Communication method, device and system

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method, device and system, applied to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: a second device receives first data from a first device at a first time unit; the second device determines first information on the basis of the first data, wherein the first information indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data, the first information is determined on the basis of a first mode, and a second mode is used for decoding on the basis of HARQ by means of a physical layer; the second device determines second information on the basis of the first data, wherein the second information indicates a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data, the second information is determined on the basis of the second mode, and the first mode is different from the second mode; and the second device transmits the first information to the first device at a second time unit, and transmits the second information to the first device at a third time unit, wherein the third time unit is later than the second time unit.

Description

Communication methods, devices and systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410671585.3, filed on May 24, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, apparatus and systems. Background Technology

[0003] Hybrid Automatic Repeat-Request (HARQ) is a technique that combines forward error correction (FEC) and automatic repeat request (ARQ) methods. In the HARQ mechanism, the sender adds redundant information to the data, enabling the receiver to correct some errors. Based on the data decoding result, the receiver sends feedback information to the sender, which then determines whether to retransmit or retransmit the data based on this feedback.

[0004] In uplink (UL) HARQ, the transmitter is the terminal, and the receiver is the base station. However, in current uplink HARQ technologies, the base station's response speed from receiving data to sending feedback information is slow, making it difficult to guarantee low latency in uplink transmission. Therefore, reducing processing latency and ensuring data transmission reliability are key technical challenges. Furthermore, achieving a balance between accuracy and processing latency is also an important technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system that can reduce uplink transmission latency while ensuring normal uplink data transmission. Furthermore, the technical solution provided in this application achieves a balance between accuracy and processing latency, taking both into account.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second device, or by a module (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the second device. The following description uses the execution of this communication method by a second device as an example. The method includes: receiving first data from the first device in a first time unit; determining first information based on the first data, the first information indicating a first acknowledgement character (ACK) or a first negative acknowledgement character (NACK) for the first data, the first information being determined according to a first method. A second method is based on HARQ and decoded through the physical layer. Determining second information based on the first data, the second information indicating a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data. The second information is determined according to the second method, and the first method differs from the second method. Sending the first information to the first device in a second time unit and sending the second information to the first device in a third time unit, the third time unit being later than the second time unit.

[0008] Based on the communication method provided in this application embodiment, after the second device receives first data from the first device, the second device can determine two feedback messages for the first data using two different methods: a first method and a second method. The first message obtained using the first method is sent to the first device before the second message obtained using the second method. This allows the first device to either retransmit or retransmit data based on the first message. Compared to the existing HARQ mechanism, where the first device can only determine whether to retransmit or retransmit based on the second message obtained using the second method, the method provided in this application embodiment reduces latency. Furthermore, if the first message does not correctly reflect the decoding result of the first data, the first device can also perform corresponding actions based on the second message, avoiding the problem that the first data might not be correctly transmitted to the second device if the decision to retransmit or retransmit is based solely on the first message. Therefore, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can reduce uplink transmission latency while ensuring normal transmission of the first data. In addition, the second device can achieve a balance between accuracy and processing latency, taking both into account.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the first approach includes prediction of HARQ based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0010] Based on this solution, the first piece of information can be obtained by predicting the HARQ using AI. Typically, AI prediction takes less time; the prediction result can even be obtained immediately after receiving the first data. Therefore, compared to determining the second piece of information using a second method, determining the first piece of information using the first method significantly reduces the time required.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible design, determining the first information based on the first data includes: determining the first information based on all or part of the first data.

[0012] This solution provides different implementations for determining first information based on first data.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, determining the second information based on the first data includes: determining the second information based on all of the first data.

[0014] Based on this scheme, the second device determines the second information according to all the first data, thereby ensuring that the second NACK or second NACK indicated by the second information can accurately reflect the decoding result of the first data.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible design, where the first information indicates a first NACK for the first data, the method further includes: determining a first retransmission count for the first data based on the first data, the first retransmission count being determined according to a first method; and sending third information to the first device, the third information indicating the first retransmission count.

[0016] Based on this scheme, the second device can indicate the first retransmission number to the first device, so that the first device can directly retransmit the first data according to the first retransmission number, saving the delay of the second device sending the first information to the first device multiple times.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible design, the method further includes: receiving first data retransmitted once or multiple times from the first device, the number of times being "once or multiple times" being the first retransmission count; determining fourth information based on the retransmitted first data; the fourth information indicating a first ACK or a first NACK for the retransmitted first data, the fourth information being determined according to the first method; and the second device sending the fourth information to the first device.

[0018] Based on this scheme, after receiving the first data retransmitted by the first device according to the first retransmission number, the first data for this one or more retransmissions can be sent to the first device, which can save signaling overhead.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible design, the method further includes: receiving one or more retransmitted first data from the first device, wherein the number of retransmissions is the first retransmission count; determining one or more fifth messages based on each retransmitted first data in the one or more retransmissions; wherein each of the one or more fifth messages indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for the retransmitted first data; and sending one or more fifth messages to the first device.

[0020] Based on this scheme, for each retransmission of the first data in the first data retransmitted by the first device according to the first retransmission number, the corresponding fifth information can be sent, thereby improving the accuracy of the fifth information determined by the second device through the first method.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible design, if the first information indicates a first NACK for the first data, the first information further indicates that the first device retransmits the first data in the first uplink time unit or the first time unit after the fourth time unit, wherein the fourth time unit is the time unit for the first device to receive the first information, and the uplink time unit is the time unit for transmitting uplink data. Alternatively, if the first information indicates a first ACK for the first data, the first information further indicates that the first device transmits second data in the first uplink time unit or the first time unit after the fourth time unit.

[0022] Based on this scheme, the first device can retransmit or retransmit data as soon as possible after receiving the first information.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the second time unit is the first time unit or the first downlink time unit after the first time unit, wherein the downlink time unit is the time unit used for transmitting downlink data.

[0024] Based on this scheme, after receiving the first data, the second device can send the first information as soon as possible in the adjacent time unit or the nearest time unit in which downlink transmission can be performed, thereby reducing the latency of HARQ feedback.

[0025] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device, or by a module (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the first device. The following description uses the execution of this communication method by a first device as an example. The method includes: sending first data to a second device; receiving first information from the second device in a fourth time unit, the first information indicating a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data, the first information being determined according to a first method; retransmitting the first data or transmitting second data based on the first information; receiving second information from the second device in a fifth time unit, the second information indicating a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data, the second information being determined according to a second method, the second method being based on HARQ and decoded through the physical layer. The first method differs from the second method, and the fifth time unit is later than the fourth time unit.

[0026] Based on the communication method provided in this application embodiment, after sending first data to the second device, the first device receives first information obtained through a first method before receiving second information obtained through a second method. Therefore, the first device can retransmit or retransmit data based on the first information. Compared to the existing HARQ mechanism, where the first device can only determine whether to retransmit or retransmit based on the second information, the method provided in this application embodiment can reduce latency. Furthermore, if the first information does not correctly reflect the decoding result of the first data, the first device can also perform corresponding actions based on the second information, avoiding the problem that deciding whether to retransmit or retransmit based solely on the first information might lead to the first data not being correctly transmitted to the second device. Therefore, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can reduce uplink transmission latency while ensuring normal transmission of the first data. In addition, it can achieve a balance between accuracy and processing latency, taking both into account.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the first approach includes AI-based prediction of HARQ.

[0028] Based on this solution, the first piece of information can be obtained by predicting the HARQ using AI. Typically, AI prediction takes less time; the prediction result can even be obtained immediately after receiving the first data. Therefore, compared to determining the second piece of information using a second method, determining the first piece of information using the first method significantly reduces the time required.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible design, the first information is determined based on all or part of the first data.

[0030] This solution provides different implementations for determining first information based on first data.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible design, the second information is determined based on all of the first data.

[0032] Based on this scheme, it can be ensured that the second NACK or second NACK indicated by the second information can accurately reflect the decoding result of the first data.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible design, retransmitting the first data based on the first information includes: retransmitting the first data and retaining the first data if the first information indicates a first NACK for the first data.

[0034] Based on this scheme, the first device can retransmit the first data according to the first information to reduce latency, and retain the first data in case it may be necessary to retransmit the first data later.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible design, the method further includes: in the case that the second information indicates a second ACK, the first device does not retain the first data.

[0036] Based on this scheme, when the second information indicates the second ACK, it means that the first data has been successfully decoded by the physical layer, so the first device does not need to retain the first data.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible design, transmitting second data based on the first information includes: transmitting the second data and retaining the first data if the first information indicates a first ACK for the first data.

[0038] Based on this scheme, the first device can first transmit the second data according to the first information to reduce latency, and retain the first data in case the first data is not actually decoded successfully and needs to be retransmitted later.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible design, the method further includes:

[0040] If the second message indicates a second ACK, the first data is not retained.

[0041] Based on this scheme, when the second information indicates the second ACK, it means that the first data has been successfully decoded by the physical layer, so the first device does not need to retain the first data.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible design, when the first indication information indicates a first NACK, the method further includes: receiving third information from the second device, the third information indicating a first retransmission count. Retransmitting the first data according to the first information includes: retransmitting the first data to the second device one or more times according to the first information and the third information, the number of times being one or more retransmissions being the first retransmission count.

[0043] Based on this scheme, the first data can be retransmitted directly according to the first retransmission number indicated by the second device, saving the delay of the second device sending the first information to the first device multiple times.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible design, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from the second device, the fourth information indicating a first ACK or a first NACK for one or more retransmissions of the first data; the fourth information is determined according to the first method.

[0045] Based on this solution, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible design, the method further includes: receiving one or more fifth messages from the second device, wherein each fifth message indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for a retransmitted first data.

[0047] Based on this solution, the accuracy of the fifth piece of information can be improved.

[0048] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible design, retransmitting the first data or transmitting the second data according to the first information includes: retransmitting the first data or transmitting the second data in the first uplink time unit after the fourth time unit, wherein the uplink time unit is a time unit used for transmitting uplink data; or, retransmitting the first data or transmitting the second data in the first time unit after the fourth time unit.

[0049] Based on this scheme, after receiving the first information, the first device can retransmit the data or transmit new data as soon as possible.

[0050] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method implemented by the second device in the first aspect described above.

[0051] The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the above methods. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0052] In conjunction with the third aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module; wherein the transceiver module is configured to receive first data from a first device in a first time unit. The processing module is configured to determine first information based on the first data, the first information indicating a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data, the first information being determined according to a first method. The second method is based on HARQ and decoded through the physical layer. The processing module is further configured to determine second information based on the first data, the second information indicating a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data; wherein the second information is determined according to a second method, the first method being different from the second method. The transceiver module is further configured to send the first information to the first device in a second time unit and send the second information to the first device in a third time unit, the third time unit being later than the second time unit.

[0053] In conjunction with the third aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the first approach includes AI-based prediction of HARQ.

[0054] In conjunction with the third aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the processing module determines the first information based on the first data, including: determining the first information based on all or part of the first data.

[0055] In conjunction with the third aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the processing module determines the second information based on the first data, including: determining the second information based on all of the first data.

[0056] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible design, the processing module is further configured to determine the first retransmission count of the first data based on the first data, the first retransmission count being determined according to the first method. The transceiver module is further configured to send third information to the first device, the third information indicating the first retransmission count.

[0057] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first data retransmitted once or multiple times from the first device, wherein the number of times it is retransmitted once or multiple times is the first retransmission count. The processing module is further configured to determine fourth information based on the first data retransmitted once or multiple times; the fourth information indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data retransmitted once or multiple times, and the fourth information is determined according to the first method. The transceiver module is further configured to send the fourth information to the first device.

[0058] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive one or more retransmitted first data from the first device, wherein the number of retransmissions is the first retransmission count. The processing module is further configured to determine one or more fifth messages based on each retransmitted first data in the one or more retransmissions; in each of the one or more fifth messages, each fifth message indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for the retransmitted first data. The transceiver module is further configured to send one or more fifth messages to the first device.

[0059] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible design, if the first information indicates a first NACK for the first data, the first information further indicates that the first device retransmits the first data in the first uplink time unit or the first time unit after the fourth time unit, wherein the fourth time unit is the time unit for the first device to receive the first information, and the uplink time unit is the time unit for transmitting uplink data. Alternatively, if the first information indicates a first ACK for the first data, the first information further indicates that the first device transmits the second data in the first uplink time unit or the first time unit after the fourth time unit.

[0060] In conjunction with the third aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the second time unit is the first time unit or the first downlink time unit after the first time unit, wherein the downlink time unit is the time unit used for transmitting downlink data.

[0061] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method implemented by the first device in the second aspect described above.

[0062] The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the above methods. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0063] In conjunction with the fourth aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module; wherein the transceiver module is used to send first data to the second device. The transceiver module is also used to receive first information from the second device in a fourth time unit, the first information indicating a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data, the first information being determined according to a first method. The processing module is used to retransmit the first data or transmit second data through the transceiver module according to the first information. The transceiver module is also used to receive second information from the second device in a fifth time unit, the second information indicating a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data, the second information being determined according to a second method, the second method being based on HARQ and decoded through the physical layer. The first method differs from the second method, and the fifth time unit is later than the fourth time unit.

[0064] In conjunction with the fourth aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the first approach includes AI-based prediction of HARQ.

[0065] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the first information is determined based on all or part of the first data.

[0066] In conjunction with the fourth aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the second information is determined based entirely on the first data.

[0067] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the processing module retransmits the first data through the transceiver module based on the first information, including: in the case that the first information indicates a first NACK for the first data, retransmitting the first data through the transceiver module and retaining the first data.

[0068] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the processing module is also configured not to retain the first data if the second information indicates a second ACK.

[0069] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the processing module transmits second data through the transceiver module based on the first information, including: transmitting the second data through the transceiver module and retaining the first data when the first information indicates a first ACK for the first data.

[0070] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the processing module is also configured not to retain the first data if the second information indicates a second ACK.

[0071] In conjunction with the fourth aspect mentioned above, in one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive third information from the second device, the third information indicating the first retransmission count. The processing module retransmits the first data through the transceiver module based on the first information, including: retransmitting the first data to the second device one or more times through the transceiver module based on the first and third information, the number of times being one or more retransmissions being the first retransmission count.

[0072] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive fourth information from the second device, the fourth information indicating a first ACK or a first NACK for one or more retransmissions of the first data; the fourth information is determined according to the first method.

[0073] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive one or more fifth messages from the second device, wherein each fifth message indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for a retransmitted first data.

[0074] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the processing module retransmits the first data or transmits the second data through the transceiver module based on the first information, including: the transceiver module retransmits the first data or transmits the second data in the first uplink time unit after the fourth time unit, wherein the uplink time unit is a time unit used for transmitting uplink data; or, the first data or the second data is retransmitted in the first time unit after the fourth time unit.

[0075] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a memory, wherein when the processor executes the instructions, it causes the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a second device within the first aspect, or any possible design of the first aspect, or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to a second device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a first device within the second aspect, or any possible design of the second aspect, or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to a first device.

[0076] In one possible design, the communication device also includes a memory for storing computer instructions. Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated together, or they are separate.

[0077] In one possible design, the memory is coupled to the processor and is located outside the communication device.

[0078] A sixth aspect provides a communication device. The communication device includes: a processor and interface circuitry, the interface circuitry being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute the method described in any of the preceding aspects via logic circuitry or by running a computer program or instructions. The communication device may be a second device within the first aspect, or any possible design of the first aspect, or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to a second device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a first device within the second aspect, or any possible design of the second aspect, or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to a first device.

[0079] Alternatively, the interface circuit can be a code / data read / write interface circuit, which receives computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmits them to the processor so that the processor runs the computer execution instructions to perform the methods described in any of the above aspects.

[0080] In one possible design, the communication device also includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions. Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated together, or the processor and memory are separate.

[0081] In one possible design, the memory is coupled to the processor and is located outside the communication device.

[0082] In some possible designs, the communication device can be a chip or a chip system.

[0083] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed, cause the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect to be performed or implemented, or cause the method in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect to be performed or implemented.

[0084] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program that, when run, causes the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect to be executed or implemented, or causes the method in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect to be executed or implemented.

[0085] A ninth aspect provides a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system). The communication device includes a processor for implementing the functions involved in any of the preceding aspects. In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data. When the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0086] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first device and a second device. The second device is used to implement the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, and the first device is used to implement the method described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0087] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through ten can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through two above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0088] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the base station indicating NACK or ACK based on the physical layer decoding result when the time slot allocation is configured;

[0089] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the first device provided in the embodiment of this application retransmitting data or transmitting new data according to the first information;

[0092] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of uplink transmission delay under different conditions provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0095] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of this application is given below.

[0096] 1. HARQ:

[0097] In HARQ technology, after the sender initially transmits data to the receiver, the data transmission occupies a HARQ process. Upon receiving the data, the receiver performs physical layer decoding (in this article, decoding can also be called 'decoding,' both are the same concept). If decoding is successful, the receiver sends a positive ACK to the sender. Based on the ACK, the sender determines that no retransmission is needed and releases the maintenance of the corresponding HARQ process. If decoding fails, the receiver sends a NACK to the sender. Based on the NACK, the sender maintains the corresponding HARQ process and retransmits the data to the receiver through that process.

[0098] The data sent for the first time by the sending end can also be called newly transmitted data or initial transmitted data. A HARQ process can be uniquely identified by its HARQ process number.

[0099] In HARQ technology, the sending end transmits information bits and a portion of redundant bits when transmitting data. After receiving the data from the sending end, the receiving end stores the data in the buffer corresponding to the HARQ process (hereinafter referred to as the HARQ buffer). If the sending end retransmits the data subsequently, the receiving end merges the received retransmitted data with the data in the HARQ buffer and decodes it again. If decoding is successful, or if decoding fails after the sending end has retransmitted the data up to the maximum number of retransmissions, the receiving end clears the HARQ buffer. Furthermore, the sending end also configures a HARQ buffer corresponding to the HARQ process to buffer the data associated with the HARQ process. If decoding is successful at the receiving end, or if decoding fails after the sending end has retransmitted the data up to the maximum number of retransmissions, the sending end clears the HARQ buffer.

[0100] In this context, the set of redundant bits used by the sender each time data is retransmitted is called a redundancy version (RV). The maximum number of retransmissions can be pre-configured by the receiver or configured by the sender for the receiver.

[0101] In uplink (UL) HARQ, the transmitter is the terminal and the receiver is the base station. The following is an introduction to UL HARQ.

[0102] In UL HARQ, the base station can use the new data indicator (NDI) in the uplink grant included in the downlink control information (DCI) to indicate whether the data scheduled for the terminal is a new transmission or a retransmission. Specifically, a HARQ process stores an NDI value. During dynamic scheduling, if the NDI value indicated by the base station has changed compared to before (NDI toggled), the terminal can send new data through a new transport block (TB) for this transmission. If the NDI value indicated by the base station has not changed (NDI not toggled), the terminal needs to retransmit the data for this transmission.

[0103] In addition to NDI, DCI also includes other HARQ-related information, such as uplink resource allocation information, HARQ process number, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) order, redundancy version, etc. Some HARQ-related information in DCI can be seen in Table 1 below:

[0104] Table 1

[0105] In this system, the DCI (Digital Information Confirmation) is transmitted via the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). In Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, in addition to transmitting the DCI to indicate whether to transmit a new transmission or a retransmission, the base station may also provide feedback indicating an ACK (Accept) or NACK (Non-ACK) message through the physical hybrid ARQ indicator channel (PHICH). The terminal can determine whether to transmit a new transmission or a retransmission based on the feedback received through the PHICH channel. In New Radio (NR) systems, the PHICH channel is eliminated, and the base station only indicates whether to transmit a new transmission or a retransmission through the NDI (Non-Accept) message in the DCI.

[0106] Understandably, since NDI can indicate whether the terminal is transmitting a new data or a retransmittance, the HARQ feedback (ACK or NACK) can also be reflected through NDI. In other words, ACK or NACK can be indicated through NDI.

[0107] In some communication systems, such as half-duplex systems, time slots are divided into time slots dedicated to uplink transmission (hereinafter referred to as uplink time slots) and time slots dedicated to downlink transmission (hereinafter referred to as downlink time slots). The network side also configures the time slot allocation ratio. Taking an uplink-to-downlink time slot allocation ratio of 1:4 as an example, the time slots in the time domain are arranged in the order of "1 uplink time slot + 4 downlink time slots".

[0108] In uplink HARQ technology, the response speed from when the base station receives uplink data and begins decoding the data to when it sends back an ACK or NACK instruction is relatively slow. After the terminal receives the ACK or NACK instruction, the timing of new or retransmitted data may be limited by the time slot allocation. Therefore, uplink transmission latency is high. Furthermore, if multiple retransmissions are required, each retransmission is subject to the aforementioned constraints, making it difficult to guarantee uplink transmission performance.

[0109] Taking a 1:4 uplink / downlink time slot ratio as an example, as shown in Figure 1, the base station sends a Distributed Information Channel (DCI) to the terminal in the downlink time slot to schedule the initial data transmission. The NDI value carried in this DCI is 0. After receiving the DCI, the terminal waits until the first uplink time slot and transmits data through the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). After receiving the data transmitted by the terminal, the base station decodes the data to obtain the decoding result. After obtaining the decoding result, the base station sends a DCI to the terminal. If decoding is successful, the NDI value carried in the DCI remains 0, indicating ACK by the unchanged NDI value. If decoding fails, the NDI value carried in the DCI is 1, indicating NACK by flipping the NDI value. After receiving the DCI, the terminal determines whether it is new data transmission or retransmission based on the NDI. If new data transmission is required, the terminal clears the HARQ buffer; if retransmission is required, the terminal maintains the HARQ process and retains the data in the HARQ buffer. However, due to the time slot allocation limitation, the terminal cannot immediately transmit or retransmit data, but needs to wait until the next uplink time slot before it can transmit or retransmit data.

[0110] Based on the problems existing in the current uplink HARQ technology, this application provides a communication method, apparatus and system that can reduce uplink transmission latency while ensuring a certain decoding accuracy.

[0111] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second" are not necessarily different. Meanwhile, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0112] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (such as the first or second instruction information below) is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Simultaneously, the common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0113] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0114] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the sending device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0115] In the embodiments of this application, "predefined," "pre-configured," or "pre-configured" can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. For example, it can be burned into the device at the factory. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separate settings or integrated into the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially separate settings and partially integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0116] The “protocol” mentioned in the embodiments of this application may refer to a protocol family in the field of communication, a standard protocol with a similar protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol applied to future communication systems. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0117] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time. They do not require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0118] In this application embodiment, "sending information to... (taking the first device as an example)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the first device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the first device. "Receiving information from... (taking the first device as an example)" can be understood as the source of the information being the first device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the first device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0119] The technical solutions provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems, LTE systems, NR systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems and their evolution systems, half-duplex systems, frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, time division duplex (TDD) systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, LTE and NR hybrid networking systems, or device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT), wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, and other next-generation communication systems, such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems. Furthermore, the term "system" can be used interchangeably with "network."

[0120] It should be noted that the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of network 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.

[0121] Figure 2 illustrates a possible, non-limiting system diagram. As shown in Figure 2, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 2, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 2, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 2). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions can be integrated on the same physical device, or a single physical device can integrate some core network logical functions and some radio access network logical functions.

[0122] Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include an Internet 300. The Internet 300 may be connected to the core network 200 or the RAN 100.

[0123] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (e.g., a 6G mobile communication system). RAN 100 can also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0124] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 2 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 2 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0125] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6th-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 2, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 2, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0126] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0127] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0128] A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0129] It should be noted that the message names between network elements or the names of parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of this application are just examples. Other names may be used in the specific implementation. This application does not limit them in this respect.

[0130] Figure 3 illustrates a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 uses a first device and a second device as examples of the execution entities in this interactive illustration to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution entities of this interactive illustration. For example, the first device in Figure 3 could also be a module applied to the first device, such as a chip, chip system, or processor, or it could be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device. Similarly, the second device in Figure 3 could also be a module applied to the second device, such as a chip, chip system, or processor, or it could be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device.

[0131] In this embodiment of the application, the first device can be a RAN node, and the second device can be a terminal.

[0132] As shown in Figure 3, the communication method includes steps S301-S303:

[0133] S301, the first device sends first data to the second device. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first data from the first device in the first time unit.

[0134] The first data can be either initial transmission data or retransmission data. For ease of understanding, the following method embodiments use initial transmission data as an example. If the first data is retransmission data, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can refer to the following method embodiments for the description of the scheme involving retransmission of the first data.

[0135] When the first device sends the first data to the second device, it sends the first data along with redundant information to the second device.

[0136] The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the unit of time. For example, it can be a symbol, a mini-slot, a slot, a sub-frame, etc.

[0137] S302. The second device determines first information and second information based on the first data. The first information indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data, and the second information indicates a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data. The first information is determined according to a first method, and the second information is determined according to a second method. The first method differs from the second method, which is based on HARQ and decoded through the physical layer.

[0138] In this embodiment of the application, the time taken for the second device to determine the first information according to the first method is less than the time taken for the second device to determine the second information according to the second method.

[0139] In S302, the first approach may include HARQ prediction. In one possible implementation, the first approach may include AI-based HARQ prediction, such as the second device causing the AI ​​model to output a prediction of the decoding result of the first data. In another possible implementation, the first approach may be HARQ prediction based on the physical layer decoding result of a portion of the first data. For example, the second device decodes the first half of the first data; if the physical layer decoding of the first half is successful, the first data is predicted to be decoded successfully; if the physical layer decoding of the first half fails, the first data is predicted to have failed to decode. This application does not specifically limit the first approach.

[0140] Wherein, if the first method is a prediction of the decoding result of the first data output by the AI ​​model, the input of the AI ​​model is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, the input data of the AI ​​model may include at least one of the following: all or part of the first data, data similar to the first data in the historical data received by the second device (such as data with the same characteristics as the first data, such as service type, encoding method, or size), and historical data sent by the first device to the second device before sending the first data.

[0141] If the first method involves an AI model outputting a prediction of the decoding result of the first data, the AI ​​model can be configured in a second device. For example, the second device may include an AI module that can predict the decoding result of the data. Alternatively, the AI ​​model can be configured in other devices, such as a network element in the core network, and the second device may request a prediction of the decoding result of the first data from that network element.

[0142] Furthermore, the second device determines first information based on the HARQ prediction using the first method. Specifically, if the second device predicts successful decoding of the first data using the first method, the first information determined by the first device indicates a first ACK for the first data. If the second device predicts failed decoding of the first data using the first method, the first information determined by the first device indicates a first NACK for the first data.

[0143] This application does not limit how the first information specifically indicates the first ACK or the first NACK. In one possible implementation, the first information can indicate the first ACK or the first NACK through a bit value. For example, assuming the first information is 1 bit, the protocol defines or pre-agreed that a value of 1 indicates the first ACK, and a value of 0 indicates the first NACK. It is understood that the bit values ​​of the first information are merely illustrative; in practical applications, other bit values ​​can also indicate the first ACK or the first NACK. In another possible implementation, the first information can indicate the first ACK or the first NACK through a specific character. For example, assuming the protocol defines or pre-agreed that the first information includes the character 'a', indicating the first ACK; and the first information includes the character 'b', indicating the first NACK.

[0144] It should be noted that the meanings represented by the bit values ​​of each piece of information and parameter in this embodiment are merely examples. In practical applications, other bit values ​​can also be used to indicate the corresponding meanings.

[0145] In S302, the second method is based on HARQ and decoded through the physical layer. That is, the first device performs physical layer decoding on all the first data to obtain the decoding result of the first data: decoding success or failure.

[0146] Furthermore, the second device determines second information based on the decoding of the first data using the second method. Specifically, if the second device determines that the first data decoding was successful using the second method, the second information determined by the first device indicates a second ACK for the first data. If the second device determines that the first data decoding failed using the second method, the second information determined by the first device indicates a second NACK for the first data.

[0147] This application does not limit how the second information specifically indicates the second ACK or the second NACK. In one possible implementation, the second information can indicate the second ACK or the second NACK through a bit value. For example, assuming the second information is 1 bit, the protocol defines or pre-agreed that a value of 1 indicates the second ACK, and a value of 0 indicates the second NACK. It is understood that the bit values ​​of the second information are only illustrative; in practical applications, other bit values ​​can also indicate the second ACK or the second NACK. In another possible implementation, the second ACK or the second NACK can be indicated by whether the bit value of the second information changes. For example, assuming the second information is 1 bit, the default value of this bit is 0. If the second device determines that the first data decoding is successful through the second method, the value of this bit is flipped to 1; if the first data decoding fails, the value of this bit remains unchanged. In yet another possible implementation, the second information can indicate the second ACK or the second NACK through specific characters or parameters. For example, assuming the protocol defines or pre-agreed that when the second information includes character / parameter 'a', the second information indicates the first ACK; when the second information includes character / parameter 'b', the second information indicates the second NACK.

[0148] S303. After determining the first information, the second device sends the first information to the first device in the second time unit. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information in the fourth time unit. The time from when the second device receives the first data to when it sends the first information can be very short. For example, the second time unit can be the first time unit after the first time unit or the first downlink time unit (the downlink time unit is the time unit used to transmit downlink data), or the second time unit can be the same time unit as the first time unit.

[0149] After determining the second information, the second device sends the second information to the first device in the third time unit, meaning the third time unit is later than the second time unit. Correspondingly, the first device receives the second information in the fifth time unit, which is later than the fourth time unit.

[0150] After receiving the first information, the first device retransmits the first data or transmits the second data according to the first information. Specifically, if the first information indicates a first NACK for the first data, the first device retransmits the first data according to the first information. If the first information indicates a first ACK for the first data, the first device transmits second data different from the first data according to the first information, that is, the first device initiates a new transmission.

[0151] Furthermore, when the first device determines whether to retransmit the first data or transmit the second data based on the first information, the first device also continues to maintain the HARQ process corresponding to the first data and retains the first data in the buffer (hereinafter referred to as HARQ buffer) corresponding to the HARQ process. The HARQ buffer may be located at the media access control (MAC) layer.

[0152] When the first device retransmits first data or transmits second data based on first information, if the communication system in which the first device is located, such as a half-duplex system, divides time units into uplink time units and downlink time units (uplink time units are used for transmitting uplink data, and downlink time units are used for transmitting downlink data), the first device can retransmit the first data or transmit the second data in the first uplink time unit after the fourth time unit. Alternatively, if the communication system in which the first device is located, such as a sub-band full-duplex or frequency division duplex system, does not distinguish between uplink and downlink time units (or in other words, each time unit can be used for transmitting uplink or downlink data), the first device can retransmit the first data or transmit the second data in the first time unit after the fourth time unit. Similarly, in the following method embodiments, if the first device retransmits first data or transmits other data based on other information, the first device can retransmit the first data or transmit other data in the first uplink time unit after the time unit in which the other information is received, or the first device can retransmit the first data or transmit other data in the first time unit after the time unit in which new first information is received.

[0153] If the first device retransmits the first data based on the first information, and the second device receives the retransmitted first data, the second device combines the first data and the retransmitted second data to obtain new first information again through the first method. For a detailed implementation, please refer to the description of S302 above. At this time, the accuracy of the first method's prediction of HARQ may increase. Assuming that in S302, based on the first data, the accuracy of the first method's prediction of HARQ is x0, then at this time, based on the first data and the retransmitted first data, the accuracy of the first method's prediction of HARQ is x1, which can be considered x1 > x0. After receiving the new first information, the first device retransmits the first data or transmits other data based on the new first information. For details, please refer to the description above of the first device retransmitting the first data or transmitting the second data based on the first information.

[0154] If the new first information determined by the second device still indicates a first NACK for the first data, the first device continues to repeat the process of retransmitting the first data based on the first information, and the second device continues to repeat the process of obtaining the first information again based on the retransmitted first data, until the second device determines a first information indicating an ACK for the first data, or the number of times the first device retransmits the first data reaches the maximum number of retransmissions. If the number of times the first device retransmits the first data reaches the maximum number of retransmissions, the first device releases the maintenance of the HARQ process corresponding to the first data and clears the HARQ buffer, and the second device also clears the HARQ buffer.

[0155] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the communication system in which the first device is located divides time units into uplink time units and downlink time units, and the ratio of uplink to downlink time units is 1:4, the second device sends a DCI (Distributed Information Configuration Code) to the first device to schedule the first data. The first device then sends the first data according to the DCI. After receiving the first data in the first time unit, the second device can immediately determine the first information through a first method and send the first information to the first device. After receiving the first information in the fourth time unit, the first device retransmits the first data or transmits the second data in the first time unit following the fourth time unit. Afterwards, the first device performs uplink transmission, and the process of the second device providing feedback indicating a first ACK or a first NACK for the transmitted uplink data is repeated sequentially.

[0156] If the second device receives the retransmitted first data before determining the second information using the second method, the second device can combine the first data and the retransmitted first data to determine the second information using the second method. For example, the second device can merge the first data in the HARQ buffer with the retransmitted first data and perform physical layer decoding on the merged data.

[0157] After receiving the second information, the first device can decide whether to continue maintaining the HARQ process corresponding to the first data based on the second information. Specifically, if the second information indicates a NACK for the first data, and the number of times the first device has retransmitted the first data has not yet reached the maximum retransmission count, the first device continues to maintain the HARQ process corresponding to the first data and retains the first data in the HARQ buffer. If the number of times the first device has retransmitted the first data has reached the maximum retransmission count, the first device releases the maintenance of the HARQ process corresponding to the first data and clears the first data in the HARQ buffer. If the second information indicates an ACK for the first data, the first device releases the maintenance of the HARQ process corresponding to the first data and clears the first data in the HARQ buffer.

[0158] Based on the communication method provided in this application embodiment, after the second device receives first data from the first device, the second device can determine two feedback messages for the first data through a second method and a first method. The first message obtained through the first method is sent to the first device before the second message obtained through the second method, allowing the first device to retransmit or retransmit data based on the first message. Compared to the existing HARQ mechanism, where the first device can only determine whether to retransmit or retransmit based on the second message, the method provided in this application embodiment can reduce latency. Furthermore, if the feedback message obtained through the first method does not correctly reflect the decoding result of the first data, the first device can also perform corresponding actions based on the feedback message obtained through the second method, avoiding the problem that the first data might not be correctly transmitted to the second device if the decision to retransmit or retransmit is based solely on the first message. Therefore, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can reduce uplink transmission latency while ensuring normal transmission of the first data. In addition, it can achieve a balance between accuracy and processing latency, taking both into account.

[0159] The following example illustrates the gain analysis of the communication method provided in this application. Assuming the first device has 1000 TBs to be transmitted and a block error rate (BLER) of 90%, then in a HARQ mechanism based on feedback of NACK or ACK through physical layer decoding results, 900 TBs can be successfully transmitted in one go. Assuming each retransmission improves reliability by 9, then 90 TBs can be successfully transmitted with only one retransmission. Similarly, the number of TBs requiring two and three retransmissions are 9 and 0.9 (approximately 1), respectively.

[0160] Assuming the communication method provided in this application embodiment is applied to the application scenario of this example (i.e., the first device has 1000 TBs to be sent, and the BLER is 90%), and considering that the accuracy of the first method in predicting HARQ is set to 95%, 90%, 85%, and 80% respectively, the number of TBs under one transmission and different retransmissions is shown in Table 2 below:

[0161] Table 2

[0162] Based on the parameters shown in Table 2 above, assuming that when the second device feeds back ACK or NACK based on the physical layer decoding result, the processing and packet assembly delay (i.e., the delay of physical layer decoding the data after receiving the data and feeding back NACK or ACK based on the physical layer decoding result) is 1 time slot, and when the second device uses the first method to feed back the first ACK or first NACK, the processing and packet assembly delay (i.e., the delay of determining the first information and sending the first information after receiving the data) is 0 ms, and the processing and packet assembly delay of the first device (i.e., the delay from the first device receiving NACK / first NACK to retransmitting the data) is 3 time slots, then the average delay per TB when transmitting 1000 TB is shown in Figure 5. It can be seen that compared to the existing mechanism of feeding back ACK or NACK based on the physical layer decoding result, the scheme provided in this application, which determines the first information through the first method and feeds back the first NACK or first ACK through the first information, has better delay gain under both time slot allocation constraints and no time slot allocation constraints, and the delay reduction is more significant under no time slot allocation constraints.

[0163] The following describes some optional solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0164] Optionally, the first device can also determine whether to retransmit the first data or transmit other data based on the second information. Specifically, if the second information indicates a second NACK for the first data, and the first device has not retransmitted the first data the maximum number of times, then the first device can retransmit the data. If the second information indicates a second ACK for the first data, the first device can initiate a new transmission. Alternatively, the first device can also initiate a new transmission if the second information indicates a second NACK for the first data. For example, if the first device determines that it has retransmitted the first data a certain number of times, then the first device can initiate a new transmission if the second information indicates a second NACK for the first data.

[0165] Optionally, the first or second information can be carried in a DCI. For example, the first or second information can be a parameter in DCI Format0_0 or DCI Format0_1. In one possible example, the first information can be Pre_NDI in DCI Format0_0 or DCI Format0_1, and the second information can be Phy_NDI in DCI Format0_0 or DCI Format0_1 (it is understood that the names of the first or second information are only illustrative. In actual applications, the first or second information can also have other names). Alternatively, the first or second information can also be carried in other messages. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the message carrying the first or second information.

[0166] Optionally, the message carrying the first or second information may also include at least one of the following: HARQ process number, redundancy version, MCS, or uplink resource allocation information, etc.

[0167] Optionally, when the second device sends the first information in the second time unit, it may also send a sixth information. The sixth information indicates that the second device has not yet completed decoding the first data. After receiving the first and sixth information, the first device can determine, based on the sixth information, whether to continue maintaining the HARQ process corresponding to the first data, retain the first data in the HARQ buffer, and, based on the first information, whether to retransmit the first data or transmit the second data.

[0168] Optionally, before the second device determines the second information through the second method, when the second device sends the first information or a new first information to the first device (or, each time the second device sends the current first information to the first device), the sixth information can be sent together.

[0169] This application does not limit how the sixth information specifically indicates that the second device has not yet completed decoding of the first data. In one possible implementation, the sixth information can indicate that the second device has not yet completed decoding of the first data through a bit value. For example, assuming the sixth information is 1 bit, if the protocol defines or pre-agreed, a value of 0 indicates that the second device has not yet completed decoding of the first data (it is understood that the bit value of the second information is only illustrative; in practical applications, other bit values ​​can also be used to indicate a second ACK or a second NACK). In another possible implementation, the sixth information can be a specific character / parameter, which represents that the second device has not yet completed decoding of the first data. For example, assuming the protocol defines or pre-agreed, if the DCI includes a specific character / parameter, it indicates that the second device has not yet completed decoding of the first data.

[0170] Optionally, if the first device retransmits the first data (which could be any retransmission of the first data), the second device determines new first information based on the retransmitted first data. Since the second device has already determined the second information through the first method when determining the new first information, the second device can carry the second information and the new first information in the same message and send it to the first device. In this case, the first device determines whether to continue maintaining the HARQ process, and whether to retransmit the first data or transmit other data, based on the second information and the new first information.

[0171] Specifically, if the second information indicates a second NACK for the first data, and the new first information indicates a first NACK for the first data, and the number of times the first device retransmits the first data has not reached the maximum retransmission count, the first device continues to maintain the HARQ process, retains the data in the HARQ buffer, and retransmits the first data. If the number of times the first device retransmits the first data has reached the maximum retransmission count, the first device releases the maintenance of the HARQ process, clears the data in the HARQ buffer, and starts a new transmission. If the second information indicates a second NACK for the first data, and the new first information indicates a first ACK for the first data, the first device continues to maintain the HARQ process, retains the data in the HARQ buffer, and starts a new transmission. If the second information indicates a second ACK for the first data, and the new first information indicates a first NACK or first ACK for the first data, the first device releases the maintenance of the HARQ process, clears the data in the HARQ buffer, and starts a new transmission.

[0172] It is understandable that the first device can continue maintaining the HARQ process and retaining the data in the HARQ buffer upon receiving the sixth message, or it can continue maintaining the HARQ process and retaining the data in the HARQ buffer upon receiving the second message indicating a second NACK for the first data. Therefore, for the first device, the sixth message and the second message indicating a second NACK for the first data can be the same message. Based on this, the second device can optionally represent the third message and the second message indicating a second NACK for the first data in the same way.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the sixth and second information can be represented by the same bit. When the value of the bit is a specific value / default value, or when the value of the bit does not change, it indicates that the second device has not yet completed decoding of the first data, or indicates a second NACK for the first data. When the value of the bit is another specific value, or when the value of the bit changes, such as when the value of the bit is flipped, it indicates a second ACK for the first data.

[0174] For example, suppose the DCI includes Pre_NDI and Phy_NDI, both of which are 1 bit. When the value of Pre_NDI is 0, it indicates the first NACK. When the value of Pre_NDI is 1, it indicates the first ACK. When the value of Phy_NDI is 0, it indicates the second NACK or the second device has not yet completed the decoding of the first data. When the value of Phy_NDI is flipped to 1, it indicates the second ACK.

[0175] In this example, the first device receives the DCI, and the corresponding actions performed based on the different values ​​of Pre_NDI and Phy_NDI are shown in Tables 3 and 4:

[0176] Table 3

[0177] Table 4

[0178] In this example, the values ​​of Pre_NDI and Phy_NDI are just examples. In practical applications, other bit values ​​can also indicate the corresponding meanings. For example, Pre_NDI and Phy_NDI can be 2 bits. When the value of Pre_NDI is 00, it indicates the first NACK. When the value of Pre_NDI is 01, it indicates the first ACK. When the value of Phy_NDI is 00, it indicates the second NACK or that the second device has not yet completed the decoding of the first data. When the value of Phy_NDI is flipped to 11, it indicates the second ACK.

[0179] Optionally, if in S302, the second device indicates a first NACK for the first data using the first information determined by the first method, the second device can also determine a first retransmission count based on the first data. The first retransmission count is the predicted number of times the first device needs to retransmit the first data.

[0180] Optionally, the first retransmission count can be determined according to a first method, for example, the AI ​​model can output a prediction of the number of times the first device needs to retransmit the first data.

[0181] If the second device determines the first retransmission count, in step S303, the second device can send a message carrying third information and first information to the first device. The third information indicates the first retransmission count. For example, the third information could be a predicted retransmission number parameter in the DCI.

[0182] After receiving the third information, the first device retransmits the first data to the second device one or more times according to the first retransmission number. For example, if the third information indicates that the first retransmission number is three, then after receiving the third information, the first device directly retransmits the first data three times to the second device. Accordingly, the second device receives the first data one or more times (for ease of description, unless otherwise specified, the first data retransmitted one or more times below refers to the first data retransmitted by the first device according to the first retransmission number).

[0183] In one possible implementation, after the second device receives the first retransmission of the first data a certain number of times, the second device determines the fourth information based on the first data that has been retransmitted once or multiple times. The fourth information indicates the first ACK or the first NACK for the first data that has been retransmitted once or multiple times.

[0184] The fourth piece of information is determined through the first method. For example, the AI ​​model outputs a prediction of the decoding result of the first data based on one or more retransmitted data. For details on the fourth piece of information, please refer to the above description of the first piece of information.

[0185] After receiving the fourth information, the first device retransmits the first data or transmits other data based on the fourth information. Specifically, please refer to the above description of how the first device retransmits the first data or transmits other data based on the first information in S303.

[0186] Optionally, if the second device determines the second information during one or more retransmissions of the first data by the first device (for example, the second device determines the second information by combining the first data and the retransmitted first data), the second device can send the second information together with the fourth information to the first device. After receiving the fourth information and the second information, the first device retransmits the first data or transmits other data based on the fourth information and the second information. For details, please refer to the above description of S303, in which the first device retransmits the first data or transmits other data based on the second information and the first information.

[0187] Optionally, if the second device determines the second information after receiving a retransmitted first data, the second device can directly send the second information to the first device. Specifically, if the second information indicates a second ACK for the first data, the first device can stop retransmitting the first data, release the maintenance of the HARQ process corresponding to the first data, clear the data in the HARQ buffer, and start a new transmission. If the second indication information indicates a second NACK for the first data, the first device can continue to retransmit the first data according to the first retransmission count.

[0188] Optionally, if the second device still fails to determine the second information after receiving one or more retransmitted first data, the second device may send the sixth information together with the fourth information to the first device. After receiving the sixth and fourth information, the first device retransmits the first data or transmits other data based on the fourth and sixth information. For details, please refer to the above description of S303, in which the first device retransmits the first data or transmits other data based on the sixth and first information.

[0189] In another possible implementation, after the second device receives the first data in one or more retransmissions of the first data, it determines the fifth information based on the first data of the current retransmission. The fifth information indicates the first ACK or the first NACK for the first data of the current retransmission.

[0190] In other words, the second device determines the fifth information one or more times, and the number of times the fifth information is determined is the same as the number of times the first retransmission is performed. After determining the fifth information each time, the second device sends the fifth information to the first device. The first device can retransmit the first data or transmit other data based on the last received fifth information. For details, please refer to the above description of how the first device retransmits the first data or transmits other data based on the first information in S303.

[0191] The fifth piece of information is determined through the first method. For example, the AI ​​model outputs a prediction of the decoding result for each retransmitted first piece of data, based on the first piece of data in one or more retransmitted first pieces of data. The fifth piece of information can also be understood as new first information; please refer to the introduction of first information above for details.

[0192] Optionally, if the second device has already determined the second information when determining the fifth information at a certain time, the second device can send the second information together with the last fifth information to the first device. After receiving the last fifth information and the second information, the first device retransmits the first data or transmits other data based on the last fifth information and the second information. For details, please refer to the above description of the first device retransmitting the first data or transmitting other data based on the second information and the first information in S303.

[0193] Optionally, if the second device has already determined the second information before the first device retransmits the first data a certain number of times, the second device can send the second information along with the most recent fifth information to the first device. Specifically, if the second information indicates a second ACK for the first data, the first device can stop retransmitting the first data, release the maintenance of the HARQ process corresponding to the first data, clear the data in the HARQ buffer, and start a new transmission. If the second information indicates a second NACK for the first data, the first device can continue to retransmit the first data according to the first retransmission count.

[0194] Optionally, if the second device determines the fifth information before the second information is determined, the second device can send the sixth information together with the current fifth information to the first device. If the current fifth information is the last fifth information, after receiving the sixth information and the current fifth information, the first device, based on the fifth information and the sixth information, retransmits the first data or transmits other data. For details, please refer to the above description of the first device retransmitting the first data or transmitting other data based on the sixth information and the first information in S303. If the current fifth information is not the last fifth information, after receiving the sixth information and the current fifth information, the first device continues to maintain the HARQ process corresponding to the first data, retains the data in the HARQ buffer, and continues to retransmit the fifth data according to the first retransmission count.

[0195] The above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between various devices. Accordingly, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, or a device that includes the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, or a component that can be used in the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0196] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0197] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0198] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 600. The communication device 600 includes a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602. The processing module 602, also called a processing unit 602, is used to implement processing functions. The transceiver module 601, also called a transceiver unit 601, is used to implement receiving and transmitting functions. Optionally, the communication device 600 may further include a storage module 603.

[0199] Taking the communication device 600 as the second device in the above method embodiment as an example, in one possible design, the transceiver module 601 is used to receive first data from the first device in a first time unit. The processing module 602 is used to determine first information based on the first data. The first information indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data. The first information is determined according to a first method. The second method is based on HARQ and decoded through the physical layer. The processing module 602 is also used to determine second information based on the first data. The second information indicates a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data. The second information is determined according to a second method, and the first method is different from the second method. The transceiver module 601 is also used to send the first information to the first device in a second time unit and send the second information to the first device in a third time unit, where the third time unit is later than the second time unit.

[0200] Taking the communication device 600 as the first device in the above method embodiment as an example, in one possible design, the transceiver module 601 is used to send first data to the second device. The transceiver module 601 is also used to receive first information from the second device in a fourth time unit. The first information indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data, and the first information is determined according to a first method. The processing module 602 is used to retransmit the first data or transmit second data through the transceiver module 601 according to the first information. The transceiver module 601 is also used to receive second information from the second device in a fifth time unit. The second information indicates a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data, and the second information is determined according to a second method, which is based on HARQ and decoded through the physical layer. The first method differs from the second method, and the fifth time unit is later than the fourth time unit.

[0201] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0202] Alternatively, in the communication device shown in Figure 6, the names of the modules may not be the same as those shown in Figure 6. For example, the transceiver module may also be called a communication module or a communication unit.

[0203] If the units in Figure 6 are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. Storage media for storing computer software products include: USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0204] In this embodiment, the communication device 600 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above-mentioned functions.

[0205] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of another possible communication device. It is understood that the communication device 700 includes means of the necessary form, such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, to be appropriately configured together to execute the solution. The communication device 700 can be the first or second device in the above method embodiments, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip) in these devices to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. The communication device 700 includes one or more processors 711. The processor 711 can be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the present application. For example, it can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., the first device, the second device, or a chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0206] The processor 711 can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processor 711 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processing (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor, etc., and other computing devices that run software. Each computing device may include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing.

[0207] Optionally, in one design, the processor 711 may include a program 713 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on the processor 711 to cause the communication device 700 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, the communication device 700 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG7).

[0208] Optionally, the communication device 700 may include one or more memories 712 storing a program 714 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 711 to cause the communication device 700 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0209] The memory 712 may be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor via circuitry. The memory may also be integrated with the processor.

[0210] Optionally, the processor 711 and / or memory 712 may include AI modules 717 and 718, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a Radio Network Intelligent Resource Controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0211] Optionally, the processor 711 and / or memory 712 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0212] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a transceiver 715 and / or an antenna 716. The processor 711, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., the first device or the second device). The transceiver 715, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 716.

[0213] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 700 may further include an output device and an input device (not shown in Figure 7). The output device communicates with the processor 711 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device communicates with the processor 711 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device may be a mouse, keyboard, touch screen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0214] The aforementioned communication device 600 or communication device 700 may sometimes be referred to as a communication equipment, which can be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type of communication device 600 or communication device 700.

[0215] Furthermore, the composition shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7, the communication device 600 or communication device 700 may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0216] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will realize that the communication device 600 shown in FIG. 6 can take the form of the communication device 700 shown in FIG. 7.

[0217] Optionally, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 601 and processing module 602 in FIG. 6 can be implemented by the processor 711 in the communication device 700 shown in FIG. 7 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 712. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 602 in FIG. 6 can be implemented by the processor 711 in the communication device 700 shown in FIG. 7 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 712, and the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 601 in FIG. 6 can be implemented by the transceiver 715 and / or antenna 716 in the communication device 700 shown in FIG. 7.

[0218] It should be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0219] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, DSP chip, MCU, artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, dedicated digital circuit, hardware accelerator or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0220] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system), which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data, and the processor can call the program code stored in the memory to instruct the communication device to execute the methods in any of the above method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be included in the communication device. When the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0221] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0222] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product storing a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0223] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes the first device and the second device described in the above method embodiments.

[0224] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted 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 accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0225] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0226] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first data is received from the first device in the first time unit; Based on the first data, first information and second information are determined; the first information indicates a first positive ACK or a first negative ACK for the first data, and the second information indicates a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data; the first information is determined according to a first method, and the second information is determined according to a second method, the first method being different from the second method, the second method being based on Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) and decoded through the physical layer; The first information is sent to the first device in the second time unit; The second information is sent to the first device in a third time unit, which is later than the second time unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first approach includes HARQ prediction based on artificial intelligence (AI).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Based on the first data, the first information is determined, including: The first information is determined based on all or part of the first data.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Based on the first data, the second information is determined, including: The second information is determined based on all of the first data.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, If the first information indicates a first NACK for the first data, the method further includes: Based on the first data, a first retransmission count of the first data is determined, wherein the first retransmission count is determined according to the first method; A third message is sent to the first device, the third message indicating the first retransmission count.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first data from the first device one or more retransmissions, wherein the number of retransmissions is the number of retransmissions. Based on the first data retransmitted once or multiple times, fourth information is determined; the fourth information indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data retransmitted once or multiple times; the fourth information is determined according to the first method. The fourth information is sent to the first device.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first data from the first device one or more retransmissions, wherein the number of retransmissions is the number of retransmissions. Based on the first data retransmitted in one or more retransmissions, one or more fifth messages are determined; in the one or more fifth messages, each fifth message indicates the first ACK or the first NACK for the first data retransmitted in one retransmission. Send the fifth message once or multiple times to the first device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, In the event that the first information indicates a first NACK for the first data, the first information further indicates that the first device retransmit the first data in the first uplink time unit or the first time unit after the fourth time unit, wherein the fourth time unit is the time unit in which the first device receives the first information, and the uplink time unit is the time unit used for transmitting uplink data; or... In the case where the first information indicates a first ACK for the first data, the first information also indicates that the first device transmits the second data in the first uplink time unit or the first time unit after the fourth time unit.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The second time unit is the first time unit or the first downlink time unit after the first time unit, wherein the downlink time unit is a time unit used for transmitting downlink data.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send the first data to the second device; In the fourth time unit, first information is received from the second device, the first information indicating a first positive response ACK or a first negative response NACK for the first data, the first information being determined according to a first method; Based on the first information, retransmit the first data or transmit the second data; In the fifth time unit, a second message is received from the second device, the second message indicating a second ACK or a second NACK for the first data, the second message being determined according to a second method, the second method being based on Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) and decoded by the physical layer; In this method, the first method differs from the second method, and the fifth time unit is later than the fourth time unit.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first approach includes HARQ prediction based on artificial intelligence (AI).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The second information is determined based on all of the first data.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, Based on the first information, retransmit the first data, including: If the first information indicates a first NACK for the first data, the first data is retransmitted and the first data is retained.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the second information indicates a second ACK, the first data is not retained.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-14, characterized in that, Based on the first information, transmit the second data, including: If the first information indicates a first ACK for the first data, the second data is transmitted, and the first data is retained.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the second information indicates a second ACK, the first data is not retained.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, characterized in that, When the first indication information indicates a first NACK, the method further includes: Receive third information from the second device, the third information indicating the first retransmission count; Based on the first information, retransmit the first data, including: Based on the first information and the third information, the first data is retransmitted to the second device one or more times, where the number of times is the first retransmission count.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fourth information from the second device, the fourth information indicating a first ACK or a first NACK for the first data retransmitted once or multiple times; the fourth information is determined according to the first method.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive one or more fifth messages from the second device, wherein each fifth message indicates a first ACK or a first NACK for a retransmitted first data.

20. The method according to any one of claims 10-19, characterized in that, Based on the first information, retransmit the first data or transmit the second data, including: The first data is retransmitted or the second data is transmitted in the first uplink time unit after the fourth time unit, wherein the uplink time unit is a time unit used for transmitting uplink data; or... The first data is retransmitted or the second data is transmitted in the first time unit after the fourth time unit.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 1-9, or the communication device includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 10-20.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip or chip system.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, Used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that, The communication device includes a network device or a chip within a network device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 10-20.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that, The communication device includes user equipment or a chip in user equipment.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions or programs that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-9 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 10-20 to be implemented.

28. A computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is run, it causes the method of any one of claims 1-9 to be implemented, or causes the method of any one of claims 10-20 to be implemented.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run, it causes the method of any one of claims 1-9 to be implemented, or causes the method of any one of claims 10-20 to be implemented.

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