Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, relating to the field of communications, and capable of preventing an access network device requesting a user equipment (UE) to report unavailable data. The method comprises: a UE receives a plurality of pieces of configuration information for data collection from an access network device, the plurality of pieces of configuration information corresponding to at least one use case; the UE collects a plurality of types of data corresponding to the plurality of pieces of configuration information, and sends first information to the access network device, wherein the first information is used for determining that first data is available, and the first data is data, among the plurality of types of data, whose data volume is greater than or equal to a data volume collection threshold; and the access network device receives the first information from the UE, and sends, to the UE, first request information used for requesting to report the first data, and the UE receives the first request information from the access network device.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510392752.5, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on March 28, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In wireless communication scenarios based on artificial intelligence (AI), such as AI-based beam management (BM), AI-based mobility management, AI-based channel state information (CSI) feedback enhancement, and AI-based positioning enhancement, radio access network (RAN) equipment (or access network equipment) will perform a data collection process to obtain the data needed for model training of the AI ​​models deployed in the access network equipment.

[0004] The data collection process may include: the user equipment (UE) receiving a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration from the access network device for data collection; collecting data according to the configuration information in the RRC reconfiguration; storing the collected data in local memory (buffer); and further sending an available data indication to the access network device to indicate that the collected data is available. After receiving the available data indication from the UE, the access network device sends a UE information request to the UE requesting the reporting of the stored data (i.e., the collected data). Upon receiving the UE information request, the UE sends / reports the stored data to the access network device.

[0005] In the above data collection process, if the access network device sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the UE, and the UE sends an available data indication to the access network device to indicate that the collected data is available, there is a problem that the access network device may request the UE to report unavailable data. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can avoid the problem of access network devices requesting UEs to report unavailable data.

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a UE. Unless otherwise specified, "UE" in this application can refer to the UE itself, a component within the UE (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the UE. The method may include: receiving multiple configuration information for data collection, the multiple configuration information corresponding to at least one use case; collecting various types of data corresponding to the multiple configuration information; sending first information for determining the availability of first data; and receiving first request information for requesting the reporting of the first data. The first data is data among the various types of data whose data volume is greater than or equal to a data volume collection threshold.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can determine the available data among the various data corresponding to multiple configuration information as the first data based on the first information, and then request the UE to report the available first data through the first request information. This avoids the access network device requesting the user equipment to report unavailable data, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the data collection process, and reducing the signaling overhead caused by the access network device erroneously requesting the user equipment to report available data.

[0009] In this application, the data corresponding to the configuration information is data obtained by the user equipment through data collection based on the configuration information, or in other words, the data corresponding to the configuration information is data collected by the user equipment based on the configuration information. It should be understood that collecting multiple types of data corresponding to multiple configuration information includes collecting and storing multiple types of data corresponding to multiple configuration information.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate that first data is available; or, the first information includes second information and second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that there is available data; the second information is used to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each configuration information in a plurality of configuration information, or the second information is used to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each use case in at least one use case.

[0011] Based on this possible implementation, the access network device can directly determine the availability of the first data through the first indication information included in the first information; or the access network device can obtain the availability of data through the second indication information included in the first information, and obtain the data volume of each type of data through the second information included in the first information, thereby determining which / which type of data is available among the various configuration information / at least one use case corresponding to various data.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information, and sending the first information includes: if the amount of the first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold, sending the first information including the first indication information, wherein the first threshold is a data collection threshold corresponding to the first data. The data collection threshold corresponding to the first data refers to the data collection threshold for the configuration information / use case corresponding to the first data.

[0013] Based on this possible implementation, if the amount of the first data collected is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the first data, the user equipment is triggered to send first information including first indication information, so that the access network device can determine that the first data is available data through the indication of the first indication information.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first instruction information includes an identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first instruction information includes an identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data.

[0015] Based on this possible implementation, access network devices can determine which configuration information or use case the first data belongs to by using the identifier of the configuration information or the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data, and thus accurately use the first data.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the second information and the second indication information. Sending the first information includes sending the first information when the total amount of data of the multiple data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple data.

[0017] Based on this possible implementation, if the total amount of collected data from multiple data sources is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple data sources, the user equipment is triggered to send first information including second indication information and second information, so that the access network equipment can determine the available data, i.e., the first data, through the indication of the second indication information and the second information.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second information and second indication information. Sending the first information includes: sending the second indication information, responding to the second indication information, receiving second request information, and responding to the second request information to send the second information. The second request information is used to request the reporting of the data size corresponding to each of multiple configuration information, or the second request information is used to request the reporting of the data size corresponding to each of at least one use case.

[0019] Based on this possible implementation, in the case of the first information packet containing the second information and the second instruction information, after the user equipment sends the second instruction information, it responds to the second request information and then sends the second information, which increases the flexibility of sending the first information.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the second information includes the identifier of each configuration information among multiple configuration information and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information; or, the second information includes the identifier of each configuration information among multiple configuration information and the percentage of the data size corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information relative to the maximum data size supported by the user device; or, the second information includes the identifier of each use case among the at least one use case and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the use case; or, the second information includes the identifier of each use case among the at least one use case and the percentage of the data size corresponding to the identifier of the use case relative to the maximum data size supported by the user device.

[0021] Based on this possible implementation, the second information may include a variety of different information to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information, or to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each of the at least one use case.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the method of the first aspect further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to indicate at least one data volume collection threshold, the at least one data volume collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information or corresponding to at least one use case.

[0023] Based on this possible implementation, the user equipment can obtain one or more of the following through third information: data collection thresholds corresponding to multiple configuration information, data collection thresholds corresponding to each configuration information in the multiple configuration information, data collection thresholds corresponding to at least one use case, or data collection thresholds corresponding to each use case in at least one use case. Then, the user equipment can use the obtained data collection thresholds to send the first information.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first request information includes an identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first request information includes an identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data.

[0025] Based on this possible implementation, the user equipment can determine which configuration information or use case the first data belongs to by using the identifier of the configuration information or the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data, and thus accurately report the first data.

[0026] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes first indication information, the method of the first aspect further includes: receiving a transmission restriction condition for the first indication information, and determining whether to retransmit the first indication information based on the transmission restriction condition for the first indication information.

[0027] Based on this possible implementation, whether the user equipment retransmits the first information including the first indication information is limited by the transmission restrictions of the first indication information, thus preventing the user equipment from frequently / endlessly sending the first indication information to the access network equipment, thereby avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the sending restrictions of the first indication information include at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the first indication information can be sent, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the first indication information; the timer starts counting from the time the first indication information is sent.

[0029] Based on this possible implementation, the transmission of the first indication information is limited by the maximum number of times the first indication information can be transmitted, and / or the duration of the timer corresponding to the first indication information. Therefore, it is determined whether to transmit the first indication information again based on the number of times the first indication information can be transmitted and / or the timer corresponding to the first indication information.

[0030] In one possible implementation, determining whether to resend the first indication information based on the sending restriction conditions of the first indication information includes: resending the first indication information if the number of times the first indication information is sent is less than or equal to the maximum number of times the first indication information is sent; and releasing the first indication information if the number of times the first indication information is sent is greater than the maximum number of times the first indication information is sent.

[0031] Based on this possible implementation, if the number of times the first indication information is sent exceeds the maximum number of times the first indication information can be sent, the user equipment can release the first indication information, that is, stop sending the first indication information, thus avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0032] In one possible implementation, determining whether to resend the first indication information based on the sending restrictions of the first indication information includes: when the timer corresponding to the first indication information is in a timing state, the sending of the first indication information is prohibited; when the timer corresponding to the first indication information ends, the first indication information is resent.

[0033] Based on this possible implementation, the counter corresponding to the first indication information is in a timing state, and the user equipment is prohibited from sending the first indication information until the counter corresponding to the first indication information ends the timing. The user equipment then sends the first indication information again, so that the time interval between the sending time / moment of adjacent first indication information is the same as the duration of the counter corresponding to the first indication information. This avoids the time interval between the sending time / moment of adjacent first indication information being too small, thereby avoiding the problem of wasting air interface resources caused by the UE frequently sending the first indication information.

[0034] In one possible implementation, when the second information includes second indication information and second information, the method of the first aspect further includes: receiving a transmission restriction condition for the second indication information, and determining whether to retransmit the second indication information based on the transmission restriction condition for the second indication information.

[0035] Based on this possible implementation, whether the user equipment retransmits the second indication information included in the first information is limited by the transmission restrictions of the second indication information, thus preventing the user equipment from frequently / endlessly sending the second indication information to the access network equipment, thereby avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the sending restrictions of the second indication information include at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the second indication information can be sent, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the second indication information; the timer starts counting from the time the second indication information is sent.

[0037] Based on this possible implementation, the transmission of the second indication information is limited by the maximum number of times the second indication information can be transmitted, and / or the duration of the timer corresponding to the second indication information. Therefore, it is determined whether to transmit the second indication information again based on the number of times the second indication information can be transmitted and / or the timer corresponding to the second indication information.

[0038] In one possible implementation, determining whether to resend the second indication information based on the sending restriction conditions of the second indication information includes: resending the second indication information if the number of times the second indication information is sent is less than or equal to the maximum number of times the second indication information is sent; and releasing the second indication information if the number of times the second indication information is sent is greater than the maximum number of times the second indication information is sent.

[0039] Based on this possible implementation, if the number of times the second indication information is sent exceeds the maximum number of times the second indication information can be sent, the user equipment can release the second indication information, that is, stop sending the second indication information, thus avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0040] In one possible implementation, determining whether to resend the second indication information based on the sending restrictions of the second indication information includes: when the timer corresponding to the second indication information is in a timing state, the sending of the second indication information is prohibited; when the timer corresponding to the second indication information ends, the second indication information is sent again.

[0041] Based on this possible implementation, the counter corresponding to the second indication information is in a timing state, and the user equipment is prohibited from sending the second indication information until the counter corresponding to the second indication information ends. Then the user equipment sends the second indication information again, so that the time interval between the sending time / moment of adjacent second indication information is the same as the duration of the counter corresponding to the second indication information. This avoids the time interval between the sending time / moment of adjacent second indication information being too small, thereby avoiding the problem of wasting air interface resources caused by the UE frequently sending the second indication information.

[0042] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access network device. Unless otherwise specified, "access network device" in this application can refer to the access network device itself, a component in the access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the access network device. The method can include: sending multiple configuration information for data collection, the multiple configuration information corresponding to at least one use case; receiving first information, the first information being used to determine that first data is available; the first data being data whose data volume is greater than or equal to a data volume collection threshold among multiple data corresponding to the multiple configuration information; and sending first request information, the first request information being used to request the reporting of the first data.

[0043] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can determine the available data among the various data corresponding to multiple configuration information as the first data based on the first information, and then request the UE to report the available first data through the first request information. This avoids requesting the user equipment to report unavailable data, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the data collection process, and reducing the signaling overhead caused by erroneous requests for the user equipment to report available data.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate that first data is available; or, the first information includes second information and second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that there is available data; the second information is used to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each configuration information in a plurality of configuration information, or the second information is used to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each use case in at least one use case.

[0045] Based on this possible implementation, the access network device can directly determine that the first data is available through the first indication information included in the first information; or the access network device can obtain that there is available data through the second indication information included in the first information, and obtain the data volume of each type of data through the second information included in the first information, thereby determining which / which type of data is available among the various configuration information / at least one use case corresponding to various data.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first instruction information includes an identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first instruction information includes an identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data.

[0047] Based on this possible implementation, the access network device can determine which configuration information or use case the first data belongs to by using the identifier of the configuration information or the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data, and thus accurately use the first data.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first information includes second indication information and second information. Receiving the first information includes: receiving the second indication information; in response to the second indication information, sending the second request information, the second request information being used to request the reporting of the data size corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information, or to request the reporting of the data size corresponding to each of the at least one use case; and in response to the second request information, receiving the second information.

[0049] Based on this possible implementation, in the case of the first information packet containing the second information and the second instruction information, after receiving the second instruction information, the access network device responds to the second request information and then receives the second information, increasing the flexibility of receiving the first information.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the second information includes the identifier of each configuration information in the plurality of configuration information and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information; or, the second information includes the identifier of each configuration information in the plurality of configuration information and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information; or, the second information includes the identifier of each use case in at least one use case and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the use case; or, the second information includes the identifier of each use case in at least one use case and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the use case.

[0051] Based on this possible implementation, the second information may include a variety of different information to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information, or to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each of the at least one use case.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the method of the second aspect further includes: sending third information, the third information being used to indicate at least one data volume collection threshold, the at least one data volume collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information or corresponding to at least one use case.

[0053] Based on this possible implementation, the user equipment can obtain one or more of the following through third information: data collection thresholds corresponding to multiple configuration information, data collection thresholds corresponding to each configuration information in the multiple configuration information, data collection thresholds corresponding to at least one use case, or data collection thresholds corresponding to each use case in at least one use case, thereby enabling the user equipment to send the first information using the obtained data collection thresholds.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the first request information includes an identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first request information includes an identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data.

[0055] Based on this possible implementation, the user equipment can determine which configuration information or use case the first data belongs to by using the identifier of the configuration information or the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data, and thus accurately report the first data.

[0056] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes first indication information, the method of the first aspect further includes: sending a sending restriction condition for the first indication information, the sending restriction condition for the first indication information being used by the user equipment to determine whether to send the first indication information again.

[0057] Based on this possible implementation, whether the user equipment retransmits the first information including the first indication information is limited by the transmission restrictions of the first indication information, thus preventing the user equipment from frequently / endlessly sending the first indication information to the access network equipment, thereby avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the sending restrictions of the first indication information include at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the first indication information can be sent, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the first indication information; the timer starts counting from the time the first indication information is sent.

[0059] Based on this possible implementation, the transmission of the first indication information is limited by the maximum number of times the first indication information can be transmitted and / or the duration of the timer corresponding to the first indication information, thereby enabling the user equipment to determine whether to transmit the first indication information again based on the number of times the first indication information can be transmitted and / or the timer corresponding to the first indication information.

[0060] In one possible implementation, where the second information includes second indication information and second information, the method of the first aspect further includes: a transmission restriction condition for sending the second indication information, wherein the second indication information is also used to indicate a low power consumption or low battery state, and the transmission restriction condition for sending the second indication information is used to restrict the user equipment from sending the second indication information.

[0061] Based on this possible implementation, whether the user equipment retransmits the second indication information included in the first information is limited by the transmission restrictions of the second indication information, thus preventing the user equipment from frequently / endlessly sending the second indication information to the access network equipment, thereby avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the sending restrictions of the second indication information include at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the second indication information can be sent, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the second indication information; the timer starts counting from the time the second indication information is sent.

[0063] Based on this possible implementation, the transmission of the second indication information is limited by the maximum number of times the second indication information can be transmitted, and / or the duration of the timer corresponding to the second indication information. Therefore, it is determined whether to transmit the second indication information again based on the number of times the second indication information can be transmitted and / or the timer corresponding to the second indication information.

[0064] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a UE. Unless otherwise specified, "UE" in this application can refer to the UE itself, a component in the UE (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the UE. The method can include: receiving configuration information for data collection, and receiving transmission restrictions for third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate that there is available data or to indicate a low power consumption or low battery state; if the data volume corresponding to the configuration information is greater than or equal to the data volume collection threshold corresponding to the data, the third indication information is transmitted; and the transmission restrictions for the third indication information are used to determine whether to transmit the third indication information again.

[0065] Based on the above scheme, whether the user equipment resends the third indication information is limited by the transmission restrictions of the third indication information. This will prevent the user equipment from frequently / endlessly sending available data indications or low battery / low power indications to the access network equipment, thus avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the sending restrictions of the third indication information include at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the third indication information can be sent, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the third indication information; the timer starts counting from the time the third indication information is sent.

[0067] Based on this possible implementation, the transmission of the third indication information is limited by the maximum number of times the third indication information can be transmitted and / or the duration of the timer corresponding to the third indication information. Thus, the user equipment can determine whether to transmit the third indication information again based on the number of times the third indication information can be transmitted and / or the timer corresponding to the third indication information.

[0068] In one possible implementation, determining whether to resend the third indication information based on the sending restrictions of the third indication information includes: resending the third indication information if the number of times the third indication information is sent is less than or equal to the maximum number of times the third indication information is sent; and releasing the third indication information if the number of times the third indication information is sent is greater than the maximum number of times the third indication information is sent.

[0069] Based on this possible implementation, if the number of times the third indication information is sent exceeds the maximum number of times the third indication information can be sent, the user equipment can release the third indication information, that is, stop sending the third indication information, thus avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0070] In one possible implementation, determining whether to resend the third indication information based on the sending restrictions of the third indication information includes: when the timer corresponding to the third indication information is in a timing state, the sending of the third indication information is prohibited; when the timer corresponding to the third indication information ends, the third indication information is sent again.

[0071] Based on this possible implementation, the counter corresponding to the third indication information is in a timing state, and the user equipment is prohibited from sending the third indication information until the counter corresponding to the third indication information ends. Then the user equipment sends the third indication information again, so that the time interval between the sending time / moment of adjacent third indication information is the same as the duration of the counter corresponding to the third indication information. This avoids the time interval between the sending time / moment of adjacent third indication information being too small, thereby avoiding the problem of wasting air interface resources caused by the UE frequently sending the third indication information.

[0072] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access network device. Unless otherwise specified, "access network device" in this application can refer to the access network device itself, a component in the access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the access network device. The method can include: sending configuration information for data collection, sending transmission constraints for sending third indication information, and receiving at least one third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate that there is available data, or the third indication information being used to indicate a low power consumption or low battery state.

[0073] Based on the above scheme, whether the user equipment resends the third indication information is limited by the transmission restrictions of the third indication information. This prevents the user equipment from frequently / endlessly sending available data indications or low battery / low power indications to the access network equipment, thereby avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the sending restrictions of the third indication information include at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the third indication information can be sent, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the third indication information; the timer starts counting from the time the third indication information is sent.

[0075] Based on this possible implementation, the transmission of the third indication information is limited by the maximum number of times the third indication information can be transmitted and / or the duration of the timer corresponding to the third indication information, thereby enabling the user equipment to determine whether to transmit the third indication information again based on the number of times the third indication information can be transmitted and / or the timer corresponding to the third indication information.

[0076] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method of any of the above aspects. The communication apparatus may be a UE as described in any of the above aspects, or a device or component included in the UE, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication apparatus may be an access network device as described in any of the above aspects, or a device or component included in the access network device, such as a chip.

[0077] The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the methods described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0078] In some possible implementations, the communication device may include a processing module and / or a transceiver module. The transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module, respectively used to implement the sending and receiving functions of any of the above aspects and any of their possible implementations. The processing module may be used to implement the processing functions of any of the above aspects and any of their possible implementations.

[0079] Taking the UE (User Equipment) as an example in the first aspect, the transceiver module is used for one or more of the following: receiving multiple configuration information for data collection; sending first information; and receiving first request information. The processing module is used to collect various types of data corresponding to the multiple configuration information. Wherein, the multiple configuration information corresponds to at least one use case; the first information is used to determine that first data is available; the first data is data whose data volume is greater than or equal to a data volume collection threshold among the various types of data; and the first request information is used to request the reporting of the first data.

[0080] Taking the communication device as an example of the access network equipment in the second aspect, the transceiver module is used for one or more of the following: sending multiple configuration information for data collection; receiving first information; and sending first request information. Wherein, the multiple configuration information corresponds to at least one use case; the first information is used to determine that first data is available; the first data is data whose data volume is greater than or equal to a data volume collection threshold among multiple data corresponding to the multiple configuration information; and the first request information is used to request the reporting of the first data.

[0081] Taking the UE (User Equipment) as an example in the third aspect, the transceiver module is configured to: receive configuration information for data collection and a termination condition for receiving third indication information; and send third indication information when the amount of data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the data. The processing module is configured to determine whether to resend the third indication information based on the termination condition of the third indication information. The third indication information is used to indicate that data is available, or to indicate a low power consumption or low battery state.

[0082] Taking the communication device as an example of the access network equipment in the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is used for one or more of the following: sending configuration information for data collection, sending a termination condition for a third indication, and receiving at least one third indication. The third indication is used to indicate that data is available, or to indicate a low power consumption or low battery state.

[0083] Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the fifth aspect may also perform the corresponding functions in any of the above aspects or any possible implementations of any aspect, as detailed in the method examples, and the beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be found in the foregoing related content.

[0084] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory or via logic circuitry, causing the communication device to perform the method described in any of the above aspects or possible implementations thereof. The communication device may be a UE in any of the above aspects or any possible implementations thereof, or a device or component included in a UE, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be an access network device in any of the above aspects or any possible implementations thereof, or a device or component included in an access network device, such as a chip.

[0085] In some possible implementations, the communication device also includes a memory for storing configuration files of computer instructions and / or logic circuits. Optionally, the memory is integrated with the processor, or the memory is independent of the processor.

[0086] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used for inputting and / or outputting signals; the processor being used to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a UE in any of the preceding aspects or any possible implementations of any of the preceding aspects, or a device or component included in a UE, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be an access network device in any of the preceding aspects or any possible implementations of any of the preceding aspects, or a device or component included in an access network device, such as a chip.

[0087] In some possible implementations, the communication interface is an interface circuit used to read and write computer instructions. For example, the interface circuit is used to receive computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0088] In some possible implementations, the communication interface is used to communicate with modules outside the communication device.

[0089] In some possible implementations, the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip system, the chip system may include chips or contain chips and other discrete components.

[0090] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a logic circuit and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used for inputting information and / or outputting information; the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in any of the preceding aspects, processing the input information and / or generating the output information. The communication device may be a UE in any of the preceding aspects or any possible implementations of any of the preceding aspects, or a device or component included in a UE, such as a chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be an access network device in any of the preceding aspects or any possible implementations of any of the preceding aspects, or a device or component included in an access network device, such as a chip.

[0091] Ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method described in any of the preceding aspects to be performed.

[0092] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which, when executed by a processor, causes the method described in any of the preceding aspects to be performed.

[0093] It is understood that when the communication device provided in any of the fifth to tenth aspects is a chip, the aforementioned sending action / function can be understood as output information, and the aforementioned receiving action / function can be understood as input information.

[0094] The technical effects of any possible implementation of any of the fifth to tenth aspects can be found in the technical effects of any of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, the communication system including the UE described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the access network device described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect; or the communication system includes the UE described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the access network device described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0096] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a framework for the application of AI / machine learning (ML) in new radio (NR);

[0097] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a data collection process;

[0098] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0114] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, some technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained. It should be noted that the following explanations are for the purpose of making the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by the embodiments of this application.

[0115] AI is a technology that uses computers to simulate and extend human consciousness, thought processes, and intelligent behavior. One branch of AI is ML. ML refers to the technique of extracting recognizable features from a series of raw data, then learning from these features to generate a model, and using the model to make predictions or classifications.

[0116] With the improvement of data storage and computing power, AI / ML technologies are being used more and more. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) proposes to apply AI / ML technologies to new radio (NR) to improve network performance and user experience by intelligently collecting and analyzing data using AI / ML technologies. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a framework for the application of AI / ML in NR. As shown in Figure 1, this framework can include: a data collection entity, a model training entity, a model inference entity, and an actor entity.

[0117] In Figure 1, the data collection entity serves as a database for AI model training and data analysis inference. It can be used to store data from the next-generation Node B (gNB), the next-generation Node B-centralized unit (gNB-CU), the next-generation Node B-distributed unit (gNB-DU), the UE, or other management entities, as well as to send training data to the model training entity and inference data to the model inference entity.

[0118] In Figure 1, the model training entity can analyze and train the training data provided by the data collection entity to obtain the optimal AI model corresponding to the training data.

[0119] In Figure 1, the model inference entity can use the AI ​​model provided by the model training entity, based on the inference data provided by the data collection entity, to make reasonable predictions about the network operation based on the AI ​​model, or guide the network to make policy adjustments.

[0120] In Figure 1, the execution entity can be used to uniformly plan the policy adjustments made by the model inference entity and send them to multiple network entities for execution. Simultaneously, the execution entity can also collect specific performance data after the network applies relevant policies, and input / feedback the collected data into a database (e.g., a data collection entity) for storage. The AI / ML application process in NR shown in Figure 1 (e.g., model deployment and updates, model performance feedback, etc.) and related descriptions of each part (e.g., training data, inference data, etc.) can be found in existing protocols and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0121] In network (NW) devices, such as radio access network (RAN) devices, when executing the application flow shown in Figure 1, the AI ​​model is deployed in the RAN device, and the data collection process of the RAN device is shown in Figure 2. Data collection by the RAN device is primarily applicable to AI-based wireless communication scenarios, such as AI-based beam management (BM), AI-based mobility management, AI-based channel state information (CSI) feedback enhancement, and AI-based positioning enhancement.

[0122] In this application, the wireless access network device may be alternatively described as an access network device or a network device.

[0123] As shown in Figure 2, the data collection process of the access network device includes steps S201-S204:

[0124] S201: The access network device sends an RRC reconfiguration for data collection to the UE, and the UE receives the RRC reconfiguration for data collection.

[0125] The RRC reconfiguration for data collection includes one or more configuration information settings / configurations for data collection by the access network equipment. For example, the configuration information may include measurement configurations for different AI use cases. Exemplarily, the configuration information may include channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) measurement parameters for beam management, CSI-RS measurement parameters for CSI feedback, and channel measurement information for location scenarios.

[0126] S202: The UE collects data according to the RRC reconfiguration used for data collection and stores the collected data in local memory (buffer).

[0127] S203: The UE sends an available data indication to the access network device, and the access network device receives the available data indication.

[0128] The "available data" indicator is used to indicate whether the collected data is available, whether the collected data is suitable for AI model training, or whether the collected data is usable. Available data refers to data whose volume is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold and can be used for AI model training.

[0129] Optionally, the UE sending an available data indication to the access network device includes: the UE determining whether the amount of data collected is greater than or equal to a data collection threshold, and sending an available data indication to the access network device if the amount of data collected is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold.

[0130] The data collection threshold can be determined by the access network device or by the UE itself. For example, the data collection threshold can be sent to the UE by the access network device through configuration information, or the UE can use its maximum supported storage data volume as the data collection threshold.

[0131] It should be understood that the amount of data required for training AI models deployed in access network devices needs to be greater than or equal to the data collection threshold.

[0132] S204: The access network device sends a user equipment information request to the UE, and the UE receives the user equipment information request.

[0133] Among them, the User Equipment Information Request is used to request the reporting of stored or collected data.

[0134] It should be understood that after receiving a user equipment information request, the UE, in response to the request, sends / reports stored data to the access network device, and the corresponding access network device receives the stored data sent / reported by the UE. The stored data refers to the data collected in S202 and stored in the local memory.

[0135] The above data collection process does not constrain / define / limit the granularity of the available data indication. When the access network device sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the UE, that is, the RRC reconfiguration for data collection in the above data collection process includes multiple configuration information for data collection, the access network device can determine that the data collected by the UE under multiple configuration information is available through the available data indication sent by the UE. However, it cannot further determine which configuration information(s) the UE collects under which the data is available. This causes the access network device to request the UE to report unavailable data.

[0136] In this application, data whose volume is less than the data collection threshold and insufficient for AI model training can be called unusable data. Specifically, if the amount of data collected by the UE under a certain configuration information does not reach the amount of data required by the AI ​​model corresponding to that configuration information in the access network device for model training, then the data collected under that configuration information is unusable data. This data is reported to the access network device, and if the access network device uses this data for model training, the model training effect may be poor, and the performance indicators of the prediction results may not be achieved.

[0137] To avoid access network devices requesting unavailable data from the UE, this application provides a communication method. The method includes: the UE receiving multiple configuration information pieces from the access network device for data collection, each configuration piece corresponding to at least one use case; the UE collecting various types of data corresponding to the multiple configuration pieces and sending first information to the access network device, the first information being used to determine that first data is available; the first data being data whose data volume is greater than or equal to a data volume collection threshold among the various data pieces; the access network device receiving the first information from the user equipment and sending the first request information to the user equipment to request the reporting of the first data; the user equipment receiving the first request information from the access network device. This allows the access network device to determine, based on the first information, the available data among the various data pieces corresponding to the multiple configuration pieces as the first data, and then request the UE to report the available first data through the first request information. This avoids the problem of the access network device requesting the user equipment to report unavailable data, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the data collection process, and reducing the signaling overhead caused by the access network device erroneously requesting the user equipment to report available data.

[0138] The above communication method can correspond to two schemes. In one scheme, the UE directly indicates to the access network device, through the first indication information included in the first information, which / which of the various data corresponding to multiple configuration information are available data. See the embodiments shown in Figures 7-8 below for specific technical solutions. In the other scheme, the UE indirectly indicates to the access network device, through the second indication information and the second information included in the first information, which / which of the various data corresponding to multiple configuration information are available data. See the embodiments shown in Figures 9-12 below for specific technical solutions.

[0139] The communication method provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0140] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be used in various communication systems, including third-generation partnership project (3GPP) communication systems such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems, new radio (NR) systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, satellite communication systems, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, vehicle-to-everything (NR V2X) systems, LTE and 5G hybrid networking systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and other next-generation communication systems. Non-3GPP communication systems are not limited.

[0141] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various AI / ML-based communication scenarios, such as one or more of the following communication scenarios: AI / ML-based beam management, AI / ML-based mobility management, AI / ML-based CSI feedback enhancement, AI / ML-based positioning enhancement, etc., without limitation.

[0142] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication system may include a user equipment (UE) and an access network device. The access network device in Figure 3 is equipped with an AI module, which can support the access network device in executing the application process shown in Figure 1. Optionally, the user equipment in Figure 3 is also equipped with an AI module, which can support the user equipment in executing the application process shown in Figure 1. The AI ​​module is used for training AI / ML models and providing wireless-related data analysis and policy feedback to the access network device.

[0143] It is understood that Figure 3 above is merely a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solutions provided in this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system shown in Figure 3 may include fewer devices than those shown in Figure 3, or the communication system shown in Figure 3 may also include other devices. Furthermore, the number of devices in the communication system shown in Figure 3 can be determined according to specific needs and is not limited. The devices in the system shown in Figure 3 are described below.

[0144] User equipment (UE) is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can be terminal equipment, a terminal, a mobile station (MS), or a mobile terminal (MT), including handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities. Specifically, UE can be a mobile phone, tablet, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, drone, mobile terminal device, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical care, wireless terminal device in smart grids, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart cities, wireless terminal device in smart homes, etc. In the embodiments of this application, the means for implementing the functions of the user equipment can be the user equipment itself, or it can be a means that enables the user equipment to implement the functions, such as a chip system (e.g., a chip, or a processing system composed of multiple chips) or a modem.

[0145] Access network equipment is a device that connects user equipment to a wireless network. Access point equipment can be a Node B (NB), a satellite base station (or flight platform) in an NTN scenario, an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, a base station in a 5G network or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), a broadband network gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch, or a non-3GPP access device; or, in the embodiments of this application, the access network equipment can also be a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN), a radio controller in an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved Node B, or a home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a Wi-Fi access point (AP), an integrated access and backhaul (AP) device. The base station can be a backhaul (IAB), a transmission and reception point (TRP), or a device that includes a TRP, etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this. Optionally, the base station in this application embodiment can include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0146] In a CU-DU network architecture, in one example, the access network equipment in the communication system shown in Figure 3 can consist of a control unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). Therefore, the communication system shown in Figure 3 can also be modified to the communication system shown in Figure 4a. The communication system shown in Figure 4a includes: user equipment, CU, and DU. The user equipment communicates with the DU through an air interface (UU interface), and the DU communicates with the CU through an F1 interface.

[0147] CU and DU can be understood as a logical functional division of communication devices. CU and DU can be physically separated or deployed together; this application does not specifically limit this. One CU can connect to one DU, or multiple DUs can share one CU, which can save costs and facilitate network expansion. The separation of CU and DU can be based on the protocol stack. One possible approach is to deploy the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers on the CU, and the remaining radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical layers on the DU. This invention does not limit the separation of CU and DU. For example, CU and DU can be separated according to the above protocol stack method, and other separation methods are also possible; for details, please refer to TR38.801 v14.0.0.

[0148] In another example, in the CU-DU network architecture, the access network equipment in the communication system shown in Figure 3 can consist of CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU, with CU-CP and CU-UP forming the CU. Therefore, the communication system shown in Figure 3 can also be modified into the communication system shown in Figure 4b. The communication system shown in Figure 4b includes: user equipment, CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU. The user equipment communicates with the DU through the air interface (referred to as the air interface) / uu interface, the CU-CP communicates with the DU through F1-C, and the CU-UP communicates with the DU through F1-U.

[0149] Optionally, the communication systems shown in Figures 3, 4a, and 4b may also include core network equipment. The access network equipment in Figures 3, 4a, and 4b is connected to the core network equipment and accesses the core network. The core network can be an LTE core network, a 5G core network, or a core network for future mobile communications, etc. In the communication systems shown in Figure 4a or 4b, the connection between the access network equipment and the core network equipment means that the CU in Figure 4a or 4b is connected to the core network equipment through the NG interface. The LTE core network is called the evolved packet core (EPC), and the 5G core network is called the 5G core network (5GC).

[0150] The communication systems shown in Figures 3, 4a, and 4b may include one or more AI modules in one or more devices, such as core network devices, access network devices, and user equipment. These AI modules are used to implement corresponding AI functions. The AI ​​modules deployed in different devices can be the same or different. Depending on the parameter configuration, the AI ​​module can perform different functions. An AI module can have one or more models. A model can infer an output, which includes one or more parameters. The learning, training, or inference processes of different models can be deployed on different nodes or devices, or they can be deployed on the same node or device.

[0151] In the network architecture of the RAN intelligent controller (RIC), the access network equipment consists of a near-real-time RIC (near-RT RIC), CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and a radio unit (RU). Therefore, the communication system shown in Figure 3 can be transformed into the communication system shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, this communication system includes: user equipment, RU, DU, CU-CP, CU-UP, near-real-time RIC, and non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC).

[0152] The near real-time RIC in Figure 5 is used for model training and inference. For example, it can be used to train an AI model, which is then used for inference. The near real-time RIC can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from access network devices (e.g., CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and / or RU) and / or user equipment. This information can be used as training data or inference data. Optionally, the near real-time RIC can deliver the inference results to the access network devices and / or user equipment. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CU and DU, and / or between DU and RU. For example, the near real-time RIC delivers the inference results to the DU, and the DU sends them to the RU.

[0153] The non-real-time RIC in Figure 5 is used for model training and inference. For example, it is used to train an AI model and then use that model for inference. The non-real-time RIC can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from access network devices (e.g., CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and / or RU and / or user equipment). This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to the access network devices and / or user equipment. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CU and DU, and / or between DU and RU; for example, the non-real-time RIC delivers the inference results to the DU, which then forwards them to the RU.

[0154] Optionally, near real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC can be set up as separate network elements, or near real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC can be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RIC can be set up in access network devices (e.g., CU, DU), while non-real-time RIC can be set up in operations administration and maintenance (OAM), cloud servers, core network devices, or other network devices.

[0155] It should be understood that centralized units (which may be called CUs, CU-CPs, and CU-UPs) and distributed units (DUs) may have different names in different communication systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, a CU may also be called an O-CU, a DU may also be called an O-DU, a CU-CP may also be called an O-CU-CP, and a CU-UP may also be called an O-CU-UP. In an NTN communication system, any unit of a CU (also called a CU-CP and CU-UP) and a DU can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0156] It is understood that the devices in Figures 3-5 can communicate directly or through forwarding from other devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0157] Optionally, the devices in Figures 3-5 (e.g., access network devices, terminal devices) can also be referred to as communication devices or communication nodes. They can be general-purpose devices or special-purpose devices. This application embodiment does not specifically limit them in this regard.

[0158] Optionally, the functions of each device in Figures 3-5 of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not specifically limit these functions. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0159] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the communication system shown in Figure 3. The actions, terms and other information involved in the following embodiments can be referred to each other. The message names or parameter names in the messages between devices in each embodiment are just examples, and other names can be used in specific implementations. For example, "corresponding" in the following embodiments can be replaced by "associating", etc., and "sending" in the following embodiments can be replaced by "transmitting", etc.

[0160] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, it may include steps S601-S604:

[0161] S601: The access network device sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives multiple configuration information for data collection from the access network device.

[0162] Optionally, the access network device can be any one of the access network devices in the communication system shown in Figures 3-6, and the user equipment can be any one of the user equipment in the communication system shown in Figures 3-6.

[0163] In this context, multiple configuration information pieces correspond to at least one use case. That is, multiple configuration information pieces can correspond to one use case, or each configuration information piece in multiple configuration information pieces can correspond to one use case, meaning there is a one-to-one correspondence between configuration information pieces and use cases, or two or more configuration information pieces in multiple configuration information pieces can correspond to one use case.

[0164] Optionally, the correspondence between multiple configuration information and at least one use case is determined by the access network device. For example, the access network device generates configuration information for data collection for each use case based on the data collection requirements corresponding to each use case in at least one use case, and the configuration information for data collection for each use case constitutes multiple configuration information.

[0165] Optionally, different use cases in multiple use cases can correspond to different data collection requirements. For example, multiple use cases include AI-based beam management and AI-based CSI feedback enhancement. The data collection requirement of AI-based beam management indicates the use of beam measurement CSI-RS with beam IDs 1, 3, and 5, while the data collection requirement of AI-based CSI feedback enhancement indicates the use of beam measurement CSI-RS with beam IDs 1, 2, and 3.

[0166] Optionally, different configuration information among the multiple configuration settings can correspond to different data collection requirements. For example, the multiple configuration settings include CSI-RS measurement configuration corresponding to AI-based beam management and channel measurement configuration corresponding to AI-based positioning enhancement. The data collection requirement for the CSI-RS measurement configuration indicates the beam ID and the azimuth angle corresponding to each beam ID, etc.; the data collection requirement for the channel measurement configuration indicates the RSRP of the measured CSI-RS, the measurement duration, etc.

[0167] In this application, use cases refer to AI use cases, such as AI-based beam management, AI-based mobility management, AI-based CSI feedback enhancement, AI-based positioning enhancement, AI-based energy saving, and AI-based load balancing.

[0168] Optionally, multiple configuration information used for data collection can be carried in RRC reconfiguration.

[0169] S602: User equipment collects various data corresponding to multiple configuration information.

[0170] This refers to the user equipment collecting various types of data corresponding to multiple configuration information. Specifically, it involves the user equipment collecting data based on multiple configuration information and storing the obtained / collected data in local storage. It should be understood that the data corresponding to the configuration information is the data obtained by the user equipment after collecting data based on the configuration information. For example, the various types of data corresponding to multiple configuration information are the multiple types of data obtained by the user equipment after collecting data based on multiple configuration information.

[0171] In this configuration, multiple configuration pieces of information correspond one-to-one with various types of data, or two or more configuration pieces of information correspond to a single type of data. Optionally, the user equipment collects the data corresponding to each configuration piece of information from the multiple configuration pieces of information, referring to existing technologies.

[0172] S603: The user equipment sends the first information to the access network device, and the access network device receives the first information from the user equipment.

[0173] The first information is used to determine that the first data is available; the first data is data whose volume is greater than or equal to a data collection threshold among various types of data. The data collection threshold can be determined by the access network device, determined by the user equipment itself, or predefined by the protocol. For example, the data collection threshold is sent by the access network device to the user equipment through the third information described below (see Figures 7-12), or the user equipment uses its maximum supported storage volume as the data collection threshold. In this application, the data collection threshold can be alternatively described as a data collection threshold, or a data volume threshold, or a collection threshold, etc.

[0174] In this application, the first data is at least one type of data among multiple types of configuration information. When the first data includes multiple types of data, the data volume of each type of data is greater than or equal to the data volume collection threshold corresponding to that data. The data volume collection threshold corresponding to the data is either the data volume collection threshold corresponding to the configuration information or the data volume collection threshold corresponding to the use case. Optionally, the data volume collection threshold corresponding to the data is determined by the access network device, and the access network device further carries the data volume collection threshold corresponding to the data in information, such as third information, and sends it to the user equipment.

[0175] One possible implementation is that the first information may include first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first data is available.

[0176] Optionally, the first indication information includes an identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first indication information includes an identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data.

[0177] Based on this possible implementation, sending first information to the access network device may include: if the amount of first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the user equipment sends first indication information to the access network device. Here, the first threshold is a data collection threshold corresponding to the first data. The data collection threshold corresponding to the first data refers to the data collection threshold for the configuration information / use case corresponding to the first data. In other words, the first threshold is the data collection threshold corresponding to the configuration information corresponding to the first data, or the first threshold is the data collection threshold corresponding to the use case corresponding to the first data. See Figures 7-8 below for the specific implementation process.

[0178] Another possible implementation is that the first information includes second information and second indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate that data is available, or to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each configuration information among multiple configuration information, or to indicate the amount of data corresponding to each use case in at least one use case. See Figures 9-12 below for the specific implementation process.

[0179] Optionally, the second information includes the identifier of each configuration information in the plurality of configuration information and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information; or, the second information includes the identifier of each configuration information in the plurality of configuration information and the percentage of the data size corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information occupying the maximum data size supported by the user device; or, the second information includes the identifier of each use case in at least one use case and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the use case; or, the second information includes the identifier of each use case in at least one use case and the percentage of the data size corresponding to the identifier of the use case occupying the maximum data size supported by the user device.

[0180] In one example, the user equipment sending first information to the access network equipment includes: when the total amount of multiple types of data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple types of data, sending first information including second indication information and second information. See Figures 9-10 below for the specific implementation process.

[0181] In another example, the user equipment sending the first information to the access network device includes: the user equipment sending second indication information; in response to the second indication information, receiving second request information from the access network device; the second request information is used to request the reporting of the data volume size corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information, or the second request information is used to request the reporting of the data volume size corresponding to each of the at least one use case; and in response to the second request information, sending second information. See Figures 11-12 below for the specific implementation process.

[0182] Optionally, before sending the first information to the access network device, the user equipment may also receive third information from the access network device. The third information is used to indicate at least one data collection threshold, and the at least one data collection threshold corresponds to multiple configuration information or at least one use case.

[0183] In one example, at least one data collection threshold includes a data collection threshold corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information, or a data collection threshold corresponding to each of the at least one use case. That is, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information, or the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each of the at least one use case. See Figure 7 for a description of the third information.

[0184] In another example, at least one data volume collection threshold includes data volume collection thresholds corresponding to multiple configuration information, or at least one data volume collection threshold includes a data volume collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case. That is, the third information is used to indicate the data volume collection thresholds corresponding to multiple configuration information, or the third information is used to indicate the data volume collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case. See the relevant description in Figure 9 for the third information. In this application, the data volume collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information or the data volume collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case is: the data volume collection threshold that the total amount of data corresponding to multiple configuration information should meet. Therefore, the data volume collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information or the data volume collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case is the same as the data volume collection threshold corresponding to multiple data.

[0185] S604: The access network device sends a first request message to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives the first request message from the access network device.

[0186] The first request information is used to request the reporting of first data. Optionally, the first request information can be carried in the UE information request in S204.

[0187] The first request information includes the identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first request information includes the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data.

[0188] The first request information may request the reporting of part or all of the first data, without limitation. For example, if the first request information requests the reporting of all of the first data, then the first request information includes the identifier of the configuration information and / or the identifier of the use case corresponding to each type of data in the first data. If the first request information requests the reporting of part of the first data, then the first request information includes the identifier of the configuration information and / or the identifier of the use case corresponding to the partial data in the first data.

[0189] Optionally, the identifier for the configuration information can be an identifier (ID) included in the configuration information to uniquely identify the configuration information, or a bitmap of the identifier included in the configuration information to uniquely identify the configuration information. The bitmap of the identifier refers to the binary bits corresponding to the identifier. It should be understood that the identifier used to uniquely identify the configuration information can be an identifier defined by an existing protocol or a newly defined identifier.

[0190] Optionally, the identifier for a use case can be the use case number, the use case name, or an enumeration of use cases. Enumeration of use cases refers to pre-assigning multiple use cases to multiple enumeration values, with different use cases corresponding to different enumeration values, and thus using the enumeration values ​​to identify use cases.

[0191] For example, in an AI-based CSI feedback enhancement use case, the access network device sends CSI configuration information to the user equipment. This CSI configuration information includes configuration information for data collection, CSI report configuration information, etc. For instance, the identifier for the configuration information could be an identifier included in the existing protocol-defined CSI report configuration information, such as CSI-ReportConfigId, which corresponds one-to-one with the CSI configuration information. The CSI report configuration information is a set of parameters used to configure how the UE reports CSI information, and CSI-ReportConfigId is the unique identifier for this configuration set. Alternatively, the identifier for the configuration information could be a newly defined identifier for the dataset configuration, such as datasetConfigId, which also corresponds one-to-one with the CSI configuration information. The dataset configuration (datasetConfig) is a set of parameters used to configure how the UE collects data, and datasetConfigId is the unique identifier for this configuration set.

[0192] Based on the method shown in Figure 6, the user equipment sends first information to the access network device to determine the availability of first data. This allows the access network device to determine the available data among multiple data corresponding to multiple configuration information as the first data based on the first information. Then, it requests the UE to report the available first data through the first request information. This avoids the problem of the access network device requesting the user equipment to report unavailable data, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the data collection process, and reducing the signaling overhead caused by the access network device erroneously requesting the user equipment to report available data.

[0193] Referring to the communication system shown in Figure 3, and taking the method shown in Figure 6 where the first information includes first indication information, and the user equipment sends third information to the access network device before sending the first information, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information, or the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each of at least one use case. The method shown in Figure 6 will be described in conjunction with Figure 7.

[0194] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, it may include steps S701-S706:

[0195] S701: The access network device sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives multiple configuration information for data collection from the access network device.

[0196] S701 refers to the relevant description in S601, and will not be repeated here.

[0197] S702: The access network device sends third information to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives the third information from the access network device.

[0198] The third piece of information is described in the relevant description above.

[0199] Optionally, the third information may include different information for different indicative functions.

[0200] For example, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each type of configuration information among multiple configuration information. The third information includes the identifier of each configuration information among multiple configuration information and the data collection threshold corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information; or, the third information includes the identifier of each configuration information among multiple configuration information and the percentage of the maximum data volume that the user device can support storage occupied by the data collection threshold corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information.

[0201] For example, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each use case in at least one use case. The third information includes the identifier of each use case in at least one use case and the data collection threshold corresponding to the identifier of the use case; or, the third information includes the identifier of each use case in at least one use case and the percentage of the maximum data volume supported by the user device occupied by the data collection threshold corresponding to the identifier of the use case.

[0202] In this application, the maximum amount of data that the user equipment supports storing is the maximum amount of data that the user equipment supports storing, that is, the maximum amount of data that the user equipment's memory (e.g., local memory) can support storing.

[0203] Optionally, in this application, the data collection threshold corresponding to the configuration information is equal to the product of the maximum data volume that the user equipment can support storing and the percentage corresponding to the configuration information. The percentage corresponding to the configuration information refers to the percentage of the data collection threshold corresponding to the configuration information relative to the maximum data volume that the user equipment can support storing.

[0204] Optionally, the data collection thresholds corresponding to different configuration information in multiple configuration information may be the same or different, or the percentage of the data collection thresholds corresponding to different configuration information in multiple configuration information that occupy the maximum data volume supported by the user device may be the same or different, without restriction.

[0205] Optionally, steps S701 and S702 are merely illustrative descriptions of the communication method flow. The execution order of steps S701 and S702 is not limited. For example, step S701 may be executed before step S702; or step S701 may be executed after step S702; or step S701 and step S702 may be executed simultaneously. When steps S701 and S702 are executed simultaneously, multiple configuration information and third-party information used for data collection can all be carried within the RRC reconfiguration.

[0206] S703: User equipment collects various data corresponding to multiple configuration information.

[0207] S703 refers to the relevant description in S602, and will not be repeated here.

[0208] S704: Based on the third information, if the amount of the first data among multiple data is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the user equipment sends the first information to the network device, and the access network device receives the first information from the user equipment.

[0209] The first information includes first indication information indicating that the first data is available. The first threshold is described in the relevant section of S603 above and will not be repeated here.

[0210] Specifically, the user equipment (UE) sends first information to the network device based on third information, provided that the amount of first data among multiple data sets is greater than or equal to a first threshold. This includes: the UE determining a data collection threshold for each configuration information / use case based on the identifier included in the third information and the corresponding data collection threshold; if the amount of data corresponding to the configuration information / use case is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold, then sending first information including first indication information. It should be understood that the data corresponding to the configuration information / use case refers to the data collected by the UE under the configuration information / use case.

[0211] Optionally, the first indication information may include an identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first indication information may include an identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data. For example, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each configuration information among multiple configuration information, and the first indication information includes the identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data. As another example, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each use case among at least one use case, and the first indication information includes the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data. Yet another example, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each configuration information among multiple configuration information; based on the correspondence between configuration information and use cases, the first indication information may include the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data. Again, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each use case among at least one use case; based on the correspondence between configuration information and use cases, the first indication information may include the identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data.

[0212] For example, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information. If the first data is one type of data among the multiple types of data corresponding to the multiple configuration information, the first indication information may include the identifier of the configuration information corresponding to this type of data, and / or include the identifier of the use case corresponding to this type of data. If the first data is two or more types of data among the multiple types of data corresponding to the multiple configuration information, the first indication information may include the identifier of the configuration information corresponding to each of the two or more types of data, and / or include the identifier of the use case corresponding to each of the two or more types of data. The third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to each use case in at least one use case. The identifier included in the first indication information is the identifier corresponding to the use case. For a detailed description, please refer to the section on third information indicating the data collection threshold corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information.

[0213] Optionally, the first indication information may be carried in the available data indication in S203.

[0214] S705: The access network device sends a first request message to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives the first request message from the access network device.

[0215] The first request information is described in S604 and will not be repeated here.

[0216] It should be understood that the identifier corresponding to the first data included in the first request information and the type of data collection threshold included in the third information do not need to correspond one-to-one. For example, the third information is used to request the data collection threshold corresponding to each of multiple configuration information, and the first request information includes the identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data. As another example, the third information is used to request the data collection threshold corresponding to each of at least one use case, and the first request information includes the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data. Yet another example, the third information is used to request the data collection threshold corresponding to each of multiple configuration information, and based on the correspondence between configuration information and use cases, the first request information may include the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data. And yet another example, the third information is used to request the data collection threshold corresponding to each of at least one use case, and based on the correspondence between configuration information and use cases, the first request information may include the identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data.

[0217] Based on the method shown in Figure 7, the UE obtains the data collection threshold corresponding to each configuration information in multiple configuration information through third information, or obtains the data collection threshold corresponding to each use case in at least one use case. Further, if the data volume of the first data among multiple data is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the first threshold is the data collection threshold corresponding to the configuration information corresponding to the first data, or the first threshold is the data collection threshold corresponding to the use case corresponding to the first data. The UE then sends first information including a first indication that the data is available to the access network device. This allows the access network device to directly determine which / which data among the multiple data corresponding to multiple configuration information is available based on the indication of the first information, and then request the UE to report the available data, such as requesting to report part or all of the first data. This avoids the problem of the access network device requesting the UE to report unavailable data, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the data collection process, and reducing the signaling overhead caused by the access network device erroneously requesting the UE to report available data.

[0218] Using third information to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to the data under each use case in at least one use case, the first information, including first indication information, indicates that the first data is available by means of the identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data. Based on the method shown in Figure 7, the following steps may be included:

[0219] Step 1: The access network device sends an RRC reconfiguration to the UE, and the UE receives the RRC reconfiguration from the access network device.

[0220] The RRC reconfiguration includes the identifiers of use case 1, use case 2, and use case 3, the first configuration information corresponding to use case 1, the second configuration information corresponding to use case 2, and the third configuration information corresponding to use case 3. Use case 1 is AI / ML-based beam management, use case 2 is AI / ML-based positioning enhancement, and use case 3 is AI / ML-based CSI feedback enhancement.

[0221] The RRC reconfiguration also includes the percentage of the data collection threshold corresponding to the identifier of use case 1 that accounts for the maximum amount of data that the user device can support storing. This percentage is the first value, such as 60%. The percentage of the data collection threshold corresponding to the identifier of use case 2 that accounts for the maximum amount of data that the user device can support storing is the second value, such as 30%. The percentage of the data collection threshold corresponding to the identifier of use case 3 that accounts for the maximum amount of data that the user device can support storing is the third value, such as 10%.

[0222] Step 2: The UE collects data based on the configuration information in the RRC reconfiguration, and determines the data collection threshold for each use case from use case 1 to use case 3 based on the first value corresponding to the identifier of use case 1, the second value corresponding to the identifier of use case 2, and the third value corresponding to the identifier of use case 3 in the RRC reconfiguration.

[0223] Specifically, the data collection threshold for use case 1 is the product of the maximum data volume that the user device can support storing and the first value; the data collection threshold for use case 2 is the product of the maximum data volume that the user device can support storing and the second value; and the data collection threshold for use case 3 is the product of the maximum data volume that the user device can support storing and the third value.

[0224] Step 3: If the amount of data corresponding to use case 1 is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to use case 1, the UE sends an available data indication to the access network device carrying an identifier (e.g., the name of use case 1) for uniquely identifying use case 1, and the access network device receives the available data indication.

[0225] Step 4: The access network device sends a UE information request carrying the name of use case 1 to the UE, and the UE receives the UE information request.

[0226] Step 5: The UE sends the data corresponding to use case 1 to the access network device, and the access network device receives the data.

[0227] Taking the third information as an indication of the data collection threshold corresponding to the data collected under each of the multiple configuration information, and the first information including the first indication information indicating that the first data is available through the identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, as an example, based on the method shown in Figure 7, the following steps may be included:

[0228] Step 1: The access network device sends an RRC reconfiguration to the UE, and the UE receives the RRC reconfiguration from the access network device.

[0229] The RRC reconfiguration includes the first configuration information, the second configuration information, and the third configuration information corresponding to use case 3 (e.g., AI / ML-based CSI feedback enhancement), as well as the identifier of each configuration information. For example, the identifier of the first configuration information is CSI-ReportConfigId1, the identifier of the third configuration information is CSI-ReportConfigId2, and the identifier of the third configuration information is CSI-ReportConfigId3.

[0230] The RRC reconfiguration also includes the data collection threshold corresponding to CSI-ReportConfigId1, the data collection threshold corresponding to CSI-ReportConfigId2, and the data collection threshold corresponding to CSI-ReportConfigId3.

[0231] Step 2: The UE collects data based on the configuration information in the RRC reconfiguration and obtains the data collection threshold corresponding to the identifier of each configuration information in the RRC reconfiguration.

[0232] Step 3: If the amount of data corresponding to the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to CSI-ReportConfigId1, the UE sends an available data indication carrying CSI-ReportConfigId1 to the access network device, and the access network device receives the available data indication.

[0233] Step 4: The access network device sends a UE information request carrying CSI-ReportConfigId1 to the UE, and the UE receives the UE information request.

[0234] Step 5: The UE sends the data corresponding to the first configuration information to the access network device, and the access network device receives the data.

[0235] The method shown in Figure 7 will be described below with reference to the communication system shown in Figure 4 and Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the method may include S801-S809:

[0236] S801: The CU sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the DU, and the DU receives multiple configuration information for data collection from the CU.

[0237] For a description of several configuration information, please refer to S701, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] S802: The DU sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the UE, and the UE receives the multiple configuration information for data collection from the DU.

[0239] S803: CU sends third information to DU, and DU receives third information from CU.

[0240] The relevant description of the third information can be found in S702, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] S804: DU sends third information to UE, and UE receives third information from DU.

[0242] Optionally, steps S801-S804 are merely illustrative descriptions of the communication method flow. The execution order of steps S801-S804 is not limited. For example, the execution order may be: step S801, step S802, step S803, step S804; or, step S803, step S804, step S801, step S802; or, step S801 and step S803 may be executed simultaneously, and step S802 and step S804 may be executed simultaneously. When steps S801 and S803 are executed simultaneously, multiple configuration information and third-party information used for data collection can all be carried in the RRC reconfiguration.

[0243] S805: The UE collects various data corresponding to multiple configuration information.

[0244] For a description of S805, please refer to S703, and it will not be repeated here.

[0245] S806: Based on the third information, if the amount of the first data among multiple data is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the UE sends the first information to the DU, and the DU receives the first information from the UE.

[0246] The difference between S806 and S704 is that the receiving device in S704 is an access network device, while the receiving device in S806 is a DU. Therefore, the description of S806 can be referred to that of S704, and will not be repeated here.

[0247] S807: DU sends the first message to CU, and CU receives the first message from DU.

[0248] The first information is the first information received by the DU from the UE in S806, which includes first indication information for indicating that the first data is available.

[0249] S808: CU sends a first request message to DU, and DU receives the first request message from CU.

[0250] The relevant description of the first request information is provided in S705 and will not be repeated here.

[0251] S809: The DU sends a first request message to the UE, and the UE receives the first request message from the DU.

[0252] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7-8 above, the UE can directly indicate to the access network device (e.g., the access network device in Figure 7, DU and CU in Figure 8) which of the various data corresponding to multiple configuration information is available by using the first indication information included in the first information, which is used to indicate that the first data is available. In contrast, the UE can indirectly indicate to the access network device which of the various data corresponding to multiple configuration information is available by using the second indication information included in the first information and the second information. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments described in Figures 9-12 below.

[0253] Referring to the communication system shown in Figure 3, and taking the method shown in Figure 9 where the first information includes the second indication information and the second information, and the user equipment receives the third information from the access network device before sending the first information to the access network device, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information, or the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case. The method shown in Figure 6 will be described in conjunction with Figure 9.

[0254] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, it may include steps S901-S905:

[0255] S901: The access network device sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives multiple configuration information for data collection from the access network device.

[0256] The description of S901 can be found in S701, and will not be repeated here.

[0257] S902: The access network device sends third information to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives the third information from the access network device.

[0258] The third piece of information is described in the relevant description above.

[0259] Optionally, the third information may include different information for different indicative functions.

[0260] For example, the third information is used to indicate the data collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information, and the third information includes the data collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information; or, the third information includes the percentage of the maximum data volume that the user device can support storing, which is occupied by the data collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information.

[0261] For example, the third information is used to indicate the data volume collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case, and the third information includes the data volume collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case; or, the third information includes the percentage of the maximum data volume that the data volume collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case occupies of the maximum data volume that the user device can support storing.

[0262] Optionally, steps S901 and S902 are merely illustrative descriptions of the communication method flow. The execution order of steps S901 and S902 is not limited. For example, step S901 may be executed before step S902; or step S901 may be executed after step S902; or step S901 and step S902 may be executed simultaneously. When steps S901 and S902 are executed simultaneously, multiple configuration information and third-party information used for data collection can all be carried within the RRC reconfiguration.

[0263] S903: User equipment collects various data corresponding to multiple configuration information.

[0264] S903 can be referred to in the relevant description of S703, and will not be repeated here.

[0265] S904: Based on the third information, when the total amount of multiple types of data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple types of data, the user equipment sends first information including second indication information and second information to the access network device, and the access network device receives the first information from the user equipment including second indication information and second information.

[0266] The second indication information and the second information are described above. In this application, there is no limitation on the number of bits occupied by the second indication information. For example, the second indication information occupies 1 bit.

[0267] Specifically, the user equipment, based on the third information, sends first information, including second indication information and second information, to the network device when the total amount of multiple types of data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple types of data. This includes: the user equipment determining the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple types of data based on the third information, wherein the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple types of data is the data collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information indicated by the third information or the data collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case; and sending first information, including second indication information and second information, to the access network device when the total amount of multiple types of data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to multiple configuration information or the total amount of multiple types of data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to at least one use case.

[0268] S905: The access network device sends a first request message to the user equipment based on the first information, and the user equipment receives the first request message from the access network device.

[0269] The first request information is described above.

[0270] The process of the access network device sending a first request message to the user equipment based on the first information includes: the access network device obtaining the data volume size corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information or the data volume size corresponding to each of the at least one use case based on the second information included in the first information; and the access network device obtaining the data volume collection threshold corresponding to each of the multiple configuration information or the data volume collection threshold corresponding to each of the at least one use case. Further, in one example, if the data volume size corresponding to the configuration information is greater than or equal to the data volume collection threshold corresponding to that configuration information, the data corresponding to that configuration information is the first data, and the access network device sends the user equipment first request message including the identifier corresponding to that configuration information. In another example, if the data volume size corresponding to a use case is greater than or equal to the data volume collection threshold corresponding to that use case, the data corresponding to that use case is the first data, and the access network device sends the user equipment first request message including the identifier corresponding to that use case.

[0271] Based on the method shown in Figure 9, the UE obtains data collection thresholds corresponding to multiple configuration information through third information, or obtains data collection thresholds corresponding to at least one use case. Further, when the total data volume of multiple data types is greater than or equal to the data collection thresholds corresponding to the multiple data types, the UE sends first information, including second indication information and second information, to the access network device. This allows the access network device to determine the availability of data through the indication of the second indication information; to determine the data volume size corresponding to each configuration information among the multiple configuration information, or the data volume size corresponding to each use case in at least one use case; and to indirectly determine which data types are available by comparing the data volume size corresponding to the configuration information with the data collection threshold corresponding to that configuration information, or by comparing the data volume size corresponding to the use case with the data collection threshold corresponding to that use case information. This allows the UE to request the UE to report the available data, avoiding the problem of the access network device requesting the UE to report unavailable data, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the data collection process, and reducing the signaling overhead caused by the access network device erroneously requesting the UE to report available data.

[0272] The method shown in Figure 9 will be described below with reference to the communication system shown in Figure 4a or Figure 4b and Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the method may include steps S1001-S1009:

[0273] S1001: The CU sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the DU, and the DU receives the multiple configuration information for data collection from the CU.

[0274] For a description of several configuration information, please refer to S701, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] S1002: The DU sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the UE, and the UE receives the multiple configuration information for data collection from the DU.

[0276] S1003: CU sends third information to DU, and DU receives the third information from CU.

[0277] S1004: DU sends third information to UE, and UE receives the third information from DU.

[0278] The third information in S1003 and S1004 refers to the relevant description in S902.

[0279] Optionally, steps S1001-S1004 are merely illustrative descriptions of the communication method flow. The execution order of steps S1001-S1004 is not limited. For example, the execution order may be: step S1001, step S1002, step S1003, step S1004; or, step S1003, step S1004, step S1001, step S1002; or, step S1001 and step S1003 may be executed simultaneously, and step S1002 and step S1004 may be executed simultaneously. When steps S1001 and S1003 are executed simultaneously, multiple configuration information and third-party information used for data collection can all be carried within the RRC reconfiguration.

[0280] S1005: The UE collects various data corresponding to multiple configuration information.

[0281] For a description of S1005, please refer to S903, and it will not be repeated here.

[0282] S1006: Based on the third information, if the total amount of data of multiple types of data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple types of data, the UE sends first information including second indication information and second information to the DU, and the DU receives the first information from the UE including second indication information and second information.

[0283] The difference between S1006 and S904 lies in the receiving device of the first information. For example, in S904, the receiving device of the first information is the access network device, while in S1006, the receiving device of the first information is the DU. Therefore, the relevant description of S1006 can be referred to S904, and will not be repeated here.

[0284] S1007: DU sends first information including second instruction information and second information to CU, and CU receives first information from DU including second instruction information and second information.

[0285] S1008: The CU sends a first request message to the DU based on the first information, and the DU receives the first request message from the CU.

[0286] The difference between S1008 and S905 lies in the execution subject. For example, in S905, the access network device sends the first request information to the user equipment based on the first information, while in S1008, the CU sends the first request information to the DU based on the first information. Therefore, the relevant description of S1008 can be referred to S905, and will not be repeated here.

[0287] S1009: DU sends first request information to UE, and UE receives first request information from DU.

[0288] The first request information can be referred to in the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0289] The following description, in conjunction with the system shown in Figure 3, takes the example of the user equipment in Figure 9 sending first information, including second indication information and second information, to the access network equipment: the user equipment first sends second indication information to the access network equipment, and after the second indication information is sent, it sends second information to the access network equipment. The method shown in Figure 9 will be introduced with reference to Figure 11.

[0290] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, it may include steps S1101-S1107:

[0291] S1101: The access network device sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives the multiple configuration information for data collection from the access network device.

[0292] S1102: The access network device sends third information to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives the third information from the access network device.

[0293] S1103: The user equipment collects various data corresponding to multiple configuration information.

[0294] S1101-S1103 refer to the relevant descriptions in S901-S903, and will not be repeated here.

[0295] S1104: Based on the third information, if the total amount of multiple data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple data, the user equipment sends a second indication information to the access network device, and the access network device receives the second indication information from the user equipment.

[0296] The difference between S1104 and S905 is that when the total amount of multiple data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple data, S1104 executes the sending of the second indication information to the access network device, while S905 executes the sending of the first information including the second indication information and the second information to the access network device. Therefore, the process of S1104 determining to send the second indication information can refer to the process of S905 determining to send the first information, and will not be repeated here.

[0297] S1105: In response to the second indication information, the access network device sends a second request information to the user equipment, and the user equipment receives the second request information from the access network device.

[0298] The second request information is used to request the data size corresponding to each configuration information in multiple configuration information, or the second request information is used to request the data size corresponding to each use case in at least one use case.

[0299] S1106: In response to the second request information, the user equipment sends second information to the access network device, and the access network device receives the second information from the user equipment.

[0300] The second piece of information is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0301] S1107: The access network device sends a first request message to the user equipment based on the second information, and the user equipment receives the first request message from the access network device.

[0302] It should be understood that since the second information is included in the first information, and the access network device sending the first request information to the user equipment according to the first information in S905 means that the access network device sends the first request information to the user equipment according to the second information included in the first information, the process of the access network device sending the first request information to the user equipment according to the second information in S1107 can be referred to the relevant description in S905, and will not be repeated here.

[0303] The method shown in Figure 11 will be described below with reference to the communication system shown in Figure 4a or Figure 4b and Figure 12. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the method may include steps S1201-S1213:

[0304] S1201: The CU sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the DU, and the DU receives the multiple configuration information for data collection from the CU.

[0305] For a description of several configuration information, please refer to S701, which will not be repeated here.

[0306] S1202: The DU sends multiple configuration information for data collection to the UE, and the UE receives the multiple configuration information for data collection from the DU.

[0307] S1203: CU sends third information to DU, and DU receives the third information from CU.

[0308] S1204: DU sends third information to UE, and UE receives third information from DU.

[0309] The third information in S1203 and S1204 is the same as the third information in S902, and will not be repeated here.

[0310] Optionally, steps S1201-S1204 are merely illustrative descriptions of the communication method flow. The execution order of steps S1201-S1204 is not limited. For example, the execution order may be: step S1201, step S1202, step S1203, step S1204; or, step S1203, step S1204, step S1201, step S1202; or, step S1201 and step S1203 may be executed simultaneously, and step S1202 and step S1204 may be executed simultaneously. When steps S1201 and S1203 are executed simultaneously, multiple configuration information and third-party information used for data collection can all be carried within the RRC reconfiguration.

[0311] S1205: The UE collects various data corresponding to multiple configuration information.

[0312] For a description of S1205, please refer to S903, and it will not be repeated here.

[0313] S1206: Based on the third information, if the total amount of data for multiple types of data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the multiple types of data, the UE sends a second indication information to the DU, and the DU receives the second indication information from the UE.

[0314] The difference between S1206 and S1104 is that the receiving device for the second indication information is different. For example, in S1104, the receiving device for the second indication information is the access network device, while in S1206, the receiving device for the second indication information is the DU. Therefore, the process of determining to send the second indication information in S1206 can refer to the process of determining to send the first information in S1104, and will not be repeated here.

[0315] S1207: DU sends a second instruction message to CU, and CU receives the second instruction message from DU.

[0316] S1208: The CU responds with the second instruction information and sends the second request information to the DU. The DU receives the second request information from the CU.

[0317] S1209: DU sends a second request message to UE, and UE receives the second request message from DU.

[0318] S1210: In response to the second request information, the UE sends the second information to the DU, and the DU receives the second information from the UE.

[0319] S1211: DU sends a second message to CU, and CU receives the second message from DU.

[0320] S1212: The CU sends a first request message to the DU based on the second information, and the DU receives the first request message from the CU.

[0321] The difference between S1212 and S1107 lies in the execution subject. For example, in S1107, the access network device sends the first request information to the user equipment based on the second information, while in S1212, the CU sends the first request information to the DU based on the second information. Therefore, the process of the CU sending the first request information to the DU based on the second information in S1212 can be referred to the relevant description in S1107, and will not be repeated here.

[0322] S1213: DU sends first request information to UE, and UE receives first request information from DU.

[0323] The first request information can be referred to in the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0324] In one possible scenario, during the data collection process described above, the access network device, after receiving an available data indication from the UE, does not send a user equipment information request to the UE. In another possible scenario, the access network, after receiving an indication from the UE indicating low battery / low power consumption, does not provide a response to that indication. The existing technology does not describe / constrain / limit / indicate the operations that the UE needs to perform in these two possible scenarios, which may result in the UE frequently / infinitely sending available data indications or low battery / low power consumption indications to the access network device, leading to a waste of UE air interface resources.

[0325] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a communication method comprising: a user equipment receiving configuration information for data collection from an access network device, and transmission restrictions for third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates the availability of data or indicates a low power or low battery state; wherein, if the data volume corresponding to the configuration information is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the second threshold being a data volume collection threshold; sending the third indication information to the access network device; and further determining, based on the transmission restrictions of the third indication information, whether to resend the third indication information. Thus, whether the user equipment resends the third indication information is limited by the transmission restrictions of the third indication information, preventing the user equipment from frequently / infinitely sending available data indications or low battery / low power indications to the access network device, thereby avoiding the problem of wasted UE air interface resources.

[0326] The communication method provided in this application embodiment will be described below with reference to the communication system shown in Figure 3. Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the method may include steps S1301-S1303:

[0327] S1301: The access network device sends configuration information for data collection and transmission restrictions for sending third indication information to the user equipment. The user equipment receives the configuration information for data collection and the transmission restrictions for sending third indication information from the access network device.

[0328] The configuration information used for data collection can be one or more.

[0329] The third indication information is used to indicate that there is available data, or the third indication information is used to indicate a low power consumption or low battery status.

[0330] The transmission restrictions for the third indication information include at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the third indication information can be transmitted, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the third indication information. The timer corresponding to the third indication information starts counting from the time the third indication information is transmitted. The timer corresponding to the third indication information is used to characterize the transmission time interval between adjacent third indication information.

[0331] It should be understood that this application does not restrict the timing of the transmission restrictions on configuration information for data collection and third indication information sent by the access network device to the user equipment. For example, the access network device may simultaneously send configuration information for data collection and transmission restrictions on third indication information to the user equipment. Furthermore, the access network device may send configuration information for data collection and transmission restrictions on third indication information at different times.

[0332] In one example, the access network device sends both the configuration information for data collection and the transmission restrictions of the third indication information to the user equipment in a single message, such as in the RRC reconfiguration, so as to simultaneously send the configuration information for data collection and the transmission restrictions of the third indication information to the user equipment.

[0333] In another example, the access network device sends the configuration information for data collection to the user equipment in the RRC reconfiguration, and sends the sending restrictions of the third indication information to the user equipment in the system information, such as system information block 1.

[0334] In another example, the access network device carries the configuration information for data collection in the RRC reconfiguration sent to the user equipment at the first moment, and carries the sending restrictions of the third indication information in the RRC reconfiguration sent to the user equipment at the second moment.

[0335] S1302: When the amount of data corresponding to the configuration information is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the user equipment sends a third indication information to the access network device, and the access network device receives the third indication information from the user equipment.

[0336] The third instruction information is described in the relevant description above and will not be repeated here.

[0337] The second threshold is the data collection threshold corresponding to the data. This data refers to the data corresponding to the configuration information, that is, the data collected by the user equipment under the configuration information. This data can be one type of data or multiple types of data. For example, if the access network device sends multiple configuration information messages for data collection to the user equipment, the data corresponding to these configuration messages refers to the data collected by the user equipment under each of the multiple configuration messages; or, if the access network device sends only one configuration information message for data collection to the user equipment, the data corresponding to this configuration message refers to the data collected by the user equipment under that specific configuration message. Optionally, the user equipment collects the data under the configuration information according to existing technologies.

[0338] The second threshold can be determined by the user equipment itself or by the network equipment (such as the access network equipment), and there is no restriction. For example, the second threshold can be sent to the UE by the access network equipment through configuration information (such as the configuration information used for data collection mentioned above), or the UE can use the maximum amount of data it can support storing as the second threshold.

[0339] As can be seen from the above, the timer corresponding to the third indication information starts counting from the time the third indication information is sent. Therefore, after the user equipment sends the third indication information to the access network equipment in S1302, the timer corresponding to the third indication information can start counting.

[0340] S1303: The user equipment determines whether to resend the third instruction information based on the transmission restriction conditions of the third instruction information.

[0341] The user equipment's determination of whether to resend the third instruction message based on the transmission restrictions of the third instruction message includes the following two possible implementations:

[0342] In one possible implementation, if the number of times the third indication information is sent is less than or equal to the maximum number of times the third indication information can be sent, the user equipment sends the third indication information again; if the number of times the third indication information is sent exceeds the maximum number of times the third indication information can be sent, the user equipment releases the third indication information, i.e., ends the transmission of the third indication information. Optionally, the number of times the third indication information is sent can be represented by the count value of a counter.

[0343] Optionally, the time interval between the moment when the user equipment retransmits the third indication information and the moment when the user equipment previously transmitted the third indication information is determined by the user equipment, the access network equipment, or predefined by the protocol. For example, the time interval is equal to the duration of the timer corresponding to the third indication information. Alternatively, the time interval may be a duration set by the user equipment that is greater than or equal to the first duration.

[0344] In the second possible implementation, the timer corresponding to the third indication information is in a timing state, the user equipment is prohibited from sending the third indication information, the timer corresponding to the third indication information ends, and the user equipment sends the third indication information again. That is, the timer corresponding to the third indication information can be used to represent the transmission time interval between adjacent third indication information.

[0345] Based on the method shown in Figure 13, whether the user equipment resends the third indication information is limited by the transmission restrictions of the third indication information. This prevents the user equipment from frequently / endlessly sending available data indications or low battery / low power indications to the access network equipment, thus avoiding the problem of wasting UE air interface resources.

[0346] Optionally, the third indication information in the communication method shown in Figure 13 has a similar indication function to the first / second indication information in the embodiments of Figures 6-12. For example, the first indication information is used to indicate that first data is available, the second indication information is used to indicate that there is available data, and the third indication information is used to indicate that there is available data or a low power or low battery state. Therefore, the communication method shown in Figure 13 can be used in conjunction with the embodiments shown in Figures 6-12.

[0347] Taking the third indication information as the first indication information included in the aforementioned first information as an example, after combining the above communication method with the method shown in Figure 6, the method shown in Figure 6, in addition to S601-S604, also includes a transmission restriction condition for the user equipment to receive the first indication information from the access network device. After the user equipment sends the first indication information to the access network device, it determines whether to send the first indication information again according to the transmission restriction condition of the first indication information. The transmission restriction condition of the first indication information includes at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the first indication information can be sent, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the first indication information. The timer corresponding to the first indication information starts counting from the time the first indication information is sent. The process of determining whether to send the first indication information again according to the transmission restriction condition of the first indication information can refer to the process of determining whether to send the third indication information again according to the transmission restriction condition of the third indication information, and will not be repeated here.

[0348] The method shown in Figure 13 will be described below with reference to the communication system shown in Figure 4a or Figure 4b and Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 14, the method may include steps S1401-S1405:

[0349] S1401: The CU sends configuration information for data collection and transmission restrictions for sending third indication information to the DU. The DU receives the configuration information for data collection and transmission restrictions for the third indication information from the CU.

[0350] The difference between S1401 and S1301 lies in the executing entities. In S1401, the transmitting device is the CU and the receiving device is the DU; while in S1301, the transmitting device is the access network device and the receiving device is the user equipment. Therefore, the configuration information used for data collection, the transmission restrictions for sending the third indication information, and the third indication information are described in S1301 and will not be repeated here.

[0351] S1402: The DU sends configuration information for data collection and transmission restrictions for sending third indication information to the UE. The UE receives the configuration information for data collection and the transmission restrictions for sending third indication information from the DU.

[0352] S1403: If the amount of data corresponding to the configuration information is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the UE sends a third indication information to the DU, and the DU receives the third indication information from the UE.

[0353] The difference between S1403 and S1302 lies in the receiving device. In S1404, the receiving device is the DU, while in S1303, the receiving device is the access network device. Therefore, the process of the UE sending the third indication information to the DU can be referred to as the process of the UE sending the third indication information to the access network device in S1302, and will not be described in detail here.

[0354] S1404: DU sends a third instruction message to CU, and CU receives the third instruction message from DU.

[0355] S1405: The UE determines whether to resend the third indication information based on the transmission restriction conditions of the third indication information.

[0356] It should be understood that the difference between S1405 and S1303 lies in the receiving device of the third indication information. In S1303, the third indication information retransmitted by the UE is received by the access network device, while in S1405, the third indication information retransmitted by the UE is received by the DU, which then forwards the third indication information to the CU. Therefore, the process by which the UE determines whether to retransmit the third indication information can be referred to in S1303, and will not be described in detail here.

[0357] The various embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination, without limitation. Unless otherwise specified or in conflict of logic, the terminology and / or descriptions between the different embodiments provided in this application are consistent and can be referenced mutually. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0358] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the executing entity may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the various steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0359] The foregoing primarily describes the solutions provided in this application from the perspective of device-to-device interaction. It is understood that each device, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that, in conjunction with the algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0360] This application embodiment can divide each device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0361] Figure 15 shows a communication device 150 in which each function is divided into functional modules. This communication device can perform the actions performed by the UE in the method shown in the above embodiments. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module. The technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0362] The communication device 150 may include a processing module 1501 and a transceiver module 1502. Exemplarily, the communication device 150 may be a communication equipment, or a chip or other combined device or component with the aforementioned UE functions applied within the communication equipment. When the communication device 150 is a communication equipment, the transceiver module 1502 may be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuitry; the processing module 1501 may be a processor (or processing circuitry), such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more CPUs. When the communication device 150 is a component with the aforementioned UE functions, the transceiver module 1502 may be a radio frequency unit; the processing module 1501 may be a processor (or processing circuitry), such as a baseband processor. When the communication device 150 is a chip system, the transceiver module 1502 may be an input / output interface of a chip (e.g., a baseband chip); the processing module 1501 may be a processor (or processing circuitry) of the chip system, and may include one or more central processing units. It should be understood that the transceiver module 1502 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components; the processing module 1501 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuit).

[0363] For example, the transceiver module 1502 can be used to execute all the transceiver operations performed by the UE in the embodiments shown in the embodiments, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 1501 can be used to execute all operations performed by the UE in the embodiments shown in the embodiments other than the transceiver operations, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0364] As another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1502 in FIG15 can be replaced by a transceiver that can integrate the functions of the transceiver module 1502; the processing module 1501 can be replaced by a processor that can integrate the functions of the processing module 1501. Furthermore, the communication device 150 shown in FIG15 may also include a memory.

[0365] In the case of dividing each function into corresponding functional modules, Figure 16 shows another communication device 160, which can perform the actions performed by the access network device in the method shown in the above embodiments. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and the technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0366] The communication device 160 may include a processing module 1601 and / or a transceiver module 1602. Exemplarily, the communication device 160 may be a communication equipment, or a chip or other combination device or component having the aforementioned access network equipment functions. When the communication device 160 is a communication equipment, the transceiver module 1602 may be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits; the processing module 1601 may be a processor (or processing circuit), such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more CPUs. When the communication device 160 is a component having the aforementioned access network equipment functions, the transceiver module 1602 may be a radio frequency unit; the processing module 1601 may be a processor (or processing circuit), such as a baseband processor. When the communication device 160 is a chip system, the transceiver module 1602 may be an input / output interface of a chip (e.g., a baseband chip); the processing module 1601 may be a processor (or processing circuit) of the chip system, and may include one or more central processing units. It should be understood that the transceiver module 1602 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components; the processing module 1601 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuit).

[0367] For example, the transceiver module 1602 can be used to perform all the transceiver operations performed by the access network device in the embodiments shown in the embodiments, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 1601 can be used to perform all operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the access network device in the embodiments shown in the embodiments, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0368] As another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1602 in Figure 16 can be replaced by a transceiver that integrates the functions of the transceiver module 1602; the processing module 1601 can be replaced by a processor that integrates the functions of the processing module 1601. Furthermore, the communication device 160 shown in Figure 16 may also include a memory.

[0369] Alternatively, when the processing module 1501 or the processing module 1601 is replaced by a processor, and the transceiver module 1502 or the transceiver module 1602 is replaced by a transceiver, the communication device 150 and the communication device 160 involved in the embodiments of this application can also be the communication device 170 shown in FIG17.

[0370] The processor can be logic circuit 1701, and the transceiver can be interface circuit 1702. Furthermore, the communication device 170 shown in FIG17 may also include a memory 1703.

[0371] This application also provides a communication system, which may include the UE and access network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0372] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0373] This application also provides a computer program that, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0374] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the terminal (including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end) of any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the terminal's hard disk or memory. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the terminal. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both the terminal's internal storage unit and external storage devices. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0375] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. "First" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0376] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0377] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more. "More than one" means two or more. "At least two (items)" means two or three or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. "...when" and "if" both mean that a corresponding action will be taken under certain objective circumstances, not a time limit, nor do they require a judgment action at the time of implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0378] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0379] In this application, "sending information to...(terminal device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal device. "Receiving information from...(terminal device)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source.

[0380] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0381] In the several embodiments provided in this application, the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0382] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0383] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0384] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application embodiment, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive multiple configuration information for data collection, the multiple configuration information corresponding to at least one use case; Collect various types of data corresponding to the multiple configuration information; Send a first message, the first message being used to determine that first data is available; the first data is data whose data volume is greater than or equal to a data volume collection threshold among multiple types of data. Receive a first request message, which is used to request the reporting of the first data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information, which indicates that the first data is available; or, The first information includes second information and second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that there is available data; the second information is used to indicate the data size corresponding to each of the plurality of configuration information, or the second information is used to indicate the data size corresponding to each of the at least one use case.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes the first indication information, and sending the first information includes: If the amount of the first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the first information is sent; wherein, the first threshold is the data collection threshold corresponding to the first data.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first indication information includes an identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first indication information includes an identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes the second information and the second indication information, and sending the first information includes: If the total amount of the various types of data is greater than or equal to the data collection threshold corresponding to the various types of data, the first information is sent.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes the second information and the second indication information, and sending the first information includes: Send the second instruction information; In response to the second indication information, a second request information is received, wherein the second request information is used to request the reporting of the data volume size corresponding to each of the plurality of configuration information, or the second request information is used to request the reporting of the data volume size corresponding to each of the at least one use case; In response to the second request information, the second information is sent.

7. The method according to claim 2, 5, or 6, characterized in that, The second information includes the identifier of each configuration information among the plurality of configuration information and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information; or, The second information includes the identifier of each configuration information among the plurality of configuration information and the percentage of the maximum data volume supported by the user device for the data volume corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information; or, The second information includes the identifier of each use case in the at least one use case and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the use case; or, The second information includes the identifier of each use case in the at least one use case and the percentage of the data volume corresponding to the use case identifier that accounts for the maximum data volume supported by the user equipment storage.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to indicate at least one data volume collection threshold, the at least one data volume collection threshold corresponding to the plurality of configuration information or corresponding to the at least one use case.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send multiple configuration information for data collection, the multiple configuration information corresponding to at least one use case; Receive first information, the first information being used to determine that first data is available; the first data is data whose data volume is greater than or equal to a data volume collection threshold among various types of data corresponding to the plurality of configuration information. Send a first request message, which is used to request the reporting of the first data.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information, which indicates that the first data is available; or, The first information includes second information and second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that there is available data; the second information is used to indicate the data size corresponding to each of the plurality of configuration information, or the second information is used to indicate the data size corresponding to each of the at least one use case.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first indication information includes an identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first indication information includes an identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first information includes the second indication information and the second information, and receiving the first information includes: Receive the second instruction information; In response to the second indication information, a second request information is sent, which is used to request the reporting of the data volume size corresponding to each of the plurality of configuration information, or to request the reporting of the data volume size corresponding to each of the at least one use case; In response to the second request information, the second information is received.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 12, characterized in that, The second information includes the identifier of each configuration information among the plurality of configuration information and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the configuration information; or, The second information includes the identifier of each configuration information among the plurality of configuration information and the data volume occupied by the identifier of the configuration information; or, The second information includes the identifier of each use case in the at least one use case and the data size corresponding to the identifier of the use case; or, The second information includes the identifier of each use case in the at least one use case and the data volume occupied by the identifier of the use case.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The method further includes sending third information, the third information being used to indicate at least one data volume collection threshold, the at least one data volume collection threshold corresponding to the plurality of configuration information or corresponding to the at least one use case.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The first request information includes an identifier of the configuration information corresponding to the first data, and / or the first request information includes an identifier of the use case corresponding to the first data.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive configuration information for data collection, and receive transmission restrictions for third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate that there is available data, or the third indication information is used to indicate a low power consumption or low battery state; If the amount of data corresponding to the configuration information is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the third indication information is sent; the second threshold is the data collection threshold corresponding to the data. Based on the sending restrictions of the third instruction information, determine whether to send the third instruction information again.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The sending restrictions of the third indication information include at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the third indication information can be sent, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the third indication information; the timer starts counting from the time the third indication information is sent.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to resend the third indication information based on the sending restriction conditions of the third indication information includes: If the number of times the third indication information is sent is less than or equal to the maximum number of times the third indication information is sent, the third indication information is sent again. If the number of times the third indication information is sent exceeds the maximum number of times the third indication information can be sent, the third indication information is released.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to resend the third indication information based on the sending restriction conditions of the third indication information includes: The timer corresponding to the third indication information is in a timing state, and sending the third indication information is prohibited. The timer corresponding to the third indication information ends its countdown, and the third indication information is sent again.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send configuration information for data collection, and sending restrictions for sending third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate that data is available, or the third indication information is used to indicate a low power consumption or low battery state; Receive at least one of the third instruction messages.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The sending restrictions of the third indication information include at least one of the following: the maximum number of times the third indication information is sent, and the duration of the timer corresponding to the third indication information; the timer starts counting from the time the third indication information is sent.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor, the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-8 and 15 to be executed, or to cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 9-15 to be executed, or to cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 16-19 to be executed, or to cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 20-21 to be executed.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-8 and 15 to be executed, or cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 9-15 to be executed, or cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 16-19 to be executed, or cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 20-21 to be executed.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions, which, when some or all of the computer instructions are executed, cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-8 and 15 to be executed, or cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 9-15 to be executed, or cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 16-19 to be executed, or cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 20-21 to be executed.

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