A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: after a base station sends N downlink data to a terminal device, when the base station receives an uplink signal from the terminal device, the base station first decodes the uplink signal according to a first algorithm. If decoding fails, the base station may attempt to decode the uplink signal according to a second algorithm. The first algorithm differs from the second algorithm. Because the base station can decode the uplink signal multiple times, this method improves the decoding success rate of the uplink signal sent by the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In New Radio (NR) technology, the base station sends multiple downlink control information (DCI) messages and multiple downlink data messages to the terminal device. Each DCI indicates the resource location of the corresponding downlink data. The terminal device receives the corresponding downlink data based on the received DCI and sends the reception result back to the base station via an uplink signal. The base station decodes the received uplink signal based on the number of DCI messages it has sent.

[0003] When a terminal device misses detecting a portion of the DCIs, it cannot receive the downlink data corresponding to that portion of the DCIs, thus failing to obtain a complete reception result. Consequently, the uplink signal sent by the terminal device to the base station will also be missing. In this case, the algorithm determined by the base station based on the number of DCIs it has sent cannot correctly decode the uplink signal. Therefore, the base station's decoding failure leads to the failure of the aforementioned downlink data transmission, thereby affecting the data transmission efficiency between the base station and the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to improve the decoding success rate of uplink signals sent by a base station to a terminal device.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising: a base station sending N downlink control information (DCI) messages to a terminal device, and sending N downlink data messages; N being a positive integer; the base station receiving an uplink signal from the terminal device; wherein the uplink signal carries M response messages, the M response messages being response messages from the terminal device to the received M downlink data messages; the N downlink data messages include M downlink data messages, M being a positive integer less than N; after the base station fails to decode the uplink signal according to a first algorithm, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to a second algorithm; wherein the first algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying N response messages, and the second algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying P response messages, P being a positive integer less than N.

[0006] Using this method, if the base station fails to decode the uplink signal using the first algorithm, it can decode the uplink signal using the second algorithm. Since the first algorithm differs from the second algorithm, the success rate of decoding the uplink signal sent by the terminal device is improved. Because the base station can receive a partial response message upon successful decoding, this method avoids the base station retransmitting all downlink data upon decoding failure using the first algorithm, thus reducing resource waste.

[0007] In one possible design, when the base station fails to decode the uplink signal according to the second algorithm, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to the third algorithm; wherein, the third algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying Q response messages, where Q is a positive integer less than N, and Q is different from P.

[0008] With this design, the base station can use an iterative approach and employ multiple different algorithms to decode the uplink signals sent by the terminal device until the decoding is successful, thereby improving the decoding success rate.

[0009] In one possible design, P = N-1; Q = P-1.

[0010] This design improves the success rate of the base station in decoding uplink signals sent by terminal devices because the multiple algorithms used in the decoding process are ordered and the number of response messages corresponding to the multiple algorithms decreases one by one.

[0011] In one possible design, the method further includes: the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm and obtains M response messages; when the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received M downlink data, the base station retransmits the last NP downlink data from the N downlink data to the terminal device.

[0012] With this design, the base station can determine the number of downlink data that the terminal device failed to receive after successful decoding, and default the unreceived downlink data as the last downlink data, and retransmit the downlink data. This can avoid the waste of resources caused by retransmitting all downlink data in the same cycle and improve data transmission efficiency.

[0013] In one possible design, the method further includes: the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm and obtains M response messages; when the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has failed to receive K downlink data, the base station retransmits K downlink data to the terminal device, as well as the last NP downlink data in the N retransmissions; wherein the M downlink data includes K downlink data, and K is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0014] With this design, since the response message can indicate whether the terminal device has successfully received downlink data or failed, the base station can make full use of the response message to determine the downlink data that the terminal device failed to receive and retransmit the downlink data. This can improve the accuracy of data retransmission, reduce resource waste, and improve data transmission efficiency.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including modules for performing the steps described in the first aspect above. Optionally, the communication device includes a communication module and a processing module; wherein the communication module is used to receive and transmit data; and the processing module is used to perform the method provided in the first aspect above. Exemplarily, the communication device can be applied to a base station.

[0016] For example, the communication module is used to send N downlink control information (DCI) messages and N downlink data messages to the terminal device; N is a positive integer; and to receive uplink signals from the terminal device; wherein the uplink signals carry M response messages, which are response messages from the terminal device to the received M downlink data messages; the N downlink data messages include M downlink data messages, where M is a positive integer less than N; the processing module is used to decode the uplink signals according to a second algorithm after the decoding of the uplink signals according to the first algorithm fails; wherein the first algorithm is used to decode the uplink signals carrying N response messages, and the second algorithm is used to decode the uplink signals carrying P response messages, where P is a positive integer less than N.

[0017] In one possible design, the processing module is further configured to: decode the uplink signal according to a third algorithm after the decoding of the uplink signal according to the second algorithm fails; wherein the third algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying Q response messages, where Q is a positive integer less than N and Q is different from P.

[0018] In one possible design, P = N-1; Q = P-1.

[0019] In one possible design, the processing module is also used to: successfully decode the uplink signal according to the second algorithm to obtain M response messages; when the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received M downlink data, retransmit the last NP downlink data from the N downlink data to the terminal device through the communication module.

[0020] In one possible design, the processing module is further configured to: obtain M response messages upon successful decoding of the uplink signal according to the second algorithm; when the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has failed to receive K downlink data, retransmit the K downlink data to the terminal device through the communication module, as well as retransmit the last NP downlink data from the N downlink data; wherein the M downlink data includes K downlink data, and K is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0021] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including a processor, a memory, and a processor; wherein, a communication interface is used to receive and transmit data; the memory is used to store program instructions and data; and the processor is used to read program instructions and data from the memory to implement the method provided in the first aspect above. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a base station.

[0022] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including at least one processing element and at least one storage element, wherein the at least one storage element is used to store programs and data, and the at least one processing element is used to execute the method provided in the first aspect of this application above. For example, the communication device may be a base station.

[0023] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in the first aspect. Optionally, the computer may be a base station; or it may be one of the aforementioned communication devices or equipment.

[0024] Sixthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in the first aspect. Optionally, the computer may be a base station; or it may be one of the aforementioned communication devices or equipment.

[0025] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a chip for reading a computer program stored in a memory and executing the method provided in the first aspect. Optionally, the chip may include a processor and a memory, with the processor coupled to the memory for reading the computer program stored in the memory and implementing the method provided in the first aspect.

[0026] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system including a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the method provided in the first aspect. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0027] The technical effects that can be achieved by any of the second to eighth aspects mentioned above can be described with reference to the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible design in the first aspect mentioned above. The repetitions will not be discussed. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 An architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 An example diagram illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0034] The following explanations of some terms used in this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0035] (1) Time slot allocation: Different uplink and downlink time slots are pre-configured in a targeted manner to meet the different service needs of each cell family. The time slot allocation should focus on factors such as the overall uplink and downlink service needs, the guarantee of specific service application needs, and the need for coexistence with adjacent channels of TD-SCDMA.

[0036] (2) Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ): This is a technique that combines Forward Error Correction (FEC) and Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ). The key features of HARQ are storage, request for retransmission, and merging / demodulation. HARQ means that when decoding fails, the receiver saves the received data and requests the sender to retransmit it. The receiver then merges the retransmitted data with the previously received data before decoding. This provides a certain diversity gain, reducing the number of retransmissions and thus reducing latency.

[0037] (3) A base station is a device in a communication system that connects terminal devices to a wireless network. As a node in a radio access network, a base station can also be called a network device, a radio access network (RAN) node (or device), or an access point (AP).

[0038] Currently, some examples of base stations include: generation Node B (gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), Node B (NB), access point (AP), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), or base band unit (BBU), Enterprise LTE Discrete Spectrum Aggregation (eLTE-DSA) base station, etc.

[0039] In another network architecture, a base station may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed unit (DU) nodes. This architecture separates the protocol layers of the eNB in ​​a long term evolution (LTE) system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which are centrally controlled by the CU.

[0040] (4) Terminal equipment is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. Terminal equipment can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc.

[0041] For example, the terminal equipment can be a handheld device with wireless connectivity, various vehicle-mounted devices, roadside units, etc. Currently, examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), point-of-sale (POS) terminals, wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) 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, various smart meters (smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart gas meters), eLTE-DSA UEs, devices with integrated access and backhaul (IAB) capabilities, electronic control units (ECUs), in-vehicle computers, in-vehicle cruise control systems, and telematics boxes (T-BOXs).

[0042] It should be understood that in the description of this application, the words "first" and "second" are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0043] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 The structure of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable is shown. See also... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes: a base station and terminal equipment.

[0045] A base station is a network-side entity capable of receiving and transmitting wireless signals. It is responsible for providing wireless access services to terminal devices within its coverage area, implementing physical layer functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, Quality of Service (QoS) management, wireless access control, and mobility management. Through base stations, terminal devices can access the core network and ultimately connect to the data network to realize their services.

[0046] A terminal device is an entity on the user side capable of receiving and transmitting wireless signals and can access a network. Terminal devices can be various devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to users, such as in-vehicle devices and smartphones. The terminal device connects to the base station via a Uu interface to enable communication between them.

[0047] During communication between the base station and the terminal device, the base station sends multiple Direct Access Components (DCIs) and multiple downlink data to the terminal device. Each DCI indicates the resource location of the corresponding downlink data. The terminal device receives the corresponding downlink data based on the received DCIs and sends the reception result back to the base station via an uplink signal. The number of downlink data that the terminal device can receive may not be the same as the number of downlink data sent by the base station to the terminal device. In other words, the terminal device may miss some DCIs, resulting in incomplete reception of downlink data. The base station decodes the received uplink signal based on the number of DCIs it sent. Decoding is successful when the number of downlink data that the terminal device can receive is the same as the number of downlink data sent by the base station to the terminal device; otherwise, decoding fails.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the system shown, to improve the decoding success rate of uplink signals sent by the base station to the terminal device, this application provides a communication method. This method can be applied, but is not limited to, in typical 5G services that require high latency and reliability, such as autonomous driving and telemedicine.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. See below for further details. Figure 2 The method provided in the application embodiments will be described.

[0050] S201: The base station sends N DCIs and N downlink data to the terminal device; N is a positive integer.

[0051] Among them, N DCIs are used to indicate the resource locations of N downlink data.

[0052] In this embodiment, the base station can periodically send downlink data to achieve large-scale data communication with the terminal device. It should be understood that the value of N can be the same or different in different transmission / configuration periods. The base station can determine the value of N based on service requirements or other information, and this application does not impose any restrictions. For example, when the duplex mode used for communication between the base station and the terminal device is Time Division Duplexing (TDD), and the TDD time slot ratio is 4:1, the maximum value of N in the same period is 4.

[0053] Optionally, the base station can transmit DCIs to the terminal device via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH); and the base station can transmit downlink data to the terminal device via the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). Those skilled in the art will understand that data transmitted via PDCCH is transmitted earlier than data transmitted via PDSCH; that is, the base station transmits N DCIs earlier than the base station transmits N downlink data.

[0054] Optionally, the base station may also send another DCI to the terminal device to indicate the number of downlink data actually sent by the base station during the current transmission / configuration period; correspondingly, the terminal device can determine the number of downlink data actually sent by the base station based on the DCI.

[0055] For example, suppose N=4, that is, the base station sends 4 DCIs and 4 downlink data to the terminal device.

[0056] S202: After receiving M DCIs, the terminal device receives M downlink data corresponding to the M DCIs, where M is a positive integer less than N. Based on the reception status of the M downlink data, the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the base station, which carries only a response message for the M downlink data.

[0057] It should be understood that since N DCIs are used to indicate the resource locations of N downlink data, the terminal device needs to rely on the pre-received DCIs when receiving downlink data. When the terminal device does not receive all (N) DCIs, it cannot receive all (N) downlink data. In other words, since the terminal device only receives M DCIs, the number of downlink data that the terminal device can receive is also M.

[0058] Optionally, the terminal device can receive DCI from the base station via PDCCH; and the terminal device can receive downlink data from the base station via PDSCH.

[0059] Optionally, the terminal device may send uplink signals to the base station via the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or via the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). These uplink signals can be used to carry response messages for the aforementioned downlink data. For example, the uplink signal may be Uplink Control Information (UCI).

[0060] Optionally, the response message can be an acknowledgment (ACK) message.

[0061] Optionally, the uplink signal may also include SR (Scheduling Request) and CSI (Channel State Information).

[0062] Correspondingly, the base station receives uplink signals from the terminal device; the uplink signals carry M response messages, which are the terminal device's response messages to the received M downlink data; the N downlink data contain M downlink data, where M is a positive integer less than N.

[0063] For example, suppose M=3, that is, the base station receives an uplink signal from the terminal device, which carries 3 response messages. In other words, the uplink signal received by the base station is the feedback from the terminal device to the data received in the current transmission / configuration period.

[0064] For example, see Figure 3 As shown, the four DCIs and four downlink data sent by the base station to the terminal device can be represented by D, and the other DCI sent by the base station to the terminal device can be represented by U. Correspondingly, when the first two DCIs and two downlink data are received normally by the terminal device, and the last two DCIs and two downlink data are missed by the terminal device, the response message corresponding to the first two Ds is ACK, and there is no response message for the last two Ds, that is, the terminal device missed the detection. The terminal device can determine based on U to send an uplink signal back to the base station through PUCCH. This uplink signal includes two ACKs.

[0065] S203: After the base station fails to decode the uplink signal according to the first algorithm, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm; wherein, the first algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying N response messages, and the second algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying P response messages, where P is a positive integer less than N.

[0066] For example, since the base station sends N (e.g., 4) DCIs to the terminal device during the current transmission / configuration cycle, the base station defaults to decoding the uplink signal according to the first algorithm. This first algorithm is used to decode uplink signals carrying N (e.g., 4) response messages. Continuing with the previous example, we know that the actual number of response messages carried in the uplink signal is M (e.g., 3). Therefore, the base station's decoding will inevitably fail. Further, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to a second algorithm. This second algorithm can be an algorithm used to decode uplink signals carrying P (e.g., 1, 2, or 3) response messages. It should be understood that the second algorithm is different from the first algorithm.

[0067] Optional, P = N-1.

[0068] For example, when P = N-1 (e.g., P = N-1 = 3), the base station decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm, which is used to decode the uplink signal carrying three response messages. Since P = M at this time, the base station decodes successfully.

[0069] Using the above method, after the base station fails to decode the uplink signal according to the first algorithm, it can decode the uplink signal using the second algorithm. Since the first algorithm is different from the second algorithm, the success rate of decoding the uplink signal sent by the terminal device is improved. Because the base station can receive a partial response message upon successful decoding, this method avoids the base station retransmitting all downlink data upon decoding failure using the first algorithm, thus reducing resource waste.

[0070] In one possible design after executing step S203, when the base station fails to decode the uplink signal according to the second algorithm, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to the third algorithm; wherein, the third algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying Q response messages, where Q is a positive integer less than N, and Q is different from P.

[0071] For example, assume N=4, M=3, and P=2. Since the number of response messages actually carried in the uplink signal is M (e.g., 3), and the second algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying P (e.g., 2) response messages, M≠P. Therefore, the base station will inevitably fail to decode the uplink signal using the second algorithm. Further, the base station decodes the uplink signal using a third algorithm, which can be an algorithm used to decode the uplink signal carrying Q (e.g., 1 or 3) response messages. It should be understood that the third algorithm is different from both the first and second algorithms.

[0072] It should be understood that the base station can cycle through the communication method in this design multiple times, and the base station can ensure that the value of Q is different in each cycle until decoding is successful.

[0073] Optional, P = N-1; Q = P-1.

[0074] For example, assuming N=4 and M=2, the base station can first determine P=N-1=3. Obviously, at this point, the base station fails to decode the uplink signal using the second algorithm. Further, the base station can determine Q=P-1=2, at which point the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal using the third algorithm. Thus, because the multiple algorithms used in the decoding process are ordered, and the number of response messages corresponding to each algorithm decreases sequentially, the success rate of the base station in decoding the uplink signal sent by the terminal device is improved.

[0075] With this design, the base station can use an iterative approach and employ multiple different algorithms to decode the uplink signals sent by the terminal device until the decoding is successful, thereby improving the decoding success rate.

[0076] In traditional communication methods, when the base station fails to decode or cannot determine downlink data that has not been received by the terminal device, based on the reliability principle in the communication process, the base station needs to retransmit all DCI and downlink data within the same period to the terminal device. This method results in low data transmission efficiency between the base station and the terminal device, failing to meet the data transmission requirements of high-reliability, high-latency services, and wasting the storage and computing resources of both the base station and the terminal device. To overcome the above technical problems, the embodiments of this application provide the following design:

[0077] In one possible design after executing step S203, the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm and obtains M response messages; when the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received M downlink data, the base station retransmits the last NP downlink data from the N downlink data to the terminal device.

[0078] It should be understood that since all M response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received downlink data, this means that the first M downlink data in the current transmission / configuration period have been successfully received. Furthermore, since the decoding algorithm used for successful decoding is the second algorithm, it can be concluded that the current downlink signal is missing NP response messages, and the downlink data corresponding to these NP response messages was not successfully received. In this case, the base station defaults to considering the last NP downlink data out of the N downlink data as the data that was not successfully received.

[0079] Optionally, the response message can be an ACK message.

[0080] For example, assuming N=4, M=3, and P=3, the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm. At this point, the base station receives three response messages. When all three response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received the downlink data, the base station can retransmit the last downlink data in the current transmission / configuration cycle to the terminal device. It should be understood that in the aforementioned example, since the base station previously sent four downlink data packets to the terminal device, the base station can determine that the number of downlink data packets not successfully received by the terminal device is one. Furthermore, since the reason for the absence of a response message for downlink data could be a signal interruption by the terminal device, the downlink data without a response message is usually the downlink data at the end of the current transmission / configuration cycle. The base station can default to the downlink data not successfully received by the terminal device being the last downlink data in the current transmission / configuration cycle.

[0081] With this design, the base station can determine the number of downlink data that the terminal device failed to receive after successful decoding, and default the unreceived downlink data as the last downlink data, and retransmit the downlink data. This can avoid the waste of resources caused by retransmitting all downlink data in the same transmission / configuration cycle and improve data transmission efficiency.

[0082] Similarly, in another possible design, the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the third algorithm, obtaining M response messages. When the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received M downlink data, the base station retransmits the last NQ downlink data from the N downlink data to the terminal device. This design is conceptually the same as the previous design and will not be elaborated further here.

[0083] In one possible design after executing step S203, the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm and obtains M response messages; when the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has failed to receive K downlink data, the base station retransmits K downlink data to the terminal device, as well as the last NP downlink data in the N downlink data retransmission; wherein, the M downlink data contains K downlink data, and K is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0084] It should be understood that since M response messages indicate that the terminal device failed to receive K downlink data, it means that at least K downlink data were not successfully received within the current transmission / configuration period. Furthermore, since the algorithm used for successful decoding is the second algorithm, it can be concluded that NP response messages are missing from the current downlink signal, and the downlink data corresponding to these NP response messages were also not received. In this case, the base station defaults to considering the downlink data corresponding to the aforementioned K response messages, and the last NP downlink data out of the N downlink data.

[0085] Optionally, the response messages may include ACK messages and Negative Acknowledgement (NACK) messages. ACK messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received downlink data, and their bit value is 1. NACK messages indicate that the terminal device has not successfully received downlink data, i.e., reception failed, and their bit value is 0. In other words, the aforementioned M response messages include MK ACKs and K NACKs.

[0086] Optionally, when MK=0, the base station determines that N downlink data have not been received, and therefore, the base station retransmits N downlink data to the terminal device; when MK≠0, it means that at least one downlink data has been successfully received, and therefore, the base station retransmits K downlink data to the terminal device, as well as the last NP downlink data from the N retransmitted downlink data.

[0087] For example, assuming N=4, M=3, and P=3, the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm, and at this time, the base station receives 3 response messages. When all 3 response messages indicate that the terminal device failed to receive downlink data, it means that all 4 downlink data have failed to be received, and the base station can retransmit 4 downlink data to the terminal device; when one of the 3 response messages indicates that the terminal device failed to receive downlink data, and the other 2 response messages indicate that the terminal device successfully received downlink data, the base station can retransmit the downlink data corresponding to the aforementioned 1 response message, as well as the last downlink data out of the 4 downlink data to the terminal device. It should be understood that in the aforementioned example, when one of the three response messages indicates that the terminal device failed to receive downlink data, and the other two response messages indicate that the terminal device successfully received downlink data, it is known that the terminal device successfully received two downlink data items, and the base station previously sent four downlink data items to the terminal device. Therefore, the base station can determine that the number of downlink data items that were not successfully received by the terminal device is two. Furthermore, since the reason why there is no response message for downlink data may be due to signal interruption of the terminal device, the downlink data without a response message is usually the downlink data at the end of the current transmission / configuration cycle. That is to say, in addition to the downlink data corresponding to the aforementioned response message indicating that the terminal device failed to receive downlink data, the base station can assume that the downlink data that was not successfully received by the terminal device also includes the last downlink data in the current transmission / configuration cycle.

[0088] With this design, since the response message can indicate whether the terminal device has successfully received downlink data or failed, the base station can make full use of the response message to determine the downlink data that the terminal device failed to receive and retransmit the downlink data. This can improve the accuracy of data retransmission, reduce resource waste, and improve data transmission efficiency.

[0089] Similarly, in another possible design, the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the third algorithm, obtaining M response messages. When the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has failed to receive K downlink data, the base station retransmits K downlink data to the terminal device, as well as the last NQ downlink data from the retransmitted N downlink data. Here, the M downlink data contain K downlink data, where K is a positive integer less than or equal to M. This design shares the same concept as the aforementioned design and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0090] In traditional communication methods, when the base station fails to decode the uplink signal to the terminal device for the first time, the base station assumes that all DCI and downlink data transmitted in the same period have not been received by the terminal device. Therefore, the base station may discard the uplink signal. In fact, the terminal device may have successfully received part of the DCI and part of the downlink data in that period. Furthermore, in the technical solution shown in this application, the base station can perform multiple decoding operations based on multiple algorithms until successful decoding. At this point, the base station can determine that the terminal device has successfully received part of the downlink data. Simultaneously, the base station can retransmit the downlink data that failed to be received in the same period to the terminal device, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0091] To more accurately identify downlink data that failed to be received within the same cycle, based on the scheme of steps S201 to S203 of this application, the embodiments of this application provide the following design:

[0092] In step S201, the base station may add index information to each DCI sent to the terminal device, which is used to indicate the order of the DCIs.

[0093] Thus, when the order of the index information in the DCI received by the terminal device is not continuous, the terminal device can determine the index information of the omitted DCI. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine the response message for the downlink data corresponding to the omitted DCI. It should be understood that the response message for the downlink data corresponding to the omitted DCI is different from the response message for the downlink data corresponding to the non-omitted DCI.

[0094] Optionally, the response message may include an ACK message and a NACK message. The ACK message indicates that the terminal device has successfully received downlink data, and its corresponding bit value is 1. The NACK message indicates that the terminal device has not successfully received downlink data, i.e., reception failed, and its corresponding bit value is 0. In other words, the response message for downlink data corresponding to a missed DCI is a NACK message; the response message for downlink data corresponding to a valid DCI is an ACK message.

[0095] Optionally, the index information in the DCI can be the downlink assignment index (DAI).

[0096] For example, during the current transmission / configuration cycle, the base station sends four DCIs and four downlink data to the terminal device, each of the four DCIs carrying a DAI. The correspondence between the downlink data, DCIs, and DAIs is shown in the table below:

[0097]

[0098] This example provides the following two possible scenarios based on how the terminal device receives downlink data:

[0099] Example 1:

[0100] Assuming the terminal device receives two DCIs, DCI-A and DCI-B, the terminal device can successfully receive downlink data A and downlink data B. Based on this, the terminal device determines that the bit value of the response message corresponding to downlink data A and downlink data B is 1.

[0101] Furthermore, the terminal device can determine, based on index information Count DAI-0 and index information Count DAI-1, that there is no missing DCI between DCI-A and DCI-B. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine the response message in the uplink signal based on the order indicated by the index information; for example, the response message could be 11.

[0102] Example 2:

[0103] Assuming the terminal device receives two DCIs, DCI-A and DCI-C, the terminal device can successfully receive downlink data A and downlink data C. Based on this, the terminal device determines that the bit value of the response message corresponding to downlink data A and downlink data C is 1.

[0104] Furthermore, the terminal device can also determine, based on index information Count DAI-0 and index information Count DAI-2, that there exists a DCI with index information Count DAI-1 between DCI-A and DCI-C; correspondingly, the terminal device can also determine that there exists downlink data corresponding to the missed DCI between downlink data A and downlink data C; based on this, the terminal device determines that the response message for the missed downlink data is 0. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine the response message in the uplink signal based on the order indicated by the index information; for example, the response message could be 101.

[0105] Based on the aforementioned design, in step S202, the base station receives an uplink signal from the terminal device, wherein the response messages in the uplink signal are arranged in sequence. It should be understood that since the index information carried in the DCI can be used to indicate the order of the DCI, the response message determined by the terminal device based on the index information can also indicate the order of the corresponding downlink data.

[0106] Example 1:

[0107] The base station can receive uplink information from the terminal device, and the response message included in the uplink signal can be 11.

[0108] Example 2:

[0109] The base station can receive uplink information from the terminal device, and the response message included in the uplink signal can be 101.

[0110] Based on the aforementioned design, in step S203, after the base station fails to decode the uplink signal according to the first algorithm, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm.

[0111] Example 1:

[0112] The base station decodes the uplink signal according to a first algorithm. This first algorithm is used to decode an uplink signal carrying four response messages. As shown in the previous example, the uplink signal actually carries two response messages; therefore, the base station's decoding will inevitably fail. Furthermore, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to a second algorithm. This second algorithm can be used to decode an uplink signal carrying P (e.g., one, two, or three) response messages. It should be understood that the second algorithm is different from the first algorithm.

[0113] Example 2:

[0114] The base station decodes the uplink signal according to a first algorithm. This first algorithm is used to decode an uplink signal carrying four response messages. As shown in the previous example, the uplink signal actually carries three response messages; therefore, the base station's decoding will inevitably fail. Furthermore, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to a second algorithm. This second algorithm can be used to decode an uplink signal carrying P (e.g., one, two, or three) response messages. It should be understood that the second algorithm is different from the first algorithm.

[0115] Based on the aforementioned design, after step S203, once the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm, the following two scenarios may occur:

[0116] Scenario 1: After the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm, it receives M response messages. When the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received M downlink data, the base station retransmits the last NP downlink data from the N downlink data to the terminal device.

[0117] Clearly, Example 1 conforms to the assumptions of Scenario 1. The following explanation of Example 1 will continue. In this example, it is assumed that the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm, i.e., P=2. At this time, the terminal device receives two response messages. Since both response messages are 11, this indicates that both response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received downlink data, and the successfully received downlink data corresponds to the downlink data corresponding to the index information Count DAI-0 and index information Count DAI-1, respectively.

[0118] Furthermore, since N=4 and P=2, the base station can determine that the uplink signal is missing two unreceived response messages. Based on the above analysis, the base station retransmits the next two downlink data to the terminal device, namely, the base station retransmits downlink data C and downlink data D to the terminal device.

[0119] Scenario 2: The base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm and obtains M response messages. When the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has failed to receive K downlink data, the base station retransmits K downlink data to the terminal device, as well as the last NP downlink data from the N retransmitted downlink data. Among them, the M downlink data contains K downlink data, and K is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0120] Clearly, Example 2 conforms to the assumptions of Scenario 2. The following explanation of Example 2 follows. In this example, it is assumed that the base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm, i.e., P=3. At this time, the terminal device receives 3 response messages. Since the two response messages are 101, this indicates that among the 3 response messages, the downlink data corresponding to index information Count DAI-0 and Count DAI-2 was successfully received, while the downlink data corresponding to index information Count DAI-1 was not successfully received.

[0121] Furthermore, since N=4 and P=3, the base station can determine that the uplink signal is missing one unsuccessfully received response message. Based on the above analysis, at this time, the base station retransmits the downlink data corresponding to the index information Count DAI-1 to the terminal device, as well as the next downlink data, that is, the base station retransmits downlink data B and downlink data D to the terminal device.

[0122] With this design, the base station can accurately identify downlink data that failed to be received in the current transmission / configuration cycle and retransmit the downlink data, thereby improving the accuracy of data retransmission and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0123] It should be noted that any of the communication methods provided in this application can be applied to HARQ technology, but is not limited to, thereby improving communication reliability.

[0124] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a communication device that can be applied in a base station to implement the communication method provided in the above embodiments. See also... Figure 4 As shown, the communication device 400 includes a communication module 401 and a processing module 402.

[0125] The communication module 401 is used to receive and send data. Optionally, the communication module 401 may include a communication interface.

[0126] The processing module 402 is used to execute the steps performed by the base station in the communication methods provided in the above embodiments. The specific functions of the processing module 402 can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0127] When the communication device is used to implement the aforementioned base station operation, the communication module 401 is used to: send N downlink control information (DCI) messages and N downlink data messages to the terminal device; N is a positive integer; receive uplink signals from the terminal device; wherein the uplink signals carry M response messages, and the M response messages are response messages from the terminal device to the received M downlink data messages; the N downlink data messages include the M downlink data messages, and M is a positive integer less than N; the processing module 402 is used to: after the decoding of the uplink signal according to the first algorithm fails, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm; wherein the first algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying N response messages, and the second algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying P response messages, where P is a positive integer less than N.

[0128] It should be noted that the module division in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, exist as separate physical entities, or have two or more units integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0129] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it 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 all or 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.) or processor 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.

[0130] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides another communication device, which 500 can implement the communication method provided in the above embodiments and has the functions of the processor provided in the above embodiments. (See also...) Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 includes a memory 502 and a processor 501. Optionally, the communication device 500 further includes a communication interface 503. The communication interface 503, the processor 501, and the memory 502 are interconnected.

[0131] Optionally, the communication interface 503, the processor 501, and the memory 502 are interconnected via a bus 504. The bus 504 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 5 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0132] The communication interface 503 is used to receive and send data, enabling communication with other devices besides the communication device.

[0133] The functions of the processor 501 are as described in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. The processor 501 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP, etc. The processor 501 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD can be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. The processor 501 can implement the above functions through hardware, or it can implement them by executing corresponding software.

[0134] The memory 502 is used to store program instructions, etc. Specifically, the program instructions may include program code, which includes computer operation instructions. The memory 502 may include random access memory (RAM) and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. The processor 501 executes the program instructions stored in the memory 502 to implement the above functions, thereby implementing the method provided in the above embodiments. For example, the memory 502 may include the base station shown in the embodiments of this application.

[0135] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0136] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0137] The storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0138] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a chip for reading a computer program stored in a memory to implement the method provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the chip may include a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is coupled to the memory and is used to read the computer program stored in the memory to implement the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0139] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions involved in the terminal devices described in the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0140] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0141] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0142] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0143] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0144] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: The base station sends N downlink control information (DCI) messages and N downlink data messages to the terminal device; N is a positive integer. The base station receives an uplink signal from the terminal device; wherein the uplink signal carries M response messages, the M response messages being response messages from the terminal device to the received M downlink data; the N downlink data include the M downlink data, where M is a positive integer less than N; After the base station fails to decode the uplink signal according to the first algorithm, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm; wherein, the first algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying N response messages, and the second algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying P response messages, where P is a positive integer less than N.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: When the base station fails to decode the uplink signal according to the second algorithm, the base station decodes the uplink signal according to the third algorithm; wherein, the third algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying Q response messages, where Q is a positive integer less than N, and Q is different from P.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, P = N-1; Q = P-1.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The method further includes: The base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm and obtains the M response messages; When the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received the M downlink data, the base station retransmits the last NP downlink data from the N downlink data to the terminal device.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The method further includes: The base station successfully decodes the uplink signal according to the second algorithm and obtains the M response messages; When the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has failed to receive K downlink data, the base station retransmits the K downlink data to the terminal device, as well as the last NP downlink data from the N downlink data; wherein the M downlink data includes the K downlink data, and K is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

6. A communication device, characterized by The device includes: A communication module is used to send N downlink control information (DCI) messages and N downlink data messages to a terminal device, where N is a positive integer; and to receive uplink signals from the terminal device; wherein the uplink signals carry M response messages, which are response messages from the terminal device to the received M downlink data messages; the N downlink data messages include the M downlink data messages, where M is a positive integer less than N; The processing module is configured to decode the uplink signal according to a second algorithm after the decoding of the uplink signal according to the first algorithm fails; wherein, the first algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying N response messages, and the second algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying P response messages, where P is a positive integer less than N.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The processing module is also used for: If the decoding of the uplink signal fails according to the second algorithm, the uplink signal is decoded according to the third algorithm; wherein, the third algorithm is used to decode the uplink signal carrying Q response messages, where Q is a positive integer less than N, and Q is different from P.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, P = N-1; Q = P-1.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 6-8, wherein, The processing module is also used for: The uplink signal is successfully decoded according to the second algorithm, and the M response messages are obtained. When the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has successfully received the M downlink data, the communication module retransmits the last NP downlink data from the N downlink data to the terminal device.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 6-8, wherein, The processing module is also used for: The uplink signal is successfully decoded according to the second algorithm, and the M response messages are obtained. When the M response messages indicate that the terminal device has failed to receive K downlink data, the communication module retransmits the K downlink data to the terminal device, as well as the last NP downlink data from the N downlink data; wherein the M downlink data includes the K downlink data, and K is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

11. A communication device, characterized by include: Communication interface, memory, and processor; among which, The communication interface is used to receive and send data; The memory is used to store program instructions and data; The processor is configured to read program instructions and data from the memory to implement the method of any one of claims 1-5.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-5.

13. A chip, characterized by The chip includes a processor and a memory; the processor is coupled to the memory and is used to read a computer program stored in the memory and execute the method of any one of claims 1-5.

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