WO2025209443A1 - Communication method and apparatus, computer program product, and readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, a computer program product, and a readable storage medium. The communication method comprises: receiving a first-type synchronization signal block burst. By means of the solution, a terminal device can realize downlink synchronization in a timely manner.

Description

Communication method and device, computer program product and readable storage medium

This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on April 2, 2024, with application number 202410397519.1 and application name “Communication Method and Device, Computer Program Product and Readable Storage Medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus, a computer program product, and a readable storage medium.

Background Art

Network energy saving (network power saving) has become a major concern for mobile operators and equipment manufacturers. Typically, when network load is low, the transmission of public downlink signals/channels accounts for a significant portion of network equipment's energy consumption.

In the existing technology, the public downlink signal/channel is combined with cell discontinuous transmission (cell DTX), and the public downlink signal/channel is periodically not sent.

In the cell DTX scenario, how terminal devices can achieve downlink synchronization in a timely manner is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

Summary of the Invention

The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is at least to provide a communication method, which enables terminal equipment to achieve downlink synchronization in a timely manner.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a communication method, comprising: receiving a first type of synchronization signal block burst.

The network device sends a first type of synchronization signal block burst to the terminal device. The terminal device receives the first type of synchronization signal block burst and then performs downlink synchronization in a timely manner based on the first type of synchronization signal block burst.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point; or, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point; the first starting point is the starting point of the wake-up signal.

Specifically, if the wake-up signal is a connection state wake-up signal, the first starting point may be the starting point of the connection state wake-up signal, and the first type of synchronization signal block burst may be a synchronization signal block burst affected by discontinuous transmission. The network device may send the first type of synchronization signal block burst to the terminal device before/after the first starting point. The terminal device may receive the first type of synchronization signal block burst before/after the first starting point, thereby being able to perform basic downlink synchronization in a timely manner and then monitor the connection state wake-up signal.

If the wake-up signal is a non-connection-state wake-up signal, the first starting point may be the starting point of the non-connection-state wake-up signal, and the first-type synchronization signal block burst may be a synchronization signal block burst affected by discontinuous transmission. The network device may send the first-type synchronization signal block burst to the terminal device before or after the first starting point. The terminal device may receive the first-type synchronization signal block burst before or after the first starting point, thereby being able to perform basic downlink synchronization in a timely manner and monitor the non-connection-state wake-up signal.

Optionally, the number of the first type of synchronization signal block bursts is W, where W is a positive integer.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point, including: the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the first starting point; or, the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the first starting point, and the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the first starting point; the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point, including: the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the first starting point, and the time interval with the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration.

The W first-type synchronization signal block bursts may all be before the first starting point, thereby, the terminal device may achieve downlink synchronization based on the W first-type synchronization signal block bursts.

Alternatively, a portion of the W first-type synchronization signal block bursts are before the first starting point, and the other portion is after the first starting point. Alternatively, the starting points of the W first-type synchronization signal block bursts are all after the first starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the first first-type synchronization signal block burst and the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. In the above two scenarios, the terminal device can cache the received wake-up signal, and after estimating the time-frequency offset based on the first-type synchronization signal block burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached wake-up signal, and then demodulate the wake-up signal. As a result, the terminal device can also perform downlink synchronization in a timely manner.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is a first type of synchronization signal block burst within a first window.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point, including: the end point of the first window is located before the first starting point; or, the starting point of the first window is located before the first starting point, and the end point of the first window is located after the first starting point; the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point, including: the starting point of the first window is located after the first starting point, and the time interval with the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration.

The network device may send W first-type synchronization signal block bursts to the terminal device before the first starting point. Alternatively, the network device may send the first-type synchronization signal block burst to the terminal device in the first window. Thus, the network device may use different implementations to send the first-type synchronization signal block burst to the terminal device.

The end point of the first window is before the first starting point, so that the terminal device can achieve downlink synchronization based on the first synchronization signal block burst in the first window.

The first window partially overlaps with the first starting point. Alternatively, the starting point of the first window is after the first starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the first window and the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. In the above two scenarios, the terminal device can cache the received wake-up signal, and after estimating the time-frequency offset based on the first type of synchronization signal block burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached wake-up signal, and then demodulate the wake-up signal. As a result, the terminal device can also perform downlink synchronization in a timely manner.

Optionally, the end point of the first window is the starting point of the activation period of the discontinuous transmission.

When the wake-up signal is a connected state wake-up signal, the end point of the first window is the start point of the cell's discontinuous reception activation period, which can be after the start point of the first window. Therefore, the end point of the first window can be defaulted to the start point of the cell's discontinuous reception activation period, so no additional signaling is required to configure the end point of the first window. At the same time, the start point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst in the cell's discontinuous reception activation period can be extended forward, which is equivalent to expanding the number of first type synchronization signal block bursts by extending the start point of the first synchronization signal block burst.

Optionally, the terminal device may further obtain a first configuration parameter, where the first configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a starting point of the first window, an end point of the first window, and a duration of the first window.

The network device may configure and distribute the first configuration parameter to the terminal device. The terminal device may determine the time domain position of the first window based on the acquired first configuration parameter.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point; or, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point; the second starting point is the starting point of the activation time of the discontinuous transmission.

The network device may send a first-type synchronization signal block burst to the terminal device before or after the second starting point. The terminal device receives the first-type synchronization signal block burst before or after the second starting point, and then performs fine downlink synchronization based on the first-type synchronization signal block burst, thereby receiving service data.

Optionally, the number of the first type of synchronization signal block bursts is U, where U is a positive integer.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point, including: the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the second starting point; or, the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the second starting point, and the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the second starting point; the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point, including: the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the second starting point, and the time interval with the second starting point is less than or equal to the first time length.

The U first-type synchronization signal block bursts may all be before the second starting point, thereby the terminal device may achieve downlink synchronization based on the U first-type synchronization signal block bursts.

Alternatively, a portion of the U first-class synchronization signal block bursts are before the second starting point, and the other portion are after the second starting point. Alternatively, the starting points of the U first-class synchronization signal block bursts are all after the second starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the first first-class synchronization signal block burst and the second starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. In the above two scenarios, the terminal device can cache the received service data, and after estimating the time-frequency offset based on the first-class synchronization signal block burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached service data, and then demodulate the service data. As a result, the terminal device can also perform fine downlink synchronization in a timely manner.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is a first type of synchronization signal block burst within the second window.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point, including: the end point of the second window is located before the second starting point; or, the starting point of the second window is located before the second starting point, and the end point of the second window is located after the second starting point; the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point, including: the starting point of the second window is located after the second starting point, and the time interval with the second starting point is less than or equal to the second duration.

The network device may send U first-type synchronization signal block bursts to the terminal device before the second starting point. Alternatively, the network device may send the first-type synchronization signal block burst to the terminal device in the second window. Thus, the network device may use different implementations to send the first-type synchronization signal block burst to the terminal device.

Optionally, the terminal device may further obtain a second configuration parameter, where the second configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a starting point of the second window, an end point of the second window, and a duration of the second window.

The network device may configure and distribute the second configuration parameters to the terminal device. The terminal device may determine the time domain position of the second window based on the acquired second configuration parameters.

The second window partially overlaps with the second starting point. Alternatively, the starting point of the second window is after the second starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the second window and the second starting point is less than or equal to the second duration. In the above two scenarios, the terminal device can cache the received service data, and after estimating the time-frequency offset based on the first type of synchronization signal block burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached service data, and then demodulate the service data. As a result, the terminal device can also perform fine downlink synchronization in a timely manner.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is a synchronization signal block burst affected by discontinuous transmission.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides another communication method, comprising: sending a first type of synchronization signal block burst.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point; or, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point; the first starting point is the starting point of the wake-up signal.

Optionally, the number of the first type of synchronization signal block bursts is W, where W is a positive integer.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point, including: the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the first starting point; or, the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the first starting point, and the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the first starting point; the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point, including: the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the first starting point, and the time interval with the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block is sent within a first window.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point, including: the end point of the first window is located before the first starting point; or, the starting point of the first window is located before the first starting point, and the end point of the first window is located after the first starting point; the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point, including: the starting point of the first window is located after the first starting point, and the time interval with the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration.

Optionally, the end point of the first window is the starting point of the activation period of the discontinuous transmission.

Optionally, the network device may further send a first configuration parameter to the terminal device, where the first configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a starting point of the first window, an end point of the first window, and a duration of the first window.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point; or, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point; the second starting point is the starting point of the activation time of the discontinuous transmission.

Optionally, the number of the first type of synchronization signal block bursts is U, where U is a positive integer.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point, including: the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the second starting point; or, the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the second starting point, and the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the second starting point; the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point, including: the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the second starting point, and the time interval with the second starting point is less than or equal to the first time length.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is sent within the second window.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point, including: the end point of the second window is located before the second starting point; or, the starting point of the second window is located before the second starting point, and the end point of the second window is located after the second starting point; the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point, including: the starting point of the second window is located after the second starting point, and the time interval with the second starting point is less than or equal to the second duration.

Optionally, the network device may further send a second configuration parameter to the terminal device, where the second configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a starting point of the second window, an end point of the second window, and a duration of the second window.

Optionally, the first type of synchronization signal block burst is a synchronization signal block burst affected by discontinuous transmission.

In a third aspect, the present invention further provides a communication device, comprising: an acquisition unit, configured to receive a first type of synchronization signal block burst.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention further provides another communication device, comprising: a sending unit, configured to send a first type of synchronization signal block burst.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transient storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is run by a processor, the steps of any of the above-mentioned communication methods are executed.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention further provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program/instruction, which implements the steps of any one of the above-mentioned communication methods when executed by a processor.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention also provides another communication device, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program that can be run on the processor, and the processor executes the steps of any one of the above-mentioned communication methods when running the computer program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2 to 4 are schematic diagrams showing the positional relationship between several W first-type SSBSSB bursts and the first starting point in embodiments of the present invention;

5 to 7 are schematic diagrams showing the positional relationship between several first windows and the first starting point in embodiments of the present invention;

FIG8 is a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the prior art, cell DTX is primarily used for connected terminal devices. Cell DTX can also be referred to as cell DTX for connected terminal devices. Cell DTX can consist of repeated cell DTX cycles, each of which includes an active period and an inactive period. Active and inactive periods alternate. It is worth noting that an active period is a time period, also known as active time; an inactive period is a time period, also known as inactive time. Generally speaking, during an active period, a network device's ability to transmit downlink signals/channels is unaffected. This means that a network device can transmit certain downlink signals/channels during an active period. However, during an inactive period, a network device's ability to transmit certain downlink signals/channels is affected. This means that a network device may not transmit certain downlink signals/channels during an inactive period.

With the continuous evolution of communication technologies, network devices may not send, or send fewer, synchronization signal blocks during periods of cell DTX inactivity. In these cases, cell DTX has a minimal impact on cell search and measurement, but a significant impact on downlink synchronization.

In addition, to achieve energy saving of terminal devices, the terminal devices can be configured with UE Connected state-Discontinuous Reception (UE C-DRX). UE C-DRX consists of repeated UE C-DRX cycles. A UE C-DRX cycle includes active time and non-active time. During the non-active time, the terminal device does not receive certain downlink signals/channels, such as part of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), part of the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), etc. In some scenarios, the working time of some timers is the active time. For example, the working time of the onduration timer is the active time.

Typically, the start point of the cell DTX activation period is close to the start point of the UE C-DRX activation time. This prevents the terminal device from taking a long time to wake up after the network device wakes up, or vice versa. In some scenarios, the close proximity of the start point of the cell DTX activation period to the start point of the UE C-DRX activation time can be understood as aligning the start point of the cell DTX activation period with the start point of the UE C-DRX activation time.

In the cell DTX scenario, how terminal devices can obtain synchronization signal blocks in a timely manner for downlink synchronization is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

For example, for a connected device, the connected wakeup signal occurs before and close to the UE C-DRX activation time. When the device wakes up from sleep mode, it needs to monitor the connected wakeup signal. At this point, the device needs to process at least X synchronization signal blocks to achieve basic downlink synchronization accuracy, where X can be 1.

If the start point of the connected state wake-up signal is after the start point of the cell DTX activation period but closer to the start point of the cell DTX activation period, or if the start point of the connected state wake-up signal is before the start point of the cell DTX activation period, there is no first-type synchronization signal block burst close to the start point of the connected state wake-up signal, and basic downlink synchronization cannot be achieved in time. If the terminal device wakes up for downlink synchronization before the second-type synchronization signal block burst before the start point of the connected state wake-up signal (farther from the start point of the connected state wake-up signal), the terminal device cannot enter deep sleep to avoid being unable to achieve basic downlink synchronization when the UE C-DRX activation time arrives, which in turn leads to higher power consumption of the terminal device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the network device can send a first-type synchronization signal block burst to the terminal device before the first starting point. The terminal device receives the first-type synchronization signal block burst before the first starting point and then performs downlink synchronization in a timely manner based on the first-type synchronization signal block burst. In addition, the terminal device does not need to remain awake for a long time, and power consumption is low.

In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and beneficial effects of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The terminal device described in the embodiments of the present application is a device with wireless communication capabilities, and may also be referred to as a terminal, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal equipment, industrial control terminal equipment, user equipment (UE) unit, UE station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, wireless communication device, UE agent, or UE device. UE can be fixed or mobile. It should be noted that UE can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as LTE, NR, etc. For example, UE can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, an all-in-one computer, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a virtual reality (VR) UE, an augmented reality (AR) UE, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, etc. The present invention relates to a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a wearable device, a UE in a future mobile communication network, or a UE in a future evolved public mobile land network (PLMN), etc. In some embodiments of the present application, the UE may also be a device with transceiver functions, such as a chip system. The chip system may include a chip and may also include other discrete devices.

In the embodiments of the present application, a network device is a device that provides wireless communication functions for a terminal device, and may also be referred to as a radio access network (RAN) device, an access network element, or an access network device. The network device may support at least one wireless communication technology, such as LTE and NR. For example, the network device includes, but is not limited to, a next-generation base station (gNB) in 5G, an evolved node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved node B or home node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a mobile switching center, and the like. The network device may also be a wireless controller, a centralized unit (CU), and/or a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or a relay station, an access point, an in-vehicle device, a terminal device, a wearable device, a network device in future mobile communications, or a network device in a future-evolved PLMN. In some embodiments, the network device may also be a device that provides wireless communication capabilities for a terminal device, such as a chip system. For example, the chip system may include a chip and may also include other discrete devices.

In some embodiments, the network device can also communicate with an Internet Protocol (IP) network, such as the Internet, a private IP network, or other data networks.

The following describes the relevant terms provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

It should be noted that the above description focuses on cell DTX, but the present invention is not limited to cell DTX and can be extended to general discontinuous transmission. Specifically, discontinuous transmission may include any one or more of the following: connected cell DTX, non-connected cell DTX, paging discontinuous transmission (DTX), SSB DTX, and system information DTX. Among them, some discontinuous transmissions are for terminal devices in a connected state; some discontinuous transmissions are for terminal devices in a non-connected state. Here, the non-connected state includes an idle state and/or an inactive state.

In the present invention, discontinuous transmission may be composed of repeated discontinuous transmission cycles, and one discontinuous transmission cycle includes an activation cycle and an inactivation cycle. The activation cycle and the inactivation cycle appear alternately. It is worth noting that the activation cycle is a time period, which may be referred to as activation time, and the inactivation cycle is a time period, which may be referred to as inactivation time. Generally speaking, the network device sending downlink signals/channels is not affected during the activation cycle, that is, the network device can send downlink signals/channels normally; the network device sending certain signals/channels during the inactivation cycle will be affected, that is, the network device may not send or send less certain signals/channels. The above description is from the perspective of the network device. For the terminal device, DTX means receiving signals/channels normally during the activation cycle, and not receiving or receiving less certain signals/channels during the inactivation cycle.

For connected cell DTX (which can be considered cell DTX in the prior art), the network device's transmission of connected signals/channels during the active period is unaffected, meaning the network device can normally transmit connected signals/channels. However, during the inactive period, the network device's transmission of certain connected signals/channels (such as certain physical downlink control channels (PDCCHs) and certain reference signals) is affected, meaning the network device may not transmit or transmit fewer connected signals/channels. The above description is from the perspective of the network device. For a terminal device, connected cell DTX means normal reception of connected signals/channels during the active period, and not receiving or receiving fewer connected signals/channels during the inactive period.

For connectionless cell DTX, the network device's transmission of connectionless signals/channels during the active period is unaffected, meaning it can send them normally. However, during the inactive period, the network device's transmission of certain connectionless signals/channels (such as SSB and/or system information) is affected, meaning it may not send or send fewer of these signals/channels. The above description is from the perspective of the network device. For the terminal device, connectionless cell DTX means it can receive connectionless signals/channels normally during the active period, but not receive or receive fewer of these signals/channels during the inactive period.

Paging DTX does not affect the network device's ability to send paging messages during active periods, meaning it can send paging messages normally. However, paging is affected during inactive periods, meaning it can send fewer or no paging messages. The above description is from the network device's perspective. For a terminal device, paging DTX means it can receive paging messages normally during active periods, but not or only receive fewer paging messages during inactive periods.

System Information DTX (DTX) does not affect the ability of network devices to transmit system information during the active period; however, it may affect the ability of network devices to transmit certain system information during the inactive period, meaning they may not transmit or transmit less system information. System information includes System Information Block 1 (SIB1) and/or Other System Information (OSI). The above description is from the perspective of the network device. For terminal devices, System Information DTX means they receive system information normally during the active period, but not receive or receive less system information during the inactive period.

Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) DTX: During active periods, network devices are not affected by SSB transmission, meaning they can transmit SSBs normally. However, during inactive periods, network devices are affected by SSB transmission (certain SSBs), meaning the base station does not transmit or transmits fewer SSBs. The "certain" here refers to the fact that SSBs may be classified into different types. The above description is from the perspective of network devices. For terminal devices, SSB DTX means they receive SSBs normally during active periods and do not receive or receive fewer SSBs during inactive periods.

In specific applications, for SSBs, network equipment can configure some SSBs that are affected by discontinuous transmission for basic downlink synchronization of terminal devices. In the following embodiments, SSBs that are affected by discontinuous transmission are referred to as first-class SSBs. The period of first-class SSBs is usually relatively small, such as 5 milliseconds (ms), 20 ms, 40 ms, etc. The first-class SSB can be the SSB configured in the cell, the SSB reconfigured by the Radio Resource Control (RRC), or a newly configured SSB.

The network device can configure some SSBs that are not affected by discontinuous transmission for the terminal device to perform cell search and/or cell measurement. In the following embodiments, the SSBs that are not affected by discontinuous transmission are referred to as second-type SSBs. The period of the second-type SSB is usually greater than the period of the first-type SSB. For example, the period of the second-type SSB is 160ms. The second-type SSB can be the SSB measurement time configuration (SMTC) configured in this cell, the SSB configured by SIB1, or a non-newly configured SSB.

Typically, SSBs are beam-scanned, with each SSB corresponding to a beam. Network devices can send multiple SSBs within 5ms. Multiple SSBs within 5ms form an SSB burst.

In this embodiment of the present invention, multiple first-type SSBs within 5 ms constitute a first-type SSB burst, and multiple second-type SSBs within 5 ms constitute a second-type SSB burst. The first-type SSB burst can also be referred to as an SSB burst affected by discontinuous transmission, and the second-type SSB burst can also be referred to as an SSB burst not affected by discontinuous transmission.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a wake-up signal is used by a network device to instruct a terminal device to wake up, such as by monitoring the PDCCH. The wake-up signal may include a connected state wake-up signal and/or a disconnected state wake-up signal. As the names suggest, a connected state wake-up signal may be a wake-up signal used by a terminal device in a connected state, and a disconnected state wake-up signal may be a wake-up signal used by a terminal device in a disconnected state.

Specifically, the connected state wake-up signal may include DCP (DCI with CRC scramble by PS-RNTI), DCI format 2_6, etc. When a connected terminal device receives the connected state wake-up signal and indicates wake-up, the connected terminal device wakes up, such as by monitoring the PDCCH (starting the onDuration timer).

Specifically, the non-connected state wake-up signal may include a Paging Early Indication (PEI) PDCCH, DCI format 2_9, etc. When a non-connected state terminal device receives the non-connected state wake-up signal and the corresponding wake-up indication (PEI) is wake-up, the non-connected state terminal device wakes up, such as monitoring the PDCCH (monitoring the paging PDCCH).

For a terminal device in a connected state, the first starting point described in the following embodiments of the present invention may include a starting point of a connection state wake-up signal.

For a terminal device in a non-connected state, the first starting point described in the following embodiments of the present invention may include a starting point of a non-connected state wake-up signal.

For the convenience of description, in the following embodiments of the present invention, the activation period of discontinuous transmission may be referred to as a first activation time.

For a terminal device in a connected state, the first activation time described in the following embodiments of the present invention may include an activation period of discontinuous transmission in the connected state.

Additionally, for a connected terminal device, discontinuous transmission can also be the terminal device's connected state discontinuous reception (UE connected state continuous reception, UE C-DRX). In other words, discontinuous transmission and UE C-DRX are strictly aligned. In this case, the first activation time can also include the terminal device's activation time.

For a terminal device in a non-connected state, the first activation time described in the following embodiments of the present invention may include an activation period of non-connected discontinuous transmission.

Additionally, for a terminal device in a non-connected state, discontinuous transmission can also be used for the terminal device's non-connected discontinuous reception (UE idle/inactive state discontinuous reception, UE I-DRX). In other words, discontinuous transmission and UE I-DRX are strictly aligned. In this case, the first activation time can also include the terminal device's target paging frame/paging opportunity.

In some embodiments, discontinuous transmission may include both connected state discontinuous transmission and non-connected state discontinuous transmission. That is, discontinuous transmission is a unified or identical configuration for connected state terminal devices and non-connected state terminal devices.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a communication method, which is described in detail below through specific steps with reference to FIG1 .

In a specific implementation, the communication method provided in step 101 below can be executed by a chip (such as a baseband chip) with data processing capabilities in the terminal device, or by a chip module (such as a baseband chip module) with data processing capabilities in the terminal device, or by the terminal device. The following description takes the communication method provided in step 101 performed by the terminal device as an example.

Step 101: Receive a first type of synchronization signal block burst.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a terminal device may receive a first-type SSB burst sent by a network device. Specifically, the terminal device may receive the first-type SSB burst sent by the network device before a first starting point. The first starting point may be a starting point of a wake-up signal.

That is, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first type of SSB burst is located before the first starting point.

Thus, the network device can send a first-class SSB burst to the terminal device before the first starting point. The terminal device receives the first-class SSB burst before the first starting point and then performs basic downlink synchronization based on the first-class SSB burst, thereby monitoring the wake-up signal and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

In a specific implementation, the terminal device may also receive the first type of SSB burst sent by the network device after the first starting point. In other words, the first type of SSB burst is located after the first starting point.

Thus, the network device can send a first-class SSB burst to the terminal device after the first starting point. After the first starting point, the terminal device receives the first-class SSB burst and then performs basic downlink synchronization based on the first-class SSB burst, thereby monitoring the wake-up signal and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the number of first-class SSB bursts sent by the network device may be W, where W is a positive integer. Accordingly, the terminal device receives W first-class SSB bursts. The W first-class SSB bursts may be located before the first starting point, or the W first-class SSB bursts may be located after the first starting point.

Thus, the network device sends W first-class SSB bursts to the terminal device before the first starting point. The terminal device can complete basic downlink synchronization based on the received W first-class SSB bursts. Alternatively, the network device sends W first-class SSB bursts to the terminal device after the first starting point. The terminal device can complete basic downlink synchronization based on the received W first-class SSB bursts.

In a specific implementation, the specific value of W can be configured and issued by the network device to the terminal device. Specifically, the network device can configure the specific value of W for the terminal device through high-layer signaling, which may include Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE), etc.

This allows network devices to flexibly adjust the value of W. If the network device is configured with a larger value for W, the terminal device can utilize more Class I SSB bursts for basic downlink synchronization. If the network device is configured with a smaller value for W, the network device can send fewer Class I SSB bursts, thereby reducing downlink overhead.

The above-mentioned W first-class SSB bursts are located before the first starting point, which may include the following situations: Situation 1), the end point of the last first-class SSB burst in the time domain is located before the first starting point; Situation 2), among the W first-class SSB bursts, some first-class SSB bursts are located before the first starting point; the above-mentioned W first-class SSB bursts are located after the first starting point, which may include the following situations: Situation 3), the W first-class SSB bursts are all located after the first starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the first first-class SSB burst in the time domain and the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration.

Specifically, for the above scenario 1), it means that in the time domain, the W first-class SSB bursts are all located before the first starting point. For the above scenario 2), it means that in the time domain, among the W first-class SSB bursts, some of the first-class SSB bursts are located before the first starting point, and another part of the first-class SSB bursts are located after the first starting point. For the above scenario 3), it means that in the time domain, the W first-class SSB bursts are all located after the first starting point, and the minimum time interval between them and the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration.

2 to 4 illustrate the positional relationships between several W first-type SSB bursts and the first starting point in embodiments of the present invention. In each of these, W is assumed to be 4. It should be understood that these are merely illustrative and do not limit the specific value of W.

In Figure 2, SSB burst 1, SSB burst 2, SSB burst 3, and SSB burst 4 are all located before the first starting point. In Figure 3, SSB burst 1 and SSB burst 2 are located before the first starting point, while SSB burst 3 and SSB burst 4 are located after the first starting point. In Figure 4, SSB burst 1, SSB burst 2, SSB burst 3, and SSB burst 4 are all located after the first starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of SSB burst 1 and the first starting point is T0, T0 ≤ T1, and T1 is the first duration.

For scenarios 2) and 3) above, the terminal device can first cache the wake-up signal samples, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-class SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached wake-up signal samples, and finally demodulate/decode the wake-up signal. In other words, for scenarios 2) and 3) above, the terminal device can first cache and then process the wake-up signal to demodulate/decode the wake-up signal.

It should be noted that for the above situations 2) and 3), the implementation of caching first and then processing will result in a large amount of post-processing, so it takes a certain amount of processing time. If the value of the first duration is large, the amount of post-processing data will be too large.

In a specific implementation, the value of the first duration can be associated with the processing capability of the terminal device. Generally, the stronger the processing capability of the terminal device, the larger the value of the first duration can be; the weaker the processing capability of the terminal device, the smaller the first duration can be determined.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a network device may send a first-type SSB burst within a first window, where the first window may be before or after a first starting point. Correspondingly, a terminal device may receive the first-type SSB burst within the first window.

Thus, the network device sends a first-class SSB burst to the terminal device within the first window. The terminal device can complete basic downlink synchronization based on the first-class SSB burst received in the first window and then listen for the wake-up signal.

In a specific implementation, the above-mentioned first window before the first starting point may include the following situations: situation 4), the end point of the first window is before the first starting point; situation 5), the starting point of the first window is before the first starting point, and the end point of the first window is after the first starting point; the above-mentioned first window after the first starting point may include the following situations: situation 6), the starting point of the first window is after the first starting point, and the time interval with the first starting point is less than or equal to the first time length.

5 to 7 , schematic diagrams of positional relationships between several first windows and the first starting point in embodiments of the present invention are provided.

In Figure 5, the end point of the first window is before the first starting point. In Figure 6, the starting point of the first window is before the first starting point, and the end point of the first window is after the first starting point. In Figure 7, the starting point of the first window is after the first starting point, and the time interval between the starting point and the first starting point is no greater than the first duration.

For the above scenarios 5) and 6), the terminal device may first cache the samples of the wake-up signal, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-type SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached samples of the wake-up signal, and finally demodulate/decode the wake-up signal. In other words, for the above scenarios 5) and 6), the terminal device may also adopt a cache-first-then-processing approach to demodulate/decode the wake-up signal. Accordingly, the value of the above-mentioned first duration may be associated with the processing capability of the terminal device.

In a specific implementation, the terminal device may determine the first window based on a first configuration parameter. The first configuration parameter may be configured for the terminal device by the network device or pre-set in the communication protocol. The first configuration parameter may include at least one of the following: a starting point of the first window, an end point of the first window, and a duration of the first window.

Specifically, the first configuration parameter may include only the starting point of the first window and the duration of the first window, or only the end point of the first window and the duration of the first window, or include the starting point of the first window, the end point of the first window, and the duration of the first window. If the first configuration parameter includes only the starting point of the first window or the end point of the first window, the duration of the first window may be a preset value, for example, the duration of the first window is pre-set to 40 ms (which may include at least one SSB burst with a period of 20 ms) or 60 ms (which may include at least two SSB bursts with a period of 20 ms).

By configuring the first configuration parameter for the terminal device through the network device, the network device can flexibly adjust the position and/or duration of the first window. If the position of the configured first window is far away from the wake-up signal, the terminal device can be awakened earlier and then perform basic downlink synchronization. If the position of the configured first window is close to the wake-up signal, the number of first-class SSB bursts sent by the network device is small, which can reduce the downlink overhead of the network device. If the duration of the first window is long, the terminal device can use more first-class SSB bursts for basic downlink synchronization; if the duration of the first window is short, the number of first-class SSB bursts sent by the network device is small, which can reduce the downlink overhead of the network device.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the network device transmits the first type SSB burst only when discontinuous transmission is determined to be activated. Furthermore, the network device transmits the first type SSB burst only when it determines that the number of SSB bursts in the third window is less than or equal to X, where X is a positive integer. The SSB burst in the third window may include the first type SSB burst and the second type SSB burst. The number of SSB bursts in the third window is the sum of the number of the first type SSB burst and the number of the second type SSB burst in the third window.

In a specific implementation, the value of X may be determined based on the capabilities of the terminal device. Specifically, the value of X must be sufficient for the terminal device to achieve basic downlink synchronization. In other words, the terminal device must be able to achieve basic downlink synchronization based on X SSB bursts.

For example, when a terminal device wakes up from sleep mode, it needs to process an SSB burst to achieve basic downlink synchronization. Therefore, the value of X can be set to 1 to reduce the downlink overhead of the network device.

The value of X can also be configured by the network device through high-level parameters. Thus, the network device can flexibly configure the value of X. In some embodiments, the network device can configure the value of X to be 1.

In summary, the network device sends the first type of SSB burst only when it determines that the above conditions are met, which can avoid the waste of downlink overhead of the network device.

In a specific implementation, the third window can be before the first starting point, or after the first starting point. Thus, the network device only sends the first type of SSB burst when it determines that there are not enough SSB bursts within the third window, thus avoiding meaningless power consumption by the network device. The terminal device only needs X SSB bursts for basic downlink synchronization and to listen for the wake-up signal.

In a specific implementation, the aforementioned third window before the first starting point may include the following scenarios: Scenario 7), where the end point of the third window is before the first starting point; Scenario 8), where the starting point of the third window is before the first starting point and the end point of the third window is after the first starting point; and the aforementioned third window after the first starting point may include the following scenarios: Scenario 9), where the starting point of the third window is after the first starting point and the time interval between the third window and the first starting point is less than or equal to a third duration. The third duration may be associated with the processing capability of the terminal device.

It is understandable that the positional relationship between the third window and the first starting point mentioned above may refer to the positional relationship between the third window and the first starting point, which will not be described in detail here.

In a specific implementation, the terminal device may determine the third window based on a third configuration parameter. The third configuration parameter may be configured for the terminal device by the network device using a high-layer parameter. The third configuration parameter may include at least one of the following: a start point of the third window, an end point of the third window, and a duration of the third window.

Specifically, the third configuration parameter may include only the start point of the third window and the duration of the third window, or only the end point of the third window and the duration of the third window, or include the start point of the third window, the end point of the third window, and the duration of the third window. If the third configuration parameter includes only the start point of the third window or the end point of the third window, the duration of the third window may be a preset value.

The third window may also be pre-defined in the communication protocol. The duration of the third window may be associated with the processing capability of the terminal device, that is, the terminal device can complete basic downlink synchronization within the third window.

In the embodiment of the present invention, it is known that the wake-up signal may include a connection state wake-up signal and/or a non-connection state wake-up signal, which will be described below respectively.

In some embodiments, the wake-up signal includes a connection-state wake-up signal. Accordingly, the first starting point is the starting point of the connection-state wake-up signal. The aforementioned starting point of the connection-state wake-up signal may refer to the starting point of the connection-state wake-up signal in the time domain. The first-class SSB burst is an SSB burst affected by the first activation time. The network device sends W first-class SSB bursts to the terminal device, the W first-class SSB bursts before the first starting point, or the W first-class SSB bursts after the first starting point. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the W first-class SSB bursts.

According to existing communication protocols, because the first-class SSB burst is affected by cell DTX, network devices typically do not send the first-class SSB burst before the first starting point. However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the network device sends W first-class SSB bursts to the terminal device before the first starting point, allowing the terminal device to use these W first-class SSB bursts to complete basic downlink synchronization and thus monitor for connection state wake-up signals.

When the wake-up signal is a connection-state wake-up signal, the above scenario 1) includes: Scenario 1.1), the end point of the last first-class SSB burst in the time domain is before the start point of the first burst;

The above-mentioned scenario 2) includes: scenario 2.1), among the W first-class SSB bursts, some of the first-class SSB bursts are located before the first starting point;

The above-mentioned situation 3) includes: situation 3.1), the W first-class SSB bursts are all located after the first starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the first first-class SSB burst and the first starting point in the time domain is less than or equal to the first duration.

When the wake-up signal is a connected state wake-up signal, for scenarios 2.1) and 3.1) above, the terminal device may first cache samples of the connected state wake-up signal, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-class SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached samples of the connected state wake-up signal, and finally demodulate/decode the connected state wake-up signal. In other words, for scenarios 2.1) and 3.1) above, the terminal device may adopt a cache-first, then-process approach to demodulate/decode the connected state wake-up signal.

The network device may also send a first-class SSB burst within a first window, and the first window may be before the first point. Correspondingly, the terminal device may receive the first-class SSB burst within the first window.

The above scenario 4) includes scenario 4.1): the end point of the first window is before the first starting point;

The above scenario 5) includes scenario 5.1): the starting point of the first window is located before the first starting point, and the end point of the first window is located after the first starting point;

The above-mentioned scenario 6) includes scenario 6.1): the starting point of the first window is located after the first starting point, and the time interval between the first starting point and the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. The specific process of determining the first window can be referred to the description in the above embodiment and is not repeated here.

When the wake-up signal is a connected state wake-up signal, for the above scenarios 5.1) and 6.1), the terminal device may first cache samples of the connected state wake-up signal, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-class SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached samples of the connected state wake-up signal, and finally demodulate/decode the connected state wake-up signal. In other words, for the above scenarios 5.1) and 6.1), the terminal device may also adopt a cache-first, then-process approach to demodulate/decode the connected state wake-up signal.

When the wakeup signal is a connected state wakeup signal, the end point of the first window can be the start point of the cell DTX activation period, which can be after the start point of the first window. Therefore, the end point of the first window can be defaulted to the start point of the cell DTX activation period, eliminating the need for additional signaling to configure the end point of the first window. Furthermore, the start point of the first-class SSB burst in the cell DTX activation period can be extended forward, effectively expanding the number of first-class SSB bursts by extending the start point of the first SSB burst.

When the wakeup signal is a connection-state wakeup signal, the network device sends a first-class SSB burst only if it determines that cell DTX is activated. Furthermore, the network device sends a first-class SSB burst only if it determines that the number of SSB bursts in the third window is less than or equal to X.

Specifically, the specific meaning of the third window and the method for obtaining the third window may refer to the description in the above embodiment.

In some other embodiments, the wake-up signal includes a non-connection-state wake-up signal. Accordingly, the first starting point may include a starting point of the non-connection-state wake-up signal. The starting point of the non-connection-state wake-up signal may refer to a starting point of the non-connection-state wake-up signal in the time domain. The first type of SSB burst is an SSB burst affected by the first activation time.

The network device sends W first-class SSB bursts to the terminal device, with the W first-class SSB bursts occurring before the first starting point or the W first-class SSB bursts occurring after the first starting point. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the W first-class SSB bursts. In the non-connected state, the terminal device completes basic downlink synchronization based on the received W first-class SSB bursts and listens for the non-connected state wake-up signal.

Taking the PEI as an example, the W first-class SSB bursts are before the first starting point, or W first-class SSB bursts are after the first starting point. The first starting point is the starting point of the PEI, and the first-class SSB burst is the SSB burst affected by the first activation time. The first activation time is the time window in which the terminal device receives the paging message.

When the wake-up signal is a non-connected wake-up signal (such as PEI), the above situation 1) includes: situation 1.2), the end point of the last first-class SSB burst in the time domain is before the start point of the first;

The above-mentioned scenario 2) includes: scenario 2.2), among the W first-class SSB bursts, some of the first-class SSB bursts are located before the first starting point;

The above-mentioned situation 3) includes: situation 3.2), the W first-class SSB bursts are all located after the first starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the first first-class SSB burst and the first starting point in the time domain is less than or equal to the first duration.

When the wake-up signal is a non-connection-state wake-up signal, for scenarios 2.2) and 3.2) above, the terminal device can first cache the samples of the non-connection-state wake-up signal, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-class SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached samples of the non-connection-state wake-up signal, and finally demodulate/decode the non-connection-state wake-up signal. In other words, for scenarios 2.2) and 3.2) above, the terminal device can use a cache-first, then-processing approach to demodulate/decode the non-connection-state wake-up signal.

The network device may also send the first type SSB burst within a first window, where the first window may be before the first starting point, or the first window may be after the first starting point. Accordingly, the terminal device may receive the first type SSB burst within the first window.

The above scenario 4) includes scenario 4.2): the end point of the first window is before the first starting point;

The above scenario 5) includes scenario 5.2): the starting point of the first window is located before the first starting point, and the end point of the first window is located after the first starting point;

The above-mentioned scenario 6) includes scenario 6.2): the starting point of the first window is located after the first starting point, and the time interval between the starting point and the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. The specific process of determining the first window can be referred to the description in the above embodiment and is not repeated here.

When the wake-up signal is a non-connection-state wake-up signal, for the above scenarios 5.2) and 6.2), the terminal device may first cache the samples of the non-connection-state wake-up signal, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-class SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached samples of the non-connection-state wake-up signal, and finally demodulate/decode the non-connection-state wake-up signal. In other words, for the above scenarios 5.2) and 6.2), the terminal device may also adopt a cache-first, then-process approach to demodulate/decode the non-connection-state wake-up signal.

When the wake-up signal is a non-connected state wake-up signal, the end point of the first window can be the start point of the first activation time, and the first window is after the start point of the first activation time. Therefore, the end point of the first window can default to the start point of the first activation time, so no additional signaling is required to configure the end point of the first window. At the same time, the start point of the first type SSB burst in the first activation time can be extended forward, which is equivalent to expanding the number of first type SSB bursts by extending the start point of the first SSB burst.

When the wake-up signal is a non-connection-state wake-up signal, the network device sends the first type of SSB burst only when the terminal device determines that non-connection-state discontinuous transmission is activated. Furthermore, the network device sends the first type of SSB burst only when it determines that the number of SSB bursts in the third window is less than or equal to X.

Specifically, the specific meaning of the third window and the method for obtaining the third window may refer to the description in the above embodiment.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device may receive the first type SSB burst sent by the network device before the second starting point. The second starting point may be the starting point of the activation time of the discontinuous transmission.

That is, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first type of SSB burst is located before the second starting point.

As a result, the network device can send the first type of SSB burst to the terminal device before the second starting point. The terminal device receives the first type of SSB burst before the second starting point and then performs fine downlink synchronization based on the first type of SSB burst to receive service data.

In a specific implementation, the terminal device may also receive the first type SSB burst sent by the network device after the second starting point. In other words, the first type SSB burst is located after the second starting point.

As a result, the network device can send a first-class SSB burst to the terminal device after the second starting point. After the second starting point, the terminal device receives the first-class SSB burst and then performs basic downlink synchronization based on the first-class SSB burst, thereby monitoring the wake-up signal and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the number of first-class SSB bursts sent by the network device may be U, where U is a positive integer. Accordingly, the terminal device receives U first-class SSB bursts. The U first-class SSB bursts may be located before the second starting point, or the U first-class SSB bursts may be located after the second starting point.

Thus, the network device sends U first-class SSB bursts to the terminal device before the second starting point. The terminal device can complete fine downlink synchronization based on the received U first-class SSB bursts. Alternatively, the network device sends U first-class SSB bursts to the terminal device after the second starting point. The terminal device can complete fine downlink synchronization based on the received U first-class SSB bursts.

In a specific implementation, the specific value of U may be configured and issued by the network device to the terminal device. Specifically, the network device may configure the specific value of U for the terminal device via high-level signaling, which may include RRC signaling, MAC CE, etc.

By configuring the network device with a specific value for U, the value of U can be flexibly adjusted. If the network device is configured with a larger value for U, the terminal device can utilize more Class I SSB bursts for fine downlink synchronization. If the network device is configured with a smaller value for U, the network device can send fewer Class I SSB bursts, thereby reducing downlink overhead.

The above-mentioned U first-class SSB bursts are located before the second starting point, which may include the following situations: Situation 10), the end point of the last first-class SSB burst in the time domain is located before the second starting point; Situation 11), among the U first-class SSB bursts, some first-class SSB bursts are located before the second starting point; the above-mentioned U first-class SSB bursts are located after the second starting point, which may include the following situations: Situation 12), all U first-class SSB bursts are located after the second starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the first first-class SSB burst and the second starting point in the time domain is less than or equal to the second duration.

Specifically, for the above scenario 10), it means that in the time domain, the U first-class SSB bursts are all located before the second starting point. For the above scenario 11), it means that in the time domain, among the U first-class SSB bursts, some first-class SSB bursts are located before the second starting point, and another part of the first-class SSB bursts are located after the second starting point. For the above scenario 12), it means that in the time domain, the U first-class SSB bursts are all located after the second starting point, and the minimum time interval between them and the second starting point is less than or equal to the second duration.

Specifically, the positional relationship between U first-class SSB bursts and the second starting point can correspond to the description in Figures 2 to 4, and it is only necessary to replace the first starting point in Figures 2 to 4 with the second starting point.

For scenarios 11) and 12) above, the terminal device can first cache the service data, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-class SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached service data, and finally demodulate/decode the service data. In other words, for scenarios 8) and 9) above, the terminal device can first cache and then process the service data to demodulate/decode the service data.

It should be noted that for the above situations 11) and 12), the implementation of caching first and then processing will result in a large amount of post-processing, so it takes a certain amount of processing time. If the value of the second duration is large, the amount of post-processing data will be too large.

In a specific implementation, the value of the second duration can be associated with the processing capability of the terminal device. Generally, the stronger the processing capability of the terminal device, the larger the value of the second duration can be; the weaker the processing capability of the terminal device, the smaller the second duration can be determined.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the network device may send a first-class SSB burst within a second window, and the second window may be before or after the second starting point. Correspondingly, the terminal device may receive the first-class SSB burst within the second window.

As a result, the network device sends a Class I SSB burst to the terminal device within the second window. Based on the Class I SSB burst received in the second window, the terminal device can complete fine downlink synchronization and then receive service data.

In a specific implementation, the above-mentioned second window before the second starting point may include the following situations: situation 13), the end point of the second window is before the second starting point; situation 14), the starting point of the second window is before the second starting point, and the end point of the second window is after the second starting point; the above-mentioned second window after the second starting point may include the following situations: situation 15), the starting point of the second window is after the second starting point, and the time interval with the second starting point is less than or equal to the second time length.

Specifically, the positional relationship between the second window and the second starting point may correspond to the description in reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , and only the first starting point in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 needs to be replaced with the second starting point, and the first window with the second window.

For scenarios 14) and 15) above, the terminal device can first cache the service data, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-class SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached service data, and finally demodulate/decode the service data. In other words, for scenarios 14) and 15) above, the terminal device can first cache and then process the service data to demodulate/decode the service data.

In a specific implementation, the terminal device may determine the second window based on a second configuration parameter. The second configuration parameter may be configured for the terminal device by the network device or pre-set in the communication protocol. The second configuration parameter may include at least one of the following: a start point of the second window, an end point of the second window, and a duration of the second window.

Specifically, the second configuration parameter may include only the start point of the second window and the duration of the second window, or only the end point of the second window and the duration of the second window, or include the start point of the second window, the end point of the second window, and the duration of the second window. If the second configuration parameter includes only the start point of the second window or the end point of the second window, the duration of the second window may be a preset value, for example, the duration of the second window is pre-set to 60 ms (which may include at least 2 SSB bursts with a period of 20 ms) or 80 ms (which may include at least 3 SSB bursts with a period of 20 ms).

In this embodiment of the present invention, the network device transmits the first type SSB burst only when discontinuous transmission is determined to be activated. Furthermore, the network device transmits the first type SSB burst only when it determines that the number of SSB bursts in the fourth window is less than or equal to Y, where Y is a positive integer. The SSB burst in the fourth window may include the first type SSB burst and the second type SSB burst. The number of SSB bursts in the fourth window is the sum of the number of the first type SSB burst and the number of the second type SSB burst in the fourth window.

In a specific implementation, the value of Y may be determined based on the capabilities of the terminal device. Specifically, the value of Y must be sufficient for the terminal device to achieve fine downlink synchronization. In other words, the terminal device must be able to achieve fine downlink synchronization based on Y SSB bursts.

For example, when a terminal device wakes up from sleep mode, it needs to process three SSB bursts to achieve fine downlink synchronization. Therefore, the value of Y can be set to 3 to reduce the downlink overhead of the network device.

The value of Y can also be configured by the network device through high-level parameters. Thus, the network device can flexibly configure the value of Y. In some embodiments, the network device can configure the value of Y to be 3.

In summary, the network device sends the first type of SSB burst only when it determines that the above conditions are met, which can avoid the waste of downlink overhead of the network device.

In a specific implementation, the fourth window can be before the second starting point, or after the second starting point. Thus, the network device only sends the first type of SSB burst when it determines that there are not enough SSB bursts within the fourth window, thus avoiding meaningless power consumption by the network device. The terminal device only needs Y SSB bursts for fine downlink synchronization and service data reception.

In a specific implementation, the aforementioned fourth window before the second starting point may include the following scenarios: Scenario 16), where the end point of the fourth window is before the second starting point; Scenario 17), where the starting point of the fourth window is before the second starting point and the end point of the fourth window is after the second starting point; and the aforementioned fourth window after the second starting point may include the following scenarios: Scenario 18), where the starting point of the fourth window is after the second starting point and the time interval between the fourth window and the second starting point is less than or equal to a fourth duration. The fourth duration may be associated with the processing capability of the terminal device.

In a specific implementation, the terminal device may determine the fourth window based on a fourth configuration parameter. The fourth configuration parameter may be configured for the terminal device by the network device using a high-layer parameter. The fourth configuration parameter may include at least one of the following: a starting point of the fourth window, an end point of the fourth window, and a duration of the fourth window.

Specifically, the fourth configuration parameter may include only the start point of the fourth window and the duration of the fourth window, or only the end point of the fourth window and the duration of the fourth window, or include the start point of the fourth window, the end point of the fourth window, and the duration of the fourth window. If the fourth configuration parameter includes only the start point of the fourth window or the end point of the fourth window, the duration of the fourth window may be a preset value.

The fourth window may also be pre-defined in the communication protocol. The duration of the fourth window may be associated with the processing capability of the terminal device, that is, the terminal device can complete fine downlink synchronization within the fourth window.

It can be known in the embodiment of the present invention that discontinuous transmission may include connected state discontinuous transmission and/or non-connected state continuous transmission.

In some embodiments, for a terminal device in a connected state, the second starting point may be a starting point of an activation period of continuous transmission in the connected state.

According to existing communication protocols, since the first-type SSB burst is affected by discontinuous transmission, the network device typically does not send the first-type SSB burst at the second starting point. However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the network device sends U first-type SSB bursts to the terminal device before the second starting point, allowing the terminal device to use U first-type SSB bursts to achieve fine downlink synchronization and receive service data.

When discontinuous transmission is cell DTX, the above scenario 10) includes: scenario 10.1), the end point of the last first-class SSB burst in the time domain is before the start point of the second one;

The above-mentioned scenario 11) includes: scenario 11.1), among the U first-class SSB bursts, some of the first-class SSB bursts are located before the second starting point;

The above-mentioned situation 12) includes: situation 12.1), U first-class SSB bursts are all located after the second starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the first first-class SSB burst and the second starting point in the time domain is less than or equal to the second duration.

When discontinuous transmission is cell DTX, for scenarios 11.1) and 12.1) above, the terminal device can first cache the service data, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-class SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached service data, and finally demodulate/decode the service data. In other words, for scenarios 11.1) and 12.1) above, the terminal device can first cache and then process the service data to demodulate/decode the service data.

The network device may also send the first type SSB burst in a second window, where the second window may be before the second starting point, or the second window may be after the second starting point. Accordingly, the terminal device may receive the first type SSB burst in the second window.

The above scenario 13) includes scenario 13.1): the end point of the second window is before the second starting point;

The above scenario 14) includes scenario 14.1): the starting point of the second window is located before the second starting point, and the end point of the second window is located after the second starting point;

The above-mentioned scenario 15) includes scenario 15.1): the starting point of the second window is located after the second starting point, and the time interval between the second starting point and the second starting point is less than or equal to the second duration. The specific process of determining the second window can be referred to the description in the above embodiment and is not repeated here.

When discontinuous transmission is cell DTX, for scenarios 14.1) and 15.1) above, the terminal device can first cache the service data, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-class SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached service data, and finally demodulate/decode the service data. In other words, for scenarios 14.1) and 15.1) above, the terminal device can first cache and then process the service data to demodulate/decode the service data.

The specific meaning of the second window and the method for obtaining the second window may refer to the description in the above embodiment.

In other embodiments, for a terminal device that performs discontinuous transmission, the second starting point may be a starting point of an activation period of the non-connected discontinuous transmission.

The network device sends U first-class SSB bursts to the terminal device, where the U first-class SSB bursts precede the second starting point, or the U first-class SSB bursts precede the second starting point. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the U first-class SSB bursts. In the disconnected state, the terminal device performs fine downlink synchronization based on the received U first-class SSB bursts and receives service data.

When the discontinuous transmission is a non-connected discontinuous transmission, the above situation 10) includes: situation 10.2), the end point of the last first-class SSB burst in the time domain is located before the start point of the second one;

The above-mentioned scenario 11) includes: scenario 11.2), among the U first-class SSB bursts, some of the first-class SSB bursts are located before the second starting point;

The above-mentioned situation 12) includes: situation 11.2), U first-class SSB bursts are all located after the second starting point, and the time interval between the starting point of the first first-class SSB burst and the second starting point in the time domain is less than or equal to the second duration.

When the discontinuous transmission is a non-connected discontinuous transmission, for the above scenarios 11.2) and 12.2), the terminal device may first cache the service data, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-type SSB burst, correct the time-frequency offset of the cached service data, and finally demodulate/decode the service data. In other words, for the above scenarios 11.2) and 12.2), the terminal device may adopt a cache-first, then-process approach to demodulate/decode the service data.

The network device may also send the first type SSB burst in a second window, where the second window may be before the second starting point, or the second window may be after the second starting point. Accordingly, the terminal device may receive the first type SSB burst in the second window.

The above scenario 13) includes scenario 13.2): the end point of the second window is before the second starting point;

The above scenario 14) includes scenario 14.2): the starting point of the second window is located before the second starting point, and the end point of the second window is located after the second starting point;

The above-mentioned scenario 15) includes scenario 15.2): the starting point of the second window is located after the second starting point, and the time interval between the second starting point and the second starting point is less than or equal to the second duration. The specific process of determining the second window can be referred to the description in the above embodiment and is not repeated here.

When the discontinuous transmission is a non-connected discontinuous transmission, for the above-mentioned scenarios 14.2) and 15.2), the terminal device may first cache the service data, then estimate the time-frequency offset based on the received first-type SSB burst, then correct the time-frequency offset of the cached service data, and finally demodulate/decode the service data. In other words, for the above-mentioned scenarios 14.2) and 15.2), the terminal device may adopt a cache-first, then-process approach to demodulate/decode the service data.

When the discontinuous transmission is a non-connected discontinuous transmission, the network device sends the first type SSB burst only if it is determined that the first activation time is activated. Further, the network device sends the first type SSB burst only if it is determined that the number of SSB bursts in the fourth window is less than or equal to Y.

In some embodiments, the value of Y is 3.

Specifically, the specific meaning of the fourth window and the method for obtaining the fourth window may refer to the description in the above embodiment.

8 , another communication method in an embodiment of the present invention is provided, which is described in detail below through specific steps.

In a specific implementation, the communication method provided in step 801 below can be executed by a chip with data processing capabilities in a network device, or by a chip module with data processing capabilities in a network device, or by the network device. The following description takes the communication method provided in step 801 performed by a network device as an example.

Step 801: Send a first type of synchronization signal block burst.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a network device may send a first-type SSB burst to a terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device may receive the first-type SSB burst sent by the network device, where the first-type SSB burst is located before a first starting point or after the first starting point. The first starting point is the starting point of the wake-up signal.

Alternatively, the first type SSB burst is located before the second starting point, and the first type SSB burst is located after the second starting point. The second starting point is the starting point of the activation time of the inactive continuous transmission.

Specifically, regarding the specific implementation of the network device sending the first type of SSB burst, the meaning of the first type of SSB burst, etc., you can refer to the description in the above embodiments and will not go into details here.

9 , a communication device 90 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided, comprising an acquisition unit 91 , wherein the acquisition unit 91 is configured to receive a first type of synchronization signal block burst.

In a specific implementation, the specific execution process of the above-mentioned acquisition unit 91 can correspond to step 101 and will not be repeated here.

In a specific implementation, the above-mentioned communication device 90 may correspond to a chip with a data processing function in a terminal device, or correspond to a chip module with a data processing function in a terminal device, or correspond to a terminal device.

10 , another communication device 10 in an embodiment of the present invention is provided, comprising: a sending unit 11 , wherein: the sending unit 11 is configured to send a first type of synchronization signal block burst.

In a specific implementation, the specific execution process of the above-mentioned sending unit 11 can correspond to step 801 and will not be repeated here.

In a specific implementation, the above-mentioned communication device 10 may correspond to a chip with a data processing function in a network device, or correspond to a chip module with a data processing function in a network device, or correspond to a network device.

In specific implementations, the modules/units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments may be software modules/units or hardware modules/units, or may be partially software modules/units and partially hardware modules/units.

For example, for each device or product applied to or integrated into a chip, each module/unit contained therein may be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits, or at least some of the modules/units may be implemented in the form of software programs, which run on a processor integrated inside the chip, and the remaining (if any) modules/units may be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits; for each device or product applied to or integrated into a chip module, each module/unit contained therein may be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits, and different modules/units may be located in the same component (such as a chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some of the modules/units may be implemented in the form of software programs. The element can be implemented in the form of a software program, which runs on the processor integrated inside the chip module, and the remaining (if any) modules/units can be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated in the terminal, the various modules/units contained therein can be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits, and different modules/units can be located in the same component (for example, chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components in the terminal, or, at least some modules/units can be implemented in the form of a software program, which runs on the processor integrated inside the terminal, and the remaining (if any) modules/units can be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits.

An embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transient storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is run by a processor, the steps of the communication method provided in any of the above embodiments are executed.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer program product, including a computer program/instruction, characterized in that when the computer program/instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the communication method provided in any of the above embodiments are implemented.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides another communication device, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program that can be run on the processor, and when the processor runs the computer program, the steps of the communication method provided in any of the above embodiments are executed.

Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a program, and the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which may include: ROM, RAM, disk or CD, etc.

Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope defined by the claims.

Claims (35)

A communication method, comprising: A first type synchronization signal block burst is received. The communication method as described in claim 1 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point; or the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point; the first starting point is the starting point of the wake-up signal. The communication method as described in claim 2 is characterized in that the number of the first type of synchronization signal block bursts is W, where W is a positive integer. The communication method according to claim 3, wherein the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point, comprising: the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the first starting point; or the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the first starting point, and the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the first starting point; The first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point, including: the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the first starting point, and the time interval with the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. The communication method as described in claim 2 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block burst is a first type of synchronization signal block burst within a first window. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point, comprising: the end point of the first window is located before the first starting point; or the starting point of the first window is located before the first starting point, and the end point of the first window is located after the first starting point; The first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point, including: the starting point of the first window is located after the first starting point, and the time interval with the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. The communication method according to claim 6, wherein the end point of the first window is the starting point of the activation period of the discontinuous transmission. The communication method according to claim 5 is characterized in that it further includes: obtaining a first configuration parameter, the first configuration parameter including at least one of the following: a starting point of the first window, an end point of the first window, and a duration of the first window. The communication method as described in claim 1 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point; or the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point; the second starting point is the starting point of the activation time of the discontinuous transmission. The communication method as described in claim 9 is characterized in that the number of the first type of synchronization signal block bursts is U, where U is a positive integer. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point, comprising: the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the second starting point; or the start point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the second starting point, and the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the second starting point; The first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point, including: the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the second starting point, and the time interval with the second starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. The communication method as described in claim 9 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block burst is a first type of synchronization signal block burst within the second window. The communication method according to claim 12, wherein the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point, comprising: the end point of the second window is located before the second starting point; or the starting point of the second window is located before the second starting point, and the end point of the second window is located after the second starting point; The first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point, including: the starting point of the second window is located after the second starting point, and the time interval with the second starting point is less than or equal to the second duration. The communication method according to claim 12, further comprising: obtaining a second configuration parameter, wherein the second configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a starting point of the second window, an end point of the second window, and a duration of the second window. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block burst is a synchronization signal block burst affected by discontinuous transmission. A communication method, comprising: Send a first type synchronization signal block burst. The communication method as described in claim 16 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point; or the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point; the first starting point is the starting point of the wake-up signal. The communication method as described in claim 17 is characterized in that the number of the first type of synchronization signal block bursts is W, where W is a positive integer. The communication method according to claim 18, wherein the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point, comprising: the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the first starting point; or the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the first starting point, and the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the first starting point; The first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point, including: the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the first starting point, and the time interval with the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. The communication method as described in claim 17 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block is sent within a first window. The communication method according to claim 20, wherein the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the first starting point, comprising: the end point of the first window is located before the first starting point; or the starting point of the first window is located before the first starting point, and the end point of the first window is located after the first starting point; The first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the first starting point, including: the starting point of the first window is located after the first starting point, and the time interval with the first starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. The communication method according to claim 21 is characterized in that the end point of the first window is the starting point of the activation period of discontinuous transmission. The communication method according to claim 20 is characterized in that it further includes: sending a first configuration parameter, wherein the first configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: the starting point of the first window, the end point of the first window, and the duration of the first window. The communication method as described in claim 16 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point; or the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point; the second starting point is the starting point of the activation time of the discontinuous transmission. The communication method as described in claim 24 is characterized in that the number of the first type of synchronization signal block bursts is U, where U is a positive integer. The communication method according to claim 25, wherein the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point, comprising: the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the second starting point; or the start point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is before the second starting point, and the end point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the second starting point; The first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point, including: the starting point of the first type of synchronization signal block burst is after the second starting point, and the time interval with the second starting point is less than or equal to the first duration. The communication method as described in claim 24 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block burst is sent within the second window. The communication method according to claim 27, wherein the first type of synchronization signal block burst is located before the second starting point, comprising: the end point of the second window is located before the second starting point; or the starting point of the second window is located before the second starting point, and the end point of the second window is located after the second starting point; The first type of synchronization signal block burst is located after the second starting point, including: the starting point of the second window is located after the second starting point, and the time interval with the second starting point is less than or equal to the second duration. The communication method according to claim 28 is characterized in that it also includes: obtaining a second configuration parameter, the second configuration parameter including at least one of the following: a starting point of the second window, an end point of the second window, and a duration of the second window. The communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 29 is characterized in that the first type of synchronization signal block burst is a synchronization signal block burst affected by discontinuous transmission. A communication device, comprising: An acquisition unit is configured to receive a first type of synchronization signal block burst. A communication device, comprising: The sending unit is used to send a first type of synchronization signal block burst. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transient storage medium, and a computer program is stored thereon, wherein the computer program executes the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 30 when executed by a processor. A computer program product, comprising a computer program/instruction, wherein when the computer program/instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 30 are implemented. A communication device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program that can be run on the processor, and is characterized in that when the processor runs the computer program, it executes the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 30.