A time slot format indication method and a communication device

Abstract

The application discloses a time slot format indication method and a communication device, and applies to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: determining first indication information, and sending the first indication information to a terminal device; the first indication information is used for indicating time slot format information and sub-band information, and the time slot format information has a corresponding relationship with the sub-band information. The time slot format of the sub-band level is configured for the terminal device through the first indication information, so that the configuration of the time slot format is more flexible, and the service requirement is better matched.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a time slot format indication method and communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Terminal devices can perform uplink and downlink transmissions through the time-domain resources configured for them by network devices. Specifically, terminal devices can perform uplink transmissions on time-domain resources configured as uplink symbols, downlink receptions on time-domain resources configured as downlink symbols, and downlink receptions or uplink transmissions on time-domain resources configured as flexible symbols. The time slot format of the time-domain resources is configured by the network device, and the time slot format indicates the number of downlink symbols, flexible symbols, and uplink symbols in a given time slot. Currently, network devices configure the same time slot format for all frequency-domain resources of a carrier at the same time. This configuration method is relatively simple to implement and can reduce the implementation complexity of network devices.

[0003] With the diversification of services, different services have different uplink and downlink transmission requirements, and the current timeslot format configuration method cannot meet the needs of different services. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application discloses a time slot format indication method and communication device, which configures the sub-band level time slot format for terminal devices through first indication information, making the time slot format configuration more flexible and better suited to the needs of different services.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a time slot format indication method, the method comprising: determining first indication information and sending the first indication information to a terminal device; the first indication information is used to indicate time slot format information and sub-band information, wherein the time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship.

[0006] In one optional implementation, the time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots, and the first time slot format of each time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information; N is a positive integer.

[0007] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a first time slot; the first time slot format of the first time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the first time slot; the link transmission direction of each symbol within the first time slot is the same, and the first time slot format of the first time slot corresponds to one of the subbands in the aforementioned subband information.

[0008] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a second time slot; the first time slot format of the second time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the second time slot; at least two symbols within the second time slot have different link transmission directions, and the first time slot format of the second time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information.

[0009] In one optional implementation, the second time slot includes a first symbol and a second symbol, wherein the link transmission direction of the first symbol and the link transmission direction of the second symbol are different; the subband corresponding to the format of the first time slot of the second time slot includes: a subband corresponding to the first symbol and a subband corresponding to the second symbol, wherein the subband corresponding to the first symbol and the subband corresponding to the second symbol are different.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes a first index and a second index. The first index is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information, and the second index is used to indicate the aforementioned sub-band information. The first index corresponds to a first set, which includes the first time slot format of N time slots. The second index corresponds to a second set, which includes N sets of sub-band indices. Each set of sub-band indices corresponds to the first time slot format of one of the N time slots, and each set of sub-band indices includes the indexes of one or more sub-bands.

[0011] In one optional implementation, the first indication information includes a third index, which is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information and the aforementioned sub-band information; the third index corresponds to a third set, which includes N sets of information, each set of information including the first time slot format of one of the N time slots and a sub-band index that corresponds to the first time slot format of that time slot.

[0012] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: sending second indication information to a terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate a second time slot format for M time slots, the M time slots including the aforementioned N time slots; the aforementioned first indication information is specifically used to indicate that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide another time slot format indication method, the method comprising: receiving first indication information from a network device; and determining the time slot format information and the sub-band information based on the first indication information; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the time slot format information and the sub-band information, and the time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship.

[0014] In one optional implementation, the time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots, and the first time slot format of each time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information; N is a positive integer.

[0015] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a first time slot; the first time slot format of the first time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the first time slot; the link transmission direction of each symbol within the first time slot is the same, and the first time slot format of the first time slot corresponds to one of the subbands in the aforementioned subband information.

[0016] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a second time slot; the first time slot format of the second time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the second time slot; at least two symbols within the second time slot have different link transmission directions, and the first time slot format of the second time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information.

[0017] In one optional implementation, the second time slot includes a first symbol and a second symbol, wherein the link transmission direction of the first symbol and the link transmission direction of the second symbol are different; the subband corresponding to the format of the first time slot of the second time slot includes: a subband corresponding to the first symbol and a subband corresponding to the second symbol, wherein the subband corresponding to the first symbol and the subband corresponding to the second symbol are different.

[0018] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes a first index and a second index. The first index is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information, and the second index is used to indicate the aforementioned sub-band information. The first index corresponds to a first set, which includes the first time slot format of N time slots. The second index corresponds to a second set, which includes N sets of sub-band indices. Each set of sub-band indices corresponds to the first time slot format of one of the N time slots, and each set of sub-band indices includes the indexes of one or more sub-bands.

[0019] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes a third index, which is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information and the aforementioned sub-band information; the third index corresponds to a third set, which includes N sets of information, each set of information including the first time slot format of one of the N time slots and a sub-band index that corresponds to the first time slot format of that time slot.

[0020] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: receiving second indication information from a network device, the second indication information indicating a second timeslot format for M timeslots, the M timeslots including the aforementioned N timeslots; the aforementioned first indication information specifically indicating that the timeslot format of the N timeslots be reconfigured from the second timeslot format to the first timeslot format.

[0021] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the device including units for implementing the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0022] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide another communication device, including a processor; the processor is configured to perform the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0023] In one alternative embodiment, the communication device may further include a memory for storing a computer program; and a processor specifically configured to invoke the computer program from the memory to execute the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0024] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip for performing the methods described in the first or second aspect.

[0025] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip module, which includes a communication interface and a chip, wherein: the communication interface is used for internal communication within the chip module, or for communication between the chip module and an external device; and the chip is used to execute the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0026] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0027] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0028] In this embodiment, a first indication message is sent to the terminal device. This first indication message indicates time slot format information and sub-band information, and the time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship. In this way, the sub-band level time slot format can be configured for the terminal device through the first indication message, making the time slot format configuration more flexible and facilitating better matching of different service requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a time slot format indication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application, showing that all frequency domain resources of a carrier are configured with the same time slot format at the same time.

[0032] Figure 4 These are four schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of sub-band level time slot formats for terminal devices provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the network device configuration provided in the embodiments of this application (Figure 1).

[0034] Figure 6 These are schematic diagrams of pattern 1 and pattern 2 of the network device configuration provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a UE-level timeslot format further configured by the network device based on the cell-level timeslot format configured in Figure 1, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between the first time slot format of a time slot and a sub-band provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between the first time slot format of a time slot and multiple sub-bands in the sub-band information provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip module provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. "At least one" in the embodiments of this application refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " can indicate that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. Additionally, the symbol " / " can also represent a division sign, i.e., performing a division operation.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent the following seven cases: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, a, b, and c. Each of a, b, and c can be an element or a set containing one or more elements.

[0044] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," "corresponding," "associated (related)," and "mapped" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when no distinction is emphasized, the concepts or meanings expressed are consistent.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, a terminal device and a network device. Figure 1 The number and form of devices shown are for illustrative purposes and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, it may include two or more network devices and two or more terminal devices. Figure 1 The communication system shown is exemplified by a terminal device 101 and a network device 102.

[0046] In this embodiment, the terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, and can be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal device, vehicle-mounted terminal device, industrial control terminal device, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal device, mobile device, UE terminal device, wireless communication device, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The terminal device can be fixed or mobile. It should be noted that the terminal device can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as Long Time Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), etc. For example, terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, in-vehicle terminals, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in future mobile communication networks, or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc. In some embodiments of this application, the terminal device may also be a device with transceiver functions, such as a chip module. The chip module may include chips, and may also include other discrete components. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0047] In this application embodiment, the network device is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The network device can be an access network (AN) device, and the AN device can be a radio access network (RAN) device. The access network device can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as LTE, NR, WCDMA, etc. For example, the access network device includes, but is not limited to: next-generation base stations (gNBs), evolved node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home-evolved node Bs or home node Bs (HNBs)), baseband units (BBUs), transfer points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), mobile switching centers, etc., in 5th-generation (5G) mobile communication systems. Network devices can also be wireless controllers, centralized units (CUs), and / or distributed units (DUs) in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or access network devices can be relay stations, access points, vehicle-mounted devices, terminal devices, wearable devices, and access network devices in future mobile communications or future evolved PLMNs. In some embodiments, network devices can also be apparatuses that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices, such as chip modules. For example, a chip module may include chips, and may also include other discrete devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms used in the network devices.

[0048] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G mobile communication systems and 5G NR systems. Optionally, the methods of this application embodiment are also applicable to various future communication systems, such as 6G systems or other communication networks.

[0049] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will know that with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0050] Please see Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a time slot format indication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the time slot format indication method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0051] S201. The network device determines first indication information, which is used to indicate time slot format information and sub-band information, and the time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship.

[0052] The time slot format information can include the time slot format of N time slots, where N is a positive integer. Optionally, N can be the number of time slots included in a radio frame, or N can be less than the number of time slots included in a radio frame. For example, N can be 1, 2, 3, 4, or other values. The time slot format (such as the first time slot format, the second time slot format) can indicate one or more of the following: the number of downlink symbols, the number of uplink symbols, the number of flexible symbols in a time slot, and the link transmission direction of a symbol in a time slot. The link transmission direction of a symbol can be divided into: uplink (or represented by "U"), downlink (or represented by "D"), and flexible (or represented by "F"). Symbols with an uplink transmission direction can be simply referred to as uplink symbols or UL (uplink) symbols. Symbols with a downlink transmission direction can be simply referred to as downlink symbols or DL ​​(downlink) symbols. Symbols with either an uplink or downlink transmission direction can be simply referred to as flexible symbols, F (flexible) symbols, or X symbols. A symbol in a time slot can include one or more of uplink symbols, downlink symbols, and flexible symbols. For example, a symbol can refer to an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbol.

[0053] The aforementioned subband information can indicate one or more subbands. For example, in this embodiment, a subband may occupy one or more PRBs (physical resource blocks) in the frequency domain. The one or more subbands indicated by the subband information may be included in a carrier or in a BWP (Bandwidth Part). The carrier is a carrier supported by the terminal device, such as a CC (component carrier), and the BWP is a BWP supported by the terminal device. For example, one or more subbands can be configured in a carrier, and the size (or bandwidth) of these subbands may be the same or different. As another example, one or more subbands can be configured in a BWP, and the size of these subbands may be the same or different. Optionally, one or more BWPs can be configured in a carrier.

[0054] The correspondence between time slot format information and sub-band information means that the time slot format indicated by the time slot format information can be applied to the sub-band indicated by the sub-band information, or the time slot format of the sub-band indicated by the sub-band information is the time slot format indicated by the time slot format information.

[0055] For example, the content indicated by the first indication information mentioned above can also be described as follows: the first indication information is used to indicate time slot format information and the sub-band information corresponding to the time slot format information, or the first indication information is used to indicate sub-band information and the time slot format information corresponding to the sub-band information. Here, "the sub-band information corresponding to the time slot format information" refers to the frequency domain position where the time slot format information is applied, and the granularity of this frequency domain position is one or more sub-bands. For example, taking the network device indicating to the terminal device that the sub-band applied to time slot 1 is sub-band 1, "the sub-band applied to time slot 1 is sub-band 1" means that the terminal device can use sub-band 1 to send or receive data in time slot 1; correspondingly, the network device can use sub-band 1 to receive data from the terminal device in time slot 1, or the network device can use sub-band 1 to send data to the terminal device in time slot 1. "The time slot format information corresponding to the sub-band information" means that the time slot format of the sub-band indicated by the sub-band information is indicated by the time slot format information.

[0056] As described above, the first indication information can be used to configure the sub-band level time slot format for the terminal device. Compared to configuring the same time slot format for all frequency domain resources of a carrier at the same time, the embodiments of this application, by configuring the sub-band level time slot format for the terminal device, can make the time slot format configuration more flexible and better suited to the needs of different services.

[0057] For example, consider a radio frame comprising 10 slots and a carrier comprising 3 subbands, namely subband 0, subband 1, and subband 2. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating that all frequency domain resources of a single carrier are configured with the same time slot format at the same time. Figure 4 These are four schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of sub-band level time slot formats for terminal devices. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the diagram, gray-filled squares represent time slots (or symbols) with a downlink transmission direction, grid-filled squares represent time slots (or symbols) with an uplink transmission direction, and diagonal-filled squares represent time slots (or symbols) with either an uplink or downlink transmission direction. It should be noted that... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The example shown illustrates that all symbols in a time slot have the same link transmission direction and is not intended to limit the implementation of this application. In a specific implementation, a time slot may include one or more of uplink symbols, downlink symbols, and flexible symbols.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the time slot format for each sub-band is: DDDFFFFUUU. In this embodiment, the letters D, F, and U can be used to represent time slots (or symbols) where the link transmission direction is downlink or uplink, respectively. Since the time slot format is the same for each sub-band (i.e., the link transmission direction is the same for each sub-band at the same time), this means that the terminal device can only perform uplink or downlink transmission at the same time. With the diversification of services, different services have different uplink and downlink transmission requirements. Configuring the same time slot format for different frequency domain resources on the same carrier at the same time cannot meet the needs of different services.

[0059] like Figure 4 The four schematic diagrams shown illustrate that the time slot formats for different sub-bands can be different (i.e., the link transmission direction of different sub-bands can be the same at the same time). This allows uplink and downlink transmissions to occur separately on different sub-bands of the same carrier at the same time. For example, in Figure 4 In the first schematic diagram, downlink transmission can be performed through subband 0 and subband 2 in time slots 0 to 2, while uplink transmission can be performed through subband 1 in time slots 0 to 2. For TDD (Time Division Duplexing) systems, this method can achieve full-duplex subbands, meaning that uplink and downlink transmissions can be performed simultaneously on the same carrier at the same time.

[0060] S202, the network device sends the first instruction information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction information.

[0061] The network device determines the first indication information and then sends the first indication information to the terminal device. Optionally, the first indication information may be carried in higher-layer signaling or DCI (Downlink Control Information). For example, the higher-layer signaling may be RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling.

[0062] S203. The terminal device determines the time slot format information and the sub-band information according to the first instruction information.

[0063] The terminal device receives the first indication information. Based on the first indication information, it can determine the time slot format information and the sub-band information corresponding to the time slot format information, or it can determine the sub-band information and the time slot format information corresponding to the sub-band information.

[0064] By implementing the embodiments of this application, a sub-band level time slot format can be configured for a terminal device using the first indication information. Compared to configuring the same time slot format for all frequency domain resources of a carrier at the same time, the embodiments of this application, by configuring a sub-band level time slot format for the terminal device, make the time slot format configuration more flexible and facilitate better matching of the needs of different services.

[0065] Network devices can be configured with time slot formats using any of the following three methods:

[0066] Configuration Method 1: The network device configures the cell-level timeslot format. The cell-level timeslot format means that all time-domain resources corresponding to a cell use the same timeslot format. For example, if the time-domain resources corresponding to cell a include 3 carriers, then the cell-level timeslot format configured for cell a applies to these 3 carriers. Optionally, the network device can send RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling to the terminal device, which can configure the cell-level timeslot format.

[0067] Configuration Method 2: First, the network device configures the cell-level timeslot format using Configuration Method 1. Then, based on the cell-level timeslot format, it configures the UE-level timeslot format. The UE-level timeslot format is configured for one or more UEs within the cell, while the cell-level timeslot format is configured for all UEs within the cell. Optionally, the network device can send UE-specific signaling to the terminal device, which can configure the UE-level timeslot format.

[0068] Configuration Method 3: First, the network device configures the cell-level timeslot format and the UE-level timeslot format sequentially using Configuration Method 2. Then, based on the configured UE-level timeslot format, a dynamic timeslot format is configured. The dynamic timeslot format can indicate the timeslot format of one or more timeslots on one or more carriers. Optionally, the network device can send a PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) to a group of terminal devices. The DCI carried on the PDCCH may include an SFI (slot format indication), which is used to indicate the timeslot format of one or more timeslots on one or more carriers.

[0069] The configuration of the cell-level timeslot format by network devices using configuration method 1 includes: configuring the cell-level timeslot format using pattern 1; optionally, configuring the cell-level timeslot format using both pattern 1 and pattern 2. The timeslot configuration period for pattern 1 is P milliseconds (ms), and the timeslot configuration period for pattern 2 is P2 milliseconds. Both pattern 1 and pattern 2 contain the following information: the number of downlink timeslots (denoted by d). slots (represented by d) the number of downlink symbols after the downlink time slot (in d) sym (represented by u) the number of uplink time slots (in u) slots (represented by u) the number of uplink symbols before the uplink time slot (in u) sym (Represented). d in Figures 1 and 2 slots d sym u slots u sym The values ​​can be different. For example, taking P as 10ms and a time slot as 1ms, the schematic diagram of pattern 1 for network device configuration can be as follows. Figure 5 As shown. Taking P as 4ms, P2 as 6ms, and a time slot as 1ms as an example, the schematic diagrams of pattern 1 and pattern 2 for network device configuration can be shown as follows. Figure 6 As shown.

[0070] The UE-level timeslot format only resets the flexible symbols at the cell level and does not modify the DL or UL symbols at the cell level. Network devices configure the UE-level timeslot format via configuration method 2, which includes selecting one of the following three indications for each timeslot: Indication 1: The network device configures each symbol in the timeslot as a downlink symbol (if symbols = allDownlink, all symbols in the slot are downlink). Indication 2: The network device configures each symbol in the timeslot as an uplink symbol (if symbols = allUplink, all symbols in the slot are uplink). Indication 3: The network device uses parameter 1 (nrofDownlinkSymbols) in the UE-specific signaling to indicate that the first few symbols in the timeslot are reset to DL symbols, and uses parameter 2 (nrofUplinkSymbols) in the UE-specific signaling to indicate that the last few symbols in the timeslot are reset to UL symbols; the remaining symbols in the timeslot are flexible symbols. If the UE-specific signaling does not carry parameter 1 (nrofDownlinkSymbols), then the first symbol in the time slot is not a DL symbol. If the UE-specific signaling does not carry parameter 2 (nrofUplinkSymbols), then the last symbol in the time slot is not a UL symbol, and the remaining symbols in the time slot are flexible symbols. As can be seen from the above, the UE-level time slot format can be configured for each time slot. It should be noted that the process of configuring the time slot format by the network device is as follows: First, the network device configures a symbol as an uplink symbol, downlink symbol, or flexible symbol. Then, the network device sends indication information (such as first indication information, second indication information (see below)) to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine which type of symbol it is based on the indication information. In this embodiment, the content configured by the network device can be obtained by the terminal device based on the indication information, or the content configured by the network device can be obtained by the terminal device based on the content obtained by the terminal device based on the indication information.

[0071] For example, Figure 7 To configure the cell-level time slot format (e.g., according to Figure 1) Figure 5 Based on the above, this is a schematic diagram of the UE-level timeslot format further configured by the network device. Figure 5 and Figure 7 It can be seen that configuring the UE-level timeslot format for network devices specifically involves configuring all symbols in timeslot 3 as downlink symbols, configuring the first few symbols in timeslot 4 as downlink symbols, and configuring the last few symbols in timeslot 5 as uplink symbols. The configuration of other timeslots is the same as that of the cell-level timeslot format.

[0072] The network device configures the dynamic timeslot format via configuration method 3, including: the network device sending an SFI to the terminal device; the terminal device listening to the SFI, obtaining the index information indicated by the SFI, and determining the dynamic timeslot format based on the index information. This index information is an index in a UE-specific table. The terminal device determines the dynamic timeslot format based on this index information, including: the terminal device using the timeslot format information corresponding to the index information in the UE-specific table as the dynamic timeslot format.

[0073] The UE-specific table may include one or more rows of data. Each row may include an index and a set of time slot formats (or a combination of time slot format information) corresponding to that index. The set of time slot formats may be composed of one or more "single time slot formats". A "single time slot format" is used to indicate the link transmission direction of each symbol in a time slot.

[0074] Optionally, all "single time slot formats" supported by the communication system can be represented by a time slot format summary table. For example, taking a communication system supporting 14 "single time slot formats" as an example, the time slot format summary table can be as shown in Table 1. Each row in Table 1 represents a time slot format table, and one time slot format table represents one "single time slot format." The time slot format index is used to indicate one "single time slot format." The 14 time slot format tables constitute the time slot format summary table in Table 1. In each time slot format table, 0-13 represent the index of the symbol in the time slot, D represents a downlink symbol, U represents an uplink symbol, and X represents a flexible symbol (or represented as F). It should be noted that Table 1 uses 14 symbols in one time slot as an example and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In other implementations, the number of symbols in one time slot can be other values.

[0075] Table 1 Summary Table of Time Slot Formats

[0076]

[0077]

[0078] It should be noted that Table 1 uses the example of a communication system supporting 14 "single timeslot formats" and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In specific implementations, the communication system can support more "single timeslot formats". For example, the number of "single timeslot formats" supported in the NR system can be 256, 512 or other numbers. For the sake of simplicity, they are not listed here.

[0079] The set of time slot formats in each row of data in the UE-specific table can be one or more time slot format indices from Table 1 above. One time slot format index corresponds to a "single time slot format" (i.e., one time slot format index corresponds to one time slot format table in Table 1). For example, the UE-specific table can be as shown in Table 2.

[0080] Table 2 UE-specific table

[0081] 0 Time slot format index (0), time slot format index (1), ... 1 Time slot format index (1), time slot format index (2), ... 2 Time slot format index (3), time slot format index (10), ... … …

[0082] In Table 2, the number in parentheses after each time slot format index in the time slot format set is the value of the time slot format index in Table 1. For example, time slot format index (0) represents the "single time slot format" corresponding to time slot format index 0 in Table 1, time slot format index (1) represents the "single time slot format" corresponding to time slot format index 1 in Table 1, time slot format index (2) represents the "single time slot format" corresponding to time slot format index 2 in Table 1, and so on.

[0083] Optionally, the multiple time slot format indices listed sequentially in the time slot format set are, in turn, the time slot format indices of each of the aforementioned N time slots. For example, the first time slot format index in the time slot format set is the time slot format index of the first time slot out of the N time slots, the second time slot format index is the time slot format index of the second time slot out of the N time slots, the third time slot format index is the time slot format index of the third time slot out of the N time slots, and so on.

[0084] In one implementation, the slot format information in S201 may include a first slot format for N slots. The slot format (SF) involved in this embodiment may include a first slot format and a second slot format (see below), wherein the first slot format is a slot format indicated by first indication information, and the second slot format is a slot format indicated by second indication information (see below). The slot formats (such as the first slot format and the second slot format) of different slots may be the same or different.

[0085] In one implementation, before step S201, the time slot format indication method may further include: the network device sending second indication information to the terminal device, the second indication information indicating a second time slot format for M time slots, the M time slots including the aforementioned N time slots; the first indication information specifically indicating that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format. M is a positive integer greater than or equal to N.

[0086] Optionally, the second indication information can be used to configure the cell-level timeslot format. In this case, the first indication information can be used to configure the UE-level timeslot format or the dynamic timeslot format. When the first indication information is used to configure the UE-level timeslot format, it can be carried in UE-specific signaling. This UE-specific signaling can be carried in higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling). UE-specific signaling can also be referred to as UE-specific signaling. When the first indication information is used to configure the dynamic timeslot format, it can be carried in the DCI (Distributed Control Information Center).

[0087] Optionally, each of the aforementioned N time slots may contain a flexible symbol. That is, the first indication information specifically configures the link transmission direction of the flexible symbol (or flexible time slot) as uplink or downlink, without changing the configuration of the uplink and downlink symbols in the cell-level configuration.

[0088] In one implementation, the time slot format information in S201 may include the first time slot format of N time slots, and the sub-band information in S201 may indicate one or more sub-bands. The first time slot format of each time slot may correspond to one or more sub-bands in the sub-band information, or the first time slot format of each time slot may correspond to some or all of the sub-bands in the sub-band information.

[0089] The statement "a first time slot format of a time slot corresponds to a sub-band in the sub-band information" means that the first time slot format configured for a time slot is applied to a sub-band, meaning that the sub-band will not change within that time slot. An exemplary diagram illustrating this correspondence can be found here. Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 In the diagram, gray-filled squares represent time slots (or symbols) with the link transmission direction being downlink, while grid-filled squares represent time slots (or symbols) with the link transmission direction being uplink. Figure 8 In the above, the first time slot format of each time slot from time slot 0 to time slot 4 corresponds to a sub-band (i.e., sub-band 0), and the first time slot format of each time slot from time slot 5 to time slot 9 corresponds to a sub-band (i.e., sub-band 1). Optionally, the aforementioned N time slots include a first time slot; the first time slot format of the first time slot can be used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the first time slot; the link transmission direction of each symbol within the first time slot is the same, and the first time slot format of the first time slot corresponds to one of the sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information. In other words, when the link transmission direction of all symbols in a certain time slot (such as the first time slot) is the same, the first time slot format of that time slot is applied to a sub-band. For example, the first time slot can be... Figure 8 Any time slot in the time.

[0090] The statement "A first time slot format of a time slot corresponds to multiple sub-bands in the sub-band information" means that the first time slot format configured for a time slot is applied to multiple sub-bands, i.e., sub-band switching occurs within that time slot. The first time slot format configured for a time slot refers to the time slot format configured for the symbols within that time slot. "A first time slot format configured for a time slot is applied to multiple sub-bands" can mean that the sub-bands applied to the first time slot format configured for some symbols in a time slot may be different from the sub-bands applied to the first time slot format configured for another part of the time slot. Optionally, the aforementioned N time slots include a second time slot; the first time slot format of this second time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the second time slot; at least two symbols within the second time slot have different link transmission directions, and the first time slot format of the second time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information. An exemplary diagram illustrating "A first time slot format of a time slot corresponds to multiple sub-bands in the sub-band information" can be found here. Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 In the diagram, gray-filled squares represent time slots (or symbols) with the link transmission direction being downlink, while grid-filled squares represent time slots (or symbols) with the link transmission direction being uplink. Figure 9 In this time slot, the first 7 symbols in slot 4 correspond to the same sub-band (i.e., symbols 0 to 6 correspond to sub-band 0), and the last 7 symbols in slot 4 correspond to another sub-band (i.e., symbols 7 to 13 correspond to sub-band 1). In other words, slot 4 corresponds to two sub-bands, and there is a sub-band switching in slot 4 (switching from sub-band 0 to sub-band 1).

[0091] In one implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a second time slot, which comprises a first symbol and a second symbol. The link transmission direction of the first symbol is different from that of the second symbol. Subbands corresponding to the format of the first time slot in the second time slot include subbands corresponding to the first symbol and subbands corresponding to the second symbol, wherein the subbands corresponding to the first symbol and the subbands corresponding to the second symbol are different. In other words, symbols with different link transmission directions correspond to different subbands. For example, Figure 9 In this diagram, the link transmission directions of symbols 0-6 differ from those of symbols 7-13. The subbands corresponding to symbols 0-6 also differ from those corresponding to symbols 7-13; symbols 0-6 correspond to subband 0, and symbols 7-13 correspond to subband 1. Both the first and second symbols can be one or more. The link transmission directions of both the first and second symbols can be either uplink or downlink. For example, the first symbol includes... Figure 9 The symbols 0 to 6 are included, and the second symbol includes... Figure 9 Symbols 7 to 13 are in the text.

[0092] In one implementation, a network device can configure sub-band level timeslot formats for one or more terminal devices. For example, taking the configuration of sub-band level timeslot formats for terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 as an example, the network device can send UE-specific signaling 1 to terminal device 1 and UE-specific signaling 2 to terminal device 2. UE-specific signaling 1 is used to configure the sub-band level timeslot format for terminal device 1, and UE-specific signaling 2 is used to configure the sub-band level timeslot format for terminal device 2. The sub-band level timeslot format configured for terminal device 1 can be the same as or different from the sub-band level timeslot format configured for terminal device 2; this embodiment does not limit this. It should be noted that terminal devices may not know the sub-band level timeslot formats configured by the network device for other terminal devices. For example, terminal device 1 may not know the sub-band level timeslot format configured by the network device for terminal device 2. It should also be noted that, in cases where a carrier includes multiple subbands, the terminal device only knows the time slot format information, subband information, and the correspondence between the time slot format information and the subband information indicated by the network device through the first indication information. For example, in Figure 8 In this context, although the terminal device can use subband 0 and subband 1, the terminal device is only aware that it can use subband 0 for downlink transmission in time slots 0 to 4, and can use subband 1 for uplink transmission in time slots 5 to 9.

[0093] In one implementation, the aforementioned first indication information may include: a first index and a second index, wherein the first index is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information, and the second index is used to indicate the aforementioned sub-band information; wherein, the first index corresponds to a first set, the first set includes the first time slot format of the aforementioned N time slots; the second index corresponds to a second set, the second set includes N sets of sub-band indices, each set of sub-band indices has a corresponding relationship with the first time slot format of one of the N time slots, and each set of sub-band indices includes indices of one or more sub-bands.

[0094] The first set can be included in the aforementioned UE-specific table (e.g., as shown in Table 2). The first set can be a set of time slot formats within the aforementioned UE-specific table; that is, the first set is a row of data in the aforementioned UE-specific table. The first index is an index in the UE-specific table. For example, a time slot format set in Table 2 includes N time slot format indices, and a time slot format index is the index of the first time slot format of one of the N time slots in the total time slot format table shown in Table 1.

[0095] The second set can be contained within a sub-band index table. The sub-band index table can include one or more sub-band index sets, with the second set being one of these sub-band index sets, and the second index being an index within the sub-band index table. For example, a sub-band index table can be as shown in Table 3.

[0096] Table 3 Sub-band Index Table

[0097]

[0098]

[0099] In Table 3, the number in parentheses after each sub-band index in the sub-band index set represents the index of one or more sub-bands. For example, sub-band index (0) represents the sub-band with index value 0 (i.e., sub-band 0), sub-band index (1) represents the sub-band with index value 1 (i.e., sub-band 1), sub-band index (2) represents the sub-band with index value 2 (i.e., sub-band 2), and so on. Among them, sub-band indices (0, 1) represent sub-band 0 and sub-band 1.

[0100] It is understandable that a slot format index in the first set is related to a set of subband indices in the second set. For example, taking the first set as the slot format set corresponding to index 2 in Table 2 and the second set as the subband index set corresponding to index 2 in Table 3, "slot format index (3)" corresponds to "subband index (1)", "slot format index (10)" corresponds to "subband index (0, 1)", and so on. The meaning of "slot format index (3)" corresponding to "subband index (1)" is: the slot format index of the first slot in N slots is 3, and the slot format of the first slot is applied to subband 1. The meanings of “time slot format index (10)” and “subband index (0, 1)” are as follows: the time slot format index of the second time slot in the N time slots is 10, and the time slot format of the second time slot is applied to subband 0 and subband 1. According to the “single time slot format” (symbol 0 is the downlink symbol, symbol 13 is the uplink symbol, and the other symbols are flexible symbols) corresponding to the time slot format index 10 in Table 1, it can be seen that downlink transmission can be performed through subband 0 on symbol 0 of the second time slot, and uplink transmission can be performed through subband 1 on symbol 13 of the second time slot.

[0101] Optionally, the first index can be indicated by a slot format field, and the second index can be indicated by a subband index field added to the DCI. For example, a subband index field can be added to DCI format 2_0.

[0102] In one implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes: a third index, which indicates the aforementioned time slot format information and the aforementioned sub-band information; the third index corresponds to a third set, which includes N sets of information, each set including the first time slot format of one of the aforementioned N time slots and a sub-band index corresponding to the first time slot format of that time slot. The number of sub-band indices corresponding to the first time slot format of that time slot can be one or more; if there are multiple, it indicates that a sub-band switch exists within that time slot. The third set can be included in a joint indication table, which can include one or more joint indication sets, with the third set being one of these joint indication sets, and the third index being an index in the joint indication table. The joint indication table can be as shown in Table 4.

[0103] Table 4 Joint Instruction Form

[0104] 0 Slot format index (0) and sub-band index (0), slot format index (1) and sub-band index (1), ... 1 Time slot format index (1) and sub-band index (1), time slot format index (2) and sub-band index (2), ... 2 Time slot format index (3) and sub-band index (1), time slot format index (10) and sub-band index (0, 1),... … …

[0105] A joint instruction table can be understood as a combination of a UE-specific table and a subband index table. A joint instruction set in a joint instruction table can be a combination of a time slot format set from the UE-specific table and a subband index set from the subband index table.

[0106] Optionally, the third index can be indicated via a timeslot format field. In this way, the first indication information can be sent to the terminal device without expanding other fields.

[0107] By implementing the embodiments of this application, a sub-band level time slot format can be configured for a terminal device using the first indication information. Compared to configuring the same time slot format for all frequency domain resources of a carrier at the same time, the embodiments of this application, by configuring a sub-band level time slot format for the terminal device, make the time slot format configuration more flexible and facilitate better matching of the needs of different services.

[0108] It should be noted that configuring a sub-band level time slot format for the terminal device using the first indication information is used as an example. In other implementations, the first indication information can be used to configure a BWP (Bandwidth Part) level time slot format for the terminal device. That is, the first indication information is used to indicate the time slot format information and the BWP information, and the time slot format information and the BWP information have a corresponding relationship. In this method, the granularity of the frequency domain position where the time slot format information is applied is one or more BWPs. Alternatively, in other implementations, the first indication information can also be used to configure time slot formats of other granularities for the terminal device, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0109] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 100 includes a determining unit 1001 and a transmitting unit 1002. The communication device 100 can perform the relevant steps of the network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0110] The determining unit 1001 is used to determine first indication information, which is used to indicate time slot format information and sub-band information, and the time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship.

[0111] The sending unit 1002 is used to send the first indication information to the terminal device.

[0112] In one optional implementation, the time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots, and the first time slot format of each time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information; N is a positive integer.

[0113] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a first time slot; the first time slot format of the first time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the first time slot; the link transmission direction of each symbol within the first time slot is the same, and the first time slot format of the first time slot corresponds to one of the subbands in the aforementioned subband information.

[0114] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a second time slot; the first time slot format of the second time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the second time slot; at least two symbols within the second time slot have different link transmission directions, and the first time slot format of the second time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information.

[0115] In one optional implementation, the second time slot includes a first symbol and a second symbol, wherein the link transmission direction of the first symbol and the link transmission direction of the second symbol are different; the subband corresponding to the format of the first time slot of the second time slot includes: a subband corresponding to the first symbol and a subband corresponding to the second symbol, wherein the subband corresponding to the first symbol and the subband corresponding to the second symbol are different.

[0116] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes a first index and a second index. The first index is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information, and the second index is used to indicate the aforementioned sub-band information. The first index corresponds to a first set, which includes the first time slot format of N time slots. The second index corresponds to a second set, which includes N sets of sub-band indices. Each set of sub-band indices corresponds to the first time slot format of one of the N time slots, and each set of sub-band indices includes the indexes of one or more sub-bands.

[0117] In one optional implementation, the first indication information includes a third index, which is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information and the aforementioned sub-band information; the third index corresponds to a third set, which includes N sets of information, each set of information including the first time slot format of one of the N time slots and a sub-band index that corresponds to the first time slot format of that time slot.

[0118] In an optional embodiment, the sending unit 1002 is further configured to send second indication information to the terminal device. The second indication information is used to indicate a second time slot format for M time slots, where the M time slots include the aforementioned N time slots. Specifically, the aforementioned first indication information is used to indicate that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format.

[0119] The communication device 100 can also be used to achieve Figure 2 Other functions of the network device in the corresponding embodiments will not be described in detail here. Based on the same inventive concept, the principle and beneficial effects of the communication device 100 provided in the embodiments of this application in solving the problem are similar to the principle and beneficial effects of the network device in the method embodiments of this application in solving the problem. Please refer to the principle and beneficial effects of the implementation of the method. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0120] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 110 includes a receiving unit 1101 and a determining unit 1102.

[0121] The receiving unit 1101 is configured to receive first indication information from the network device. The first indication information is used to indicate time slot format information and sub-band information, and the time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship.

[0122] The determining unit 1102 is used to determine the time slot format information and the sub-band information based on the first indication information.

[0123] In one optional implementation, the time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots, and the first time slot format of each time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information; N is a positive integer.

[0124] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a first time slot; the first time slot format of the first time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the first time slot; the link transmission direction of each symbol within the first time slot is the same, and the first time slot format of the first time slot corresponds to one of the subbands in the aforementioned subband information.

[0125] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a second time slot; the first time slot format of the second time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the second time slot; at least two symbols within the second time slot have different link transmission directions, and the first time slot format of the second time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information.

[0126] In one optional implementation, the second time slot includes a first symbol and a second symbol, wherein the link transmission direction of the first symbol and the link transmission direction of the second symbol are different; the subband corresponding to the format of the first time slot of the second time slot includes: a subband corresponding to the first symbol and a subband corresponding to the second symbol, wherein the subband corresponding to the first symbol and the subband corresponding to the second symbol are different.

[0127] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes a first index and a second index. The first index is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information, and the second index is used to indicate the aforementioned sub-band information. The first index corresponds to a first set, which includes the first time slot format of N time slots. The second index corresponds to a second set, which includes N sets of sub-band indices. Each set of sub-band indices corresponds to the first time slot format of one of the N time slots, and each set of sub-band indices includes the indexes of one or more sub-bands.

[0128] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes a third index, which is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information and the aforementioned sub-band information; the third index corresponds to a third set, which includes N sets of information, each set of information including the first time slot format of one of the N time slots and a sub-band index that corresponds to the first time slot format of that time slot.

[0129] In an optional embodiment, the receiving unit 1101 is further configured to receive second indication information from the network device. The second indication information is used to indicate a second time slot format for M time slots, where the M time slots include the aforementioned N time slots. Specifically, the aforementioned first indication information is used to indicate that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format.

[0130] Communication device 110 can also be used to achieve Figure 2 The functions of the terminal device in the corresponding embodiments will not be described again here. Based on the same inventive concept, the principle and beneficial effects of the communication device 110 provided in the embodiments of this application in solving the problem are similar to the principle and beneficial effects of the terminal device in solving the problem in the method embodiments of this application. Please refer to the principle and beneficial effects of the method implementation. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described again here.

[0131] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12This application provides another communication device 120. It can be used to implement the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments, or to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 120 may include a transceiver 1201 and a processor 1202. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 1203. The transceiver 1201, processor 1202, and memory 1203 can be connected via a bus 1204 or other means. Figure 12 The connections between other components are shown in bold lines only and are not intended to be limiting. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 12 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0132] The coupling in this application embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1201, processor 1202, and memory 1203 described above.

[0133] Memory 1203 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides instructions and data to processor 1202. A portion of memory 1203 may also include non-volatile random access memory.

[0134] Processor 1202 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor; optionally, processor 1202 may also be any conventional processor.

[0135] In one example, when the network device adopts Figure 12 When in the form shown, Figure 12 The processor in the network can execute the method executed by the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0136] In one example, when the terminal device uses Figure 12 When in the form shown, Figure 12The processor in the process can execute the method executed by the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0137] In one optional implementation, memory 1203 is used to store program instructions; processor 1202 is used to call the program instructions stored in memory 1203 for execution. Figure 2 The steps performed by the network device and terminal device in the corresponding embodiment. Specifically, Figure 10 , Figure 11 The functions / implementation processes of the receiving unit, transmitting unit, and determining unit can all be achieved through... Figure 12 The processor 1202 in the memory calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1203 to implement this. Or, Figure 10 , Figure 11 The function / implementation process of the defined unit can be determined through Figure 12 The processor 1202 in the memory calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1203 to implement this. Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the transmitting unit can be achieved through Figure 12 This is achieved using the transceiver 1201 in the system. Figure 11 The function / implementation process of the receiving unit can be achieved through Figure 12 This is achieved using the transceiver 1201 in the system.

[0138] In the embodiments of this application, the methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by running a computer program (including program code) capable of performing the steps involved in the above-described methods on a general-purpose computing device, such as a computer, which includes processing elements and storage elements such as a CPU, random access memory (RAM), and read-only memory (ROM). The computer program can be recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium, loaded into the aforementioned computing device through the computer-readable recording medium, and run therein.

[0139] Based on the same inventive concept, the principle and beneficial effects of the communication device 120 provided in the embodiments of this application in solving the problem are similar to the principle and beneficial effects of the terminal device and network device in the method embodiments of this application in solving the problem. For the sake of brevity, the principle and beneficial effects of the method implementation can be referred to.

[0140] The aforementioned communication device (such as communication device 100, communication device 110, and communication device 120) may be, for example, a chip or a chip module.

[0141] This application also provides a chip that can execute the relevant steps of the network device and terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0142] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network device in the above embodiments:

[0143] This chip is used for:

[0144] Determine first indication information, which is used to indicate time slot format information and sub-band information, and the time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship;

[0145] Send the first instruction information to the terminal device.

[0146] In one optional implementation, the time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots, and the first time slot format of each time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information; N is a positive integer.

[0147] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a first time slot; the first time slot format of the first time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the first time slot; the link transmission direction of each symbol within the first time slot is the same, and the first time slot format of the first time slot corresponds to one of the subbands in the aforementioned subband information.

[0148] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a second time slot; the first time slot format of the second time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the second time slot; at least two symbols within the second time slot have different link transmission directions, and the first time slot format of the second time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information.

[0149] In one optional implementation, the second time slot includes a first symbol and a second symbol, wherein the link transmission direction of the first symbol and the link transmission direction of the second symbol are different; the subband corresponding to the format of the first time slot of the second time slot includes: a subband corresponding to the first symbol and a subband corresponding to the second symbol, wherein the subband corresponding to the first symbol and the subband corresponding to the second symbol are different.

[0150] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes a first index and a second index. The first index is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information, and the second index is used to indicate the aforementioned sub-band information. The first index corresponds to a first set, which includes the first time slot format of N time slots. The second index corresponds to a second set, which includes N sets of sub-band indices. Each set of sub-band indices corresponds to the first time slot format of one of the N time slots, and each set of sub-band indices includes the indexes of one or more sub-bands.

[0151] In one optional implementation, the first indication information includes a third index, which is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information and the aforementioned sub-band information; the third index corresponds to a third set, which includes N sets of information, each set of information including the first time slot format of one of the N time slots and a sub-band index that corresponds to the first time slot format of that time slot.

[0152] In one optional implementation, the chip is further configured to send second indication information to the terminal device. The second indication information is used to indicate a second time slot format for M time slots, where the M time slots include the aforementioned N time slots. Specifically, the aforementioned first indication information is used to indicate that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format.

[0153] Specifically, in this situation, the operations performed by the chip can be referred to the above. Figure 2 The corresponding embodiments include a description of the network devices.

[0154] Regarding the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above embodiments:

[0155] This chip is used for:

[0156] Receive first indication information from network device, the first indication information is used to indicate time slot format information and sub-band information, the time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship;

[0157] Based on the first instruction information, the time slot format information and the sub-band information are determined.

[0158] In one optional implementation, the time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots, and the first time slot format of each time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information; N is a positive integer.

[0159] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a first time slot; the first time slot format of the first time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the first time slot; the link transmission direction of each symbol within the first time slot is the same, and the first time slot format of the first time slot corresponds to one of the subbands in the aforementioned subband information.

[0160] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned N time slots include a second time slot; the first time slot format of the second time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the second time slot; at least two symbols within the second time slot have different link transmission directions, and the first time slot format of the second time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the aforementioned sub-band information.

[0161] In one optional implementation, the second time slot includes a first symbol and a second symbol, wherein the link transmission direction of the first symbol and the link transmission direction of the second symbol are different; the subband corresponding to the format of the first time slot of the second time slot includes: a subband corresponding to the first symbol and a subband corresponding to the second symbol, wherein the subband corresponding to the first symbol and the subband corresponding to the second symbol are different.

[0162] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes a first index and a second index. The first index is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information, and the second index is used to indicate the aforementioned sub-band information. The first index corresponds to a first set, which includes the first time slot format of N time slots. The second index corresponds to a second set, which includes N sets of sub-band indices. Each set of sub-band indices corresponds to the first time slot format of one of the N time slots, and each set of sub-band indices includes the indexes of one or more sub-bands.

[0163] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned first indication information includes a third index, which is used to indicate the aforementioned time slot format information and the aforementioned sub-band information; the third index corresponds to a third set, which includes N sets of information, each set of information including the first time slot format of one of the N time slots and a sub-band index that corresponds to the first time slot format of that time slot.

[0164] In one optional implementation, the chip is further configured to receive second indication information from a network device, the second indication information indicating a second time slot format for M time slots, the M time slots including the aforementioned N time slots; the aforementioned first indication information specifically indicates that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format.

[0165] Specifically, in this situation, the operations performed by the chip can be referred to the above. Figure 2 The corresponding embodiments include a description of the terminal devices.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the chip includes at least one processor, at least one first memory, and at least one second memory; wherein the at least one first memory and the at least one processor are interconnected by a circuit, and the first memory stores instructions; the at least one second memory and the at least one processor are interconnected by a circuit, and the second memory stores data that needs to be stored in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0167] For each device or product applied to or integrated into a chip, each of its modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated inside the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0168] Based on the same inventive concept, the principle and beneficial effects of the chip provided in the embodiments of this application in solving the problem are similar to the principle and beneficial effects of the terminal device and network device in the method embodiments of this application in solving the problem. For the sake of brevity, the principle and beneficial effects of the method implementation can be referred to.

[0169] Please see Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a chip module provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip module 130 can perform the relevant steps of the network device and terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The chip module 130 includes a communication interface 1301 and a chip 1302.

[0170] The communication interface is used for internal communication within the chip module, or for communication between the chip module and external devices. The chip is used to implement the functions of the network device and terminal device in the embodiments of this application; see details below. Figure 2 Corresponding embodiment. Optionally, the chip module 130 may further include a storage module 1303 and a power module 1304. The storage module 1303 is used to store data and instructions. The power module 1304 is used to provide power to the chip module.

[0171] For various devices and products applied to or integrated into chip modules, each of its modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module. Alternatively, at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated inside the chip module, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0172] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program including one or more program instructions, the one or more program instructions being adapted to be loaded by a communication device and executed by the method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0173] This application also provides a computer program product containing a computer program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0174] This application also provides a time slot format indication system, which may include... Figure 2 The network device and terminal device in the corresponding embodiment.

[0175] Regarding the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments, they can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of both. For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, and different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. The components can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the chip module. The remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into the terminal, each of its components / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or in different components within the terminal. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the terminal, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0176] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0177] The steps in the method of this application embodiment can be adjusted, combined, or deleted according to actual needs.

[0178] The modules in the device of this application embodiment can be merged, divided, and deleted according to actual needs.

[0179] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by program instructions and related hardware. The program instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which may include: flash drive, ROM, RAM, disk or optical disk, etc.

[0180] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely one example of this application and only a part of the embodiments of this application. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A time slot format indication method, characterized in that, include: Send a second indication message to the terminal device, the second indication message being used to indicate the second time slot format of M time slots; The second indication information is used to configure the cell-level time slot format; First indication information is determined, which is used to indicate time slot format information and sub-band information. The time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship. The time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots, and the M time slots include the N time slots, where N is a positive integer. The sub-band information indicates one or more sub-bands. The first indication information is specifically used to indicate that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format; the first indication information is used to configure the terminal device-level time slot format or the dynamic time slot format; The first instruction information is sent to the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The format of the first time slot in each time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the sub-band information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The N time slots include the first time slot; The first time slot format of the first time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the first time slot; The link transmission direction of each symbol in the first time slot is the same, and the first time slot format of the first time slot corresponds to one of the sub-bands in the sub-band information.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The N time slots include the second time slot; The first time slot format of the second time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the second time slot; Within the second time slot, at least two symbols have different link transmission directions, and the first time slot format of the second time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the sub-band information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second time slot includes a first symbol and a second symbol, wherein the link transmission direction of the first symbol and the link transmission direction of the second symbol are different; The sub-bands corresponding to the first time slot format of the second time slot include: sub-bands corresponding to the first symbol and sub-bands corresponding to the second symbol, wherein the sub-bands corresponding to the first symbol and the sub-bands corresponding to the second symbol are different.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The first indication information includes a first index and a second index, wherein the first index is used to indicate the time slot format information and the second index is used to indicate the sub-band information; Wherein, the first index corresponds to the first set, and the first set includes the first time slot format of the N time slots; The second index corresponds to the second set, which includes N sets of sub-band indices. Each set of sub-band indices corresponds to the first time slot format of one of the N time slots. Each set of sub-band indices includes indices of one or more sub-bands.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The first indication information includes a third index, which is used to indicate the time slot format information and the sub-band information; The third index corresponds to a third set, which includes N sets of information. Each set of information includes the first time slot format of one of the N time slots and a sub-band index that corresponds to the first time slot format of the time slot.

8. A time slot format indication method, characterized in that, include: Receive second indication information from the network device, the second indication information being used to indicate the second time slot format of M time slots; The second indication information is used to configure the cell-level time slot format; The system receives first indication information from the network device. The first indication information is used to indicate time slot format information and subband information. The time slot format information and the subband information have a corresponding relationship. The time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots. The M time slots include the N time slots. N is a positive integer. The subband information indicates one or more subbands. The first indication information is specifically used to indicate that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format; the first indication information is used to configure the terminal device-level time slot format or the dynamic time slot format; Based on the first indication information, the time slot format information and the sub-band information are determined.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The format of the first time slot in each time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the sub-band information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The N time slots include the first time slot; The first time slot format of the first time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the first time slot; The link transmission direction of each symbol in the first time slot is the same, and the first time slot format of the first time slot corresponds to one of the sub-bands in the sub-band information.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The N time slots include the second time slot; The first time slot format of the second time slot is used to indicate the link transmission direction of the symbols within the second time slot; Within the second time slot, at least two symbols have different link transmission directions, and the first time slot format of the second time slot corresponds to one or more sub-bands in the sub-band information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second time slot includes a first symbol and a second symbol, wherein the link transmission direction of the first symbol and the link transmission direction of the second symbol are different; The sub-bands corresponding to the first time slot format of the second time slot include: sub-bands corresponding to the first symbol and sub-bands corresponding to the second symbol, wherein the sub-bands corresponding to the first symbol and the sub-bands corresponding to the second symbol are different.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The first indication information includes a first index and a second index, wherein the first index is used to indicate the time slot format information and the second index is used to indicate the sub-band information; Wherein, the first index corresponds to the first set, and the first set includes the first time slot format of the N time slots; The second index corresponds to the second set, which includes N sets of sub-band indices. Each set of sub-band indices corresponds to the first time slot format of one of the N time slots. Each set of sub-band indices includes indices of one or more sub-bands.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The first indication information includes a third index, which is used to indicate the time slot format information and the sub-band information; The third index corresponds to a third set, which includes N sets of information. Each set of information includes the first time slot format of one of the N time slots and a sub-band index that corresponds to the first time slot format of the time slot.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a determining unit and a transmitting unit; The sending unit is used to send second indication information to the terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate the second time slot format of M time slots; The second indication information is used to configure the cell-level time slot format; The determining unit is configured to determine first indication information, which indicates time slot format information and sub-band information. The time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship. The time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots, and the M time slots include the N time slots, where N is a positive integer. The sub-band information indicates one or more sub-bands. The first indication information is specifically used to indicate that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format; the first indication information is used to configure the terminal device-level time slot format or the dynamic time slot format; The sending unit is further configured to send the first indication information to the terminal device.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a receiving unit and a determining unit; The receiving unit is configured to receive second indication information from the network device, the second indication information being used to indicate the second time slot format of M time slots; The second indication information is used to configure the cell-level time slot format; receiving first indication information from the network device, the first indication information is used to indicate time slot format information and sub-band information, the time slot format information and the sub-band information have a corresponding relationship; the time slot format information includes a first time slot format of N time slots, the M time slots include the N time slots, and N is a positive integer; the sub-band information indicates one or more sub-bands; The first indication information is specifically used to indicate that the time slot format of the N time slots be reconfigured from the second time slot format to the first time slot format; the first indication information is used to configure the terminal device-level time slot format or the dynamic time slot format; The determining unit is configured to determine the time slot format information and the sub-band information based on the first indication information.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, Including the processor; The processor is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14 to be performed.

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