3 applies is region 3, region 3 can be understood as a finer-grained region within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2, i.e., region 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 2. In response to the terminal device not storing associated ID 3 and / or the data collection configuration corresponding to region 3, the terminal device can determine, based on the mapping relationship shown in Table 4, that associated ID 3 and region 1 have a mapping relationship, and region 3 and associated ID 1 have a mapping relationship. If the data collection configuration corresponding to associated ID 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if among the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, data collection configuration 1 includes associated ID 1, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2; that is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1.

[0343] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. If the serving cell of the terminal is cell 3, but the terminal device does not store the data collection configuration corresponding to cell 3, then according to the mapping relationship in Table 5 above, it can be determined that cell 3 can be mapped to associated ID1. Since the terminal device stores the data collection configuration 1 corresponding to associated ID1, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 3, that is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1.

[0344] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. When the serving cell of the terminal is cell 2, and the network additional conditions of cell 2 and the area to which the network additional conditions apply are (associated ID3, area 3), in response to the fact that the terminal device does not store associated ID3 and the data collection configuration corresponding to the area to which associated ID3 applies as area 3, the terminal device can determine that (associated ID3, area 3) and (associated ID1, area 1) have a mapping relationship according to the mapping relationship shown in Table 6. If the data collection configuration corresponding to area 1 stored in the terminal device is data collection configuration 1, or if among the multiple data collection configurations indicated by the indication information, there is a data collection configuration 1 that includes associated ID1 and the area to which associated ID1 applies, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 2, that is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1.

[0345] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. When the serving cell of the terminal is cell 3, and the network additional conditions of cell 3 and the cell to which the network additional conditions apply are (associated ID3, cell 3), in response to the fact that the terminal device does not store the data collection configuration corresponding to cell 3, the terminal device can determine that (associated ID3, cell 3) and (associated ID1, cell 1) have a mapping relationship according to the mapping relationship shown in Table 7. When the terminal device stores the data collection configuration corresponding to cell 1 as data collection configuration 1, the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 3, that is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1.

[0346] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. If the serving cell of the terminal is cell 3, and the network additional conditions for cell 3 and the cell to which the network additional conditions apply are (associated ID3, region 3), in response to the data collection configuration 1 stored in the terminal device including (associated ID3, region 1) and data collection configuration 2 including (associated ID1, region 1), the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 3. That is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1. Here, region 3 can be understood as a finer-grained region within the network coverage area of ​​cell 3, meaning region 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 3.

[0347] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. If the serving cell of the terminal is cell 3, and the network additional conditions for cell 3 and the cell to which the network additional conditions apply are (associated ID3, region 3), in response to the data collection configuration 1 stored in the terminal device including (associated ID2, region 3) and data collection configuration 2 including (associated ID1, region 1), the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 3. That is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1. Here, region 3 can be understood as a finer-grained region within the network coverage area of ​​cell 3, meaning region 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 3.

[0348] Regarding the above possible embodiment (II), let's take another exemplary example. If the serving cell of the terminal is cell 3, and the network additional conditions for cell 3 and the cell to which the network additional conditions apply are (associated ID3, region 3), in response to the data collection configuration 1 stored in the terminal device including (associated ID3, region 3) and data collection configuration 2 including (associated ID1, region 1), the terminal device can use data collection configuration 1 to collect data in cell 3. That is, the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 1. Here, region 3 can be understood as a finer-grained region within the network coverage area of ​​cell 3, meaning region 3 is within the network coverage area of ​​cell 3.

[0349] For example, in the case where the serving cell is cell 1 and the network additional condition of cell 1 included in the indication information is associated ID 3, in response to the fact that data collection configuration 1 in the indication information includes associated ID 1 and data collection configuration 2 includes associated ID 4, since the identifier 3 of associated ID 3 is closer to the identifier 4 of associated ID 4, the terminal device can determine that the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 2.

[0350] For example, in the case where the serving cell is cell 1 and the applicable area of ​​the network additional conditions of cell 1 included in the indication information is area 3, in response to the indication information including area 1 in data collection configuration 1 and area 4 in data collection configuration 2, since the identifier 3 of area 3 is closer to the identifier 4 of area 4, the terminal device can determine that the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 2.

[0351] For example, in the above possible embodiment (iii), where the serving cell is cell 1, and the network additional condition of cell 1 included in the indication information is associated ID3, and the applicable area of ​​associated ID3 is area 3, in response to the indication information including associated ID1 and area 1 applicable to associated ID1 in data collection configuration 1, and associated ID2 and area 2 applicable to associated ID2 in data collection configuration 2, since the identifier 3 of associated ID3 corresponding to the serving cell is closer to the identifier 2 of associated ID2 included in data collection configuration 1, and the identifier 3 of area 3 corresponding to the serving cell is closer to the identifier 2 of area 2 included in data collection configuration 1, the terminal device can determine that the first data collection configuration is data collection configuration 2.

[0352] In some embodiments of this disclosure, regarding data collection configuration, the first access network device needs to obtain the data collection configuration corresponding to different candidate cells in advance. Then, the first access network device sends the configuration of different candidate cells to the UE in advance to ensure that after the UE moves to the target cell, it can quickly use the data collection configuration corresponding to the target cell to perform data collection, reducing the impact of handover on the continuity of data collection. Regarding data processing methods, the first access network device obtains the data processing methods of different candidate cells for data already stored on the UE side in advance and sends the corresponding data processing methods to the UE. This allows the UE to process the stored data based on the data processing methods corresponding to the target cell after moving to the target cell, while ensuring training / inference / update / monitoring. This reduces UE buffer usage, promptly releases the UE buffer for storing new data, and avoids unnecessary data transmission that wastes air interface resources.

[0353] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure. This communication method includes steps S400 to S402. The execution entity shown in Figure 4 can be a terminal device and an access network device (e.g., a first access network device and a second access network device), or the execution entity can be a chip in the terminal device and a chip in the access network device (e.g., a first access network device and a second access network device). Alternatively, the execution entity shown in Figure 4 can also be other types of products, and those skilled in the art can further expand upon this based on the content disclosed in the specification. The execution entity shown in Figure 4 is executordination of a terminal device and an access network device (e.g., a first access network device and a second access network device). It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first access network device is an access network device that manages the radio resources of a serving cell or a source cell, and the second access network device is an access network device that manages the radio resources of a target cell. The first access network device and the second access network device may be the same device or different devices. When they are the same device, the communication between the first access network device and the second access network device is intra-site communication. In the following method embodiments, the first access network device and the second access network device are described as different devices, and this disclosure does not limit the scope of the embodiments. Wherein:

[0354] S400: The second access network device sends the fourth information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the fourth information from the second access network device.

[0355] The fourth piece of information includes the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to the target cell. Optionally, the number of cells managed by the second access network device may be one or more. For ease of understanding, some embodiments of this disclosure are mainly understood as the number of cells managed by the second access network device being one, and this one cell is the target cell. Optionally, the target cell may correspond to one or more data collection configurations and / or one or more data processing methods. For ease of description, some embodiments of this disclosure are mainly illustrated by taking the example of a target cell corresponding to one data collection configuration and / or one data processing method.

[0356] In one possible implementation, the fourth information can be carried in a notification message between access network devices; that is, the second access network device can proactively send the fourth information to the first access network device. For example, the third access network device can periodically send a notification message carrying the fourth information to the second access network device.

[0357] In another possible implementation, before the second access network device sends the fourth information to the first access network device, the first access network device may first send a fifth information to the second access network device. This fifth information is used to request data collection configuration and / or data processing method. That is, the first and second access network devices can transmit the fourth information based on a request / response message. Optionally, the fifth information also includes the terminal device's data collection configuration in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information. Optionally, the serving cell can be understood as the source cell, or the cell managed by the first access network device.

[0358] S401. The first access network device sends an instruction message to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the instruction message from the first access network device accordingly.

[0359] During the handover process, the first access network device can send indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, during the handover process, the terminal device receives the indication information from the first access network device, which includes the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to the target cell. This is because during the handover process, the first access network device can know which cell the terminal device will be handover to, and therefore can configure the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to the target cell for the terminal device. For example, the indication information can be carried in the handover command. That is, some embodiments of this disclosure mainly describe the case where the indication information only indicates one data collection configuration and / or one data processing method, and this one data collection configuration and / or one data processing method is the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to the target cell.

[0360] The aforementioned handover process can be understood as either after the handover begins but before it is completed, or upon completion of the handover. Handover completion refers to the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell and using the target cell's radio resources to communicate with the corresponding access network equipment.

[0361] In one possible embodiment, the data collection configuration can be characterized by first information, and the data processing method can be characterized by second information. For an understanding of the content of the first and / or second information, please refer to the description in S201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] It should be noted that the number of parameters / parameter dimensions included in the data collection configuration and / or data processing method may differ between different residential communities. For example, the data collection configuration for community 1 includes a data collection configuration identifier, measurement target, measurement configuration, report configuration, applicable area for the data collection configuration, and additional network conditions; the data collection configuration for community 2 includes a data collection configuration identifier, measurement target, measurement configuration, report configuration, applicable area for the data collection configuration, additional network conditions, and applicable area for the additional network conditions. Similarly, the data processing method for community 1 includes data retention and the applicable area for data retention; the data processing method for community 2 includes data retention, the applicable area for data retention, the applicable data type for data retention, data discarding, the applicable area for data discarding, and the applicable data type for data discarding.

[0363] S402, The terminal device collects data for AI functions based on the data collection configuration corresponding to the target cell and / or processes the stored data for A1 functions based on the data processing method corresponding to the target cell.

[0364] It should be noted that, since the data collection configuration and / or data processing method included in the instruction information described in S401 above are the data collection configuration and / or data processing method corresponding to the target cell, after the terminal device switches to the target cell, the terminal device can collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions based on the data collection configuration indicated by the instruction information, and process the stored data for AI functions based on the data processing method indicated by the instruction information.

[0365] In some embodiments of this disclosure, regarding data collection configuration, the first access network device obtains the data collection configuration corresponding to the target cell in advance during the handover process. Then, the first access network device sends the target cell's configuration to the UE in advance to ensure that the UE can quickly use the target cell's data collection configuration to perform data collection after handover, reducing the impact of handover on the continuity of data collection. Regarding data processing, during the handover process, the first access network device requests the target cell to indicate the processing method for the data already stored on the UE side. While ensuring training / inference / update / monitoring, this reduces UE buffer usage and promptly releases the UE buffer for storing new data, avoiding unnecessary data transmission and wasting air interface resources.

[0366] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. This communication device can be a terminal device or a device with terminal device functions (e.g., a chip). In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the communication device 500 may include a transceiver unit 501 and a processing unit 502, wherein:

[0367] In the first implementation, when the communication device is a terminal device:

[0368] Transceiver unit 501 is used to receive instruction information, the instruction information indicating at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method;

[0369] The processing unit 502 is configured to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions based on a first data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration and / or process stored data for AI functions based on a first data processing method in the at least one data processing method, wherein the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions.

[0370] Optionally, the indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method.

[0371] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0372] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0373] Target to be measured;

[0374] Measurement configuration;

[0375] Report configuration;

[0376] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0377] Additional network conditions;

[0378] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0379] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0380] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0381] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0382] Data retention;

[0383] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0384] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0385] Data discard;

[0386] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0387] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0388] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0389] Optionally, the processing unit 502 is further configured to:

[0390] Obtain third information, which indicates the network coverage area of ​​the serving cell and / or additional network conditions of the serving cell;

[0391] Based on the third information, the first data collection configuration is determined from the at least one data collection configuration; or...

[0392] Based on the third information, the first data processing method is determined from the at least one data processing method.

[0393] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0394] The serving cell's cell identifier, the serving cell's network additional conditions, the area to which the serving cell's network additional conditions apply, or a mapping relationship; wherein, the mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply.

[0395] Optionally, the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to receive the indication information through the following operations:

[0396] The instruction information is received before or during the handover.

[0397] Optionally, the indication information is carried in an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI.

[0398] In the second implementation, when the communication device is a first access network device:

[0399] Processing unit 502 is configured to acquire at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method, wherein the data collection configuration is used to collect data of artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process data of AI functions that have been stored, and the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions.

[0400] The transceiver unit 501 is used to send indication information, which indicates the at least one data collection configuration and / or the at least one data processing method.

[0401] Optionally, the processing unit 502 is further configured to acquire at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method by receiving fourth information through the transceiver unit 501, the fourth information indicating the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0402] Optionally, before receiving the second information, the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to:

[0403] Send a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0404] Optionally, the fifth information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information.

[0405] Optionally, the indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method.

[0406] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0407] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0408] Target to be measured;

[0409] Measurement configuration;

[0410] Report configuration;

[0411] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0412] Additional network conditions;

[0413] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0414] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0415] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0416] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0417] Data retention;

[0418] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0419] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0420] Data discard;

[0421] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0422] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0423] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0424] Optionally, the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to send the indication information through the following operations:

[0425] The instruction information is sent before or during the handover.

[0426] Optionally, the indication information is carried in an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI.

[0427] In the third implementation, when the communication device is a second access network device or a third access network device:

[0428] Transceiver unit 501 is used to send fourth information, the fourth information indicating data collection configuration and / or data processing method;

[0429] The data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process the stored AI function data, and the AI ​​function is used to optimize communication network functions.

[0430] Optionally, before sending the fourth information, the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to:

[0431] Receive a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0432] Optionally, the fifth information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information.

[0433] Optionally, the fourth information includes first information and / or second information, wherein the first information indicates the data collection configuration and the second information indicates the data processing method.

[0434] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0435] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0436] Target to be measured;

[0437] Measurement configuration;

[0438] Report configuration;

[0439] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0440] Additional network conditions;

[0441] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0442] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0443] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0444] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0445] Data retention;

[0446] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0447] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0448] Data discard;

[0449] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0450] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0451] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0452] This disclosure also provides a chip capable of performing the steps of the terminal device or access network device described in the foregoing method embodiments. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface, the processor being configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations:

[0453] In the first implementation, based on the chip's use to execute the relevant steps of the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments, the processor is configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations:

[0454] Receive instruction information, the instruction information indicating at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method;

[0455] Data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions is collected based on a first data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration and / or stored data for AI functions is processed based on a first data processing method in the at least one data processing method, wherein the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions.

[0456] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the data collection configuration based on network-side instructions collects data for AI functions and / or the data processing method based on network-side instructions processes the stored data for AI functions, which is beneficial to improving the quality of sample data for AI models and thus improving communication performance.

[0457] Optionally, the indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method.

[0458] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0459] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0460] Target to be measured;

[0461] Measurement configuration;

[0462] Report configuration;

[0463] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0464] Additional network conditions;

[0465] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0466] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0467] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0468] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0469] Data retention;

[0470] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0471] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0472] Data discard;

[0473] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0474] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0475] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0476] Optionally, the method includes:

[0477] Obtain third information, which indicates the network coverage area of ​​the serving cell and / or additional network conditions of the serving cell;

[0478] Based on the third information, the first data collection configuration is determined from the at least one data collection configuration; or...

[0479] Based on the third information, the first data processing method is determined from the at least one data processing method.

[0480] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0481] The serving cell's cell identifier, the serving cell's network additional conditions, the area to which the serving cell's network additional conditions apply, or a mapping relationship; wherein, the mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply.

[0482] Optionally, the receiving indication information includes:

[0483] The instruction information is received before or during the handover.

[0484] Optionally, the indication information is carried in an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI.

[0485] In the second implementation, based on the chip's use to execute the relevant steps of the first access network device in the aforementioned method embodiments, the processor is configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations:

[0486] Acquire at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method, wherein the data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process data of already stored AI functions, and the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions;

[0487] Send an instruction message that indicates the at least one data collection configuration and / or the at least one data processing method.

[0488] Optionally, acquiring at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method includes:

[0489] Receive a fourth message, which indicates the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0490] Optionally, before receiving the second information, the method further includes:

[0491] Send a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0492] Optionally, the fifth information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information.

[0493] Optionally, the indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method.

[0494] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0495] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0496] Target to be measured;

[0497] Measurement configuration;

[0498] Report configuration;

[0499] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0500] Additional network conditions;

[0501] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0502] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0503] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0504] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0505] Data retention;

[0506] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0507] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0508] Data discard;

[0509] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0510] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0511] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0512] Optionally, the sending indication information includes:

[0513] The instruction information is sent before or during the handover.

[0514] Optionally, the indication information is carried in an RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI.

[0515] In the third implementation, based on the chip's use to execute the relevant steps of the second or third access network device in the aforementioned method embodiments, the processor is configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations:

[0516] Send a fourth message, which indicates the data collection configuration and / or data processing method;

[0517] The data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process the stored AI function data, and the AI ​​function is used to optimize communication network functions.

[0518] Optionally, before sending the fourth information, the method further includes:

[0519] Receive a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method.

[0520] Optionally, the fifth information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth information.

[0521] Optionally, the fourth information includes first information and / or second information, wherein the first information indicates the data collection configuration and the second information indicates the data processing method.

[0522] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0523] Data collection configuration identifier;

[0524] Target to be measured;

[0525] Measurement configuration;

[0526] Report configuration;

[0527] The data collection configuration applies to the following areas;

[0528] Additional network conditions;

[0529] The areas to which the additional network conditions apply;

[0530] The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply;

[0531] A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration.

[0532] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0533] Data retention;

[0534] The data is retained in the applicable regions;

[0535] The data retains the applicable data types;

[0536] Data discard;

[0537] The data discarding applies to the following regions;

[0538] The data type to which the data is discarded applies;

[0539] A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions.

[0540] Optionally, the chip includes at least one processor, at least one first memory, and at least one second memory; wherein the at least one first memory and the at least one processor are interconnected by a circuit, and the first memory stores instructions; the at least one second memory and the at least one processor are interconnected by a circuit, and the second memory stores data that needs to be stored in the above method embodiments.

[0541] For each device or product applied to or integrated into a chip, each of its modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated inside the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0542] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this embodiment. This communication device can be a terminal device or an access network device. The communication device 600 may include a memory 601 and a processor 602. Optionally, it may also include a communication interface 603. The memory 601, processor 602, and communication interface 603 are connected via one or more communication buses. The communication interface 603 is controlled by the processor 602 for sending and receiving information.

[0543] Memory 601 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides instructions and data to processor 602. A portion of memory 601 may also include non-volatile random access memory.

[0544] Communication interface 603 is used to receive or send data.

[0545] Processor 602 can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; optionally, processor 602 can also be any conventional processor. Wherein:

[0546] Memory 601 is used to store program instructions.

[0547] Processor 602 is used to call program instructions stored in memory 601.

[0548] The processor 602 calls the program instructions stored in the memory 601, causing the communication device 600 to execute the method executed by the terminal device or access network device in the above method embodiment.

[0549] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a module device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The module device 700 can perform the relevant steps of the terminal device or access network device in the foregoing method embodiments. The module device 700 includes: a communication module 701, a power module 702, a storage module 703, and a chip 704.

[0550] The power module 702 is used to provide power to the module device; the storage module 703 is used to store data and instructions; the communication module 701 is used for internal communication within the module device or for communication between the module device and external devices; and the chip 704 is used to execute the methods executed by the terminal device or access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0551] It should be noted that the contents not mentioned in the embodiments corresponding to Figures 6 and 7, as well as the specific implementation methods of each step, can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and the foregoing content, and will not be repeated here.

[0552] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a processor, enable the implementation of the method flow described in the above method embodiments.

[0553] This disclosure also provides a computer program product storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method flow described in the above method embodiments.

[0554] Regarding the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments, they can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of both. For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the chip's integrated processor, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same part (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. The implementation can be done through software programs that run on the processor integrated within the chip module. The remaining modules / units (if any) can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into terminal devices, the modules / units they contain can all be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components within the terminal device. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented through software programs that run on the processor integrated within the terminal device. The remaining modules / units (if any) can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0555] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this disclosure is not limited to the described order of actions, because according to this disclosure, some operations can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this disclosure.

[0556] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this disclosure can be referenced mutually. Each embodiment has its own emphasis, and parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the sake of convenience and brevity, for example, the functions and operations of the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this disclosure. The method embodiments and the device embodiments can also be referenced, combined or cited mutually.

[0557] All embodiments of this disclosure can be executed individually or in combination with other embodiments, and are all considered to be within the scope of protection claimed by this disclosure.

[0558] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit them. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Receive instruction information, the instruction information indicating at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method; Data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions is collected based on a first data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration and / or stored data for AI functions is processed based on a first data processing method in the at least one data processing method, wherein the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions. The method of claim 1, wherein The indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following: Data collection configuration identifier; Target to be measured; Measurement configuration; Report configuration; The data collection configuration applies to the following areas; Additional network conditions; The areas to which the additional network conditions apply; The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply; A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: Data retention; The data is retained in the applicable regions; The data retains the applicable data types; Data discard; The data discarding applies to the following regions; The data type to which the data is discarded applies; A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method includes: Obtain third information, which indicates the network coverage area of ​​the serving cell and / or additional network conditions of the serving cell; Based on the third information, the first data collection configuration is determined from the at least one data collection configuration; or... Based on the third information, the first data processing method is determined from the at least one data processing method. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The third information includes at least one of the following: The serving cell's cell identifier, the serving cell's network additional conditions, the area to which the serving cell's network additional conditions apply, or a mapping relationship; wherein, the mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between the areas to which different network additional conditions apply. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The receiving indication information includes: The instruction information is received before or during the handover. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The indication information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages, Media Access Control (MAC) control elements (CE), or Downlink Control Information (DCI). A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Acquire at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method, wherein the data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process data of already stored AI functions, and the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions; Send an instruction message that indicates the at least one data collection configuration and / or the at least one data processing method. The method of claim 9, wherein The acquisition of at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method includes: Receive a fourth message, which indicates the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method. The method of claim 10, wherein Before receiving the second information, the method further includes: Send a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method. The method of claim 11, wherein The fifth piece of information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth piece of information. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that The indication information includes at least one first piece of information and / or at least one second piece of information, wherein the first piece of information indicates a data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration, and the second piece of information indicates a data processing method in the at least one data processing method. The method of claim 13, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: Data collection configuration identifier; Target to be measured; Measurement configuration; Report configuration; The data collection configuration applies to the following areas; Additional network conditions; The areas to which the additional network conditions apply; The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply; A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: Data retention; The data is retained in the applicable regions; The data retains the applicable data types; Data discard; The data discarding applies to the following regions; The data type to which the data is discarded applies; A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that The sending instruction information includes: The instruction information is sent before or during the handover. The method according to any one of claims 9-16, characterized in that The indication information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages, Media Access Control (MAC) control elements (CE), or Downlink Control Information (DCI). A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Send a fourth message, which indicates the data collection configuration and / or data processing method; The data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process the stored AI function data, and the AI ​​function is used to optimize communication network functions. The method of claim 18, wherein Before sending the fourth information, the method further includes: Receive a fifth message, which is used to request the data collection configuration and / or the data processing method. The method of claim 19, wherein The fifth piece of information also includes the data collection configuration of the terminal device in the serving cell, which is used to determine the data processing method indicated by the fourth piece of information. The method according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that The fourth information includes the first information and / or the second information, wherein the first information indicates the data collection configuration and the second information indicates the data processing method. The method of claim 21, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: Data collection configuration identifier; Target to be measured; Measurement configuration; Report configuration; The data collection configuration applies to the following areas; Additional network conditions; The areas to which the additional network conditions apply; The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between different network additional conditions and / or a mapping relationship between regions to which different network additional conditions apply; A first timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the data collection configuration. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: Data retention; The data is retained in the applicable regions; The data retains the applicable data types; Data discard; The data discarding applies to the following regions; The data type to which the data is discarded applies; A second timer is used to indicate the effective duration of the first data, which is data that has been stored for AI functions. A communication device, characterized by The device includes: Transceiver unit, used to receive instruction information, the instruction information indicating at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method; A processing unit is configured to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions based on a first data collection configuration in the at least one data collection configuration and / or process stored data for AI functions based on a first data processing method in the at least one data processing method, wherein the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions. A communication device, characterized by The device includes: A processing unit is configured to acquire at least one data collection configuration and / or at least one data processing method, wherein the data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process data of already stored AI functions, and the AI ​​functions are used to optimize communication network functions; The transceiver unit is used to send instruction information, which indicates the at least one data collection configuration and / or the at least one data processing method. A communication device characterized by comprising: The device includes: The transceiver unit is used to send a fourth message, which indicates the data collection configuration and / or data processing method; The data collection configuration is used to collect data for artificial intelligence (AI) functions, the data processing method is used to process the stored AI function data, and the AI ​​function is used to optimize communication network functions. A chip characterized by The device includes an interface circuit and at least one processor, the interface circuit and the at least one processor being connected, the processor executing program instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 1-8, or the method of any one of claims 9-17, or the method of any one of claims 18-23. A communication device, characterized by include: One or more processors, one or more memories, and one or more transceivers; Wherein, the one or more memories are used to store a computer program, and the one or more processors and one or more transceivers are used to execute the computer program stored in the one or more memories, so that the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or performs the method as described in any one of claims 9-17, or performs the method as described in any one of claims 18-23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized by The computer storage medium stores computer readable instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-8, or, perform the method of any one of claims 9-17, or, perform the method of any one of claims 18-23.

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