A communication method and device

Abstract

The application relates to a communication method and device. A first device transmits M times of reference signals to a second device in a first beam direction, each of the M times of reference signals is transmitted by two groups of transmitting antennas simultaneously, and M is greater than or equal to 2. When each of the M-1 times of reference signals is transmitted, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two groups of transmitting antennas is different, and when the remaining one time of reference signal is transmitted, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two groups of transmitting antennas is the same. The first device receives first information from the second device, and the first information is used for indicating the received phase information of the M times of reference signals. The first device determines a second beam direction according to the first information, and the second beam direction is a beam direction for the first device to transmit information to the second device or for the first device to receive information from the second device. Since the calibration is performed by using the phase, the number of reference signals required by the application scheme is small, and the transmission cost can be saved.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on February 23, 2022, with application number 202210166116.7 and entitled "A Beam Tracking Method", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Technology

[0004] In practical communication systems, base stations achieve directional transmission through beams, and terminal devices achieve directional reception through beams aligned with those beams. However, when the location of the base station or terminal device changes, the beams currently used by both may shift to some extent. For example, the base station's transmit beam and the terminal device's receive beam may not align, which can lead to a degraded quality of the transmit / receive link between the terminal device and the base station.

[0005] Mobility is the primary cause of beam offset, and the beam offset caused by mobility exhibits a continuous characteristic in space. Currently, beam offset calibration methods designed for mobility are called beam tracking. Taking advantage of the continuous nature of beam offset, a commonly used beam tracking method involves the base station periodically transmitting a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), forming multiple beams adjacent to the current beam. The terminal device measures the CSI-RS and determines the best-performing one. The base station and the terminal device can then communicate using the beam pair corresponding to that CSI-RS until the next reference signal transmission cycle arrives.

[0006] Although this method can calibrate the beam between the base station and the terminal device, the base station needs to send a lot of CSI-RS, resulting in a large transmission overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and device for reducing the transmission overhead caused by beam tracking.

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first device, or by another device including the functions of the first device, or by a chip system (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the functions of the first device, such as being disposed in the first device. For example, the first device is a terminal device and the second device is an access network device; or the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal device. The method includes: transmitting M reference signals to the second device in a first beam direction, each of the M reference signals being transmitted simultaneously through two sets of transmitting antennas, wherein when transmitting each of the M-1 reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is different, and when transmitting the remaining reference signal excluding the M-1 reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is the same, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; receiving first information from the second device, the first information indicating the received phase information of the M reference signals; and determining a second beam direction based on the first information, the second beam direction being the beam direction in which the first device transmits information to the second device or the first device receives information from the second device.

[0009] This application proposes a novel method for determining the beam direction between two devices, which uses phase to calibrate the beam direction between the two devices. Because phase calibration is used, the number of reference signals required can be reduced; for example, M only needs to be greater than or equal to 2. Therefore, due to the new method for determining the beam direction, the first device does not need to send numerous reference signals to achieve beam direction calibration. Thus, the technical solution provided by this application reduces the transmission overhead caused by beam tracking.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the first information includes the received phase of the M reference signals; or, the first information includes N first phase differences, wherein the first phase difference is the difference between a second phase difference and a third phase difference, the second phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in the remaining first reference signal excluding the M-1 reference signals, and the third phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in the first reference signal of the M-1 reference signals, where N is a positive integer less than M; or, the first information includes M phase differences, the M phase differences including the second phase difference and the third phase difference. The first information may include the received phase of the M reference signals, and the second device can calculate the corresponding phase differences itself, requiring the first device to perform fewer operations and simplifying its implementation. Alternatively, the first information may also include the corresponding phase differences to reduce the workload of the second device.

[0011] In one optional implementation, when transmitting the remaining reference signal besides the M-1 reference signals, the total number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is the same as the total number of transmitting antennas in the first device. For example, the total number of transmitting antennas in the two sets is the same as the total number of transmitting antennas in the first device. When transmitting the remaining reference signal, all transmitting antennas in both sets can be used to transmit, thereby improving transmission quality.

[0012] In one optional implementation, determining the second beam direction based on the first information includes: determining the offset angle of the second beam direction relative to the first beam direction based on the first information and the first beam direction. When the beam has not deviated from the main lobe, since the phase change of the reference signal caused by the beam offset has a one-to-one correspondence with the change of the beam direction, the offset of the current beam direction relative to the optimal beam direction can be determined by measuring the received phase of the reference signal in one direction within the main lobe, thereby determining the optimal beam direction.

[0013] In one optional implementation, the antenna array of the first device is a linear array, M=2; or, the antenna array of the first device is a planar array, M is greater than or equal to 2. The number of reference signals is, for example, related to the antenna type. It is evident that, due to phase calibration, the required number of reference signals is relatively small, and the first device can achieve beam direction calibration without transmitting numerous reference signals. Therefore, the technical solution provided in this application embodiment can reduce the transmission overhead caused by beam tracking.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: transmitting K reference signals to the second device along the first beam direction, each of the K reference signals being transmitted simultaneously through the two sets of transmitting antennas, wherein the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is the same when transmitting each of the K reference signals, and the K reference signals are used to determine the beam direction of the second device transmitting information to the first device or the second device receiving information from the first device, where K is a positive integer. M reference signals can be used to determine the direction of the first device transmitting information to or receiving information from the second device. In addition, the first device can also transmit K reference signals to the second device, which can be used to determine the beam direction of the second device transmitting information to or receiving information from the first device. Essentially, the reference signals transmitted by the first device can determine both the beam direction of the first device relative to the second device and the transmission direction of the second device relative to the first device. Multiple functions can be accomplished with a single type of reference signal, improving the utilization rate of the reference signals. Furthermore, the first and second devices do not need to change their transceiver logic, making implementation relatively simple.

[0015] In one optional implementation, the antenna array of the second device is a linear array, K=1; or, the antenna array of the second device is a planar array, K is greater than or equal to 1. The number of reference signals is, for example, related to the antenna type. It can be seen that, since phase calibration is used, the required number of reference signals is relatively small, and the first device can achieve beam direction calibration without sending numerous reference signals. Therefore, the technical solution provided by the embodiments of this application can reduce the transmission overhead caused by beam tracking. Furthermore, the remaining reference signal among the M reference signals (excluding the M-1 reference signals) can be used to determine the beam direction of the first device relative to the second device (e.g., the second beam direction) or the beam direction of the second device relative to the first device. Thus, the number of K reference signals can be further reduced compared to the number of M reference signals, thereby further saving transmission overhead.

[0016] In one optional implementation, if the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal device, then the reference signal included in the M reference signals is CSI-RS or SSB; or, if the first device is a terminal device and the second device is an access network device, then the reference signal included in the M reference signals is SRS.

[0017] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: predicting, based on phase offset information, that the second beam direction will change before the arrival of the next reference signal transmission cycle, wherein the phase offset information is used to indicate the phase offset that has occurred historically in the beam direction from the first device to the second device or from the first device to the second device; before the arrival of the next reference signal transmission cycle, transmitting or receiving a reference signal, the reference signal being used to determine a third beam direction, the third beam direction being the beam direction from the first device to the second device or from the first device to the second device. This application embodiment considers a scenario where optimal beam switching may occur before the arrival of the next reference signal transmission cycle. If the first device or the second device predicts that optimal beam switching exists and is before the arrival of the next reference signal transmission cycle, the optimal beam can be adjusted in a timely manner by triggering aperiodic reference signal measurements, thereby improving the received power of the link.

[0018] In an optional implementation, the method further includes receiving the phase offset information from the second device. This phase offset information can be determined by the first device itself, for example, the first device obtains the phase offset information based on historical phase offset patterns of the beam direction. Alternatively, the phase offset information can also come from other devices, such as the second device. Therefore, the first device has a relatively flexible method for obtaining the phase offset information.

[0019] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: sending phase offset information to the second device, the phase offset information indicating a historical phase offset in the beam direction from which the first device sends information to the second device or receives information from the second device, the phase offset information being used to predict whether the second beam direction has changed. In this embodiment, the prediction process can be performed by the first device or by the second device. For example, the first device can send the obtained phase offset information to the second device, allowing the second device to perform the prediction. Alternatively, the second device can obtain the phase offset information and perform the prediction itself, without requiring the first device to send the phase offset information, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0020] Secondly, another communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second device, or by another device including the functions of the second device, or by a chip system (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the functions of the second device, such as being disposed in the second device. The implementation methods of the first and second devices can be referred to the description of the first aspect. The method includes: receiving M reference signals from the first device in a first beam direction, each of the M reference signals being received through two sets of receiving antennas, wherein the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas is the same when receiving each of the M reference signals, and M is a positive integer; sending first information to the first device, the first information indicating the received phase information of the M reference signals, the first information determining the beam direction of the first device sending information to the second device or the first device receiving information from the second device.

[0021] In one optional implementation, the first information includes the received phase of the M reference signals; or, the first information includes N first phase differences, wherein the first phase difference is the difference between a second phase difference and a third phase difference, the second phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in the remaining first reference signal excluding the M-1 reference signals, and the third phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in the first reference signal of the M-1 reference signals, wherein N is a positive integer less than M; or, the first information includes M phase differences, wherein the M phase differences include the second phase difference and the third phase difference.

[0022] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: receiving K reference signals from the first device in the first beam direction, each of the K reference signals being received through the two sets of receiving antennas, wherein the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas is different when receiving each of the K reference signals; determining a fourth beam direction based on second information, the fourth beam direction being the beam direction in which the second device sends information to the first device or receives information from the first device, wherein the second information is used to indicate the received phase information of the K reference signals, and K is a positive integer.

[0023] In one optional implementation, the second information includes the received phase of the K reference signals; or, the second information includes D fourth phase differences, wherein the fourth phase difference is the difference between the second phase difference and the fifth phase difference, the second phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in one of the M reference signals, and the fifth phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in one of the K reference signals; or, the second information includes K phase differences, and the K phase differences include the fifth phase difference.

[0024] In one optional implementation, determining the second beam direction based on the second information includes: determining the offset angle of the fourth beam direction relative to the current beam direction based on the second information and the current beam direction in which the second device sends information to the first device or receives information from the first device.

[0025] In one optional implementation, if the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal device, then the reference signal included in the M reference signals is CSI-RS; or, if the first device is a terminal device and the second device is an access network device, then the reference signal included in the M reference signals is SRS.

[0026] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: predicting, based on phase offset information, that the fourth beam direction will change before the arrival of the next reference signal transmission cycle, wherein the phase offset information is used to indicate a historical phase offset in the beam direction from which the second device transmits information to the first device or from which the second device receives information; and before the arrival of the next reference signal transmission cycle, transmitting or receiving a reference signal, the reference signal being used to determine a fifth beam direction, the fifth beam direction being the beam direction from which the second device transmits information to the first device or from which the second device receives information.

[0027] In an optional implementation, the method further includes receiving the phase offset information from the first device.

[0028] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: sending phase offset information to the first device, the phase offset information being used to indicate the phase offset that has occurred historically in the beam direction from which the second device sends information to the first device or from which the second device receives information from the first device, the phase offset information being used to predict whether the fourth beam direction has changed.

[0029] For the technical effects of the second aspect or various alternative implementation methods, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding implementation methods.

[0030] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The communication device can be the first device described in any one of the first to second aspects above. The communication device possesses the functions of the first device. The communication device is, for example, the first device, or a functional module within the first device, such as a baseband device or a chip system (or chip). In one 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 called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit can implement both transmitting and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit implements the transmitting function, it can be called a transmitting unit (sometimes also called a transmitting module), and when the transceiver unit implements the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The transmitting unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can implement both transmitting and receiving functions; or, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a collective term for these functional modules.

[0031] For example, the transceiver unit (or the transmitting unit) is configured to transmit M reference signals to the second device in a first beam direction. Each of the M reference signals is transmitted simultaneously through two sets of transmitting antennas. When transmitting each of the M-1 reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is different. When transmitting the remaining reference signal (excluding the M-1 reference signals), the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is the same. M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The transceiver unit (or the receiving unit) is further configured to receive first information from the second device. The first information is used to indicate the received phase information of the M reference signals. The processing unit is configured to determine a second beam direction based on the first information. The second beam direction is the beam direction in which the first device transmits information to the second device or receives information from the second device.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the communication device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), and the processing unit is configured to couple with the storage unit and execute programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the first device described in any one of the first to second aspects above.

[0033] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device can be a second device as described in any of the first to second aspects above. The communication device possesses the functions of the aforementioned second device. The communication device is, for example, a second device, or a functional module within a second device, such as a baseband device or a chip system (or chip). In one 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 called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). For details on the implementation of the transceiver unit, please refer to the description in the third aspect.

[0034] For example, the transceiver unit (or the receiving unit) is configured to receive M reference signals from the first device in a first beam direction, each of the M reference signals being received through two sets of receiving antennas, wherein the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas is the same when receiving each of the M reference signals, and M is a positive integer; the transceiver unit (or the transmitting unit) is further configured to transmit first information to the first device, the first information being used to indicate the receiving phase information of the M reference signals, and the first information being used to determine the beam direction of the first device transmitting information to the second device or the first device receiving information from the second device.

[0035] In one alternative embodiment, the communication device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), and the processing unit is configured to couple with the storage unit and execute programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the second device described in any one of the first to second aspects above.

[0036] Fifthly, a communication system is provided, comprising the communication device described in the third aspect and the communication device described in the fourth aspect.

[0037] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method performed by the first or second device in the above aspects to be implemented.

[0038] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented.

[0039] Eighthly, a chip system or chip is provided, including a processor and an interface, the processor being configured to call and execute instructions from the interface to enable the chip system to implement the methods of the above aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of beam offset angle;

[0041] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the UE's received power and the angle difference between the current beam and the optimal beam.

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram indicating that the reference signal transmission period is too short;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing that the antenna array at the transmitting end for the reference signal is a linear array;

[0045] Figure 5A A schematic diagram illustrating the amplitude variation caused by beam shift;

[0046] Figure 5B A schematic diagram illustrating the phase rotation caused by beam offset;

[0047] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the first communication method provided in this application embodiment;

[0048] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of one method of differential elimination used in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of the first device using different transmitting antennas when transmitting a reference signal in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of the second device using different receiving antennas when receiving a reference signal in an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the beam direction before and after adjustment in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the second communication method provided in this application embodiment;

[0053] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating the third communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating an excessively long reference signal transmission period;

[0055] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating the fourth communication method provided in this application embodiment;

[0056] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of an apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] The following explanations of some terms or concepts used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0060] This application's embodiments relate to transmitting and receiving devices, for example, both transmitting and receiving devices are terminal devices. A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which can be a fixed device, mobile device, handheld device (e.g., mobile phone), wearable device, vehicle-mounted device, or a wireless device (e.g., communication module, modem, or chip system, etc.) built into the aforementioned devices. The terminal device is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc., and can be widely used in various scenarios, including but not limited to the following: cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) communication, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical care, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots, and other scenarios. The terminal device may sometimes be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, wireless communication equipment, or user device, etc. For ease of description, the terminal device in this application embodiment will be described using UE as an example. For example, the first UE mentioned later can be replaced by the first terminal device, and the second UE mentioned later can be replaced by the second terminal device.

[0061] The network devices in this application embodiment may include, for example, access network devices and / or core network devices. The access network devices are devices with wireless transceiver capabilities, used to communicate with the terminal devices. The access network devices include, but are not limited to, base stations (base transceiver stations, BTS, Node B, eNodeB / eNB, or gNodeB / gNB), transmission reception points (TRPs), base stations evolved from the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), access nodes in Wi-Fi systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, etc. The base stations may be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same access technology or networks using different access technologies. A base station may contain one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission and reception points. The access network equipment can also be a radio controller, centralized unit (CU), and / or distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The access network equipment can also be a server, etc. For example, the network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). The following explanation uses a base station as an example of the access network equipment. The base station can communicate with the terminal device, or it can communicate with the terminal device through a relay station. The terminal device can communicate with multiple base stations in different access technologies. The core network equipment is used to implement functions such as mobility management, data processing, session management, policy and billing. The names of the equipment implementing core network functions may differ in systems using different access technologies; this application does not limit this. Taking the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system as an example, the core network equipment includes: access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF) or user plane function (UPF), etc.

[0062] In this application embodiment, the communication device used to implement the network device function can be a network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed within the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the network device function is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0063] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0064] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this 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 information and the second information can be the same information or different information, and such names do not indicate that the content, amount of information, priority, or importance of the two pieces of information are different. In addition, the numbering of steps in the various embodiments described in this application is only to distinguish different steps, and is not used to limit the order between steps. For example, S601 may occur before S602, or may occur after S602, or may occur simultaneously with S602.

[0065] The following describes the relevant technologies involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0066] Millimeter wave bands range from 30 GHz to 300 GHz. Compared to bands below 6 GHz (sub-6 GHz), millimeter wave bands offer richer spectrum resources and can achieve higher transmission rates. However, the transmission loss experienced by electromagnetic waves is related to the transmission distance and the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. In particular, for high-frequency millimeter waves, the transmission loss is greater, resulting in a shorter system coverage distance. Therefore, in practical communication systems, base stations can achieve directional transmission through beams, and UEs can also achieve directional reception through beams. There is a corresponding relationship between the beam and spatial filtering parameters here.

[0067] The more antennas there are, the narrower the analog beam, the greater the energy received by the UE, and consequently, the higher the reliability of the transmission link. However, when the base station or the UE moves, the beams currently used by both may shift to some extent. Taking the base station as the transmitter of the reference signal, the UE as the receiver, and the base station's transmit antennas arranged in a uniform linear array with dimensions, for example, 1×16, as an example, and assuming only the beam shift occurs on the base station side, the consequences of the beam shift can be seen in [reference needed]. Figure 1A and Figure 1B .in Figure 1A The angle represents the beam offset, where β represents the angle between the current beam and the horizontal direction, and θ represents the angle between the optimal beam and the horizontal direction. Figure 1B This represents the relationship between the UE's received power and the angle difference between the current beam and the optimal beam, the angle difference between the current beam and the optimal beam, for example, denoted by (β-θ). Figure 1B It can be seen that if the offset between the currently used beam and the optimal beam is about 4°, the overall received power of the UE will decrease by about 5dB. If the offset between the currently used beam and the optimal beam is about 6°, the overall received power of the UE will decrease by about 15dB.

[0068] Mobility is the primary cause of beam offset, and the beam offset caused by mobility exhibits a continuous characteristic in space. Currently, beam offset calibration methods designed for mobility are called beam tracking. Given the continuous nature of beam offset, a commonly used beam tracking method involves the base station periodically transmitting CSI-RS. In each period, CSI-RS can be transmitted in multiple beam directions to form multiple beams adjacent to the current beam. It is evident that the base station needs to transmit a large number of CSI-RS in each period. By measuring the CSI-RS, the UE can determine the best-performing CSI-RS and thus decide which beam to use to communicate with the base station before the next measurement period.

[0069] Assuming the base station transmits CSI-RS in period T0, the UE's motion state matches the CSI-RS transmission period during this period (i.e., the optimal beam between the UE and the base station switches in period T0, and the UE can sense the switching of the optimal beam by measuring in period T0). At this time, if the UE accelerates, decelerates, or changes its direction of motion, the period T0 may not match the future beam change trend.

[0070] When the reference signal transmission period of the beam tracking configuration does not match the beam change trend caused by mobility, the following may occur: Figure 2 The situation is shown. Figure 2 Two reference signal transmission periods are given, but the optimal beam switching only occurs at the end of both reference signal transmission periods. Figure 2 The beam indicated by the diagonal line represents the optimal beam. It can be seen that the optimal beam does not switch at the beginning and end of the first reference signal transmission cycle; the optimal beam only switches at the end of the second reference signal transmission cycle. That is, Figure 2 In the scenario shown, the reference signal transmission period is too short, resulting in excessively dense CSI-RS transmissions. An optimal beam switching might only occur after several reference signal transmission periods, leading to a waste of transmission resources. Furthermore, considering that the base station transmits a large number of CSI-RS signals in each reference signal transmission period, an excessively short reference signal transmission period would result in even greater transmission resource overhead.

[0071] In view of this, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application is provided. The embodiments of this application propose a new method for determining the beam direction between two devices, which uses phase to calibrate the beam direction between the two devices. Since phase calibration is used, the number of reference signals required can be reduced, for example, M is greater than or equal to 2. It can be seen that, due to the use of the new method for determining the beam direction, the first device does not need to send numerous reference signals to achieve beam direction calibration. Therefore, the technical solution provided by the embodiments of this application can reduce the transmission overhead caused by beam tracking.

[0072] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems; or to fifth-generation (5G) systems, such as New Radio (NR) systems; or to next-generation mobile communication systems or other similar communication systems, without specific limitations. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) scenarios, such as NR-D2D scenarios, or to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) scenarios, such as NR-V2X scenarios. For example, they can be applied to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, such as V2X, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) networks, or to fields such as intelligent driving, assisted driving, or intelligent connected vehicles. If applied to a D2D scenario, both communicating parties can be UEs; if applied to a non-D2D scenario, one communicating party can be a UE, and the other party can be a network device (e.g., an access network device). Alternatively, either or both of the communicating parties may be other types of electronic devices besides network devices and terminal devices.

[0073] In the following description, we take the case where the two communicating parties are a first device and a second device, and the method of the embodiments of this application is applied to a non-D2D scenario, for example, the first device is a UE and the second device is an access network device; or the first device is an access network device and the second device is a UE.

[0074] Figure 3 This application provides a communication network architecture applicable to its embodiments, and subsequent embodiments are also applicable to this architecture. The first device and the second device can communicate, for example, the first device is a transmitter of a reference signal and the second device is a receiver of the reference signal, or the first device is a receiver of the reference signal and the second device is a transmitter of the reference signal.

[0075] To better illustrate the embodiments of this application, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings corresponding to the various embodiments of this application, all optional steps are indicated by dashed lines.

[0076] Before introducing the method and process, we will first introduce some related technologies involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0077] First, the mathematical form of beamforming will be introduced. For example... Figure 4As shown, in a multi-antenna system, it is assumed that the antenna array at the transmitting end of the reference signal is a linear array, and the receiving end of the reference signal is located in the θ direction of the array. The signals transmitted by each transmitting antenna at the transmitting end are superimposed at the receiving end. Under the far-field assumption, the optical path difference experienced by the electromagnetic wave signals emitted by closely adjacent transmitting antennas at the transmitting end at the receiving end is d*sinθ (d is the antenna spacing). In the embodiments of this application, "*" and "×" both represent a multiplication relationship and can be substituted for each other. The receiving antenna at the receiving end can receive electromagnetic wave signals from different transmitting antennas at the transmitting end. The receiving end superimposes the electromagnetic wave signals from each transmitting antenna at the transmitting end, and the superimposed signal is used as the received signal. The receiving end can then perform subsequent processing on the received signal. If the electromagnetic wave signals transmitted by multiple transmitting antennas at the transmitting end have the same phase when they arrive at the receiving end, the received power of the superimposed signal is the strongest. Therefore, analog beamforming technology performs phase compensation on the signals transmitted by each transmitting antenna at the transmitting end, so that the reception in a certain direction can obtain the maximum received power.

[0078] Furthermore, the beamforming between the transmitter and receiver, and the optimal beam corresponding to the channel, are described in the form of a guidance vector, as shown in Equation 1:

[0079] y = a(θ) t w(β) t T x+n (Formula 1)

[0080] In Equation 1, the physical angle of the optimal beam direction between the transmitter and receiver is θ, a(θ). t This can represent the optimal beam. The optimal beam direction refers to the direction in which the receiver achieves the best reception quality when the transmitter sends a signal to the receiver. For example, the transmitter could be a first device, and the receiver a second device; or the transmitter could be a second device, and the receiver a first device. The physical angle corresponding to the beamforming vector is β, w(β). t This can represent the beamforming vector, which is the current transmitting beam of the transmitter. x represents the signal transmitted by the transmitter. The subscript t represents the transmitter, n represents the received noise, and y represents the received signal. Due to the movement of the transmitter and / or receiver, β≠θ. In this case, the signal received by the receiver will undergo two changes due to the beam direction shift: amplitude attenuation and phase rotation, as shown in Equation 2.

[0081] a(θ) t w(β) t T =f(sinθ-sinβ)*e jg(sinθ-sinβ) (Formula 2)

[0082] In Formula 2, f(sinθ-sinβ) represents the amplitude attenuation of the received signal, and g(sinθ-sinβ) represents the phase rotation of the received signal. For example, if θ≈β, then Where N represents the number of transmitting antennas at the transmitting end.

[0083] For reference Figure 5A This represents the amplitude change caused by beam shift. The vertical axis represents amplitude, and the horizontal axis represents the angle of beam direction shift, i.e., the angle of shift of the shifted beam direction relative to the current beam direction, such as β-θ. See also... Figure 5B , represents the phase rotation caused by beam offset, where the vertical axis represents the phase rotation (in g°) and the horizontal axis represents the angle of beam offset, such as β-θ.

[0084] Based on the above derivation, we can conclude that: 1. When the beam does not deviate from the main lobe, the phase change of the reference signal caused by the beam deviation has a one-to-one correspondence with (β-θ). Therefore, by measuring the phase of the reference signal in one direction within the main lobe, the optimal beam can be determined. 2. When (β-θ) is small, the linearity between the phase change of the reference signal and (β-θ) is high, and the amplification factor (slope) is large. Therefore, it is relatively easy to convert the phase of the measured reference signal into the angular deviation of the beam direction, thereby determining the optimal beam direction.

[0085] In various embodiments of this application, the beam direction of a device sending information to another device and the beam direction of the device receiving information from the other device can be the same. For example, the beam direction of a first device sending information to a second device and the beam direction of the first device receiving information from the second device are the same beam direction; similarly, the beam direction of a second device sending information to a first device and the beam direction of the second device receiving information from the first device are the same beam direction. To simplify the following description, in various embodiments of this application, the beam direction of the first device sending information to the second device is simply referred to as the beam direction of the first device and the second device. Therefore, the beam direction of the first device and the second device can represent either the beam direction of the first device sending information to the second device or the beam direction of the first device receiving information from the second device. Furthermore, the beam direction of the second device sending information to the first device is simply referred to as the beam direction of the second device and the first device. Therefore, the beam direction of the second device and the first device can represent either the beam direction of the second device sending information to the first device or the beam direction of the second device receiving information from the first device.

[0086] In this embodiment of the application, the beam tracking process may include determining the optimal beam direction of the first device and the second device, and / or determining the optimal beam direction of the second device and the first device. Therefore, for the access network device and the UE, beam tracking may include one or more methods as shown in Table 1.

[0087] Table 1

[0088] Beam tracking method Access network equipment UE Reference signal type model Method 0 Send CSI-RS Measure CSI-RS CSI-RS Cross mode Method 1 Send CSI-RS Send SRS CSI-RS+SRS Mutual adjustment Method 2 Measure SRS Measure CSI-RS SRS+CSI-RS Self-adjustment Method 3 Measure SRS Send SRS SRS Cross mode

[0089] In mode 0, the access network device sends CSI-RS, and the UE can determine the optimal beam direction between the UE and the access network device by measuring the CSI-RS. In addition, the UE can send part or all of the measured received phase information to the access network device, so that the access network device can determine the optimal beam direction between the access network device and the UE.

[0090] In Method 1, the access network device sends CSI-RS, and the UE can determine the optimal beam direction between the UE and the access network device by measuring CSI-RS; in addition, the UE sends SRS, and the access network device can determine the optimal beam direction between the access network device and the UE by measuring SRS.

[0091] In Method 2, the access network device sends CSI-RS, and the UE can measure the CSI-RS and send the measured received phase information to the access network device, so that the access network device can determine the optimal beam direction between the access network device and the UE; in addition, the UE sends SRS, and the access network device can measure the SRS and send the measured received phase information to the UE, so that the UE can determine the optimal beam direction between the UE and the access network device.

[0092] In mode 3, the UE sends SRS, and the access network device can determine the optimal beam for receiving information from the UE by measuring the SRS. In addition, the access network device can send some or all of the measured receive phase information to the UE, so that the UE can determine the optimal beam for sending information to the access network device.

[0093] Generally, if the UE and / or access network equipment moves, it may cause both the UE's beam direction relative to the access network equipment and the access network equipment's beam direction relative to the UE to shift. Therefore, the four methods shown in Table 1 can all achieve beam adjustment on both sides of the UE and the access network equipment, so that the adjusted beam directions can be aligned.

[0094] The various methods shown in Table 1 are described below through different embodiments.

[0095] This application provides a first communication method, which, for example, implements mode 0 or mode 3 in Table 1. See also... Figure 6 Here is a flowchart of the method. This method can be applied to... Figure 3 The network architecture shown, for example, the first device involved in this method is... Figure 3 The first device in the method is the second device involved in the method. Figure 3 The second device in the system. Wherein, if the first device is an access network device and the second device is a UE, then the embodiment of this application can implement mode 0 in Table 1; or, if the first device is a UE and the second device is an access network device, then the embodiment of this application can implement mode 3 in Table 1.

[0096] S601. The first device sends M reference signals to the second device in the first beam direction. Correspondingly, the second device receives M reference signals from the first device in the first beam direction. The first beam direction is the current beam direction in which the first device sends information to the second device, or the current beam direction in which the first device receives information from the second device. For example, if the first device is an access network device and the second device is a UE, the reference signal may be, for example, CSI-RS, or a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB), etc. Another example is if the first device is a UE and the second device is an access network device, the reference signal may be, for example, a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0097] This application embodiment uses the phase change of a reference signal as reference information for beam tracking. However, the reference signal may have many phase interference factors after transmission. This application embodiment also needs to consider these phase interference factors to obtain phase information. For example, the phase interference factors generated by the transmission of the reference signal can be referred to Formula 3:

[0098]

[0099] Where p(t) n ) indicates the amplitude attenuation of the reference signal. t n This represents the nth time point. f represents the phase change of a reference signal transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves during propagation. c Let represent the center frequency of the carrier used to carry the reference signal, k represent the kth subcarrier used to carry the reference signal, Δf represent the subcarrier spacing, and τ0 represent the propagation delay of the reference signal. f represents the Doppler frequency shift caused by the motion of the transmitting and / or receiving ends of the reference signal. d This indicates the Doppler frequency. This represents the phase noise caused by the crystal oscillator of the transceiver at the transmitting end of the reference signal, p. n This represents the phase noise at the current moment. Since the subscript t indicates the transmitting end, θ... n Let a(θ) represent the angle of the optimal transmission beam at the transmitter at time n. n ) t This indicates that at time n, the transmitter and receiver are at θ n Channel guidance vector in the direction.

[0100] in, and These are slow-varying terms on a time scale, typically exhibiting time-domain correlation, which can be eliminated through time-domain differencing. These are fast-changing terms on the time scale and typically do not have time-domain correlation, therefore other elimination methods need to be considered. One elimination method provided in this application is to use the same crystal oscillator to transmit reference signals through different transmitting antennas at the same time. Based on the received phase of these reference signals (received phase refers to the phase of the reference signal received by the receiver), differential elimination can be achieved. For example, the reference signal transmitter can use the same crystal oscillator and transmit the reference signal using two sets of transmitting antennas at the same time, thereby eliminating the interference through differential methods. This differential cancellation method (or, in other words, this method of transmitting the reference signal) falls under the category of dual-polarization frequency division multiplexing (FDM). See reference... Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of difference elimination.

[0101] Figure 7 Taking the example of a reference signal transmitter simultaneously transmitting a reference signal through two sets of transmitting antennas, the transmission directions of these two sets of transmitting antennas are referred to as polarization direction 1 and polarization direction 2, respectively. The transmitter transmits a reference signal once at time t0, which includes two reference signals simultaneously transmitted in polarization direction 1 and polarization direction 2. It also transmits a reference signal once at time t1, which also includes two reference signals simultaneously transmitted in polarization direction 1 and polarization direction 2. The reference signal transmitted in polarization direction 1 is carried on frequency band 1, and the reference signal transmitted in polarization direction 2 is carried on frequency band 2. Figure 7 In the diagram, the diagonally drawn box represents the reference signal. All transmitting antennas of a device may use the same crystal oscillator.

[0102] Figure 7For example, at time t0, the transmitting end uses the same number of transmitting antennas in both sets of transmitting antennas. That is, at time t0, the reference signals transmitted by the transmitting end in both polarization directions are transmitted through the same number of transmitting antennas. However, at time t1, the transmitting end uses different numbers of transmitting antennas in the two sets of transmitting antennas. That is, at time t0, the reference signals transmitted by the transmitting end in both polarization directions are transmitted through different numbers of transmitting antennas. For example, for time t0, the phase difference between the two reference signals received by the receiving end in the two polarization directions can be determined, and this phase difference can be expressed as Δα0; for time t1, the phase difference between the two reference signals received by the receiving end in the two polarization directions can also be determined, and this phase difference can be expressed as Δα1. Where Δα0 = angle(RS1) t0 -angle(RS2) t0 =δ+2πnΔfτ0,

[0103] Where, angle(RS1) t0 This represents the phase of the reference signal received by the receiver at time t0 in polarization direction 1, angle(RS2). t0 This represents the phase of the reference signal received by the receiver at time t0 in polarization direction 2. (angle(RS1)) t1 This represents the phase of the reference signal received by the receiver at time t1 in polarization direction 1, angle(RS2). t1 This represents the phase of the reference signal received by the receiver at time t1 in polarization direction 2. δ represents the phase difference between the antennas in the two polarization directions; this phase difference is the result of the combined effect of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna on the received pilot. Here, n represents the difference in subcarrier indices of the two reference signals in the frequency domain, Δf represents the subcarrier spacing, and τ0 represents the electromagnetic wave propagation delay. β n θ represents the actual beam direction at the current moment (or, in other words, the angle of the actual beam direction at the current moment). n This represents the optimal beam direction at the current moment (or, in other words, the angle of the optimal beam direction at the current moment). Wherein, if Δα1 (or Δα1 and Δα0) are used to determine the optimal beam direction for the transmitter and receiver, then β... n θ represents the actual transmission beam direction of the transmitter and receiver at the current moment. n This represents the optimal transmission beam direction for the transmitter and receiver at the current moment; or, if Δα1 (or Δα1 and Δα0) are used to determine the optimal beam direction for the transmitter and receiver, then β n θ represents the actual receiving beam direction of the receiver and transmitter at the current moment. nThis indicates the optimal receiving beam direction for both the receiver and transmitter at the current moment. N1 represents the number of transmitting antennas used by the transmitter in polarization direction 1 at time t1, and N2 represents the number of transmitting antennas used by the transmitter in polarization direction 2 at time t1.

[0104] Difference elimination can be performed based on Δα0 and Δα1. For example, one method of difference elimination is to obtain Δα2 based on Δα0 and Δα1, for example... Then Δα2 is considered as the result obtained after differential cancellation. This result can be the phase rotation generated by the received signal, that is, Δα2 can be equal to g(sinθ-sinβ). Substituting Δα2 as g(sinθ-sinβ) into Formula 2, where β is also a known quantity, for example, β is the angle of the current beam direction, then θ can be determined according to Formula 2. This determines the current optimal beam direction, and thus the current beam direction can be adjusted to the optimal beam direction. This optimal beam direction is, for example, the beam direction of the first device and the second device.

[0105] As can be seen from the above introduction, in order to eliminate The transmitting end can use the same crystal oscillator and transmit reference signals through different transmitting antennas at the same time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the transmitting antenna of the first device can include two sets, and the number of antennas included in these two sets can be the same. For example, the total number of transmitting antennas included in these two sets is equal to the total number of transmitting antennas included in the first device. In various embodiments of this application, the transmitting antenna of a device can also be the receiving antenna of the same device, that is, one antenna can perform both transmitting and receiving functions. For example, the transmitting antenna of the first device can also be the receiving antenna of the first device, and the transmitting antenna of the second device can also be the receiving antenna of the second device. Alternatively, the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna of a device can also be different antennas. For example, the first device can include one or more transmitting antennas and one or more receiving antennas. The transmitting antennas included in the first device can be further divided into two sets of transmitting antennas, and the receiving antennas included in the first device can also be divided into two sets of receiving antennas. Similarly, the second device can include one or more transmitting antennas and one or more receiving antennas. The transmitting antennas included in the second device can also be divided into two sets of transmitting antennas, and the receiving antennas included in the second device can also be divided into two sets of receiving antennas.

[0106] For example, to determine the optimal beam direction for a first device and a second device, one method is to have the first device send M reference signals to the second device. Each reference signal can be transmitted through two sets of transmitting antennas. For instance, if the reference signal transmitted by each set of transmitting antennas is considered as one reference signal, then each reference signal can include two reference signals, with one set of transmitting antennas transmitting one of these reference signals. In other words, the first device simultaneously transmits reference signals through both sets of transmitting antennas M times. The optimal beam direction for the first and second devices can then be determined using these M reference signals.

[0107] M is a positive integer, for example, M can be greater than or equal to 2. Optionally, the value of M can be related to the antenna type of the first device, such as the transmitting antenna type of the first device. In various embodiments of this application, the antenna type is, for example, the degree of freedom of the antenna, such as the form of the antenna array. For example, if the transmitting antenna type of the first device indicates that the transmitting antenna array of the first device is a linear array, then M can be equal to 2. Figure 7 The process shown can determine the optimal beam directions of the first and second devices. Alternatively, if the transmitting antenna type of the first device indicates that the transmitting antenna array of the first device is a planar array, then each transmitting antenna of the first device can be regarded as having two transmitting channels including the horizontal and vertical directions, and M can be greater than or equal to 2. For example, if it is necessary to determine the optimal beam directions of the first and second devices in the horizontal or vertical direction using M reference signals, it is equivalent to determining the optimal beam directions of the first and second devices in only one direction (horizontal or vertical), then M can be equal to 2; or, if it is necessary to determine the optimal beam directions of the first and second devices in both the horizontal and vertical directions using M reference signals, it is equivalent to determining the optimal beam directions of the first and second devices in both the horizontal and vertical directions, then M can be greater than 2, for example, M can be equal to 3. One of these three reference signals can be regarded as a reference signal, which can be used when determining the optimal beam directions of the first and second devices in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The remaining two reference signals can be used to determine the optimal beam directions of the first and second devices in the horizontal direction and the optimal beam directions of the first and second devices in the vertical direction, respectively. For example, the first and second reference signals of these three reference signals are used to determine the optimal beam direction of the first and second devices in the horizontal direction, and the first and third reference signals are used to determine the optimal beam direction of the first and second devices in the vertical direction.

[0108] As introduced in the previous paragraph, if the transmitting antenna array of the first device is a planar array, or if the transmitting antenna array of the first device is a planar array, and the optimal beam direction of the first device and the second device in the horizontal or vertical direction needs to be determined through M reference signals, then M can be equal to 2. Optionally, in these cases, M can also be greater than 2. For example, by smoothing the received phase of the multiple reference signals, noise interference can be reduced, and the accuracy of the determined beam direction can be improved. The case where M can be equal to 3, as introduced in the previous paragraph, is similar; that is, M can also be greater than 3, which will not be elaborated further. In addition, similar situations involved in the various embodiments of this application can also adopt this processing method, which will not be elaborated further below.

[0109] When transmitting one of the M reference signals, the first device can use the same number of transmitting antennas in both sets of transmitting antennas. For example, the first device can use all the transmitting antennas in both sets of transmitting antennas. If the total number of transmitting antennas in the two sets equals the total number of transmitting antennas in the first device, then it is equivalent to the first device using all transmitting antennas to transmit that reference signal; for example, this reference signal can be called the M1-th reference signal. The transmission order of the M1-th reference signal (or, in other words, its position within the M reference signals during transmission) is not restricted. For example, the M1-th reference signal can be transmitted before, after, or within the M-1-th reference signals. Specifically, "the M1-th reference signal is within the M-1-th reference signals" means that the reference signal preceding the M1-th reference signal is also one of the M-1-th reference signals, and the reference signal following the M1-th reference signal is also one of the M-1-th reference signals. The M-1 reference signal is the remaining reference signal among the M reference signals excluding the M1-th reference signal. The transmission order of the M1-th reference signal can be pre-negotiated by the first and second devices, or determined by the first device and then notified to the second device, or determined by the second device and then instructed by the first device. That is, both the first and second devices can clearly determine the transmission order of the M1-th reference signal. The M1-th reference signal can be considered a base reference signal. For example, according to the previous paragraph, when M is 3, one of the reference signals can be considered a base reference signal, which can be the M1-th reference signal. Alternatively, when M is greater than or equal to 2, the M reference signals can also include the M1-th reference signal, and the M1-th reference signal can also be considered a base reference signal. The so-called base reference signal can be understood as something that can be used to determine the optimal beam direction between the first and second devices, or between the second and first devices.

[0110] The M reference signals include not only the M1th reference signal but also the M-1th reference signal. When the first device transmits each of the M-1 reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas may be different. This difference refers to each reference signal within the M-1 reference signals; that is, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas differs when transmitting each reference signal. However, when transmitting different reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in a particular set of transmitting antennas may be the same or different.

[0111] For reference Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of the first device using different transmitting antennas when transmitting a reference signal. Figure 8A Taking the first device as an example where each group of transmitting antenna arrays is an 8*4 planar array, and considering the need to determine the optimal beam direction in both the horizontal and vertical directions, we will also use M=3 as an example. The first reference signal in the time domain is the M1th reference signal. Therefore, when transmitting the first reference signal ( Figure 8A In the first reference signal (corresponding to time slot n), the number of transmitting antennas used in both groups of transmitting antennas is the same, for example, equal to the total number of transmitting antennas in each group. When transmitting the second reference signal, the number of transmitting antennas used in transmitting antenna group 1 is equal to the total number of transmitting antennas in that group, and the number of transmitting antennas used in transmitting antenna group 2 is half the total number of transmitting antennas in that group. When transmitting the third reference signal, the number of transmitting antennas used in transmitting antenna group 1 is equal to the total number of transmitting antennas in that group, and the number of transmitting antennas used in transmitting antenna group 2 is half the total number of transmitting antennas in that group. While the number of transmitting antennas used in transmitting antenna group 2 is half the total number of transmitting antennas in that group for both the second and third reference signals, the specific transmitting antennas used may be the same or different. Figure 8A Take the different examples.

[0112] The second device may include two sets of receiving antennas, and the number of antennas in these two sets may be the same. For example, the total number of receiving antennas in these two sets of receiving antennas is equal to the total number of receiving antennas in the second device. For the second device, these two sets of receiving antennas can be used for each of the M reference signals received. These two sets of receiving antennas can be used to receive the reference signals transmitted by the two sets of transmitting antennas of the first device. In various embodiments of this application, a reference signal transmitted at one time by one set of transmitting antennas of the first device is considered as one reference signal, and a reference signal received at one time by one set of receiving antennas of the second device is also considered as one reference signal. Therefore, the two sets of receiving antennas of the second device can receive two reference signals at a time, with each set of receiving antennas receiving one of the reference signals. For example, a reference signal transmitted by one set of transmitting antennas of the first device may be received by one set of receiving antennas of the second device.

[0113] Since the M reference signals are used to determine the optimal beam direction for the first and second devices, the second device can use the same number of receiving antennas in both sets of receiving antennas when receiving each of the M reference signals. For example, the second device can use all the receiving antennas in each set of receiving antennas in both sets when receiving each of the M reference signals. If the total number of receiving antennas in both sets equals the total number of receiving antennas in the second device, then it is equivalent to the second device using all its receiving antennas to receive each of the M reference signals. For example... Figure 8A In the process, when the second device receives each of the three reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in both sets of receiving antennas is the same. Figure 8A Taking the second device as an example, where each group of receiving antenna arrays is a 4*2 planar array.

[0114] S602, the second device sends first information to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information from the second device.

[0115] After receiving M reference signals, the second device can determine the received phase of the two reference signals included in each reference signal by measurement. Based on the determined received phase, the first information can be obtained. The first information indicates the received phase information of the M reference signals. Since the first device needs to determine the optimal beam direction between the first device and the second device, the second device can send the first information to the first device. Based on the first information, the first device can determine the optimal beam direction between the first device and the second device.

[0116] Optionally, the first information may include the received phase of the M reference signals. Figure 7 For example, if M=2, the first information may include the two receiving phases of one of the M received reference signals from the two sets of receiving antennas of the second device, for example... Figure 7The corresponding angle(RS1) t0 and angle(RS2) t0 Furthermore, the first information may also include the two receiving phases of the second device's two sets of receiving antennas for another reference signal in the received M reference signals, for example... Figure 7 The corresponding angle(RS1) t1 and angle(RS2) t1 After receiving the first information, the first device can perform differential cancellation based on the first information. For example, the first device can determine Δα2 based on the first information, and then determine the optimal beam direction between the first device and the second device based on Δα2.

[0117] Alternatively, the first information may include M phase differences, which may include a second phase difference and a third phase difference. The second phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in the M1-th reference signal, and the third phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in one of the (M-1)-th reference signals. Figure 7 For example, M = 2, for example Figure 7 In the given information, the reference signal transmitted at time t0 is the M1-th reference signal, and the reference signal transmitted at time t1 is the M-1-th reference signal. Therefore, Δα0 is the second phase difference, and Δα1 is the third phase difference. The first information may include both Δα0 and Δα1. After receiving the first information, the first device can perform differential cancellation based on it. For example, the first device can determine Δα2 based on the first information, and then determine the optimal beam direction between the first and second devices based on Δα2.

[0118] Alternatively, the first information may include N first phase differences, where N is a positive integer, for example, N is less than M. For example, if M = 2, then N = 1, or if M = 3, then N can be equal to 1 or 2. One of the N first phase differences is, for example, the difference between the second and third phase differences. Continuing... Figure 7 For example, if N = 1, the first phase difference is Δα2. After receiving the first information, the second device can directly apply Δα2 to determine the optimal beam direction between the first and second devices.

[0119] Optionally, if the first device is an access network device and the second device is a UE, the UE can obtain the reference signal receiving power (RSRP) by measuring the M reference signals, and the UE can also send the RSRP to the access network device.

[0120] S603. The first device determines the second beam direction based on the first information. The second beam direction is the optimal beam direction for both the first and second devices.

[0121] For example, the first device can obtain Δα2 based on the first information. The first device uses Δα2 as g(sinθ-sinβ) and substitutes it into Formula 2. Here, β is also a known quantity, such as the angle of the first beam direction. Then, the first device can determine θ according to Formula 2, thus determining the offset angle of the second beam direction relative to the first beam direction, and thus determining the second beam direction. The second beam direction can be the same as or different from the first beam direction.

[0122] S604: The first device sends K reference signals to the second device in the first beam direction. Correspondingly, the second device receives K reference signals from the first device in the first beam direction. Using the M reference signals, the first device can determine the optimal beam direction between the first and second devices. In mode 0 or mode 3 of Table 1, the second device, as the reference signal receiver, can also determine the optimal beam direction between the second and first devices using the reference signals from the first device. Therefore, the first device can also send K reference signals to the second device, and the second device can use these K reference signals to determine the optimal beam direction between the second and first devices. Optionally, S604 and S601 can be the same step, that is, the first device can send both M and K reference signals simultaneously; or, S604 can occur before or after S601. Figure 6 Taking S604 as an example, if S604 occurs after S603, then in S604, the first device can send K reference signals to the second device in the second beam direction, and correspondingly, the second device receives K reference signals from the first device in the second beam direction.

[0123] For example, each of the K reference signals can be transmitted through two sets of transmitting antennas of the first device. Each reference signal may include two reference signals, with one set of transmitting antennas transmitting one of the reference signals. That is, the first device transmits reference signals simultaneously through both sets of transmitting antennas each time, for a total of K times. The optimal beam direction between the second device and the first device can be determined through the K reference signals.

[0124] K is a positive integer; for example, K can be greater than or equal to 1. For instance, the M1-th reference signal in the M-th reference signal can also be used to determine the optimal beam direction between the second and first devices. That is, the M1-th reference signal can serve as a reference signal, therefore K only needs to be greater than or equal to 1. Optionally, the value of K can be related to the antenna type of the second device, such as the receiving antenna type of the second device. For example, the second device can send its receiving antenna type information to the first device, allowing the first device to determine the value of K accordingly.

[0125] For example, if the receiving antenna type of the second device indicates that the receiving antenna array of the second device is a linear array, then K can be equal to 1 (or greater than 1), through... Figure 7 The process shown can determine the optimal beam directions of the first and second devices. For example, if the receiving antenna type of the second device indicates that its receiving antenna array is a planar array, then if it is necessary to determine the optimal beam directions of the second and first devices in the horizontal or vertical direction using K reference signals, then K can be equal to 1 (or greater than 1); or, if it is necessary to determine the optimal beam directions of the second and first devices in both the horizontal and vertical directions using K reference signals, then K can be greater than 2, for example, K can be equal to 2 (or greater than 3). The M1-th reference signal can be considered a reference signal, which can be used to determine the optimal beam directions of the second and first devices in both the horizontal and vertical directions. These two reference signals can be used to determine the optimal beam directions of the second and first devices in the horizontal direction and the optimal beam directions in the vertical direction, respectively. For example, the M1th reference signal and the first of the two reference signals are used to determine the optimal beam direction of the second device and the first device in the horizontal direction, and the M1th reference signal and the second of the two reference signals are used to determine the optimal beam direction of the second device and the first device in the vertical direction.

[0126] When the second device receives each of the K reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas may be different. This difference refers to the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas when receiving each of the K reference signals. However, when receiving different reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in a particular set of receiving antennas may be the same or different.

[0127] For reference Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a second device uses different receiving antennas when receiving a reference signal. Figure 8B Taking the second device as an example where each receiving antenna array is a 4*2 planar array, and considering the need to determine the optimal beam direction in both the horizontal and vertical directions, we will also use K=2 as an example. Figure 8B The first of the three reference signals is the M1th reference signal, and the remaining two reference signals are the Kth reference signals. When the second device receives the M1th reference signal... Figure 8BIn the context of time slot n (corresponding to a primary reference signal), the number of receiving antennas used in both sets of receiving antennas is the same, for example, equal to the total number of receiving antennas in each set. When receiving the first reference signal in K reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in one set is equal to the total number of receiving antennas in that set, while the number of receiving antennas used in the other set is half the total number of receiving antennas in that set. Similarly, when receiving the second reference signal in K reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in one set is equal to the total number of receiving antennas in that set, while the number of receiving antennas used in the other set is half the total number of receiving antennas in that set. While the number of receiving antennas used in the other set is half the total number of receiving antennas in both the first and second reference signals, the specific antennas used may be the same or different. Figure 8B Take the different examples.

[0128] For the first device, the number of transmitting antennas used in both sets of transmitting antennas can be the same for each of the K reference signals transmitted. For example, the first device can use all the transmitting antennas in each set of transmitting antennas. If the total number of transmitting antennas in the two sets equals the total number of transmitting antennas in the first device, then it is equivalent to the first device using all transmitting antennas to transmit each of the K reference signals. For example... Figure 8B In the process, when the first device sends three reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in both sets of transmitting antennas is the same for each of the three reference signals. Figure 8B Taking the first device as an example, where each group of transmitting antenna arrays is an 8*4 planar array.

[0129] Optionally, if the first device is an access network device and the second device is a UE, the UE can obtain the RSRP by measuring the M reference signals, and the UE can send the RSRP to the access network device.

[0130] S605. The second device determines the fourth beam direction based on the second information. The fourth beam direction is the optimal beam direction between the second device and the first device.

[0131] After receiving the Kth reference signal and the M1th reference signal, the second device can determine the received phase of the two reference signals included in each reference signal by measurement. Based on the determined received phase, the second information can be obtained. The second information can indicate the received phase information of the Kth reference signal, and optionally, it can also indicate the received phase information of the M1th reference signal.

[0132] Optionally, the second information may include the received phase of the Kth reference signal, or the received phase of the (K+1)th reference signal. If the received phase of the (K+1)th reference signal is included, the second information may specifically include the received phase of the Kth reference signal and the received phase of the M1th reference signal.

[0133] Alternatively, the first information may include D fourth phase differences, where each fourth phase difference is the difference between the second and fifth phase differences. D is a positive integer. The fifth phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in one of the K reference signals. For a description of the second phase difference, please refer to S602.

[0134] Alternatively, the first information may include K phase differences, or K+1 phase differences. If the first information includes K+1 phase differences, then the first information may specifically include K phase differences and a second phase difference. The K phase differences may be K fifth phase differences.

[0135] S605 can be implemented such that the second device determines the offset angle of the fourth beam direction relative to the current beam direction of the second device and the first device (e.g., referred to as beam direction A) based on the second information and the current beam direction of the second device and the first device, thereby determining the fourth beam direction.

[0136] For example, the second device can obtain Δα2 based on the first information. The second device takes Δα2 as g(sinθ-sinβ) and substitutes it into Formula 2. In addition, w(β) in Formula 2... t T It can be replaced with w(β) r T , a(θ) t It can be replaced with a(θ) r , w(β) t T This can represent the receiving beamforming vector of the second device, which is the current receiving beam of the second device, a(θ). r This represents the channel guidance vector between the second device and the first device in the θ direction. β is also a known quantity, for example, β is the angle of beam direction A. Then, the first device can determine θ according to Formula 2, thus determining the offset angle of the fourth beam direction relative to beam direction A, and consequently, determining the fourth beam direction.

[0137] For example, refer to Figure 9 This is an example of the beam direction before and after adjustment. For example, the optimal beam direction for the first device and the second device was initially... Figure 9 In the beam direction 1, the optimal beam directions of the second device and the first device are initially as follows: Figure 9The beam direction in the first device is 2. Later, the second device moved, so the beam direction was re-determined using the method provided in this application embodiment. Therefore, the re-determined optimal beam direction for the first and second devices is... Figure 9 The beam direction 3 (e.g., the second beam direction) in the redetermined optimal beam direction between the second device and the first device is: Figure 9 Beam direction 4 (e.g., the fourth beam direction).

[0138] The technical solutions of this application implement mode 0 or mode 3 in Table 1. This application proposes a new method for determining the beam direction between two devices, which uses phase to calibrate the beam direction between the two devices. Since phase calibration is used, the number of reference signals required can be reduced. For example, when M is greater than or equal to 2 and K is greater than or equal to 1, calibration of the beam direction for both the first and second devices is achieved. Furthermore, the first device only needs to transmit reference signals in its original beam direction (e.g., the first beam pattern), without needing to transmit reference signals in multiple beam directions (if RSRP is used to determine the optimal beam direction, the transmitter needs to transmit a large number of reference signals in multiple beam directions), simplifying the implementation of the first device. Therefore, due to the new method for determining the beam direction, the first device does not need to transmit reference signals multiple times or change the transmission direction of the reference signals to achieve beam direction calibration. Thus, the technical solution provided by this application can reduce the transmission overhead caused by beam tracking and simplify the reference signal transmission process of the first device.

[0139] This application provides a second communication method, which, for example, implements method 1 in Table 1. See also... Figure 10 Here is a flowchart of the method. This method can be applied to... Figure 3 The network architecture shown, for example, the first device involved in this method is... Figure 3 The first device in the method is the second device involved in the method. Figure 3 The second device in the system.

[0140] S1001. The first device sends L reference signals to the second device in the first beam direction. Correspondingly, the second device receives L reference signals from the first device in the first beam direction. The first beam direction is either the current beam direction in which the first device sends information to the second device, or the current beam direction in which the first device receives information from the second device. For example, if the first device is an access network device and the second device is a UE, the reference signal might be, for example, CSI-RS or SSB. Alternatively, if the first device is a UE and the second device is an access network device, the reference signal might be, for example, SRS.

[0141] For example, each of the L reference signals can be transmitted through two sets of transmitting antennas of the first device. Each reference signal may include two reference signals, with one set of transmitting antennas transmitting one of the reference signals. That is, the first device transmits the reference signal simultaneously through both sets of transmitting antennas each time, for a total of L times. The optimal beam direction between the second device and the first device can be determined through the L reference signals.

[0142] L is a positive integer; for example, L can be greater than or equal to 2. Optionally, the value of L can be related to the antenna type of the second device, such as the receiving antenna type of the second device. The second device can send its receiving antenna type information to the first device, allowing the first device to determine the value of L accordingly. For example, if the receiving antenna type of the second device indicates that its receiving antenna array is a linear array, then L can be equal to 2 (or greater than 2); or, if the receiving antenna type of the second device indicates that its receiving antenna array is a planar array, then L can be greater than or equal to 2. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The description of the Mth reference signal in S601 of the illustrated embodiment.

[0143] In this scenario, the first device can use the same number of transmitting antennas in both sets of transmitting antennas for each of the L reference signals. For example, the first device can use all the transmitting antennas in each set of transmitting antennas. If the total number of transmitting antennas in the two sets equals the total number of transmitting antennas in the first device, then it is equivalent to the first device using all transmitting antennas to transmit each of the L reference signals.

[0144] The second device may include two sets of receiving antennas, and these two sets may contain the same number of antennas. For example, the total number of receiving antennas in these two sets may be equal to the total number of receiving antennas in the second device. The second device can use these two sets of receiving antennas to receive each of the L reference signals. These two sets of receiving antennas can be used to receive the reference signals transmitted by the two sets of transmitting antennas of the first device. Therefore, the two sets of receiving antennas of the second device can receive two reference signals at a time, with each set receiving one of the reference signals. For example, the reference signal transmitted by one set of transmitting antennas of the first device may be received by one set of receiving antennas of the second device.

[0145] When the second device receives one of the L reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in both sets of receiving antennas can be the same. For example, when receiving this reference signal, the second device can use all the receiving antennas in both sets of receiving antennas. If the total number of receiving antennas in the two sets equals the total number of receiving antennas in the second device, then it is equivalent to the second device using all receiving antennas to receive this reference signal. For example, this reference signal can be called the L1-th reference signal. There is no restriction on the reception order of the L1-th reference signal (or, in other words, the position of the L1-th reference signal within the L reference signals during reception). For example, the L1-th reference signal can be received before, after, or within the L-1-th reference signal. Here, receiving the L1-th reference signal within the L-1-th reference signal means that the reference signal preceding the L1-th reference signal is one of the L-1-th reference signals, and the reference signal following the L1-th reference signal is also one of the L-1-th reference signals. The L-1 reference signal is the remaining reference signal among the L reference signals excluding the L1st reference signal. The receiving order of the L1st reference signal can be pre-negotiated by the first and second devices, or determined by the first device and then notified to the second device, or determined by the second device and then instructed by the first device. That is, both the first and second devices can clearly determine the receiving order of the L1st reference signal. The L1st reference signal can be considered a base reference signal. In various embodiments of this application, the transmission order of a signal and the reception order of that signal can be the same.

[0146] When the second device receives each reference signal in the L-1 reference signal series, the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas may be different. This difference refers to the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas when receiving each reference signal in the L-1 reference signal series. However, when receiving different reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in a particular set of receiving antennas may be the same or different.

[0147] Optionally, if the first device is an access network device and the second device is a UE, the UE can obtain the RSRP by measuring the L reference signals, and the UE can send the RSRP to the access network device.

[0148] S1002, the second device determines the sixth beam direction based on the third information. The sixth beam direction is the optimal beam direction for both the second and first devices.

[0149] After receiving L reference signals, the second device can determine the received phase of the two reference signals included in each reference signal by measurement. Based on the determined received phase, the third information can be obtained. The third information indicates the received phase information of the L reference signals.

[0150] Optionally, the third information may include the received phase of the Lth reference signal.

[0151] Alternatively, the third information may include L phase differences. These L phase differences may include a sixth phase difference and a seventh phase difference. The sixth phase difference is the phase difference between the two reference signals included in the L1-th reference signal, and the seventh phase difference is the phase difference between the two reference signals included in the first reference signal of the L-1-th reference signal.

[0152] Alternatively, the third information may include A1 eighth phase differences, which are the differences between the seventh and sixth phase differences. A1 is a positive integer, for example, A1 is less than L.

[0153] For more information on how the second device determines the direction of the sixth beam based on the third information, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 6 S605 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0154] S1003. The second device sends P reference signals to the first device in the seventh beam direction. Correspondingly, the first device receives P reference signals from the second device in the seventh beam direction. The seventh beam direction is the current beam direction in which the second device sends information to the first device, or the current beam direction in which the second device receives information from the first device. For example, if the second device is an access network device and the first device is a UE, the reference signal may be, for example, CSI-RS or SSB. Another example is if the second device is a UE and the first device is an access network device, the reference signal may be, for example, SRS.

[0155] S1003 can occur before or after S1001. If S1003 occurs before S1002, the seventh beam direction and the sixth beam direction are the same beam direction or different beam directions; or, if S1003 occurs after S1002, the seventh beam direction and the sixth beam direction can be the same beam direction.

[0156] For example, each of the P reference signals can be transmitted through two sets of transmitting antennas of the second device. Each reference signal may include two reference signals, with one set of transmitting antennas transmitting one of the reference signals. That is, the second device transmits reference signals simultaneously through both sets of transmitting antennas each time, for a total of P times. The optimal beam direction for the first and second devices can be determined through the P reference signals.

[0157] P is a positive integer, for example, P can be greater than or equal to 2. Optionally, the value of P can be related to the antenna type of the first device, such as the receiving antenna type of the first device. The first device can send its receiving antenna type information to the second device, so that the second device can determine the value of P accordingly. For example, if the receiving antenna type of the first device indicates that the receiving antenna array of the first device is a linear array, then P can be equal to 2 (or greater than 2); or, if the receiving antenna type of the first device indicates that the receiving antenna array of the first device is a planar array, then P can be greater than or equal to 2. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The description of the Mth reference signal in S601 of the illustrated embodiment.

[0158] In this scenario, the second device can use the same number of transmitting antennas in both sets of transmitting antennas for each of the P reference signals. For example, the second device can use all the transmitting antennas in each set of transmitting antennas. If the total number of transmitting antennas in the two sets equals the total number of transmitting antennas in the second device, then it is equivalent to the second device using all transmitting antennas to transmit each of the P reference signals.

[0159] The first device may include two sets of receiving antennas, and the number of antennas in these two sets can be the same. For example, the total number of receiving antennas in these two sets is equal to the total number of receiving antennas in the first device. For the first device, these two sets of receiving antennas can be used to receive each of the P reference signals. These two sets of receiving antennas can also be used to receive reference signals transmitted by the two sets of transmitting antennas of the second device. Therefore, the two sets of receiving antennas of the first device can receive two reference signals at a time, with each set receiving antennas receiving one of the reference signals. For example, the reference signal transmitted by one set of transmitting antennas of the second device can be received by one set of receiving antennas of the first device.

[0160] When the first device receives one of the P reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in both sets of receiving antennas can be the same. For example, when receiving this reference signal, the first device can use all the receiving antennas in both sets of receiving antennas. If the total number of receiving antennas in the two sets equals the total number of receiving antennas in the first device, then it is equivalent to the first device using all receiving antennas to receive this reference signal. For example, this reference signal can be called the P1th reference signal. The receiving order of the P1th reference signal (or, in other words, the position of the P1th reference signal within the P reference signals during reception) is not restricted. For example, the receiving order of the P1th reference signal can be before, after, or within the P-1th reference signal. Here, "the receiving order of the P1th reference signal within the P-1th reference signal" means that the reference signal preceding the P1th reference signal is one of the P-1th reference signals, and the reference signal following the P1th reference signal is also one of the P-1th reference signals. The P-1 reference signal is the remaining reference signal among the P reference signals, excluding the P1th reference signal. The reception order of the P1th reference signal can be pre-negotiated by the first and second devices, or determined by the second device and then notified to the first device, or determined by the first device and then instructed to the second device. That is, both the first and second devices can clearly determine the reception order of the P1th reference signal. The P1th reference signal can be considered as a baseline reference signal.

[0161] When the first device receives each reference signal in the P-1 reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas may be different. This difference refers to the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas when receiving each reference signal in the P-1 reference signals. However, when receiving different reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in a particular set of receiving antennas may be the same or different.

[0162] Optionally, if the second device is an access network device and the first device is a UE, the UE can obtain the RSRP by measuring the L reference signals, and the UE can send the RSRP to the access network device.

[0163] S1004. The first device determines the direction of the eighth beam based on the fourth information. The direction of the eighth beam is the optimal beam direction for both the first and second devices.

[0164] After receiving P reference signals, the first device can determine the received phase of the two reference signals included in each reference signal by measurement. Based on the determined received phase, the fourth information can be obtained. The fourth information indicates the received phase information of the P reference signals.

[0165] Optionally, the fourth information may include the received phase of the P-th reference signal.

[0166] Alternatively, the fourth information may include P phase differences. These P phase differences may include a ninth phase difference and a tenth phase difference. The ninth phase difference is the phase difference between the two reference signals included in the P1th reference signal, and the tenth phase difference is the phase difference between the two reference signals included in the first reference signal of the P-1th reference signal.

[0167] Alternatively, the fourth piece of information may include A2 eleventh phase differences, where each eleventh phase difference is the difference between the ninth and tenth phase differences. A2 is a positive integer, for example, A2 is less than P.

[0168] For more information on how the first device determines the direction of the eighth beam based on the fourth information, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 6 S605 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0169] The technical solution of this application implements Method 1 in Table 1. This application proposes a new method for determining the beam direction between two devices, which uses phase to calibrate the beam direction between the two devices. Since phase calibration is used, the number of reference signals required can be reduced. For example, when L is greater than or equal to 2 and P is greater than or equal to 2, calibration of the beam direction for both the first and second devices is achieved. Furthermore, the reference signal transmitter only needs to transmit the reference signal in the original beam direction, eliminating the need to transmit reference signals in multiple beam directions, thus simplifying device implementation. Therefore, due to the new method for determining the beam direction, neither the first nor the second device needs to transmit multiple reference signals to achieve beam direction calibration. Thus, the technical solution provided by this application reduces the transmission overhead caused by beam tracking.

[0170] This application provides a third communication method, which, for example, implements method 2 in Table 1. See also... Figure 11 Here is a flowchart of the method. This method can be applied to... Figure 3 The network architecture shown, for example, the first device involved in this method is... Figure 3 The first device in the method is the second device involved in the method. Figure 3 The second device in the system.

[0171] S1101, the first device sends M reference signals to the second device in the first beam direction. Correspondingly, the second device receives M reference signals from the first device in the first beam direction.

[0172] For more information about S1001, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 S601 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0173] S1102, the second device sends first information to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information from the second device.

[0174] For more information about S1102, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 S602 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0175] S1103. The first device determines the second beam direction based on the first information. The second beam direction is the optimal beam direction for both the first and second devices.

[0176] For more information about S1103, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 S603 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0177] S1104. The second device transmits a Q-th reference signal to the first device in the ninth beam direction. Correspondingly, the first device receives the Q-th reference signal from the second device in the ninth beam direction. The ninth beam direction is either the current beam direction in which the second device transmits information to the first device, or the current beam direction in which the second device receives information from the first device.

[0178] For example, each of the Q reference signals can be transmitted through two sets of transmitting antennas of the first device. Each reference signal may include two reference signals, with one set of transmitting antennas transmitting one of the reference signals. That is, the first device transmits reference signals simultaneously through both sets of transmitting antennas each time, for a total of Q times. The optimal beam direction between the second device and the first device can be determined using the Q reference signals.

[0179] Q is a positive integer, for example, Q can be greater than or equal to 2. Optionally, the value of Q can be related to the antenna type of the second device, such as the transmitting antenna type of the second device. For example, if the transmitting antenna type of the second device indicates that the transmitting antenna array of the second device is a linear array, then Q can be equal to 2 (or greater than 2); or, if the transmitting antenna type of the second device indicates that the transmitting antenna array of the second device is a planar array, then each transmitting antenna of the second device can be regarded as having two transmission channels including horizontal and vertical directions, then Q can be greater than or equal to 2.

[0180] In this system, when transmitting one of the Q reference signals, the second device can use the same number of transmitting antennas in both sets of transmitting antennas; for example, this reference signal can be referred to as the Q1th reference signal. The Q reference signals include not only the Q1th reference signal but also Q-1 reference signals. When transmitting each of the Q-1 reference signals, the second device can use different numbers of transmitting antennas in the two sets of transmitting antennas. For the first device, when receiving each of the Q reference signals, the number of receiving antennas in the two sets of receiving antennas can be the same.

[0181] For more information about S1004, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 S601 in the illustrated embodiment. For reference, M in S601 can be replaced with Q, the first device can be replaced with the second device, and the second device can be replaced with the first device.

[0182] S1105, the first device sends the fifth information to the second device. Correspondingly, the second device receives the fifth information from the first device.

[0183] After receiving the Q reference signals, the first device can determine the received phase of the two reference signals included in each reference signal by measurement. Based on the determined received phase, the fifth information can be obtained. The fifth information indicates the received phase information of the Q reference signals.

[0184] Optionally, the fifth piece of information may include the received phase of the Q-th reference signal.

[0185] Alternatively, the fifth piece of information may include Q phase differences, which may include a twelfth phase difference and a thirteenth phase difference. The twelfth phase difference is the phase difference between the two reference signals included in the Q1th reference signal, and the thirteenth phase difference is the phase difference between the two reference signals included in one of the Q-1th reference signals.

[0186] Alternatively, the fifth piece of information may include A3 fourteenth phase differences, where N is a positive integer, for example, N is less than M. One of the A3 fourteenth phase differences is, for example, the difference between the thirteenth and twelfth phase differences.

[0187] For more information about S1105, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 S602 in the illustrated embodiment. For reference, M in S601 can be replaced with Q, the first device can be replaced with the second device, the second device can be replaced with the first device, and the first information can be replaced with the fifth information.

[0188] S1106. The second device determines the tenth beam direction based on the fifth information. The tenth beam direction is the optimal beam direction for both the second and first devices. The tenth beam direction can be the same as or different from the ninth beam direction.

[0189] For more information about S1105, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, S603 can be replaced with the ninth beam direction, the first information with the fifth information, the first device with the second device, and the second device with the first device when referenced.

[0190] The technical solution of this application implements Method 2 in Table 1. This application proposes a new method for determining the beam direction between two devices, which uses phase to calibrate the beam direction between the two devices. Since phase calibration is used, the number of reference signals required can be reduced. For example, when M is greater than or equal to 2 and Q is greater than or equal to 2, calibration of the beam direction for both the first and second devices is achieved. Furthermore, the reference signal transmitter only needs to transmit the reference signal in the original beam direction, eliminating the need to transmit reference signals in multiple beam directions, thus simplifying device implementation. Therefore, due to the new method for determining the beam direction, neither the first nor the second device needs to transmit multiple reference signals to achieve beam direction calibration. Thus, the technical solution provided by this application reduces the transmission overhead caused by beam tracking.

[0191] Please refer to the following. Figure 12 . Figure 12 Given a reference signal transmission period, the optimal beam direction switches before the next reference signal transmission period arrives. Figure 12 The beam indicated by the diagonal line represents the optimal beam. As can be seen, due to the excessively long reference signal transmission period, the optimal beam direction changes (or the optimal beam has switched) after the previous reference signal transmission period has ended and before the next one begins. However, the UE can only determine the switch in the optimal beam direction through CSI-RS measurements when the next reference signal transmission period arrives. This prevents the UE from promptly sensing the switch in the optimal beam direction and thus from adjusting its beam direction accordingly, resulting in a decrease in the UE's received power.

[0192] Therefore, this application provides a fourth communication method, which can promptly determine whether the optimal beam direction has switched, thereby improving the receiving power of the receiver. Please refer to... Figure 13 Here is a flowchart of the method.

[0193] S1301, The first device predicts that the eleventh beam direction will change before the next reference signal transmission cycle arrives. Alternatively, the first device predicts that the optimal beam direction will change before the next reference signal transmission cycle arrives. For example, the first device is an access network device, and the second device is a UE; or, the first device is a UE, and the second device is an access network device.

[0194] The reference signal transmission period may include the period during which the first device transmits the reference signal, and / or the period during which the second device transmits the reference signal. The first direction is, for example, the optimal beam direction between the first and second devices, or the optimal beam direction between the second and first devices. For example, if the technical solution of this application embodiment is compared with... Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the eleventh beam direction is, for example, the second beam direction or the fourth beam direction.

[0195] For example, the first device makes predictions based on phase offset information (or beam direction switching information, or optimal beam direction switching information, etc.). The phase offset information can indicate the phase offset that has occurred in the eleventh beam direction historically (or, the phase offset that has occurred in the optimal beam direction historically; or, the switching of the optimal beam direction historically). Based on this phase offset information, the first device can determine the pattern of phase offset in the eleventh beam direction, and thus predict the upcoming phase offset in the eleventh beam direction based on this pattern. The phase offset information may include the time of the phase offset in the eleventh beam direction, but not the phase offset angle; or, the phase offset information may include the time of the phase offset in the eleventh beam direction and the corresponding phase offset angle.

[0196] For example, this phase shift information indicates that the eleventh beam direction experienced phase shifts at times T1, T2, and T3. The time interval between T1 and T2 is T, and the time interval between T2 and T3 is also T. Therefore, the pattern of phase shifts in the eleventh beam direction might be that the eleventh beam direction experiences phase shifts according to a period T. Based on this pattern, the first device can predict that the eleventh beam direction may experience a phase shift at time T4, with the time interval between T4 and T3 being T.

[0197] The phase offset information can be obtained by the first device itself. For example, the first device can store the phase offset information of the optimal beam since the first device started operating, or the first device can start storing the phase offset information of the optimal beam from the start or restart time. Alternatively, the phase offset information can be sent to the first device by the second device. For example, the second device can store the phase offset information of the optimal beam over a period of time and send the phase offset information to the first device.

[0198] S1302. Before the next reference signal transmission cycle arrives, the first device transmits or receives a reference signal. Correspondingly, the second device receives or transmits a reference signal. This reference signal can be used to determine the direction information or to determine the optimal beam.

[0199] For example, the first device predicts that the eleventh beam direction will experience a phase shift at time T4 based on phase shift information. However, at time T4, the previous reference signal transmission cycle has ended, and the next reference signal transmission cycle has not yet begun. In other words, if the reference signal is transmitted according to the reference signal transmission cycle, there will be no reference signal transmitted at time T4, and neither the first nor the second device can determine the phase shift of the eleventh beam direction based on the reference signal. If the eleventh beam direction does indeed experience a phase shift at time T4, the first or second device can only determine this result by measuring the reference signal when the next reference signal transmission cycle begins. During this period, the receiving power of the first or second device will decrease.

[0200] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the time when the predicted eleventh beam direction changes (e.g., time T4) is before the arrival of the next reference signal transmission cycle and after the end of the previous reference signal transmission cycle, the first device can trigger the reference signal promptly after obtaining the prediction result. For example, the first device can transmit the reference signal at time T4, or the first device can transmit the reference signal within a first time range, which includes a first duration before time T4 and / or a second duration after time T4.

[0201] In this embodiment, the first device and / or the second device can determine whether the eleventh beam direction has shifted according to a conventional beam tracking method. For example, the first device sends a reference signal, the second device measures the reference signal, and determines the optimal beam direction between the second device and the first device based on the measured RSRP. Alternatively, the first device instructs the second device to send a reference signal, and after receiving the reference signal, the first device can measure the reference signal and determine the optimal beam direction between the first device and the second device based on the measured RSRP. For example, the optimal beam direction between the first device and the second device is referred to as the third beam direction, and the optimal beam direction between the second device and the first device is referred to as the fifth beam direction.

[0202] Alternatively, the first and / or second devices can also determine whether the eleventh beam direction is offset based on the beam tracking method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, it can be based on... Figure 6 , Figure 10 or Figure 11 The method described in any one or more embodiments of the present invention determines whether the eleventh beam direction is offset.

[0203] For example, if the eleventh beam direction is the beam direction of both the first and second devices, then the first device can send an H-th reference signal, and the second device can receive the H-th reference signal from the first device and send the measured received phase information back to the first device. The first device can then determine the third beam direction based on this received phase information. For example, if the second device is a UE and the first device is an access network device, the UE can send this received phase information through the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), which is jointly indicated by downlink control information (DCI) and radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0204] Alternatively, the first device can instruct the second device to send a reference signal. For example, after receiving an instruction from the first device, the second device can send H reference signals, and the first device can receive the H reference signals from the second device, thereby determining the direction of the third beam based on the measured received phase information.

[0205] For example, if the eleventh beam direction is the beam direction of the second device and the first device, then the first device can transmit H reference signals, and the second device can receive H reference signals from the first device. Thus, the second device can determine the optimal beam direction between itself and the first device based on the measured received phase information. For example, the optimal beam direction between the second device and the first device can be called the fifth beam direction.

[0206] Alternatively, the first device can instruct the second device to send a reference signal. For example, after receiving the instruction from the first device, the second device can send H reference signals. The first device can receive the H reference signals from the second device and send the measured received phase information to the second device, so that the second device can determine the direction of the fifth beam based on the received phase information.

[0207] Each reference signal in the H-order reference signal may include two reference signals, which can be transmitted through two sets of transmitting antennas and two sets of receiving antennas. For details on how the first or second device determines the direction of the third or fifth beam, and the implementation format of the reference signals, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 6 , Figure 10 or Figure 11 The description of any one or more embodiments.

[0208] The above steps are based on the example of prediction performed by a first device; alternatively, prediction can also be performed by a second device. For instance, the steps performed by the "first device" and the "second device" in this application embodiment can be interchanged, providing greater flexibility.

[0209] This application embodiment considers a scenario where optimal beam switching may occur before the next reference signal transmission cycle arrives. If the first device or the second device predicts that there is an optimal beam switching and it is before the next reference signal transmission cycle arrives, the optimal beam can be adjusted in time by triggering aperiodic reference signal measurement, thereby improving the receiving power of the link.

[0210] The embodiments of this application and Figure 6 , Figure 10 or Figure 11 Any one or more embodiments can be used in combination, for example Figure 6 , Figure 10 or Figure 11 In any one or more embodiments, the reference signal is transmitted according to the reference signal transmission period, and during this process, embodiments of this application can be executed. Alternatively, embodiments of this application and... Figure 6 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The embodiments shown are not combined, but applied independently.

[0211] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application is provided. The communication device 1400 may be... Figure 6 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 or Figure 13 The first device or its circuitry, as described in any of the embodiments above, is used to implement the method corresponding to the first device in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the communication device 1400 may be... Figure 6 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 or Figure 13 The second device or its circuit system, as described in any of the embodiments above, is used to implement the method corresponding to the second device in the above method embodiments. Specific functions can be found in the descriptions of the above method embodiments. For example, one type of circuit system is a chip system.

[0212] The communication device 1400 includes at least one processor 1401. The processor 1401 can be used for internal processing within the device to implement certain control processing functions. Optionally, the processor 1401 includes instructions. Optionally, the processor 1401 can store data. Optionally, different processors can be independent devices, located in different physical locations, or located on different integrated circuits. Optionally, different processors can be integrated into one or more processors, for example, integrated on one or more integrated circuits.

[0213] Optionally, the communication device 1400 includes one or more memories 1403 for storing instructions. Optionally, the memories 1403 may also store data. The processor and the memories may be separate or integrated together.

[0214] Optionally, the communication device 1400 includes a communication line 1402 and at least one communication interface 1404. Since the memory 1403, communication line 1402, and communication interface 1404 are all optional, therefore... Figure 14 All are represented by dashed lines.

[0215] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a transceiver and / or an antenna. The transceiver can be used to send information to or receive information from other devices. The transceiver can be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver circuit, input / output interface, etc., and is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 1400 via the antenna. The antenna may include, for example, a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, or a single antenna may serve as both a transmitting and receiving antenna. Optionally, the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver. For example, the transmitter can be used to generate a radio frequency (RF) signal from a baseband signal, and the receiver can be used to convert the RF signal back into a baseband signal.

[0216] Processor 1401 may include a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of programs according to embodiments of this application.

[0217] Communication line 1402 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

[0218] Communication interface 1404 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), wired access network, etc.

[0219] Memory 1403 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. Memory 1403 may exist independently and be connected to processor 1401 via communication line 1402. Alternatively, memory 1403 may be integrated with processor 1401.

[0220] The memory 1403 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the solutions of this application embodiment, and the processor 1401 controls the execution. The processor 1401 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1403, thereby implementing the communication method provided in the above embodiments of this application.

[0221] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0222] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the processor 1401 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 14 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0223] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 1400 may include multiple processors, such as... Figure 14 Processors 1401 and 1408 are mentioned. Each of these processors can be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. A processor here can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (such as computer program instructions).

[0224] when Figure 14 When the device shown is a chip, such as the chip of the first device or the chip of the second device, the chip includes a processor 1401 (which may also include a processor 1408), a communication line 1402, a memory 1403, and a communication interface 1404. Specifically, the communication interface 1404 may be an input interface, pins, or circuits, etc. The memory 1403 may be a register, cache, etc. The processor 1401 and the processor 1408 may be a general-purpose CPU, a microprocessor, an ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program that controls the communication method of any of the above embodiments.

[0225] This application embodiment can divide the device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, when dividing the device into functional modules according to each function, Figure 15 A schematic diagram of an apparatus is shown. The apparatus 1500 may be the first device or the second device involved in the above-described method embodiments, or it may be a chip in the first device or the second device. The apparatus 1500 includes a transmitting unit 1501, a processing unit 1502, and a receiving unit 1503.

[0226] It should be understood that the device 1500 can be used to implement the steps performed by the first device or the second device in the method of the embodiments of this application. The relevant features can be referred to the various embodiments above, and will not be repeated here.

[0227] Optional, Figure 15The functions / implementation processes of the transmitting unit 1501, receiving unit 1503, and processing unit 1502 can be understood through... Figure 14 The processor 1401 in the memory calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1403 to implement the function. Alternatively, Figure 15 The function / implementation process of the processing unit 1502 can be achieved through... Figure 14 The processor 1401 in the memory calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1403 to implement this. Figure 15 The functions / implementation process of the transmitting unit 1501 and the receiving unit 1503 can be obtained through Figure 14 It is implemented using the communication interface 1404.

[0228] Optionally, when the device 1500 is a chip or circuit, the functions / implementation of the transmitting unit 1501 and the receiving unit 1503 can also be implemented through pins or circuits, etc.

[0229] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, they implement the methods performed by the first or second device in the aforementioned method embodiments. Thus, the functions described in the above embodiments can be implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of this application, in essence, or the parts that contribute to the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of software products. These computer software products are stored in a storage medium and include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0230] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method executed by the first device or the second device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0231] This application also provides a processing apparatus, including a processor and an interface; the processor is used to execute the method executed by the first device or the second device involved in any of the above method embodiments.

[0232] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0233] The various illustrative logic units and circuits described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented or operate the described functions using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; alternatively, it can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented using a combination of computing devices, such as a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other similar configuration.

[0234] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in the embodiments of this application can be directly embedded in hardware, software units executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software units can be stored in RAM, flash memory, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium in the art. Exemplarily, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can be disposed in an ASIC, which can be disposed in the terminal device. Optionally, the processor and storage medium can also be disposed in different components of the terminal device.

[0235] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0236] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with specific features and examples, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. Accordingly, the embodiments and drawings of this application are merely exemplary illustrations of the embodiments of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of the embodiments of this application. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of the embodiments of this application and their equivalents, then the embodiments of this application are also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first device, the method includes: M reference signals are sent to the second device in the direction of the first beam. Each of the M reference signals is sent simultaneously through two sets of transmitting antennas. When sending each of the M-1 reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is different. When sending the remaining reference signal other than the M-1 reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is the same. M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Receive first information from the second device, the first information being used to indicate the received phase information of the M reference signals; The second beam direction is determined based on the first information. The second beam direction is the beam direction in which the first device sends information to the second device or receives information from the second device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes the received phase of the M reference signals; or, The first information includes N first phase differences, wherein the first phase difference is the difference between the second phase difference and the third phase difference, the second phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in the first reference signal (excluding the M-1th reference signal), and the third phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in the first reference signal of the M-1th reference signal, where N is a positive integer less than M; or, The first information includes M phase differences, the M phase differences including the second phase difference and the third phase difference.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When transmitting the remaining reference signal in addition to the M-1 reference signals, the total number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is the total number of transmitting antennas of the first device.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Determining the direction of the second beam based on the first information includes: Based on the first information and the first beam direction, determine the offset angle of the second beam direction relative to the first beam direction.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The antenna array of the first device is a linear array, M=2; or, The antenna array of the first device is a planar array, and M is greater than or equal to 2.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: K reference signals are sent to the second device in the first beam direction. Each of the K reference signals is sent simultaneously through the two sets of transmitting antennas. When sending each of the K reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is the same. The K reference signals are used to determine the beam direction in which the second device sends information to the first device or receives information from the first device. K is a positive integer.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The antenna array of the second device is a linear array, K=1; or, The antenna array of the second device is a planar array, and K is greater than or equal to 1.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 7, characterized in that, If the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal device, then the reference signals included in the M reference signals are Channel State Information Reference Signals (CSI-RS); or, If the first device is a terminal device and the second device is an access network device, then the reference signal included in the M reference signals is the detection reference signal (SRS).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the phase offset information, it is predicted that the direction of the second beam will change before the next reference signal transmission cycle arrives. The phase offset information is used to indicate the phase offset that has occurred historically in the direction of the beam from the first device to the second device or from the first device to the second device. Before the next reference signal transmission cycle arrives, a reference signal is transmitted or received, the reference signal being used to determine the direction of a third beam, the direction of the beam in which the first device transmits information to the second device or receives information from the second device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The phase offset information is received from the second device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7, and 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Phase offset information is sent to the second device. The phase offset information is used to indicate the phase offset that has occurred historically in the beam direction from the first device to the second device or from the first device to the second device. The phase offset information is used to predict whether the second beam direction has changed.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, the method includes: M reference signals are received from a first device in the first beam direction. Each of the M reference signals is received through two sets of receiving antennas. Each of the M reference signals is simultaneously transmitted through two sets of transmitting antennas. When transmitting each of the M-1 reference signals, the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is different. When transmitting the remaining reference signal (excluding the M-1 reference signals), the number of transmitting antennas used in the two sets of transmitting antennas is the same. When receiving each of the M reference signals, the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas is the same. M is a positive integer. Send first information to the first device, the first information being used to indicate the received phase information of the M reference signals, and the first information being used to determine the beam direction of the first device sending information to the second device or the first device receiving information from the second device.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first information includes the received phase of the M reference signals; or, The first information includes N first phase differences, wherein the first phase difference is the difference between the second phase difference and the third phase difference, the second phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in the first reference signal (excluding the M-1 reference signals in the M-1 reference signals), and the third phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in the first reference signal in the M-1 reference signals, where N is a positive integer less than M; or, The first information includes M phase differences, the M phase differences including the second phase difference and the third phase difference.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: K reference signals are received from the first device in the first beam direction, each of the K reference signals is received through the two sets of receiving antennas, wherein the number of receiving antennas used in the two sets of receiving antennas is different when receiving each of the K reference signals; The fourth beam direction is determined based on the second information. The fourth beam direction is the beam direction in which the second device sends information to the first device or receives information from the first device. The second information is used to indicate the received phase information of the Kth reference signal, where K is a positive integer.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second information includes the received phase of the Kth reference signal; or, The second information includes D fourth phase differences, wherein the fourth phase difference is the difference between the second phase difference and the fifth phase difference, the second phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in one of the M reference signals, and the fifth phase difference is the phase difference between two reference signals included in one of the K reference signals; or, The second information includes K phase differences, and the K phase differences include the fifth phase difference.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Determining the direction of the fourth beam based on the second information includes: Based on the second information and the current beam direction of the information sent by the second device to the first device or the information received by the second device from the first device, the offset angle of the fourth beam direction relative to the current beam direction is determined.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12, 13, 15, and 16, characterized in that, If the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal device, then the reference signal included in the M reference signals is CSI-RS; or, If the first device is a terminal device and the second device is an access network device, then the reference signal included in the M reference signals is SRS.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12, 13, 15, and 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the phase offset information, it is predicted that the fourth beam direction will change before the arrival of the next reference signal transmission cycle. The fourth beam direction is the beam direction in which the second device sends information to the first device or receives information from the first device. The phase offset information is used to indicate the phase offset that has occurred in the beam direction in which the second device sends information to the first device or receives information from the first device in the past. Before the next reference signal transmission cycle arrives, a reference signal is transmitted or received, the reference signal being used to determine the fifth beam direction, the fifth beam direction being the beam direction in which the second device transmits information to the first device or receives information from the first device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: The phase offset information is received from the first device.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12, 13, 15, and 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Phase offset information is sent to the first device. The phase offset information is used to indicate the phase offset that has occurred historically in the beam direction of the second device sending information to the first device or receiving information from the first device. The phase offset information is used to predict whether the fourth beam direction has changed. The fourth beam direction is the beam direction of the second device sending information to the first device or receiving information from the first device.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; One or more memory units; And one or more computer programs, wherein the one or more computer programs are stored in the one or more memories, the one or more computer programs including instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; One or more memory units; And one or more computer programs, wherein the one or more computer programs are stored in the one or more memories, the one or more computer programs including instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 20.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 20.

24. A chip, characterized in that, It includes one or more processors and a communication interface, wherein the one or more processors are configured to read instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 20.

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