Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication device. The communication method comprises: blind detection of downlink control information (DCI) by a terminal device; determination of a transmission time slot of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and / or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) by the terminal device according to a target time slot and the DCI, the target time slot being one of a plurality of time slots carrying the DCI, the plurality of time slots being used for transmission of one DCI or each of the plurality of time slots being used for transmission of the same DCI, and the target time slot being pre-configured. In this way, in the case of transmission of one DCI in a plurality of time slots or transmission of the same DCI in each of a plurality of time slots, the terminal device can take the pre-configured target time slot as the transmission time slot of the DCI, and thus correctly determine the transmission time slot of the PDSCH and / or the PUSCH.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210665435.2, filed on June 13, 2022, entitled “A Method for Sending Control Information,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] In some mobile communication applications, such as wearable devices and children's smartwatches (reduced capability user equipment), strong communication capabilities are not necessary; cost control is more important. For example, a terminal device with strong communication capabilities (such as a mobile phone) may need to support a communication bandwidth of 100MHz, while a reduced capability user equipment may only need to support a communication bandwidth of 20MHz or 5MHz.

[0004] When a network device sends downlink control information (DCI) to a degraded user equipment, in order to ensure high demodulation performance of the DCI, the network device can use a high aggregation level for DCI transmission. However, since the communication bandwidth supported by the degraded user equipment is narrow, the DCI needs to be distributed across multiple time slots for transmission. Alternatively, the network device can reduce the aggregation level used for the DCI, but the same DCI needs to be transmitted repeatedly in each of the multiple time slots.

[0005] Generally speaking, a user equipment with normal capabilities can determine the transmission time slots of the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and / or Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) based on the transmission time slots of the DCI.

[0006] However, in the application scenario of mobile communication for degraded user equipment, since a DCI is transmitted on multiple time slots or the same DCI is repeatedly transmitted in each time slot of multiple time slots, the degraded user equipment cannot determine the transmission time slot of the DCI. Therefore, it is not possible to continue to use the existing scheme to determine the transmission time slot of PDSCH and / or PUSCH. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, so that when a DCI is transmitted in multiple time slots or the same DCI is transmitted in each of the multiple time slots, the terminal device can correctly determine the transmission time slot of PDSCH and / or PUSCH.

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component of the terminal device, such as the terminal device's processor, chip, or chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions.

[0009] The communication method includes: blind detection of downlink control information (DCI); determining the transmission time slots of physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and / or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) based on a target time slot and the DCI, wherein the target time slot is one of a plurality of time slots carrying the DCI, the plurality of time slots are used to transmit one DCI or each of the plurality of time slots is used to transmit the same DCI, and the target time slot is pre-configured.

[0010] In the embodiments of this application, when a DCI is transmitted in multiple time slots or the same DCI is transmitted in each of the multiple time slots, the terminal device can use the pre-configured target time slot as the transmission time slot of the DCI, thereby correctly determining the transmission time slot of PDSCH and / or PUSCH.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before determining the transmission time slots of PDSCH and / or PUSCH based on the target time slot and the DCI, the communication method further includes: receiving first configuration information from a network device, the first configuration information being used to determine the target time slot.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before the blind detection downlink control information (DCI), the communication method further includes: receiving second configuration information from the network device, the second configuration information being used to indicate the number of blind detections for multiple aggregation levels, the multiple aggregation levels including a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level, the number of blind detections for the first aggregation level being 0, and the number of blind detections for the second aggregation level not being 0, wherein the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are different, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level, or the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are the same, the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the second aggregation level; the blind detection downlink control information (DCI) includes: blindly detecting the DCI according to the second configuration information.

[0013] Network devices are configured to perform blind checks only on the second aggregation level among potentially confusing aggregation levels, while setting the number of blind checks for the first aggregation level to zero. This ensures that during blind DCI checks, the terminal device will only perform blind checks on one of the potentially confusing aggregation levels, excluding the first aggregation level. This prevents the terminal device from confusing the aggregation levels during blind DCI checks, thus ensuring more accurate target time slot determination.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the target time slot is the last time slot carrying the DCI, or the target time slot is the first time slot carrying the DCI.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the communication method further includes: receiving third configuration information from the network device, the third configuration information being used to indicate the timing period of DCIs corresponding to multiple aggregation levels, the target time slot being a time slot within the timing period, the multiple aggregation levels including a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level, the timing period of the DCI using the first aggregation level and the DCI using the second aggregation level being the same; wherein, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are not the same, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level, or, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are the same, the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the second aggregation level.

[0016] Network devices carry the timing cycles of multiple aggregation levels' DCIs within the DCI. During blind DCI detection by the terminal device, the target time slot is determined according to the timing cycle of the DCI corresponding to the aggregation level. Thus, even if the terminal device successfully demodulates the DCI using a portion of the CCE carrying the DCI, it still needs to determine the target time slot based on the timing cycle of the DCI corresponding to the aggregation level, ensuring the accuracy of the target time slot determined by the terminal device.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third configuration information is also used to indicate the starting position of the timing cycle.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the target time slot is the last time slot within the timing period, or the target time slot is the first time slot within the timing period.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first aggregation level is 8, the second aggregation level is 16, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is 2, and the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level is 4; or, the first aggregation level is 16, the second aggregation level is 8, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is 4, and the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level is 2; or, both the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are 4, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are 1 each, and the DCI using the second aggregation level is repeatedly transmitted on 4 time slots.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the DCI is used to indicate the aggregation level adopted by the DCI.

[0021] Network devices can carry the aggregation level used by the DCI in the DCI. In this way, during the blind detection of the DCI by the terminal device, the aggregation level of the DCI will not be confused, thus making the target time slot determined by the terminal device more accurate.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the communication method further includes: when the aggregation level of the blindly detected DCI is not equal to the aggregation level indicated by the DCI, determining the target time slot as a time slot within the DCI transmission period.

[0023] During the blind detection of DCI by the terminal device, when the aggregation level of the detected DCI is not equal to the aggregation level indicated by the DCI, the target timeslot is determined to be the timeslot within the DCI transmission period. Thus, even if the terminal device successfully demodulates the DCI through a portion of the CCE carrying the DCI, it still needs to determine the target timeslot based on the DCI transmission period, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the target timeslot determined by the terminal device.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the DCI is used to indicate the number of times the DCI is repeatedly transmitted.

[0025] Network devices can carry the number of times a DCI is repeatedly transmitted in the DCI. In this way, during the blind detection of the DCI by the terminal device, the number of times the DCI is repeatedly transmitted will not be confused, thus making the target time slot determined by the terminal device more accurate.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the communication method further includes: when a blind detection detects that the number of the plurality of time slots used to transmit the same DCI is not equal to the number of repeated transmissions indicated by the DCI, determining the target time slot as a time slot within the DCI transmission period.

[0027] During blind detection of DCI by the terminal device, when the number of multiple time slots used to transmit the same DCI is not equal to the number of repeated transmissions indicated by the DCI, the target time slot is determined to be the time slot within the DCI transmission period. Thus, even if the terminal device successfully demodulates the DCI through a portion of the CCE carrying the DCI, it still needs to determine the target time slot based on the DCI transmission period, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the target time slot determined by the terminal device.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the target time slot is the last time slot or the first time slot within the DCI transmission cycle.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the blind detection DCI includes: acquiring a second sequence, the second sequence being the demodulated sequence of the DCI; performing deinterleaving processing on the second sequence to obtain a first sequence; and decoding the first sequence to obtain the information carried by the DCI.

[0030] During blind detection of DCI, the terminal device needs to perform deinterleaving processing on the DCI sequence. That is, after encoding the DCI sequence, the network device performs interleaving processing on the DCI sequence. In this way, the terminal device can avoid successfully demodulating the DCI using only the CCE carrying the DCI, and thus, the terminal device will not misjudge the target time slot.

[0031] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device, or by a component of the network device, such as the network device's processor, chip, or chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions.

[0032] The communication method includes: sending first configuration information to a terminal device, wherein the first configuration information is used by the terminal device to determine a target time slot, wherein the target time slot is one of a plurality of time slots carrying downlink control information (DCI), and the plurality of time slots are used to transmit one DCI or each of the plurality of time slots is used to transmit the same DCI.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the communication method further includes: sending second configuration information to the terminal device, the second configuration information being used to indicate the number of blind detections for multiple aggregation levels, the multiple aggregation levels including a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level, wherein the number of blind detections for the first aggregation level is 0, and the number of blind detections for the second aggregation level is not 0, wherein the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are different, and the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level; or, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are the same, and the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the second aggregation level.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the target time slot is the last time slot carrying the DCI, or the target time slot is the first time slot carrying the DCI.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the communication method further includes: sending third configuration information to the terminal device, the third configuration information being used to indicate the timing period of DCI corresponding to multiple aggregation levels, the target time slot being a time slot within the timing period, the multiple aggregation levels including a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level, the timing period of the DCI using the first aggregation level and the DCI using the second aggregation level being the same; wherein, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are not the same, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level, or, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are the same, the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the second aggregation level.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third configuration information is also used to indicate the starting position of the timing cycle.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the target time slot is the last time slot within the timing period, or the target time slot is the first time slot within the timing period.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first aggregation level is 8, the second aggregation level is 16, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is 2, and the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level is 4; or, the first aggregation level is 16, the second aggregation level is 8, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is 4, and the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level is 2; or, both the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are 4, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are 1 each, and the DCI using the second aggregation level is repeatedly transmitted on 4 time slots.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the communication method further includes: sending the DCI to the terminal device, wherein the DCI is used to indicate the aggregation level adopted by the DCI or the number of times the DCI is repeatedly transmitted.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the target time slot is the last time slot or the first time slot within the DCI transmission cycle.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the communication method further includes: obtaining a first sequence, wherein the first sequence is a sequence of the DCI after encoding and code rate matching; interleaving the first sequence to obtain a second sequence; mapping each element in the second sequence to a corresponding CCE according to the order of the elements in the second sequence, and sending the DCI.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the interleaving process of the first sequence to obtain the second sequence includes: converting the first sequence into a triangular matrix using a row-wise or column-wise transformation method, wherein the length of the first sequence is E, and the number of columns or rows of the triangular matrix is ​​T1, wherein T1 satisfies... The smallest integer; the sequence obtained by arranging the elements in the triangular matrix sequentially by column or row is determined as the second sequence.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the step of interleaving the first sequence to obtain the second sequence includes: dividing the first sequence into H1 subsequences according to the order of the elements in the first sequence, wherein the length of each of the H1 subsequences is the number of bits transmitted in a CCE; and interleaving the H1 subsequences to obtain the second sequence.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the interleaving of the H1 subsequences to obtain the second sequence includes: mapping the i-th subsequence among the H1 subsequences to the k-th CCE in the j-th PDCCH detection timing, where j = mod(v, N). v is the number of the i-th subsequence in the H1 subsequences, and N is the number of time slots occupied by the DCI; according to the arrangement order of the PDCCH detection timing and the arrangement order of each CCE in the PDCCH detection timing, the subsequences mapped to each CCE are arranged to obtain the second sequence.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the DCI uses an aggregation level of 8 and is transmitted over 2 time slots; or, the DCI uses an aggregation level of 16 and is transmitted over 4 time slots; or, the DCI uses an aggregation level of 4 and is repeatedly transmitted over 4 time slots.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the step of interleaving the first sequence to obtain the second sequence includes: mapping the i-th subsequence among the H1 subsequences to the k-th CCE, where k = mod(i + m, M), and m and M are positive integers; and arranging the subsequences mapped to each CCE according to the order of each CCE in the PDCCH detection timing to obtain the second sequence.

[0047] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the DCI uses an aggregation level of 4 and is transmitted on one time slot; or, the DCI uses an aggregation level of 4 and is repeatedly transmitted on four time slots.

[0048] The technical effects of any possible implementation in the second aspect can be referenced from the technical effects of the corresponding implementation in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated here.

[0049] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the communication method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication device may be the aforementioned terminal device, or a device included in the aforementioned terminal device, such as a chip. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the aforementioned method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0050] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. This transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transmission and / or reception functions in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending and receiving functions in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, respectively.

[0052] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the communication method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication device may be the aforementioned network device, or a device included in the aforementioned network device, such as a chip. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the aforementioned method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0053] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. This transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transmission and / or reception functions in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0054] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending and receiving functions in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, respectively.

[0055] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories; and one or more computer programs. The one or more computer programs are stored in the one or more memories. The one or more computer programs include instructions that, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0056] The communication device can be the aforementioned terminal equipment, or a device contained in the aforementioned terminal equipment, such as a chip.

[0057] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories; and one or more computer programs. The one or more computer programs are stored in the one or more memories. The one or more computer programs include instructions that, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0058] The communication device can be the aforementioned network equipment, or a device contained in the aforementioned network equipment, such as a chip.

[0059] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0060] The communication device can be the aforementioned terminal equipment, or a device contained in the aforementioned terminal equipment, such as a chip.

[0061] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0062] The communication device can be the aforementioned network equipment, or a device contained in the aforementioned network equipment, such as a chip.

[0063] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: an interface circuit and a processor, the interface circuit being a code / data read / write interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive computer execution instructions (the computer execution instructions are stored in a memory, may be read directly from the memory, or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor; the processor being used to execute the computer execution instructions to cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0064] The communication device can be the aforementioned terminal equipment, or a device contained in the aforementioned terminal equipment, such as a chip.

[0065] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: an interface circuit and a processor, the interface circuit being a code / data read / write interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive computer execution instructions (the computer execution instructions are stored in a memory, may be read directly from the memory, or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor; the processor being used to execute the computer execution instructions to cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0066] The communication device can be the aforementioned network equipment, or a device contained in the aforementioned network equipment, such as a chip.

[0067] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0068] The communication device can be the aforementioned terminal equipment, or a device contained in the aforementioned terminal equipment, such as a chip.

[0069] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data. This memory may be coupled to the processor, or it may be independent of the processor.

[0070] In some possible designs, the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0071] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0072] The communication device can be the aforementioned network equipment, or a device contained in the aforementioned network equipment, such as a chip.

[0073] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data. This memory may be coupled to the processor, or it may be independent of the processor.

[0074] In some possible designs, the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0075] It is understood that when the communication device provided by any one of the third to twelfth aspects is a chip, the aforementioned sending action / function can be understood as output information, and the aforementioned receiving action / function can be understood as input information.

[0076] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and any possible implementation thereof.

[0077] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to execute the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and any possible implementation thereof.

[0078] In a fifteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to provide program instructions or data to the at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute the program instructions to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and any possible implementation thereof.

[0079] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform the communication method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and / or the network device is configured to perform the communication method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an example communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0081] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the distribution of PDCCH and PDSCH on a single carrier.

[0082] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a PDCCH on a carrier.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating DCI processing.

[0084] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a circular memory.

[0085] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the number of RBs occupied in the frequency domain by a core set for a degraded user equipment.

[0086] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a DCI being transmitted across four time slots.

[0087] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the repeated transmission of the same DCI across four time slots.

[0088] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0089] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0090] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first interleaver provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0091] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of mapping a first sequence to a CCE, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0092] Figure 13 This is another example of mapping a first sequence to a CCE, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0093] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a blind detection CCE for a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0094] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another example of blind detection CCE for a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0095] Figure 16 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0096] Figure 17 This is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0097] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained before introducing the embodiments of this application.

[0099] First, in the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (such as the first configuration information described below) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., a communication protocol-defined) arrangement order of various pieces of information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent.

[0100] Second, in the embodiments shown below, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they distinguish different configuration information, aggregation levels, sequences, time slots, etc.

[0101] Third, in the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0102] Fourth, the terms "resource block (RB)," "time slot," "orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol," and "control channel element (CCE)" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are all illustrated using the example of numbering starting from 0, and should not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0103] Fifth, the "time slots" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are all illustrated using an example of 14 OFDM symbols, and should not be construed as limiting the application. For example, in New Radio (NR), a time slot may also include 12 OFDM symbols. Similarly, in Long Term Evolution (LTE), a time slot may include 7 OFDM symbols.

[0104] Sixth, each CCE involved in the embodiments of this application is described using the transmission of 108 bits as an example, and should not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0105] Seventh, the numbers involved in the embodiments of this application can also be referred to as serial numbers.

[0106] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), LTE system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, 5th Generation (5G) system, or NR, etc.

[0107] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, firstly, in conjunction with Figure 1 This application describes in detail the communication system applicable to the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown.

[0108] In one example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 may include at least one network device, such as... Figure 1 The 5G system shown includes a base station (gNB) and a satellite station; the communication system 100 may also include at least one terminal device, such as... Figure 1 The user equipment (UE) shown is 1 to 9. The network equipment and each terminal device can communicate via a wireless link. For example, the network equipment can send configuration information to the terminal device, and the terminal device can send uplink data to the network equipment based on this configuration information; or, for example, the network equipment can send downlink data to the terminal device, and the terminal device can receive this downlink data based on the configuration information sent by the network equipment. Therefore, Figure 1 The gNB and UE1 to UE6 in the system can constitute a communication system; Figure 1 The satellite station and UEs 7 to 9 can also constitute a communication system. Furthermore, the base station and satellite station are connected to the core network equipment in different ways, and data can be transmitted between the base station and satellite station and the core network equipment. This architecture can have multiple satellite stations or multiple base stations, and the satellite stations can also serve UEs similar to UEs 1 to UE6. This application does not limit this. Each communication device, such as a base station, satellite station, or UEs 1 to UE 9, can be configured with multiple antennas, which may include at least one transmitting antenna for transmitting signals and at least one receiving antenna for receiving signals. Additionally, each communication device also includes a transmitter chain and a receiver chain, which, as those skilled in the art will understand, can all include multiple components related to signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, or antennas). Therefore, the base station can communicate with UEs 11 to UE 6 via multi-antenna technology, and the satellite station can communicate with UEs 7 to UE 9 via multi-antenna technology.

[0109] In another example, the terminal devices in the communication system 100, such as UE 4 to UE 6, can also constitute a communication system. Exemplarily, the links between UE 5 and UE 4 and UE 6 respectively can be called sidelinks. For example, UE 5 can control UE 4 and UE 6 to execute corresponding instructions; this application does not limit this.

[0110] It should also be understood that Figure 1 This is a simplified illustration for ease of understanding only. The communication system 100 may also include other network devices or other terminal devices. Figure 1 It was not drawn in the middle.

[0111] It should be understood that the network device in this wireless communication system can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. This equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., homeevolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system. It can also be a gNB in ​​a 5G system, such as NR, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a base band unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU).

[0112] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distribution unit (DU). A gNB may also include a radio unit (RU). The CU implements some of the gNB's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU implements radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer functions, while the DU implements radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layer functions. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered as being sent by the DU, or by the DU+CU. It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, the CU can be classified as a network device in the radio access network (RAN) or as a network device in the core network (CN), and this application does not limit this.

[0113] It should also be understood that the terminal equipment in this wireless communication system can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. In the embodiments of this application, the terminal equipment can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios.

[0114] In this embodiment, the terminal device or network device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, for example... operating system, operating system, operating system, Operating system or Operating systems, etc. This application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this application embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the communication method provided in this application embodiment. As long as a program containing the code of the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be run to perform communication according to the communication method provided in this application embodiment, for example, the execution subject of the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be a terminal device or a network device, or a functional module in the terminal device or network device that can call and execute a program.

[0115] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0116] In fourth-generation (4G) or 5G communication systems, network devices need to send DCI (Digital Information Capture) in addition to sending data to terminal devices.

[0117] Data originates from higher layers of the communication protocol and is typically transmitted in the PDSCH. Data sent from user equipment to network equipment is transmitted in the PUSCH.

[0118] DCI (Distributed Control Information) is the signaling used by network devices to control the behavior of terminal devices. DCI may include scheduling signaling, power control signaling, frame structure indication signaling, etc. It is typically transmitted in the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0119] Most commonly, the DCI carries scheduling signaling, which is used to schedule the terminal device to send uplink data, or to inform the terminal device that it is about to send downlink data. The scheduling signaling may also indicate the location of time-frequency resources used for uplink and downlink data transmission, modulation and coding schemes, etc. Thus, the terminal device first receives the DCI in the PDCCH, and then sends or receives data according to the instructions in the scheduling signaling carried by the DCI.

[0120] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the distribution of PDCCH and PDSCH on a single carrier.

[0121] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the carrier (cell) is divided into 51 RBs in frequency, i.e. Figure 2 The RBs shown are numbered 0-50 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, Figure 2 The diagram shows the three time slots of the carrier (cell), as follows: Figure 2 The diagram shows the first time slot (slot 0), the second time slot (slot 1), and the third time slot (slot 2). Each slot is further divided into 14 OFDM symbols, as shown below. Figure 2 The OFDM symbols numbered 0-13 are shown in the horizontal direction.

[0122] A common resource allocation method is to use the first three OFDM symbols of a slot as PDCCH resources, which are used for transmitting DCI (Digital Communication Interface), and the remaining OFDM symbols in the slot as resources for data transmission. For example, ... Figure 2 As shown, the PDCCH resources occupied by DCI include: the first 3 OFDM symbols in the first time slot (slot 0) in the time domain, and RBs numbered 5-8 in the frequency domain. That is to say, the PDCCH resources occupied by DCI occupy the length of 3 OFDM symbols in the time domain and the length of 4 RBs in the frequency domain.

[0123] It should be noted that, Figure 2The PDCCH and PDSCH resources shown are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0124] In one example, the scheduling signaling can carry the transmission parameters of the PDSCH, such as the PDSCH time information, frequency information, and the modulation and coding scheme used by the PDSCH.

[0125] For example, the PDSCH timing information may include the difference K0 between the time slot occupied by the DCI and the time slot occupied by the PDSCH. Figure 2 As shown, the time slot occupied by DCI is the first time slot (i.e., slot 0), and the time slot occupied by PDSCH is the third time slot (i.e., slot 2). Here, the difference between the time slot occupied by DCI and the time slot occupied by PDSCH is 2, i.e., K0 = 2.

[0126] Thus, the terminal device can calculate the time slot occupied by PDSCH according to formula (1):

[0127]

[0128] Where, n PDSCH Here, μ is the slot number occupied by PDSCH, n is the DCI transmission slot number, and μ is the time slot number. PDSCH The subcarrier spacing number for the OFDM modulation used in PDSCH, μ PDCCH The subcarrier spacing number for OFDM modulation used in PDCCH.

[0129] Table 1 lists the correspondence between subcarrier spacing and numbering.

[0130] Table 1

[0131]

[0132]

[0133] According to Table 1, if the subcarrier spacing of the OFDM modulation used in PDSCH and the subcarrier spacing of the OFDM modulation used in PDDCH are both 30kHz, then μ PDSCH =1,μ PDCCH =1. Furthermore, according to Figure 2 It can be seen that in formula (1), n ​​= 0 and K0 = 2. Therefore, according to formula (1), n PDSCH =2, meaning that the time slot occupied by PDSCH is numbered 2 (i.e., the third time slot).

[0134] In addition, the PDSCH timing information can also include the start position and length of the OFDM symbols used by the PDSCH. For example, such as Figure 2As shown, DCI will also indicate that the starting position S of the OFDM symbol used by PDSCH is 3 and the length L = 11. That is to say, the starting symbol of the OFDM symbol used by PDSCH is the OFDM symbol numbered 3, and PDSCH occupies 11 OFDM symbols starting from the OFDM symbol numbered 3.

[0135] For example, the frequency information of the PDSCH may include the frequency location occupied by the PDSCH. For instance, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the frequency position occupied by PDSCH is RB numbered 43-48.

[0136] For example, the modulation and coding scheme used in PDSCH may include: a code rate of 1 / 3 and quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM) of order 16.

[0137] In this way, after receiving the DCI, the terminal device receives data on the corresponding PDSCH resource according to the transmission parameters of the PDSCH indicated by the DCI.

[0138] Before a network device transmits DCI to an end device, the network device needs to configure the resources used for transmitting the DCI, namely the control resource set (CORESET). Typically, the network device sends CORESET configuration information to the end device. For example, this CORESET configuration information may include the number of RBs and OFDM symbols occupied by the CORESET. Figure 3 As shown, in the frequency domain, CORESET occupies RBs numbered 1-48; in the time domain, CORESET occupies 3 OFDM symbols.

[0139] It should be noted that network devices can be configured with multiple CORESETs for each bandwidth part of each cell.

[0140] Within a core set, its resources are divided into multiple core components (CCEs), each of which occupies certain time-domain and frequency-domain resources. For example, ... Figure 3 As shown, the resources within the CORESET are divided into 24 CCEs. Each CCE occupies 3 OFDM symbols in the time domain and 2 RBs in the frequency domain. In the NR system, each CCE can transmit 108 bits.

[0141] During the process of a network device sending a DCI to a terminal device, the DCI can be carried on different numbers of CCEs. For example, in NR, a network device can use 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs to carry a DCI. The number of CCEs carrying one DCI can be called the aggregation level (AL). It should be understood that the following explanation uses the aggregation level as an example.

[0142] Typically, network devices select the Allocation Level (AL) based on factors such as the size of the DCI information to be transmitted and channel conditions. For example, if the terminal device has good transmission conditions, the network device can use a lower AL (e.g., 2) to transmit the DCI, thus using fewer resources. If the terminal device has poor transmission conditions, the network device needs to use a larger AL (e.g., 16) to transmit the DCI. Although this incurs greater resource overhead, it allows for the transmission of more bits, thereby reducing the channel coding rate and ensuring successful DCI demodulation at a lower signal-to-noise ratio. Generally, using a higher AL results in better demodulation performance, but also increases resource overhead.

[0143] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, in slot 0, the network device transmits DCI using AL=2, and the CCEs carrying this DCI include two CCEs (CCE2 and CCE3). In slot 2, the network device transmits DCI using AL=4, and the CCEs carrying this DCI include four CCEs (CCE0, CCE1, CCE2, and CCE3). Furthermore, the DCI transmitted in slot 0 or slot 2 indicates the PDSCH timing information, which may include the starting position S of the OFDM symbols used by the PDSCH being 3, and the length L=11. That is, the starting symbol of the OFDM symbols used by the PDSCH is OFDM symbol number 3, and the PDSCH occupies 11 OFDM symbols starting from OFDM symbol number 3. The indicated PDSCH frequency information may include the frequency positions occupied by the PDSCH being RBs numbered 43-48.

[0144] When a network device sends a DCI, the AL (Allocation Line) it uses, and the specific CCEs within the core set, can change during each PDCCH monitoring occasion. Therefore, in order to receive the DCI sent to itself, the terminal device needs to attempt reception at different CCE locations within the core set, using different ALs. This process is called PDCCH blind detection.

[0145] To avoid the terminal device traversing all possible CCE locations and ALs, the network device first sends search space configuration information to the terminal device, thereby reducing the number of blind detection attempts. Typically, the search space configuration information includes the following three parts:

[0146] (1) The CORESET corresponding to the search space, that is, on which CORESET the search space is performed.

[0147] Since network devices can configure multiple CORESETs for terminal devices, the network device needs to configure the search space configuration information for the terminal device to specify which CORESET it is targeting.

[0148] (2) The period of the search space.

[0149] For example, the search space period can be configured to two slots, meaning that the search is performed once every two slots.

[0150] (3) The number of times each AL is detected in the search space.

[0151] For example, a network device can be configured as AL1:10 / AL2:8 / AL4:8 / AL8:4 / AL16:2. In other words, the terminal device performs 10 blind checks on AL1, 8 blind checks on AL2, 8 blind checks on AL4, 4 blind checks on AL8, and 2 blind checks on AL16. Thus, within each PDCCH detection period, the terminal device needs to perform a total of 32 blind checks.

[0152] It should be noted that, firstly, ALX can be understood as the AL used in DCI being X, where X is 2. m m is an integer greater than or equal to 0. For example, AL1 can be understood as using AL 1. Similarly, AL2 can be understood as using AL 2.

[0153] Second, the number of AL detections configured in the network device is determined by the value of AL and the number of CCEs within a PDCCH detection period. The product of the number of AL detections and the value of AL does not exceed the number of CCEs within a PDCCH detection period. Thus, as in the example above (3), the number of CCEs within a PDCCH detection period is greater than or equal to 32.

[0154] When a network device sends a DCI, it needs to encode and modulate the DCI first, and then send it on the allocated PDCCH resource.

[0155] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of DCI processing provided in this application.

[0156] A DCI is a bit sequence of a certain length. For example, a DCI with a length of 50 bits can be represented as a = {0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 0, ..., 1}. Figure 4 As shown, the first step is to add a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bit after the bit sequence a of the DCI to obtain the sequence c to be sent.

[0157] For example, firstly, according to the calculation formula, the original bit sequence 'a' of the DCI is calculated to obtain a CRC sequence of length 24 bits. Secondly, the CRC sequence and the radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) of the terminal device (the terminal device receiving the DCI) are XORed to obtain the final check bit sequence 'a'. CRC After the terminal device connects to the network, the network device assigns it an RNTI, which is 24 bits long. Finally, the network device uses the final verification bit sequence a. CRC Appended to the original bit sequence 'a' in the DCI, as the sequence to be transmitted, 'c'. Where c = [a, a...]. CRC The length of c is the length of a (50 bits) and a CRC The sum of the lengths (24 bits) of c, i.e., the length of c is 74 bits. In this way, the terminal device can recalculate the check bits based on the received information bits, according to the same calculation formula as the network device, and then perform an XOR operation with the received check bits. If the resulting sequence is the same as its own RNTI, then it can be determined that the received DCI was sent to itself.

[0158] The second step is to perform channel coding on the sequence c to be sent, so as to obtain the sequence d.

[0159] For example, an encoder is used to perform channel coding on the sequence c to be transmitted. In 5G systems, the encoder for the control channel typically uses Polar codes. During channel coding, redundant information is generally introduced to improve the decoding success rate under low signal-to-noise ratio conditions, resulting in a longer encoded sequence than the original sequence. For instance, if sequence c is input into this encoder, a sequence d with a length of 512 bits can be output.

[0160] The third step is to perform code rate matching on sequence d according to the AL used by DCI to obtain sequence e.

[0161] For example, the channel-coded sequence d is placed in a circular buffer, and the encoded bit sequence is truncated or repeated according to the number of bits that the CCE can carry for the DCI, so that the length of the bit sequence after code rate matching is the same as the bit length that the CCE can carry.

[0162] For example, such as Figure 5 The circular memory shown can store 512 bits of data, so it is just filled with the elements in sequence d.

[0163] If the DCI uses AL=4, then the 4 CCEs can carry 432 bits (108 bits × 4). Thus, since the length of sequence d is 512 bits, then... Figure 5 The portion indicated by the dashed arrow requires the first 432 bits of sequence d stored in the circular memory to be sent. At this point, the length of sequence e is 432 bits, which is less than the length of sequence d.

[0164] If DCI uses AL=8, then the 8 CCEs can carry 864 bits (108 bits × 8). In this case, since the length of sequence d is 512 bits, then... Figure 5 The portion indicated by the solid arrow requires transmitting all 512 bits of sequence d stored in the circular memory, as well as the first 352 bits of sequence d stored in the circular memory. This results in a total of 864 bits that can be stored in the eight CCEs. At this point, the length of sequence e is 864 bits, which is greater than the length of sequence d.

[0165] The fourth step is to modulate sequence e to obtain sequence f.

[0166] In 5G NR systems, quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) is typically used to modulate the sequence.

[0167] The fifth step is to map sequence f to the assigned CCE and send it along with other information.

[0168] By following the five steps described above, the network device can send DCI to the terminal device.

[0169] In some mobile communication applications, strong communication capabilities of terminal devices are less important than cost control. For example, wearable devices and children's smartwatches have much lower communication requirements than regular terminal devices (also known as high-capability or non-degraded-capability devices like mobile phones). In 5G networks, these types of terminal devices are referred to as degraded-capability user equipment.

[0170] For de-capacitated user equipment (UE), the design specifications of its communication capabilities are typically reduced. For example, the supported communication bandwidth and the number of antennas can be reduced to achieve the goal of reducing costs and equipment complexity. For instance, a normal 5G mobile phone needs to support 100MHz of communication bandwidth and four receiving antennas, while a de-capacitated UE may only need to support 20MHz or 5MHz of communication bandwidth and one receiving antenna.

[0171] Because of the low complexity and low cost of the reduced-capability user equipment, it can meet the needs of many communication scenarios, and therefore has a wide demand in certain industries.

[0172] However, due to the narrow communication bandwidth supported by degraded user equipment, there may be situations where a single core may not be able to accommodate a single DCI. For example, ... Figure 6 As shown, in a system with a 30kHz subcarrier spacing, a user equipment with a 5MHz communication bandwidth capability can only support receiving DCI on 12 RBs (e.g., Figure 6 (RBs numbered 0-11). Thus, a core set can occupy a maximum of 12 RBs in the frequency domain. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, if a CCE occupies 3 OFDM symbols in the time domain and 2 RBs in the frequency domain, then a CORESET can contain a maximum of 6 complete CCEs. In this case, if the network equipment still uses AL of 8 or 16 for DCI transmission, a single CORESET cannot accommodate this DCI. If forced to use AL of 2 or 4 for DCI transmission, then under poor channel conditions, the demodulation performance of the degraded user equipment will not meet the requirements.

[0173] To avoid degrading the demodulation performance of DCI for degraded user equipment, network devices can map multiple CCEs carrying a single DCI to multiple PDCCH detection times. In this way, even if narrow bandwidth leads to insufficient core set capacity, the network device can still support DCI transmission with high AL (Average Level) through multiple PDCCH detection times, thus ensuring good demodulation performance of DCI for degraded user equipment.

[0174] For example, if AL=16 is used to transmit DCI, but a single CORESET can only accommodate a maximum of 6 CCEs, then the DCI can be distributed across 4 PDCCH detection opportunities. Figure 7 As shown, the first PDCCH detection timing is the first three OFDM symbols of the first time slot (slot 0), the second PDCCH detection timing is the first three OFDM symbols of the second time slot (slot 1), the third PDCCH detection timing is the first three OFDM symbols of the third time slot (slot 2), and the fourth PDCCH detection timing is the first three OFDM symbols of the fourth time slot (slot 3). Therefore, the network device will send the content carried by CCEs 0-3 corresponding to DCI in the first PDCCH detection timing (CCE0-3), the content carried by CCEs 4-7 corresponding to DCI in the second PDCCH detection timing (CCE0-3), the content carried by CCEs 8-11 corresponding to DCI in the third PDCCH detection timing (CCE0-3), and the content carried by CCEs 12-15 corresponding to DCI in the fourth PDCCH detection timing (CCE0-3).

[0175] Furthermore, to avoid degrading the demodulation performance of DCI by user equipment with reduced capabilities, network devices can still transmit DCI using a lower AL (Average Level), allowing the DCI to be carried within a single core. In this case, the network device can compensate for the demodulation performance of DCI by repeatedly transmitting the DCI multiple times.

[0176] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first PDCCH detection timing is the first three OFDM symbols of the first time slot (slot 0), the second PDCCH detection timing is the first three OFDM symbols of the second time slot (slot 1), the third PDCCH detection timing is the first three OFDM symbols of the third time slot (slot 2), and the fourth PDCCH detection timing is the first three OFDM symbols of the fourth time slot (slot 3). Therefore, the network device will transmit the DCI carried by CCE0-3 in the first detection timing for the first time, the DCI carried by CCE0-3 in the second detection timing for the second time, the DCI carried by CCE0-3 in the third detection timing for the third time, and the DCI carried by CCE0-3 in the fourth detection timing for the fourth time.

[0177] It should be noted that the AL level involved in this application can be assessed based on the number of CCEs accommodated in a CORESET. For example, an AL level less than or equal to the maximum number of CCEs accommodated in a CORESET can be called a low AL level, and an AL level greater than the maximum number of CCEs accommodated in a CORESET can be called a high AL level. The above scheme improves the demodulation performance of degraded user equipment by using a higher aggregation level and more repetitions to transmit a DCI. However, since the DCI transmission time slot occupies four time slots, degraded user equipment cannot directly use the technology of non-degraded terminal equipment (normal user equipment) to determine the time slot occupied by PDSCH. Specifically, as Figure 7 or Figure 8 As shown, since the DCI transmission time slots include four slots from slot 0 to slot 3, in this case, the degraded user equipment cannot determine which of the four slots (1-4) the DCI transmission time slot is, i.e., it cannot determine the value of n in the above formula (1). Consequently, the degraded user equipment will be unable to calculate the time slot occupied by PDSCH according to formula (1), resulting in the degraded user equipment being unable to receive data sent by the network equipment.

[0178] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which a degraded user equipment can still use the same technique as a non-degraded terminal equipment to determine the time slot occupied by the PDSCH. Furthermore, the degraded user equipment can receive data sent by the network equipment.

[0179] It should be noted that the terminal device described in the following communication method is a de-capacitated user equipment. Furthermore, the following communication method is illustrated using a communication system including both terminal devices and network devices as an example, and this application does not limit its scope. For instance, the communication method provided in this application can also be applied to a communication system including two terminal devices. In this case, one of the two terminal devices can execute the steps performed by the network device as described in the following communication method, and the other terminal device can execute the steps performed by the terminal device as described in the following communication method.

[0180] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0181] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0182] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the communication method 200 includes S210 and S220. S210 and S220 are described in detail below.

[0183] S210, Blind Inspection of Terminal Equipment (DCI).

[0184] Accordingly, the network device sends DCI.

[0185] S220, the terminal device determines the transmission time slots of PDSCH and / or PUSCH based on the target time slot and DCI.

[0186] The target time slot is one of the multiple time slots that carry DCI.

[0187] In one example, the multiple time slots are used to transmit a single DCI. In this case, a DCI is transmitted across multiple time slots, and the target time slot is one of the multiple time slots carrying the single DCI.

[0188] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, a DCI is sequentially carried in the first time slot (slot 0), the second time slot (slot 1), the third time slot (slot 2), and the fourth time slot (slot 3), meaning these four time slots are used to transmit this one DCI. Therefore, the target time slot is one of these four time slots.

[0189] In another example, each of the multiple time slots is used to transmit the same DCI. In this case, the same DCI is repeatedly transmitted multiple times on multiple time slots, and the target time slot is one of the multiple time slots carrying the same DCI.

[0190] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the same DCI was repeatedly transmitted four times in the first time slot (slot 0), the second time slot (slot 1), the third time slot (slot 2), and the fourth time slot (slot 3), meaning that each of these four time slots was used to transmit the same DCI. Therefore, the target time slot is one of these four time slots.

[0191] In this embodiment of the application, the target time slot can be the time slot corresponding to n in the above formula (1). That is, when there are multiple time slots carrying a DCI or the same DCI is repeatedly transmitted multiple times in multiple time slots, the number corresponding to the target time slot can be used as the number n of the DCI transmission time slot in the above formula (1).

[0192] The target time slot can be any one of the multiple time slots carrying DCI.

[0193] It should be noted that the network device can still carry the difference K0 between the time slot sent by DCI and the time slot occupied by PDSCH in DCI. Then, the terminal device can determine the time slot occupied by PDSCH according to the formula (1) above.

[0194] For example, the target time slot is the n1th time slot among multiple time slots carrying DCI. Thus, n in formula (1) above is the time slot number corresponding to the n1th time slot among multiple time slots. Here, n1 is a positive integer less than or equal to m, and m is the number of time slots carrying DCI, that is, the number of multiple time slots mentioned above.

[0195] In one example, when n1 equals 1, the target time slot is the first of multiple time slots carrying DCI.

[0196] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the target time slot can be as follows: Figure 7 The first time slot shown is slot 0, so n in the above formula (1) is 0, and K0 in the above formula (1) indicated in this DCI is 4. At this time, if μ PDSCH =1,μ PDCCH =1, and from the above formula (1), we know that n PDSCH =4, meaning that the time slot occupied by PDSCH is time slot numbered 4, i.e. Figure 7 The fifth time slot, slot 4, is shown.

[0197] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the target time slot can be as follows: Figure 8 The first time slot shown is slot 0, so n in the above formula (1) is 0, and K0 in the above formula (1) indicated in this DCI is 4. At this time, if μ PDSCH =1,μ PDCCH =1, and from the above formula (1), we know that n PDSCH =4, meaning that the time slot occupied by PDSCH is time slot numbered 4, i.e. Figure 8 The fifth time slot shown.

[0198] In another example, when n1 equals m, the target time slot is the last of the multiple time slots carrying the DCI.

[0199] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the target time slot can be as follows: Figure 7 The fourth time slot shown above, so that n in formula (1) above is 3; K0 in formula (1) above indicated in this DCI is 1. At this time, if μ PDSCH =1,μ PDCCH =1, and from the above formula (1), we know that n PDSCH=4, meaning that the time slot occupied by PDSCH is time slot numbered 4, i.e. Figure 7 The fifth time slot shown.

[0200] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the target time slot can be as follows: Figure 8 The fourth time slot shown above, so that n in formula (1) above is 3; K0 in formula (1) above indicated in this DCI is 1. At this time, if μ PDSCH =1,μ PDCCH =1, and from the above formula (1), we know that n PDSCH =4, meaning that the time slot occupied by PDSCH is time slot numbered 4, i.e. Figure 8 The fifth time slot shown.

[0201] Furthermore, this target time slot is pre-configured. At this time, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the communication method 200 may also include S230. S230 is executed between S210 and S220, and S230 is described in detail below.

[0202] In S230, the terminal device determines the target time slot based on the DCI. In other words, the terminal device determines the target time slot based on the DCI blindly detected in S210.

[0203] This application does not limit the method of pre-configuring the target time slot. The following describes how to pre-configure the target time slot using methods 1, 2, and 3 as examples.

[0204] Method 1: The rules for determining the target time slot are set or defined in advance.

[0205] Thus, S230 specifically includes: the terminal device determining the target time slot according to the pre-set or pre-defined target time slot determination rules and DCI.

[0206] For example, the target time slot can be preset or predefined as the n1th time slot among multiple time slots. In this way, the terminal device determines the n1th time slot among multiple time slots as the target time slot according to the preset or predefined target time slot determination rules.

[0207] The embodiments of this application do not limit the pre-set or pre-defined methods. For example, they may be specified by communication standard protocols or defined by standards.

[0208] Method 2: The network device configures the rules for determining the target time slot and informs the terminal device of the rules for determining the target time slot.

[0209] Thus, S230 specifically includes: the terminal device determining the target time slot based on the network device configuration and DCI.

[0210] In this example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the communication method 200 also includes S240, which is executed before S230. This application embodiment does not limit the execution order between S240 and S210. S240 is described in detail below.

[0211] S240, the network device sends first configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information from the network device. Thus, the terminal device determines the target time slot based on the first configuration information and the DCI.

[0212] The first configuration information can directly indicate the target time slot. Alternatively, the first configuration information can also be used to determine the target time slot.

[0213] This application does not limit how the first configuration information is used to determine the target time slot.

[0214] In one example, the first configuration information includes a first field, which includes one or more bits that indicate the rules for determining the target time slot.

[0215] For example, when one or more bits of the first field of the first configuration information indicate a first state, the rule for determining the target time slot can be understood as determining the first time slot among multiple time slots as the target time slot; when one or more bits of the first field of the first configuration information indicate a second state, the rule for determining the target time slot can be understood as determining the second time slot among multiple time slots as the target time slot; ...; when one or more bits of the first field of the first configuration information indicate the n1th state, the rule for determining the target time slot can be understood as determining the n1th time slot among multiple time slots as the target time slot; ...; when one or more bits of the first field of the first configuration information indicate the mth state, the rule for determining the target time slot can be understood as determining the last time slot among multiple time slots as the target time slot.

[0216] Method 3: The network device determines the target time slot according to the determination rules of the target time slot and informs the terminal device of the target time slot.

[0217] This application does not limit the rules for determining the target time slot in the embodiments. For example, the rules for determining the target time slot may be preset.

[0218] Based on the above description of communication method 200, such as Figure 7 As shown, in the case where a DCI is transmitted over multiple time slots, or, as... Figure 8As shown, when the same DCI is repeatedly transmitted in each of multiple time slots, the terminal device can determine the transmission time slot n of the DCI in the above formula (1), and then the terminal device can still determine the time slot occupied by PDSCH and / or PUSCH through the above formula (1).

[0219] Based on the above explanation of DCI encoding and modulation, under the existing encoding and rate matching mechanisms, terminal devices may be able to successfully demodulate DCI using the portion of the CCE that carries the DCI.

[0220] For example, if a network device encodes the DCI using AL=16, it obtains a sequence of length 1728 bits (108 bits × 16); if the network device encodes the same DCI using AL=8, it obtains a sequence of length 864 bits (108 bits × 8). Thus, under the existing encoding and rate matching mechanism—that is, when network devices use the same encoder and circular memory—the first 1-864 bits of the bit sequence obtained after encoding and rate matching the DCI using AL=16 are completely identical to the first 1-864 bits of the bit sequence obtained after encoding and rate matching the DCI using AL=8. Therefore, during blind DCI detection, the terminal device might successfully decode the first 8 CCEs of the DCI using AL=16 by decoding it with AL=8. In this case, the terminal device would mistakenly believe that the network device transmitted the DCI using AL=8. This would cause the terminal device to misjudge the target time slot mentioned above.

[0221] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, assume that the DCI sent by the network device actually uses AL 16, and that the DCI is transmitted through four time slots (e.g., Figure 7 The terminal device transmits data in slots 0, 1, 2, and 3 as shown. During the blind detection of the DCI, if the terminal device successfully decodes the content carried by the CCEs (CCE0-3 in slot 0 and CCE0-3 in slot 1) in the first two time slots, it will mistakenly assume that the DCI uses an AL of 8 and occupies a time slot of [missing information]. Figure 7 The diagram shows slots 0 and 1. If the first configuration information sent by the network device to the terminal device indicates that the target time slot for the DCI is the last time slot carrying the DCI, the terminal device will assume that the target time slot is slot 1, i.e., n = 1. However, in practice, as mentioned above, n should be 3.

[0222] For example, if a network device encodes a DCI using AL=4, it can obtain a sequence of length 432 bits (108 bits × 4). If the network device also encodes the same DCI using AL=4, and this DCI is repeatedly transmitted four times in different time slots, then each transmission will be the aforementioned 432 bits of information. Therefore, during blind DCI detection, the terminal device might successfully decode the first four CCEs of a DCI that has been repeatedly transmitted four times using AL=4. In this case, the terminal device would mistakenly believe that the network device sent the DCI using AL=4, unaware that it had been repeated multiple times. This would cause the terminal device to misjudge the target time slot mentioned above.

[0223] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, assume that the DCI sent by the network device actually uses AL 4, and that the DCI is transmitted through four time slots (e.g., Figure 8 The shown slots 0, 1, 2, and 3 are transmitted four times repeatedly. During the blind detection of the DCI, if the terminal device successfully decodes the content carried by the CCE (CCE0-3 in slot 0) in the first time slot, it will mistakenly assume that the AL used by this DCI is 4 and that the time slot occupied by this DCI is... Figure 8 The example shown is slot 0. If the configuration information sent by the network device to the terminal device indicates that the target time slot for DCI is the last time slot carrying DCI, the terminal device will consider the target time slot to be slot 0, i.e., n = 0. However, in reality, as mentioned above, n should be 3 in this case.

[0224] Furthermore, based on the communication method 200 described above, this application also provides some embodiments, such as Embodiments 1 to 5 described below, to avoid the situation of misjudging the target time slot by the terminal device as described above. These embodiments are described in detail below.

[0225] Example 1: To prevent terminal devices from confusing DCI aggregation levels during blind DCI detection, network devices can be configured to perform blind detection on only one aggregation level among those potentially confusing aggregation levels, while setting the number of blind detections for other aggregation levels within the potentially confusing aggregation levels to 0. In this way, during blind DCI detection, the terminal device will only perform blind detection on one aggregation level among those potentially confusing aggregation levels, and will not perform blind detection on other aggregation levels within that potentially confusing aggregation level.

[0226] In this embodiment 1, the target time slot is the n1th time slot among the multiple time slots carrying the DCI. For example, the target time slot is the last time slot carrying the DCI, or the target time slot is the first time slot carrying the DCI.

[0227] For example, in this embodiment 1, such as Figure 10 As shown, before S210, method 200 also includes S201a, which will be described in detail below.

[0228] S201a, the network device sends second configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second configuration information from the network device, and then performs a blind detection of the DCI based on the second configuration information.

[0229] The second configuration information indicates the number of blind checks for multiple aggregation levels, including a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level. The number of blind checks for the first aggregation level is 0, while the number of blind checks for the second aggregation level is not 0. Thus, in each detection cycle, the terminal device will not use the first aggregation level to perform blind checks on the DCI, but will only use the second aggregation level.

[0230] In this scenario, the first and second aggregation levels are different, meaning the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level differs from the number occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level. Alternatively, the first and second aggregation levels may be the same, but the number of repeated transmissions for the DCI using the first aggregation level differs from the number of repeated transmissions for the DCI using the second aggregation level. In this way, the terminal device only performs blind detection on the DCI using the second aggregation level within each time slot, and will not perform blind detection on the DCI using the first aggregation level. Naturally, the terminal device will not confuse the second and first aggregation levels during the blind detection of the DCI.

[0231] For example, the first aggregation level can be 8, and the second aggregation level can be 16. The number of time slots occupied by DCI using the first aggregation level is 2, and the number of time slots occupied by DCI using the second aggregation level is 4. Since the number of blind detections for the first aggregation level is 0, while the number of blind detections for the second aggregation level is not 0, the terminal device will only perform blind detection on DCI using aggregation level 16, and will not perform blind detection on DCI using aggregation level 8. Naturally, the terminal device will not confuse aggregation levels 16 and 8 during the blind detection of DCI.

[0232] Alternatively, the first aggregation level can be 16, and the second aggregation level can be 8. The DCI using the first aggregation level occupies 4 time slots, and the DCI using the second aggregation level occupies 2 time slots. Since the first aggregation level has 0 blind detection attempts, while the second aggregation level has non-zero blind detection attempts, the terminal device will only perform blind detection on the DCI using aggregation level 8, and will not perform blind detection on the DCI using aggregation level 16. Naturally, the terminal device will not confuse aggregation levels 16 and 8 during the blind detection of the DCI.

[0233] For example, the first aggregation level can be 16, and the second aggregation level can be 32. The number of time slots occupied by DCI using the first aggregation level is 4, and the number of time slots occupied by DCI using the second aggregation level is 8. Since the number of blind detections for the first aggregation level is 0, while the number of blind detections for the second aggregation level is not 0, the terminal device will only perform blind detection on DCI using aggregation level 32, and will not perform blind detection on DCI using aggregation level 16. Naturally, the terminal device will not confuse aggregation levels 16 and 32 during the blind detection of DCI.

[0234] Alternatively, the first aggregation level can be 32, and the second aggregation level can be 16. The DCI using the first aggregation level occupies 8 time slots, and the DCI using the second aggregation level occupies 4 time slots. Since the first aggregation level has 0 blind detection attempts, while the second aggregation level has non-zero blind detection attempts, the terminal device will only perform blind detection on the DCI using aggregation level 16, and will not perform blind detection on the DCI using aggregation level 32. Naturally, the terminal device will not confuse aggregation levels 16 and 32 during the blind detection of the DCI.

[0235] For example, both the first and second aggregation levels can be 4. The number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first and second aggregation levels is 1 each, and the DCI using the second aggregation level is repeatedly transmitted across 4 time slots. Since the number of blind checks for the first aggregation level is 0, while the number of blind checks for the second aggregation level is not 0, the terminal device will only perform blind checks on the same DCI that is repeatedly transmitted across 4 time slots, and will not perform blind checks on DCIs that are transmitted only in 1 time slot. Naturally, during the blind check of DCIs, the terminal device will not confuse AL4 with AL4×4 (i.e., aggregation level 4, and the same DCI being repeatedly transmitted 4 times).

[0236] It should be noted that, in this example, firstly, the specific values ​​of the first and second aggregation levels mentioned above are merely examples and should not constitute a limitation on this application. For example, the first aggregation level can also be 4, and the second aggregation level can also be 8. In this case, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is 1, and the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level is 2. As another example, both the first and second aggregation levels can also be 4, in which case the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is 1, and the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level is 2.

[0237] Second, the above example uses the number of first aggregation levels as an example and should not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0238] Third, in addition to the first and second aggregation levels, multiple aggregation levels may also include other aggregation levels that are different from both the first and second aggregation levels, and whose blind detection count is not zero. For example, the second configuration information can be used to indicate: when the aggregation level is 1 (an example of another aggregation level), the blind detection count is 10; when the aggregation level is 2 (another example of another aggregation level), the blind detection count is 8; when the aggregation level is 4 (yet another example of another aggregation level), the blind detection count is 8; when the aggregation level is 8 (an example of the first aggregation level), the blind detection count is 4; and when the aggregation level is 16 (an example of the second aggregation level), the blind detection count is 0. For example, the second configuration information can be used to indicate that when the aggregation level is 1 (an example of other aggregation levels), the number of blind checks is 10; when the aggregation level is 2 (another example of other aggregation levels), the number of blind checks is 8; when the aggregation level is 4 (yet another example of the second aggregation level), the number of blind checks is 8; and when the aggregation level is 4 (an example of the first aggregation level) and the same DCI is transmitted repeatedly 4 times, the number of blind checks is 0.

[0239] Fourth, the network device can carry the second configuration information and the first configuration information in two separate messages and send them to the terminal device. Alternatively, the network device can also carry the second configuration information and the first configuration information in a single message and send it to the terminal device. In this case, this application does not limit the type of the single message carrying the second configuration information and the first configuration information; for example, the message can be a search space configuration message. Optionally, two additional fields can be added to the search space configuration message, which are used to indicate the content indicated by the second configuration information and the first configuration information, respectively.

[0240] Example 2: To avoid confusion regarding the aggregation level or number of repeated transmissions of a DCI during blind DCI detection by the terminal device, the network device can carry the timing period of multiple aggregation levels corresponding to the DCI in the DCI. Thus, during blind DCI detection, the terminal device determines the target time slot as described above according to the timing period of the DCI corresponding to the aggregation level. Therefore, even if the terminal device successfully demodulates the DCI through a portion of the CCE carrying the DCI, it still needs to determine the target time slot based on the timing period of the DCI corresponding to the aggregation level.

[0241] In this embodiment 2, the target time slot is the n1th time slot within the timing period. For example, the target time slot is the last time slot within the timing period, or the target time slot is the first time slot within the timing period.

[0242] For example, in this embodiment 2, such as Figure 10 As shown, before S210, method 200 also includes S201b, which will be described in detail below.

[0243] In S201b, the network device sends third configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third configuration information from the network device and then performs a blind detection of the DCI based on the third configuration information.

[0244] The third configuration information is used to indicate the timing period of the DCI corresponding to multiple aggregation levels, with the target time slot being the time slot within the timing period. The multiple aggregation levels include a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level. The timing period for the DCI using the first aggregation level and the DCI using the second aggregation level is the same. Alternatively, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level may be different, meaning the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level differs from the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level. Or, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level may be the same, but the number of repeated transmissions for the DCI using the first aggregation level differs from the number of repeated transmissions for the DCI using the second aggregation level.

[0245] This application does not limit the specific values ​​of the timing period for DCI using the first aggregation level and DCI using the second aggregation level.

[0246] In one example, the timing period of DCI using the first aggregation level and DCI using the second aggregation level can be equal to the transmission period of DCI using the second aggregation level. Specifically, when the first and second aggregation levels are different, the number of time slots occupied by DCI using the second aggregation level is greater than the number of time slots occupied by DCI using the first aggregation level. Alternatively, when the first and second aggregation levels are the same, the number of repeated transmissions of DCI using the second aggregation level is greater than the number of repeated transmissions of DCI using the first aggregation level.

[0247] For example, the first aggregation level can be 8, and the second aggregation level can be 16. The DCI using the first aggregation level occupies 2 time slots, and the DCI using the second aggregation level occupies 4 time slots. Furthermore, the timing period for DCI using aggregation levels 8 and 16 can be equal to the transmission period for DCI using aggregation level 16, meaning the timing period for DCI using aggregation levels 8 and 16 is 4 time slots. In this case, regardless of whether the terminal device uses aggregation level 8 or 16, the target time slot is determined within a timing period of 4 time slots. Thus, even if the terminal device completes DCI decoding through the first 8 CCEs (the first two time slots), the terminal device still needs to determine the target time slot based on a timing period of 4 time slots. In this case, the terminal device determines the i1th time slot out of the 4 time slots as the target time slot. Here, 1 ≤ i1 ≤ 4, and the specific value of i1 is determined by the rules for determining the target time slot. This is the same as the target time slot determined after DCI decoding is completed through 16 CCEs, so the terminal device will not confuse AL8 and AL16.

[0248] For example, both the first and second aggregation levels can be 4. The DCI using the first and second aggregation levels each occupies 1 time slot, and the DCI using the second aggregation level is repeatedly transmitted across 4 time slots. Furthermore, the timing period for DCI using AL4 and AL4×4 can be equal to the transmission period for DCI using AL4×4, meaning the timing period for DCI using AL4 and AL4×4 is 4 time slots. In this case, regardless of whether the terminal device uses AL4 or AL4×4, the target time slot is determined within a timing period of 4 time slots. Thus, even if the terminal device completes DCI decoding through the first 4 CCEs (the first time slot), the terminal device still needs to determine the target time slot based on a timing period of 4 time slots. In this case, the terminal device determines the i2th time slot out of the 4 time slots as the target time slot. Here, 1 ≤ i2 ≤ 4, and the specific value of i2 is determined by the rules for determining the target time slot. This is the same as the target time slot determined after DCI decoding is completed through 16 CCEs, so the terminal device will not confuse AL4 and AL4×4.

[0249] The AL4×4 mentioned above can be understood as the DCI using an AL of 4, and the DCI being transmitted repeatedly 4 times.

[0250] Optionally, in this example, in addition to the first and second aggregation levels, the multiple aggregation levels may also include other aggregation levels that are different from both the first and second aggregation levels, and whose timing period is 1. For example, the third configuration information can be used to indicate that: when the aggregation level is 1 (an example of another aggregation level), the timing period is 1; when the aggregation level is 2 (another example of another aggregation level), the timing period is 1; when the aggregation level is 4 (yet another example of another aggregation level), the timing period is 1; when the aggregation level is 8 (an example of the first aggregation level), the timing period is 4; and when the aggregation level is 16 (an example of the second aggregation level), the timing period is 4.

[0251] Optionally, this third configuration information is also used to indicate the start position of the timing cycle. For example, such as Figure 7 He Ru Figure 8 As shown, this third configuration information is also used to indicate that the starting position of the timing cycle is the first slot (slot 0).

[0252] For other examples and descriptions of the first and second aggregation levels involved in this third configuration information, please refer to the examples and descriptions of the first and second aggregation levels involved in the second configuration information above, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] It should be noted that, firstly, the network device can carry the third configuration information and the first configuration information in two separate messages and send them to the terminal device. Alternatively, the network device can also carry the third configuration information and the first configuration information in a single message and send it to the terminal device. In this case, this application does not limit the type of the single message carrying the third configuration information and the first configuration information; for example, the message can be a search space configuration message. Optionally, two additional fields can be added to the search space configuration message, which are used to indicate the content indicated by the third configuration information and the first configuration information, respectively.

[0254] Second, in this embodiment 3, the network device can configure the number of detections for each AL in the search space configuration information configured for the terminal device, according to the existing scheme.

[0255] Example 3: To prevent terminal devices from confusing the aggregation level of DCI during blind DCI detection, network devices can carry the aggregation level used by the DCI in the DCI. This way, the terminal device will not confuse the aggregation level of the DCI during blind DCI detection.

[0256] For example, a new field can be added to the DCI, which includes one or more bits used to indicate the aggregation level of the DCI. For example, if the aggregation level of the DCI is 8, one or more bits in the newly added field of the DCI can be in the first state; if the aggregation level of the DCI is 16, one or more bits in the newly added field of the DCI can be in the second state.

[0257] In this embodiment 3, between S210 and S220, the terminal device also needs to execute S250, which will be described in detail below.

[0258] S250: When the aggregation level of the blindly detected DCI is not equal to the aggregation level indicated by the DCI, the target time slot is determined to be the time slot within the DCI transmission cycle. Thus, even if the terminal device successfully demodulates the DCI through a portion of the CCE carrying the DCI, the terminal device still needs to determine the target time slot based on the DCI transmission cycle, thereby enabling the terminal device to determine the correct target time slot.

[0259] The target timeslot is the n1th timeslot within the DCI transmission period. For example, the target timeslot is the last timeslot within the DCI transmission period, or the target timeslot is the first timeslot within the DCI transmission period.

[0260] It should be noted that the DCI transmission period mentioned in S250 can be understood as the period corresponding to the aggregation level indicated in the DCI. For example, if the aggregation level indicated in the DCI is 8, and this aggregation level corresponds to 2 time slots, then the DCI transmission period is 2 time slots. As another example, if the aggregation level indicated in the DCI is 16, and this aggregation level corresponds to 4 time slots, then the DCI transmission period is 4 time slots.

[0261] Furthermore, when a DCI is transmitted in multiple time slots, the DCI transmission period is equal to the number of time slots occupied by that DCI.

[0262] For example, the terminal device completes the decoding of DCI through the first 8 CCEs (the first two time slots). However, by decoding DCI, the aggregation level indicated by DCI is 16. Then, the terminal device needs to determine the target time slot based on the time slot (4 time slots) corresponding to aggregation level 16, that is, the DCI transmission period.

[0263] This application does not limit the triggering subject that triggers the terminal device to execute S250.

[0264] In one example, the triggering entity can be a network device, which sends an indication message to the terminal device. This indication message indicates that when the aggregation level of the blindly detected DCI is not equal to the aggregation level indicated by the DCI, the target time slot is determined to be a time slot within the DCI transmission period.

[0265] In another example, the triggering entity can be defined or specified by the communication protocol: when the aggregation level of the blindly detected DCI is not equal to the aggregation level indicated by the DCI, the target time slot is determined to be a time slot within the DCI transmission cycle.

[0266] Example 4: To prevent the terminal device from confusing the number of DCI retransmissions during blind DCI detection, the network device can carry the number of DCI retransmissions in the DCI. This way, the terminal device will not confuse the number of DCI retransmissions during blind DCI detection.

[0267] For example, a new field can be added to the DCI, which includes a single bit indicating whether the DCI is transmitted repeatedly. For instance, if the DCI is not transmitted repeatedly (i.e., it is transmitted only once), the bit in the newly added field can be 0; if the DCI is transmitted repeatedly, the bit in the newly added field can be 1. The number of times the DCI is transmitted repeatedly can be preset. This application does not limit the specific value of the number of times the DCI is transmitted repeatedly; for example, the number of times the DCI is transmitted repeatedly could be 4.

[0268] For example, a new field can be added to the DCI, consisting of two bits. These two bits indicate whether the DCI has been repeatedly transmitted. Furthermore, if the DCI has been repeatedly transmitted, these two bits not only indicate whether the DCI has been repeatedly transmitted, but also the number of times the DCI has been repeatedly transmitted. For instance, if the DCI has not been repeatedly transmitted, i.e., it is transmitted only once, the two bits in the newly added field can be 00; if the DCI has been repeatedly transmitted, and the number of times it has been repeatedly transmitted is 4, the two bits in the newly added field can be 11.

[0269] It should be noted that if the DCI does not transmit repeatedly, then the number of repeated transmissions carried in the DCI can be 1.

[0270] In this example, the terminal device is between S210 and S220. The terminal device also needs to execute S260, which will be described in detail below.

[0271] S260, when the number of repeated transmissions of the blindly detected DCI is not equal to the number of repeated transmissions indicated by the DCI, the target time slot is determined to be the time slot within the DCI transmission period. Thus, even if the terminal device successfully demodulates the DCI through a portion of the CCE carrying the DCI, the terminal device still needs to determine the target time slot based on the DCI transmission period, thereby enabling the terminal device to determine the correct target time slot.

[0272] The target time slot can be the n1th time slot within the DCI transmission period. For example, the target time slot can be the last time slot within the DCI transmission period, or the target time slot can be the first time slot within the DCI transmission period.

[0273] It should be noted that the DCI transmission period mentioned in S260 can be understood as the period corresponding to the number of repeated transmissions indicated in the DCI. For example, if the number of repeated transmissions indicated in the DCI is 4, and this number of repeated transmissions corresponds to 4 time slots, then the DCI transmission period is 4 time slots.

[0274] Furthermore, when the same DCI is repeatedly transmitted in each of multiple time slots, the DCI transmission period is equal to the number of time slots occupied by the same DCI, that is, the number of times the same DCI is repeatedly transmitted.

[0275] For example, the terminal device completes the decoding of the DCI using the first four CCEs (the first two time slots). However, by interpreting the DCI, it is found that the number of retransmissions indicated by the DCI is four. Therefore, the terminal device needs to determine the target time slot based on the time slot corresponding to the number of retransmissions of four (four time slots), i.e., the DCI transmission cycle. Thus, even if the terminal device successfully demodulates the DCI using some of the CCEs carrying the DCI, it still needs to determine the target time slot based on the cycle corresponding to the number of retransmissions indicated by the DCI, thereby enabling the terminal device to determine the correct target time slot.

[0276] This application does not limit the triggering entity that triggers the terminal device to execute S260.

[0277] In one example, the triggering entity can be a network device, which sends an indication message to the terminal device. This indication message indicates that when the blindly detected DCI is not equal to the DCI indication, the target time slot is determined to be the time slot within the DCI transmission period.

[0278] In another example, the triggering subject can be defined or specified by the communication protocol: when the aggregation level of the blindly detected DCI is not equal to the aggregation level indicated by the DCI, the target time slot is determined to be the time slot within the DCI transmission cycle.

[0279] Example 5: To avoid confusion between the aggregation level or the number of repeated transmissions of DCI during blind DCI detection by the terminal device, the network device can encode the DCI sequence and then interleave it. In this way, the terminal device can avoid successfully demodulating DCI using only the CCE carrying the DCI, and thus, the terminal device will not misjudge the target time slot.

[0280] In this embodiment 5, before the network device sends the DCI, the network device also executes S270 to S290. S270 to S290 are described in detail below.

[0281] It should be noted that, in one example, regardless of the aggregation level used by the DCI, the network device can perform S270 to S290 for all DCIs. In another example, the network device can perform S270 to S290 only for DCIs using the first and second aggregation levels. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0282] S270, the network device acquires the first sequence. This first sequence is the DCI sequence obtained after encoding and rate matching.

[0283] S280, the network device performs interleaving on the first sequence to obtain the second sequence.

[0284] In one example, S280 specifically includes: S281a, where the network device converts the first sequence into a triangular matrix using a row-by-row or column-by-column conversion method. The length of the first sequence is E, and the number of columns or rows of the triangular matrix is ​​T1, where T1 satisfies... The smallest integer; S282a, the network device determines the second sequence by arranging the elements in the triangular matrix in order by column or row.

[0285] For example, the network device may include a first interleaver having a triangular storage structure with a side length of T1. The first interleaver may interleave the first sequence to obtain a second sequence in either a row-to-row (row write, column read) or column-to-out (column write, row read) interleaving manner.

[0286] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first sequence is written row by row into the first interleaver. There may be some positions where no input is received; these positions are marked as null. Then, the contents of the first interleaver are read column by column. Positions containing null are skipped, resulting in the second sequence, which has a length of E. This application does not limit the triangular storage structure of the first interleaver to either an upper or lower triangle.

[0287] It should be noted that the above description uses a triangular storage structure for the first interleaver as an example, and should not be construed as limiting this application. For example, the storage structure of the first interleaver can also be square, and the interleaving principle is similar to that of the first interleaver with a triangular storage structure, which will not be elaborated here.

[0288] If the network device transmits DCI with AL=8, the length of the sequence after rate matching is E=864 bits, and the side length of the first interleaver is T1=42. However, if the network device transmits DCI with AL=16, the length of the sequence after rate matching is E=1728 bits, and the side length of the first interleaver is still T1=42. Because the first interleaver uses a triangular storage structure with different side lengths, the first 864 bits of the bit sequence after interleaving with DCI using AL=16 are no longer the same as the bit sequence after interleaving with DCI using AL=8. Therefore, the terminal device will fail to decode the first 8 CCEs when AL=16 is used, even if AL=8 is used.

[0289] In another example, S280 specifically includes: S281b, dividing the first sequence into H1 subsequences according to the order of the elements in the first sequence, the length of each of the H1 subsequences being the number of bits transmitted by one CCE; S282b, performing sequence-level interleaving on the H1 subsequences to obtain the second sequence.

[0290] It should be noted that performing sequence-level interleaving of H1 subsequences can be understood as interleaving each of the H1 subsequences as the smallest interleaving unit.

[0291] For example, S282b specifically includes: mapping the i-th subsequence among H1 subsequences to the k-th CCE in the j-th PDCCH detection time, j = mod(v, N). v is the number of the i-th subsequence in the H1 subsequences, and N is the number of time slots occupied by the DCI. According to the order of the PDCCH detection timing and the order of each CCE within the PDCCH detection timing, the subsequences mapped to each CCE are arranged to obtain the second sequence. This can be understood as the network device first mapping the first sequence to virtual CCEs in sequence. The order of the virtual CCEs is the same as the order of the H1 subsequences described above. Then, the network device maps the subsequences mapped by the virtual CCEs to physical CCEs for transmission. The virtual CCE number i, the PDCCH detection timing number j, and the physical CCE number k satisfy the formula described above.

[0292] For example, such as Figure 12As shown, if the number of time slots occupied by DCI is N=4 and the AL used by DCI is 16, then the length of the sequence after DCI code rate matching is 1728 bits. Furthermore, if a CCE can transmit 108 bits, then the sequence after DCI code rate matching can be divided into 16 subsequences (an example of H1 value). Therefore, according to j=mod(v,N), The values ​​of j and k can then be obtained, as shown in Table 2.

[0293] Table 2

[0294]

[0295]

[0296] Thus, the first 864 bits of the bit sequence after DCI interleaving with AL=16 are no longer the same as the bit sequence after DCI interleaving with AL=8. Therefore, the terminal device will fail to decode the first 8 CCEs with AL=16 when AL=8.

[0297] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, if the DCI uses an AL of 4, and the DCI is transmitted in both the first and second time slots (meaning the DCI is retransmitted twice), then the sequence length after DCI rate matching is 864 bits. Furthermore, if a CCE can transmit 108 bits, then the sequence after DCI rate matching can be divided into 8 subsequences (one example of H1 value). Therefore, according to j = mod(v, N), The values ​​of j and k can then be obtained, as shown in Table 3.

[0298] Table 3

[0299]

[0300] In cases where DCI is repeatedly transmitted or transmitted in a single time slot, for example, where the aggregation level of DCI is 4 and DCI is transmitted in one time slot; or where the aggregation level of DCI is 4 and DCI is repeatedly transmitted in four time slots, S282b may further include: mapping the i-th subsequence among H1 subsequences to the k-th CCE, k = mod(i + m, M), where m and M are positive integers; arranging the subsequences mapped to each CCE according to the order of each CCE in the PDCCH detection time to obtain the second sequence.

[0301] The specific values ​​of m and M are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0302] For example, such as Figure 13As shown, if the DCI uses an aggregation level of 4, and the DCI is transmitted in both the first and second time slots (i.e., the DCI is repeated twice), then the sequence length after DCI rate matching is 864 bits. Furthermore, if a CCE can transmit 108 bits, then the sequence after DCI rate matching can be divided into 8 subsequences (one example of H1 value). If m is 2 and M is 4, then according to k = mod(i + m, M), the value of k can be obtained, as shown in Table 4.

[0303] Table 4

[0304]

[0305]

[0306] Thus, the first 432 bits of the bit sequence after DCI interleaving with AL=4 are no longer the same as the bit sequence after DCI interleaving with AL=4 and a repetition count of 2. Therefore, the terminal device will fail to decode the first 8 CCEs of AL4×4 when AL=4.

[0307] S290, according to the order of elements in the second sequence, map each element in the second sequence to the corresponding CCE and send the DCI.

[0308] In this embodiment 5, the network device executes S270 to S290 before sending the DCI. Correspondingly, during the blind DCI detection process, the terminal device specifically executes S211 to S213, that is, S210 specifically includes S211 to S213. S211 to S213 will be described in detail below.

[0309] S211, The terminal device acquires the second sequence, which is the demodulated DCI sequence.

[0310] S212, the terminal device performs deinterleaving on the second sequence to obtain the first sequence.

[0311] In one example, S212 specifically includes: S2121a, the terminal device converts the second sequence into a triangular matrix using a column-by-column or row-by-row conversion method. The length of the second sequence is E, and the number of columns or rows of the triangular matrix is ​​T1, where T1 satisfies... The smallest integer; S2122a, the terminal device determines the first sequence by arranging the elements in the triangular matrix in rows or columns.

[0312] For example, the terminal device may include a second interleaver, the storage structure of which is the same as that of the first interleaver included in the network device. For instance, if the first interleaver has a triangular storage structure, then the second interleaver also has a triangular storage structure with a side length of T1. Furthermore, the second interleaver can deinterleave the second sequence to obtain the first sequence using either column-to-out (column write, row read) or row-to-out (row write, column read) deinterleaving methods.

[0313] It should be noted that deinterleaving is also a type of interleaving, but the deinterleaving process of the terminal device and the interleaving process of the network device are opposite or inverse. For example, if the first interleaver uses a row-to-column (row write, column read) or column-to-out (column write, row read) interleaving method, then the second interleaver uses a column-to-out (column write, row read) or row-to-column (row write, column read) interleaving method.

[0314] If the network device transmits DCI with AL=8, the length of the code rate-matched sequence is E=864 bits, and the side length of the second interleaver is T1=42. However, if the network device transmits DCI with AL1=6, the length of the code rate-matched sequence is E=1728 bits, and the side length of the second interleaver is also T1=42. Because the second interleaver uses a triangular storage structure with different side lengths, the first 864 bits of the bit sequence after interleaving with DCI using AL=16 are no longer the same as the bit sequence after interleaving with DCI using AL=8. Therefore, the terminal device will fail to decode the first 8 CCEs with AL=16 when AL=8 is used.

[0315] In another example, S212 specifically includes: S2121b, dividing the second sequence into H2 subsequences according to the order of the elements in the second sequence, the length of each of the H2 subsequences being the number of bits transmitted by one CCE; S2122b, performing sequence-level deinterleaving on the H2 subsequences to obtain the first sequence.

[0316] It should be noted that performing sequence-level deinterleaving on H2 subsequences can be understood as performing deinterleaving with each of the H2 subsequences as the smallest interleaving unit.

[0317] For example, S2122b specifically includes: determining the subsequence carried by the k-th CCE in the j-th PDCCH detection time of H2 subsequences as the i-th subsequence of the first sequence, j = mod(v, N). v is the number of the i-th subsequence in the first sequence, and N is the number of time slots occupied by the DCI. This can be understood as follows: The terminal device first maps the subsequences transmitted on the physical CCE to virtual CCEs according to the order of PDCCH detection timing and the sorting of CCEs on the PDCCH detection timing. Then, according to the sorting order of the virtual CCEs, the subsequences mapped on each virtual CCE are arranged to obtain the first sequence. The sorting order of the virtual CCEs is the same as the sorting of the H2 subsequences described above. The virtual CCE number i, the PDCCH detection timing number j, and the physical CCE number k satisfy the formula described above.

[0318] In cases where DCI involves repeated transmissions or is transmitted within a single time slot (e.g., DCI uses an aggregation level of 4 and is transmitted in one time slot); or DCI uses an aggregation level of 4 and is repeatedly transmitted across four time slots), S2122b may further include: determining the subsequence carried by the k-th CCE in the H2 subsequences as the i-th subsequence of the first sequence, where k = mod(i + m, M), and m and M are positive integers. Thus, the first 432 bits of the bit sequence after interleaving with DCI using AL = 4 are no longer the same as the bit sequence after interleaving with DCI using AL = 4 and with two repeated transmissions. Consequently, the terminal device will fail to decode the first 8 CCEs of AL4×4 according to AL = 4.

[0319] S213, decode the first sequence to obtain the information carried by the DCI.

[0320] In the embodiments 1 to 5 described above, the bandwidth occupied by DCI in each time slot is within the communication bandwidth of the terminal device. However, in wireless communication systems, the channel experiences frequency-selective fading. Thus, when the communication bandwidth of the terminal device is narrow, if the frequency is in deep fading, it will affect the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0321] Therefore, while ensuring the demodulation performance of the terminal device (i.e., based on the communication method 200 described above), to improve the transmission performance of the terminal device, for the case where a DCI is transmitted across multiple time slots, the network device can transmit a portion of the DCI content that would normally be transmitted in each of those time slots at a different frequency. For the case where the same DCI is transmitted in each of the multiple time slots, the network device can repeatedly transmit the DCI that would normally be transmitted in each of those time slots at a different frequency.

[0322] In one example, when configuring CORESET for a terminal device, the network device also configures the CORESET's frequency hopping information. This information includes the CORESET's hopping period, frequency step size, and starting frequency within a hopping period. Thus, before performing blind DCI detection in each time slot across multiple time slots, the terminal device performs one frequency hopping per slot within a hopping period, based on the CORESET's hopping information. In this example, the frequency bandwidth of the CORESET does not exceed the communication bandwidth supported by the terminal device.

[0323] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, if a network device transmits a DCI across four time slots, specifically, the network device transmits the first part of the DCI in RB0-9 of the first time slot (slot 0), the second part in RB12-21 of the second time slot (slot 1), the third part in RB24-33 of the third time slot (slot 2), and the fourth part in RB36-45 of the fourth time slot (slot 3). In this case, the frequency hopping information of the CORESET configured by the network device for the terminal device includes: a frequency hopping period of 4 slots, a frequency hopping step size of 11 RBs, and a starting frequency of RB0 for the CORESET within one frequency hopping period. In this way, based on the frequency hopping information of CORESET, the terminal device blindly detects the first part of the DCI in the first time slot (slot 0) with RB0 as the starting frequency and 11 RBs as the frequency hopping step size; blindly detects the second part of the DCI in the second time slot (slot 1) with RB12 as the starting frequency and 11 RBs as the frequency hopping step size; blindly detects the third part of the DCI in the third time slot (slot 2) with RB24 as the starting frequency and 11 RBs as the frequency hopping step size; and blindly detects the fourth part of the DCI in the fourth time slot (slot 3) with RB36 as the starting frequency and 11 RBs as the frequency hopping step size, thus completing the blind detection process of DCI within one frequency hopping cycle.

[0324] For example, such as Figure 14As shown, if a network device repeatedly transmits the same DCI in each of the four time slots, specifically, the network device transmits the first DCI in RB0-9 of the first time slot (slot 0), the second DCI in RB12-21 of the second time slot (slot 1), the third DCI in RB24-33 of the third time slot (slot 2), and the fourth DCI in RB36-45 of the fourth time slot (slot 3). In this case, the frequency hopping information of CORESET configured by the network device for the terminal device includes: a frequency hopping period of 4 slots, a frequency hopping step size of 11 RBs, and a starting frequency of RB0 for CORESET within one frequency hopping period. In this way, based on the frequency hopping information of CORESET, the terminal device blindly detects the first DCI transmitted by the network device in the first time slot (slot 0) with RB0 as the starting frequency and 11 RBs as the frequency hopping step size; blindly detects the second DCI transmitted by the network device in the second time slot (slot 1) with RB12 as the starting frequency and 11 RBs as the frequency hopping step size; blindly detects the third DCI transmitted by the network device in the third time slot (slot 2) with RB24 as the starting frequency and 11 RBs as the frequency hopping step size; and blindly detects the fourth DCI transmitted by the network device in the fourth time slot (slot 3) with RB36 as the starting frequency and 11 RBs as the frequency hopping step size, thus completing the blind detection process of DCI within one frequency hopping cycle.

[0325] In another example, when configuring the search space for the terminal device, the network device also configures the CORESET portion that the terminal device needs to detect at each PDCCH detection time during each blind detection cycle. In this example, the frequency bandwidth of the CORESET can exceed the communication bandwidth supported by the terminal device.

[0326] For example, such as Figure 15As shown, if a network device transmits a DCI across four time slots, specifically, the network device transmits the first part of the DCI in RB0-9 of the first time slot (slot 0), the second part in RB12-21 of the second time slot (slot 1), the third part in RB24-33 of the third time slot (slot 2), and the fourth part in RB36-45 of the fourth time slot (slot 3). Alternatively, if the network device repeatedly transmits the same DCI in each of the four time slots, specifically, the network device transmits the first DCI in RB0-9 of the first time slot (slot 0), the second DCI in RB12-21 of the second time slot (slot 1), the third DCI in RB24-33 of the third time slot (slot 2), and the fourth DCI in RB36-45 of the fourth time slot (slot 3).

[0327] At this point, the network device configures the terminal device to detect CORESET CCE0-3 during the PDCCH detection in the first time slot (slot 0); CORESET CCE6-9 during the PDCCH detection in the second time slot (slot 1); CORESET CCE12-15 during the PDCCH detection in the third time slot (slot 2); and CORESET CCE18-21 during the PDCCH detection in the fourth time slot (slot 3). In this way, the terminal device completes the blind DCI detection process within one cycle based on the CORESET portion to be detected during each PDCCH detection time.

[0328] Below, in conjunction with Figures 16 to 17 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0329] Figure 16 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0330] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, the communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1010 for data processing.

[0331] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver unit 1020 for communicating with the outside. The transceiver unit 1020 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0332] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1010 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit.

[0333] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1000 can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment. In this case, the communication device 1000 can be the terminal device or a component configurable on the terminal device. The processing unit 1010 is used to perform processing-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiment, and the transceiver unit 1020 is used to perform transceiver-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0334] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1000 can be used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the above method embodiment. In this case, the communication device 1000 can be a network device or a component configurable on the network device. The processing unit 1010 is used to perform processing-related operations of the network device in the above method embodiment, and the transceiver unit 1020 is used to perform transceiver-related operations of the network device in the above method embodiment.

[0335] Figure 17 A schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0336] For example, the communication device 1100 may be a terminal device or a network device as described in the above embodiments.

[0337] like Figure 17 As shown, the communication device 1100 includes: one or more processors 1110, and one or more memories 1120. The one or more memories 1120 store one or more computer programs, which include instructions. When the instructions are executed by the one or more processors 1110, the communication device 1100 performs the technical solution executed by the terminal device in the above embodiments or performs the technical solution executed by the network device in the above embodiments.

[0338] This application provides a communication system, including a terminal device and a network device, which is used to execute the technical solutions described in the above embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar to those of the related embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0339] This application provides a computer program product that, when run on a device, causes the device to execute the technical solutions described in the above embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar to those of the related embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here. The device may include the terminal device or network device described in the above embodiments.

[0340] This application provides a readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the technical solutions described in the above embodiments. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here. The device may include the terminal device or network device described in the above embodiments.

[0341] This application provides a chip for executing instructions. When the chip is running, it executes the technical solutions described in the above embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0342] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0343] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0344] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0345] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0346] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0347] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or parts of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of software products. These computer software products are stored in a storage medium and include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0348] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The communication method is applied to a terminal device, and the communication method includes: Blind detection downlink control information (DCI); Based on the target time slot and the DCI, the transmission time slots of the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and / or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) are determined. The target time slot is one of multiple time slots carrying the DCI. The multiple time slots are used to transmit one DCI or each of the multiple time slots is used to transmit the same DCI. The target time slot is pre-configured. Prior to the blind detection downlink control information (DCI), the communication method further includes: The system receives second configuration information from a network device. This second configuration information indicates the number of blind detections for multiple aggregation levels, including a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level. The first aggregation level has a blind detection count of 0, while the second aggregation level has a non-zero blind detection count. Wherein, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are different, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level, or, The first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are the same, but the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the second aggregation level. The blind detection downlink control information (DCI) includes: Based on the second configuration information, perform a blind DCI test.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before determining the transmission time slots of PDSCH and / or PUSCH based on the target time slot and the DCI, the communication method further includes: The system receives first configuration information from the network device, the first configuration information being used to determine the target time slot.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The target time slot is the last time slot carrying the DCI, or, The target time slot is the first time slot that carries the DCI.

4. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: The network device receives third configuration information, which is used to indicate the timing period of DCI corresponding to multiple aggregation levels. The target time slot is a time slot within the timing period. The multiple aggregation levels include a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level. The timing period of the DCI using the first aggregation level and the DCI using the second aggregation level is the same. Wherein, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are different, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level, or, The first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are the same, but the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the second aggregation level.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third configuration information is also used to indicate the starting position of the timing cycle.

6. The communication method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The target time slot is the last time slot within the timing period, or... The target time slot is the first time slot within the timing period.

7. The communication method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, and 5, characterized in that, The first aggregation level is 8, the second aggregation level is 16, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is 2, and the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level is 4; or, The first aggregation level is 16, the second aggregation level is 8, the DCI using the first aggregation level occupies 4 time slots, and the DCI using the second aggregation level occupies 2 time slots; or... Both the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are 4. The number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level is 1 each, and the DCI using the second aggregation level is repeatedly transmitted on 4 time slots.

8. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The DCI is used to indicate the aggregation level adopted by the DCI.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: When the aggregation level of the blind-detected DCI is not equal to the aggregation level indicated by the DCI, the target time slot is determined to be the time slot within the DCI transmission period.

10. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The DCI is used to indicate the number of times the DCI is repeatedly transmitted.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: When a blind detection detects that the number of timeslots used to transmit the same DCI is not equal to the number of repeated transmissions indicated by the DCI, the target timeslot is determined to be a timeslot within the DCI transmission cycle.

12. The communication method according to claim 9 or 11, characterized in that, The target time slot is either the last time slot or the first time slot within the DCI transmission cycle.

13. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blind detection DCI includes: Obtain a second sequence, which is the demodulated sequence of the DCI; The second sequence is de-interleaved to obtain the first sequence; The first sequence is decoded to obtain the information carried by the DCI.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The communication method is applied to a network device, and the communication method includes: Send first configuration information to the terminal device. The first configuration information is used by the terminal device to determine a target time slot. The target time slot is one of a plurality of time slots carrying downlink control information (DCI). The plurality of time slots are used to transmit one DCI or each of the plurality of time slots is used to transmit the same DCI. The communication method further includes: The system sends second configuration information to the terminal device. This second configuration information indicates the number of blind detections for multiple aggregation levels, including a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level. The first aggregation level has a blind detection count of 0, while the second aggregation level has a non-zero blind detection count. Wherein, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are different, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level, or, The first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are the same, but the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the second aggregation level.

15. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The target time slot is the last time slot carrying the DCI, or, The target time slot is the first time slot that carries the DCI.

16. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: Send third configuration information to the terminal device. The third configuration information is used to indicate the timing period of DCI corresponding to multiple aggregation levels. The target time slot is the time slot within the timing period. The multiple aggregation levels include a first aggregation level and a second aggregation level. The timing period of the DCI using the first aggregation level and the DCI using the second aggregation level is the same. Wherein, the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are different, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level, or, The first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are the same, but the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the first aggregation level is different from the number of repeated transmissions of the DCI using the second aggregation level.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The third configuration information is also used to indicate the starting position of the timing cycle.

18. The communication method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The target time slot is the last time slot within the timing period, or... The target time slot is the first time slot within the timing period.

19. The communication method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The first aggregation level is 8, the second aggregation level is 16, the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level is 2, and the number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the second aggregation level is 4; or, The first aggregation level is 16, the second aggregation level is 8, the DCI using the first aggregation level occupies 4 time slots, and the DCI using the second aggregation level occupies 2 time slots; or... Both the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level are 4. The number of time slots occupied by the DCI using the first aggregation level and the second aggregation level is 1 each, and the DCI using the second aggregation level is repeatedly transmitted on 4 time slots.

20. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: The DCI is sent to the terminal device, wherein the DCI is used to indicate the aggregation level used by the DCI or the number of times the DCI is repeated.

21. The communication method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The target time slot is either the last time slot or the first time slot within the DCI transmission cycle.

22. The communication method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: Obtain a first sequence, which is the sequence of the DCI after encoding and code rate matching; The first sequence is interleaved to obtain the second sequence; According to the order of the elements in the second sequence, each element in the second sequence is mapped to the corresponding CCE and sent to the DCI.

23. The communication method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The process of interleaving the first sequence to obtain the second sequence includes: The first sequence is converted into a triangular matrix using either row-wise or column-wise transformation. The length of the first sequence is E, and the number of columns or rows of the triangular matrix is ​​T1, where T1 satisfies... The smallest integer; The sequence obtained by arranging the elements in the triangular matrix sequentially by column or row is determined as the second sequence.

24. The communication method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The process of interleaving the first sequence to obtain the second sequence includes: According to the arrangement order of the elements in the first sequence, the first sequence is divided into H1 subsequences, and the length of each of the H1 subsequences is the number of bits transmitted by one CCE. The H1 subsequences are interleaved to obtain the second sequence.

25. The communication method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The step of interleaving the H1 subsequences to obtain the second sequence includes: The first subsequence in the H1 subsequence i The subsequence is mapped to the nth subsequence. j The first PDCCH detection opportunity k One CCE, the j =mod( v ,N), the The v For the first i The number of each subsequence in the H1 subsequences, where N is the number of time slots occupied by the DCI; According to the order of PDCCH detection timing and the order of each CCE in the PDCCH detection timing, the subsequences mapped to each CCE are arranged to obtain the second sequence.

26. The communication method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, The DCI uses an aggregation level of 8 and is transmitted over two time slots; or, The DCI uses an aggregation level of 16 and is transmitted over 4 time slots; or, The DCI uses an aggregation level of 4 and is repeatedly transmitted across 4 time slots.

27. The communication method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The process of interleaving the first sequence to obtain the second sequence includes: The first subsequence in the H1 subsequence i The subsequence is mapped to the nth subsequence. k One CCE, the k =mod( i +m,M), where m and M are positive integers; According to the arrangement order of each CCE during PDCCH detection, the subsequences mapped to each CCE are arranged to obtain the second sequence.

28. The communication method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The DCI uses an aggregation level of 4 and is transmitted in one time slot; or, The DCI uses an aggregation level of 4 and is repeatedly transmitted across 4 time slots.

29. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and / or the network device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 14 to 28.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; One or more memory units; And one or more computer programs, wherein the one or more computer programs are stored in the one or more memories, the one or more computer programs including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Includes computer instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28.

32. A chip, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to provide program instructions or data to the at least one processor, the at least one processor being used to execute the program instructions to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28.

33. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28 is executed.

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