A method and apparatus for configuring precoding

Abstract

A method and apparatus for configuring precoding can improve flexibility of time domain precoding polling. The method comprises: determining, by a first communication device, reference signal configuration information, wherein the reference signal configuration information comprises a reference signal coherence time, and the reference signal coherence time is used to indicate a time length during which the reference signal is transmitted by using the same precoding. In one reference signal period, the first communication device transmits, to a second communication device, a reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information, wherein the reference signal is precoded based on the correlation time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for configuring precoding. Background Technology

[0002] When a terminal device or base station transmits signals using multiple antennas, the weighting coefficients of the mapping between the signal and antenna elements need to be considered; these weighting coefficients are the precoding matrix. By selecting a suitable precoding matrix, the base station can maximize the energy of the signal reaching the terminal device. To select a suitable precoding matrix, it is usually necessary to first obtain the uncoded channel state information (CSI), and then determine the precoding matrix that maximizes signal energy based on the CSI. To enable signal transmission under unknown channel state information and allow different terminal devices to share precoding matrix resources, the industry has proposed precoder cycling. Precoder cycling refers to the transmitter pre-setting a precoded set and sequentially transmitting the signal through the precodes in the precoded set in the frequency domain and / or time domain.

[0003] Currently, there are two common time-domain precoding polling scenarios in new radio (NR). One is for physical downlink shared channels (PDSCH) with multi-slot scheduling, also known as data channels, where precoding polling can be used between time slots. The other is for channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), which supports time-domain precoding polling within different periods. Current time-domain precoding polling methods have relatively low flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method and apparatus for configuring precoding, which can solve the problem of low flexibility in the polling method of time-domain precoding in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for configuring precoding. The method includes: a first communication device obtaining reference signal configuration information, wherein the reference signal configuration information includes a reference signal coherence time, which indicates the duration for transmitting a reference signal using the same precoding. Within one reference signal period, the first communication device transmits a reference signal to a second communication device based on the reference signal configuration information, wherein the reference signal is precoded based on the reference signal coherence time. Embodiments of this application improve the configuration flexibility of precoding by indicating the granularity of precoding polling. One possible implementation is that the reference signal configuration information includes: the number P of symbols in a time slot of the reference signal, or the index of the symbols in a time slot of the reference signal. Through the above method, the first and second communication devices can align the configuration information of the reference signal, thereby improving the accuracy of transmitting the reference signal.

[0006] One possible implementation is that the reference signal configuration information includes the number of time slots N for the duration of the reference signal. In this way, the first communication device and the second communication device can align the reference signal configuration information, thereby improving the accuracy of the transmitted reference signal.

[0007] One possible implementation is that the coherence time of the reference signal can include the number S of time units corresponding to the duration of the reference signal, where the time unit is a time slot or a symbol. In the above approach, the granularity of precoding can be adjusted by changing the value of S, thereby improving the flexibility of precoding.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the coherence time of the reference signal can also include the number of reference signal packets T. In the above approach, the granularity of precoding can be adjusted by changing the value of T, thereby improving the flexibility of precoding.

[0009] One possible implementation is that, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol-level granularity, the reference signal in the same time slot can use the same precoding every S symbols. In the above approach, using the same precoding every S symbols allows for a smaller granularity of precoding and greater flexibility compared to existing technologies.

[0010] One possible implementation is that, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity (time slots), the same precoding can be used every S time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration. In this approach, using the same precoding every S time slots allows for a larger granularity and greater flexibility compared to existing technologies.

[0011] One possible implementation is that when the coherence time of the reference signal is at the symbol level, the P symbols of the reference signal within a time slot can include T symbol groups, and the reference signal in each symbol group can use the same precoding. In the above approach, by grouping the symbols within the time slot, the granularity of precoding can be at the symbol or symbol group level, thereby improving the flexibility of precoding configuration.

[0012] One possible implementation is that when the coherence time of the reference signal is in the granularity of time slots, the N time slots of the continuous reference signal can include T time slot groups, and the reference signal in each time slot group uses the same precoding. In the above approach, by grouping multiple continuous time slots, the granularity of precoding can be at the time slot group level, thereby improving the flexibility of precoding configuration.

[0013] One possible implementation is that when the coherence time of the reference signal is granular at S symbols, different precoding methods can be used for the reference signal in different time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration, while the same precoding method is used for the reference signal in every S symbols within the same time slot. This approach achieves good compatibility with existing protocols and requires minimal modification to the protocol.

[0014] One possible implementation involves using S time slots as the granularity for the coherence time of the reference signal. Within N time slots of the reference signal's duration, the reference signals on different symbols within the same time slot employ the same precoding, and the reference signals across every S time slots also use the same precoding. This approach achieves good compatibility with existing protocols with minimal modifications.

[0015] In one possible implementation, when the first communication device is a terminal device, upon receiving the reference signal configuration information, the first communication device can receive the reference signal configuration information from either the positioning device or the serving base station. Through this method, the terminal device can obtain the reference signal configuration information and thus transmit a reference signal according to it.

[0016] One possible implementation is that the first communication device can be a terminal device, and the second communication device can be a base station.

[0017] One possible implementation is that the first communication device can be a base station, and the second communication device can be a terminal device.

[0018] One possible implementation is that the reference signal can be a positioning reference signal (PRS) or a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a method for configuring precoding, comprising: a first communication device receiving reference signal configuration information, the reference signal configuration information including a reference signal coherence time, the reference signal coherence time being used to indicate the duration for transmitting a reference signal using the same precoding. Within one reference signal period, the first communication device receives a reference signal transmitted by a second communication device, wherein the reference signal is precoded based on the reference signal coherence time. This application embodiment improves the configuration flexibility of precoding by indicating the granularity of precoding polling.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the reference signal configuration information may further include: the number P of symbols in a time slot, or the index of the symbols in a time slot. Through this method, the first communication device and the second communication device can align the reference signal configuration information, thereby improving the accuracy of the transmitted reference signal.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the reference signal configuration information may further include the number of time slots N for the duration of the reference signal. Through this method, the first communication device and the second communication device can align the reference signal configuration information, thereby improving the accuracy of the transmitted reference signal.

[0022] One possible implementation is that the coherence time of the reference signal can include the number S of time units corresponding to the duration, where the time unit is a time slot or a symbol. In the above approach, the granularity of precoding can be adjusted by changing the value of S, thereby improving the flexibility of precoding.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the coherence time of the reference signal can also include the number of reference signal packets T. In the above approach, the granularity of precoding can be adjusted by changing the value of T, thereby improving the flexibility of precoding.

[0024] One possible implementation is that when the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the reference signal in the same time slot can have the same transmission port for every S symbols. In the above method, the first communication device can assume that the transmission port is the same for every S symbols, and thus estimate the channel state based on the combination of these S symbols.

[0025] One possible implementation is that, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in time slots, the transmission port can be the same for every S time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration. In this approach, the first communication device can assume that the transmission port is the same for every S time slots, and thus estimate the channel state based on the merging of these S time slots.

[0026] One possible implementation involves using symbol-level coherence time for the reference signal. The P symbols within a time slot comprise T symbol groups, with each symbol group sharing the same transmission port. This approach, by grouping symbols within a time slot, allows for precoding granularity at either the symbol or symbol group level, thereby improving the flexibility of precoding configuration.

[0027] One possible implementation is that when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity (time slots), the N continuous time slots of the reference signal comprise T time slot groups, and the transmission port of the reference signal in each time slot group can be the same. In the above approach, by grouping multiple continuous time slots, the granularity of precoding can be at the time slot group level, thereby improving the flexibility of precoding configuration.

[0028] One possible implementation involves using a reference signal coherence time granularity of S symbols. Within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration, the transmission ports for the reference signal in different time slots can be different. Within the same time slot, the reference signal in every S symbols uses the same precoding. This approach achieves good compatibility with existing protocols with minimal protocol modifications.

[0029] One possible implementation involves using time slots as the granularity for the coherence time of the reference signal. Within N time slots of the reference signal's duration, the transmission ports of the reference signals on different symbols within the same time slot can be the same, and the reference signals on every S symbols within the same time slot employ the same precoding. This approach achieves good compatibility with existing protocols and requires minimal modification to the protocol.

[0030] One possible implementation is that the first communication device can receive reference signal configuration information from the positioning device. In this way, the first communication device can obtain the reference signal configuration information and thus receive the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information.

[0031] One possible implementation involves the first communication device receiving reference signals from the second communication device at a time-varying granularity. The received reference signals can then be combined, and the measurement result determined based on the combined signal. This result is then reported to the positioning device. Since the multipath power delay spectrum varies under different precoding schemes, and the channel power is lower under certain precoding schemes, resulting in lower first-path energy, the first-path determined by these precoding schemes may be inaccurate, leading to misjudgment. The above method, by obtaining the combining gain through multiple different precoding schemes, can effectively prevent misjudgment and improve the robustness of the first-path delay estimation.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first communication device can also receive a location request message sent by the positioning device, which is used to indicate the measurement results reported by the first communication device.

[0033] One possible implementation is that the first communication device can be a terminal device, and the second communication device can be a base station.

[0034] One possible implementation is that the first communication device can be a base station, and the second communication device can be a terminal device.

[0035] One possible implementation is to use a PRS or SRS as the reference signal.

[0036] Thirdly, this application provides a configuration precoding apparatus, which can be a communication device or a chip or chipset within a communication device. The apparatus may include a processing unit and a transceiver unit. When the apparatus is a communication device, the processing unit may be a processor, and the transceiver unit may be a transceiver; the apparatus may also include a storage module, which may be a memory; the storage module stores instructions, and the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage module to cause the communication device to perform the corresponding functions described in the first aspect, or to cause the communication device to perform the corresponding functions described in the second aspect. When the apparatus is a chip or chipset within a communication device, the processing unit may be a processor, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, pin, or circuit, etc.; the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage module to cause the communication device to perform the corresponding functions described in the first aspect, or to cause the communication device to perform the corresponding functions described in the second aspect. The storage module may be a storage module within the chip or chipset (e.g., a register, cache, etc.), or a storage module located outside the chip or chipset within the network device (e.g., a read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0037] Fourthly, a configuration precoding apparatus is provided, comprising: a processor, a communication interface, and a memory. The communication interface is used for transmitting information, and / or messages, and / or data between the apparatus and other devices. The memory is used to store computer-executable instructions, which, when the apparatus is running, are executed by the processor to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, causing the apparatus to perform the configuration precoding method as described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, or to cause the apparatus to perform the configuration precoding method as described in the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0038] Fifthly, the present application provides a computer storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of the first aspect of the present application and any possible implementation thereof, or cause the communication device to perform the method of the second aspect of the present application and any two possible implementations thereof.

[0039] Sixthly, the computer program product provided in the embodiments of this application enables the communication device to perform the method of the first aspect of the embodiments of this application and any possible implementation thereof when the computer program product is run on the communication device. Alternatively, it enables the communication device to perform the method of the second aspect of the embodiments of this application and any possible implementation thereof.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a chip coupled to a memory, which executes the method of the first aspect of the embodiment of this application and any possible implementation thereof, or executes the method of the second aspect of the embodiment of this application and any possible implementation thereof.

[0041] Furthermore, the technical effects brought about by the second to fifth aspects can be found in the description of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "coupling" refers to two components being directly or indirectly combined with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0045] Figure 3 A precoding schematic diagram provided for this application;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a precoding polling method provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a configuration precoding method provided in this application;

[0048] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the positioning process of a terminal device provided in this application;

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the positioning process of another terminal device provided in this application;

[0050] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a device for configuring precoding provided in this application;

[0051] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of another configuration precoding device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] The measurement reporting method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, hybrid architectures of LTE and 5G, NR systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in the future development of communication.

[0054] For example, Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a communication system architecture applicable to this application. The communication system may include a core network, a radio access network (RAN), and terminal equipment. The core network may include functions such as access and mobility management function (AMF) and location management function (LMF). The AMF can implement gateway functions, and the LMF can implement location center functions. Other network elements may also be included in the core network, which are not listed here. The AMF and LMF can be connected via an NLs interface. The RAN may include one or more network devices, including but not limited to ng-eNBs and gNBs. The ng-eNB is an LTE base station accessing the 5G core network, and the gNB is a 5G base station accessing the 5G core network. Terminal equipment includes one or more user equipment (UE). The radio access network can connect to the core network via the AMF through the NG-C interface. Terminal equipment can connect to the radio access network via the ng-eNB through LTE-Uu, or via the ng-eNB and gNB through NR-Uu.

[0055] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates another communication system architecture to which this application applies. In this communication system, the network equipment may include a location management component (LMC). The LMC can implement some of the functions of the LMF, thereby eliminating the need to introduce it into the 5G core network via the AMF.

[0056] The communication system used in this application embodiment may include one or more gNBs and one or more UEs. A single gNB can transmit data or control signaling to one or more UEs. Multiple gNBs can also transmit data or control signaling to a single UE simultaneously.

[0057] It should be understood that Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is merely an illustrative example and does not specifically limit the type, number, or connection method of network elements included in the communication system to which this application applies.

[0058] The LMF involved in this application embodiment is a device or component deployed in the core network to provide positioning function for the UE.

[0059] The LMC involved in this application embodiment is a functional component of the LMF and can be integrated on the gNB on the NG-RAN side.

[0060] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of this application is an entity on the user side used to receive or transmit signals. The terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, such as a handheld device with wireless connectivity, an in-vehicle device, etc. The terminal device can also be other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks through a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device can also be referred to as a wireless terminal device, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal device, access terminal device, user terminal device, user agent, user device, or user equipment (UE), etc. The terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device, for example, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or in-vehicle mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network. For example, the terminal device can also be a personal communication service (PCS) telephone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and other devices. Common terminal devices include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), and wearable devices such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, and pedometers, but the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0061] The base station involved in this application embodiment is a network-side entity used for transmitting and / or receiving signals. It can be used to convert received air frames to and from Internet Protocol (IP) packets, and act as a router between the terminal device and the rest of the access network, which may include IP networks, etc. The base station can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the base station can be an evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in LTE. An eNB is a device deployed in a radio access network that meets 4G standards and provides wireless communication functions for the UE. The base station can also be a new radio controller (NR controller), a gNode B (gNB) in a 5G system, a centralized unit, a new wireless base station, a remote radio module, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a relay, a distributed unit, a macro base station of various forms, a transmission reception point (TRP), a transmission measurement function (TMF), or a transmission point (TP), or any other wireless access device, or a base station in next-generation communications, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0062] When a terminal device or base station transmits signals using multiple antennas, it is necessary to consider the weighting coefficients between the signal and the antenna array elements. This weighting of the signal is called precoding. The precoding described in this application can also be called a precoding matrix. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when signal x is transmitted through antenna elements 0, 1, 2, and 3, it is weighted by the precoding matrix (a0, a1, a2, a3) and then transmitted as a0x, a1x, a2x, and a3x. The base station can maximize the signal energy reaching the terminal device by selecting an appropriate precoding. To select a suitable precoding, it is usually necessary to obtain the un-precoded CSI and then determine the precoding that maximizes the signal energy based on the CSI.

[0063] Base stations typically require assistance from terminal devices to acquire Channel State Information (CSI). This can be achieved through terminal devices feeding back CSI or transmitting sounding reference signals (SRS). However, not all SRS transmissions can pre-acquire CSI. Furthermore, optimal precoding is terminal-specific; what is optimal for one terminal device may not be optimal for another. This prevents the sharing of precoding resources between different terminal devices, leading to resource waste when there are many terminal devices in the network.

[0064] To address the aforementioned issues, precoding polling is a current method, a transmit diversity technique. It involves the transmitter pre-setting a precoding set, which can include multiple precodes. The signal is then transmitted sequentially through these precodes in the frequency and / or time domains. For example... Figure 4 As shown, frequency domain precoding polling refers to using different precoding methods for different sets of resource elements (REs) (e.g., subbands) in the frequency domain, while time domain precoding polling refers to using different precoding methods for different time domain units in the time domain. The two can also be combined to form time-frequency domain precoding polling.

[0065] Currently, NR can use frequency-domain precoding polling for the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and its associated demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and for the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and its associated DMRS / phase track reference signal (PTRS). For PDSCH with multi-slot scheduling, precoding polling can be used between time slots, meaning different precoding is used for different time slots. For CSI-RS, frequency-domain precoding polling is not supported; however, time-domain precoding polling is supported for periodic or semi-persistent CSI-RS within different periods, meaning different precoding matrices are used for different periods. This is communicated to the terminal device via time-domain measurement constraints. When time-domain measurement constraints are not configured (or are disabled by default), the terminal device assumes that the CSI-RS precoding is the same across different periods, allowing for smoothing of channel estimation. When time-domain measurement constraints are configured, the terminal device assumes that the CSI-RS precoding may be different across different periods, preventing smoothing of channel estimation.

[0066] However, the current configuration flexibility of precoding polling is relatively low, and it is not well-suited to the scenarios involved in terminal device positioning. Specifically, it currently only supports precoding polling at the single-slot granularity, meaning different precoding is used for different slots. Furthermore, when using precoding polling for transmission, the terminal device can only obtain selective gain, that is, choose one of multiple precoding gains, and cannot utilize different precoding to obtain combined gain.

[0067] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a method and apparatus for configuring precoding. The method and apparatus are based on the same technical concept. Since the principles by which the method and apparatus solve the problem are similar, the implementations of the apparatus and method can refer to each other, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0068] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes 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, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "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, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0069] In addition, it should be understood that in the description of this application, the words "first" and "second" are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0070] In this embodiment of the application, the positioning device can be an LMF network element, for example, see the following: Figure 1 As shown, it can also be an LMC concentrated within the gNB (also known as a RAN-LMC), for example, see [reference]. Figure 2 As shown. RAN-LMC corresponds to one base station, or RAN-LMC corresponds to one positioning base station.

[0071] In this application, precoding can be understood as weighting the signal using a precoding matrix, or as weighting the signal using a precoding vector.

[0072] The reference signal uses the same precoding, which can be understood as the reference signal having the same transmission port. Generally, signals transmitted through the same transmission port can be considered to have the same channel state. Therefore, the fact that the reference signal has the same transmission port can also be understood as the reference signal having the same channel state.

[0073] The configuration precoding method provided in this application embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This method can be applied to scenarios where a base station sends downlink reference signals (such as positioning reference signals (PRS)) to a terminal device. This method can also be applied to scenarios where a terminal device sends uplink reference signals (such as SRS) to a base station.

[0074] See Figure 5 The flowchart below shows a configuration precoding method provided in this application, which includes:

[0075] S501, the first communication device obtains reference signal configuration information, which includes reference signal coherence time, and the reference signal coherence time is used to indicate the duration of transmitting the reference signal using the same precoding.

[0076] The reference signal configuration information can be used to configure the time-frequency resources of the reference signal, etc. For example, the reference signal can be a PRS or an SRS. For example, the reference signal can be understood as a reference signal resource, and the reference signal resource can be understood as a logical structure carrying the reference signal configuration information.

[0077] It should be understood that the reference signal configuration information is only an exemplary name. In specific implementations, the reference signal configuration information can also be named something else, such as the downstream reference signal configuration information, etc. Or, when the reference signal is A, the reference signal configuration information can also be called A configuration information. For example, if the reference signal is PRS, the reference signal configuration information can be called PRS configuration information.

[0078] The reference signal coherence time is just an example name. In specific implementations, the reference signal coherence time can also be named something else, such as precoding granularity, precoding polling granularity, etc. Or, when the reference signal is A, the reference signal coherence time can also be called A coherence time. If the reference signal is PRS, the reference signal coherence time can be called PRS coherence time.

[0079] In one embodiment, when the first communication device is a base station, the reference signal configuration information can be determined by the first communication device itself. Alternatively, the reference signal configuration information can be sent from the positioning device to the first communication device.

[0080] In another implementation, when the first communication device is a terminal device, the reference signal configuration information can be sent to the first communication device by the serving base station of the first communication device. Alternatively, the reference signal configuration information can be sent to the first communication device by a positioning device.

[0081] For example, the reference signal configuration information may include: the number P of symbols of the reference signal in a time slot, or the index of the symbols of the reference signal in a time slot.

[0082] The reference signal configuration information may also include: the number of time slots N for the duration of the reference signal, where N can be understood as the number of time slots for a single transmission of the reference signal.

[0083] In one implementation, if the reference signal configuration information does not include the number of time slots N for the duration of the reference signal, N can be defaulted to 1.

[0084] In some embodiments, the reference signal coherence time can be in symbol granularity, and the reference signal coherence time can include the number of symbols S corresponding to the above duration, or the reference signal coherence time can also include the number of symbol groups T of the reference signal in one time slot, wherein the duration can be equal to the number of symbols in each group.

[0085] Furthermore, this duration (or it can be understood as the number of symbols included in each group) can be determined based on the number of symbols P of the reference signal in a time slot and the number of symbol groups T.

[0086] In other embodiments, the reference signal coherence time can also be in the form of time slots. The reference signal coherence time may include the number of time slots M corresponding to the above duration, or the reference signal coherence time may also include the number of time slot groups G of the reference signal, wherein the duration may be equal to the number of time slots included in each group.

[0087] Furthermore, this duration (or it can be understood as the number of time slots included in each group) can be determined based on the number of time slots N for the reference signal and the number of time slot groups G.

[0088] Reference signal configuration information can be configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, media access control control element (MAC-CE) signaling, or downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

[0089] For example, this can be configured via an information element in RRC signaling, such as:

[0090]

[0091]

[0092] Wherein, DL-PRS-Resource{} represents the reference signal configuration information, symbolPerSlot represents the number of symbols in a time slot (P), nrSlots represents the number of consecutive time slots (N), coherenceTime represents the reference signal coherence time, coherenceSlot represents the number of reference signal coherence time slots (M), slotGroups represents the number of reference signal coherence time slot groups (G), coherenceSymb represents the number of reference signal coherence time symbols (S), and symbGroups represents the number of reference signal coherence time symbol groups (T).

[0093] S502, the second communication device obtains the reference signal configuration information.

[0094] When the second communication device is a terminal device, the reference signal configuration information can be sent from the positioning device to the second communication device, or it can be sent from the serving base station of the second communication device to the second communication device.

[0095] When the second communication device is a base station, the reference signal configuration information can be sent from the positioning device to the second communication device, or it can be determined by the second communication device itself.

[0096] It should be understood that there is no strict execution order for steps S501 and S502. S501 can be executed first and then S502, or S502 can be executed first and then S501, or S501 and S502 can be executed simultaneously. No specific restrictions are made here.

[0097] S503, within one reference signal period, the first communication device transmits a reference signal to the second communication device based on reference signal configuration information, wherein the reference signal is pre-coded based on the reference signal coherence time. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information.

[0098] In one exemplary embodiment, if the first communication device is a terminal device, the precoding matrix used by the first communication device when precoding the reference signal can be either pre-stored locally by the first communication device or configured to the first communication device by the serving base station. If the first communication device is a base station, the precoding matrix used by the first communication device when precoding the reference signal can be pre-stored locally by the base station.

[0099] In one implementation, the first communication device may include at least one precoding set, and a precoding set may include multiple precoding matrices.

[0100] For example, the first communication device may include a first precoding set, which may include multiple one-dimensional matrices that can be used to weight a single-stream signal. For instance, the first precoding set may include three one-dimensional matrices, allowing the first communication device to sequentially use these three matrices for precoding polling.

[0101] Where n equals the number of transmitting antenna elements of the first communication device.

[0102] For example, the first communication device may include a second precoding set, which may include multiple two-dimensional matrices that can be used to weight two signal streams. For instance, the second precoding set may include three two-dimensional matrices, allowing the first communication device to sequentially use these three matrices for precoding polling.

[0103] Where n equals the number of transmitting antenna elements of the first communication device.

[0104] Of course, the first communication device may also include other precoding sets, which may include precoding in multiple dimensions, such as a three-dimensional precoding matrix (used for precoding weighting of three signal streams), a four-dimensional precoding matrix (used for precoding weighting of four signal streams), and so on. The following description uses symbol-level coherence time of the reference signal as an example to illustrate the process of the first communication device sending the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal to the second communication device.

[0105] Implementation Method 1: The reference signal coherence time includes S symbols. If S is divisible by P, the P symbols within one time slot can be divided into... There are several reference signal groups, each containing S consecutive symbols. Therefore, for reference signals within the same time slot, the same precoding can be used for every S symbols. Correspondingly, the second communication device can assume that the transmission port is the same for every S symbols of the reference signals within the same time slot. It should be understood that when two symbols have the same transmission port, their channel states are considered to be consistent.

[0106] For example, suppose S equals 3, P equals 12, and the symbols of the reference signal within a time slot are 1 to 12. These 12 symbols can be divided into 4 reference signal groups: symbols 1 to 3, symbols 4 to 6, symbols 7 to 9, and symbols 10 to 12. Then, for the reference signals within the same time slot, the same precoding can be used for every 3 symbols. That is, the first communication device can use the same precoding for symbols 1 to 3, the same precoding for symbols 4 to 6, the same precoding for symbols 7 to 9, and the same precoding for symbols 10 to 12.

[0107] Assuming the reference signals are single-stream signals, taking the first precoding set mentioned above as an example, symbols 1-3 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, symbols 4-6 can be precoded using precoding matrix A2, symbols 7-9 can be precoded using precoding matrix A3, and symbols 10-12 can be precoded using precoding matrix A4. It is understood that different reference signal groups are not limited to using different precoding matrices; different reference signal groups can also use the same precoding matrix. For example, symbols 1-3 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, symbols 4-6 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, and so on.

[0108] Accordingly, the second communication device can assume that the transmission ports of every 3 symbols are the same, that is, the second communication device can assume that the transmission ports of symbols 1 to 3 are the same, the transmission ports of symbols 4 to 6 are the same, the transmission ports of symbols 7 to 9 are the same, and the transmission ports of symbols 10 to 12 are the same.

[0109] Implementation Method 2: The reference signal coherence time includes the number of symbol groups T. If T is divisible by P, P symbols in one time slot can be divided into T reference signal groups, and each reference signal group can contain... A series of consecutive symbols. Therefore, for the reference signal within the same time slot, it can be every... Each symbol uses the same precoding. Accordingly, for the reference signal within the same time slot, the second communication device can be considered to use the same precoding for each symbol. The symbols all have the same sending port.

[0110] For example, suppose T equals 4, P equals 12, and the symbols of the reference signal within a time slot are 1 to 12. These 12 symbols can be divided into 4 reference signal groups: symbols 1 to 3, symbols 4 to 6, symbols 7 to 9, and symbols 10 to 12. Then, for the reference signals within the same time slot, the same precoding can be used for every 3 symbols. That is, the first communication device can use the same precoding for symbols 1 to 3, the same precoding for symbols 4 to 6, the same precoding for symbols 7 to 9, and the same precoding for symbols 10 to 12.

[0111] Assuming the reference signals are single-stream signals, taking the first precoding set mentioned above as an example, symbols 1-3 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, symbols 4-6 can be precoded using precoding matrix A2, symbols 7-9 can be precoded using precoding matrix A3, and symbols 10-12 can be precoded using precoding matrix A4. It is understood that different reference signal groups are not limited to using different precoding matrices; different reference signal groups can also use the same precoding matrix. For example, symbols 1-3 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, symbols 4-6 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, and so on.

[0112] Accordingly, the second communication device can assume that the transmission ports of every 3 symbols are the same, that is, the second communication device can assume that the transmission ports of symbols 1 to 3 are the same, the transmission ports of symbols 4 to 6 are the same, the transmission ports of symbols 7 to 9 are the same, and the transmission ports of symbols 10 to 12 are the same.

[0113] Implementation Method 3: The reference signal coherence time includes S symbols. If S is not divisible by P, the P symbols in one time slot are divided into t = ceil(P / S) reference signal groups, where ceil is the floor function. Each of the first (t-1) reference signal groups can contain S consecutive symbols, and the t-th reference signal group can contain P-(T-1)*S consecutive symbols. Therefore, for reference signals within the same time slot, symbols within the same reference signal group can use the same precoding. Correspondingly, the second communication device can consider that the transmission ports of symbols within the same reference signal group are the same for reference signals within the same time slot.

[0114] For example, suppose S equals 3, P equals 13, and the symbols of the reference signal within a time slot are 1 to 13. These 12 symbols can be divided into ceil(13 / 3) = 5 reference signal groups. The first four reference signal groups each contain 3 symbols, and the last group contains 1 symbol. These 5 reference signal groups are symbols 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, and 13. Therefore, for reference signals within the same time slot, symbols within the same reference signal group can use the same precoding. That is, the first communication device can use the same precoding for symbols 1-3, symbols 4-6, symbols 7-9, symbols 10-12, and symbol 13.

[0115] Assuming the reference signal is a single-stream signal, taking the first precoding set mentioned above as an example, symbols 1-3 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, symbols 4-6 can be precoded using precoding matrix A2, symbols 7-9 can be precoded using precoding matrix A3, symbols 10-12 can be precoded using precoding matrix A4, and symbol 13 can be precoded using precoding matrix A2. It is understood that different reference signal groups are not limited to using different precoding matrices; different reference signal groups can also use the same precoding matrix. For example, symbols 1-3 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, symbols 4-6 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, and so on. Correspondingly, the second communication device can consider that the transmission ports of symbols within the same reference signal group are the same; that is, the second communication device can consider that the transmission ports of symbols 1-3 are the same, the transmission ports of symbols 4-6 are the same, the transmission ports of symbols 7-9 are the same, the transmission ports of symbols 10-12 are the same, and the transmission port of symbol 13 is the same.

[0116] Implementation Method 4: The reference signal coherence time includes the number of symbol groups T. If T is not divisible by P, P symbols in a time slot are divided into T reference signal groups. The first mod(P,T) reference signal groups each contain ceil(P / T) symbols, and the last T-mod(P,T) reference signal groups each contain ceil(P / T)-1 symbols. Mod represents the modulo operation, and ceil represents the floor function. Therefore, for reference signals within the same time slot, symbols within the same reference signal group can use the same precoding. Correspondingly, the second communication device can consider that the transmission ports of symbols within the same reference signal group are the same for reference signals within the same time slot.

[0117] For example, suppose T equals 4, P equals 13, and the symbols of the reference signal within a time slot are 1 to 13. These 12 symbols can be divided into 4 reference signal groups. The first reference signal group includes 4 symbols, and the latter three reference signal groups each include 3 symbols. These 4 reference signal groups are symbols 1-4, symbols 5-7, symbols 8-10, and symbols 11-13. Therefore, for the reference signals within the same time slot, the symbols within the same reference signal group can use the same precoding. That is, the first communication device can use the same precoding for symbols 1-4, symbols 5-7, symbols 8-10, and symbols 11-13.

[0118] Assuming the reference signals are single-stream signals, taking the first precoding set mentioned above as an example, symbols 1-4 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, symbols 5-7 can be precoded using precoding matrix A2, symbols 8-10 can be precoded using precoding matrix A3, and symbols 11-13 can be precoded using precoding matrix A4. It is understood that different reference signal groups are not limited to using different precoding matrices; different reference signal groups can also use the same precoding matrix. For example, symbols 1-4 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, symbols 8-10 can be precoded using precoding matrix A1, and so on.

[0119] Accordingly, the second communication device can assume that the transmission ports of symbols within the same reference signal group are the same, that is, the second communication device can assume that the transmission ports of symbols 1 to 4 are the same, the transmission ports of symbols 5 to 7 are the same, the transmission ports of symbols 8 to 10 are the same, and the transmission ports of symbols 11 to 13 are the same.

[0120] In one exemplary description, the precoding used in different groups in the four embodiments described above may be different, or they may be the same; this is not specifically limited here.

[0121] In some embodiments, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the precoding used in different time slots within the N time slots of a sustained reference signal can be different. Accordingly, within the N time slots of a sustained reference signal, the second communication device can assume that the transmission port of the reference signal in different time slots is different.

[0122] When the reference signal coherence time is in the granularity of time slots, the method by which the first communication device sends the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal to the second communication device is similar to the method described in Embodiments 1 to 4 above. Compared with the method by which the first communication device sends the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal to the second communication device when the reference signal coherence time is in the granularity of symbols, the only difference is the time unit; the other precoding rules are the same.

[0123] For example, in implementation method one: the coherence time of the reference signal comprises M time slots. Within the N consecutive time slots of the reference signal, if M is divisible by N, the N consecutive time slots can be divided into N / M reference signal groups, each containing M time slots. Therefore, for the N consecutively mapped time slots of the reference signal, the same precoding can be used for every M time slots.

[0124] Implementation Method 2: The coherence time of the reference signal includes the number of time slot groups G. Within N consecutive time slots of the reference signal, if G is divisible by N, the N consecutive time slots can be divided into G reference signal groups, each containing N / G time slots. Therefore, for the N consecutively mapped time slots of the reference signal, the same precoding can be used for every N / G time slots.

[0125] Implementation Method 3: The reference signal coherence time comprises M time slots. Within N consecutive time slots of the reference signal, if M is not divisible by N, the N consecutive time slots can be divided into t = ceil(N / M) reference signal groups, where ceil is the floor function. Each of the first t-1 reference signal groups can contain M time slots, and the t-th reference signal group can contain N-(t-1)*M time slots. Therefore, for the N consecutively mapped time slots of the reference signal, the time slots within the same reference signal group can use the same precoding.

[0126] Implementation Method 4: The coherence time of the reference signal includes the number of time slot groups G. Within N consecutive time slots of the reference signal, if G is not divisible by N, the N consecutive time slots can be divided into G reference signal groups. The first mod(N, G) reference signal groups each include ceil(N / G) time slots, and the last T-mod(N, G) reference signal groups each include ceil(N / G)-1 time slots. Mod represents the modulo operation, and ceil represents the floor function. Therefore, for N consecutively mapped time slots of the reference signal, time slots within the same reference signal group can use the same precoding.

[0127] In some embodiments, when the coherence time of the reference signal is granular at time slots, the reference signals on different symbols within the same time slot can use the same precoding within N time slots of the reference signal's duration. Accordingly, within N time slots of the reference signal's duration, the second communication device can assume that the transmission ports of the reference signals on different symbols within the same time slot are different.

[0128] In one possible implementation, after receiving a reference signal sent by the first communication device, the second communication device can measure the reference signal, obtain the measurement result, and report the measurement result to the positioning device.

[0129] In one implementation, the second communication device measures the reference signal to obtain the measurement result, which can be achieved in the following way:

[0130] A1, the second communication device combines the received reference signals to obtain spatial diversity gain.

[0131] For example, within a reference signal period, the second communication device receives reference signals transmitted using different precoding methods and estimates the equivalent channel impulse response of the second communication device's receiving branch k (e.g., receiving antenna k or receiving port k) under precoding i. Understandably, the meaning of equivalence can be... Where w i h is the precoding vector (or precoding matrix) corresponding to precoding i. k (n) is the channel impulse response vector, representing the channel impulse response of the first communication device to the receiving branch k with a time delay of n at each transmitting antenna (also called the transmitting port). The second communication device does not need to know the actual w. i It is also possible to not need to know the actual h. k (n) can be determined by knowing only the equivalent channel impulse response.

[0132] Understandably, precoding i can be the precoding used for the i-th reference signal group. The equivalent channel impulse response of receiving branch k under precoding i can be determined by the i-th reference signal group received by receiving branch k. Taking the above implementation method one as an example, the second communication device can determine the equivalent channel impulse response of receiving branch k under precoding 1 based on the reference signals received by receiving branch k on symbols 1 to 3. The equivalent channel impulse response of receiver branch k under precoding 2 is determined based on the reference signals received by receiver branch k in symbols 4-6. The reference signals received by receiver branch k on symbols 7-9 determine the equivalent channel impulse response of receiver branch k under precoding 3. The reference signals received by receiver branch k on symbols 10-12 determine the equivalent channel impulse response of receiver branch k under precoding 3.

[0133] In one embodiment, the second communication device can synthesize the equivalent channel impulse responses received by each receiving branch under multiple precoding methods to obtain a synthesized equivalent channel impulse response value. For example, taking receiving branch k as an example, the synthesized equivalent channel impulse response value of receiving branch k... The first path position D(h) is determined based on the synthesized equivalent channel impulse response value of each receiving branch. k Here, D(·) is the algorithm for calculating the first path, and the equivalent channel impulse response synthesis value h of the input receiving branch k is used. k (n) can be used to obtain the first path of the receiving branch k. Taking the above implementation method one as an example, the second communication device synthesizes the equivalent channel impulse response received by the receiving branch k under 4 precoding conditions to obtain Through D(h) k(n) can determine the position of the first path of the receiving branch k. The second communication device can determine a first path as the final result based on the first path of each receiving branch. For example, it can choose the earliest first path among the first paths of each receiving branch as the final result, or it can choose the average value of the first paths of each receiving branch as the final result.

[0134] In another implementation, the second communication device may also calculate the first path for each received equivalent channel impulse response under each precoding, and take the earliest of all first paths, i.e. Here, D(·) is the algorithm for calculating the first diameter, and the input is... Corresponding to {h k (n) (i) |n∈I}, where I is the set of delay indices for the channel impulse response. Taking the above implementation method one as an example, the second communication device can synthesize the equivalent channel impulse response of each precode on each receiving branch. Assuming that the second communication device has two receiving branches, for precode 1, the second communication device can determine the equivalent channel impulse response received by receiving branch 1 under precode 1 based on the reference signals on symbols 1 to 3 received by receiving branch 1. The equivalent channel impulse response received by receiver branch 2 under precoding 1 is determined based on the reference signals on symbols 1-3 received by receiver branch 2. Will and The signals are merged to obtain the equivalent channel impulse response received under precoding 1. Then, the first path corresponding to precoding 1 is determined based on the equivalent channel impulse response received under precoding 1. Similarly, the first paths corresponding to precoding 2, precoding 3, and precoding 4 are obtained sequentially. The second communication device selects the earliest first path from the first paths corresponding to precoding 1 through 4. As the final result.

[0135] A2, the second communication device determines the measurement result based on the merged reference signal.

[0136] Because the multipath power delay spectrum of the channel varies under different precoding, and the channel power is low under some precoding, the first path energy is also low. Therefore, the first path determined by these precodings is inaccurate, leading to misjudgment. In the embodiments of this application, the merging gain is obtained by using multiple different precodings, which can effectively prevent misjudgment and improve the robustness of the first path delay estimation.

[0137] In some embodiments, before the second communication device reports the measurement result to the positioning device, it may receive a location request message sent by the positioning device. The location request message may be used to instruct the second communication device to measure the reported measurement result.

[0138] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following description uses the example of a base station sending a downlink reference signal to a terminal device, combined with a terminal device positioning scenario. (See also...) Figure 6 The process of terminal devices measuring and reporting location information may include:

[0139] S601, The positioning device sends the downlink reference signal configuration information of the base station to the terminal device.

[0140] The downlink reference signal configuration information may include the PRS resource coherence time. It may also include one or more of the following: the number of symbols P in the PRS resource time slot, the index of the symbols in the PRS resource time slot, or the number of consecutive PRS resource time slots N.

[0141] For details regarding the PRS resource coherence time, please refer to the relevant description of the reference signal coherence time mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0142] S602, The positioning device sends a location information request to the terminal device.

[0143] The location information request may include measurement results that instruct the terminal device to measure and report the PRS.

[0144] There is no strict execution order for steps S601 and S602. S601 can be executed first and then S602, or S602 can be executed first and then S601, or S601 and S602 can be executed simultaneously. No specific restrictions are made here.

[0145] S603. The base station sends a PRS to the terminal device based on the downlink reference signal configuration information. The downlink reference signal configuration information can be determined by the base station itself or sent to the base station by the positioning device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the PRS sent by the base station based on the downlink reference signal configuration information.

[0146] The process of the base station sending PRS and the process of the terminal device receiving PRS can be referred to in Implementation Method 1 to Implementation Method 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0147] S604, the terminal device measures the received PRS, obtains the measurement result, and reports the measurement result to the positioning device.

[0148] The process of the terminal device measuring the PRS and obtaining the measurement result can be referred to in the previous description of the second communication device measuring the reference signal and obtaining the measurement result. The repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0149] S605, the terminal device reports the measurement result to the positioning device.

[0150] The following explanation uses the example of a terminal device sending an uplink reference signal to a base station, combined with the scenario of terminal device positioning. (See also...) Figure 7 The process of measuring and reporting location information for a base station can include:

[0151] S701, the serving base station reports uplink reference signal configuration information to the positioning device.

[0152] The uplink reference signal configuration information may include the SRS resource coherence time. It may also include one or more of the following: the number of symbols P in the SRS resource time slot, the index of the symbols in the SRS resource time slot, or the number of consecutive SRS resource time slots N.

[0153] For details regarding the SRS resource coherence time, please refer to the relevant description of the reference signal coherence time mentioned above; it will not be repeated here.

[0154] S702, The terminal device obtains uplink reference signal configuration information. One implementation is that the serving base station sends the uplink reference signal configuration information to the terminal device; another implementation is that the positioning device sends the uplink reference signal configuration information to the terminal device.

[0155] S703. The positioning device sends a location information request to each base station. Each base station may include the serving base station of the terminal device.

[0156] The location information request may include measurement results that instruct the base station to measure and report the SRS.

[0157] There is no strict execution order for steps S703 and S701. S703 can be executed before S701, or S701 can be executed before S703, or both S701 and S703 can be executed simultaneously. No specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0158] S704. The terminal device sends the SRS to each base station according to the uplink reference signal configuration information. Correspondingly, each base station receives the SRS sent by the terminal device according to the uplink reference signal configuration information. The uplink reference signal configuration information can be determined by the base station itself, or it can be sent to the base station by the positioning device.

[0159] The process of the terminal device sending SRS can be referred to in Implementation Methods 1 to 4 above, and will not be repeated here. The process of the base station receiving SRS can be referred to in Implementation Methods 1 to 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0160] S705: Each base station measures the received SRS, obtains the measurement results, and reports the measurement results to the positioning device.

[0161] The process of the base station measuring the SRS and obtaining the measurement results can be found in the previous description of the second communication device measuring the reference signal and obtaining the measurement results. Repeated descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0162] S706, each base station reports the measurement result to the positioning device.

[0163] In this embodiment, the precoding granularity is indicated through parameter configuration information, allowing the transmitter to select the appropriate granularity. Compared to existing temporal precoding polling methods, this embodiment offers greater flexibility in selecting the precoding granularity, improving configuration flexibility. Furthermore, in positioning scenarios, precoding polling enables spatial diversity, allowing the receiver to combine reference signals based on different precodings to obtain measurement results, thus facilitating high-precision positioning.

[0164] Based on the same inventive concept as the method embodiments, this application provides an apparatus for configuring precoding. The structure of this measurement reporting apparatus can be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, it includes a processing unit 801 and a transceiver unit 802.

[0165] In one implementation, the precoding configuration device can be specifically used to implement... Figure 5 In the embodiments, the method executed by the first communication device can be the first communication device itself, or a chip or chipset within the first communication device, or a part of a chip used to perform the relevant method function. The first communication device can be a terminal device or a base station. The processing unit 801 is used to obtain reference signal configuration information, which includes a reference signal coherence time, indicating the duration for transmitting a reference signal using the same precoding. The transceiver unit 802 is used to transmit a reference signal to the communication device based on the reference signal configuration information within one reference signal period, wherein the reference signal is precoded based on the reference signal coherence time.

[0166] For example, the reference signal configuration information may also include: the number P of symbols of the reference signal in a time slot, or the index of the symbols of the reference signal in a time slot.

[0167] The reference signal configuration information may also include: the number of time slots N for the duration of the reference signal.

[0168] In one exemplary embodiment, the reference signal coherence time may include the number S of time units corresponding to the duration, or the reference signal coherence time may also include the number T of reference signal packets. Here, a time unit is a time slot or a symbol.

[0169] When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the reference signal in the same time slot can use the same precoding every S symbols.

[0170] Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the same precoding can be used every S time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal.

[0171] When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the P symbols of the reference signal in a time slot include T symbol groups, and the reference signal in each symbol group can use the same precoding.

[0172] Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the N time slots of the reference signal include T time slot groups, and the reference signal in each time slot group can use the same precoding.

[0173] When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbols, different precoding methods can be used for the reference signal in different time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

[0174] When the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the reference signals on different symbols within the same time slot can use the same precoding within N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

[0175] When the processing unit 801 obtains the reference signal configuration information, it can be specifically used to: receive the reference signal configuration information from the positioning device through the transceiver unit 802; or, receive the reference signal configuration information from the serving base station through the transceiver unit 802.

[0176] In another implementation, the precoding configuration device can be specifically used to implement... Figure 5 In the embodiments, the method executed by the second communication device can be the second communication device itself, or a chip or chipset within the second communication device, or a part of the chip used to perform the relevant method functions. The second communication device can be a terminal device or a base station. The transceiver unit 802 is used to transmit information and signals; the processing unit 801 is used to perform the following through the transceiver unit 802: receiving reference signal configuration information, the reference signal configuration information including reference signal coherence time, the reference signal coherence time indicating the duration of transmitting reference signals using the same precoding; and within one reference signal period, receiving reference signals transmitted by the communication device, the reference signals being precoded based on the reference signal coherence time.

[0177] For example, the reference signal configuration information may also include: the number P of symbols of the reference signal in a time slot, or the index of the symbols of the reference signal in a time slot.

[0178] The reference signal configuration information may also include: the number of time slots N for the duration of the reference signal.

[0179] In one exemplary embodiment, the reference signal coherence time may include the number S of time units corresponding to the duration, or the reference signal coherence time may also include the number T of reference signal packets. Here, a time unit is a time slot or a symbol.

[0180] When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the transmission port of the reference signal in the same time slot can be the same for every S symbols.

[0181] Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the transmission port can be the same for every S time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

[0182] When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbols, the P symbols of the reference signal in a time slot include T symbol groups, and the transmission port of the reference signal in each symbol group can be the same.

[0183] Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the N time slots of the reference signal include T time slot groups, and the transmission port of the reference signal in each time slot group can be the same.

[0184] When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the transmission port of the reference signal in different time slots can be different within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

[0185] When the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the transmission ports of the reference signal on different symbols within the same time slot can be the same during the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

[0186] In some embodiments, the reference signal configuration information may come from the positioning device.

[0187] In one possible implementation, after receiving the reference signal corresponding to the reference signal sent by the communication device through the transceiver unit 802, the processing unit 801 can also be used to: merge the received reference signals; determine the measurement result based on the merged reference signal; and report the measurement result to the positioning device through the transceiver unit 802.

[0188] The transceiver unit 802 can also be used to: receive a location request message sent by the positioning device, the location request message being used to indicate the measurement results reported by the device.

[0189] The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It is understood that the functions or implementations of the modules in the embodiments of this application can be further described in the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0190] In one possible approach, the precoding device can be configured as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the device can be a communication device or a chip within a communication device. The device may include a processor 901, a communication interface 902, and a memory 903. The processing unit 801 can be the processor 901. The transceiver unit 802 can be the communication interface 902.

[0191] The processor 901 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a digital processing unit, etc. The communication interface 902 can be a transceiver, an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver chip, etc. The device also includes a memory 903 for storing the program executed by the processor 901. The memory 903 can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). The memory 903 can be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, accessible by a computer, but is not limited to these.

[0192] The processor 901 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 903, specifically to perform the actions of the processing unit 801 described above, which will not be described in detail here. The communication interface 902 is specifically used to perform the actions of the transceiver unit 802 described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0193] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 902, processor 901, and memory 903. This application embodiment... Figure 9 The memory 903, processor 901, and communication interface 902 are connected via a bus 904. Figure 9The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 9 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0194] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer software instructions required to execute the processor, including a program required to execute the processor.

[0195] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The 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 processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are 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, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., SSD), etc.

[0196] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0197] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0198] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0199] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for configuring precoding, characterized in that, The method includes: The first communication device obtains reference signal configuration information, which includes reference signal coherence time, and the reference signal coherence time is used to indicate the duration of transmitting reference signals using the same precoding. Within a reference signal period, the first communication device sends a reference signal to the second communication device based on the reference signal configuration information, wherein the reference signal is precoded based on the reference signal coherence time.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reference signal configuration information also includes: The number P of symbols of the reference signal in a time slot, or the index of the symbols of the reference signal in a time slot.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reference signal configuration information also includes: The reference signal lasts for N time slots.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reference signal coherence time includes the number S of time units corresponding to the duration, or the reference signal coherence time includes the number T of the reference signal groups; The time unit is either a time slot or a symbol.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the reference signal in the same time slot uses the same precoding for every S symbols; Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the same precoding is used for every S time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal.

6. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the P symbols of the reference signal in one time slot include T symbol groups, and the reference signal in each symbol group uses the same precoding. Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the N time slots of the reference signal include T time slot groups, and the reference signal in each time slot group uses the same precoding.

7. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, different precoding is used for the reference signal in different time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

8. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the reference signals on different symbols within the same time slot use the same precoding within N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first communication device obtains reference signal configuration information, including: The first communication device receives the reference signal configuration information from the positioning device; Alternatively, the first communication device receives the reference signal configuration information from the serving base station.

10. A method for configuring precoding, characterized in that, The method includes: The first communication device receives reference signal configuration information, which includes reference signal coherence time, and the reference signal coherence time is used to indicate the duration of transmitting reference signals using the same precoding. During one reference signal period, the first communication device receives a reference signal sent by the second communication device, wherein the reference signal is precoded based on the reference signal coherence time.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The reference signal configuration information also includes: The number P of symbols of the reference signal in a time slot, or the index of the symbols of the reference signal in a time slot.

12. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The reference signal configuration information also includes: The reference signal lasts for N time slots.

13. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The reference signal coherence time includes the number S of time units corresponding to the duration, or the reference signal coherence time includes the number T of the reference signal groups; The time unit is either a time slot or a symbol.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the reference signal in the same time slot has the same transmission port for every S symbols; Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the transmission port is the same for every S time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

15. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the P symbols of the reference signal in one time slot include T symbol groups, and the transmission port of the reference signal in each symbol group is the same; Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the N time slots of the reference signal include T time slot groups, and the transmission port of the reference signal in each time slot group is the same.

16. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbols, the transmission port of the reference signal is different in different time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

17. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, within N time slots of the reference signal's duration, the transmission ports of the reference signals on different symbols within the same time slot are the same.

18. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first communication device receives reference signal configuration information, including: The first communication device receives the reference signal configuration information from the positioning device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that, After the first communication device receives the reference signal sent by the second communication device with the duration as the granularity, it further includes: The first communication device merges the received reference signals; The first communication device determines the measurement result based on the merged reference signal; The first communication device reports the measurement results to the positioning device.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first communication device receives a location request message sent by the positioning device, the location request message being used to indicate the measurement results reported by the first communication device.

21. An apparatus for configuring precoding, characterized in that, The device includes: The processing unit is configured to obtain reference signal configuration information, the reference signal configuration information including reference signal coherence time, the reference signal coherence time being used to indicate the duration of transmitting reference signals using the same precoding; A transceiver unit is configured to transmit a reference signal to a communication device based on the reference signal configuration information within a reference signal period, wherein the reference signal is precoded based on the coherence time.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that, The reference signal configuration information also includes: The number P of symbols of the reference signal in a time slot, or the index of the symbols of the reference signal in a time slot.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that, The reference signal configuration information also includes: The number of time slots N of the reference signal.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that, The reference signal coherence time includes the number S of time units corresponding to the duration, or the reference signal coherence time includes the number T of the reference signal groups; The time unit is either a time slot or a symbol.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the reference signal in the same time slot uses the same precoding for every S symbols; Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the same precoding is used for every S time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the P symbols of the reference signal in one time slot include T symbol groups, and the reference signal in each symbol group uses the same precoding. Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the N time slots of the reference signal include T time slot groups, and the reference signal in each time slot group uses the same precoding.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, different precoding is used for the reference signal in different time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the reference signals on different symbols within the same time slot use the same precoding within N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

29. The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that, The processing unit, upon receiving the configuration information for the reference signal, is specifically used for: The transceiver unit receives the reference signal configuration information from the positioning device. Alternatively, the reference signal configuration information can be received from the serving base station via the transceiver unit.

30. An apparatus for configuring precoding, characterized in that, The device includes: Transceiver unit, used for transmitting information and signals; The processing unit is configured to perform the following through the transceiver unit: Receive reference signal configuration information, the reference signal configuration information including reference signal coherence time, the reference signal coherence time being used to indicate the duration of transmitting reference signals using the same precoding; Within a reference signal period, a reference signal transmitted by a communication device is received, wherein the reference signal is precoded based on the coherence time of the reference signal.

31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30, characterized in that, The reference signal configuration information also includes: The number P of symbols of the reference signal in a time slot, or the index of the symbols of the reference signal in a time slot.

32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30, characterized in that, The reference signal configuration information also includes: The reference signal lasts for N time slots.

33. The apparatus as claimed in claim 31, characterized in that, The reference signal coherence time includes the number S of time units corresponding to the duration, or the reference signal coherence time includes the number T of the reference signal groups; The time unit is either a time slot or a symbol.

34. The apparatus as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the reference signal in the same time slot has the same transmission port for every S symbols; Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the transmission port is the same for every S time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbol granularity, the P symbols of the reference signal in one time slot include T symbol groups, and the transmission port of the reference signal in each symbol group is the same; Alternatively, when the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, the N time slots of the reference signal include T time slot groups, and the transmission port of the reference signal in each time slot group is the same.

36. The apparatus as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in symbols, the transmission port of the reference signal is different in different time slots within the N time slots of the reference signal's duration.

37. The apparatus as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, When the coherence time of the reference signal is in granularity of time slots, within N time slots of the reference signal's duration, the transmission ports of the reference signals on different symbols within the same time slot are the same.

38. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30, characterized in that, The processing unit, when receiving reference signal configuration information through the transceiver unit, is specifically used for: The reference signal configuration information is received from the positioning device through the transceiver unit.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 30 to 38, characterized in that, After receiving the reference signal sent by the communication device through the transceiver unit, the processing unit is further configured to: The received reference signals are merged; The measurement results are determined based on the merged reference signal; The measurement results are reported to the positioning device through the transceiver unit.

40. The apparatus as claimed in claim 39, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to: The device receives a location request message sent by the positioning device, the location request message being used to indicate the measurement results reported by the device.

41. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when read and executed by one or more processors, can implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or the program or instructions, when read and executed by one or more processors, can implement the method of any one of claims 10 to 20.

42. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or causes the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 10 to 20.

43. A network system, characterized in that, It includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is the apparatus as described in any one of claims 21-29, and the second communication device is the apparatus as described in any one of claims 30-40.

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