Communication methods and devices

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: in response to paging message scheduling information received through a physical downlink control channel, obtaining a first parameter reference value and a second parameter preset value; attempting to demodulate the paging message scheduling information based on a plurality of preset time delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value, obtaining a plurality of demodulation attempts; determining a target channel estimation parameter value based on the plurality of demodulation attempts; and demodulating the paging message scheduling information using the target channel estimation parameter value. The method provided in this application helps to improve the paging reception performance.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Paging is an important means for network devices to locate terminal devices. Taking 5G terminal devices as an example, network devices can find terminal devices in RRC-IDLE or RRC-INACTIVE states by paging them; alternatively, after updating system messages, network devices can notify terminal devices in RRC-IDLE, RRC-INACTIVE, or RRC-CONNECTED states through paging.

[0003] The paging process mainly includes the transmission of paging message scheduling information and paging messages. The paging message scheduling information is typically carried by the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), while the paging message itself is typically carried by the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0004] Terminal devices in the aforementioned RRC-IDLE, RRC-INACTIVE, or RRC-CONNECTED states can periodically receive paging messages via PDSCH at fixed paging occasions (PO).

[0005] The aforementioned period refers to the period of discontinuous reception. It can be understood that a DRX period can be understood as a paging period. A DRX period can include a sleep period and an active period. That is, a terminal device in the aforementioned RRC-IDLE, RRC-INACTIVE, or RRC-CONNECTED states can activate on a specific subframe (also called PO) of a specific frame (e.g., the paging frame, PF) within the paging period to enter the active period, while remaining in a sleep state at other times, thus saving power consumption of the terminal device.

[0006] PO is a subframe that may be scrambled with the Paging-RadioNetwork Temporary Identity (P-RNTI) and indicate the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) of the paging message.

[0007] It is understandable that P-RNTI is shared by all terminal devices within a serving cell. By parsing the paging message scheduling information on the PDCCH, the PDSCH resource for transmitting paging messages can be found, and the paging message can be parsed on that resource. The paging message can include the identifiers of one or more terminal devices. By determining the identifiers of the terminal devices in the paging message, the terminal device can determine whether the network device is initiating a paging of it.

[0008] In wireless communication environments, the reflection and scattering of radio waves by buildings and the ground can cause transmitted signals to reach the receiver at different times along different transmission paths. That is, when a terminal device receives a paging signal (e.g., the paging signal may include paging message scheduling information and the paging message itself), the paging signal will experience frequency-selective fading after multipath transmission. Therefore, the terminal device can first perform channel estimation, then use the channel estimation result for frequency domain equalization, and demodulate the frequency-equalized data. In other words, the paging signal is demodulated after frequency domain equalization. It is evident that the performance of channel estimation directly affects the receiver's reception performance; that is, the performance of channel estimation significantly impacts the demodulation performance of the paging signal.

[0009] However, in low signal-to-noise ratio scenarios, current technologies have low accuracy in channel estimation for paging, which seriously affects the paging reception performance. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that helps improve the receiving performance of paging.

[0011] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method, comprising: in response to paging message scheduling information received via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), acquiring a first parameter reference value and a second parameter preset value; wherein the first parameter is used to characterize the reception delay of the paging message scheduling information, and the second parameter is used to characterize the channel impulse response length; attempting to demodulate the paging message scheduling information based on a plurality of preset delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value, obtaining a plurality of demodulation attempts; wherein each demodulation attempt corresponds to a set of channel estimation parameter values, the channel estimation parameter values ​​including the second parameter preset value and the first parameter reference value, the first parameter reference value being determined by the first parameter reference value and the delay offset; determining a target channel estimation parameter value based on the plurality of demodulation attempts; and demodulating the paging message scheduling information using the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0012] The embodiments of this application can help improve the paging reception performance.

[0013] In one possible implementation, before obtaining the first parameter baseline value and the second parameter preset value, the method further includes: obtaining a third parameter estimate; wherein the third parameter is used to characterize the signal-to-noise ratio; if the third parameter estimate is greater than a preset threshold, obtaining the first parameter estimate and the second parameter estimate, and using the first parameter estimate and the second parameter estimate to demodulate the paging message scheduling information; or, if the third parameter estimate is less than or equal to a preset threshold, obtaining the first parameter baseline value and the second parameter preset value.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first parameter estimate, the second parameter estimate, and the third parameter estimate are obtained by estimating the first parameter, the second parameter, and the third parameter respectively through a set of physical broadcast channels (PBCH).

[0015] In one possible implementation, the preset threshold is determined by the number of antennas of the terminal device.

[0016] In one possible implementation, each demodulation attempt corresponds to a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value and / or a decoding path matrix difference, and the target channel estimation parameter value corresponds to the highest SNR value and / or the largest decoding path matrix difference.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first parameter reference value is used to perform phase rotation on the paging message scheduling information.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: demodulating the paging message using the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: acquiring one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​that are close to the target channel estimation parameter value; and demodulating the paging message using one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​that are close to the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0020] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store a program; and the processor is used to run the program and execute the communication method as described in the first aspect.

[0021] Thirdly, this application provides a readable storage medium storing a program that, when run on a terminal device, enables the terminal device to implement the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0022] Fourthly, this application provides a program that, when run on the processor of a terminal device, causes the terminal device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect.

[0023] In one possible design, the program in the fourth aspect can be stored wholly or partially on a storage medium packaged with the processor, or it can be stored wholly or partially on a memory not packaged with the processor.

[0024] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including: one or more functional modules, which are used to execute any of the communication methods provided in the first aspect.

[0025] In a sixth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a terminal device and a network device for performing any of the methods provided in the first aspect.

[0026] The communication devices in the second and fifth aspects can be chips or terminal devices. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the communication device provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In this embodiment of the application, unless otherwise stated, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an OR relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "AND / OR" describes the relationship between the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A AND / OR B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are used only for distinguishing descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying order.

[0034] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more items, and "more than one" refers to two or more items. Furthermore, "at least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, which may include any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of A, B, or C can represent: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C. Each of A, B, and C can be an element itself or a set containing one or more elements.

[0035] In this application, terms such as "exemplary," "in some embodiments," and "in another embodiment" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner.

[0036] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing the distinction, their meanings are consistent. Similarly, in the embodiments of this application, "communication" and "transmission" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing the distinction, their meanings are consistent. For example, transmission can include sending and / or receiving, and can be a noun or a verb.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, the term "equal to" can be used in conjunction with "greater than" to apply to technical solutions employing the condition of "greater than", and can also be used in conjunction with "less than" to apply to technical solutions employing the condition of "less than". It should be noted that when "equal to" is used with "greater than", it cannot be used with "less than"; and when "equal to" is used with "less than", it cannot be used with "greater than".

[0038] The following explanations of some terms used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0039] 1. Terminal Equipment. In this application embodiment, the terminal equipment is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which may be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal equipment, industrial control terminal equipment, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. It should be noted that the terminal equipment can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR), etc. For example, terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, in-vehicle terminals, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in future mobile communication networks, or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the terminal device may also be a device with transceiver functions, such as a chip system. The chip system may include a chip, and may also include other discrete components.

[0041] 2. Network Equipment. In this application embodiment, the network equipment is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices, and can also be referred to as access network equipment, radio access network (RAN) equipment, etc. The network equipment can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as LTE, NR, etc. For example, the network equipment includes, but is not limited to: next-generation base stations (gNB), evolved node B (eNB), radio network controllers (RNC), node B (NB), base station controllers (BSC), base transceiver stations (BTS), home base stations (e.g., home evolved node B, or home node B (HNB)), baseband units (BBU), transmitting and receiving points (TRP), transmitting points (TP), mobile switching centers, etc., in 5th-generation (5G) mobile communication systems. Network devices can also be wireless controllers, centralized units (CUs), and / or distributed units (DUs) in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or network devices can be relay stations, access points, vehicle-mounted devices, terminal devices, wearable devices, and network devices in future mobile communications or network devices in future evolved PLMNs, etc.

[0042] In some embodiments, the network device may also be a means of providing wireless communication capabilities for terminal devices, such as a chip system. For example, a chip system may include a chip, and may also include other discrete components.

[0043] Paging is an important means for network devices to locate terminal devices. Taking 5G terminal devices as an example, network devices can find terminal devices in RRC-IDLE or RRC-INACTIVE states by paging them; alternatively, after updating system messages, network devices can notify terminal devices in RRC-IDLE, RRC-INACTIVE, or RRC-CONNECTED states through paging.

[0044] The paging process mainly includes the transmission of paging message scheduling information and paging messages. The paging message scheduling information is typically carried by the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), while the paging message itself is typically carried by the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0045] Terminal devices in the aforementioned RRC-IDLE, RRC-INACTIVE, or RRC-CONNECTED states can periodically receive paging messages via PDSCH at fixed paging occasions (PO).

[0046] The aforementioned period refers to the period of discontinuous reception. It can be understood that a DRX period can be understood as a paging period. A DRX period can include a sleep period and an active period. That is, a terminal device in the aforementioned RRC-IDLE, RRC-INACTIVE, or RRC-CONNECTED states can activate on a specific subframe (also called PO) of a specific frame (e.g., the paging frame, PF) within the paging period to enter the active period, while remaining in a sleep state at other times, thus saving power consumption of the terminal device.

[0047] PO is a subframe that may be scrambled with the Paging-RadioNetwork Temporary Identity (P-RNTI) and indicate the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) of the paging message.

[0048] It is understandable that P-RNTI is shared by all terminal devices within a serving cell. By parsing the paging message scheduling information on the PDCCH, the PDSCH resource for transmitting paging messages can be found, and the paging message can be parsed on that resource. The paging message can include the identifiers of one or more terminal devices. By determining the identifiers of the terminal devices in the paging message, the terminal device can determine whether the network device is initiating a paging of it.

[0049] In wireless communication environments, the reflection and scattering of radio waves by buildings and the ground can cause transmitted signals to reach the receiver at different times along different transmission paths. That is, when a terminal device receives a paging signal (e.g., the paging signal may include paging message scheduling information and the paging message itself), the paging signal will experience frequency-selective fading after multipath transmission. Therefore, the terminal device can first perform channel estimation, then use the channel estimation result for frequency domain equalization, and demodulate the frequency-equalized data. In other words, the paging signal is demodulated after frequency domain equalization. It is evident that the performance of channel estimation directly affects the receiver's reception performance; that is, the performance of channel estimation significantly impacts the demodulation performance of the paging signal.

[0050] However, in low signal-to-noise ratio scenarios, current technologies have low accuracy in channel estimation for paging, which seriously affects the paging reception performance.

[0051] Based on the above problems, this application proposes a communication method that helps improve the demodulation performance of paging messages.

[0052] Now combined Figures 1-3 The communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application are illustrated by way of example.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a network architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 The communication system shown can consist of terminal devices and network devices, wherein the terminal devices can communicate with each other wirelessly.

[0054] certainly, Figure 1 The communication system shown is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation on the communication system used in the embodiments of this application. For example, although Figure 1 As not shown, the communication system in this application embodiment may also include core network equipment, etc.

[0055] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to terrestrial network scenarios; or, the embodiments of this application can be applied to non-terrestrial network scenarios (such as satellite communication scenarios), etc., and there is no limitation thereto.

[0056] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the communication method provided in this application specifically includes the following steps:

[0057] Step 201: The network device sends a broadcast message to the terminal device through the physical broadcast channel. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the broadcast message through the physical broadcast channel.

[0058] Step 202: The terminal device receives broadcast messages based on a set of physical broadcast channels and obtains the first parameter estimate, the second parameter estimate, and the third parameter estimate.

[0059] Specifically, the first parameter estimate can be obtained by the terminal device receiving broadcast messages through a set of Physical Broadcast Channels (PBCHs) and estimating the first parameter; the second parameter estimate can be obtained by the terminal device receiving broadcast messages through a set of PBCHs and estimating the second parameter; and the third parameter estimate can be obtained by the terminal device receiving broadcast messages through a set of PBCHs and estimating the third parameter.

[0060] It is understandable that, in order to save resources and reduce the power consumption of terminal devices, this application embodiment does not use multiple sets of PBCH, but only uses one set of PBCH to estimate the values ​​of the first parameter, the second parameter and the third parameter.

[0061] The first parameter (Tdelay) is used to characterize the reception delay of the paging message scheduling information. The estimated value of the first parameter can be regarded as the estimated value of the air interface delay of the paging message scheduling information. The estimated value of the first parameter is a phase rotation for the reception of the paging message scheduling information.

[0062] It is understood that the embodiments of this application are aimed at the scenario of receiving paging message scheduling information. Therefore, the first parameter is the reception delay of paging message scheduling information. In some embodiments, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to the reception scenario of other signals. Therefore, the first parameter can be used to characterize the reception delay of other signals. The embodiments of this application do not make any special limitations on this.

[0063] The second parameter (Cirlen) is used to characterize the channel impulse response length. The estimated value of the second parameter can be the estimated value of the channel delay, that is, the second parameter is closely related to the channel delay.

[0064] The third parameter (SNR) is used to characterize the signal-to-noise ratio, and the estimate of the third parameter can be an estimate of the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0065] Step 203: The network device sends paging message scheduling information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the paging message scheduling information.

[0066] Specifically, paging can be initiated by core network equipment, such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME). This core network equipment can generate paging message scheduling information and send it to network equipment, such as a base station, which can then send the paging message scheduling information to the terminal device. Alternatively,

[0067] Paging can be initiated by network devices. For example, a network device can generate paging message scheduling information and send it to the terminal device.

[0068] This application does not impose any special limitations on the two paging methods described above.

[0069] It is understandable that network devices can send paging message scheduling information to terminal devices via PDCCH. Correspondingly, terminal devices can receive paging message scheduling information via PDCCH.

[0070] Step 204: The terminal device determines whether the estimated value of the third parameter is greater than the preset threshold.

[0071] Specifically, the terminal device can obtain a preset threshold, which can be used as a threshold to characterize the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, the preset threshold can be preset in the terminal device; or, the preset threshold can be specified by a protocol; or, the preset threshold can be determined by negotiation between the terminal device and the network device; or, the preset threshold can be indicated to the terminal device by the network device. This application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0073] In some optional embodiments, the preset threshold can be related to the number of antennas of the terminal device. For example, if the number of antennas of the terminal device is higher, it means that the receiving performance of the terminal device is better. Therefore, the preset threshold can be set lower. Or, if the number of antennas of the terminal device is lower, it means that the receiving performance of the terminal device is worse. Therefore, the preset threshold can be set higher.

[0074] If the terminal device determines that the estimated value of the third parameter is greater than the preset threshold, it can consider the current signal-to-noise ratio environment to be good and can proceed to step 210. Alternatively,

[0075] If the terminal device determines that the estimated value of the third parameter is less than or equal to the preset threshold, it can consider that the current signal-to-noise ratio environment is poor, and can proceed to step 205.

[0076] Step 205: The terminal device obtains the preset value of the second parameter.

[0077] Specifically, in low signal-to-noise ratio scenarios, noise can severely affect the accuracy of channel estimation, thereby impacting the demodulation performance of paging message scheduling information. Therefore, to effectively filter out the influence of noise, in this embodiment, the terminal device may not use the estimated value of the second parameter and may set the second parameter to a preset value.

[0078] The preset value of the second parameter can be a small value relative to the maximum multipath delay of a typical channel model. For example, the maximum multipath delay of the three typical channel models can typically reach 290ns, 480ns, or 2595ns, respectively. The preset value of the second parameter can be any value within 10Ts, and 10Ts is equivalent to 325ns. Therefore, the preset value of the second parameter is a small value relative to the maximum multipath delay of a typical channel model. Ts is the sampling rate corresponding to the preset frequency. For example, the preset frequency can be 30.72MHz, or it can be other values. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0079] Step 206: The terminal device obtains the first parameter reference value.

[0080] Specifically, the terminal device can set a reference value for the first parameter, where the reference value of the first parameter can be considered as the demodulation window reference delay.

[0081] For example, the reference value of the first parameter can be in the range of 3Ts-5Ts. Preferably, the reference value of the first parameter can be set to 3Ts.

[0082] Step 207: The terminal device attempts to demodulate the paging message scheduling information based on multiple preset time delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value, and obtains multiple demodulation attempts.

[0083] Specifically, the terminal device can obtain multiple preset time delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value. In other words, the multiple preset time delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value can be understood as relative time delays relative to the first parameter reference value.

[0084] In some embodiments, the preset multiple time delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value may be uniformly distributed, or the preset multiple time delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value may be non-uniformly distributed. This application embodiment does not impose any special limitation on this.

[0085] For example, taking four time delay offsets as an example, the preset multiple time delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value may include: [-20Ts, -10Ts, 10Ts, 20Ts].

[0086] Wherein, -20Ts represents an offset of -20Ts relative to the first parameter reference value, -10Ts represents an offset of -10Ts relative to the first parameter reference value, 10Ts represents an offset of 10Ts relative to the first parameter reference value, and 20Ts represents an offset of 20Ts relative to the first parameter reference value.

[0087] It is understood that the four offset values ​​in the above example are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the time delay offset of the first parameter reference value may be other values.

[0088] Multiple first parameter reference values ​​can be calculated using the first parameter reference value and multiple preset time delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value.

[0089] Wherein, the reference value of the first parameter = the baseline value of the first parameter + the time delay offset.

[0090] For example, taking a first parameter reference value of 3Ts and a number of preset time delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value including [-20Ts, -10Ts, 10Ts, 20Ts], the first parameter reference value may include [-17Ts, -7Ts, 13Ts, 23Ts].

[0091] Next, the terminal device can attempt to demodulate the paging message scheduling information based on the aforementioned multiple first parameter reference values ​​and second parameter preset values.

[0092] The aforementioned demodulation process can involve sequentially attempting to demodulate the paging message scheduling information according to each combination of the first parameter reference value and the second parameter preset value.

[0093] For example, suppose the multiple first parameter reference values ​​may include four reference values, such as first parameter reference value 1, first parameter reference value 2, first parameter reference value 3, and first parameter reference value 4. Thus, these four reference values ​​can be combined with the preset value of the second parameter to obtain four combinations.

[0094] Taking four combinations as an example, Table 1 illustrates the correspondence between the combinations and the reference value of the first parameter and the preset value of the second parameter.

[0095] Table 1

[0096] combination Parameter value Combination 1 The first parameter has a reference value of 1, and the second parameter has a preset value. Combination 2 The first parameter has a reference value of 2, and the second parameter has a preset value. Combination 3 The first parameter has a reference value of 3, and the second parameter has a preset value. Combination 4 The first parameter has a reference value of 4, and the second parameter has a preset value.

[0097] Referring to Table 1, the four combinations can be called combination 1, combination 2, combination 3, and combination 4. Among them, combination 1 = [reference value of the first parameter 1, preset value of the second parameter], combination 2 = [reference value of the first parameter 2, preset value of the second parameter], combination 3 = [reference value of the first parameter 3, preset value of the second parameter], and combination 4 = [reference value of the first parameter 4, preset value of the second parameter].

[0098] Next, the above combinations can be used sequentially to attempt demodulation of the paging message scheduling information. In this embodiment, the order of attempting the combinations is not specifically limited. For example, it can be in the order of combination 1, combination 2, combination 3, combination 4, or in the order of combination 4, combination 3, combination 2, combination 1.

[0099] Taking the example of attempting demodulation through one of multiple combinations, combined with... Figure 3 An example is provided to illustrate the attempt to demodulate paging message scheduling information using channel estimation parameters.

[0100] Figure 3 The demodulation process for paging messages is illustrated in the following steps:

[0101] Step 301: The terminal device obtains the paging message scheduling information stored in the cache.

[0102] Specifically, the terminal device can store the paging message scheduling information received through the PDCCH in a buffer, and can retrieve the received paging message scheduling information from the buffer, thereby initiating an attempt to demodulate the paging message scheduling information.

[0103] Step 302: The terminal device performs a Fourier transform on the paging message scheduling information.

[0104] Step 303: The terminal device selects one of the multiple combinations as the target combination and performs phase rotation on the Fourier transform paging message scheduling information based on the channel estimation parameters in the target combination.

[0105] Specifically, after the terminal device performs a Fourier transform on the paging message scheduling information, it can use the first parameter reference value from one of the multiple combinations to perform phase rotation on the Fourier transformed paging message scheduling information.

[0106] It is understandable that one of the multiple combinations can be a combination determined according to the order of combination attempts. Taking multiple combinations including combination 1, combination 2, combination 3, and combination 4, and the order of combination attempts being combination 1, combination 2, combination 3, and combination 4 as an example, the first selected combination can be combination 1, that is, the first parameter reference value in combination 1 can be used to perform phase rotation on the Fourier transform paging message scheduling information.

[0107] Step 304: The terminal device performs channel estimation based on the channel estimation parameters in the target combination.

[0108] Specifically, after the terminal device performs phase rotation on the Fourier transform paging message scheduling information, it can perform channel estimation on the phase-rotated paging message scheduling information.

[0109] In some alternative embodiments, channel estimation can be achieved using a rectangular power spectrum, i.e., the paging message scheduling information after phase rotation can be filtered using a rectangular power spectrum.

[0110] For example, the model of a rectangular power spectrum can be characterized by the following formula:

[0111]

[0112] Among them, L max For the maximum multipath delay, τ i For each unit sampling point, 1 ≤ i ≤ N, where N is the length of the Fourier transform.

[0113] The following formula can be obtained through Fourier transform:

[0114] R H (Δk)=sinc(Δk×Δf×L max );

[0115] Where Δk is the distance between two subcarriers, and Δf is the subcarrier spacing.

[0116] It is understood that in some alternative embodiments, channel estimation can also be achieved using other power spectra, such as exponential spectra, and this application does not impose any special limitations on this method.

[0117] Step 305: The terminal device attempts to demodulate the paging message scheduling information after channel estimation and obtains the demodulation result.

[0118] Specifically, after the terminal device performs phase rotation on the Fourier transform paging message scheduling information, it can demodulate the channel-estimated paging message scheduling information based on Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology, thereby obtaining the demodulation result corresponding to the current target combination.

[0119] It is understandable that after obtaining the demodulation result corresponding to the current target combination through the current target combination, steps 301-305 can be executed again using the next combination among the multiple combinations, thereby obtaining the demodulation result of the next target combination, until all combinations among the multiple combinations have been demodulated, and finally multiple demodulation results can be obtained, where each result in the multiple demodulation results corresponds to one of the multiple combinations.

[0120] Taking the above combinations, including combination 1, combination 2, combination 3, and combination 4, as an example, Table 2 illustrates the mapping relationship between the multiple combinations and the demodulation attempt results.

[0121] Table 2

[0122] combination Demodulation results Combination 1 Demodulation attempt result 1 Combination 2 Demodulation attempt result 2 Combination 3 Demodulation attempt result 3 Combination 4 Demodulation result 4

[0123] Referring to Table 2, after the terminal device has attempted to demodulate all four combinations, it can obtain four demodulation results. For example, these four demodulation results may include demodulation result 1, demodulation result 2, demodulation result 3, and demodulation result 4. Among them, demodulation result 1 can correspond to combination 1, that is, demodulation result 1 can be obtained by demodulating the parameter values ​​of combination 1. Demodulation result 2 can correspond to combination 2, that is, demodulation result 2 can be obtained by demodulating the parameter values ​​of combination 2. Demodulation result 3 can correspond to combination 3, that is, demodulation result 3 can be obtained by demodulating the parameter values ​​of combination 3. Demodulation result 4 can correspond to combination 4, that is, demodulation result 4 can be obtained by demodulating the parameter values ​​of combination 4.

[0124] Step 208: The terminal device determines the target channel estimation parameter value based on the demodulation results of multiple attempts.

[0125] Specifically, when a terminal device obtains multiple demodulation attempts through demodulation attempts, it can select the optimal demodulation attempt from among the multiple attempts and determine the channel estimation parameter value corresponding to the optimal demodulation attempt as the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0126] The channel estimation parameter value is a combination of the preset value of the second parameter and the reference value of the first parameter.

[0127] For example, each of the multiple demodulation attempts can correspond to an estimated signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the PDCCH. The demodulation result with the highest SNR among the multiple attempts can be considered the optimal demodulation result, and the channel estimation parameter value corresponding to the highest SNR can be determined as the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0128] Taking the four demodulation attempts in Table 2 as examples, Table 3 illustrates the correspondence between the demodulation attempts and the PDCCH signal-to-noise ratio.

[0129] Table 3

[0130] combination Demodulation results PDCCH signal-to-noise ratio Combination 1 (Channel estimation parameter value 1) Demodulation attempt result 1 Signal-to-noise ratio 1 Combination 2 (Channel estimation parameter value 2) Demodulation attempt result 2 Signal-to-noise ratio 2 Combination 3 (Channel estimation parameter value 3) Demodulation attempt result 3 Signal-to-noise ratio 3 Combination 4 (Channel estimation parameter value 4) Demodulation result 4 Signal-to-noise ratio 4

[0131] Referring to Table 3, each combination has its own channel estimation parameter value, which can be a combination of a second parameter preset value and a first parameter reference value. For example, combination 1 has a channel estimation parameter value 1, which can include the second parameter preset value and the first parameter reference value 1; combination 2 has a channel estimation parameter value 1, which can include the second parameter preset value and the first parameter reference value 2; combination 3 has a channel estimation parameter value 3, which can include the second parameter preset value and the first parameter reference value 3; and combination 4 has a channel estimation parameter value 4, which can include the second parameter preset value and the first parameter reference value 4.

[0132] Furthermore, each combination can correspond to one demodulation attempt result, and each demodulation attempt result can correspond to one PDCCH signal-to-noise ratio. Specifically, combination 1 can correspond to demodulation attempt result 1, and demodulation attempt result 1 can correspond to signal-to-noise ratio 1; combination 2 can correspond to demodulation attempt result 2, and demodulation attempt result 2 can correspond to signal-to-noise ratio 2; combination 3 can correspond to demodulation attempt result 3, and demodulation attempt result 3 can correspond to signal-to-noise ratio 3; combination 4 can correspond to demodulation attempt result 4, and demodulation attempt result 4 can correspond to signal-to-noise ratio 4.

[0133] As mentioned above, each combination contains a second parameter preset value and a first parameter reference value. The combination of the second parameter preset value and the first parameter reference value can be considered as the channel estimation parameter value.

[0134] Assuming signal-to-noise ratio 1 > signal-to-noise ratio 2 > signal-to-noise ratio 3 > signal-to-noise ratio 4, the highest signal-to-noise ratio is signal-to-noise ratio 1. The demodulation attempt result corresponding to signal-to-noise ratio 1 is demodulation attempt result 1, that is, demodulation attempt result 1 is the optimal demodulation attempt result. The combination corresponding to signal-to-noise ratio 1 is combination 1, that is, the channel estimation parameter value 1 in combination 1 is the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0135] For example, each of the multiple demodulation attempts can correspond to the path matrix (PM) difference during decoding. The demodulation result with the largest difference among the multiple demodulation attempts can be considered the optimal demodulation result. The channel estimation parameter value corresponding to the largest difference can be determined as the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0136] The decoding method described above can be based on polar codes, or it can be based on tail biting convolutional codes (TBCC), or it can be based on other types of codes. This application does not impose any special limitations on this method.

[0137] Taking the four demodulation attempts in Table 2 as examples, Table 4 illustrates the correspondence between the demodulation attempts and the PM difference.

[0138] Table 4

[0139] combination Demodulation results PM Differences Combination 1 (Channel estimation parameter value 1) Demodulation attempt result 1 Difference 1 Combination 2 (Channel estimation parameter value 2) Demodulation attempt result 2 Difference 2 Combination 3 (Channel estimation parameter value 3) Demodulation attempt result 3 Difference 3 Combination 4 (Channel estimation parameter value 4) Demodulation result 4 Difference 4

[0140] Referring to Table 4, each combination corresponds to one demodulation attempt result, and each demodulation attempt result corresponds to one PM difference degree. Specifically, combination 1 corresponds to demodulation attempt result 1, and demodulation attempt result 1 corresponds to difference degree 1; combination 2 corresponds to demodulation attempt result 2, and demodulation attempt result 2 corresponds to difference degree 2; combination 3 corresponds to demodulation attempt result 3, and demodulation attempt result 3 corresponds to difference degree 3; combination 4 corresponds to demodulation attempt result 4, and demodulation attempt result 4 corresponds to difference degree 4.

[0141] Assuming that difference degree 1 > difference degree 2 > difference degree 3 > difference degree 4, the maximum difference degree is difference degree 1, and the demodulation result corresponding to difference degree 1 is demodulation result 1. That is, demodulation result 1 is the optimal demodulation result. The combination corresponding to difference degree 1 is combination 1, that is, the channel estimation parameter value 1 in combination 1 is the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0142] It is understood that the two methods for determining the target channel estimation parameter values ​​described above can be used individually or in combination. This application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0143] In some optional embodiments, the target channel estimation parameter value can also be used to demodulate paging messages transmitted on the PDSCH, thereby reducing the complexity of paging message parsing and improving the demodulation performance of paging messages, thus improving the overall reception performance of the entire paging process.

[0144] In some optional embodiments, in addition to the target channel estimation parameter value described above, one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​may be added. These one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​may be values ​​close to the target channel estimation parameter value. For example, some or all of the one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​may be larger than the target channel estimation parameter value, or some or all of the one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​may be smaller than the target channel estimation parameter value; this application does not impose any special limitations on this. These one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​can be used for paging message parsing, thereby further reducing the complexity of paging message parsing and improving the demodulation performance of paging messages.

[0145] Step 209: The terminal device demodulates the paging message scheduling information using the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0146] Step 210: The terminal device demodulates the paging message scheduling information using the first parameter estimate and the second parameter estimate.

[0147] Specifically, the terminal device can use existing relevant receiving mechanisms (e.g., receiving mechanisms specified in existing protocols) to demodulate the paging message scheduling information. For example, the terminal device can use a first parameter estimate and a second parameter estimate to demodulate the paging message scheduling information. The specific method of using the first parameter estimate and the second parameter estimate to demodulate the paging message scheduling information can be found in the relevant descriptions of existing protocols, and will not be elaborated here.

[0148] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the communication device of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the communication device 40 may include: an acquisition module 41, an attempt demodulation module 42, a determination module 43, and a demodulation module 44; wherein,

[0149] The acquisition module 41 is used to acquire a first parameter reference value and a second parameter preset value in response to paging message scheduling information received through the physical downlink control channel PDCCH; wherein, the first parameter is used to characterize the reception delay of the paging message scheduling information, and the second parameter is used to characterize the channel impulse response length;

[0150] The demodulation attempt module 42 is used to attempt demodulate the paging message scheduling information based on multiple preset delay offsets relative to the first parameter reference value, and obtain multiple demodulation attempt results; wherein, each demodulation attempt result corresponds to a set of channel estimation parameter values, the channel estimation parameter values ​​include the second parameter preset value and the first parameter reference value, the first parameter reference value is determined by the first parameter reference value and the delay offset;

[0151] The determining module 43 is used to determine the target channel estimation parameter value based on the multiple demodulation attempts;

[0152] The demodulation module 44 is used to demodulate the paging message scheduling information using the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the communication device 40 may further include:

[0154] The judgment module is used to obtain the estimated value of the third parameter; wherein the third parameter is used to characterize the signal-to-noise ratio;

[0155] If the estimated value of the third parameter is greater than a preset threshold, the estimated values ​​of the first and second parameters are obtained, and the paging message scheduling information is demodulated using the first and second parameter estimates; or...

[0156] If the estimated value of the third parameter is less than or equal to a preset threshold, obtain the baseline value of the first parameter and the preset value of the second parameter.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the first parameter estimate, the second parameter estimate, and the third parameter estimate are obtained by estimating the first parameter, the second parameter, and the third parameter respectively through a set of physical broadcast channels (PBCH).

[0158] In one possible implementation, the preset threshold is determined by the number of antennas of the terminal device.

[0159] In one possible implementation, each demodulation attempt corresponds to a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value and / or a decoding path matrix difference, and the target channel estimation parameter value corresponds to the highest SNR value and / or the largest decoding path matrix difference.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the first parameter reference value is used to perform phase rotation on the paging message scheduling information.

[0161] In one possible implementation, the demodulation module 44 can also be used to demodulate the paging message using the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the demodulation module 44 can also be used to acquire one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​that are close to the target channel estimation parameter value;

[0163] The paging message is demodulated using one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​that are close to the target channel estimation parameter value.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the communication device 40 can be a chip or a terminal device.

[0165] Figure 4 The communication device 40 provided in the illustrated embodiment can be used to execute the technical solution of the method embodiment shown in this application. Its implementation principle and technical effect can be further referred to the relevant description in the method embodiment.

[0166] It should be understood that the division of the various modules in the communication device 40 described above is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, these modules can be implemented entirely in software via processing element calls; they can be fully implemented in hardware; or some modules can be implemented in software via processing element calls, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, the detection module can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip in the terminal device. The implementation of other modules is similar. In addition, these modules can be fully or partially integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. During implementation, each step of the above method or each of the above modules can be completed through integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the processor element or through software instructions.

[0167] For example, these modules can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), or one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Alternatively, these modules can be integrated together as a System-On-a-Chip (SOC).

[0168] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 500 may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory communicatively connected to the processor. The communication device 500 may be a terminal device. The memory stores program instructions executable by the processor. The processor in the terminal device can invoke the program instructions to perform actions performed by the terminal device in the communication method provided in this embodiment of the application.

[0169] like Figure 5As shown, the communication device 500 is presented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the communication device 500 may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors 510, a memory 520, a communication bus 540 connecting different system components (including the memory 520 and the processor 510), and a communication interface 530.

[0170] The communication bus 540 represents one or more of several bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processor, or a local bus using any of the various bus architectures. Examples of these architectures include, but are not limited to, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) bus, the Enhanced ISA bus, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0171] The communication device 500 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by terminal devices, including volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0172] Memory 520 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The terminal device may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. Although Figure 5 As not shown, a disk drive for reading and writing to a removable non-volatile disk (e.g., a "floppy disk") and an optical disc drive for reading and writing to a removable non-volatile optical disc (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital video disc read-only memory (DVD-ROM), or other optical media) may be provided. In these cases, each drive may be connected to the communication bus 540 via one or more data media interfaces. The memory 520 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments of this application.

[0173] A program / utility having a set (at least one) of program modules can be stored in memory 520. Such program modules include—but are not limited to—an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules typically perform the functions and / or methods described in the embodiments of this application.

[0174] The communication device 500 can also communicate with one or more external devices (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, display, etc.), and with one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the terminal device, and / or with any device that enables the terminal device to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.). This communication can be performed through the communication interface 530. Furthermore, the communication device 500 can also communicate through a network adapter (… Figure 5 (Not shown) communicates with one or more networks (e.g., Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet). The aforementioned network adapter can communicate with other modules of the terminal device via the communication bus 540. It should be understood that, although... Figure 5 As not shown, other hardware and / or software modules may be used in conjunction with the communication device 500, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, Redundant Arrays of Independent Drives (RAID) systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0175] The processor 510 executes various functional applications and data processing by running programs stored in the memory 520, such as implementing the methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0176] It is understood that the interface connection relationships between the modules illustrated in the embodiments of this application are merely illustrative and do not constitute a structural limitation on the communication device 500. In other embodiments of this application, the communication device 500 may also employ different interface connection methods or a combination of multiple interface connection methods as described in the above embodiments.

[0177] In the above embodiments, the processor may include, for example, a CPU, DSP, microcontroller, or digital signal processor, and may also include a GPU, embedded neural network processing unit (NPU), and image signal processor (ISP). The processor may also include necessary hardware accelerators or logic processing hardware circuits, such as an ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program in this application. Furthermore, the processor may have the function of operating one or more software programs, which may be stored in a storage medium.

[0178] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program that, when run on a terminal device, causes the terminal device to execute the communication method provided in the embodiments shown in this application.

[0179] This application also provides a program product, which includes a program that, when run on a terminal device, causes the terminal device to execute the communication method provided in the embodiments shown in this application.

[0180] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of singular or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0181] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of electronic hardware and software. 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 this application.

[0182] 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.

[0183] In the several embodiments provided in this application, any function, if implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes 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.

[0184] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application. 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 protection scope of this application. The protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: In response to paging message scheduling information received via the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), an estimated value for a third parameter is obtained; wherein the third parameter is used to characterize the signal-to-noise ratio. If the estimated value of the third parameter is greater than a preset threshold, the estimated values ​​of the first parameter and the second parameter are obtained, and the paging message scheduling information is demodulated using the first and second parameter estimates; wherein, the first parameter is used to characterize the reception delay of the paging message scheduling information, and the second parameter is used to characterize the channel impulse response length; If the estimated value of the third parameter is less than or equal to a preset threshold, a first parameter baseline value and a second parameter preset value are obtained. Based on multiple preset time delay offsets relative to the first parameter baseline value, the paging message scheduling information is demodulated to obtain multiple demodulation attempts. Each demodulation attempt corresponds to a set of channel estimation parameter values, which include the second parameter preset value and a first parameter reference value. The first parameter reference value is determined by the first parameter baseline value and the time delay offset. A target channel estimation parameter value is determined based on the multiple demodulation attempts. The paging message scheduling information is then demodulated using the target channel estimation parameter value.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first parameter estimate, the second parameter estimate, and the third parameter estimate are obtained by estimating the first parameter, the second parameter, and the third parameter respectively through a set of physical broadcast channels (PBCH).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The preset threshold is determined by the number of antennas of the terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each demodulation attempt corresponds to a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value and / or a decoding path matrix difference, with the target channel estimation parameter value corresponding to the highest SNR value and / or the largest decoding path matrix difference.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first parameter reference value is used to perform phase rotation on the paging message scheduling information.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The paging message is demodulated using the target channel estimation parameter values.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​that are close to the target channel estimation parameter value; The paging message is demodulated using one or more channel estimation parameter values ​​that are close to the target channel estimation parameter value.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a program; the processor being used to run the program to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip, or the communication device is a terminal device.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more functional modules, the one or more functional modules being used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-7.

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