Time slot configuration method, base station, terminal and related devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a time slot configuration method, a base station, a terminal and related devices. A time slot configuration method, the time slot configuration method is performed by a terminal, comprising: receiving a first message, the first message is used to configure a time slot in which a communication sensing signal can be transmitted, wherein the first message comprises configuration parameter information used to configure a switching period in a frame of the communication sensing signal, the switching period comprises a downlink time slot, an uplink time slot, a sensing time slot and a flexible time slot; and configuring the switching period in the frame according to the first message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a time slot configuration method, a base station, a terminal, a communication system, a non-transient storage medium, and a computer program product associated with the time slot configuration method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of communication technology, mobile communication technology has evolved to the sixth generation of mobile communication technology (6G). 6G networks will be a fusion of mobile communication networks, sensing networks, and computing networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A brief overview of this disclosure is given below to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of it. However, it should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of this disclosure. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a time slot configuration method is provided, which is performed by a base station, comprising: sending a first message for configuring time slots in which communication sensing signals can be transmitted, the first message including: configuration parameter information for configuring a conversion period in a frame of the communication sensing signals, the conversion period including downlink time slots, uplink time slots, sensing time slots and flexible time slots.

[0005] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a time slot configuration method is provided, which is executed by a terminal, comprising: receiving a first message for configuring a time slot in which a communication sensing signal can be transmitted, wherein the first message includes configuration parameter information for configuring a conversion period in a frame for configuring the communication sensing signal, the conversion period including a downlink time slot, an uplink time slot, a sensing time slot, and a flexible time slot; and configuring the conversion period in the frame according to the first message.

[0006] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a base station is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the time slot configuration method according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the time slot configuration method according to a second aspect of this disclosure.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a base station and a terminal. The base station is configured to transmit a first message, the first message being used to configure time slots for transmitting communication-sensing signals, wherein the first message includes configuration parameter information for a switching period in a frame for configuring the communication-sensing signals, the switching period including downlink time slots, uplink time slots, sensing time slots, and flexible time slots. The terminal is configured to receive the first message and configure the switching period in the frame according to the first message.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon is provided, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the time slot configuration method according to a first or second aspect of this disclosure.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the time slot configuration method according to a first or second aspect of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The foregoing and other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following description of embodiments illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings, incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, are further used to explain the principles of this disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use it. Wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 A flowchart of a time slot configuration method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 A non-limiting example structural diagram of a frame of a synesthetic signal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 3 A non-limiting example structural diagram of a conversion cycle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 4 A non-limiting example structural diagram of a sensing time slot according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 5 A non-limiting example structural diagram of flexible time slots according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 6A flowchart of a time slot configuration method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a base station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of a terminal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 9 A schematic block diagram of a computer system on which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown.

[0021] Note that in the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals are sometimes used across different figures to denote the same parts or parts with the same function, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In some cases, similar reference numerals and letters are used to denote similar items, so once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0022] For ease of understanding, the positions, dimensions, and extents of the structures shown in the accompanying drawings and other materials may not represent actual positions, dimensions, and extents. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the positions, dimensions, and extents disclosed in the accompanying drawings and other materials. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or its application or use. That is, the structures and methods herein are shown in an exemplary manner to illustrate different embodiments of the structures and methods in this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that they merely illustrate exemplary ways that can be used to implement this disclosure, and not exhaustive ways. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged to show details of specific components.

[0025] In addition, techniques, methods and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0026] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0027] In a narrow sense, a sensing network refers to a system capable of target localization (range measurement, velocity measurement, angle measurement), target imaging, target detection, target tracking, and target recognition. In a broad sense, a sensing network refers to a system capable of sensing the attributes and states of all services, networks, users, terminals, and environmental objects. Moving towards 6G, the convergence of communication and sensing systems will further broaden the sensing scope, service range, and sensing accuracy, enabling a leap from on-network terminals to off-network terminals, from traditional positioning to new services such as recognition and imaging, and from meter-level sensing accuracy to sub-meter-level sensing accuracy.

[0028] The integration of communication and sensing systems can be termed "Integrated Sensing and Communication" (ISAC), where "communication sensing" can be simply referred to as "synesthesia" in this paper. ISAC can fully share the spatial, temporal, and frequency resources of wireless communication and radar sensing, achieving coexistence and mutual benefit. On the one hand, communication systems can utilize the same spectrum and even reuse hardware or signal processing modules to complete different types of sensing services. On the other hand, sensing results can be used to assist communication access or management, improving service quality and communication efficiency. For example, ISAC can help mobile operators provide many new services, such as high-precision positioning, tracking, biomedical and security imaging, simultaneous positioning and mapping for complex indoor and outdoor environments, pollution and natural disaster monitoring, gesture and motion recognition, and defect and material detection. These new services, in turn, will create new business scenarios for future consumers and various vertical industries.

[0029] ISAC technology has garnered significant attention within the industry and is considered a key candidate technology for 6G. Therefore, research on ISAC application scenarios and potential requirements based on the 5G-Advanced air interface has been initially initiated in 3GPP Release 19 (3GPP Release 19). Discussions on sensing channel modeling are underway at the 3GPP RAN1 physical layer, and related discussions are expected to commence at the higher radio layers in 3GPP Release 20.

[0030] Currently, for example, in 5G mobile communication technology, the time slots configured using Time Division Duplexing (TDD) based on 5G New Radio (5G NR) only include uplink symbols, downlink symbols, and flexible symbols. Therefore, the time slots configured according to related technologies can only be used to transmit communication signals and not to transmit sensing signals or sensory signals.

[0031] To address this, this disclosure proposes a time slot configuration method from the perspective of 3GPP RAN2 Layer 2 and Layer 3. This method generates sensing time slots by configuring sensing symbols within time slots to meet sensing coverage requirements. Through the combination of downlink time slots, uplink time slots, sensing time slots, and flexible time slots, this disclosure ensures the coverage of sensing signals and achieves efficient resource utilization and flexible configuration, thereby facilitating the implementation of sensing integration.

[0032] It is understood that although the time slot configuration method proposed in this disclosure is geared towards 6G, the various embodiments described in this disclosure can be applied to various current communication systems, such as Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, or 5G systems.

[0033] The communication methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that actual communication methods may include other steps, but to avoid obscuring the essential points of the disclosure, these other steps will not be discussed herein and are not shown in the drawings. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., may be used herein for reference only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and other such numerical terms relating to structures or elements do not imply order or sequence.

[0034] Figure 1 A flowchart of a time slot configuration method 100 (hereinafter referred to as "method 100") according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example, method 100 can be performed by a base station. Figure 1As shown, method 100 includes step S102. It can be understood that the base station used in this embodiment of the disclosure can be, for example, an evolved Node B (eNB) in an LTE system, a base station (the next generation Node B, gNB) in a 5G system or NR system, or a base station in a future 6G system.

[0035] At step S102, a first message is sent, which configures time slots capable of transmitting communication sensing signals. The first message includes configuration parameter information for the conversion period in the frame used to configure the communication sensing signals. Specifically, the conversion period includes downlink time slots, uplink time slots, sensing time slots, and flexible time slots. Here, a downlink time slot may refer to a time slot composed of downlink symbols, an uplink time slot may refer to a time slot composed of uplink symbols, and a sensing time slot may refer to a time slot composed of sensing symbols. Additionally, a flexible time slot may refer to a time slot initially composed of flexible symbols, for example, some or all of these flexible symbols may have already been configured as any type of communication and / or sensing symbol (e.g., uplink symbols, downlink symbols, sensing symbols), or may remain as flexible symbols for subsequent on-demand configuration. In some examples, interval symbols may be set between the configured symbols (e.g., uplink symbols, downlink symbols, sensing symbols) in the time slot; this disclosure does not describe interval symbols separately.

[0036] In some embodiments, the symbol types of sensing symbols include pulse wave symbols (which may be simply referred to as "p symbols") and continuous wave symbols (which may be simply referred to as "c symbols"). Sensing information can be transmitted and received using p symbols and c symbols, thereby meeting sensing requirements. In some examples, p symbols can be used to implement sensing services at a distance from the transmitting source (e.g., base station, terminal, etc.), while c symbols can be used to implement sensing services closer to the transmitting source. By combining p symbols and c symbols, a wider sensing coverage area can be achieved.

[0037] For example, the first message may include corresponding configuration parameter information for each of the one or more conversion cycles of the frame, or the first message may include configuration parameter information for all conversion cycles to be applied to the one or more conversion cycles of the frame.

[0038] In some embodiments, the configuration parameter information includes first parameter information for determining the number of time slots included in the conversion cycle. In some examples, the first parameter information may include a time slot configuration cycle.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first message can be configured such that each conversion cycle in a frame having a first number of time slots has a second number of time slots, the second number being divisible by the first number. This means that a frame may include one or more complete conversion cycles.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 It illustrates a non-limiting example structural diagram of a frame of a synesthetic signal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that... Figure 2 The frame structure shown is schematic and not the actual structure. For example... Figure 2 As shown, frame 202 may include 20 time slots 204 (here, the first number is 20), wherein every four time slots constitute a conversion period 206 (here, the second number is 4), that is, frame 202 includes 5 conversion periods 206, and each conversion period 206 includes 4 time slots 204. Of course, the conversion period 206 may also alternatively include 1, 2, 5, 10 or 20 time slots, and correspondingly, the frame may include 20, 10, 4, 2 or 1 conversion period.

[0041] In some embodiments, the configuration parameter information may further include at least one of the following: a second parameter for determining the distribution of downlink time slots in the conversion period, a third parameter for determining the distribution of uplink time slots in the conversion period, a fourth parameter for determining the distribution of sensing time slots in the conversion period, or a fifth parameter for determining the distribution of flexible time slots in the conversion period.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second parameter information may indicate the starting downlink time slot position and the ending downlink time slot position. In various embodiments of this disclosure, the time slot position may be indicated by a time slot position index. For example, the second parameter information may include an array {1, 3}, where "1" indicates that the starting downlink time slot position is the first time slot in the conversion cycle, and "3" indicates that the ending downlink time slot position is the third time slot in the conversion cycle, that is, the first to third time slots in the conversion cycle are configured as downlink time slots.

[0043] In other embodiments, the second parameter information may indicate one of the starting downlink time slot position and the ending downlink time slot position, as well as the number of downlink time slots. For example, the second parameter information may include an array {4, 5}, where "4" indicates that the starting downlink time slot position is the fourth time slot in the conversion cycle, and "5" indicates the number of downlink time slots, that is, the five time slots starting from the fourth time slot in the conversion cycle are configured as downlink time slots.

[0044] In some other embodiments, when one of the start and end downlink time slot positions is specified, the second parameter information indicates the other of the start and end downlink time slot positions or indicates the number of downlink time slots. For example, in TDD time slot configuration, downlink time slots are typically configured from the start time slot position of the conversion period to the end time slot position. Thus, the distribution of downlink time slots in the conversion period can be determined by specifying only the end downlink time slot position or the number of downlink time slots in the second parameter information. For example, in this case, the second parameter information may include the end downlink time slot position index 3 or the number of downlink time slots 3, which would mean that the first three time slots (i.e., up to the third time slot) in the conversion period (i.e., the start time slot) are configured as downlink time slots.

[0045] In some embodiments, the third parameter information indicates the start and end uplink timeslot positions. In other embodiments, the third parameter information indicates one of the start and end uplink timeslot positions and the number of uplink timeslots. In still other embodiments, if one of the start and end uplink timeslot positions is specified, the third parameter information indicates the other of the start and end uplink timeslot positions or indicates the number of uplink timeslots. For example, in TDD timeslot configuration, uplink timeslots are typically configured from the end timeslot position of the conversion cycle to the start timeslot position; thus, specifying only the end uplink timeslot position or the number of uplink timeslots in the third parameter information is sufficient to determine the distribution of uplink timeslots in the conversion cycle.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fourth parameter information indicates the start and end sensing time slot positions. In other embodiments, the fourth parameter information indicates one of the start and end sensing time slot positions, as well as the number of sensing time slots.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fifth parameter information indicates the start and end flexible time slot positions. In other embodiments, the fifth parameter information indicates one of the start and end flexible time slot positions, as well as the number of flexible time slots.

[0048] For specific examples of the third parameter information of the uplink time slot, the fourth parameter information of the sensing time slot, and the fifth parameter information of the flexible time slot, please refer to the above description of the second parameter information of the downlink time slot, which will not be elaborated here.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first message may be configured such that the frame transition period includes a third number of downlink time slots, a fourth number of uplink time slots, a fifth number of sensing time slots, and a sixth number of flexible time slots, wherein the sum of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth numbers is equal to the second number, and in this transition period, the downlink time slots precede the uplink time slots, and the sensing time slots are located between the downlink and uplink time slots.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first message is configured such that during the frame transition period: consecutively arranged sensing time slots precede consecutively arranged flexible time slots; or consecutively arranged flexible time slots precede consecutively arranged sensing time slots; or one or more sensing time slots are alternately arranged with one or more flexible time slots.

[0051] refer to Figure 3 This illustrates a non-limiting example structural diagram of a conversion cycle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It can be understood that... Figure 3 The structures of the conversion cycles shown are schematic and not actual structures. Figure 3 In the diagram, D depicts the downlink time slot, U depicts the uplink time slot, S depicts the sensing time slot, and F depicts the flexible time slot.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown in (A), the conversion cycle 302 may include a third number of downlink time slots 304, a fifth number of sensing time slots 306, a sixth number of flexible time slots 308, and a fourth number of uplink time slots 310 from left to right.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown in (B), the conversion cycle 302 may include a third number of downlink time slots 304, a sixth number of flexible time slots 308, a fifth number of sensing time slots 306, and a fourth number of uplink time slots 310 from left to right.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown in (C), the transition period 302 may include a third number of downlink time slots 304 on the left and a fourth number of uplink time slots 310 on the right, and may also include a fifth number of sensing time slots 306 and a sixth number of flexible time slots 308 located between the third number of downlink time slots 304 and the fourth number of uplink time slots 310, wherein the sensing time slots 306 and flexible time slots 308 are arranged alternately. For example, in (C), the sensing time slots 306 and flexible time slots 308 may be arranged in the manner of “SFSFSFSF......”. Alternatively, the sensing time slots 306 and flexible time slots 308 may also be arranged in the manner of “FSFSFSFS......”.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown in (D), the transition period 302 may include a third number of downlink time slots 304 on the left and a fourth number of uplink time slots 310 on the right, and may also include a fifth number of sensing time slots 306 and a sixth number of flexible time slots 308 located between the third number of downlink time slots 304 and the fourth number of uplink time slots 310, wherein the sensing time slots 306 and flexible time slots 308 are arranged alternately in a manner different from (C). For example, in (D), the sensing time slots 306 and flexible time slots 308 may be arranged in the manner of “SFFSSFFS......”. Alternatively, the sensing time slots 306 and flexible time slots 308 may also be arranged in the manner of “FSSFFSSF......”.

[0056] Therefore, the distribution of downlink time slots, uplink time slots, sensing time slots, and flexible time slots in the frame conversion period can be determined by the first to fifth parameter information.

[0057] In some embodiments, the configuration parameter information includes sixth parameter information for determining the distribution of sensing symbols in the sensing time slots. For example, the sixth parameter information may indicate the symbol type of the sensing symbols in the sensing time slots. The symbol type of the sensing symbols may be selected from the group including pulse wave symbols and continuous wave symbols.

[0058] As an example, the sixth parameter information may include the slot location index of the sensing slot and the symbol type of the sensing symbols in the sensing slot corresponding to that slot location index. In such an example, in response to the sixth parameter information including only the symbol type of the sensing symbols in addition to the slot location index, all symbols in the sensing slot corresponding to that slot location index in the conversion period may be configured as sensing symbols with the symbol type indicated by the sixth parameter information. For example, if the sixth parameter information includes {6, p}, then the 6th slot in the conversion period is a sensing slot, and the symbols in the 6th slot in the conversion period are configured as all p symbols.

[0059] As another example, the sixth parameter information may include the time slot position index of the sensing time slot, the symbol type of the sensing symbols in the sensing time slot corresponding to that time slot position index, and the number of sensing symbols of that symbol type. For example, if the sixth parameter information includes {6, p, 4, c, 4}, then the 6th time slot in the conversion cycle is a sensing time slot, and the symbols in the 6th time slot in the conversion cycle are configured as four p symbols and four c symbols. In some implementations, the symbol order in the time slot can be configured according to the arrangement order of the symbol types in the sixth parameter information. For example, {6, p, 4, c, 4} may indicate that four consecutive p symbols are placed before four consecutive c symbols.

[0060] As another example, the sixth parameter information includes the time slot location index of the sensing time slot, the symbol location index of the sensing symbol in the sensing time slot corresponding to the time slot location index, and the symbol type of the sensing symbol corresponding to the symbol location index.

[0061] For example, if the sixth parameter information includes {6, (1,3,5,7), p, (2,4,6,8), c}, then the sixth time slot in the conversion cycle is the sensing time slot, and the first, third, fifth, and seventh symbols in the sensing time slot are configured as p symbols, and the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth symbols are configured as c symbols.

[0062] In addition, in some implementations, if the time slot location index of the sensing time slot in the sixth parameter information is omitted (i.e., the time slot location index of the sensing time slot is not included), it can be assumed that the sixth parameter information will be applied to all sensing time slots, rather than specifying a particular sensing time slot.

[0063] It is understood that the examples of parameter information presented in this article are illustrative rather than restrictive, and do not indicate the actual structure of the parameter information.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first message is configured such that in the sensing time slot of the conversion cycle: all are pulse wave symbols; or all are continuous wave symbols; or a continuous arrangement of pulse wave symbols precedes a continuous arrangement of continuous wave symbols; or a continuous arrangement of continuous wave symbols precedes a continuous arrangement of pulse wave symbols; or one or more pulse wave symbols are alternately arranged with one or more continuous wave symbols.

[0065] refer to Figure 4 It illustrates a non-limiting example structural diagram of a sensing time slot according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that... Figure 4 The structures of the sensing time slots shown are schematic and not actual structures. Figure 4 In the diagram, p represents the symbol for a pulse wave, and c represents the symbol for a continuous wave.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), sensing slot 402 may include full-pulse symbol 404. Alternatively, as... Figure 4 As shown in (B) above, the sensing time slot 402 can include a fully continuous wave symbol 406. Alternatively, as... Figure 4 As shown in (C), the sensing time slot 402 may include a continuously arranged continuous wave symbol 406 and a continuously arranged pulse wave symbol 404 preceding the continuously arranged continuous wave symbol 406. Alternatively, as... Figure 4 As shown in (D), the sensing time slot 402 may include consecutively arranged pulse wave symbols 404 and consecutively arranged continuous wave symbols 406 preceding the consecutively arranged pulse wave symbols 404. Alternatively, as... Figure 4 As shown in (E), the sensing time slot 402 may include an alternating arrangement of a pulse wave symbol 404 and a continuous wave symbol 406.

[0067] In some embodiments, the configuration parameter information includes a seventh parameter for determining the distribution of symbols in the flexible time slot. For example, the seventh parameter information may indicate the symbol type of the symbols in the flexible time slot. The symbol type of the symbols in the flexible time slot may be selected from the group including uplink symbols, downlink symbols, pulse wave symbols, continuous wave symbols, flexible symbols, and spaced symbols.

[0068] In some embodiments, the seventh parameter information includes the number of downlink symbols in the flexible time slot, the number of uplink symbols in the flexible time slot, the number of pulse wave symbols in the flexible time slot, and the number of continuous wave symbols in the flexible time slot.

[0069] In other embodiments, the seventh parameter information includes the number of downlink symbols in the flexible time slot, the number of uplink symbols in the flexible time slot, and also includes the symbol position index of the sensing symbol in the flexible time slot and the symbol type of the sensing symbol corresponding to the symbol position index.

[0070] For example, in TDD time slot configuration, after configuring the downlink time slot, uplink time slot, and sensing time slot in a conversion cycle, the remaining time slots in that conversion cycle are reserved as flexible time slots. When configuring flexible time slots, by default, the symbols in the flexible time slot can be configured starting from the first flexible time slot in the direction from the uplink time slot to the downlink time slot, combined with the seventh parameter information. In other examples, when configuring flexible time slots, the symbols in the flexible time slot can be configured by default starting from the first flexible time slot in the direction from the downlink time slot to the uplink time slot, combined with the seventh parameter information. In still other examples, when configuring flexible time slots, a flexible time slot in the conversion cycle can be randomly selected and the symbols in that flexible time slot can be configured using the seventh parameter information. In yet other examples, the seventh parameter information may include the time slot location index of the flexible time slot, and the specific symbol configuration information in the flexible time slot corresponding to that time slot location index, as described in the foregoing embodiments, to configure the symbols in the flexible time slot at a specific time slot location.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first message is configured to include an uplink symbol, a downlink symbol preceding the uplink symbol, and a sensing symbol between the downlink symbol and the uplink symbol in a flexible time slot during the frame transition period.

[0072] In some examples, the first message is configured such that the flexible time slot may also include at least one flexible symbol located between downlink symbols and sensing symbols. In some examples, the sum of the number of downlink symbols, uplink symbols, and sensing symbols in the flexible time slot is less than the number of symbols included in the flexible time slot. Therefore, the remaining symbols in the flexible time slot may include flexible symbols, optionally including interval symbols. For example, the first message may be configured such that the flexible time slot may also include one or more of the following: a seventh number of interval symbols located between sensing symbols and uplink symbols; an eighth number of interval symbols located between downlink symbols and sensing symbols; and a ninth number of interval symbols located between pulse wave symbols and continuous wave symbols.

[0073] In some examples, the first message is configured such that, in the flexible time slot, either consecutively arranged pulse wave symbols precede consecutively arranged continuous wave symbols, or consecutively arranged continuous wave symbols precede consecutively arranged pulse wave symbols.

[0074] refer to Figure 5 It illustrates a non-limiting example structural diagram of flexible time slots according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that... Figure 5 The flexible time slot structures shown are schematic and not actual structures. Figure 5 In the symbol, d represents the downlink symbol, f represents the flexible symbol, g represents the interval symbol, p represents the pulse wave symbol, c represents the continuous wave symbol, and u represents the uplink symbol.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown in (A), the flexible time slot 502 may include, from left to right, a downlink symbol 504, a flexible symbol 506, an interval symbol 508, a continuously arranged pulse wave symbol 510, an interval symbol 508, a continuously arranged continuous wave symbol 512, an interval symbol 508, and an uplink symbol 514. Alternatively, as... Figure 5 As shown in (B), the flexible time slot 502 may include, from left to right, a downlink symbol 504, a flexible symbol 506, an interval symbol 508, a continuously arranged continuous wave symbol 512, an interval symbol 508, a continuously arranged pulse wave symbol 510, an interval symbol 508, and an uplink symbol 514. Here, in the flexible time slot 502, there is at least one flexible symbol between the downlink symbol 504 and the sensing symbol (i.e., the pulse wave symbol 510 or the continuous wave symbol 512).

[0076] Therefore, the distribution of symbols (especially sensing symbols) in sensing time slots and flexible time slots can be determined by the sixth and seventh parameter information, respectively, thereby achieving the desired sensing service by controlling p symbols and / or c symbols while ensuring uplink and downlink communication.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first message is configured such that during the frame transition period: if all symbols in the sensing time slots are either pulse wave symbols or continuous wave symbols, the symbols in the flexible time slots are configured to be either pulse wave symbols or continuous wave symbols. Therefore, when transmission resources are limited and all sensing time slots in the transition period carry one type of sensing symbol, the flexible time slots can preferentially carry the other type of sensing symbol, thereby ensuring the full transmission of both sensing symbols, i.e., p symbols and c symbols, to meet sensing coverage requirements, and thus guaranteeing the execution of sensing services.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first message is configured such that: two adjacent conversion periods of a frame have the same configuration; or, in one of the two adjacent conversion periods of a frame, all symbols in the sensing time slots are either pulse wave symbols or continuous wave symbols, and in the other conversion period, all symbols in the sensing time slots are either pulse wave symbols or continuous wave symbols. Therefore, when transmission resources are limited and the sensing time slots of the previous conversion period are all carrying one type of sensing symbol, the sensing time slots of the next conversion period can be all carrying the other type of sensing symbol, thereby ensuring the full transmission of both sensing symbols, i.e., p symbols and c symbols, to meet the sensing coverage requirements, and thus ensuring the execution of sensing services.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first message is configured such that, during a frame transition period, pulse wave symbols are continuously arranged across one or more sensing time slots of that transition period, or continuous wave symbols are continuously arranged across one or more sensing time slots of that transition period. Due to the requirements of sensing services, the number of p-symbols or c-symbols to be transmitted may exceed the number of symbols included in a single time slot. Therefore, in this case, p-symbols or c-symbols can be continuously arranged across sensing time slots to ensure the execution of sensing services. For example, when there are 15 p-symbols to be transmitted and a sensing time slot includes 14 symbols, the previous sensing time slot can be configured as all p-symbols and the first symbol of the next sensing time slot can be configured as a p-symbol, and the next sensing time slot is occupied by that one p-symbol and is no longer used to configure other symbols.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first message further includes: mode parameter information for indicating a configuration mode, the mode parameter information indicating a first configuration mode and / or a second configuration mode; and configuration parameter information associated with the configuration mode, the configuration parameter information being used to configure the transition period in the frame under the corresponding configuration mode. The configuration parameter information here is the aforementioned configuration parameter information.

[0081] In further embodiments, in the first configuration mode, the configuration parameter information for configuring each conversion cycle in the first message can be the same; in the second configuration mode, the configuration parameter information for configuring each conversion cycle in the first message can be different. In some examples, the conversion cycle includes a first conversion cycle and a second conversion cycle. In the second configuration mode, the first configuration parameter information for configuring the first conversion cycle in the first message is different from the second configuration parameter information for configuring the second conversion cycle. For example, in the second configuration mode, the frame conversion cycle can be a dual-cycle, that is, the configuration is repeated in a cycle of two conversion cycles. On odd-numbered days, one of the first and second configuration parameter information is used; on even-numbered days, the other of the first and second configuration parameter information is used.

[0082] In some examples, the first message may be referred to as tdd-UL-DL-SS-ConfigurationCommon. tdd-UL-DL-SS-ConfigurationCommon is used for semi-static cell-specific time slot configuration; that is, tdd-UL-DL-SS-ConfigurationCommon exists in System Information Block 1 (SIB1) or other System Information Blocks (SIBs). The mode parameter information may be referred to as pattern parameters, where the first configuration mode is pattern1, and the second configuration mode is both pattern1 and pattern2. The configuration parameters may be referred to as TDD-UL-DL-SS-Pattern. The configuration parameter information may include the first parameter information as described above (e.g., implemented as including the time slot transmission period d1-UL-SS-TransmissionPeriodicity), the second parameter information (e.g., implemented as including the number of downlink time slots (nrofDownlinkSlots) with only downlink symbols), and the third parameter information (e.g., implemented as including the number of uplink time slots (nrofUplinkSlots) with only uplink symbols). The fourth parameter information (e.g., implemented as the number of sensing slots containing only sensing symbols, nrofSensingSlots), the sixth parameter information (e.g., implemented as the sensing slot location index SensingSymbolsIndex containing only sensing symbols and the symbol type SensingSymbolsKinds of the corresponding sensing slot under that location index), and the seventh parameter information (e.g., implemented as the number of downlink symbols in the flexible slot, nrofDownlinkSymbols, the number of uplink symbols in the flexible slot, nrofUplinkSymbols, the number of p symbols in the flexible slot, nrofPSymbols, and the number of c symbols in the flexible slot, nrofCSymbols).

[0083] In some embodiments, method 100 further includes sending a second message for configuring the remaining flexible time slots in the conversion cycle configured via the first message. The second message includes: eighth parameter information for determining the location of the remaining flexible time slots; and ninth parameter information for configuring the distribution of symbols in the remaining flexible time slots.

[0084] In some examples, the second message is configured such that in the remaining flexible time slots: all are uplink symbols; or all are downlink symbols; or all are pulse wave symbols; or all are continuous wave symbols.

[0085] In some embodiments, the eighth parameter information includes a slot location index of the remaining flexible time slots. In some embodiments, the ninth parameter information includes a slot location index of the flexible time slot selected from the eighth parameter information, and one or more of the following associated with the flexible time slot corresponding to the slot location index: the number of downlink symbols, the number of uplink symbols, the number of pulse wave symbols, and the number of continuous wave symbols.

[0086] In some examples, the second message can also release previously configured symbols in the remaining flexible time slots. For example, it can restore symbols in a flexible time slot that have been configured as uplink symbols, downlink symbols, or sensing symbols to flexible symbols.

[0087] In some examples, the second message may be referred to as tdd-UL-DL-SS-ConfigurationDedicated. tdd-UL-DL-SS-ConfigurationDedicated is used for semi-static UE-specific slot configuration. The configuration parameters included in the second message may be referred to as TDD-UL-DL-SS-SlotConfig. TDD-UL-DL-SS-SlotConfig may include eighth parameter information (e.g., implemented as including slot index SlotIndex) and ninth parameter information. Here, the ninth parameter information may be implemented as including one or more of the following: allUplink symbols, allDownlink symbols, allP symbols, allSensingPSymbols, allC symbols, and explicit. "Explicit" indicates that the symbols in this flexible slot can be configured as one or more of nrofDownlinkSymbols, nrofUplinkSymbols, nrofPSymbols, and nrofCSymbols.

[0088] The configuration parameters and rules for flexible time slots in the second message are similar to those in the first message. Therefore, you can refer to the various related embodiments mentioned above, and they will not be repeated here.

[0089] Therefore, the time slot configuration method taught in this disclosure is an improvement on the time slot configuration of 5G NR to obtain a time slot configuration method for 6G that can transmit sensing signals, thereby reducing the impact on the protocol and meeting the requirements of NR communication. The time slot configuration method of this disclosure takes into account the influence of p-symbols and c-symbols, and specially designs the arrangement of p-symbols and c-symbols, so as to simultaneously transmit and receive sensing information using pulse wave symbols and continuous wave symbols, thereby meeting the sensing coverage requirements and making time slot configuration more flexible while saving resources.

[0090] This disclosure also provides a time slot configuration method performed by a terminal. It is understood that the type of terminal may include, but is not limited to, mobile and fixed terminals as discussed in existing 3GPP protocols. Mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, etc. Fixed terminals include, but are not limited to, routers, small base stations, etc.

[0091] Figure 6 A flowchart of a time slot configuration method 600 (hereinafter referred to as "method 600") according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 600 can be executed by a terminal. Figure 6 As shown, method 600 includes steps S602 to S604.

[0092] At step S602, a first message is received. The first message is used to configure time slots in which communication sensing signals can be transmitted. The first message includes configuration parameter information for the switching period in the frame used to configure the communication sensing signals. The switching period includes downlink time slots, uplink time slots, sensing time slots, and flexible time slots.

[0093] In step S604, the conversion period in the configuration frame is determined according to the first message.

[0094] In some embodiments, the configuration parameter information includes first parameter information for determining the number of time slots included in the conversion period, and also includes at least one of the following parameter information: second parameter information for determining the distribution of downlink time slots in the conversion period, or third parameter information for determining the distribution of uplink time slots in the conversion period, or fourth parameter information for determining the distribution of sensing time slots in the conversion period, or fifth parameter information for determining the distribution of flexible time slots in the conversion period.

[0095] In some embodiments, the fourth parameter information indicates the start and end sensing time slot positions; or the fourth parameter information indicates one of the start and end sensing time slot positions and the number of sensing time slots.

[0096] In some embodiments, the configuration parameter information includes a sixth parameter for determining the distribution of sensing symbols in the sensing time slots. For example, the sixth parameter information indicates the symbol type of the sensing symbols in the sensing time slots. The symbol type of the sensing symbols may be selected from the group including pulse wave symbols and continuous wave symbols.

[0097] In some embodiments, the sixth parameter information includes the time slot location index of the sensing time slot and the symbol type of the sensing symbol in the sensing time slot corresponding to the time slot location index. In some embodiments, the sixth parameter information includes the time slot location index of the sensing time slot, the symbol location index of the sensing symbol in the sensing time slot corresponding to the time slot location index, and the symbol type of the sensing symbol corresponding to the symbol location index.

[0098] In some embodiments, the fifth parameter information indicates the start flexible time slot position and the end flexible time slot position; or the fifth parameter information indicates one of the start flexible time slot position and the end flexible time slot position, as well as the number of flexible time slots.

[0099] In some embodiments, the configuration parameter information includes a seventh parameter for determining the distribution of symbols in the flexible time slot. For example, the seventh parameter indicates the symbol type of the symbols in the flexible time slot. The symbol type of the symbols in the flexible time slot may be selected from the group including uplink symbols, downlink symbols, pulse wave symbols, continuous wave symbols, flexible symbols, and spaced symbols.

[0100] In some embodiments, the seventh parameter information includes the number of downlink symbols, the number of uplink symbols, the number of pulse wave symbols, and the number of continuous wave symbols in the flexible time slot. In some embodiments, the seventh parameter information includes the number of downlink symbols and the number of uplink symbols in the flexible time slot, and further includes the symbol position index of the sensing symbol in the flexible time slot and the symbol type of the sensing symbol corresponding to the symbol position index.

[0101] In some embodiments, configuring the conversion period in the first message configuration frame includes: if all symbols in the sensing time slots of the conversion period are either pulse wave symbols or continuous wave symbols, configuring all symbols in the flexible time slots of the conversion period as either pulse wave symbols or continuous wave symbols.

[0102] In some embodiments, configuring the transition period in the first message frame includes: causing a sensing time slot arranged consecutively in the transition period to precede a flexible time slot arranged consecutively; or causing a flexible time slot arranged consecutively in the transition period to precede a sensing time slot arranged consecutively; or causing one or more sensing time slots to alternate with one or more flexible time slots in the transition period.

[0103] In some embodiments, the conversion period in the first message configuration frame includes configuring the flexible time slot of the conversion period to include an uplink symbol, a downlink symbol preceding the uplink symbol, a sensing symbol between the downlink symbol and the uplink symbol, and at least one flexible symbol between the downlink symbol and the sensing symbol.

[0104] In some further embodiments, the sensing symbols include pulse wave symbols and continuous wave symbols, and the conversion period in the configuration frame according to the first message includes: such that the pulse wave symbols arranged continuously in the flexible time slots of the conversion period are placed before the continuous wave symbols arranged continuously; or such that the continuous wave symbols arranged continuously in the flexible time slots of the conversion period are placed before the pulse wave symbols arranged continuously.

[0105] In some embodiments, configuring the conversion period in a frame according to the first message includes: configuring two adjacent conversion periods of the frame to be the same; or configuring the sensing time slot of one of the two adjacent conversion periods of the frame to include only one of pulse wave symbols and continuous wave symbols, and configuring the sensing time slot of the other conversion period to include only the other of pulse wave symbols and continuous wave symbols.

[0106] In some embodiments, the conversion period in the configuration frame according to the first message includes: continuously arranging pulse wave symbols across one or more sensing time slots of the conversion period; or continuously arranging continuous wave symbols across one or more sensing time slots of the conversion period.

[0107] In some embodiments, method 200 further includes: receiving a second message for configuring remaining flexible time slots in a frame configured via a first message, wherein the second message includes eighth parameter information for determining the location of the remaining flexible time slots and ninth parameter information for configuring the distribution of symbols in the remaining flexible time slots; configuring the remaining flexible time slots according to the second message.

[0108] In some further embodiments, the eighth parameter information includes the slot location index of the remaining flexible time slots, and the ninth parameter information includes the slot location index of the flexible time slot selected from the eighth parameter information, and one or more of the following associated with the flexible time slot corresponding to the slot location index: the number of downlink symbols, the number of uplink symbols, the number of pulse wave symbols, and the number of continuous wave symbols.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first message further includes: mode parameter information for indicating a configuration mode, the mode parameter information being used to indicate a first configuration mode and / or a second configuration mode; and configuration parameter information associated with the configuration mode, the configuration parameter information being used to configure the conversion period in the frame in the corresponding configuration mode.

[0110] In some further embodiments, in the first configuration mode, the configuration parameter information for configuring each conversion cycle in the first message is the same; in the second configuration mode, the conversion cycle includes a first conversion cycle and a second conversion cycle, and the first configuration parameter information for configuring the first conversion cycle in the first message is different from the second configuration parameter information for configuring the second conversion cycle.

[0111] Examples of method 200 can be found in various embodiments of method 100, and will not be repeated here.

[0112] This disclosure also provides a base station, which may include: a processor; and a memory storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a time slot configuration method performed by the base station according to any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0113] refer to Figure 7 This illustrates a schematic block diagram of a base station 700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, base station 700 includes processor 702 and memory 704 storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by processor 702, cause processor 702 to perform the method 100 according to any of the foregoing embodiments. Processor 702 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) of base station 700. Processor 702 may be any type of general-purpose processor or may be a processor specifically designed for time slot configuration, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”). Memory 704 may be coupled to processor 702 and may include various computer-readable media accessible by processor 702. In various embodiments, memory 704 described herein may include volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. For example, memory 704 may include any combination of: random access memory (“RAM”), dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), static RAM (“SRAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), flash memory, cache memory, and / or any other type of non-transient computer-readable media. The memory 704 may store instructions that, when executed by the processor 702, cause the processor 702 to execute the method 100 according to any of the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0114] Base station 700 is configured to perform the method 100 described in any of the foregoing embodiments, and therefore can be referred to the description of the various embodiments of method 100 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0115] This disclosure also provides a terminal that may include: a processor; and a memory storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a time slot configuration method executed by the terminal according to any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0116] refer to Figure 8 This illustrates a schematic block diagram of a terminal 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 As shown, terminal 800 includes processor 802 and memory 804 storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by processor 802, cause processor 802 to perform the method 200 according to any of the foregoing embodiments. Processor 802 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) of terminal 800. Processor 802 may be any type of general-purpose processor or may be a processor specifically designed for time-slot configuration, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”). Memory 804 may be coupled to processor 802 and may include various computer-readable media accessible by processor 802. In various embodiments, memory 804 described herein may include volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. For example, memory 804 may include any combination of: random access memory (“RAM”), dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), static RAM (“SRAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), flash memory, cache memory, and / or any other type of non-transitory computer-readable media. The memory 804 may store instructions that, when executed by the processor 802, cause the processor 802 to execute the method 200 according to any of the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0117] Terminal 800 is configured to perform the method 200 described in any of the foregoing embodiments, and therefore can be referred to the descriptions of the various embodiments of method 200 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0118] This disclosure also provides a communication system that may include a base station and a terminal. The base station may be configured to send a first instruction, a first message for configuring time slots in which communication sensing signals can be transmitted, wherein the first message includes configuration parameter information for configuring a switching period in a frame for configuring the communication sensing signals, the switching period including downlink time slots, uplink time slots, sensing time slots, and flexible time slots. The terminal may be configured to receive the first message and configure the switching period in a frame according to the first message.

[0119] The communication system can be configured to execute the time slot configuration method described in any of the foregoing embodiments. Specifically, the base station can be configured to execute the method 100 described in any of the foregoing embodiments, and the terminal can be configured to execute the method 200 described in any of the foregoing embodiments. Therefore, reference can be made to the descriptions of the various embodiments of method 100 and method 200 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0120] This disclosure also provides a non-transient storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a time slot configuration method according to any of the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0121] This disclosure also provides a computer program product that may include instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the time slot configuration method according to any of the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure. The instructions may be any set of instructions that will be executed directly by the processor, such as machine code, or any set of instructions that will be executed indirectly, such as a script. The instructions may be stored in an object code format for direct processing by the processor, or stored in any other computer language, including scripts or sets of independent source code modules that are interpreted on demand or compiled in advance.

[0122] Figure 9A schematic block diagram of a computer system 900 on which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. The computer system 900 includes a bus 902 or other communication mechanism for transmitting information, and a processing means 904 coupled to the bus 902 for processing information. The computer system 900 also includes a memory 906 coupled to the bus 902 for storing instructions to be executed by the processing means 904; the memory 906 may be random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device. The memory 906 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by the processing means 904. The computer system 900 also includes a read-only memory (ROM) 908 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 902 for storing static information and instructions for the processing means 904. A storage device 910, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to the bus 902 for storing information and instructions. Computer system 900 may be coupled via bus 902 to output device 912 for providing output to a user, such as, but not limited to, a display (such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD)), speakers, etc. Input device 914, such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc., is coupled to bus 902 for transmitting information and command selections to processing device 904. Computer system 900 may perform embodiments of this disclosure. Consistent with certain implementations of this disclosure, results are provided by computer system 900 in response to processing device 904 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in memory 906. Such instructions may be read into memory 906 from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device 910. Execution of the sequence of instructions contained in memory 906 causes processing device 904 to perform the methods described herein. Alternatively, the teachings may be implemented using hard-wired circuitry in place of or in combination with software instructions. Therefore, implementations of this disclosure are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software. In various embodiments, computer system 900 can be connected across a network to one or more other computer systems, such as computer system 900, to form a networked system via network interface 916. This network may include a private network or a public network such as the Internet. In a networked system, one or more computer systems can store data and supply data to other computer systems. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processing device 904 for execution. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks such as storage device 910. Volatile media include dynamic memory such as memory 906. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wiring containing bus 902.Common forms of computer-readable media or computer program products include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, digital video discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, any other optical media, thumb drives, memory cards, RAM, PROMs and EPROMs, fast EPROMs, any other memory chips or cartridges, or any other tangible media from which a computer can read. Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved when carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processing device 904 for execution. For example, instructions may initially be carried on a disk of a remote computer. The remote computer may load the instructions into its dynamic memory and transmit the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 900 may receive data over a telephone line and convert the data into an infrared signal using an infrared transmitter. An infrared detector coupled to bus 902 may receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on bus 902. Bus 902 carries the data to memory 906, from which processing device 904 retrieves and executes the instructions. Optionally, the instructions received by the memory 906 may be stored on the storage device 910 before or after execution by the processing device 904.

[0123] According to various embodiments, instructions configured to be executed by a processing device to perform a method are stored on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may be a device for storing digital information. For example, a computer-readable medium includes a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) as known in the art for storing software. The computer-readable medium is accessed by a processor adapted to execute the instructions configured to be executed.

[0124] The foregoing has described one or more exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0125] The systems, devices, modules, or units described in the above embodiments can be implemented by computer chips or physical entities, or by products with certain functions. A typical implementation device is a server system. Of course, this disclosure does not exclude the possibility that, with the future development of computer technology, the computer implementing the functions of the above embodiments can be, for example, a personal computer, a laptop computer, an in-vehicle human-machine interaction device, a cellular phone, a camera phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or any combination of these devices.

[0126] While one or more embodiments of this disclosure provide the method operation steps as described in the embodiments or flowcharts, more or fewer operation steps may be included based on conventional or non-inventive means. The order of steps listed in the embodiments is merely one possible execution order among many and does not represent the only execution order. In actual device or terminal product execution, the methods shown in the embodiments or drawings can be executed sequentially or in parallel (e.g., in a parallel processor or multi-threaded processing environment, or even a distributed data processing environment).

[0127] The terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, product, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus. Without further limitation, the presence of other identical or equivalent elements in the process, method, product, or apparatus that includes said elements is not excluded. For example, the use of terms such as "first" or "second" to denote names does not indicate any particular order.

[0128] For ease of description, the above devices are described in terms of function, divided into various modules. Of course, when implementing one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the functions of each module can be implemented in one or more software and / or hardware, or a module that performs the same function can be implemented by a combination of multiple sub-modules or sub-units. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division; 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 displayed or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0129] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0130] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams. These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more embodiments of this disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, one or more embodiments of this disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0132] One or more embodiments of this disclosure can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, that are executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. One or more embodiments of this disclosure can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can reside in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0133] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments of this disclosure can be referred to mutually, and each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the apparatus embodiments, since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method embodiments. In the description of this disclosure, the descriptions of terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., mean that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this disclosure, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this disclosure and the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0134] Additionally, when used in this disclosure, the terms “here,” “above,” “below,” “below,” “in the following,” “overall,” and similar terms should refer to the entirety of this disclosure and not any particular part thereof. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise or otherwise understood in the context in which they are used, conditional language used herein, such as “may,” “possibly,” “for example,” “like,” etc., is generally intended to express that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not, certain features, elements, and / or states. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments require features, elements, and / or states in any way, or whether such features, elements, and / or states are included or performed in any particular embodiment.

[0135] The above description is merely an embodiment of one or more embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to the one or more embodiments of this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A time slot configuration method performed by a terminal, comprising: receiving a first message for configuring time slots in which a communication-aware signal can be transmitted, wherein the first message comprises configuration parameter information for configuring a switching period in a frame of the communication-aware signal, the switching period comprising a downlink time slot, an uplink time slot, an awareness time slot, and a flexible time slot; and configuring the switching period in the frame according to the first message: in a case that all of the symbols in the awareness time slot in a switching period are pulse wave symbols, configuring all of the symbols in the flexible time slot in the switching period as continuous wave symbols, or in a case that all of the symbols in the awareness time slot in a switching period are continuous wave symbols, configuring all of the symbols in the flexible time slot in the switching period as pulse wave symbols, or configuring the awareness time slot in one of two adjacent switching periods of the frame as including only pulse wave symbols and the awareness time slot in the other switching period as including only continuous wave symbols, or configuring the awareness time slot in one of two adjacent switching periods of the frame as including only continuous wave symbols and the awareness time slot in the other switching period as including only pulse wave symbols, wherein the configuration parameter information comprises: first parameter information for determining a number of time slots included in a switching period; at least one of the following parameter information: second parameter information for determining a distribution of downlink time slots in a switching period, or third parameter information for determining a distribution of uplink time slots in a switching period, or fourth parameter information for determining a distribution of awareness time slots in a switching period, or fifth parameter information for determining a distribution of flexible time slots in a switching period; sixth parameter information for determining a distribution of awareness symbols in an awareness time slot; and seventh parameter information for determining a distribution of symbols in a flexible time slot, the seventh parameter information indicating a symbol type of the symbols in the flexible time slot, the symbol type of the symbols in the flexible time slot being selected from a group comprising an uplink symbol, a downlink symbol, a pulse wave symbol, a continuous wave symbol, a flexible symbol, and a gap symbol. 2.The time slot configuration method of claim 1, wherein: the fourth parameter information indicates a start awareness time slot position and an end awareness time slot position; or the fourth parameter information indicates one of a start awareness time slot position and an end awareness time slot position and a number of awareness time slots. the sixth parameter information indicates a symbol type of the awareness symbols in an awareness time slot, the symbol type of the awareness symbols being selected from a group comprising a pulse wave symbol and a continuous wave symbol. 4.The time slot configuration method of claim 3, wherein: the sixth parameter information comprises a time slot position index of an awareness time slot and a symbol type of an awareness symbol in the awareness time slot corresponding to the time slot position index; or the sixth parameter information comprises a time slot position index of an awareness time slot, a symbol position index of an awareness symbol in the awareness time slot corresponding to the time slot position index, and a symbol type of the awareness symbol corresponding to the symbol position index. 5.The time slot configuration method of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3. The time slot configuration method of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The fifth parameter information indicates a starting flexible slot position and an ending flexible slot position; or The fifth parameter information indicates one of the starting flexible slot position and the ending flexible slot position and a number of flexible slots. 6.The slot configuration method of claim 1, wherein The seventh parameter information includes a number of downlink symbols in a flexible slot, a number of uplink symbols in the flexible slot, a number of pulsed wave symbols in the flexible slot, and a number of continuous wave symbols in the flexible slot; or The seventh parameter information includes a number of downlink symbols in a flexible slot, a number of uplink symbols in the flexible slot, and further includes a symbol position index of a sensing symbol in the flexible slot and a symbol type of the sensing symbol corresponding to the symbol position index.

7. The time slot configuration method of claim 1, wherein, Configuring the transition period in the frame according to the first message includes: sensing slots arranged continuously in the transition period are located before flexible slots arranged continuously; or flexible slots arranged continuously in the transition period are located before sensing slots arranged continuously; or one or more sensing slots and one or more flexible slots are arranged alternately in the transition period.

8. The time slot configuration method of claim 1, wherein, Configuring the transition period in the frame according to the first message includes: configuring a flexible slot of the transition period to include an uplink symbol, a downlink symbol located before the uplink symbol, a sensing symbol located between the downlink symbol and the uplink symbol, and at least one flexible symbol located between the downlink symbol and the sensing symbol.

9. The time slot configuration method of claim 8, wherein, The sensing symbol includes a pulsed wave symbol and a continuous wave symbol, and wherein configuring the transition period in the frame according to the first message includes: sensing slots arranged continuously in the transition period are located before flexible slots arranged continuously; or flexible slots arranged continuously in the transition period are located before sensing slots arranged continuously.

10. The time slot configuration method of claim 1, wherein, Configuring the transition period in the frame according to the first message includes: pulsed wave symbols are arranged continuously across one or more sensing slots of the transition period; or continuous wave symbols are arranged continuously across one or more sensing slots of the transition period. 11.The slot configuration method of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: receiving a second message for configuring remaining flexible slots in the frame configured via the first message, wherein the second message includes eighth parameter information for determining positions of the remaining flexible slots and ninth parameter information for configuring a distribution of symbols in the remaining flexible slots; and configuring the remaining flexible slots according to the second message.

12. The time slot configuration method of claim 11, wherein, The eighth parameter information includes a slot position index of a remaining flexible slot, and the ninth parameter information includes one or more of the following associated with the slot position index of the flexible slot selected from the eighth parameter information: a number of downlink symbols, a number of uplink symbols, a number of pulsed wave symbols, and a number of continuous wave symbols.

13. The time slot configuration method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The first message further includes: mode parameter information for indicating a configuration mode, the mode parameter information being used to indicate a first configuration mode and / or a second configuration mode; and The configuration parameter information associated with the configuration mode, the configuration parameter information being used for configuring a switching period in the frame in the corresponding configuration mode. 14.The time slot configuration method of claim 13, wherein, In the first configuration mode, the configuration parameter information for configuring each switching period in the first message is the same; In the second configuration mode, a switching period includes a first switching period and a second switching period, the first configuration parameter information for configuring the first switching period in the first message is different from the second configuration parameter information for configuring the second switching period. 15.A time slot configuration method, the time slot configuration method being performed by a base station, comprising: transmitting a first message, the first message being used for configuring time slots in which a communication-aware signal can be transmitted, the first message including: configuration parameter information used for configuring a switching period in a frame of the communication-aware signal, the switching period including a downlink time slot, an uplink time slot, an awareness time slot, and a flexible time slot, wherein the first message is configured such that: in a case that all of the symbols in the awareness time slot in the switching period of the frame are pulse wave symbols, all of the symbols in the flexible time slot are configured to be continuous wave symbols, or in a case that all of the symbols in the awareness time slot in the switching period of the frame are continuous wave symbols, all of the symbols in the flexible time slot are configured to be pulse wave symbols, or all of the symbols in the awareness time slot of one of the two adjacent switching periods of the frame are pulse wave symbols, and all of the symbols in the awareness time slot of the other switching period are continuous wave symbols, or all of the symbols in the awareness time slot of one of the two adjacent switching periods of the frame are continuous wave symbols, and all of the symbols in the awareness time slot of the other switching period are pulse wave symbols, wherein the configuration parameter information includes: first parameter information used for determining a number of time slots included in a switching period; at least one of the following parameter information: second parameter information used for determining a distribution of downlink time slots in a switching period, or third parameter information used for determining a distribution of uplink time slots in a switching period, or fourth parameter information used for determining a distribution of awareness time slots in a switching period, or fifth parameter information used for determining a distribution of flexible time slots in a switching period; sixth parameter information used for determining a distribution of awareness symbols in an awareness time slot; and seventh parameter information used for determining a distribution of symbols in a flexible time slot, the seventh parameter information indicating a symbol type of the symbols in the flexible time slot, the symbol type of the symbols in the flexible time slot being selected from a group including an uplink symbol, a downlink symbol, a pulse wave symbol, a continuous wave symbol, a flexible symbol, and a gap symbol. 16.The time slot configuration method of claim 15, wherein: the fourth parameter information indicates a start awareness time slot position and an end awareness time slot position; or the fourth parameter information indicates one of a start awareness time slot position and an end awareness time slot position and a number of awareness time slots.

17. The time slot configuration method of claim 15, wherein, The sixth parameter information indicates a symbol type of a sensing symbol in a sensing slot, the symbol type of the sensing symbol being selected from a group comprising a pulsed wave symbol and a continuous wave symbol.

18. The slot configuration method of claim 17, wherein: The sixth parameter information comprises a slot position index of a sensing slot, and a symbol type of a sensing symbol in the sensing slot corresponding to the slot position index; or The sixth parameter information comprises a slot position index of a sensing slot, and a symbol position index of a sensing symbol in the sensing slot corresponding to the slot position index and a symbol type of the sensing symbol corresponding to the symbol position index.

19. The slot configuration method of claim 15, wherein: The fifth parameter information indicates a starting flexible slot position and an ending flexible slot position; or The fifth parameter information indicates one of a starting flexible slot position and an ending flexible slot position and a number of flexible slots.

20. The slot configuration method of claim 15, wherein: The seventh parameter information comprises a number of downlink symbols in a flexible slot, a number of uplink symbols in the flexible slot, a number of pulsed wave symbols in the flexible slot, a number of continuous wave symbols in the flexible slot; or The seventh parameter information comprises a number of downlink symbols in a flexible slot, a number of uplink symbols in the flexible slot, and further comprises a symbol position index of a sensing symbol in the flexible slot and a symbol type of the sensing symbol corresponding to the symbol position index.

21. The time slot configuration method of claim 15, wherein, The first message is configured to cause, in a transition period of the frame: The continuously arranged sensing slots are located before the continuously arranged flexible slots; or The continuously arranged flexible slots are located before the continuously arranged sensing slots; or One or more sensing slots are arranged alternately with one or more flexible slots.

22. The time slot configuration method of claim 15, wherein, The first message is configured to cause, in a flexible slot of a transition period of the frame, to comprise an uplink symbol, a downlink symbol located before the uplink symbol, and a sensing symbol located between the downlink symbol and the uplink symbol, wherein in the flexible slot, further comprises at least one flexible symbol located between the downlink symbol and the sensing symbol.

23. The time slot configuration method of claim 15, wherein, The sensing symbol comprises a pulsed wave symbol and a continuous wave symbol, and wherein the first message is configured to cause, in the flexible slot: The continuously arranged pulsed wave symbols are located before the continuously arranged continuous wave symbols; or The continuously arranged continuous wave symbols are located before the continuously arranged pulsed wave symbols.

24. The time slot configuration method of claim 15, wherein, The first message is configured to cause, in a transition period of the frame, to continuously arrange pulsed wave symbols across one or more sensing slots of the transition period, or to continuously arrange continuous wave symbols across one or more sensing slots of the transition period.

25. The slot configuration method of any one of claims 15 to 24, further comprising: sending a second message for configuring remaining flexible slots in the transition period configured via the first message, the second message comprising: eighth parameter information for determining positions of the remaining flexible slots; ninth parameter information for configuring a distribution of symbols in the remaining flexible slots.

26. The time slot configuration method of claim 25, wherein, The eighth parameter information includes a slot position index of a remaining flexible slot, and the ninth parameter information includes a slot position index of a flexible slot selected from the eighth parameter information, and one or more of the following associated with the flexible slot corresponding to the slot position index: a downlink symbol number, an uplink symbol number, a pulse wave symbol number, and a continuous wave symbol number.

27. The time slot configuration method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein, The first message further includes: mode parameter information for indicating a configuration mode, the mode parameter information being used to indicate the first configuration mode and / or the second configuration mode; and the configuration parameter information associated with the configuration mode, the configuration parameter information being used to configure a switching period in the frame in the corresponding configuration mode. 28.The slot configuration method of claim 27, wherein, in the first configuration mode, the configuration parameter information in the first message for configuring each switching period is the same; in the second configuration mode, a switching period includes a first switching period and a second switching period, and the first configuration parameter information in the first message for configuring the first switching period is different from the second configuration parameter information for configuring the second switching period. 29.A base station comprising: a processor; and a memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the slot configuration method according to any one of claims 1 to 14. 30.A terminal comprising: a processor; and a memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the slot configuration method according to any one of claims 15 to 28. 31.A non-transitory storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the slot configuration method according to any one of claims 1 to 28. 32.A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the slot configuration method according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

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