Resource indication method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a resource indication method and a communication device. The method is applied to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: obtaining indication information, the indication information being used for indicating time domain resource configuration of M-hop transmission between a first device and a target device, the M-hop transmission comprising transmission between the first device and a second device, the indication information comprising first information, the first information being used for indicating at least two time domain resource configurations, the at least two time domain resources belong to transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources of M-hop transmission, and M is an integer greater than 1; and sending the indication information to the second device. Based on the method described by the invention, the overhead of time domain resource indication can be reduced.

Description

Resource indication method and communication device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a resource indication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] With the widespread adoption of internet applications and wireless network devices, the demand for wireless communications is gradually increasing. To improve communication coverage, relay devices are now being introduced to support multi-hop transmission from a source device to a destination device. Taking a three-hop transmission as an example, a source device needs to send data to a destination device through two relay devices, referred to as the first relay device and the second relay device. The source device sends data to the first relay device. After receiving the data, the first relay device forwards the data to the second relay device. The second relay device then forwards the data to the destination device.

[0003] However, when a relay device forwards data, the time domain resources corresponding to each hop are individually indicated. This results in significant overhead. Reducing this overhead is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application proposes a resource indication method and a communication device. Based on the method described in the present application, the overhead of time domain resource indication can be reduced.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application proposes a resource indication method, which includes: obtaining indication information, the indication information being used to indicate the time domain resource configuration of M-hop transmission between a first device and a target device, the M-hop transmission including the transmission between the first device and the second device, the indication information including first information, the first information being used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, at least two time domain resources belonging to the transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources of the M-hop transmission, and M being an integer greater than 1; and sending the indication information to the second device.

[0007] In the second aspect, the present application proposes a resource indication method, which includes: receiving indication information from a first device, the indication information is used to indicate the time domain resource configuration of M-hop transmission between the first device and the target device, the M-hop transmission includes the transmission between the first device and the second device, the indication information includes first information, the first information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, at least two time domain resources belong to the transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources of the M-hop transmission, and M is an integer greater than 1; receiving data from the first device based on the indication information.

[0008] The resource indication information indicates different time domain configurations through different status values, wherein the status value can be understood as the bit information contained in the resource indication information. For example, assuming that the size configured for the resource indication information is 2 bits, the status value in the resource indication information can be one of the following 4 bits of information: 00, 01, 10, 11. The number of status values ​​corresponding to the resource indication information is determined based on the size of the resource indication information. For example, if the size of the resource indication information is 4 bits, it corresponds to 16 status values, and the resource indication information can indicate a maximum of 16 configuration modes; if the size of the resource indication information is 2 bits, it corresponds to 4 status values, and the resource indication information can indicate a maximum of 4 configuration modes.

[0009] Due to the separate indication method, that is, the method of using one resource indication information to indicate one time domain resource configuration, the number of state values ​​corresponding to the size of the resource indication information configured is greater than the number of time domain resource configuration methods. For example, the size of the resource indication information is 2 bits, corresponding to 4 state values. The resource indication information can indicate up to 4 configuration methods, and the number of configuration methods of a current time domain resource is 3. Since 3 is less than 4, the number of state values ​​corresponding to the size of the resource indication information configured is greater than the number of time domain resource configuration methods. And as the number of time domain resources that need to be configured increases, the overhead caused increases, and the resources are more wasted. Based on the method described in the present application, since the first information indicates the configuration of at least two time domain resources, the number of state values ​​required for the first information can be determined according to the number of configuration methods of the at least two time domain resources, and one state value corresponds to one configuration method of at least two time domain resources. According to the number of state values ​​required for the first information, a more appropriate size of the first information is configured to avoid the increase in overhead caused by the increase in the number of time domain resources that need to be configured. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce the situation where resources are wasted when the state value corresponding to the size configured for the first information is greater than the configured number of multiple time domain resources, thereby effectively saving the overhead of time domain resource indication.

[0010] In conjunction with the methods described in the first and second aspects, in one possible implementation, the time domain resources corresponding to the at least two time domain resource configurations do not overlap. Because, during an M-hop transmission process, the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources required for each hop must be determined first, and the time corresponding to the time domain transmission resources in each hop is earlier than the time domain reserved resources, it is possible that, for example, the time domain reserved resources of the first hop overlap with the time domain transmission resources of the third hop, resulting in ambiguity in the first information indication.

[0011] Based on this implementation, the problem of ambiguous indications caused by overlapping indications of time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources of different hops can be avoided.

[0012] In combination with the methods described in the first and second aspects, in one possible implementation, the indication information also includes second information, which is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations; the first information is used to indicate a first group of time domain resource configurations; and the second information is used to indicate a second group of time domain resource configurations.

[0013] Based on this implementation method, both the first information and the second information can indicate the configuration of multiple time domain resources, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0014] In conjunction with the methods described in the first and second aspects, in a possible implementation, the first information and the second information are carried on different channels. Optionally, the first information is carried on a control channel, and the second information is carried on a data channel.

[0015] Based on this implementation, since the shared control channel can be accessed by other surrounding devices, the first information carried on the control channel enables the time domain resource configuration indicated by the first information to be read by surrounding devices. This helps prevent other surrounding devices from occupying the time domain resources required for the M-hop transmission in competitive resource allocation scenarios. Furthermore, the second information is transmitted on the data channel, which also saves resources on the control channel.

[0016] In combination with the methods described in the first aspect and the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; the second group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of N-hop transmission, where the N-hop transmission is the N-hop transmission in the M-hop transmission excluding the transmission between the first device and the second device, and N is an integer greater than 1 and N is less than M.

[0017] Based on this implementation, optionally, in combination with the implementation in which the first information and the second information are carried on different channels, when the first information is carried on the control channel and the second information is carried on the data channel, since the time domain resources required for the first hop transmission corresponding to the first set of time domain resource configurations are earlier in time than the time domain resources required for the remaining hop transmissions corresponding to the second set of time domain resource configurations, the first set of time domain resources can be read in a timely manner through the shared control channel transmission, which helps to prevent the adjacent devices from occupying the corresponding resources. Optionally, the adjacent device of the current hop can be understood as a device that is located closer to the first device and the second device and will compete with the first device and the second device for resources. At the same time, the second set of time domain resources indicated in the second information is relatively later in time, and the adjacent device of the current hop will not temporarily occupy the corresponding resources. Transmitting the second information on the data channel can also save resources on the control channel.

[0018] In combination with the methods described in the first aspect and the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the indication information also includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, and the third information is used to indicate a third group of time domain resource configurations; the first group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; the second group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration of M-1 hop transmission, and the M-1 hop transmission is the M-1 hop transmission in the M hop transmission except the transmission between the first device and the second device; the third group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain reserved resource configuration of the M-1 hop transmission.

[0019] Based on this implementation, optionally, in combination with the above-described implementation in which the first information and the second information are carried on different channels, when the first information is carried on a control channel, the second information is carried on a data channel, and the third information is carried on a data channel, because the first set of time domain resource configurations corresponding to the time domain transmission resource configurations for M-hop transmission is earlier in time than the other two sets of time domain resource configurations, the shared control channel allows nearby devices to read the time domain resources in a timely manner, thereby preventing nearby devices around the current hop from occupying the corresponding resources. Furthermore, because the second set of time domain resources indicated in the second information and the third set of time domain resources indicated in the third information are later in time, nearby devices will not temporarily occupy the corresponding resources. Transmitting the second and third information on the data channel also conserves resources on the control channel. Alternatively, when both the first and second information are carried on the control channel and the third information is carried on the data channel, because the first and second sets of time domain resources are earlier in time, the shared control channel allows nearby devices around the current hop to read the time domain resources in a timely manner, thereby preventing nearby devices around the current hop from occupying the corresponding resources. At the same time, the third group of time domain resources indicated in the third information is relatively later in time, and the adjacent device of the current hop will not temporarily occupy the corresponding resources. The third information is transmitted on the data channel, which can also save resources on the control channel. Since the transmission resources required for each hop in multi-hop transmission are arranged in sequence and do not overlap, similarly, the reserved resources required for each hop in multi-hop transmission are arranged in sequence and do not overlap. Therefore, the second group of time domain resource configurations, including the time domain transmission resource configuration for M-1 hop transmission, and the third group of time domain resource configurations, including the time domain reserved resource configuration for M-1 hop transmission, do not have time domain resource overlap within the group. Therefore, neither the second group of time domain resource configurations nor the third group of time domain resource configurations will have the problem of ambiguous indication. At the same time, optionally, the time domain resources corresponding to the second group of time domain resource configurations and the time domain resources corresponding to the third group of time domain resource configurations are indicated by different information, so there can be overlap between the two groups of time domain resources, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0020] In combination with the methods described in the first and second aspects, in a possible implementation, the first group of time domain resource configurations includes time domain transmission resource configurations for M-hop transmission; the second group of time domain resource configurations includes time domain reserved resource configurations for M-hop transmission.

[0021] Based on this implementation, optionally, in combination with the above-described implementation in which the first information and the second information are carried on different channels, when the first information is carried on a control channel and the second information is carried on a data channel, since the time domain transmission resource configuration corresponding to the first set of time domain resource configurations for M-hop transmission is earlier in time than the time domain reserved resource configuration corresponding to the second set of time domain resource configurations for M-hop transmission, transmission via a shared control channel enables adjacent devices around the current hop to read the resources promptly, thereby preventing adjacent devices around the current hop from occupying the corresponding resources. Furthermore, since the second set of time domain resources indicated in the second information is later in time in relative time, adjacent devices will not temporarily occupy the corresponding resources. Transmitting the second information on the data channel also conserves resources on the control channel.

[0022] In combination with the methods described in the first and second aspects, in a possible implementation, the indication information includes M first information, and the first information is used to indicate the time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration of one hop transmission in the M hop transmission.

[0023] Based on this implementation, optionally, among the M first information, the first information indicating the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of the first hop can be carried on the control channel, and the M-1 first information other than the first information indicating the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of the first hop among the M first information are carried on the control channel. The time domain resources required by the first hop are relatively earlier in time, and the shared control channel enables adjacent devices around the current hop to read them in a timely manner, which helps prevent adjacent devices around the current hop from occupying the corresponding resources. At the same time, the time domain resources indicated by the other M-1 first information are relatively later, so the adjacent devices will not temporarily occupy the corresponding resources. Transmitting them on the data channel can also save resources on the control channel.

[0024] In combination with the methods described in the first aspect and the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the indication information further includes fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate a time domain resource configuration.

[0025] Optionally, the fourth information includes multiple status values, each status value corresponding to a configuration of a time domain resource. Accordingly, the fourth information indicates the time domain resource using a separate indication. Optionally, the fourth information indicates the time domain transmission resource between the first and second devices. Furthermore, the fourth information may be carried on a control channel for transmission. Using a separate indication method facilitates faster reading of the fourth information by neighboring devices around the current hop upon receiving the information, reducing computational burden and thereby preventing neighboring devices from occupying the time domain transmission resources required for transmission between the first and second devices.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may also be a chip system. The communication device can perform the method described in the first aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions. The units or modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device can refer to the methods and beneficial effects described in the first aspect above, and repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may also be a chip system. The communication device can perform the method described in the second aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions. The units or modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device can refer to the methods and beneficial effects described in the second aspect above, and any repetitions will not be repeated.

[0028] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor. When the processor calls a computer program in a memory, the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect is executed.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory, and the memory and the processor are coupled to each other. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver, which is used to send and receive data and / or signaling.

[0031] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor is used to implement the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0032] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a communication device, the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect is implemented.

[0033] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program or a computer program product, comprising code or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0034] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the communication device provided in the third and fourth aspects above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a three-hop transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG3 is a flow chart of a resource indication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a time domain resource indication provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a three-hop transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The specific embodiments of the present application are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The terms "first" and "second" and the like in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish between different objects, not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or elements is not limited to the listed steps or elements, but may optionally include steps or elements not listed, or may optionally include other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0046] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0047] In this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the corresponding relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0048] The following is an introduction to the system architecture of the embodiment of the present application:

[0049] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the system architecture of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application is briefly described below. It is understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of the present application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system, wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), sixth generation (6G) system and other communication systems evolved after 5G and other future communication systems, and also support communication systems that integrate multiple wireless technologies. For example, it can also be applied to systems that integrate non-terrestrial networks (NTN) such as drones, satellite communication systems, and high altitude platform stations (HAPS) communications with terrestrial mobile communication networks.

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of the present application. The communication system includes at least one first device and at least one second device. Figure 1 uses one first device and one second device as an example; embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of first devices and second devices. The first device and the second device can communicate with each other. In addition, the first device and the second device can also establish communication connections with other devices or equipment.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first device and / or the second device may be a network device, or a device that implements a network device function, or a device that can support the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system, which may be installed in the network device. The network device mentioned in the embodiment of the present application may be a device for communicating with a terminal device, or a device that connects a terminal device to a wireless network. The network device may be a node in a radio access network, which may also be referred to as a base station, or a radio access network (RAN) node (or device). Exemplarily, the base station in the embodiment of the present application may include various forms of base stations, such as: a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a relay station, an access point, an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, a next-generation base station (gNodeB, gNB) in a 5G network, a broadband network service gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch or a non-third generation partnership project (3GPP) access device, a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a mobile switching center, a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a baseband pool BBU pool, or a Wi-Fi access point (AP), a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) system, an integrated access and backhaul link (IAM), and a baseband unit (BBU). Devices that perform base station functions in communication systems that evolve beyond 5G, such as 6G, include:

[0053] In another possible implementation, the first device and / or the second device may be a terminal device, or a device that implements the function of the terminal device, or a device that can support the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device. The terminal device mentioned in the embodiment of the present application may be a device with wireless transceiver functions, specifically a user terminal (UE), an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a user station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user device. The terminal device may also be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, a machine type communication device, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a communication device carried on a high-altitude aircraft, a wearable device, a drone, a robot, a terminal in D2D, a terminal in V2X, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, or a terminal device in a future communication network, etc., and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0054] Among them, the first device and the second device can be two devices in a multi-hop transmission. Generally, a multi-hop transmission includes at least one source device, at least one destination device and at least one relay device. Multi-hop transmission means that the data is not transmitted directly from the source device to the destination device, but is forwarded through multiple relay devices between the source device and the destination device, that is, the data is forwarded through one or more relay devices on the link. The source device is used to transmit data to the destination device and is the first device to send data in the multi-hop transmission. The destination device is used to receive data from the source device and is the last device to receive data in the multi-hop transmission. The relay device is used to assist the source device in forwarding data to the destination device and is an intermediate node between the source device and the destination device. In addition, the source device can also receive data sent from the destination device, and the relay device can also be used to assist the destination device in forwarding data to the source device.

[0055] For example, Figure 2 shows a three-hop transmission method, with device 1 as the source device, device 4 as the destination device, and devices 2 and 3 as relay devices. Device 1 sends data to device 2. After receiving the data, device 2 forwards the data to device 3. Device 3 then forwards the data to device 4.

[0056] In multi-hop transmission, a single hop represents a single data transmission process. The first hop represents the first data transmission, and the second hop represents the second data transmission. For example, an M-hop transmission involves M+1 devices. During data transmission, the data sequentially passes through these M+1 devices. The i-th device can be understood as the i-th device that receives the data. Accordingly, the first hop represents the first device sending data to the second device, the second hop represents the second device sending data to the third device, and the i-th hop represents the i-th device sending data to the i+1-th device.

[0057] Based on the communication system described above, the technical background of the embodiments of the present application will be mainly introduced below.

[0058] With the widespread adoption of Internet applications and wireless network devices, people's demand for wireless communications is gradually increasing. In order to improve communication coverage, relay devices are currently being introduced to support multi-hop transmission from the source device to the destination device. When the relay device forwards data, the time domain resources corresponding to each hop are separately indicated. Taking the three-hop transmission described above as an example, the network device will generate three corresponding indication information based on the three-hop transmission, one indication information corresponding to one hop transmission. For example, the three indication information generated include indication information 1, indication information 2, and indication information 3, where indication information 1 is used to indicate the time domain resources required for the source device to send data to the first relay device, indication information 2 is used to indicate the time domain resources required for the first relay device to send data to the second relay device, and indication information 3 is used to indicate the time domain resources required for the second relay device to send data to the destination device. However, this processing method will result in a large overhead. How to reduce the overhead is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0059] In order to reduce overhead, an embodiment of the present application provides a resource indication method. This solution can be mainly applied to D2D, V2V, IAB, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), smart factories, automated machine manufacturing and other fields. In addition, it can also be applied to other fields. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the application fields to which this technical solution is applicable.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 3, which is an interactive diagram of a resource indication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the network switching method includes steps 301 to 302. The execution subject of the method shown in Figure 3 can be the first device and the second device. Alternatively, the execution subject of the method shown in Figure 3 can be the chip in the first device and the second device. Figure 3 is illustrated using the first device and the second device as an example. The execution subjects of the subsequent figures are similar and will not be repeated. Among them:

[0061] 301. The first device obtains indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate a time domain resource configuration for an M-hop transmission between the first device and a target device, where the M-hop transmission includes transmission between the first device and a second device. The indication information includes first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, where at least two time domain resources belong to transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources for the M-hop transmission, and M is an integer greater than 1.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, M-hop transmission between the first device and the target device means that when the first device transmits data to the target device, it needs to be forwarded through M-1 relay devices before the data can be transmitted to the target device.

[0063] The M-hop transmission between the first device and the target device is a K-hop transmission between the source device and the target device, where K is an integer greater than or equal to M. Based on the above description of multi-hop transmission, K-hop transmission between the source device and the target device means that when the source device transmits data to the target device, it also needs to be forwarded through K-1 relay devices before the data can be transmitted to the target device. The source device is used to transmit data to the target device and is the first device to send data in the multi-hop transmission. The target device is used to receive data from the source device and is the last device to receive data in the multi-hop transmission. The relay device is used to assist the source device in forwarding data to the target device and is an intermediate node between the source and target devices. In addition, the source device can also receive data sent by the target device, and the relay device can also assist the target device in forwarding data to the source device, but this is not limited to this in the present embodiment. The subsequent description of the present embodiment mainly uses the source device as the data transmitter and the target device as the data receiver. The solution with the source device as the receiver and the target device as the transmitter can be similarly achieved and will not be further described in the present embodiment.

[0064] When K is greater than M, the first device is a relay device between the source device and the destination device; when K is equal to M, the first device is the source device. M-hop transmission includes transmission between the first device and the second device. Optionally, the first device and the second device are two adjacent devices in the M-hop transmission, and the transmission between the first device and the second device can be understood as a single-hop transmission in the M-hop transmission. Alternatively, one or more relay devices may be included between the first device and the second device, and the transmission between the first device and the second device can be understood as a multi-hop transmission in the M-hop transmission. When the source device is the transmitter and the destination device is the receiver, in the transmission between the first and second devices, the first device is the transmitter and the second device is the receiver.

[0065] Optionally, the types of the first device and the second device include the following three cases: 1. The first device and the second device are both relay devices; 2. The first device is a source device and the second device is a relay device; 3. The second device is a target device and the first device is a relay device.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present application, the indication information indicates the time domain resource configuration of the M-hop transmission. Specifically, the indication information indicates the time domain transmission resource configuration of each hop in the M-hop transmission. Optionally, if at least two adjacent devices in the M-hop transmission are terminal devices, or if a sidelink (SL) exists in the M-hop transmission, the indication information also indicates the time domain reserved resource configuration corresponding to the hop. If a device in the M-hop is a network device, or if a downlink (DL) exists in the M-hop transmission, the hop corresponding to the network device does not require a time domain reserved resource configuration, and the indication information indicates the transmission resource configuration corresponding to the hop. Wherein. The time domain transmission resource configuration refers to the configuration of the time domain resources required for the current transmission of data, and the time domain reserved resource configuration is the configuration of the time domain resources required for retransmission or transmission of other data.

[0067] The indication information includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, where the at least two time domain resources belong to transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources of M-hop transmission. Optionally, the first information includes multiple status values, and one status value corresponds to a configuration of the at least two time domain resources. It can be understood that the first information adopts a method of indicating at least two time domain resources in one information. The status value can be understood as bit information. For example, assuming that the size configured for the first information is 2 bits, the status value in the first information can be one of the following 4 bits of information: 00, 01, 10, 11.

[0068] For example, as shown in Figure 4, two time domain resources are included, namely, the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource. The first time domain resource corresponds to three configuration modes, namely, the first time domain resource is one of Slot1, Slot2, and Slot3, and the second time domain resource also corresponds to three configuration modes, namely, the second time domain resource is one of Slot5, Slot6, and Slot7. By arranging the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource, nine configuration modes corresponding to the combination of the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource can be obtained. These nine configuration modes can respectively correspond to the nine status values ​​of the first information. For example, when the status value in the first information is 5, the first time domain resource can be determined to be Slot2 and the second time domain resource can be determined to be Slot2; when the status value in the first information is 9, the first time domain resource can be determined to be Slot3 and the second time domain resource can be determined to be Slot3.

[0069] Because the size of allocation indication information is limited, using a separate indication method, that is, using one resource indication information to indicate one time domain resource configuration, will result in the number of status values ​​included in the size of the resource indication information being greater than the number of time domain resource configuration methods. For example, the size of the resource indication information is 2 bits, corresponding to 4 status values. The resource indication information can indicate a maximum of 4 configuration methods, while the number of configuration methods for a current time domain resource is 3. Since 3 is smaller than 4, the number of status values ​​corresponding to the size of the resource indication information is greater than the number of time domain resource configuration methods. Furthermore, as the number of time domain resources that need to be configured increases, the resulting overhead increases, and resources are wasted.

[0070] Since the first information indicates the configuration of at least two time domain resources, the number of status values ​​required for the first information can be determined based on the number of configuration methods for the at least two time domain resources. One status value corresponds to one configuration method for at least two time domain resources. A more appropriate size of the first information can be configured based on the number of status values ​​required for the first information, avoiding the increased overhead caused by the increasing number of time domain resources that need to be configured. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce resource waste caused by the state value corresponding to the size configured for the first information being greater than the number of configurations for multiple time domain resources, thereby effectively saving the overhead of time domain resource indication. For example, assume that there are two different time domain resources, and these three different time domain resources correspond to three configuration methods. If a separate indication method is used, three resource indication information pieces are required. Since one time domain resource corresponds to three configuration methods, the number of status values ​​that can be indicated by configuring one resource indication information piece must not be less than three. Therefore, the size configured for one resource indication information piece is 2 bits, and the three resource indication information pieces require a total of 6 bits. If the resource indication method described in this application is used, assuming that the first information is used to indicate the configuration of three different time domain resources, where each of the three time domain resources corresponds to three configuration modes, the three time domain resources combined can correspond to 27 configuration modes, and the number of status values ​​that can be indicated in the first information must not be less than 27. Therefore, the size of the first information can be 5 bits, including 32 status values, which can indicate all 27 configuration modes. Since the separate indication method described above requires a total of 6 bits, the first information only requires 5 bits using the method described in this application. It can be seen that the method described in this application can effectively save the overhead of time domain resource indication.

[0071] In combination with the above-described manner in which the first information indicates at least two time domain resource configurations, in one possible implementation, the two time domain resources indicated in the first information meet the end-to-end packet delay budget (PDB) requirement. The end-to-end PDB requirement refers to the maximum time interval required from the source device starting to send data to the target device receiving data. Among them, the two time domain resources indicated in the first information meet the end-to-end PDB requirement, which can be understood as the time domain positions corresponding to the two time domain resources indicated in the first information are within the range of the maximum time interval required from the source device starting to send data to the target device receiving data. In this implementation, the time domain resources indicated in the first information can be configured based on the end-to-end PDB. Taking Figure 4 as an example, all time domain resources that satisfy the end-to-end PDB can be first determined. In Figure 4, Slots 1 to 7 are all time slots that satisfy the end-to-end PDB. Assuming that the first information indicates the configuration of the first and second time domain resources, six slots can be selected from Slots 1 to 7 as candidate time domain resources to correspond to the various configurations of the first and second time domain resources in the first information. The selected candidate resources can be indicated by other signaling. For example, the candidate resources corresponding to the first time domain resource are Slot 1, Slot 2, and Slot 3, respectively, and the candidate time domain resources corresponding to the second time domain resource are Slot 5, Slot 6, and Slot 7, respectively. If the first and second time domain resources only need to occupy one slot, the configurations of the first and second time domain resources can be arranged based on the selection of the candidate resources, resulting in nine configurations corresponding to the combination of the first and second time domain resources. These nine configurations can correspond to the nine status values ​​of the first information, and the first information can be indicated by the status values.

[0072] In one possible implementation, assuming that the size configured for the first information is limited, it is not possible to indicate all of the at least two time domain resource configurations in the first information. Therefore, based on the number of state values ​​A corresponding to the size of the first information, A configuration method can be selected from B configuration methods of the at least two time domain resource configurations for indication, where A and B are both integers and A is less than B. For example, using FIG. 4 as an example, it can be seen that the first information indicates nine configuration methods for the first and second time domain resource configurations. Assuming that the size configured for the first information is 3 bits, the first information can only indicate eight state values. Therefore, eight configuration methods need to be selected from the nine configuration methods for indication. For example, the configuration methods corresponding to state values ​​1 to 8 in FIG. 4 can be selected for indication. This implementation method helps reduce the overhead of time domain resource indication.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the time domain resources corresponding to the at least two time domain resource configurations indicated in the first information do not overlap. Optionally, the non-overlapping of the two time domain resources can be understood as the non-overlapping start times of the two time domain resources. Alternatively, it can be understood as the complete non-overlap between the two time domain resources. Alternatively, it can be understood as the two time domain resources being orthogonal or time-division multiplexed. Since, in the M-hop transmission process, the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources required for each hop need to be determined first, wherein the time corresponding to the time domain transmission resources in each hop is earlier than the time domain reserved resources. Therefore, it is possible that, for example, the time domain reserved resources of the first hop and the time domain transmission resources of the third hop overlap, resulting in ambiguity in the first information indication. For example, as shown in FIG5 , FIG5 includes the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources required for three-hop transmission. It can be seen that the transmission resources of each hop occupy one time slot, the time domain transmission resources of two adjacent hops are separated by one time slot, and the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources in the same hop are separated by three time slots. As can be seen from the figure, the time domain reserved resources of the first hop and the time domain transmission resources of the third hop overlap. If the time domain reserved resources of the first hop and the time domain transmission resources of the third hop are placed in the same resource indication information for indication, the indication will be ambiguous. Therefore, the time domain resources corresponding to the at least two time domain resource configurations indicated in the first information do not overlap, which helps to avoid the problem of indication ambiguity caused by overlapping time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources indications of different hops.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the indication information further includes second information, where the second information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations; the first information is used to indicate a first group of time domain resource configurations; and the second information is used to indicate a second group of time domain resource configurations. The first group of time domain resources includes at least two time domain resources required for M-hop transmission, and the second group of time domain resources includes at least two time domain resources required for M-hop transmission. Optionally, the at least two time domain resources included in the first group of time domain resources do not overlap with each other, and similarly, the at least two time domain resources included in the second group of time domain resources do not overlap with each other. Based on this implementation, ambiguous resource indication can be avoided. Further, optionally, since the first group of time domain resources and the second group of time domain resources are indicated using different information, the time domain resources of the two groups may overlap, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0075] Exemplarily, it is assumed that the first group of time domain resources includes the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources required for transmission between the first device and the second device, and the second group of time domain resources includes the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources required for transmission between the second device and the third device, wherein the transmission between the second device and the third device is the transmission in M ​​hops, which is the next hop transmission between the first device and the second device. In an embodiment of the present application, the reserved resources required for transmission between the first device and the second device in the first group of time domain resources and the transmission resources required for transmission between the second device and the third device in the second group of time domain resources can overlap, thereby improving resource utilization. Based on this implementation method, both the first information and the second information can indicate the configuration of multiple time domain resources, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0076] Optionally, the indication information may further include multiple resource indication information, each resource indication information being used to indicate a set of time domain resource configurations in the M-hop transmission, where the time domain resources included in the set of time domain resource configurations belong to the time domain transmission resources and / or time domain reserved resources in the M-hop transmission. The first information and the second information described above both belong to resource indication information. Optionally, the time domain resources within the same set of time domain resources do not overlap, which helps avoid ambiguity in the resource indication information. Optionally, because different groups of time domain resources correspond to different resource indication information, the time domain resources of different groups can overlap, which helps improve resource utilization.

[0077] The basis for grouping the time domain resources required for M-hop transmission may include the following: 1. Grouping by the number of hops. For example, the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources for each hop in the M-hop transmission are grouped together. 2. Grouping by the type of time domain resources. For example, the time domain transmission resources in the M-hop transmission are grouped together, and the time domain reserved resources in the M-hop transmission are grouped together. 3. Grouping by factors such as whether the current environment is easily affected by the surrounding environment. For example, if the first and second devices are about to perform data transmission, which is easily affected by other surrounding devices, the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources required for the transmission between the first and second devices are grouped together, and the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources for the M-1 hop transmission in the M-hop transmission, excluding the transmission between the first and second devices, are grouped together into one or more groups. In addition to the above-described basis, the basis for grouping the time domain resources required for M-hop transmission may also include other basis, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the first information and the second information are carried on different channels. Further optionally, the first device and the second device are terminal devices, or devices that implement terminal device functions, and the indication information can be sidelink control signaling (SCI) or supersidelink control signaling (SSCI). The first information is carried on the control channel, and the second information is carried on the data channel. Further optionally, the first information is the first-level (stage 1) SCI (or SSCI) in the SCI (or SSCI), and the second information is the second-level (stage 2) SCI (or SSCI). It should be noted that the first information and the second information can also be carried on different control channels, for example, the first information is carried on the first control channel, and the second information is carried on the second control channel. Based on this method, the time domain resource configuration indicated by the first information can be read by other surrounding devices, which is beneficial to avoid the adjacent devices around the current hop occupying the time domain resources required for transmission in a competitive resource allocation scenario. Meanwhile, if the second information is transmitted on the data channel, resources on the control channel can also be saved. The neighboring devices around the current hop can be understood as devices that are located closer to the first and second devices and will compete with them for resources.

[0079] The first information and the second information may also be carried on the same channel, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the first group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; the second group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of N-hop transmission, where the N-hop transmission is the N-hop transmission in the M-hop transmission except the transmission between the first device and the second device, and N is an integer greater than 1 and N is less than M.

[0081] Among them, the time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device can be understood as the time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration required for the first hop in the M-hop transmission process. The time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration of N-hop transmission can be understood as the time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration required for the remaining hops except the first hop in the M-hop transmission. Exemplarily, assuming that M is 3, the first group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration of the first hop, that is, the time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration of the transmission between the first device and the second device, and the second group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration of the second hop, as well as the time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration of the third hop.

[0082] Optionally, in addition to the first and second information, the indication information may further include third information, the third information being used to indicate a third set of time domain resource configurations. The third set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain transmission resource configuration for P-hop transmission and a time domain reserved resource configuration, wherein the M-hop transmission includes the P-hop transmission excluding the transmission between the first and second devices and the N-hop transmission, and wherein P+N is less than or equal to M-1. Optionally, the multiple time domain resources corresponding to the second set of time domain resource configurations do not overlap, and the multiple time domain resources corresponding to the third set of time domain resource configurations do not overlap. This method helps avoid ambiguity between the second and third information indications. Optionally, the time domain resources corresponding to the first set of time domain resource configurations, the time domain resources corresponding to the second set of time domain resource configurations, and the time domain resources corresponding to the third set of time domain resource configurations may overlap. This method helps improve resource utilization.

[0083] Among them, the indication information can also include multiple resource indication information, and the resource indication information is used to indicate the time domain transmission resource configuration and time domain reserved resource configuration required for one hop or multiple hops in M ​​hops. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0084] Optionally, in combination with the above-mentioned implementation method of carrying the first information and the second information on different channels, when the first information is carried on a control channel and the second information is carried on a data channel, since the time domain resources required for the first hop transmission corresponding to the first set of time domain resource configurations are earlier in time than the time domain resources required for the remaining hop transmissions corresponding to the second set of time domain resource configurations, the first set of time domain resources can be read promptly by adjacent devices around the current hop through shared control channel transmission, which helps prevent adjacent devices from occupying the corresponding resources. Adjacent devices can also configure current and future resources based on the first information, thereby avoiding mutual interference. At the same time, the second set of time domain resources indicated in the second information is later in time relative to the corresponding hop, and the farther the hop is from the current hop, the less mutual interference with adjacent devices around the current hop, even negligible, and the adjacent devices will temporarily not occupy the corresponding resources. Transmitting the second information on the data channel can also save resources on the control channel. In the embodiment of the present application, based on the degree of interference impact, resource configuration for hops that are susceptible to greater interference is placed in the first-level control information, while resource configuration for other hops is placed in the second-level control information. This not only helps prevent surrounding adjacent devices from occupying resources required for the current hop, but also saves resources on the control channel.

[0085] In one possible implementation, a first set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain transmission resource configuration for M-hop transmission; a second set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain reserved resource configuration for M-hop transmission. For example, assuming M is 3, the first set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain transmission resource configuration for the first hop, a time domain transmission resource configuration for the second hop, and a time domain transmission resource configuration for the third hop. The second set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain reserved resource configuration for the first hop, a time domain reserved resource configuration for the second hop, and a time domain reserved resource configuration for the third hop.

[0086] Optionally, in conjunction with the aforementioned implementation of carrying the first and second information on different channels, when the first information is carried on a control channel and the second information is carried on a data channel, because the first set of time domain resource configurations corresponding to the time domain transmission resource configuration for M-hop transmission is earlier in time than the second set of time domain resource configurations corresponding to the time domain reserved resource configuration for M-hop transmission, transmission via a shared control channel enables neighboring devices around the current hop to read the resources promptly, thereby preventing neighboring devices around the current hop from occupying the corresponding resources. Neighboring devices can also configure current and future resources based on the first information, thereby avoiding mutual interference. Furthermore, the later the second set of time domain resources indicated in the second information is relative in time, the farther the corresponding hop is from the current hop, and the less interference with neighboring devices around the current hop, even negligible. Neighboring devices will also temporarily not occupy the corresponding resources. Transmitting the second information on the data channel also conserves resources on the control channel. In the embodiment of the present application, based on the degree of interference impact, resource configuration for hops that are susceptible to greater interference is placed in the first-level control information, while resource configuration for other hops is placed in the second-level control information. This not only helps prevent surrounding adjacent devices from occupying resources required for the current hop, but also saves resources on the control channel.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the indication information further includes third information, the third information being used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, the third information being used to indicate a third group of time domain resource configurations; the first group of time domain resource configurations including the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; the second group of time domain resource configurations including the time domain transmission resource configuration for M-1 hop transmission, where the M-1 hop transmission is the M-1 hop transmission in the M-hop transmission excluding the transmission between the first device and the second device; and the third group of time domain resource configurations including the time domain reserved resource configuration for the M-1 hop transmission. Exemplarily, assuming that M is 3, the first group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration for the first hop, the second group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration for the second hop and the time domain transmission resource configuration for the third hop, and the third group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain reserved resource configuration for the second hop and the time domain reserved resource configuration for the third hop.

[0088] Optionally, in conjunction with the aforementioned implementation method of carrying the first and second information on different channels, when the first information is carried on a control channel, the second information is carried on a data channel, and the third information is carried on a data channel, because the first set of time domain resource configurations corresponding to the time domain transmission resource configurations for M-hop transmission is earlier in time than the other two sets of time domain resource configurations, the shared control channel enables adjacent devices of the current hop to read the resources promptly, thereby preventing adjacent devices of the current hop from occupying the corresponding resources. Adjacent devices can also configure current and future resources based on the first information, thereby avoiding mutual interference. Furthermore, the later the relative time of the second set of time domain resources indicated in the second information and the third set of time domain resources indicated in the third information, the farther the corresponding hop is from the current hop, and the less interference with adjacent devices around the current hop, even negligible, and the adjacent devices will temporarily not occupy the corresponding resources. Transmitting the second and third information on the data channel can also conserve resources on the control channel. In the embodiment of the present application, based on the degree of interference impact, resource configuration for hops that are susceptible to greater interference is placed in the first-level control information, while resource configuration for other hops is placed in the second-level control information. This not only helps prevent surrounding adjacent devices from occupying resources required for the current hop, but also saves resources on the control channel.

[0089] Alternatively, when both the first and second information are carried on the control channel and the third information is carried on the data channel, since the first and second sets of time domain resources are carried earlier in time, the shared control channel allows adjacent devices of the current hop to read them in a timely manner, which helps prevent adjacent devices around the current hop from occupying the corresponding resources. Adjacent devices can also configure current and future resources based on the first information, thereby avoiding mutual interference. At the same time, the third set of time domain resources indicated in the third information is further away from the current hop in relative time, and the mutual interference with adjacent devices around the current hop is smaller, even negligible, and adjacent devices will not temporarily occupy the corresponding resources. Transmitting the third information on the data channel can also save resources on the control channel. In this embodiment of the present application, based on the degree of interference impact, the resource configuration for hops that are prone to greater interference is placed in the first-level control information, while the resource configuration for other hops is placed in the second-level control information. This not only helps prevent adjacent devices from occupying the resources required for the current hop, but also saves resources on the control channel.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the indication information includes M first information, where the first information is used to indicate the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of one hop of the M-hop transmission. Exemplarily, assuming that M is 3, the indication information includes three first information, where the three first information respectively indicate the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of the first hop, the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of the second hop, and the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of the third hop.

[0091] Optionally, among the M first information, the first information indicating the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration for the first hop can be carried on a control channel, and the M-1 first information, excluding the first information indicating the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration for the first hop, can be carried on a data channel. The time domain resources required by the first hop are relatively earlier in time. This information can be read promptly by adjacent devices around the current hop via a shared control channel. These adjacent devices can also configure current and future resources based on this information, thereby avoiding mutual interference and preventing adjacent devices around the current hop from occupying corresponding resources. Furthermore, the time domain resources indicated by the other M-1 first information are relatively later in time. The farther the corresponding hop is from the current hop, the less mutual interference there is with adjacent devices around the current hop, even negligible. Therefore, these adjacent devices will not temporarily occupy the corresponding resources. Transmission on the data channel also conserves resources on the control channel. In the embodiment of the present application, based on the degree of interference impact, resource configuration for hops that are susceptible to greater interference is placed in the first-level control information, while resource configuration for other hops is placed in the second-level control information. This not only helps prevent surrounding adjacent devices from occupying resources required for the current hop, but also saves resources on the control channel.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the time domain resources required for M-hop transmission may be grouped by first prioritizing the time domain transmission resources in the M hops according to chronological order, and then prioritizing the time domain reserved resources in the M hops according to chronological order. For example, assuming M is 2 and the number of time domain resources in each group is 2, the time domain transmission resources in the M hops are first grouped according to chronological order, resulting in a first group of time domain resources including the time domain transmission resources of the first hop and the time domain transmission resources of the second hop. After the time domain transmission resources have been grouped, the time domain reserved resources in the M hops are then grouped according to chronological order, resulting in a second group of time domain resources including the time domain reserved resources of the first hop and the time domain reserved resources of the second hop.

[0093] Alternatively, the time domain resources required for M-hop transmission may be grouped based on the order of each hop in the M hops. For example, assuming that M is 2 and the number of time domain resources in each group is 2, grouping based on the order of each hop in the M hops can result in a first group of time domain resources including the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources of the first hop, and a second group of time domain resources including the time domain transmission resources and time domain reserved resources of the second hop.

[0094] In addition to the time domain resource grouping method required for the M-hop transmission described above, there may also be other grouping methods, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the indication information also includes fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate a time domain resource configuration. Optionally, the fourth information includes multiple status values, and one status value corresponds to a configuration of a time domain resource. Correspondingly, the fourth information indicates the time domain resource in a separate indication manner. Optionally, the fourth information indicates the time domain transmission resource between the first device and the second device. Further optionally, the fourth information can be carried on a control channel for transmission. Based on this approach, the use of a separate indication method is conducive to enabling adjacent devices to read the fourth information faster when obtaining the information, reducing the computational burden, thereby avoiding the adjacent devices occupying the time domain transmission resources required for transmission between the first device and the second device. The adjacent devices can also configure current resources and future resources based on the fourth information to avoid mutual interference.

[0096] In a possible implementation, the first apparatus may obtain the instruction information in the following two ways:

[0097] 1. The first device generates the indication information itself. Optionally, the first device may be a source device and has the ability to schedule resources. The first device may determine the time domain resource configuration for the M-hop transmission in the indication information by sensing the surrounding network environment.

[0098] 2. The first device receives target information sent by the third device. The indication information is generated based on the target information.

[0099] Optionally, the first device is a source device and does not have the ability to schedule resources, and the third device is a network device. The third device can sense the network environment, allocate the time domain resource configuration of the M-hop transmission, and send it to the first device through target information. The first device can generate indication information based on the received target information.

[0100] Optionally, the first device is a relay device, and the K-hop transmission between the source device and the destination device includes transmission between the first device and a third device, with the third device being the transmitter and the first device being the receiver. The destination information includes a time domain resource configuration for M+1-hop transmission between the third device and the destination device. After receiving data based on the destination information, the first device may delete the time domain resource configuration for transmission between the first device and the third device from the destination information and generate indication information.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates at least two time domain resource configurations, specifically indicating the start times of the at least two time domain resources. Optionally, the at least two time domain resources are larger than a time unit, which may be a time slot or a subslot. The portion of the time domain resources that exceeds a time unit may be configured via other signaling.

[0102] 302. The first device sends instruction information to the second device. Correspondingly, the second device receives the instruction information sent by the first device.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present application, after the second device receives the indication information, the second device may receive data sent from the first device based on the time domain transmission resource configuration between the first device and the second device in the M-hop transmission indicated in the indication information. Optionally, the first device may forward the data to the second device by decode and forward (DF) based on layer 1 (layer 1, L1) or amplify and forward (AF) based on layer 0 (layer 0, L0).

[0104] In one possible implementation, the second device is a relay device. After receiving data based on the indication information, the second device can delete the time domain resource configuration required for transmission between the first device and the second device in the indication information, generate new indication information, and send the new indication information to the fourth device. The fourth device is a device adjacent to the second device, and the M-hop transmission includes the transmission between the second device and the fourth device.

[0105] To implement the various functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application, the first device and the second device may each include hardware structures and / or software modules, and implement the aforementioned functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0106] Please refer to Figure 6, which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a first device. In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to the method / operation / step / action performed by the first device in the above method embodiment. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0107] The communication device shown in Figure 6 can be a first device, or a device that can be used in combination with the first device. The communication device can also be a chip system. The device can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the first device in the method embodiment described in Figure 3 above. The communication device shown in Figure 6 may include a communication unit 601 and a processing unit 602. The processing unit 602 is used to perform data processing. The communication unit 601 integrates a receiving unit and a sending unit. The communication unit 601 can also be called a transceiver unit. Alternatively, the communication unit 601 can also be split into a receiving unit and a sending unit. Wherein:

[0108] The processing unit 602 is used to obtain indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate the time domain resource configuration of M-hop transmission between the first device and the target device, where the M-hop transmission includes transmission between the first device and the second device, and the indication information includes first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, where at least two time domain resources belong to the transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources of the M-hop transmission, and M is an integer greater than 1; the communication unit 601 is used to send indication information to the second device.

[0109] In a possible implementation manner, time domain resources corresponding to the at least two time domain resource configurations do not overlap.

[0110] In a possible implementation, the indication information further includes second information, where the second information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations; the first information is used to indicate a first group of time domain resource configurations; and the second information is used to indicate a second group of time domain resource configurations.

[0111] In a possible implementation manner, the first information and the second information are carried on different channels.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the first group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; the second group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of N-hop transmission, where the N-hop transmission is the N-hop transmission in the M-hop transmission except the transmission between the first device and the second device, and N is an integer greater than 1 and N is less than M.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the indication information also includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, and the third information is used to indicate a third group of time domain resource configurations; the first group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; the second group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration of M-1 hop transmission, and the M-1 hop transmission is the M-1 hop transmission in the M hop transmission except the transmission between the first device and the second device; the third group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain reserved resource configuration of the M-1 hop transmission.

[0114] In a possible implementation, the first group of time domain resource configurations includes time domain transmission resource configurations for M-hop transmission; and the second group of time domain resource configurations includes time domain reserved resource configurations for M-hop transmission.

[0115] In a possible implementation, the indication information includes M pieces of first information, where the first information is used to indicate the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of one hop transmission in the M hop transmission.

[0116] In a possible implementation manner, the indication information further includes fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate a time domain resource configuration.

[0117] Please refer to Figure 7, which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a second device. In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a module or unit that performs the method / operation / step / action performed by the second device in the above method embodiment. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0118] The communication device shown in Figure 7 can be a second device, or a device that can be used in combination with the second device. Among them, the communication device can also be a chip system. The device can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the second device in the method embodiment described in Figure 3 above. The communication device shown in Figure 7 may include a communication unit 701. The communication unit 701 integrates a receiving unit and a sending unit. The communication unit 701 can also be called a transceiver unit. Alternatively, the communication unit 701 can also be split into a receiving unit and a sending unit. Among them:

[0119] The communication unit 701 is used to receive indication information from the first device, where the indication information is used to indicate the time domain resource configuration of M-hop transmission between the first device and the target device, where the M-hop transmission includes transmission between the first device and the second device, and the indication information includes first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, where at least two time domain resources belong to the transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources of the M-hop transmission, and M is an integer greater than 1; the communication unit 701 is also used to receive data from the first device based on the indication information.

[0120] In a possible implementation manner, time domain resources corresponding to the at least two time domain resource configurations do not overlap.

[0121] In a possible implementation, the indication information further includes second information, where the second information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations; the first information is used to indicate a first group of time domain resource configurations; and the second information is used to indicate a second group of time domain resource configurations.

[0122] In a possible implementation manner, the first information and the second information are carried on different channels.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the first group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; the second group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of N-hop transmission, where the N-hop transmission is the N-hop transmission in the M-hop transmission except the transmission between the first device and the second device, and N is an integer greater than 1 and N is less than M.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the indication information also includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, and the third information is used to indicate a third group of time domain resource configurations; the first group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; the second group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configuration of M-1 hop transmission, and the M-1 hop transmission is the M-1 hop transmission in the M hop transmission except the transmission between the first device and the second device; the third group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain reserved resource configuration of the M-1 hop transmission.

[0125] In a possible implementation, the first group of time domain resource configurations includes time domain transmission resource configurations for M-hop transmission; and the second group of time domain resource configurations includes time domain reserved resource configurations for M-hop transmission.

[0126] In a possible implementation, the indication information includes M pieces of first information, where the first information is used to indicate the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of one hop transmission in the M hop transmission.

[0127] In a possible implementation manner, the indication information further includes fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate a time domain resource configuration.

[0128] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device. The communication device 800 can be the first device in the above method embodiment, or can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first device in implementing the above method. The communication device can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0129] Alternatively, the communication device 800 may be the second device in the above method embodiment, or may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the second device to implement the above method. The communication device may be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment, and details may be found in the description of the above method embodiment.

[0130] The communication device 800 may include one or more processors 801. The processor 801 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU may be used to control a communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal, a terminal chip, a DU or a CU), execute software programs, and process data in the software programs.

[0131] Optionally, the communication device 800 may include one or more memories 802, on which instructions 804 may be stored. The instructions may be executed on the processor 801, causing the communication device 800 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 802 may also store data. The processor 801 and memory 802 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0132] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a transceiver 805 and an antenna 806. The transceiver 805 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a transceiver circuit, etc., and is configured to implement transceiver functions. The transceiver 805 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or a receiving circuit, etc., and is configured to implement a receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or a transmitting circuit, etc., and is configured to implement a transmitting function.

[0133] The communication device 800 is a first device: the processor 801 is used to perform the data processing operation of the first device in the above method embodiment. The transceiver 805 is used to perform the data transceiver operation of the first device in the above method embodiment.

[0134] Alternatively, the communication device 800 is a second device: the processor 801 is configured to execute the data processing operation of the second device in the above method embodiment. The transceiver 805 is configured to execute the data transceiver operation of the second device in the above method embodiment.

[0135] In another possible design, processor 801 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for reading and writing code / data, or the transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[0136] In another possible design, processor 801 may optionally store instructions 803. Instructions 803, when executed on processor 801, may cause communication device 800 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Instructions 803 may be fixed in processor 801. In this case, processor 801 may be implemented by hardware.

[0137] In another possible design, the communication device 800 may include a circuit that can implement the functions of sending, receiving, or communicating in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented on an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a mixed signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc.

[0138] The communication device described in the above embodiment may be a first device or a second device, but the scope of the communication device described in the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may not be limited to FIG8. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0139] (1) An independent integrated circuit (IC), or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0140] (2) A set of one or more ICs, optionally including a storage component for storing data and instructions;

[0141] (3) ASIC, such as modem (Mobile Station Modem, MSM);

[0142] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0143] (5) Receivers, terminals, smart terminals, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.;

[0144] (6)Others, etc.

[0145] In the case where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the chip structure diagram shown in Figure 9. The chip shown in Figure 9 includes a processor 901 and an interface 902. Optionally, it may also include a memory 903. The number of processors 901 can be one or more, and the number of interfaces 902 can be multiple.

[0146] In one design, for a case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of the present application:

[0147] The interface 902 is used to input or output signals;

[0148] The processor 901 is configured to execute the data processing operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0149] In another design, for the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network device in the embodiments of the present application:

[0150] The interface 902 is used to input or output signals;

[0151] The processor 901 is configured to execute the data processing operation of the network device in the above method embodiment.

[0152] It is understandable that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application may, in certain scenarios, be implemented independently of other features, such as the solution on which they are currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. They may also be combined with other features in certain scenarios as needed. Accordingly, the communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application may also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0153] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiment of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor or instructions in the form of software. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component.

[0154] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0155] The present application also provides a computer-readable medium for storing computer software instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0156] The present application also provides a computer program product for storing computer software instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0157] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state drive (SSD)).

[0158] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0159] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A resource indication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first device, the method includes: Obtaining indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate a time domain resource configuration for M-hop transmission between the first apparatus and a target apparatus, where the M-hop transmission includes transmission between the first apparatus and a second apparatus, the indication information including first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, where the at least two time domain resources belong to transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources for the M-hop transmission, and where M is an integer greater than 1; Send the indication information to the second device.

2. A resource indication method, characterized in that: Applied to the second device, the method includes: receiving indication information from a first device, the indication information being used to indicate a time domain resource configuration for M-hop transmission between the first device and a target device, the M-hop transmission including transmission between the first device and the second device, the indication information including first information being used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, the at least two time domain resources being transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources for the M-hop transmission, where M is an integer greater than 1; Data is received from the first device based on the indication information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The time domain resources corresponding to the at least two time domain resource configurations do not overlap.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The indication information further includes second information, where the second information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations; The first information is used to indicate a first set of time domain resource configurations; The second information is used to indicate a second set of time domain resource configurations.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first information and the second information are carried on different channels.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The first set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain transmission resource configuration and a time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; The second group of time domain resource configurations includes time domain transmission resource configurations and time domain reserved resource configurations for N-hop transmissions, wherein the N-hop transmissions are N-hop transmissions in the M-hop transmissions excluding the transmissions between the first device and the second device, and N is an integer greater than 1 and less than M.

7. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The indication information further includes third information, where the third information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, and the third information is used to indicate a third group of time domain resource configurations; The first set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain transmission resource configuration and a time domain reserved resource configuration between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; The second set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain transmission resource configuration for M-1 hop transmission, where the M-1 hop transmission is an M-1 hop transmission in the M hop transmission excluding the transmission between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; The third group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain reserved resource configurations for the M-1 hop transmission.

8. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The first set of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configurations for the M-hop transmission; The second set of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain reserved resource configurations for the M-hop transmission.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The indication information includes M pieces of the first information, where the first information is used to indicate the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of one hop transmission in the M hop transmission.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The indication information further includes fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate a time domain resource configuration.

11. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit; The processing unit is configured to obtain indication information, the indication information being used to indicate a time domain resource configuration for an M-hop transmission between a first device and a target device, the M-hop transmission including a transmission between the first device and a second device, the indication information including first information, the first information being used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, the at least two time domain resources being transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources for the M-hop transmission, and M being an integer greater than 1. The communication unit is configured to send the indication information to the second device.

12. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a communication unit; The communication unit is configured to receive indication information from a first device, the indication information being used to indicate a time domain resource configuration for M-hop transmission between the first device and a target device, the M-hop transmission including transmission between the first device and a second device, the indication information including first information being used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, the at least two time domain resources being transmission time domain resources and / or reserved time domain resources for the M-hop transmission, where M is an integer greater than 1; The communication unit is further configured to receive data from the first device based on the indication information.

13. The communication device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The time domain resources corresponding to the at least two time domain resource configurations do not overlap.

14. The communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: The indication information further includes second information, where the second information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations; The first information is used to indicate a first set of time domain resource configurations; The second information is used to indicate a second set of time domain resource configurations.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein: The first information and the second information are carried on different channels.

16. The communication device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The first set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain transmission resource configuration and a time domain reserved resource configuration between the first device and the second device; The second group of time domain resource configurations includes time domain transmission resource configurations and time domain reserved resource configurations for N-hop transmissions, wherein the N-hop transmissions are N-hop transmissions in the M-hop transmissions excluding the transmissions between the first device and the second device, and N is an integer greater than 1 and less than M.

17. The communication device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The indication information further includes third information, where the third information is used to indicate at least two time domain resource configurations, and the third information is used to indicate a third group of time domain resource configurations; The first set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain transmission resource configuration and a time domain reserved resource configuration between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; The second set of time domain resource configurations includes a time domain transmission resource configuration for M-1 hop transmission, where the M-1 hop transmission is an M-1 hop transmission in the M hop transmission excluding the transmission between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; The third group of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain reserved resource configurations for the M-1 hop transmission.

18. The communication device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The first set of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain transmission resource configurations for the M-hop transmission; The second set of time domain resource configurations includes the time domain reserved resource configurations for the M-hop transmission.

19. The communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: The indication information includes M pieces of the first information, where the first information is used to indicate the time domain transmission resource configuration and the time domain reserved resource configuration of one hop transmission in the M hop transmission.

20. The communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that: The indication information further includes fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate a time domain resource configuration.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor coupled to a memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The device further includes the memory and / or a transceiver, and the transceiver is configured to transmit and receive data and / or signaling.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 through a logic circuit or execution instructions.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by the communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is executed.

25. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that When it is run on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is executed.

26. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes a first device and a second device, the first device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 and 3 to 10, and the second device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 2 to 10.

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