Reference signal configuration method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a reference signal configuration method and device. By receiving reference signal configuration information sent by a network device, a beam corresponding to a reference signal is determined according to the reference signal configuration information, so that the network device can send a specific beam on a service link without directly indicating the angle of beam generation of a relay device through signaling, the additional signaling overhead is saved, and the communication efficiency of the system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a reference signal configuration method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, a smart repeater performs beam scanning on the service link to ensure that the terminal can find the most suitable beam. The information of the optimal beam fed back by the terminal is forwarded to the base station via the smart repeater. After demodulating the received signal, the base station obtains the feedback information from the terminal and instructs the smart repeater on the beam on the service link based on the feedback information. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first aspect of this application provides a reference signal configuration method, which is performed by a relay device, the method comprising:

[0004] Receive reference signal configuration information sent by network devices;

[0005] The beam corresponding to the reference signal is determined based on the reference signal configuration information.

[0006] Optionally, determining the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information includes: in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, taking the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information as the beam direction of the beam.

[0007] Optionally, the reference beam information is direction vector information; wherein, the direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

[0008] Optionally, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; wherein the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information.

[0009] Optionally, the reference beam information is indication information; wherein, the indication information is used to indicate direction vector information.

[0010] Optionally, the method further includes: in response to the fact that the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information, determining the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal according to the generation strategy of the relay device.

[0011] Optionally, the method further includes: sending the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link to the network device, wherein the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link is used by the network device to determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information.

[0012] Optionally, the maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0013] A second aspect of this application provides a reference signal configuration method, which is executed by a network device, and the method includes:

[0014] Send reference signal configuration information to the relay equipment;

[0015] The reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal.

[0016] Optionally, in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is taken as the beam direction of the beam.

[0017] Optionally, the reference beam information is direction vector information; wherein, the direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

[0018] Optionally, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; wherein the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with the corresponding direction vector information.

[0019] Optionally, the reference beam information is indication information; wherein, the indication information is used to indicate direction vector information.

[0020] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link transmitted by the relay device; and determining the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information based on the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link.

[0021] Optionally, the maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0022] A third aspect of this application provides a reference signal configuration apparatus, which is applied to a relay device, and the apparatus includes:

[0023] The transceiver unit is used to receive reference signal configuration information sent by network devices;

[0024] The processing unit is configured to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information.

[0025] Optionally, the processing unit is specifically configured to: in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, use the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information as the beam direction of the beam.

[0026] Optionally, the reference beam information is direction vector information; wherein, the direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

[0027] Optionally, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; wherein the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with the corresponding direction vector information.

[0028] Optionally, the reference beam information is indication information; wherein, the indication information is used to indicate direction vector information.

[0029] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to: in response to the fact that the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information, determine the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal according to the generation strategy of the relay device.

[0030] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send the maximum number of beams supported on the service link to the network device, wherein the maximum number of beams supported on the service link is used by the network device to determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information.

[0031] Optionally, the maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0032] A fourth aspect of this application provides a reference signal configuration apparatus, which is applied to a network device, and the apparatus includes:

[0033] The transceiver unit is used to send reference signal configuration information to the relay equipment;

[0034] The reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal.

[0035] Optionally, in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is taken as the beam direction of the beam.

[0036] Optionally, the reference beam information is direction vector information; wherein, the direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

[0037] Optionally, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; wherein the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with the corresponding direction vector information.

[0038] Optionally, the reference beam information is indication information; wherein, the indication information is used to indicate direction vector information.

[0039] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive the maximum number of beams supported on the service link transmitted by the relay device; the apparatus further includes: a processing unit, configured to determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information based on the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0040] Optionally, the maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0041] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the reference signal configuration method described in the first aspect embodiment above.

[0042] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the reference signal configuration method described in the second aspect of the application.

[0043] A seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the reference signal configuration method described in the first aspect of the application.

[0044] An eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the reference signal configuration method described in the second aspect of the application.

[0045] A ninth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, enable the reference signal configuration method described in the first aspect of this application to be implemented.

[0046] A tenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, enable the reference signal configuration method described in the second aspect of the application.

[0047] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the reference signal configuration and allocation method described in the first aspect embodiment.

[0048] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the reference signal configuration method described in the second aspect embodiment.

[0049] This application provides a reference signal configuration method and apparatus that receives reference signal configuration information sent by a network device and determines the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information. This enables the network device to send a specific beam on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate the beam angle via signaling, saving additional signaling overhead and improving the system's communication efficiency.

[0050] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0051] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0052] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a reference signal configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a reference signal configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another reference signal configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0066] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0067] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in the embodiments of this application, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the words "if" and "suppose" as used herein can be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to a determination."

[0068] Embodiments of this application are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0069] To better understand the reference signal configuration method disclosed in the embodiments of this application, the communication system to which the embodiments of this application are applicable is described below.

[0070] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, a network device, a relay device, and a terminal device. Figure 1 The number and form of devices shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, they may include two or more network devices, two or more relay devices, and two or more terminal devices. Figure 1 The communication system shown is exemplified by a network device 101, a relay device 102, and a terminal device 103.

[0071] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, fifth-generation mobile communication systems, 5G New Radio systems, or other future new mobile communication systems.

[0072] The network device 101 in this embodiment is a network-side entity used for transmitting or receiving signals. For example, the network device 101 can be an evolved NodeB (eNB), a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a Next Generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) system. This embodiment does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device. The network device provided in this embodiment can be composed of a Central Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU). The CU can also be called a Control Unit. Using a CU-DU structure allows the protocol layer of a network device, such as a base station, to be separated. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0073] The relay device 102 in this application embodiment is an entity added between the network side and the user side for forwarding signals one or more times. The relay device 102 can be a smart repeater, a decode-forward relay, a Layer 2 relay, a Type 2 relay, a network unit, a terminal device with relay functionality, or a reconfigurable intelligence surface (RIS), etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the relay device.

[0074] In this application embodiment, the terminal device 103 is a user-side entity used for receiving or transmitting signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, and so on. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, relay device 102 performs beamsweeping on the serving link to ensure that terminal device 103 can find a suitable beam. After finding the suitable beam, terminal device 103 forwards the feedback information to network device 101 via relay device 102. Network device 101 demodulates the received signal to obtain the feedback information from terminal device 103, and instructs relay device 102 on which directions of beams to send on the serving link based on the feedback information.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, by receiving reference signal configuration information sent by the network device, the beam corresponding to the reference signal is determined according to the reference signal configuration information. This enables the network device to send a specific beam on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate the beam angle through signaling, saving additional signaling overhead and improving the communication efficiency of the system.

[0077] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0078] The reference signal configuration method and apparatus provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the reference signal configuration method in this embodiment is executed by a relay device. Figure 2 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0080] Step 201: Receive reference signal configuration information sent by the network device.

[0081] The reference signal (RS) can be an existing reference signal, such as a sounding reference signal (SRS), or it can be another new type of reference signal.

[0082] In some embodiments, the reference signal configuration information can be transmitted via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0083] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, the configuration information of the reference signal is optional on the Uu interface. That is, the configuration information of the reference signal only applies to the relay device or the terminal device that supports the relay function, and only the relay device or the terminal device that supports the relay function needs to be configured.

[0084] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information includes reference beam information. The reference beam information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal.

[0085] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information.

[0086] Optionally, the reference signal configuration information includes a reference beam domain, and the information in the reference beam domain is the reference beam information.

[0087] It is understandable that the reference beam domain can be empty. If the reference beam domain is empty, it means that the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information.

[0088] Step 202: Determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information.

[0089] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information includes reference beam information, and the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is used as the beam direction of the reference signal, that is, the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal.

[0090] Optionally, the reference beam information is direction vector information.

[0091] This direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector. The relay device can determine the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on this direction vector information.

[0092] Optionally, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier.

[0093] Optionally, the identifier of the reference signal can be a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) identifier, spatial relation information, or a reference signal resource identifier. For example, it can be a Channel State Information Reference Signal Resource Identifier (CSI-RS resourceID), a Probe Signal Resource Identifier (SRS-resource ID), or a Synchronization Signal Block Index (SSBI). Alternatively, the reference signal resource identifier can be configured in the TCI, and the TCI can be included in the Downlink Control Information (DCI), specifically the reference signal resource identifier corresponding to the Class D Quasico-location (QCL) parameter qcl-type-D within the TCI. The aforementioned reference signal can be a periodic reference signal configured by RRC, an aperiodic reference signal, or a semi-static reference signal. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0094] The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information. The relay device can use the beam direction corresponding to the reference signal identifier as the beam direction of the reference signal.

[0095] In some embodiments, the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with a reference signal identifier, wherein the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information, and so on. The corresponding reference signal identifier can be mapped to a reference signal identifier configured with direction vector information multiple times. This application does not limit whether it is mapped once or multiple times.

[0096] In some implementations, the reference beam information is indication information.

[0097] The indicated information is used to indicate direction vector information. This indicated information can implicitly indicate direction vector information, such as indicating a predefined beamforming table or codebook; or it can indicate the number of beams, and the relay device determines a beamforming table or codebook based on the number of beams.

[0098] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information, and the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal is determined according to the generation strategy of the relay device.

[0099] The relay device determines the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal according to a predefined beam generation strategy. The relay device can determine different beam generation strategies based on different reference signals and different application scenarios, etc. In this embodiment, the beam generation strategies and algorithms stored by the relay device itself are not specifically limited.

[0100] In this embodiment of the application, the relay device may also send the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link to the network device so that the network device can determine the number of reference signals that can be configured by the reference signal configuration information.

[0101] In summary, by receiving reference signal configuration information sent by network devices and determining the corresponding beam based on this information, network devices can send specific beams on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate the beam angle via signaling. This saves on additional signaling overhead and improves the system's communication efficiency.

[0102] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the reference signal configuration method in this embodiment is executed by a relay device. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0103] Step 301: Send the maximum number of beams supported on the service link to the network device.

[0104] The maximum supported number of beams refers to the maximum number of beams that the relay device can support on the serving link, which is used by the network device to determine the number of reference signals that can be configured in the reference signal configuration information.

[0105] It is understandable that the maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information of network devices is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0106] In some implementations, the relay device does not distinguish between the beams of the serving link and the feeder link, and the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link is the maximum number of beams supported by the relay device.

[0107] Step 302: Receive reference signal configuration information sent by the network device.

[0108] In the embodiments of this application, step 302 can be implemented in any of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this and will not elaborate further.

[0109] Step 303: In response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is taken as the beam direction of the beam.

[0110] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information includes a reference beam domain, and the information in the reference beam domain is reference beam information.

[0111] In some implementations, the reference beam information is direction vector information. The relay device directly generates the beam corresponding to the configured reference signal based on the reference beam information.

[0112] Optionally, the direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

[0113] In some implementations, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier.

[0114] Optionally, the identifier of the reference signal can be a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) identifier, spatial relation information, or a reference signal resource identifier. For example, it can be a Channel State Information Reference Signal Resource Identifier (CSI-RS resourceID), a Probe Signal Resource Identifier (SRS-resource ID), or a Synchronization Signal Block Index (SSBI). Alternatively, the reference signal resource identifier can be configured in the TCI, and the TCI can be included in the Downlink Control Information (DCI), specifically the reference signal resource identifier corresponding to the Class D Quasico-location (QCL) parameter qcl-type-D within the TCI. The aforementioned reference signal can be a periodic reference signal configured by RRC, an aperiodic reference signal, or a semi-static reference signal. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0115] The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information.

[0116] It should be noted that the reference signal corresponding to this reference signal identifier is a trained reference signal that has a one-to-one correspondence with the beam, that is, a reference signal configured with corresponding direction vector information. Therefore, the reference signal identifier and the direction vector information are in one-to-one correspondence. It is understood that the reference signal corresponding to this reference signal identifier is not the reference signal configured by the reference signal configuration information in the embodiments of this application.

[0117] The relay device can determine the direction vector information corresponding to the reference signal identifier based on the reference signal identifier, and use the direction vector information as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the currently configured reference signal, and generate a beam based on the direction vector information.

[0118] In some implementations, the relay device can sequentially use multiple beams corresponding to each set of reference beam information. For example, after receiving beam configuration from the network device, the relay device can determine the beam order to be consistent with the beam reference information order in the RRC configuration. Alternatively, the configuration information may include a correspondence between reference beam information and time information, allowing the intelligent relay device to determine the transmission beam order according to the time information. The intelligent relay switches beams in each time unit, which can be a slot; this application does not limit the granularity of the time unit.

[0119] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the reference signal configuration information may further include at least one of the repetition domain repetition{on,off} or the sweep domain sweep{on,off}, wherein when repetition is on or sweep is off, the relay device repeatedly transmits a beam in a specific direction, and when repetition is off or sweep is on, the relay device performs beam scanning.

[0120] In summary, by sending the maximum number of beams supported on the service link to the network device and receiving reference signal configuration information sent by the network device, and in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is used as the beam direction of the beam. This allows the network device to send specific beams on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate beams at the angle via signaling, saving additional signaling overhead and improving the communication efficiency of the system.

[0121] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the reference signal configuration method in this embodiment is executed by a first network device. The relevant description of the first network device has been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0122] like Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0123] Step 401: Send the maximum number of beams supported on the service link to the network device.

[0124] Step 402: Receive reference signal configuration information sent by the network device.

[0125] In the embodiments of this application, steps 401 and 402 can be implemented in any of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this and will not elaborate further.

[0126] Step 403: In response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, which is indication information, the beam direction indicated by the indication information is taken as the beam direction of the reference signal.

[0127] The indicated information is used to indicate direction vector information. This indicated information can implicitly indicate direction vector information.

[0128] In some implementations, a predefined correspondence between a codebook or beamforming table and the number of beams is established, with the indication information indicating the number of beams. For example, m beams correspond to codebook A or beamforming table A1, and n beams correspond to codebook B or beamforming table B1. It is understood that this predefined correspondence can be determined by both the relay device and the network device. The relay device can determine the corresponding codebook based on the number of beams indicated by the indication information, and then determine the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on that codebook.

[0129] In some implementations, the indication information indicates a codebook identifier, and the relay device determines the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the codebook corresponding to the indicated codebook identifier. This codebook is also predefined by a certain standard.

[0130] In some implementations, the relay device can sequentially use multiple beams corresponding to each set of reference beam information. For example, after receiving beam configuration from the network device, the relay device can determine the beam order to be consistent with the beam reference information order in the RRC configuration. Alternatively, the configuration information may include a correspondence between reference beam information and time information, allowing the intelligent relay device to determine the transmission beam order according to the time information. The intelligent relay switches beams in each time unit, which can be a slot; this application does not limit the granularity of the time unit.

[0131] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the reference signal configuration information may further include at least one of the repetition domain repetition{on,off} or the sweep domain sweep{on,off}, wherein when repetition is on or sweep is off, the relay device repeatedly transmits a beam in a specific direction, and when repetition is off or sweep is on, the relay device performs beam scanning.

[0132] In summary, by sending the maximum number of beams supported on the service link to the network device and receiving reference signal configuration information sent by the network device, and in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, which is indication information, the beam direction indicated by the indication information is used as the beam direction of the reference signal. This allows the network device to send specific beams on the service link without directly instructing the relay device on the angle of beam generation through signaling, saving additional signaling overhead and improving the communication efficiency of the system.

[0133] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the reference signal configuration method in this embodiment is executed by a relay device. Figure 5 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0134] Step 501: Send the maximum number of beams supported on the service link to the network device.

[0135] Step 502: Receive reference signal configuration information sent by the network device.

[0136] In the embodiments of this application, steps 501 and 502 can be implemented in any of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this and will not elaborate further.

[0137] Step 503: In response to the fact that the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information, the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal is determined according to the generation strategy of the relay device.

[0138] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information includes a reference beam domain, the reference beam domain is empty, or the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information.

[0139] The relay device determines the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal according to a predefined beam generation strategy and generates the beam of the reference signal. The relay device can determine different beam generation strategies according to different reference signals and different application scenarios, etc. In this embodiment, the beam generation strategies and algorithms stored by the relay device itself are not specifically limited.

[0140] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the reference signal configuration information may further include at least one of the repetition domain repetition{on,off} or the sweep domain sweep{on,off}, wherein when repetition is on or sweep is off, the relay device repeatedly transmits a beam in a specific direction, and when repetition is off or sweep is on, the relay device performs beam scanning.

[0141] In summary, by sending the maximum number of beams supported on the service link to the network device and receiving the reference signal configuration information sent by the network device, and in response to the fact that the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information, the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal is determined according to the generation strategy of the relay device. This allows the network device to send specific beams on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate the beam angle via signaling, saving additional signaling overhead and improving the communication efficiency of the system.

[0142] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the reference signal configuration method in this embodiment is executed by a relay device. Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0143] Step 601: Send the maximum number of beams supported on the service link to the network device.

[0144] Step 602: Receive the first reference signal configuration information sent by the network device.

[0145] In the embodiments of this application, steps 601 and 602 can be implemented in any of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this and will not elaborate further.

[0146] Step 603: The first reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information; determine the direction of the beam corresponding to the first reference signal.

[0147] As implemented in the various embodiments of this application, the relay device can generate a beam corresponding to the first reference signal based on the control signaling sent by the network device or a predefined generation strategy.

[0148] In some implementations, the first reference signal configuration information is used to instruct the relay device to transmit beams in all directions for beam scanning.

[0149] Step 604: Receive the second reference signal configuration information sent by the network device.

[0150] The network device determines at least one target beam from the beams corresponding to the first reference signal based on the signal measurement information of the first reference signal, and writes the at least one target beam as reference beam information into the second reference configuration information.

[0151] In some implementations, the signal measurement information includes at least one of Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Interference Plus Noise Ratio (SINR), and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0152] Step 605: The second reference signal configuration information includes reference beam information, and the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is used as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the second reference signal.

[0153] As implemented in the various embodiments of this application, the relay device can generate a beam corresponding to the second reference signal based on the reference beam information.

[0154] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the reference signal configuration information may further include at least one of the repetition domain repetition{on,off} or the sweep domain sweep{on,off}, wherein when repetition is on or sweep is off, the relay device repeatedly transmits a beam in a specific direction, and when repetition is off or sweep is on, the relay device performs beam scanning.

[0155] In summary, by sending the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link to the network device, receiving the first reference signal configuration information sent by the network device (which does not include reference beam information), determining the direction of the beam corresponding to the first reference signal, and receiving the second reference signal configuration information sent by the network device (which includes reference beam information), and using the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the second reference signal, the network device can send a specific and suitable beam on the serving link through RRC reconfiguration without directly instructing the relay device on the beam generation angle via signaling. This saves additional signaling overhead and improves the system's communication efficiency.

[0156] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the reference signal configuration method in this embodiment is executed by a network device. Figure 7 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0157] Step 701: Send reference signal configuration information to the relay device. This reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal.

[0158] The reference signal can be an existing reference signal, such as a probe reference signal (SRS), or it can be another new type of reference signal.

[0159] In some embodiments, the reference signal configuration information can be transmitted via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0160] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, the configuration information of the reference signal is optional on the Uu interface. That is, the configuration information of the reference signal only applies to the relay device or the terminal device that supports the relay function, and only the relay device or the terminal device that supports the relay function needs to be configured.

[0161] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information includes reference beam information. The reference beam information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal.

[0162] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information.

[0163] Optionally, the reference signal configuration information includes a reference beam domain, and the information in the reference beam domain is the reference beam information.

[0164] It is understandable that the reference beam domain can be empty. If the reference beam domain is empty, it means that the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information.

[0165] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information includes reference beam information, and the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is used as the beam direction of the beam.

[0166] Optionally, the reference beam information is direction vector information.

[0167] This direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector. The relay device can determine the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on this direction vector information.

[0168] Optionally, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier.

[0169] Optionally, the identifier of the reference signal can be a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) identifier, spatial relationship information, or a reference signal resource identifier. For example, it can be a Channel State Information Reference Signal Resource Identifier (CSI-RSresource ID), a Probe Signal Resource Identifier (SRS-resource ID), or a Synchronization Signal Block Number (SSBI). Alternatively, the reference signal resource identifier can be configured in the TCI, and the TCI can be included in the Downlink Control Information (DCI), specifically the reference signal resource identifier corresponding to the Class D Quasico-location (QCL) parameter qcl-type-D within the TCI. The aforementioned reference signal can be a periodic reference signal configured by the RRC, an aperiodic reference signal, or a semi-static reference signal. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0170] The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information. The relay device can use the beam direction corresponding to the reference signal identifier as the beam direction of the reference signal.

[0171] In some embodiments, the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with a reference signal identifier, wherein the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information, and so on. The corresponding reference signal identifier can be mapped to a reference signal identifier configured with direction vector information multiple times. This application does not limit whether it is mapped once or multiple times.

[0172] In some implementations, the reference beam information is indication information.

[0173] The indicated information is used to indicate direction vector information. This indicated information can implicitly indicate direction vector information, such as indicating a predefined beamforming table or codebook; or it can indicate the number of beams, and the relay device determines a beamforming table or codebook based on the number of beams.

[0174] In this embodiment of the application, the network device also receives the maximum number of beams supported on the service link sent by the relay device, and determines the number of reference signals that can be configured by the reference signal configuration information based on the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0175] In summary, by sending reference signal configuration information to the relay device, which is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal, the network device can send a specific beam on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate the beam angle via signaling. This saves additional signaling overhead and improves the communication efficiency of the system.

[0176] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the reference signal configuration method in this embodiment is executed by a network device. Figure 8 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0177] Step 801: Receive the maximum number of beams supported on the service link sent by the relay device.

[0178] The maximum supported number of beams refers to the maximum number of beams that the relay device can support on the serving link, which is used by the network device to determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information.

[0179] It is understandable that the maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information of network devices is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0180] In some implementations, the relay device does not distinguish between the beams of the serving link and the feeder link, and the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link is the maximum number of beams supported by the relay device.

[0181] Step 802: Determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information based on the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0182] The maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0183] Step 803: Send reference signal configuration information to the relay device. This reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal.

[0184] In the embodiments of this application, step 803 can be implemented in any of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this and will not elaborate further.

[0185] Step 804: In response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is taken as the beam direction of the beam.

[0186] In some implementations, the reference signal configuration information includes a reference beam domain, and the information in the reference beam domain is reference beam information.

[0187] In some implementations, the reference beam information is direction vector information. The relay device directly generates the beam corresponding to the configured reference signal based on the reference beam information.

[0188] Optionally, the direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

[0189] In some implementations, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier.

[0190] Optionally, the identifier of the reference signal can be a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) identifier, spatial relation information, or a reference signal resource identifier. For example, it can be a Channel State Information Reference Signal Resource Identifier (CSI-RS resourceID), a Probe Signal Resource Identifier (SRS-resource ID), or a Synchronization Signal Block Index (SSBI). Alternatively, the reference signal resource identifier can be configured in the TCI, and the TCI can be included in the Downlink Control Information (DCI), specifically the reference signal resource identifier corresponding to the Class D Quasico-location (QCL) parameter qcl-type-D within the TCI. The aforementioned reference signal can be a periodic reference signal configured by RRC, an aperiodic reference signal, or a semi-static reference signal. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0191] The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information.

[0192] It should be noted that the reference signal corresponding to this reference signal identifier is a trained reference signal that has a one-to-one correspondence with the beam, that is, a reference signal configured with corresponding direction vector information. Therefore, the reference signal identifier and the direction vector information are in one-to-one correspondence. It is understood that the reference signal corresponding to this reference signal identifier is not the reference signal configured by the reference signal configuration information in the embodiments of this application.

[0193] The relay device can determine the direction vector information corresponding to the reference signal identifier based on the reference signal identifier, and use the direction vector information as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the currently configured reference signal, and generate a beam based on the direction vector information.

[0194] In some implementations, the relay device can sequentially use multiple beams corresponding to each set of reference beam information. For example, after receiving beam configuration from the network device, the relay device can determine the beam order to be consistent with the beam reference information order in the RRC configuration. Alternatively, the configuration information may include a correspondence between reference beam information and time information, allowing the intelligent relay device to determine the transmission beam order according to the time information. The intelligent relay switches beams in each time unit, which can be a slot; this application does not limit the granularity of the time unit.

[0195] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the reference signal configuration information may further include at least one of the repetition domain repetition{on,off} or the sweep domain sweep{on,off}, wherein when repetition is on or sweep is off, the relay device repeatedly transmits a beam in a specific direction, and when repetition is off or sweep is on, the relay device performs beam scanning.

[0196] In summary, by receiving the maximum number of beams supported on the service link from the relay device, and based on this number, the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is determined. The reference signal configuration information is then sent to the relay device. This information is used to determine the beams corresponding to the reference signals. In response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, the beam direction corresponding to this information is used as the beam direction of the beam. This allows network devices to send specific beams on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate beams via signaling, saving additional signaling overhead and improving system communication efficiency.

[0197] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a reference signal configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the reference signal configuration method in this embodiment is executed by a network device. Figure 9 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0198] Step 901: Receive the maximum number of beams supported on the service link sent by the relay device.

[0199] Step 902: Determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information based on the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0200] Step 903: Send reference signal configuration information to the relay device. This reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal.

[0201] In the embodiments of this application, steps 901, 902 and 903 can be implemented in any of the ways in the various embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this, nor will they be described in detail.

[0202] Step 904: In response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, which is indication information, the beam direction indicated by the indication information is taken as the beam direction of the reference signal.

[0203] This indication information is used to indicate direction vector information. This indication information can also implicitly indicate direction vector information.

[0204] In some implementations, a predefined correspondence between a codebook or beamforming table and the number of beams is established, with the indication information indicating the number of beams. For example, m beams correspond to codebook A or beamforming table A1, and n beams correspond to codebook B or beamforming table B1. It is understood that this predefined correspondence can be determined by both the relay device and the network device. The relay device can determine the corresponding codebook based on the number of beams indicated by the indication information, and then determine the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on that codebook.

[0205] In some implementations, the indication information indicates a codebook identifier, and the relay device determines the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the codebook corresponding to the indicated codebook identifier. This codebook is also predefined by a certain standard.

[0206] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the reference signal configuration information may further include at least one of the repetition domain repetition{on,off} or the sweep domain sweep{on,off}, wherein when repetition is on or sweep is off, the relay device repeatedly transmits a beam in a specific direction, and when repetition is off or sweep is on, the relay device performs beam scanning.

[0207] In summary, the system receives the maximum number of beams supported on the service link from the relay device. Based on this maximum number of beams supported on the service link, the system determines the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information and sends the reference signal configuration information to the relay device. This reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beams corresponding to the reference signals. In response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, which is indication information, the beam direction indicated by the indication information is used as the beam direction of the reference signal. This allows the network device to send specific beams on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate beams via signaling, saving additional signaling overhead and improving the system's communication efficiency.

[0208] To provide a more intuitive and clear understanding of the technical solution of this application, the following exemplary implementation methods are also provided.

[0209] As an exemplary implementation, the relay device can distinguish between the beams of the serving link and the beams of the feeder link. For example, the relay device has two antenna panels, one for the serving link and one for the feeder link. In this case, the network device can directly configure the reference signal configuration information for the serving link. The network device can send this reference signal configuration information via RRC signaling. This reference configuration information is used to configure a reference signal resource set, which includes multiple reference signal resources. The maximum number of reference signal resources is the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link sent by the relay device to the network device. The usage of the reference signals is beam management. The reference signal configuration information may also include a repetition field repetition{on, off}. When repetition is off, the relay device performs beam scanning on the reference signal resources in the configured reference signal resource set. The beam direction of the specific scanned beam depends on the implementation of the relay device and can be implemented in any of the above embodiments. When repetition is on, the relay device repeats a specific beam in the configured reference signal resource set. The specific beam direction depends on the RRC configuration.

[0210] As another exemplary implementation, since the relay device cannot distinguish between the beams of the serving link and the beams of the feeder link, the network device can determine the beam set and its configuration for the serving link through two beam scans. First, the network device configures first reference signal configuration information to configure a first reference signal resource set, wherein the number of reference signal resources is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported by the relay device and sent to the network device. This first reference signal configuration information instructs the relay device to send beams in all directions. Based on the detection results of at least one of the RSRP or RSRQ of each reference signal resource, the network device determines a portion of the target beams, configures these target beams in the second reference signal configuration information via RRC reconfiguration, and sends it to the relay device. The second reference signal configuration information may also include a scan domain sweep{on, off}. When sweep is on, the relay device transmits beams in different directions on specific time-frequency resources to perform beam scanning. The direction of the beam is determined by the reference beam information in the reference signal configuration information in the RRC. When the configuration information does not include reference beam information, the direction of the beam is determined by the relay device's generation strategy or by rules predefined in the standard. When sweep is off, the relay device transmits the same specific beam at specific time-frequency resource locations.

[0211] Corresponding to the reference signal configuration methods provided in the above embodiments, this application also provides a reference signal configuration device. Since the reference signal configuration device provided in this application corresponds to the methods provided in the above embodiments, the implementation of the reference signal configuration method is also applicable to the reference signal configuration device provided in the following embodiments, which will not be described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0212] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a reference signal configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0213] like Figure 10 As shown, the reference signal configuration device 1000 includes: a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020, wherein:

[0214] The transceiver unit 1010 is used to receive reference signal configuration information sent by the network device;

[0215] The processing unit 1020 is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information.

[0216] Optionally, the processing unit 1020 is specifically configured to: in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, use the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information as the beam direction of the beam.

[0217] Optionally, the reference beam information is direction vector information; wherein, the direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

[0218] Optionally, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; wherein the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with the corresponding direction vector information.

[0219] Optionally, the reference beam information is indication information; wherein, the indication information is used to indicate direction vector information.

[0220] Optionally, the processing unit 1020 is further configured to: in response to the fact that the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information, determine the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal according to the generation strategy of the relay device.

[0221] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1010 is further configured to: send the maximum number of beams supported on the service link to the network device, wherein the maximum number of beams supported on the service link is used by the network device to determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information.

[0222] Optionally, the maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0223] The reference signal configuration device in this embodiment can receive reference signal configuration information sent by the network device and determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information. This allows the network device to send a specific beam on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate the beam angle through signaling, saving additional signaling overhead and improving the communication efficiency of the system.

[0224] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a reference signal configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0225] like Figure 11 As shown, the reference signal configuration device 1100 includes: a transceiver unit 1110, wherein:

[0226] Transceiver unit 1110 is used to send reference signal configuration information to relay equipment;

[0227] The reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal.

[0228] Optionally, in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is taken as the beam direction of the beam.

[0229] Optionally, the reference beam information is direction vector information; wherein, the direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

[0230] Optionally, the reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; wherein the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with the corresponding direction vector information.

[0231] Optionally, the reference beam information is indication information; wherein, the indication information is used to indicate direction vector information.

[0232] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1110 is further configured to: receive the maximum number of beams supported on the service link transmitted by the relay device; the device further includes: a processing unit, configured to determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information based on the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0233] Optionally, the maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

[0234] The reference signal configuration device in this embodiment can send reference signal configuration information to the relay device. This reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal, so that the network device can send a specific beam on the service link without directly instructing the relay device to generate the beam angle through signaling. This saves the overhead of additional signaling and improves the communication efficiency of the system.

[0235] To implement the above embodiments, this application also proposes a communication device, including: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform... Figures 2 to 6 The method shown in the embodiment.

[0236] To implement the above embodiments, this application also proposes a communication device, including: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform... Figures 7 to 9 The method shown in the embodiment.

[0237] To implement the above embodiments, this application also proposes a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, and the processor is used to execute the code instructions to perform... Figures 2 to 6 The method shown in the embodiment.

[0238] To implement the above embodiments, this application also proposes a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, and the processor is used to execute the code instructions to perform... Figures 7 to 9 The method shown in the embodiment.

[0239] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another reference signal configuration device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The reference signal configuration device 1200 can be a network device, a terminal device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0240] The reference signal configuration device 1200 may include one or more processors 1201. The processor 1201 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the reference signal configuration device (e.g., a base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0241] Optionally, the reference signal configuration device 1200 may further include one or more memories 1202, on which a computer program 1203 may be stored. The processor 1201 executes the computer program 1203 to cause the reference signal configuration device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer program 1203 may be embedded in the processor 1201, in which case the processor 1201 may be implemented in hardware.

[0242] Optionally, the memory 1202 may also store data. The reference signal configuration device 1200 and the memory 1202 can be configured separately or integrated together.

[0243] Optionally, the reference signal configuration device 1200 may also include a transceiver 1205 and an antenna 1206. The transceiver 1205 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1205 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0244] Optionally, the reference signal configuration device 1200 may further include one or more interface circuits 1207. The interface circuits 1207 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 1201. The processor 1201 executes the code instructions to cause the reference signal configuration device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0245] In one implementation, the processor 1201 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0246] In one implementation, the reference signal configuration device 1200 may include circuitry that performs the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this disclosure can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0247] The reference signal configuration device described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a relay device, but the scope of the reference signal configuration device described in this disclosure is not limited to this, and the structure of the reference signal configuration device is not limited to this. Figures 10-11 The reference signal configuration device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the reference signal configuration device could be:

[0248] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0249] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0250] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0251] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0252] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0253] (6) Others, etc.

[0254] For cases where the reference signal configuration device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 13 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 13 The chip shown includes a processor 1301 and an interface 1302. There can be one or more processors 1301, and multiple interfaces 1302.

[0255] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the relay device in the embodiments of this disclosure:

[0256] Interface 1302 is used for code instructions and their transmission to the processor;

[0257] Processor 1301 is used to run code instructions to perform tasks such as Figures 2 to 6 The method.

[0258] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network device in the embodiments of this disclosure:

[0259] Interface 1302 is used for code instructions and their transmission to the processor;

[0260] Processor 1301 is used to run code instructions to perform tasks such as Figures 7 to 9 The method.

[0261] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 1303, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0262] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0263] This disclosure also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned... Figures 10-11 The embodiments include a reference signal configuration device as a relay device and a reference signal configuration device as a network device; alternatively, the system may include the aforementioned... Figure 12 The embodiments include a reference signal configuration device as a relay device and a reference signal configuration device as a network device.

[0264] This disclosure also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0265] This disclosure also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0266] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When a computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, it generates, in whole or in part, the flow or function according to the embodiments of this disclosure. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, a computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0267] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor do they indicate the order of events.

[0268] At least one of the features described in this disclosure can also be described as one or more, and multiple features can be two, three, four or more, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations. In the embodiments of this disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", etc., and there is no sequential order or size order among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0269] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0270] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0271] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0272] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0273] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to reorder, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution disclosed in this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0274] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for reference signal configuration, characterized in that, The method is performed by a relay device, and the method includes: Receive reference signal configuration information sent by network devices; Based on the reference signal configuration information, determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal; The step of determining the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information includes: In response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information corresponding to the reference signal, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is taken as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal; The reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information; The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is different from the reference signal configured in the reference signal configuration information; the step of using the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal includes: The direction vector information corresponding to the reference signal identifier is used as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal configured by the reference signal configuration information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The reference beam information is direction vector information; The direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference beam information is indication information; The indicated information is used to indicate direction vector information.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Since the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information, the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal is determined according to the generation strategy of the relay device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network device sends the maximum number of beams supported on the service link, wherein the maximum number of beams supported on the service link is used by the network device to determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported on the service link.

7. A reference signal configuration method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: Send reference signal configuration information to the relay equipment; The reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal; Wherein, in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information corresponding to the reference signal, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is taken as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal; The reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information; The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is different from the reference signal configured in the reference signal configuration information; the step of using the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal includes: The direction vector information corresponding to the reference signal identifier is used as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal configured by the reference signal configuration information.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reference beam information is direction vector information; The direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reference beam information is indication information; The indicated information is used to indicate direction vector information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the maximum number of beams supported on the service link transmitted by the relay device; The number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is determined based on the maximum number of beams supported by the beam on the service link.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported by the beam on the service link.

12. A reference signal configuration device, characterized in that, The device is used in relay equipment, and the device includes: The transceiver unit is used to receive reference signal configuration information sent by network devices; The processing unit is configured to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information. Specifically, the processing unit is used for: In response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information corresponding to the reference signal, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is taken as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal; The reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information; The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is different from the reference signal configured in the reference signal configuration information; the processing unit is specifically used for: The direction vector information corresponding to the reference signal identifier is used as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal configured by the reference signal configuration information.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The reference beam information is direction vector information; The direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The reference beam information is indication information; The indicated information is used to indicate direction vector information.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The processing unit is also used for: Since the reference signal configuration information does not include reference beam information, the direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal is determined according to the generation strategy of the relay device.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also used for: The network device sends the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link, wherein the maximum number of beams supported on the serving link is used by the network device to determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported by the beam on the service link.

18. A reference signal configuration device, characterized in that, The device is used in a network device, and the device includes: The transceiver unit is used to send reference signal configuration information to the relay equipment; The reference signal configuration information is used to determine the beam corresponding to the reference signal; Wherein, in response to the reference signal configuration information including reference beam information corresponding to the reference signal, the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information is taken as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal; The reference beam information is a reference signal identifier; The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is configured with corresponding direction vector information; The reference signal corresponding to the reference signal identifier is different from the reference signal configured in the reference signal configuration information; the step of using the beam direction corresponding to the reference beam information as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal includes: The direction vector information corresponding to the reference signal identifier is used as the beam direction of the beam corresponding to the reference signal configured by the reference signal configuration information.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The reference beam information is direction vector information; The direction vector information includes, but is not limited to, beam direction angle information and beamforming vector.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The reference beam information is indication information; The indicated information is used to indicate direction vector information.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also used for: Receive the maximum number of beams supported on the service link transmitted by the relay device; The device further includes: The processing unit is used to determine the number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information based on the maximum number of beams supported by the beam on the service link.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The maximum number of reference signals configured in the reference signal configuration information is less than or equal to the maximum number of beams supported by the beam on the service link.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 11.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and interface circuitry; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and interface circuitry; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 11.

27. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 to be implemented.

28. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 7 to 11 to be implemented.

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