A communication method, system and device

Abstract

The present application relates to a communication method, system and device. A first group head device generates a first synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of a first group, and information about resources occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first group head device belongs to a first group, the first group also includes M group member devices, and the first group head device manages the M group member devices. The first group head device sends a first synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal. A second group head device receives the first synchronization signal from the first group head device, the second group head device belongs to a second group, the second group also includes N group member devices, the second group head device manages N group member devices, and the first group and the second group have different group identifiers. Inter-group synchronization can be achieved through the first synchronization signal.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 2, 2020, with application number 202011398624.5 and application name “A method for increasing uplink capacity”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, system and device. Background Art

[0004] Sidelink (SL) is an important branch of cellular IoT technology, also known as device to device communication (D2D). The existence of this technology has created a broad application prospect for IoT applications, subverting the traditional cellular network communication architecture and even operations. For example, vehicle to everything (V2X) is also an expansion of scenarios and technological evolution based on the SL architecture.

[0005] At present, SL generally occupies licensed spectrum and needs to coordinate with the spectrum resources of long term evolution (LTE) / new radio (NR) networks, which limits the scenarios in which SL can be used and the rate cannot be further improved. Unlicensed spectrum is open and can be used effectively to improve performance and rate. The unlicensed nature of unlicensed spectrum allows all systems to transmit and compete for resources on it. Therefore, it is now considered that SL occupies unlicensed spectrum, which can be called sidelink-unlicense (SL-U). In SL-U, the mechanism of operating in groups has become the main research target, that is, multiple user equipment (UE) form a group and operate in groups. Using groups as units can well support local teaming scenarios.

[0006] After UEs are grouped, how to achieve synchronization between the two groups is an unresolved problem. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, system, and device for providing a method for inter-group synchronization after grouping.

[0008] In a first aspect, a first communication method is provided. The method includes: a first group head device generates a first synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of a first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first group head device belongs to the first group, the first group also includes M group member devices, the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, where M is a natural number; the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal; a second group head device receives the first synchronization signal from the first group head device, the second group head device belongs to a second group, the second group also includes N group member devices, the second group head device is used to manage the N group member devices, the first group and the second group have different group identifiers, where N is a natural number.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, the first group head device in the first group can send a first synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, and the first synchronization signal can indicate the purpose of the first synchronization signal through the first indication information. If the group head devices of other groups receive the first synchronization signal, they can synchronize with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal. In the embodiment of the present application, there is no need to set the synchronization priority of the UE, so that the group head devices of each group can theoretically achieve synchronization. The first synchronization signal can also include the resource information occupied by the first group, so that the group head devices of other groups can not only synchronize with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal, but also avoid the resources occupied by the first group, which can reduce the interference between the groups and improve the communication reliability. Moreover, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal. For example, the first synchronization signal can be triggered by an event or by other means, which reduces the restrictions on the periodic transmission of the synchronization signal and increases the synchronization opportunities between the group head devices.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in a first optional implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: a member device receives the first synchronization signal from the first group head device, the member device is one of the M member devices, or the member device is one of the N member devices, or the member device belongs to a group other than the first group and the second group; the member device does not respond to the first synchronization signal according to the first indication information. The member device may also receive the first synchronization signal. For a member device, if the first synchronization signal is received, it may not respond to the first synchronization signal. It can be considered that the member device only needs to synchronize with the group head device in the group where the member is located, without responding to the synchronization signal used for inter-group synchronization, so as to avoid confusion in the synchronization process of the member device. In addition, the member device does not need to respond to signals from devices in other groups, which is simpler to implement for the member device.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect or the first optional implementation of the first aspect, in the second optional implementation of the first aspect, the method also includes: the first group head device sends a second synchronization signal, and the second synchronization signal is used for synchronization of the M group member devices with the first group head device; the group member device receives the second synchronization signal from the first group head device; the group member device synchronizes with the first group head device according to the second synchronization signal. For the group head device, it can send a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization as well as a synchronization signal for intra-group synchronization, thereby expanding the function of the group head device. Moreover, through the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, both intra-group synchronization and inter-group synchronization can be achieved, so that each device within the group and the inter-group devices can better achieve synchronization, reduce the probability of resource collision, and improve communication performance.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect or the first optional implementation of the first aspect or the second optional implementation of the first aspect, in a third optional implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: when the second group head device does not cooperate with any other group head device, the second group head device synchronizes with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal. If the second group head device has cooperated with one or more group head devices other than the first group head device, then if the second group head device is to be synchronized with the first group head device, the group head device that cooperates with the second group head device also needs to be synchronized with the first group head device, and the process is more complicated and takes a long time. However, if the second group head device does not cooperate with any other group head device other than the first group head device, the synchronization in this case does not need to involve whether other group head devices need to be synchronized with the first group head device, and the second group head device can be synchronized with the first group head device to achieve synchronization between the first group and the second group.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect or any of the optional embodiments from the first optional embodiment to the third optional embodiment of the first aspect, in the fourth optional embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes: when the second group of head devices does not cooperate with any other group of head devices, the second group of head devices does not occupy the resources occupied by the first group. If the resources occupied by the first group conflict with the resources occupied by the second group, for example, the resources occupied by the first group overlap with the resources occupied by the second group, then the second group of head devices, in addition to synchronizing with the first group of head devices, can also avoid the resources occupied by the first group, that is, the second group of head devices may not occupy the resources occupied by the first group, and the second group of head devices may also instruct member devices in the second group not to occupy these resources, thereby reducing the probability of resource collision.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect or the first optional implementation of the first aspect or the second optional implementation of the first aspect, in a fifth optional implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: in the case where the second group head device has cooperated with one or more other group head devices, the second group head device does not respond to the first synchronization signal. If the second group head device has cooperated with one or more group head devices other than the first group head device, then if the second group head device is to be synchronized with the first group head device, the group head device that cooperates with the second group head device also needs to be synchronized with the first group head device, and the process is more complicated and takes a long time. Therefore, if the second group head device has cooperated with other group head devices, then after receiving the first synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization, the second group head device may not respond to the first synchronization signal and may not synchronize with the first group head device to simplify the synchronization process. For example, the second group head device may discard the first synchronization signal.

[0015] In combination with the fifth optional implementation of the first aspect, in the sixth optional implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the second group head device sends a third synchronization signal, the third synchronization signal includes second indication information, an identifier of the second group, and resource information occupied by the second group, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the third synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups. Because the second group head device has cooperated with some group head devices, the second group head device does not respond to the first synchronization signal, and the second group head device can also send the third synchronization signal, so that the group head device receiving the third synchronization signal can be synchronized with the second group head device, so that more group head devices can be synchronized.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect or any of the first optional implementation manners to the sixth optional implementation manners of the first aspect, in the seventh optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, including: the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal to the second group head device; or, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal to the second group head device and the M group member devices; or, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal to multiple group head devices; or, the first group head device broadcasts the first synchronization signal. The first group head device can send the first synchronization signal in a unicast manner, for example, the first synchronization signal can be sent to the second group head device, or the first synchronization signal can be sent to multiple group head devices, or the first synchronization signal can be sent to the second group head device and M group member devices, etc., and sending in a unicast manner can make the sending of the first synchronization signal more targeted. Alternatively, the first group head device can also send the first synchronization signal in a broadcast manner to save signaling overhead.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect or any one of the first optional implementation manners to the seventh optional implementation manners of the first aspect, in the eighth optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, including: when in an idle state, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal; or, when it is determined that it is interfered with outside the group, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal; or, when the first group is built, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal. The first group head device may send the first synchronization signal periodically, or may send the first synchronization signal when triggered by an event. The event is, for example, an event that the first group head device is in an idle state, or an event that the first group head device is interfered with outside the group, or an event that the first group is built, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the event that can trigger the first group head device to send the first synchronization signal. By triggering the sending of the first synchronization signal through an event, the first synchronization signal is no longer subject to a period, so that the sending of the first synchronization signal is more flexible, and the opportunity for synchronization between groups is increased.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect or any one of the first optional implementation manners to the eighth optional implementation manners of the first aspect, in the ninth optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the method further includes: the member device is changed to the group head device of the first group; the member device sends a fourth synchronization signal, the fourth synchronization signal includes third indication information, the identifier of the first group, and the resource information occupied by the first group, the third indication information is used to indicate that the fourth synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, and the fourth synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal. If a member device in the first group is changed to the group head device of the first group, the member device can perform the task of the group head device. For example, the member device can also send a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization, and can also receive a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization from a group head device of another group. If a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization is received, the processing method is similar to the processing method of the second group head device mentioned above. In addition, the member device can also send a synchronization signal for intra-group synchronization, so that other member devices in the first group complete synchronization with the member device. It can be seen that the role of each device in the embodiment of the present application can be adjusted, and the user can change the role of the device in the group according to different needs to obtain a better experience.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect or any optional implementation manner from the first optional implementation manner to the ninth optional implementation manner of the first aspect, in the tenth optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the first synchronization signal is carried through a broadcast channel.

[0020] In combination with the tenth optional implementation of the first aspect, in the eleventh optional implementation of the first aspect, the broadcast channel carries MIB-SL, and the MIB-SL includes the first synchronization signal. As described above, a method for sending the first synchronization signal is given. In addition, the first synchronization signal can also be carried through other channels.

[0021] In a second aspect, a second communication method is provided, which can be executed by a group head device, or by a chip system, the chip system can realize the function of the group head device, the group head device is, for example, a first group head device. The method includes: the first group head device generates a first synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of a first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first group head device belongs to the first group, the first group also includes M group member devices, the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, where M is a natural number; the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal.

[0022] In combination with the second aspect, in a first optional implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the first group head device sends a second synchronization signal, and the second synchronization signal is used for synchronization of the M group member devices with the first group head device.

[0023] In combination with the second aspect or the first optional implementation of the second aspect, in the second optional implementation of the second aspect, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, including: the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal to the second group head device; or, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal to the second group head device and the M group member devices; or, the first group head device broadcasts the first synchronization signal.

[0024] In combination with the second aspect or the first optional implementation of the second aspect or the second optional implementation of the second aspect, in a third optional implementation of the second aspect, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, including: when in an idle state, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal; or, when it is determined that it is subject to interference outside the group, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal; or, when the first group is constructed, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal.

[0025] In combination with the second aspect or any one of the first optional implementation manner of the second aspect to the third optional implementation manner of the second aspect, in a fourth optional implementation manner of the second aspect, the first synchronization signal is carried via a broadcast channel.

[0026] In combination with the fourth optional implementation of the second aspect, in a fifth optional implementation of the second aspect, the broadcast channel carries MIB-SL, and the MIB-SL includes the first synchronization signal.

[0027] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the second aspect or various optional implementations of the second aspect, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding implementations.

[0028] In a third aspect, a third communication method is provided, which can be executed by a group head device or by a chip system, and the chip system can realize the function of the group head device, and the group head device is, for example, a second group head device. The method includes: the second group head device receives a first synchronization signal from the first group head device, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal, the first group head device belongs to the first group, the first group also includes M group member devices, the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, the second group head device belongs to the second group, the second group also includes N group member devices, the second group head device is used to manage the N group member devices, the first group and the second group have different group identifiers, and M and N are both natural numbers.

[0029] In combination with the third aspect, in a first optional implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: when the second group head device does not cooperate with any other group head device, the second group head device synchronizes with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal.

[0030] In combination with the third aspect or the first optional implementation of the third aspect, in a second optional implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: when the second group of head devices does not cooperate with any other group of head devices, the second group of head devices does not occupy the resources occupied by the first group.

[0031] In combination with the third aspect, in a third optional implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: when the second group head device has cooperated with one or more other group head devices, the second group head device does not respond to the first synchronization signal.

[0032] In combination with the third optional implementation of the third aspect, in a fourth optional implementation of the third aspect, the method also includes: the second group head device sends a third synchronization signal, the third synchronization signal includes second indication information, an identifier of the second group, and resource information occupied by the second group, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the third synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups.

[0033] In combination with the third aspect or the first optional implementation manner of the third aspect to the fourth optional implementation manner of the third aspect, in a fifth optional implementation manner of the third aspect, the first synchronization signal is carried through a broadcast channel.

[0034] In combination with the fifth optional implementation of the third aspect, in a sixth optional implementation of the third aspect, the broadcast channel carries MIB-SL, and the MIB-SL includes the first synchronization signal.

[0035] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the third aspect or various optional implementations of the third aspect, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding implementations.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, a fourth communication method is provided, which can be executed by a member device or by a chip system, and the chip system can realize the function of the member device. The method includes: the member device receives a first synchronization signal from a first group head device, the first group head device belongs to a first group, the first group includes M member devices, the first group head device is used to manage the M member devices, the member device is one of the M member devices, or the member device belongs to a group other than the first group, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal, and M and N are both natural numbers; the member device does not respond to the first synchronization signal according to the first indication information.

[0037] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a first optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the method also includes: the group member device receives a second synchronization signal from the first group head device, and the second synchronization signal is used for synchronization of the M member devices with the first group head device; the group member device synchronizes with the first group head device according to the second synchronization signal.

[0038] In combination with the fourth aspect or the first optional implementation of the fourth aspect, in the second optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the method also includes: the group member device is changed to the group head device of the first group; the group member device sends a fourth synchronization signal, the fourth synchronization signal includes third indication information, the identifier of the first group, and the resource information occupied by the first group, the third indication information is used to indicate that the fourth synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, and the fourth synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal.

[0039] In combination with the fourth aspect or the first optional implementation manner of the fourth aspect or the second optional implementation manner of the fourth aspect, in a third optional implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the first synchronization signal is carried through a broadcast channel.

[0040] In combination with the third optional implementation of the fourth aspect, in a fourth optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the broadcast channel carries MIB-SL, and the MIB-SL includes the first synchronization signal.

[0041] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the fourth aspect or various optional implementations of the fourth aspect, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding implementations.

[0042] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the first group head device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The communication device has the functions of the first group head device. In an optional implementation, the first group head device is implemented by a terminal device. In an optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also referred to as a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also referred to as a transceiver module). The transceiver unit can implement a sending function and a receiving function. When the transceiver unit implements the sending function, it can be called a sending unit, and when the transceiver unit implements the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit. The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called a transceiver unit, and the functional module can implement a sending function and a receiving function; or, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a general term for these functional modules.

[0043] For example, the processing unit is used to generate a first synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of a first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first group head device belongs to the first group, the first group also includes M group member devices, and the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, where M is a natural number;

[0044] The transceiver unit is used to send the first synchronization signal, which is a non-periodic signal (or, the sending unit is used to send the first synchronization signal, which is a non-periodic signal; or, the processing unit is also used to send the first synchronization signal through the transceiver unit, and the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal).

[0045] In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a storage unit and a processing unit, and the processing unit is used to couple with the storage unit and execute the program or instruction in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the function of the first group of head devices.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, another communication device is provided. The communication device may be the second group head device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The communication device has the functions of the second group head device. In an optional implementation, the second group head device is implemented by a terminal device. In an optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also referred to as a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also referred to as a transceiver module). For the implementation of the transceiver unit, please refer to the introduction to the fifth aspect.

[0047] For example, the transceiver unit (or, the sending unit) is used to receive a first synchronization signal from a first group head device, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal, the first group head device belongs to a first group, the first group also includes M group member devices, the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, the second group head device belongs to a second group, the second group also includes N group member devices, the second group head device is used to manage the N group member devices, the first group and the second group have different group identifiers, where M and N are both natural numbers.

[0048] Alternatively, the processing unit is used to receive a first synchronization signal from a first group head device through the transceiver unit, the first synchronization signal including first indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first synchronization signal being a non-periodic signal, the first group head device belonging to a first group, the first group also including M group member devices, the first group head device being used to manage the M group member devices, the second group head device belonging to a second group, the second group also including N group member devices, the second group head device being used to manage the N group member devices, the first group and the second group having different group identifiers, wherein M and N are both natural numbers.

[0049] In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a storage unit and a processing unit, and the processing unit is used to couple with the storage unit and execute the program or instruction in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the function of the second group head device.

[0050] In the seventh aspect, another communication device is provided. The communication device may be the member device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The communication device has the functions of the member devices described above. In an optional implementation, the member device is implemented by a terminal device. In an optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also referred to as a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also referred to as a transceiver module). Regarding the implementation of the transceiver unit, please refer to the introduction to the fifth aspect.

[0051] For example, the transceiver unit (or, the receiving unit) is used to receive a first synchronization signal from a first group head device, the first group head device belongs to a first group, the first group includes M group member devices, the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, the group member device is one of the M group member devices, or the group member device belongs to a group other than the first group, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal, and M and N are both natural numbers;

[0052] The processing unit is configured to not respond to the first synchronization signal according to the first indication information.

[0053] or:

[0054] The processing unit is configured to receive a first synchronization signal from a first group head device through the transceiver unit, the first group head device belongs to a first group, the first group includes M group member devices, the first group head device is configured to manage the M group member devices, the group member device is one of the M group member devices, or the group member device belongs to a group other than the first group, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is configured to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal, and M and N are both natural numbers;

[0055] The processing unit is further configured to not respond to the first synchronization signal according to the first indication information.

[0056] In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a storage unit and a processing unit, and the processing unit is used to couple with the storage unit and execute the program or instructions in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the above-mentioned member device.

[0057] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, which may include the communication device described in the fifth aspect and the communication device described in the sixth aspect.

[0058] In an optional implementation, the communication system may also include the communication device described in the seventh aspect.

[0059] In an optional implementation, the communication system may also include the first group described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0060] In an optional implementation, the communication system may further include the second group described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0061] In a ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is used to store computer programs or instructions, and when the computer-readable storage medium is executed, the methods performed by the group head device or the group member device in the above aspects are implemented.

[0062] According to a tenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sideways SSB;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 3 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of three groups in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing that resources of group A and resources of group C do not overlap in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of overlapping resources of group A and resources of group B in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver function, which can be a fixed device, a mobile device, a handheld device (such as a mobile phone), a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted device, or a wireless device built into the above device (for example, a communication module, a modem, or a chip system, etc.). The terminal device is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc., and can be widely used in various scenarios, such as but not limited to the following scenarios: cellular communication, device-to-device communication (device-to-device, D2D), vehicle to everything (vehicle to everything, V2X), machine-to-machine / machine-type communication (machine-to-machine / machine-type communications, M2M / MTC), Internet of Things (Internet of Things, IoT), virtual reality (virtual reality, VR), augmented reality (augmented reality, AR), industrial control (industrial control), self-driving, remote medical, smart grid (smart grid), smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city (smart city), drones, robots and other scenarios of terminal devices. The terminal device may sometimes be referred to as UE, terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, wireless communication device, or user equipment, etc. For the convenience of description, the terminal device of the present application is described by taking UE as an example.

[0073] In the embodiments of the present application, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, means "singular noun or plural noun", that is, "one or more". "At least one" means one or more, and "plural" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0074] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority or importance of the multiple objects. For example, the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal can be the same synchronization signal or different synchronization signals, and such names do not indicate the difference in size, content, transmission order, priority or importance of the two synchronization signals.

[0075] SL is an important branch of cellular IoT technology, called D2D. The existence of this technology has created a broad application prospect for IoT applications, subverting the traditional cellular network communication architecture and even operations. For example, V2X is also an expansion of scenarios and technological evolution based on the SL architecture.

[0076] At present, SL generally occupies licensed spectrum and needs to coordinate with the spectrum resources of LTE / NR networks, which limits the scenarios in which SL is used and the rate cannot be further improved. The unlicensed spectrum is open and can be effectively used to improve performance and rate. The unlicensed nature of the unlicensed spectrum allows all systems to transmit and compete for resources on it. Therefore, it is now considered that SL occupies unlicensed spectrum, which can be called sidelink unlicense (sidelink-unlicense, SL-U). In SL-U, the mechanism of operating in groups has become the main research target, that is, multiple UEs form a group and operate in groups. For example, some typical scenarios based on groups include:

[0077] Family scenario: Multiple UEs in a family can form a group. These UEs include, for example, one or more of a mobile phone, a TV, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer (PAD), a speaker, a smart bracelet, or a headset.

[0078] Conference room scenario: Multiple UEs in a conference room can form a group. These UEs include, for example, one or more of large-screen devices, PCs, mobile phones, or tablet computers.

[0079] Team game scenario: When multiple people team up to play a team game, the multiple devices used by these people (such as mobile phones, PCs or tablets, etc.) can form a group.

[0080] Taking groups as units can not only well support local team scenarios, but also has the following advantages:

[0081] (1) Reduce the probability of resource collision. In scenarios with high load or a large number of users, if there is no concept of group, and each UE competes for resources independently, the probability of resource collision is very high for unlicensed spectrum. If there is a concept of group, one device in the group acts as the group header (GH) device, and the other devices act as group members (GM) devices. The group header device coordinates resource allocation for the group, and each UE does not need to compete for resources individually, which can greatly reduce the number of resource collision events.

[0082] (2) Improve resource allocation efficiency. Resources are negotiated between groups, and the group head device allocates resources uniformly within the group, which improves resource allocation efficiency.

[0083] (3) Improve SL communication performance. For example, the group head device can also obtain channel information, service load and other information of each member device in the group, which can better control the link and improve SL communication performance.

[0084] (4) Reduced latency: Since the information interaction with the base station is reduced, the air interface latency is reduced.

[0085] After the concept of group is introduced, the problem of synchronization between UEs needs to be discussed. The existing sideline synchronization mechanism can synchronize two out-of-sync UEs. For example, refer to Figure 1 , which is the structure of the existing side synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (synchronization signal and PBCH block, SSB). Figure 1 The sidelink primary synchronization signal (S-PSS) and sidelink secondary synchronization signal (S-SSS) are both synchronization sequences responsible for synchronization. The physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH) can carry the master information block (MIB)-SL, which contains some time domain synchronization information. In addition Figure 1 The GAP in stands for interval.

[0086] However, there are some problems with the existing sidewalk synchronization mechanism. For example, there is a concept of synchronization priority in the current sidewalk synchronization mechanism, that is, synchronization priorities are set for different UEs. For example, the synchronization priority is related to the synchronization source of the UE. If the synchronization source of the UE is different, the synchronization priority may be different. For example, if the synchronization source of UE1 is the base station and the synchronization source of UE2 is the satellite, the synchronization priority of UE1 may be higher than the synchronization priority of UE2. Generally speaking, a UE with a lower synchronization priority can be synchronized with a UE with a higher synchronization priority. However, if the synchronization priorities of two UEs are the same, the two UEs may not synchronize with each other, resulting in the inability of the two UEs to complete synchronization. Therefore, the current sidewalk synchronization mechanism cannot be applied to the synchronization between UEs after the concept of group is proposed.

[0087] After the concept of the group is proposed, the synchronization between UEs includes intra-group synchronization. For intra-group synchronization, an embodiment of the present application proposes that, for a group, the group head device of the group may periodically send a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (synchronization signal and PBCH block, SSB), and the member devices of the group may monitor the SSB from the group head device, so that each member device of the group can be synchronized with the group head device of the group. The member devices of the group do not need to monitor other synchronization information outside the group, thereby maintaining the independence of a group and achieving energy saving. In addition, when the group head device sends SSB within the group, energy saving can also be achieved by reducing the transmission power and other methods.

[0088] This is only a method of intra-group synchronization. If the inter-group synchronization also uses the same SSB as the intra-group synchronization, that is, the SSB sent by the head device of a group can be used not only for intra-group synchronization but also for inter-group synchronization, then since the head device will reduce power when sending the SSB, the devices in other groups may not be able to receive the SSB, making it impossible to synchronize between groups. Alternatively, due to the periodic configuration of the existing SSB, it is also very likely that synchronization between groups will not be possible. If the inter-group synchronization uses the existing side synchronization mechanism introduced in the previous article, according to the previous introduction, due to the existence of synchronization priority, if the synchronization priorities of the devices in two groups are the same, the two groups may not be able to synchronize.

[0089] In view of this, the embodiment of the present application further provides a method for synchronizing the group head devices of each group. When the group head device completes the synchronization, it is considered that the synchronization between the groups has been completed. In the embodiment of the present application, the first group head device in the first group can send a first synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups. The first synchronization signal can indicate the purpose of the first synchronization signal through the first indication information. If the group head devices of other groups receive the first synchronization signal, they can synchronize with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal. In the embodiment of the present application, there is no need to set the synchronization priority of the UE, so that the group head devices of each group can achieve synchronization in theory. The first synchronization signal can also include the resource information occupied by the first group, so that the group head devices of other groups can not only synchronize with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal, but also avoid the resources occupied by the first group, so as to reduce the interference between the groups and improve the communication reliability. Moreover, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal. For example, the first synchronization signal can be triggered by an event or by other means, which reduces the limitation of periodically sending the synchronization signal and increases the synchronization opportunities between the group head devices.

[0090] The technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the fourth generation mobile communication technology (the 4th generation, 4G) system, such as the LTE system, or can be applied to the 5G system, such as the NR system, or can also be applied to the next generation mobile communication system or other similar communication systems, without specific limitation. In addition, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) scenarios, such as NR-D2D scenarios, etc., or can be applied to V2X scenarios, such as NR-V2X scenarios, etc., for example, it can be applied to the Internet of Vehicles, such as V2X, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), etc., or can be used in the fields of intelligent driving, assisted driving, or intelligent networked vehicles.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 2 , which is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 There are two groups, which are called group A and group B. Group A includes multiple UEs, and group B includes multiple UEs. A group may include multiple types of UEs, such as mobile phones, tablets, PCs, TVs, smart bracelets, smart glasses, smart helmets, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc. Figure 2 In the examples, the UE is a mobile phone. A UE in group A is used as the head device of group A, and the UE is called head device A; a UE in group B is used as the head device of group B, and the UE is called head device B. The solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can achieve synchronization between head device A and head device B. Figure 2 Only two groups are shown, but there may be more. Figure 2 The number and relative positions of UEs included in each group are just examples.

[0092] The method provided by the embodiments of the present application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] This application embodiment provides a communication method, see Figure 3 , which is a flowchart of the method. In the following introduction, the method is applied to Figure 2 In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the frequency domain resources used by each group may be, for example, unlicensed spectrum resources, or may also be licensed spectrum resources.

[0094] S31: The first group head device generates a first synchronization signal, or in other words, the first group head device determines the first synchronization signal.

[0095] The first group head device is a group head device in the first group. The first group head device can be used to manage the member devices in the first group. The management method includes, for example, allocating resources to the member devices in the first group. For example, the first group includes M member devices, and the first group head device can manage the M member devices, where M is a natural number. Figure 2 The first group is, for example, Figure 2 In group A, the first group of head devices is, for example, Figure 2 The group head device A in the first group, the M group member devices in the first group may include Figure 2 Other UEs in group A except group head device A are shown.

[0096] The first group head device may generate a synchronization signal, which may be used for synchronization between the first group head device and the group head devices of other groups, or in other words, the synchronization signal may be used for inter-group synchronization, for example, the synchronization signal is referred to as a first synchronization signal. In addition to generating the first synchronization signal, as the group head device of the first group, the first group head device may also generate a synchronization signal for synchronization between the member devices of the first group and the first group head device, that is, the first group head device may also generate a synchronization signal for intra-group synchronization. For example, the first group head device may also generate a second synchronization signal, which may be used for synchronization within the first group, or in other words, may be used for synchronization between M member devices and the first group head device. The timing when the first group head device generates the first synchronization signal may be the same as or different from the timing when the first group head device generates the second synchronization signal. Since the first group head device may generate a synchronization signal for intra-group synchronization and a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization, in order to distinguish it from the synchronization signal for intra-group synchronization, the first group head device may add first indication information to the first synchronization signal, and the first indication information may indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, or the first indication information may indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization. For example, the first synchronization signal may be included in the MIB-SL, and the MIB-SL may be carried through a broadcast channel, such as the PSBCH. The MIB-SL includes a reserved bit. Optionally, the first indication information may be carried through the reserved bit in the MIB-SL. For example, the first indication information may occupy one or more reserved bits. This eliminates the need to change the format of the MIB-SL, helps to be compatible with the existing format, facilitates UE identification, and improves bit utilization. Alternatively, new bits may be added to the SSB, such as adding one or more bits to the PSBCH included in the SSB, to carry the first indication information, which may make the indication clearer.

[0097] For example, whether it is a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization (e.g., a first synchronization signal) or a synchronization signal for intra-group synchronization (e.g., a second synchronization signal), both carry the first indication information. The first indication information occupies, for example, 1 bit. If the value of this bit is "1", it indicates that the first synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization. If the value of this bit is "0", it indicates that the first synchronization signal is used for intra-group synchronization, or indicates that the first synchronization signal is not used for inter-group synchronization. For another example, the synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization (e.g., a first synchronization signal) may carry the first indication information, while the intra-group signal for intra-group synchronization (e.g., a second synchronization signal) does not carry the first indication information. The first indication information occupies, for example, 1 bit. If the value of this bit is "1", it is considered that the synchronization signal carries the first indication information, and the synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization. If the value of this bit is "0", it is considered that the synchronization signal does not carry the first indication information, and the synchronization signal is used for intra-group synchronization. Alternatively, the first indication information may also occupy more bits, and the indication method may also change accordingly.

[0098] In the embodiment of the present application, the first synchronization signal may be a non-periodic signal, so the first group head device may not need to generate and send the first synchronization signal periodically. For example, the first group head device may generate and send the first synchronization signal when triggered by an event, and the event is, for example, that the first group head device is in an idle state, that is, the first group head device can generate and send the first synchronization signal when it is in an idle state, so that the generation and sending process of the first synchronization signal may not affect other services of the first group head device; for another example, the event is, for example, an event that is determined to be interfered with outside the group, that is, the first group head device can generate and send the first synchronization signal when it is determined to be interfered with by devices outside the group, and through synchronization between groups, the interference between groups can be reduced and the communication reliability can be improved; for another example, the event is, for example, an event that the first group is constructed, that is, when the first group is constructed, the first group head device can generate and send the first synchronization signal, so that when a group is constructed, a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization can be sent, so that the groups can be synchronized as soon as possible, so as to reduce the interference between the groups and realize the communication between the groups as soon as possible. Alternatively, the event may also be other events, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the event that triggers the first synchronization signal. It should be noted that the first group head device being in an idle state mentioned here may mean that the first group head device neither sends nor receives information, but does not mean that the first group head device is in a radio resource control (RRC) idle state.

[0099] Alternatively, the first synchronization signal may also be a periodic signal, and the first group head device may periodically generate and send the first synchronization signal. If this method is adopted, the first synchronization signal does not need to be triggered by an event, and the implementation is relatively simple for the first group head device.

[0100] In addition to including the first indication information, the first synchronization signal may also include information of the first group as an optional implementation. The information of the first group may include, for example, the identifier of the first group, or the resource information occupied by the first group, or the identifier of the first group and the resource information occupied by the first group. The resource information occupied by the first group may include, for example, information on time domain resources occupied by the first group and / or information on frequency domain resources. This is equivalent to indicating the resources occupied by the first group through the first synchronization signal, so that the group head device receiving the first synchronization signal can determine whether to avoid the resources occupied by the first group, so as to reduce the probability of resource collision and improve communication performance.

[0101] If the first synchronization signal includes the information of the first group, the information of the first group can also be carried through the reserved bits in the MIB-SL, so that the format of the MIB-SL does not need to be changed, which helps to be compatible with the existing format, facilitates UE identification, and improves bit utilization. Alternatively, new bits can be added to the MIB-SL, for example, one or more bits are added to the MIB-SL to carry the information of the first group, so that the group head device receiving the first synchronization signal can more easily identify the information of the first group.

[0102] S32. The first group head device sends a first synchronization signal.

[0103] After generating the first synchronization signal, the first group head device can send the first synchronization signal. For example, the first group head device can send the first synchronization signal in a broadcast manner. For example, the first group head device does not need to reduce the transmission power when sending the first synchronization signal. In this case, multiple devices may be able to receive the first synchronization signal. In addition to the group head devices of other groups, the devices receiving the first synchronization signal may also include member devices. These member devices may include member devices in the first group and member devices in other groups. Alternatively, the first group head device may also send the first synchronization signal in a unicast manner. For example, the first group head device may send the first synchronization signal to the second group head device. Then the second group head device receives the first synchronization signal from the first group head device. For another example, the first group head device may send the first synchronization signal to the second group head device and M member devices. Then both the second group head device and the M member devices may receive the first synchronization signal from the first group head device. Figure 3 S32 in the example takes the second group head device receiving the first synchronization signal as an example.

[0104] The second group head device is a group head device in the second group, and the second group head device can be used to manage the member devices in the second group. For example, the second group includes N member devices, and the second group head device can manage the N member devices, and the management method includes, for example, allocating resources to the N member devices, where N is a natural number. If the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to Figure 2 The second group is, for example, Figure 2 In group B, the second group of head devices is, for example, Figure 2 The group head device B in the second group may include N group member devices Figure 2 Other UEs in group B except group head device B are shown.

[0105] Each group head device can send a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization. Therefore, when each group head device is not in a dormant state and the resources of the group head device are not occupied, the group head device can listen to the synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization from other group head devices on the resource. The resources of a group head device refer to the resources allocated to the group head device. The resources of a group head device are occupied, for example, when the group head device sends or receives information through the resources.

[0106] For example, if the second group head device receives the first synchronization signal, the second group head device may identify the first synchronization signal. If the first indication information included in the first synchronization signal indicates that the first synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization, or the first synchronization signal includes the first indication information, the second group head device determines that the first synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization. If the first indication information included in the first synchronization signal indicates that the first synchronization signal is used for intra-group synchronization, or the first synchronization signal does not include the first indication information, the second group head device determines that the first synchronization signal is not used for inter-group synchronization, in which case the second group head device may discard the first synchronization signal.

[0107] If the second group head device determines that the first synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization, the second group head device may perform different processing according to whether it has cooperated with other group head devices, which are described in different steps below. If the second group head device has not cooperated with any other group head device, S33 is executed, and if the second group head device has cooperated with one or more other group head devices, S34 is executed.

[0108] It should be noted that if the synchronization signal (e.g., the first synchronization signal) used for inter-group synchronization is sent by broadcast, then some or all of the M member devices may also receive the first synchronization signal, or member devices of other groups (e.g., the second group) may also receive the first synchronization signal; or, although the first synchronization signal is sent by unicast, the first group head device also sends the first synchronization signal to the M member devices, then some or all of the M member devices may also receive the first synchronization signal. For a member device, if a synchronization signal is received, it can be determined whether the synchronization signal includes the first indication information, or whether the first indication information included in the synchronization signal indicates that the synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization. If the synchronization signal includes the first indication information, or the first indication information included in the synchronization signal indicates that the synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization, then the member device may not respond to the synchronization signal, for example, the synchronization signal may be discarded. For example, a member device receives the first synchronization signal. Since the first synchronization signal includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization, the member device may not respond to the first synchronization signal. The member device is, for example, one of the M member devices, or one of the N member devices, or a member device in other groups except the first group and the second group.

[0109] S33. The second group of head devices synchronizes with the first group of head devices according to the first synchronization signal.

[0110] If the second group head device does not cooperate with any other group head device except the first group head device, then the second group head device can be synchronized with the first group head device. For example, the first synchronization signal includes synchronization information, and the synchronization information can indicate the time domain position understood by the first group head device, for example, indicating that a certain time domain position understood by the first group head device should be the first time slot of the 0th system frame. Then the second group head device can adjust the understanding of the time domain position of the second group head device according to the synchronization information, so that the understanding of the time domain position of the second group head device is consistent with the understanding of the time domain position of the first group head device, so as to achieve synchronization.

[0111] A group head device collaborates with other group head devices, for example, it is understood that a group head device is communicating with other group head devices, or it is understood that a group head device has achieved synchronization with other group head devices, or it is understood that a group head device has negotiated with other group head devices on the resources allocated to the groups to which these group head devices belong, etc.

[0112] As described above, the first synchronization signal may also include information of the first group. If the first synchronization signal includes information of the first group, then the second group head device may determine the resource information occupied by the first group in addition to synchronizing with the first group head device. If the resources occupied by the first group conflict with the resources occupied by the second group, for example, the resources occupied by the first group overlap with the resources occupied by the second group, then the second group head device may avoid the resources occupied by the first group, that is, the second group head device may not occupy the resources occupied by the first group, and the second group head device may also instruct the member devices in the second group not to occupy these resources, thereby reducing the probability of resource collision.

[0113] Alternatively, if the first synchronization signal includes information of the first group, the second group head device can determine the resource information occupied by the first group in addition to synchronizing with the first group head device. If the resources occupied by the first group conflict with the resources occupied by the second group, the second group head device can further determine whether the priority of the first group is higher than the priority of the second group. If the priority of the first group is higher than the priority of the second group, the second group head device can avoid the resources occupied by the first group, that is, the second group head device may not occupy the resources occupied by the first group, and the second group head device may also instruct the member devices in the first group not to occupy these resources, thereby reducing the probability of resource collision. If the priority of the first group is lower than the priority of the second group, the second group head device may not need to avoid the resources occupied by the first group, and may not need to instruct the member devices in the second group to avoid the resources occupied by the first group, so as to reduce the communication delay of the high priority device. If the priority of the first group is equal to the priority of the second group, the second group head device may avoid the resources occupied by the first group, or may not avoid the resources occupied by the first group.

[0114] If the second group head device does not avoid the resources occupied by the first group, then optionally, the second group head device can send a signal, and the second group head device can send the signal to the first group head device, for example, by broadcasting, or can also send the signal to the first group head device by unicasting. The signal is, for example, a synchronization signal used for inter-group synchronization, for example, called a third synchronization signal, for example, the third synchronization signal carries second indication information, and the second indication information can indicate that the third synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups. The content and implementation method indicated by the second indication information are similar to those of the first indication information, and reference can be made to the introduction to the first indication information. In addition, the third synchronization signal can also carry information of the second group, and the information of the second group includes, for example, the identifier of the second group and / or the resource information occupied by the second group. The group head device receiving the third synchronization signal processes the third synchronization signal in a similar manner to the second group head device processes the first synchronization signal, for example, it can determine whether to synchronize according to the third synchronization signal based on whether to cooperate with other group head devices, and can also determine whether it is necessary to avoid the resources occupied by the second group. Alternatively, at this time, the second group of head devices actually want to inform the first group of head devices that the second group of head devices will not avoid the resources occupied by the first group, so the signal may not be a synchronization signal. For example, the signal may be sent to the first group of head devices in a unicast manner. The signal may include information about the second group. After receiving the signal, the first group of head devices may avoid the resources occupied by the second group, thereby reducing the probability of resource collision. Of course, even if the second group of head devices does not avoid the resources occupied by the first group, the second group of head devices may not need to send the signal to reduce signaling overhead.

[0115] S34: The second group of head devices does not synchronize with the first group of head devices.

[0116] If the second group head device has cooperated with one or more group head devices other than the first group head device, then if the second group head device is to be synchronized with the first group head device, the group head devices cooperating with the second group head device also need to be synchronized with the first group head device, which makes the process more complicated and takes a long time. Therefore, if the second group head device has cooperated with other group head devices, then after receiving the first synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization, the second group head device may not respond to the first synchronization signal and not synchronize with the first group head device. For example, the second group head device may discard the first synchronization signal.

[0117] Optionally, if the second group head device has cooperated with one or more other group head devices, then after receiving the first synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization, the second group head device may also send a synchronization signal, for example, a third synchronization signal, which is also a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization. For example, the third synchronization signal carries the second indication information, and the second indication information may indicate that the third synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups. The content and implementation method indicated by the second indication information are similar to those of the first indication information, and reference may be made to the introduction to the first indication information. The second group head device sends the third synchronization signal to synchronize other group head devices with the second group head device. Because the second group head device has cooperated with some group head devices, the second group head device does not respond to the first synchronization signal, and the second group head device may also send the third synchronization signal, so that the group head device receiving the third synchronization signal can synchronize with the second group head device, so that more group head devices can be synchronized. Among them, the processing method of the group head device receiving the third synchronization signal for the third synchronization signal is similar to the processing method of the second group head device for the first synchronization signal. Optionally, the third synchronization signal may further include information of the second group, where the information of the second group may include, for example, an identifier of the second group, or resource information occupied by the second group, or an identifier of the second group and resource information occupied by the second group, etc. The way in which the group head device receiving the third synchronization signal processes the information of the second group is similar to the way in which the second group head device processes the information of the first group, and will not be described in detail.

[0118] Alternatively, if the second group head device has cooperated with one or more other group head devices, then after receiving the first synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization, the second group head device does not need to send the third synchronization signal, that is, the second group head device does not need to respond to the first synchronization signal and does not need to send the third synchronization signal, which can reduce signaling overhead.

[0119] As described above, the first synchronization signal may also include information of the first group. If the first synchronization signal includes information of the first group, the second group head device may determine the resource information occupied by the first group, although it is not synchronized with the first group head device. If the resources occupied by the first group conflict with the resources occupied by the second group, for example, the resources occupied by the first group overlap with the resources occupied by the second group, the second group head device may avoid the resources occupied by the first group, that is, the second group head device may not occupy the resources occupied by the first group, and the second group head device may also instruct the member devices in the second group not to occupy these resources, thereby reducing the probability of resource collision.

[0120] Alternatively, if the first synchronization signal includes information of the first group, the second group head device may determine the resource information occupied by the first group, although it is not synchronized with the first group head device. If the resources occupied by the first group conflict with the resources occupied by the second group, the second group head device may further determine whether the priority of the first group is higher than that of the second group. If the priority of the first group is higher than that of the second group, the second group head device may avoid the resources occupied by the first group, that is, the second group head device may not occupy the resources occupied by the first group, and the second group head device may also instruct the member devices in the second group not to occupy these resources, thereby reducing the probability of resource collision. If the priority of the first group is lower than that of the second group, the second group head device may not need to avoid the resources occupied by the first group, and may not need to instruct the member devices in the second group to avoid the resources occupied by the first group, so as to reduce the communication delay of the high priority device. If the priority of the first group is equal to the priority of the second group, the second group head device may avoid the resources occupied by the first group, or may not avoid the resources occupied by the first group.

[0121] If the second group head device avoids the resources occupied by the first group, the second group head device may send the third synchronization signal or not. If the second group head device does not avoid the resources occupied by the first group, the second group head device may also send the third synchronization signal or not. If the second group head device sends the third synchronization signal, the group head device receiving the third synchronization signal can be synchronized with the second group head device, so that more group head devices can be synchronized. The way the group head device receiving the third synchronization signal processes the third synchronization signal is similar to the way the second group head device processes the first synchronization signal.

[0122] S35: The first group head device sends a second synchronization signal, and correspondingly, the member device receives the second synchronization signal from the first group head device. The member device is, for example, one of the M member devices.

[0123] As mentioned above, in addition to generating the first synchronization signal, the first group head device may also generate a second synchronization signal. The second synchronization signal can be used for synchronization within the first group, or in other words, the second synchronization signal can be used for synchronization between the M group member devices and the first group head device. If the first group head device generates the second synchronization signal, the first group head device can send the second synchronization signal. For example, the first group head device can send the second synchronization signal to some or all of the M group member devices in a unicast manner, or the first group head device can send the second synchronization signal in a group broadcast manner. There may be multiple member devices that can receive the second synchronization signal. Figure 3 S35 in the example takes the case where one of the member devices receives the second synchronization signal.

[0124] The first group head device may send the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal simultaneously, or the first group head device may send the first synchronization signal first and then send the second synchronization signal, or the first group head device may send the second synchronization signal first and then send the first synchronization signal.

[0125] S36. The group member device synchronizes with the first group head device according to the second synchronization signal.

[0126] For a member device, if the second synchronization signal is received, the purpose of the second synchronization signal can be determined. For example, the member device can determine whether the second synchronization signal includes corresponding indication information (such as the first indication information), or determine whether the first indication information included in the second synchronization signal indicates that the synchronization signal is used for inter-group synchronization. If the second synchronization signal does not include the first indication information, or the first indication information included in the second synchronization signal indicates that the second synchronization signal is used for intra-group synchronization, then the member device can synchronize with the first group head device according to the second synchronization signal, and the synchronization method can refer to the previous description.

[0127] Through the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, both intra-group synchronization and inter-group synchronization can be achieved, so that each device within the group and the devices between groups can achieve better synchronization, reduce the probability of resource collision, and improve communication performance.

[0128] Among them, S33 to S36 are all optional steps.

[0129] In addition, for a group, the role of the device in the group can be changed. For example, for the first group, the first group head device may be changed to a group member device under certain conditions, or the first group head device may leave the first group (for example, due to movement, etc.), then the group head device will be missing in the first group. In this case, any member device in the first group can be changed to the group head device of the first group by itself, or the M member devices in the first group can determine that one of the member devices is changed to the group head device through negotiation, etc., or it can also be determined that one of the M member devices is changed to the group head device through a manually specified method. Or, even if the first group head device does not leave the first group and does not actively change to a member device, any member device among the M member devices may also be changed to the group head device of the first group, for example, the member device can be changed to the group head device of the first group through negotiation with the first group head device, and the first group head device is changed to a member device, or it can also be changed to a group head device and the first group head device is changed to a member device through a manually specified method.

[0130] If the first group head device is changed to a group member device, the first group head device can perform the tasks of the group member device. For example, if the first group head device receives a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization, the first group head device no longer responds to the synchronization signal, and if the first group head device receives a synchronization signal for intra-group synchronization of the first group, the first group head device can complete synchronization with the new group head device of the first group according to the synchronization signal.

[0131] If a member device in the first group is changed to the group head device of the first group, the member device can perform the tasks of the group head device. For example, the member device can also send synchronization signals for inter-group synchronization, and can also receive synchronization signals for inter-group synchronization from group head devices of other groups. If the synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization is received, the processing method is similar to the processing method of the aforementioned second group head device. In addition, the member device can also send a synchronization signal for intra-group synchronization, so that other member devices in the first group can complete synchronization with the member device. It can be seen that the role of each device in the embodiment of the present application can be adjusted, and users can change the role of the device in the group according to different needs to obtain a better experience.

[0132] In addition, the scheme provided in the embodiment of the present application may involve the participation of network devices, such as base stations. In the case of a base station, processes such as intra-group synchronization and inter-group synchronization between UEs can be performed without the participation of the base station to reduce air interface signaling overhead; or, in the case of a base station, the group head device of each group can be synchronized with the base station, which can also achieve synchronization between the groups without excessive interaction between UEs, and the method is relatively simple. If there is no participation of network devices, the scheme provided in the embodiment of the present application can also enable intra-group synchronization and inter-group synchronization between UEs, reducing the intervention process of network devices, making communication between UEs more flexible, and because intra-group synchronization and inter-group synchronization are achieved, communication performance can be improved.

[0133] In an embodiment of the present application, the first group head device in the first group can send a first synchronization signal, and the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, and the first synchronization signal can indicate the purpose of the first synchronization signal through the first indication information. If the group head devices of other groups receive the first synchronization signal, they can synchronize with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal. In the embodiment of the present application, there is no need to set the synchronization priority of the UE, so that the group head devices of each group can achieve synchronization in theory. Moreover, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal. For example, the first synchronization signal can be triggered by an event or by other means, which reduces the restrictions on the periodic transmission of the synchronization signal and increases the synchronization opportunities between the group head devices.

[0134] Moreover, the synchronization signal used for inter-group synchronization may include the resource information occupied by the group. Therefore, after a group head device competes for resources for the group to which the group head device belongs, if it receives a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization from other group head devices, the resources occupied by the group can be adjusted according to the resource information included in the synchronization signal. Alternatively, before a group head device competes for resources for the group to which the group head device belongs, if it receives a synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization from other group head devices, it can select appropriate resources for the group according to the resource information included in the synchronization signal, for example, it can select resources that are orthogonal to the resources of other groups, so as to reduce resource collisions and improve communication performance.

[0135] For example, you can refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 It includes 3 groups, which are respectively called Group A, Group B and Group C. Group A includes multiple UEs, Group B includes multiple UEs, and Group C includes multiple UEs. One UE in Group A serves as the group head device of Group A, and the UE is called, for example, group head device A; one UE in Group B serves as the group head device of Group B, and the UE is called, for example, group head device B; one UE in Group C serves as the group head device of Group C, and the UE is called, for example, group head device C. It can be seen that Group head device C is closer to Group A. When Group head device C performs sensing, it may believe that Group A has a greater interference with Group B. Then, when Group head device C competes for resources for Group C, it may avoid the resources occupied by Group A. For example, the resources occupied by the two groups may not overlap. Please refer to Figure 5 , which is a schematic diagram showing that the resources occupied by the two groups do not overlap. If group head device B is far away from group A, it may think that group A has less interference with group B during sensing. Therefore, when group head device B competes for resources for group B, it may not avoid the resources occupied by group A. This may cause the resources occupied by group B to conflict with those occupied by group A. For example, the resources occupied by the two groups may partially overlap or completely overlap. For reference, Figure 6 , is a schematic diagram of partially overlapping resources occupied by the two groups, where the dotted box represents overlapping resources. However, in fact, the UEs in the lower left corner of group B are relatively close to group A. If the resources used by these UEs overlap with the resources used by group A, it may cause more serious interference, resulting in poor performance of edge UEs in group B.

[0136] However, if the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is adopted, for example, the synchronization signal for inter-group synchronization sent by the group head device A can be received by the group head device B, then the group head device A can be synchronized with the group head device B. And the synchronization signal can also include the resource information occupied by group A, so that when the group head device B competes for resources for group B, it can determine whether to avoid the resources occupied by group A, thereby reducing the probability of resource collision and improving the performance of edge UEs within the group.

[0137] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application is given. The communication device 700 may be Figure 3 The first group of head devices described in the embodiment shown is used to implement the method performed by the first group of head devices in the above method embodiment. Alternatively, the communication device 700 may be Figure 3 The second group of head devices described in the embodiment shown in the figure is used to implement the method corresponding to the second group of head devices in the above method embodiment. Alternatively, the communication device 700 may be Figure 3 The member device described in the embodiment shown is used to implement the method corresponding to the member device in the above method embodiment. For specific functions, please refer to the description in the above method embodiment.

[0138] The communication device 700 includes one or more processors 701. The processor 701 may also be referred to as a processing unit, which may implement certain control functions. The processor 701 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it may include: a baseband processor, a central processing unit, an application processor, a modem processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a digital signal processor, a video codec processor, a controller, and / or a neural network processor, etc. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processing unit may be used to control the communication device 700, execute software programs and / or process data. Different processors may be independent devices, or they may be integrated into one or more processors, for example, integrated into one or more dedicated integrated circuits.

[0139] Optionally, the communication device 700 includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions 704, and the instructions can be executed on the processor so that the communication device 700 performs the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, data can also be stored in the memory 702. The processor and the memory can be set separately or integrated together.

[0140] Optionally, the communication device 700 may include instructions 703 (sometimes also referred to as codes or programs), and the instructions 703 may be executed on the processor so that the communication device 700 executes the method described in the above embodiment. The processor 701 may store data.

[0141] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a transceiver 705 and an antenna 706. The transceiver 705 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, an input / output interface, etc., and is used to implement the transceiver function of the communication device 700 through the antenna 706.

[0142] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include one or more of the following components: a wireless communication module, an audio module, an external memory interface, an internal memory, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a power management module, an antenna, a speaker, a microphone, an input / output module, a sensor module, a motor, a camera, or a display screen, etc. It is understood that in some embodiments, the communication device 700 may include more or fewer components, or some components may be integrated, or some components may be separated. These components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0143] The processor 701 and the transceiver 705 described in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFID), a mixed signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), or an electronic device, etc. The communication device described herein may be an independent device (e.g., an independent integrated circuit, a mobile phone, etc.), or may be a part of a larger device (e.g., a module that can be embedded in other devices). For details, please refer to the above description of the first group head device, the second group head device, or the member device, which will not be repeated here.

[0144] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application is given. The terminal device can, for example, implement Figure 3 The functions of the first group of head devices described in the embodiment shown in the figure may be realized Figure 3 The functions of the second group of head devices described in the embodiment shown in the figure may be realized Figure 3 The functionality of the member devices described in the illustrated embodiment.

[0145] The terminal device 800 can be applied to Figure 2 For ease of illustration, Figure 8 Only the main components of the terminal device 800 are shown. Figure 8As shown, the terminal device 800 includes a processor, a memory, a control circuit, an antenna, and an input-output device. The processor is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and to control the entire terminal device 800, execute the software program, and process the data of the software program. The memory is mainly used to store the software program and data. The control circuit is mainly used for converting the baseband signal and the radio frequency signal and processing the radio frequency signal. The antenna is mainly used to send and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input-output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a microphone, a keyboard, etc., is mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user.

[0146] Taking the terminal device 800 as a mobile phone as an example, when the terminal device 800 is turned on, the processor can read the software program in the storage unit, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, and outputs the baseband signal to the control circuit. The control circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then sends the radio frequency signal outward through the antenna in the form of electromagnetic waves. When data is sent to the terminal device 800, the control circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0147] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that for ease of description, Figure 8 Only one memory and processor are shown. In some embodiments, the terminal device 800 may include multiple processors and memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0148] As an optional implementation, the processor may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit. The baseband processor is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit is mainly used to control the entire terminal device 800, execute software programs, and process software program data. Figure 8The processor in integrates the functions of the baseband processor and the central processing unit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the baseband processor and the central processing unit may also be independent processors interconnected by technologies such as buses. The terminal device 800 may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network formats, and the terminal device 800 may include multiple central processing units to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device 800 may be connected via various buses. The baseband processor may also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processing unit may also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing the communication protocol and the communication data may be built into the processor, or may be stored in the storage unit in the form of a software program, and the processor executes the software program to implement the baseband processing function.

[0149] In one example, the antenna with transceiver functions and the control circuit can be regarded as the transceiver unit 810 of the terminal device 800, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing unit 820 of the terminal device 800. Figure 8 As shown, the terminal device 800 includes a transceiver unit 810 and a processing unit 820. The transceiver unit may also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver, a transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device used to implement the receiving function in the transceiver unit 810 may be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device used to implement the sending function in the transceiver unit 810 may be regarded as a sending unit, that is, the transceiver unit 810 includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. Exemplarily, the receiving unit may also be referred to as a receiver, a receiver, a receiving circuit, etc., and the sending unit may be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0150] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0151] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the scheme of this embodiment.

[0152] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), universal serial bus flash disk, mobile hard disk, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, by way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), or direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0153] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first group head device generates a first synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal including first indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first group head device belongs to the first group, the first group also includes M group member devices, and the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, where M is a natural number; The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, where the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal; The second group head device receives the first synchronization signal from the first group head device, the second group head device belongs to a second group, the second group further includes N group member devices, the second group head device is used to manage the N group member devices, the first group and the second group have different group identifiers, where N is a natural number; The method further comprises: In a case where the second group head device does not cooperate with any other group head device, the second group head device synchronizes with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: A member device receives the first synchronization signal from the first group head device, the member device is one of the M member devices, or one of the N member devices, or the member device belongs to another group except the first group and the second group; The member device does not respond to the first synchronization signal according to the first indication information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first group head device sends a second synchronization signal, where the second synchronization signal is used for synchronization of the M group member devices with the first group head device; The group member device receives the second synchronization signal from the first group head device; The group member device is synchronized with the first group head device according to the second synchronization signal.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the second group of head devices does not cooperate with any other group of head devices, the second group of head devices does not occupy the resources occupied by the first group.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In a case where the second group head device has cooperated with one or more other group head devices, the second group head device does not respond to the first synchronization signal.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second group head device sends a third synchronization signal, which includes second indication information, an identifier of the second group, and resource information occupied by the second group, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the third synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 6, characterized in that: The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, including: The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal to the second group head device; or, The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal to the second group head device and the M group member devices; or, The first group head device broadcasts the first synchronization signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 6, characterized in that: The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, including: In an idle state, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal; or, In the case of determining that the first group head device is subject to interference outside the group, sending the first synchronization signal; or, When the first group is constructed, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The member device is changed to the group head device of the first group; The group member device sends a fourth synchronization signal, and the fourth synchronization signal includes third indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group. The third indication information is used to indicate that the fourth synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, and the fourth synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 6, characterized in that: The first synchronization signal is carried through a broadcast channel.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The broadcast channel carries MIB-SL, and the MIB-SL includes the first synchronization signal.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first group head device generates a first synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal including first indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first group head device belongs to the first group, the first group also includes M group member devices, and the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, where M is a natural number; The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, which is a non-periodic signal, wherein the first synchronization signal is used for the second group head device to synchronize with the first group head device, the second group head device belongs to a second group, the second group also includes N group member devices, the second group head device is used to manage the N group member devices, the first group and the second group have different group identifiers, wherein N is a natural number.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first group head device sends a second synchronization signal, where the second synchronization signal is used for synchronization of the M group member devices with the first group head device.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, including: The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal to the second group head device; or, The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal to the second group head device and the M group member devices; or, The first group head device broadcasts the first synchronization signal.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The first group head device sends the first synchronization signal, including: In an idle state, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal; or, In the case of determining that the first group head device is subject to interference outside the group, sending the first synchronization signal; or, When the first group is constructed, the first group head device sends the first synchronization signal.

16. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The first synchronization signal is carried through a broadcast channel.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The broadcast channel carries MIB-SL, and the MIB-SL includes the first synchronization signal.

18. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The second group head device receives a first synchronization signal from the first group head device, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of the first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups, the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal, the first group head device belongs to a first group, the first group also includes M group member devices, the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, the second group head device belongs to a second group, the second group also includes N group member devices, the second group head device is used to manage the N group member devices, the first group and the second group have different group identifiers, wherein M and N are both natural numbers; The method further comprises: In a case where the second group head device does not cooperate with any other group head device, the second group head device synchronizes with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the second group of head devices does not cooperate with any other group of head devices, the second group of head devices does not occupy the resources occupied by the first group.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: In a case where the second group head device has cooperated with one or more other group head devices, the second group head device does not respond to the first synchronization signal.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second group head device sends a third synchronization signal, which includes second indication information, an identifier of the second group, and resource information occupied by the second group, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the third synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that: The first synchronization signal is carried through a broadcast channel.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The broadcast channel carries MIB-SL, and the MIB-SL includes the first synchronization signal.

24. A communication system, characterized in that: The first group includes a first group head device and M group member devices, the first group head device is used to manage the M group member devices, M is a natural number, and the second group includes a second group head device and N group member devices, the second group head device is used to manage the N group member devices, N is a natural number; wherein, The first group head device is used to generate a first synchronization signal and send the first synchronization signal, where the first synchronization signal is a non-periodic signal, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information, an identifier of a first group, and resource information occupied by the first group, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the first synchronization signal is used for synchronization between group head devices of different groups; The second group head device is used to receive the first synchronization signal from the first group head device, and is also used to synchronize with the first group head device according to the first synchronization signal without cooperating with any other group head device.

25. The communication system according to claim 24, characterized in that The communication system includes a member device, which is used to receive the first synchronization signal from the first group head device, and according to the first indication information, does not respond to the first synchronization signal. The member device is one of the M member devices, or one of the N member devices, or the member device belongs to other groups except the first group and the second group.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a transceiver unit and a processing unit, wherein the transceiver unit and the processing unit are coupled and can execute the method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, or execute the method according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, and when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, or the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

Images