Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method comprises the following steps: a network device sends first indication information to a terminal device, the first indication information is used for indicating that a first signal is associated with a second signal or is not associated with the second signal in a first time period, wherein the first signal is used for communication, and the second signal is used for one or more of communication, sensing or energy transmission; under the condition that the first indication information is used for indicating that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the network device sends the first signal and the second signal to the terminal device; or under the condition that the first indication information is used for indicating that the first signal is not associated with the second signal, the network device sends the first signal to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information and demodulates the first signal based on the first indication information. The method provided by the application is beneficial to improving the communication efficiency of the communication signal.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the evolution from the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system to 5G-advanced (5G-A) technology, integrated communication and sensing technology is considered one of the key technologies for expanding the service capabilities of mobile communication networks. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to the mobile communication network, building the ability to detect, track, and image targets, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network, achieving harmonious coexistence and even mutual benefit.

[0003] In an integrated communication and sensing scenario, network devices can simultaneously send sensing signals and communication signals to terminal devices. Sensing signals are used to acquire information such as the terminal device's location, speed, and type, while communication signals are used to transmit data or control information. The terminal device acquires both sensing and communication signals; it then parses the communication signals to obtain the data or control information transmitted by the communication signals.

[0004] However, the following technical problem exists in the integrated communication and sensing technology: the communication efficiency of communication signals is relatively low. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, which are beneficial to improving the communication efficiency of communication signals.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device, a module applied to the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information indicating that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, or not associated with a second signal, wherein the first signal is used for communication, the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these; receiving the first signal and the second signal under the condition that the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, or receiving the first signal under the condition that the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal; and demodulating the first signal based on the first indication information.

[0007] The first signal is used for communication, meaning it may include control information or data information. The first signal can also be called a communication signal, and this application does not limit its usage. The second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these. If the second signal is used for sensing, meaning it is used to acquire information such as the location, speed, and type of the terminal device, the second signal can also be called a sensing signal, and this application does not limit its usage.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to indicate that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal; that is, the first signal and the second signal are associated within the first time period. If the first signal and the second signal are associated, it indicates that the terminal device is in a communication-sensing integrated scenario. The first signal within the first time period indicates that the first signal was sent or received within the first time period. The first time period represents a duration, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit the length of the first time period.

[0009] Under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first signal and the second signal can be received, and the interference of the second signal can be removed when the first signal is demodulated.

[0010] This implementation method, based on the first indication information, can determine that the second signal will interfere with the demodulation of the first signal. When demodulating the first signal, the interference of the second signal can be removed, which is beneficial to improving the communication efficiency of the first signal.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal within a first time period is not associated with the second signal; that is, there is no associated second signal with the first signal within the first time period. If the first signal and the second signal are not associated, it means that the second signal will not interfere with the first signal. In other words, the network device does not send the second signal for sensing, and the second signal will not interfere with the first signal.

[0012] Under the condition that the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal, the first signal can be received, and the second signal does not need to be considered when demodulating the first signal.

[0013] In this implementation, the terminal device can determine based on the first indication information that the second signal will not interfere with the demodulation of the first signal. Therefore, when demodulating the first signal, the interference of the second signal can be disregarded, which is beneficial to improving the demodulation efficiency of the first signal.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal, wherein the type of the second signal includes one of a communication signal, a sensing signal, a sensing signal, or a power transmission signal.

[0015] The second signal can be a sensing signal, a communication signal, a syn-sensing signal (i.e., a signal used for both communication and sensing), or a signal with other functions besides communication and sensing, such as an energy transmission signal (i.e., a signal used to transmit energy). When the second signal is a communication signal, it can be a data signal, a control signal, or a reference signal.

[0016] It should be noted that when the first indication information indicates the type of the second signal, it is not limited to directly indicating the function of the second signal, such as sensing, communication or energy transmission, etc. It can also implicitly indicate the type index of the second signal, such as the first type, the second type or the third type, etc. Among them, the first type can be used to indicate that the type of the second signal is a sensing signal, the second type can be used to indicate that the type of the second signal is a communication signal, and the third type can be used to indicate that the type of the second signal is an energy transmission signal.

[0017] Under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal. Based on the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the type characteristics of the second signal, thereby selecting an appropriate receiving method to eliminate the interference of the second signal on the first signal and improve the receiving performance of the first signal.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal.

[0019] The relative power values ​​of the first and second signals are used to represent the power difference between the first and second power in the direction in which the terminal device receives the second signal. The relative power value can be positive, negative, or zero, and this application does not limit it in this regard. The unit of the relative power value can be decibels (dB), but this application is not limited to this.

[0020] The first indication information is used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal, and includes a variety of possible implementations.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first indication information may include a value representing the relative power of the first signal and the second signal. This implementation is simple and direct, allowing the terminal device to directly obtain the relative power of the first signal and the second signal from the first indication information.

[0022] In another possible implementation, the first indication information may include multiple power relative values, one of which is the power relative value between the first signal and the second signal. In this case, the terminal device may also receive another indication information from the network device, which indicates the index value of the power relative value between the first signal and the second signal among the multiple power relative values. Alternatively, the terminal device receives another indication information from the network device, which indicates multiple power relative values ​​between the first signal and the second signal, and the terminal device also receives the first indication information from the network device, which indicates the index value of the power relative value between the first signal and the second signal among the multiple power relative values. The multiple power relative values ​​may be referred to as candidate values ​​for the power relative value, and this application does not limit this.

[0023] This implementation indirectly indicates the relative power values ​​of the first and second signals through two indication messages, which improves the security of information transmission compared to direct indication.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the method further includes: receiving second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal; and demodulating the first signal based on the first indication information, including: demodulating the first signal based on the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0025] When the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the terminal device needs to consider removing interference from the second signal when demodulating the first signal. The terminal device may receive second indication information from the network device, which indicates characteristic parameters of the second signal, such as at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal, so that the terminal device can remove interference from the second signal when demodulating the first signal based on this information.

[0026] The second indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal. In one example, the second indication information can be used to indicate the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal. In another example, the second indication information can be used to indicate two of the following: the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal. In yet another example, the second indication information can be used to indicate the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, and the time domain position of the second signal. It is understood that the more characteristic parameters of the second signal indicated by the second indication information, the more beneficial it is for the terminal device to remove interference from the second signal during demodulation of the first signal.

[0027] In this implementation, the terminal device obtains at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficient of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal through the second indication information, which helps the terminal device to better remove the interference caused by the second signal when demodulating the first signal.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second indication information is carried in radio resource control (RRC) layer signaling or media access control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information is carried in downlink control information (DCI).

[0030] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a network device, a module applied to the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The method includes: sending first indication information, which indicates that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, or not associated with a second signal, wherein the first signal is used for communication, the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these; sending the first signal and the second signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal; and sending the first signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving the echo signal of the second signal under the condition of sending the first signal and the second signal, and performing sensing based on the echo signal.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal, wherein the type of the second signal includes one of a communication signal, a sensing signal, a sensing signal, or a power transmission signal.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, where the first indication information is used to indicate the association of the first signal with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, sending second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second indication information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

[0037] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a terminal device, a module applied to a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device. The communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive first indication information, which indicates that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, or not associated with a second signal, wherein the first signal is used for communication, the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these; receive the first signal and the second signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, or receive the first signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal; the processing module is configured to: demodulate the first signal based on the first indication information.

[0038] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal, wherein the type of the second signal includes one of a communication signal, a sensing signal, a sensory signal, or a power transmission signal.

[0039] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, where the first indication information is used to indicate the association of the first signal with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal.

[0040] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive the second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficient of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal; the processing module is further configured to: demodulate the first signal based on the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0041] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second indication information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0042] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

[0043] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a network device, a module applied to a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. The communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module is configured to: transmit first indication information through the transceiver module, the first indication information indicating that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, or not associated with a second signal, wherein the first signal is used for communication, the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these functions; and transmit the first signal and the second signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, or transmit the first signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal.

[0044] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is also used to: receive the echo signal of the second signal under the condition of sending the first signal and the second signal, and perform sensing based on the echo signal.

[0045] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal, wherein the type of the second signal includes one of a communication signal, a sensing signal, a sensory signal, or a power transmission signal.

[0046] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, where the first indication information is used to indicate the association of the first signal with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal.

[0047] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to: send second indication information under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the second indication information is used to indicate at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficient of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal.

[0048] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second indication information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0049] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

[0050] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to perform the method described in any aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] The communication device may also include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to a processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. The communication device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices; exemplaryly, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0052] Sixthly, a communication system is provided, including the communication device of the third aspect and the communication device of the fourth aspect described above.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor coupled to a memory for storing instructions, wherein when the processor invokes the instructions, the communication device performs a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0054] Eighthly, a chip system is provided, comprising: a processor for retrieving and executing instructions from memory, causing the chip system to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0055] In a ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of different perception modes;

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario integrating communication and sensing.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the time-domain location of a second signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] In the evolution from 5G to 5G-A technology, integrated communication and sensing technology is considered one of the key technologies for expanding the service capabilities of mobile communication networks. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to the mobile communication network, building the ability to detect, track, and image targets, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network to achieve harmonious coexistence and even mutual benefit.

[0067] In wireless communication air interface technology, communication can be categorized into different types based on the types of transmitting and receiving nodes. Generally, sending information from a network device to a terminal device is called downlink communication, and sending information from a terminal device to a network device is called uplink communication. In Long Term Evolution (LTE) / Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) communication systems and New Radio (NR) systems, communication can be mainly divided into Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) modes based on the duplex mode. For wireless communication systems operating in TDD mode, the downlink and uplink carriers share the same carrier frequency. Multiple access methods typically employ Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). The main feature of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) is that it divides transmission resources into mutually orthogonal time-frequency resource elements (REs). The signals transmitted by the transmitter are carried on REs and transmitted to the receiver. Since different REs are mutually orthogonal, the receiver can receive the signals transmitted on each RE individually.

[0068] The technical principles of sensing differ somewhat from those of communication. In communication, the transmitting end modulates information onto radio waves and sends it to the receiving end, which then demodulates the signal to obtain the information. Sensing, however, requires the transmitting end to send radio waves in a specific direction. When these radio waves strike a target surface, they are reflected, and the receiving end receives and processes these reflected waves to obtain information such as the target's position, speed, and type.

[0069] Sensing can generally be divided into two modes: single-site sensing and dual-site sensing. In single-site sensing, the transmitting and receiving ends of the sensing signal are the same device. From the signal flow perspective, the sensing station both transmits and receives the signal reflected from the target surface; therefore, single-site sensing is also called the self-transmitting and self-receiving mode. In dual-site sensing, the transmitting and receiving ends of the sensing signal are two different devices. From the signal flow perspective, after sensing station A transmits the sensing signal, the signal reflected from the target surface is received by sensing station B; therefore, dual-site sensing is also called the A-transmitting and B-receiving mode.

[0070] Currently, in the integrated communication and sensing scenario, from the perspective of sensing mode, it can include the following 6 sub-scenarios. Figure 1A schematic diagram of different perception modes is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the perceived target is a vehicle, but the perceived target in this embodiment is not limited to a vehicle. It can also be a low-altitude drone, a pedestrian, or other moving or stationary objects. The perceived target can also be a terminal device with communication functions.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown in 'a', the network device needs to both send and receive sensing signals reflected from the target surface, which is a self-transmitting and self-receiving mechanism of the network device. Figure 1 As shown in b, the terminal device needs to both send and receive sensing signals reflected from the target surface, which is a self-transmitting and self-receiving mechanism for the terminal device. Figure 1 As shown in c, after network device 1 sends a sensing signal, the signal reflected from the target surface is received by network device 2, which is the transmission from network device 1 and reception from network device 2. Figure 1 As shown in d, after terminal device 1 sends a sensing signal, the signal reflected from the target surface is received by terminal device 2, which is the transmission from terminal device 1 and reception from terminal device 2. Figure 1 As shown in 'e', ​​after the network device sends a sensing signal, the signal reflected from the target surface is received by the terminal device; this is the process of the network device sending and the terminal device receiving. For example... Figure 1 As shown in f, after the terminal device sends a sensing signal, the signal reflected on the target surface is received by the network device, which is the signal sent by the terminal device and received by the network device.

[0072] This application focuses on three sub-scenarios: network device self-transmission and self-reception, network device 1 transmitting and network device 2 receiving, and network device transmitting and terminal device receiving. In these three sub-scenarios, the network device is performing sensing while also communicating with the terminal device.

[0073] For example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a communication scenario integrating communication and sensing is shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown in 'a', the network device needs to send sensing signals, receive signals reflected from the target surface, and communicate with terminal devices. For example... Figure 2 As shown in b, after network device 1 sends a sensing signal, the signal reflected from the target surface is received by network device 2. Network device 1 also communicates with the terminal device. Figure 2 As shown in c, after the network device sends a sensing signal, the signal reflected on the target surface is received by the terminal device 1, and the network device also communicates with the terminal device 1.

[0074] The terminal device involved in this application embodiment is used to send uplink signals to the network device or receive downlink signals from the network device. The terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, virtual reality terminal device, augmented reality terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, etc.; it can also be a mobile object with communication capabilities, such as a vehicle or drone. The network device involved in this application embodiment is used to receive uplink signals from the terminal device or send downlink signals to the terminal device. The network device can be an LTE or NR network device, and can be a base station (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a base station in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation Node B (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system, etc.

[0075] In the above Figure 2 In the integrated communication and sensing scenario shown, network devices can simultaneously send sensing signals and communication signals to terminal devices. Sensing signals are used to acquire information such as the terminal device's location, speed, and type, while communication signals are used to transmit data or control information. The terminal device acquires both sensing and communication signals; it then parses the communication signals to obtain the data or control information transmitted by the communication signals.

[0076] However, the following technical problem exists in the integrated communication and sensing technology: the communication efficiency of communication signals is relatively low.

[0077] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and a communication device. A network device informs a terminal device through a first indication information that a first signal has a associated second signal. Based on the first indication information, the terminal device can determine that the second signal will interfere with the demodulation of the first signal. When demodulating the first signal, the interference of the second signal can be removed, which is beneficial to improving the communication efficiency of the first signal.

[0078] To facilitate understanding of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the following points are first explained:

[0079] First, in the embodiments of this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication, as well as explicit and implicit indication. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be indicated by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be indicated. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the indication of the information to be indicated can be achieved by pre-agreed upon (e.g., by a protocol specifying) the existence of a certain information element, thereby reducing the indication overhead to some extent.

[0080] Second, in the embodiments of this application, "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: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where 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" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0081] Third, in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., the terminal device or access network device described below) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device (e.g., the terminal device or access network device described below) to have a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0082] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, "predefined" can be a protocol definition. "Predefined" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices). This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0083] Fifth, the “protocol” involved in the embodiments of this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0084] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0085] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. This method 300 can be applied to the above-described... Figure 2 The example shown is a scenario integrating communication and sensing. Figure 3 As shown, the method 300 may include the following steps:

[0086] S301. The network device sends a first indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that a first signal is associated with a second signal within a first time period. The first signal is used for communication, and the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these.

[0087] The first signal is used for communication, meaning it may include control information or data information. The first signal can also be called a communication signal, and this application embodiment does not limit this. The second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these. If the second signal is used for sensing, meaning it is used to obtain information such as the location, speed, and type of the terminal device, the second signal can also be called a sensing signal, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0088] The first indication information is used to indicate that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, that is, the first signal and the second signal are associated within the first time period. If the first signal and the second signal are associated, it indicates that the terminal device is in a communication and sensing integrated scenario. The first signal within the first time period indicates that the first signal was sent or received within the first time period. The first time period represents a duration; for example, the first time period can be one time slot, one micro-time slot, or a time period composed of multiple symbols. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the length of the first time period.

[0089] S302. The network device sends a first signal and a second signal to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first signal and the second signal accordingly.

[0090] The network device can send a first signal and a second signal to the terminal device. The transmission times of the first signal and the second signal can both fall within a first time period, but this application embodiment does not limit this. The channels through which the network device sends the first signal and the second signal can be the same or different, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0091] S303, The terminal device demodulates the first signal based on the first indication information.

[0092] Upon receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine that the first signal and the second signal are correlated. Because the first signal and the second signal are correlated, the second signal will interfere with the demodulation of the first signal. After receiving the first signal and the second signal, the terminal device can, based on the first indication information, minimize the interference from the second signal during the demodulation of the first signal.

[0093] In scenarios where network devices transmit and receive independently, the network device can receive the echo signal of the second signal and perform sensing based on the echo signal. The echo signal represents the signal reflected from the surface of the terminal device by the second signal. In scenarios where the network device transmits and other devices receive, other network devices or other terminal devices can receive the echo signal of the second signal and perform sensing based on the echo signal.

[0094] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows a network device to inform a terminal device of a first signal that a second signal is associated with it through a first indication. Based on the first indication, the terminal device can determine that the second signal will interfere with the demodulation of the first signal. When demodulating the first signal, the interference of the second signal can be removed, which is beneficial to improving the communication efficiency of the first signal.

[0095] In a communication-sensing integrated scenario, the first indication information can be used to indicate that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal. In a communication scenario, the first indication information can be used to indicate that a first signal within a first time period is not associated with a second signal.

[0096] For example, Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of another communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the method 400 may include the following steps:

[0097] S401. The network device sends a first indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal within a first time period is not associated with the second signal. The first signal is used for communication, and the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these.

[0098] The first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal within the first time period is not associated with the second signal; that is, there is no associated second signal with the first signal within the first time period. If the first signal and the second signal are not associated, it means that the second signal will not interfere with the first signal. In other words, the network device does not send the second signal for sensing, and the second signal will not interfere with the first signal.

[0099] S402, The network device sends a first signal to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first signal.

[0100] Network devices can send the first signal to terminal devices within the first time period.

[0101] For example, a network device may send a first signal to a terminal device within a first time period via the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0102] S403. The terminal device demodulates the first signal based on the first instruction information.

[0103] When the terminal device receives the first indication information, it can determine that there is no associated second signal with the first signal. Therefore, when demodulating the first signal, the interference caused by the second signal to the demodulation can be disregarded.

[0104] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows a network device to inform a terminal device through a first indication message that a first signal does not have an associated second signal. Based on the first indication message, the terminal device can determine that the second signal will not interfere with the demodulation of the first signal. Therefore, when demodulating the first signal, the interference of the second signal can be disregarded, which is beneficial to improving the demodulation efficiency of the first signal.

[0105] The first indication information can be used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal within the first time period, or it can be used to indicate that the first signal is not associated with the second signal within the first time period. The terminal device can determine the demodulation method of the first signal based on the first indication information, which increases flexibility.

[0106] For example, the first indication information may include a field indicating whether a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal. For instance, this field may be a single bit; a bit of 0 indicates that the first signal within the first time period is not associated with the second signal, and a bit of 1 indicates that the first signal within the first time period is associated with the second signal. Alternatively, a bit of 1 indicates that the first signal within the first time period is not associated with the second signal, and a bit of 0 indicates that the first signal within the first time period is associated with the second signal.

[0107] Table 1 shows an example of a one-bit indication of information.

[0108] Table 1

[0109] Bit value meaning 0 The first signal is not related to the second signal. 1 The first signal is associated with the second signal.

[0110] As shown in Table 1, when the bit is 0, it indicates that the first signal in the first time period is not associated with the second signal; when the bit is 1, it indicates that the first signal in the first time period is associated with the second signal.

[0111] As an optional embodiment, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal.

[0112] The second signal can be a sensing signal, a communication signal, a syn-sensing signal (i.e., a signal used for both communication and sensing), or a signal with other functions besides communication and sensing, such as an energy transmission signal (i.e., a signal used to transmit energy). When the second signal is a communication signal, it can be a data signal, a control signal, or a reference signal.

[0113] For example, the first indication information may include a field indicating whether a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, and whether the second signal is a communication signal or a sensing signal. For instance, this field may be two bits, used to indicate whether the first signal within the first time period is associated with a second signal, and whether the second signal is a communication signal or a sensing signal. Table 2 shows an example of two-bit indication information.

[0114] Table 2

[0115]

[0116] As shown in Table 2, when the value of the two bits is 00, it indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal; when the value of the two bits is 01, it indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the second signal is a sensing signal; when the value of the two bits is 10, it indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the second signal is a communication signal; when the value of the two bits is 11, it indicates a reserved state.

[0117] For example, the first indication information may include a field indicating whether a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, and whether the second signal is a communication signal, a sensing signal, or a synoptic signal. For instance, this field may be two bits, used to indicate whether the first signal within the first time period is associated with a second signal, and whether the second signal is a communication signal, a sensing signal, or a synoptic signal. Table 3 shows an example of this two-bit indication information.

[0118] Table 3

[0119]

[0120] As shown in Table 3, when the value of the two bits is 00, it means that the first signal is not associated with the second signal; when the value of the two bits is 01, it means that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the second signal is a sensing signal; when the value of the two bits is 10, it means that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the second signal is a communication signal; when the value of the two bits is 11, it means that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the second signal is a sensing signal.

[0121] For example, the first indication information may include a field indicating whether a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, and whether the second signal is a communication signal, a sensing signal, or a power transmission signal. For instance, this field may be two bits, used to indicate whether the first signal within the first time period is associated with a second signal, and whether the second signal is a communication signal, a sensing signal, or a power transmission signal. Table 4 shows an example of this two-bit indication information.

[0122] Table 4

[0123]

[0124] As shown in Table 4, when the value of the two bits is 00, it means that the first signal is not associated with the second signal; when the value of the two bits is 01, it means that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the second signal is a sensing signal; when the value of the two bits is 10, it means that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the second signal is a communication signal; when the value of the two bits is 11, it means that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the second signal is a power transmission signal.

[0125] It should be noted that when the first indication information indicates the type of the second signal, it is not limited to directly indicating the function of the second signal, such as sensing, communication or energy transmission, etc. It can also implicitly indicate the type index of the second signal, such as the first type, the second type or the third type, etc. Among them, the first type can be used to indicate that the type of the second signal is a sensing signal, the second type can be used to indicate that the type of the second signal is a communication signal, and the third type can be used to indicate that the type of the second signal is an energy transmission signal.

[0126] When the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the network device indicates the type of the second signal to the terminal device through the first indication information. Thus, the terminal device can determine the type characteristics of the second signal based on the first indication information, and select an appropriate receiving method to eliminate the interference of the second signal on the first signal, thereby improving the receiving performance of the first signal.

[0127] As an optional embodiment, under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal.

[0128] The relative power values ​​of the first and second signals are used to represent the power difference between the first and second power in the direction in which the network device sends the second signal to the terminal device. The relative power value can be positive, negative, or zero, and this application embodiment does not limit this. The unit of the relative power value can be decibels (dB), but this application embodiment is not limited to this.

[0129] For example, the relative power of the first signal and the second signal can be 10dB, which means that in the direction in which the network device sends the second signal to the terminal device, the power of the second signal sent by the network device is 10dB higher than the power of the first signal.

[0130] To better understand the relative power values ​​of the first and second signals provided in the embodiments of this application, examples are given.

[0131] If the network device transmits a first signal with power P1 and a second signal with power P2, and the maximum antenna gain for transmitting the first signal is G1 and the maximum antenna gain for transmitting the second signal is G2, since the first signal transmitted by the network device will leak into the beam pointing direction of the second signal, let G3 be the gain of the beam used by the network device to transmit the first signal in the direction of the maximum antenna gain of the second signal. Then, the difference between the power of the second signal and the power of the first signal is: P2 + G2 - P1 - G3. If we use linear values ​​as units, the difference between the power of the second signal and the power of the first signal can also be expressed as a power ratio, i.e., P2 * G2 / P1 / G3.

[0132] The first indication information is used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal, and includes a variety of possible implementations.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the first indication information may include a value representing the relative power of the first signal and the second signal. This implementation is simple and direct, allowing the terminal device to directly obtain the relative power of the first signal and the second signal from the first indication information.

[0134] In another possible implementation, the first indication information may include multiple power relative values, one of which is the power relative value between the first signal and the second signal. In this case, the network device may also send another indication information to the terminal device, which indicates the index value of the power relative value between the first signal and the second signal among the multiple power relative values. Alternatively, the network device sends another indication information to the terminal device, which indicates multiple power relative values ​​between the first signal and the second signal, and the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device, which indicates the index value of the power relative value between the first signal and the second signal among the multiple power relative values. The multiple power relative values ​​can be referred to as candidate values ​​for the power relative value, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0135] For example, an indication message indicates multiple relative power values, such as 10dB, 15dB, and 20dB. The first indication message is used to indicate the index value of the relative power value of the first signal and the second signal among the multiple relative power values. In one example, the first indication message includes a field that indicates the index value of the relative power value of the first signal and the second signal among the multiple relative power values. For example, this field can be two bits, and the correspondence between the values ​​of these two bits and the relative power values ​​can be as shown in Table 5.

[0136] Table 5

[0137] Bit value meaning 00 10dB 01 15dB 10 20dB 11 Reserved

[0138] As shown in Table 2, when the two bits are 00, the relative power value is 10dB; when the two bits are 01, the relative power value is 15dB; when the two bits are 10, the relative power value is 20dB; and when the two bits are 11, the power value is reserved.

[0139] This implementation indirectly indicates the relative power values ​​of the first and second signals through two indication messages, which improves the security of information transmission compared to direct indication.

[0140] It is understood that the aforementioned first indication information can also be used to indicate whether a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal. In one example, the first indication information may include a field indicating whether the first signal within the first time period is associated with a second signal, and also indicating the index value of the relative power value of the first signal and the second signal among multiple relative power values. For example, this field is two bits, used to indicate whether the first signal within the first time period is associated with a second signal, and also to indicate the index value of the relative power value of the first signal and the second signal among multiple relative power values. Table 6 shows an example of a two-bit indication information.

[0141] Table 6

[0142] Bit value meaning 00 The first signal is not related to the second signal. 01 The first signal is associated with the second signal, 10dB 10 The first signal is associated with the second signal, 15dB. 11 The first signal is associated with the second signal, 20dB.

[0143] As shown in Table 6, when the value of two bits is 00, it indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal; when the value of these two bits is 01, it indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the relative power of the first signal and the second signal is 10dB; when the value of these two bits is 10, it indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the relative power of the first signal and the second signal is 15dB; when the value of these two bits is 11, it indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the relative power of the first signal and the second signal is 20dB.

[0144] In order to better remove interference from the second signal when the terminal device demodulates the first signal, the network device can also send characteristic parameters of the second signal to the terminal device, such as the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, and the time domain position of the second signal.

[0145] For example, Figure 5 A schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. This method 500 can be applied to the above-described... Figure 2 The example shown is a scenario integrating communication and sensing. Figure 5 As shown, the method 500 may include the following steps:

[0146] S501. The network device sends a first indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that a first signal is associated with a second signal within a first time period. The first signal is used for communication, and the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these.

[0147] S502, the network device sends a second indication information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second indication information, which is used to indicate at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficient of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal.

[0148] When the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the terminal device needs to consider removing interference from the second signal when demodulating the first signal. The network device can indicate characteristic parameters of the second signal to the terminal device through the second indication information, such as at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal, so that the terminal device can remove interference from the second signal when demodulating the first signal based on this information.

[0149] The second indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal. In one example, the second indication information can be used to indicate the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal. In another example, the second indication information can be used to indicate two of the following: the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal. In yet another example, the second indication information can be used to indicate the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, and the time domain position of the second signal. It is understood that the more characteristic parameters of the second signal indicated by the second indication information, the more beneficial it is for the terminal device to remove interference from the second signal during demodulation of the first signal.

[0150] S503, the network device sends a first signal and a second signal to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first signal and the second signal accordingly.

[0151] S504. The terminal device demodulates the first signal based on the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0152] Based on the first indication information, the terminal device can determine that the first signal is associated with a second signal. Based on the second indication information, it can determine at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficient of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal. When demodulating the first signal, the interference caused by the second signal can be removed based on at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficient of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal.

[0153] In this implementation, the network device informs the terminal device of at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficient of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal through the second indication information. This helps the terminal device to better remove the interference caused by the second signal when demodulating the first signal.

[0154] To better understand the characteristic parameters of the second signal, they will be explained in detail below.

[0155] 1) Sequence of the second signal

[0156] The sequence of the second signal can include N symbols, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each of the N symbols can be represented as a complex number, i.e., x + j*y, where x is the real part and y is the imaginary part. The value of N is generally large; for example, N can reach the order of several hundred. If the second indication information directly indicates the values ​​of the N symbols included in the sequence of the first signal, it would result in a large number of information bits required for the second indication information, leading to excessive overhead. Therefore, the network device and the terminal device can predetermine a candidate sequence set for the sequence of the first signal. This candidate set can be several specific sequences or several input parameters for generating the sequence of the first signal, such as initialization seed values. The network device can indicate the index of the sequence of the first signal in the candidate sequence set through the second indication information, or indicate the index of the input parameters for generating the sequence of the first signal in the candidate sequence set. The terminal device can determine the sequence of the first signal based on the second indication information and the candidate sequence set.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the network device and the terminal device can predetermine a candidate sequence set for the sequence of the first signal, and the candidate set includes several specific sequences. The second indication information can be used to indicate the index of the sequence of the first signal in the candidate sequence set. For example, if the candidate sequence set includes 10 sequences numbered from #0 to #9, the second indication information can be used to indicate a value from #0 to #9, such as #5, which indicates that the sequence of the first signal is the sequence numbered #5 in the candidate sequence set.

[0158] In another possible implementation, the network device and the terminal device can predetermine a candidate sequence set for the sequence of the first signal. The candidate set includes several initialization seed values ​​for generating the first signal, and the second indication information can be used to indicate the index of the initialization seed value for generating the first signal in the candidate sequence set. For example, if the candidate sequence set includes 10 initialization seed values ​​numbered from 0 to 9, the second indication information can be used to indicate a value from 0 to 9, such as 5, which indicates that the initialization seed for generating the first signal is the initialization seed value numbered 5 in the candidate sequence set.

[0159] If the network device and the terminal device do not have a preset set of candidate sequences for the first signal sequence, the network device can indicate the initialization seed value for generating the first signal sequence through the second indication information. For example, the initialization seed value can be 100 or 1000. The terminal device can obtain the initialization seed value based on the second indication information and generate the first signal sequence based on the initialization seed value. This implementation method requires fewer information bits for the second indication information and is simple and convenient.

[0160] 2) Frequency domain coefficients of the second signal

[0161] The frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal can be used to preprocess the sequence of the second signal. Therefore, the frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal can also be referred to as the preprocessing coefficients of the second signal. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0162] The frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal may include M coefficients, and the sequence of the second signal may include N symbols, where M may be equal to N. Any one of the M coefficients may be a real number or a complex number. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0163] The m-th coefficient among the M coefficients may be denoted as a[m], the m-th symbol among the N symbols may be denoted as x[m], and the method for the frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal to preprocess the sequence of the second signal may be y[m] = a[m] * x[m], where y[m] is the m-th symbol in the preprocessed second signal. In one example, both x[m] and y[m] may be represented as a complex number, including a real part and an imaginary part.

[0164] The second indication information is used to indicate the frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal. In one example, the second indication information may indicate the M coefficients included in the frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal. In another example, if there are special rules for the M coefficients included in the frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal, the second indication information may indicate the L coefficients included in the frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal, where L is less than M.

[0165] Exemplarily, the M coefficients included in the frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal satisfy that for a predetermined positive integer k, k < M, for all coefficients with indices less than k: a[1], a[2], …, a[k - 1], there is a[i] < a[i + 1], i < k; and at the same time, for all coefficients with indices greater than k: a[k + 1], a[k + 2], …, a[M], there is a[i] > a[i + 1], i > k. Or, the M coefficients included in the frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal satisfy that for a predetermined positive integer k, k < M, for all coefficients with indices less than k: a[1], a[2], …, a[k - 1], there is a[i] > a[i + 1], i < k; and at the same time, for all coefficients with indices greater than k: a[k + 1], a[k + 2], …, a[M], there is a[i] < a[i + 1], i > k. Under this special rule, the second indication information can be used to indicate the k-th coefficient in the frequency-domain coefficients of the second signal.

[0166] For example, if M is 12, the M coefficients can be {0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.6, 0.6, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3}, or {0.6, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.6}. Under this specific rule, the second indication information can be used to indicate the 6th and 7th coefficients (i.e., 0.6 or 0.3) in the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal. For example, if M is 24, the M coefficients can be {0.9,0.8,0.75,0.7,0.65,0.6,0.55,0.5,0.45,0.4,0.35,0.3,0.3,0.35,0.4,0.45,0.5,0.55,0.6,0.65,0.7,0.75,0.8,0.9}, or {0.9,0.8,0.75,0.7,0.65,0.6,0.55,0.5,0.45,0.4,0.35,0.3,0.3,0.35,0.4,0.45,0.5,0.55,0.6,0.65,0.7,0.75,0.8,0.9}. Under this special rule, the second indication information can be used to indicate the 12th and 7th coefficients (i.e., 0.9 or 0.3) in the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal.

[0167] 3) Time-domain location of the second signal

[0168] The time-domain position of the second signal, that is, the position of the symbol occupied by the second signal in the time slot, or in other words, the position of the symbol carrying the second signal within a time period, which can be one or more time slots. The second signal can occupy one or more symbols in a time slot, but this application does not limit this.

[0169] The second indication information is used to indicate the time domain position of the second signal. In one example, the first indication information may indicate the symbol number occupied by the second signal in the time slot.

[0170] For example, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the time-domain location of a second signal is shown. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in 5G NR, a time slot can include 14 symbols, numbered #0 to #13. The symbols occupied by the second signal are numbered #6 and #13. Therefore, the second indication information can indicate that the time domain position of the second signal is the symbol numbered #6 and the symbol numbered #13 in a time slot. Based on the second indication information, the terminal device can determine that the second signal is carried on the symbol numbered #6 and the symbol numbered #13 in a time slot.

[0171] As an optional embodiment, the aforementioned first indication information can be carried in a DCI.

[0172] As an optional embodiment, the aforementioned second indication information can be carried in RRC layer signaling or MAC layer signaling.

[0173] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0174] The sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0175] The above text combines Figures 1 to 6 The method of the embodiments of this application has been described in detail below, and will be combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8 The apparatus of the embodiments of this application is described in detail below.

[0176] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 may include a transceiver module 710 and a processing module 720.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the communication device 700 can perform the steps performed by the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0178] The transceiver module 710 is configured to: receive first indication information, which indicates that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal or is not associated with a second signal, wherein the first signal is used for communication, the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these; receive the first signal and the second signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, or receive the first signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal; the processing module 720 is configured to: demodulate the first signal based on the first indication information.

[0179] In another possible implementation, the communication device 700 can perform the steps performed by the network device in the above embodiments.

[0180] The processing module 720 is configured to: send a first indication information through the transceiver module 710, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, or is not associated with a second signal, wherein the first signal is used for communication, the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these; and send the first signal and the second signal under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, or send the first signal under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is not associated with the second signal.

[0181] It should be understood that the communication device 700 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 700 can specifically be a terminal device or a network device as described in the above embodiments. The communication device 700 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described further here.

[0182] The communication device 700 of each of the above solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the above methods; the above functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0183] In the embodiments of this application, Figure 7 The communication device 700 in the text can also be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC).

[0184] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of another communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 includes a processor 810, a communication interface 820, and a memory 830. The processor 810, communication interface 820, and memory 830 communicate with each other via internal connections. The memory 830 stores instructions. The communication interface 820 has input / output or transmit / receive functions and is used to communicate with other devices via a transmission medium, enabling the communication device 800 to communicate with other devices. The processor 810 executes the instructions stored in the memory 830 to control the communication interface 820 to send and / or receive signals.

[0185] It should be understood that the communication device 800 may specifically be a terminal device or a network device as described in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 830 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 810 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 810 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 810 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device or network device. The communication interface 820 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the communication interface 820 for performing a sending action, and the receiver may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the communication interface 820 for performing a receiving action.

[0186] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor of the above-described device can be a central processing unit (CPU), which can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0187] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software units within the processor. The software units can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0188] This application also provides a communication system, which may include the terminal device and network device described in the above embodiments.

[0189] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that implements the methods corresponding to the terminal devices shown in the various possible implementations of the above embodiments.

[0190] This application provides another computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that implements the methods corresponding to the network devices shown in the various possible implementations of the above embodiments.

[0191] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer can execute the method corresponding to the terminal device shown in the above embodiments.

[0192] This application provides another computer program product, which includes a computer program (also called code or instructions). When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer can execute the methods corresponding to the network devices shown in the various possible implementations of the above embodiments.

[0193] This application provides a chip system for supporting the terminal device described above to implement the functions shown in this application.

[0194] This application provides another chip system for supporting the network devices described above to implement the functions shown in this application.

[0195] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0196] 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.

[0197] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0198] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0199] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0200] If a function 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 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, a server, or a receiving end, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of 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.

[0201] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to terminal devices, including: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, or is not associated with the second signal, wherein the first signal is used for communication, the second signal is used for communication, sensing or energy transmission, or one or more of the following: the first signal and the second signal are sent within the first time period. The first signal and the second signal are received when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal; or the first signal is received when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal. Demodulate the first signal based on the first indication information; The demodulation of the first signal based on the first indication information includes: Under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the interference of the second signal on the demodulation of the first signal is removed, and the first signal is demodulated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, While the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal, wherein the type of the second signal includes one of a communication signal, a sensing signal, a sensing signal, or a power transmission signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, While the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes, whereby the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal: Receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal; The demodulation of the first signal based on the first indication information includes: The first signal is demodulated based on the first indication information and the second indication information.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

6. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, including: Send a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, or is not associated with the second signal, wherein the first signal is used for communication, the second signal is used for communication, sensing or energy transmission, or one or more of these, and the first signal and the second signal are sent within the first time period; Under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first signal and the second signal are sent, and the second signal interferes with the demodulation of the first signal; The first signal is sent when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Under the condition of sending the first signal and the second signal, the echo signal of the second signal is received, and sensing is performed based on the echo signal.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, While the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal, wherein the type of the second signal includes one of a communication signal, a sensing signal, a sensing signal, or a power transmission signal.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, While the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal.

10. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, a second indication information is sent, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficient of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal.

11. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A transceiver module is configured to receive first indication information, which indicates that a first signal within a first time period is associated with a second signal, or is not associated with the second signal, wherein the first signal is used for communication, the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, and the first signal and the second signal are transmitted within the first time period; the transceiver module receives the first signal and the second signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, or receives the first signal when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal; The processing module is used to demodulate the first signal based on the first indication information; Specifically, the processing module is used for: Under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the interference of the second signal on the demodulation of the first signal is removed, and the first signal is demodulated.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, While the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal, wherein the type of the second signal includes one of a communication signal, a sensing signal, a sensing signal, or a power transmission signal.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, While the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, When the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the transceiver module is further configured to: Receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficients of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal; The processing module is also used for: The first signal is demodulated based on the first indication information and the second indication information.

16. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing module is configured to send first indication information through a transceiver module. The first indication information is used to indicate whether a first signal is associated with a second signal or not associated with the second signal within a first time period. The first signal is used for communication, and the second signal is used for communication, sensing, or energy transmission, or one or more of these. The first signal and the second signal are sent within the first time period. The first signal and the second signal are sent when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is associated with the second signal, and the second signal interferes with the demodulation of the first signal. Alternatively, the first signal is sent when the first indication information indicates that the first signal is not associated with the second signal.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The transceiver module is also used for: Under the condition of sending the first signal and the second signal, the echo signal of the second signal is received, and sensing is performed based on the echo signal.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, While the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the type of the second signal, wherein the type of the second signal includes one of a communication signal, a sensing signal, a sensing signal, or a power transmission signal.

20. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, While the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, the first indication information is also used to indicate the relative power values ​​of the first signal and the second signal.

21. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The transceiver module is also used for: Under the condition that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first signal is associated with the second signal, a second indication information is sent, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one of the sequence of the second signal, the frequency domain coefficient of the second signal, or the time domain position of the second signal.

22. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

23. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing instructions, which, when invoked by the processor, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 5 to be executed or the method of any one of claims 6 to 11 to be executed.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a communication device, causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 5 to be executed or causes the method of any one of claims 6 to 11 to be executed.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 5 to be performed or cause the method of any one of claims 6 to 11 to be performed.

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