Communication method, device and system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of communication, and discloses a communication method, device and system. The method comprises: a terminal device receiving first information, the first information being used for indicating that a mode of a reference signal on a first reference signal resource is a first mode, the first mode being one of N modes, the transmission powers of the reference signals corresponding to the N modes being different; and the terminal equipment determines channel state information according to the first mode and the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and sends the channel state information. Thus, by defining the reference signals of at least two modes, the terminal equipment can measure and report the channel state information according to the modes of the reference signals, and the terminal equipment is convenient to adapt to a communication perception integrated scene.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In wireless communication systems, to ensure communication performance between terminal devices and network devices, network devices send reference signals to terminal devices. Terminal devices can measure channel state information (CSI) based on the reference signals and then send the CSI back to the network devices.

[0003] Communication-sensing integration is a key technology in next-generation wireless communication networks. It aims to integrate wireless communication and sensing functions into the same system, utilizing the various propagation characteristics of wireless signals to achieve sensing functions such as target localization, detection, imaging, and identification, thereby obtaining information about the surrounding physical environment and enhancing the user experience.

[0004] However, in the integration of communication and sensing, the power of the reference signal transmitted by the network device during sensing will be different from the power of the reference signal transmitted during non-sensing. Therefore, how the terminal device reports channel state information still needs further research. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system. By introducing multiple modes of reference signals, terminal devices can measure and report channel state information based on the received reference signal modes, making it easier to adapt to integrated communication and sensing scenarios.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a first communication device, which is a terminal device or a component (such as a chip or circuit) within the terminal device. For example, in the method provided in the first aspect, the terminal device receives first information, which indicates that the mode of a reference signal on a first reference signal resource is a first mode, where the first mode is one of N modes, and the transmission power of the reference signals corresponding to the N modes is different; N is an integer greater than 1; channel state information is determined based on the first mode and the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource; and the channel state information is transmitted.

[0007] Thus, by defining at least two modes of reference signals, terminal devices can measure and report channel state information based on the mode of the received reference signals, making it easier to adapt to integrated communication and sensing scenarios.

[0008] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, including (or can be replaced by): the first information is used to indicate that the first reference signal resource is located in a first time unit, and the mode of the reference signal on the first time unit is the first mode.

[0009] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate a correspondence between time units and patterns, wherein the correspondence between time units and patterns includes the first time unit corresponding to the first pattern.

[0010] In this way, the network device indicates the correspondence between time units and modes to the terminal device through the second information, thereby enabling the network device to flexibly set the correspondence between time units and modes.

[0011] In one possible design, the first information is the identification information of the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

[0012] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, including (or can be replaced by): the first information is the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and the mode corresponding to the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode.

[0013] The transmit power information is used to indicate the transmit power, which can be either the transmit power itself or the transmit power offset.

[0014] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to indicate a correspondence between a mode and transmit power information of a reference signal, the correspondence between the mode and transmit power information of the reference signal including the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource corresponding to the first mode.

[0015] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving fourth information, the fourth information indicating that the channel state information is in a second mode, the second mode being one of the N modes; determining the channel state information based on the first mode and a reference signal received on the first reference signal resource, including (or alternatively): determining the channel state information based on the first mode, the second mode, and the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource.

[0016] Thus, by further defining at least two modes of channel state information, the terminal device can measure and report channel state information based on the mode of the received reference signal and the mode of the channel state information, achieving greater flexibility.

[0017] In one possible design, the first mode is different from the second mode; determining the channel state information based on the first mode, the second mode, and the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource includes: determining a first channel coefficient based on the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource; determining the channel state information based on the first channel coefficient and a transmit power offset; wherein the transmit power offset is the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the first mode and the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the second mode.

[0018] Thus, when the mode of the reference signal is different from the mode of the channel state information associated with the reference signal, the channel state information can be determined based on the transmit power offset, thereby making the determined channel state information more accurate.

[0019] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving fifth information, the fifth information indicating that the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource is the second mode; determining the channel state information based on the first mode, the second mode, and the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource, including: determining a first channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource; determining a second channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the second reference signal resource; and determining the channel state information based on the first channel coefficient, the second channel coefficient, and a transmit power offset; wherein the transmit power offset is the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the first mode and the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the second mode.

[0020] In one possible design, the first mode is a communication mode and the second mode is a communication-aware fusion mode; or, the first mode is a communication-aware fusion mode and the second mode is a communication mode.

[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a second communication device, which is a network device or a component (such as a chip or circuit) within the network device. For example, in the method provided in the second aspect, the network device sends first information indicating that the mode of a reference signal on a first reference signal resource is a first mode, where the first mode is one of N modes, and the transmission power of the reference signals corresponding to the N modes is different; N is an integer greater than 1; and receives channel state information associated with the reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

[0022] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, including: the first information is used to indicate that the first reference signal resource is located in a first time unit, and the mode of the reference signal on the first time unit is the first mode.

[0023] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate a correspondence between time units and patterns, wherein the correspondence between time units and patterns includes the first time unit corresponding to the first pattern.

[0024] In one possible design, the first information is the identification information of the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

[0025] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, including: the first information is the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and the mode corresponding to the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode.

[0026] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending third information, the third information being used to indicate a correspondence between a mode and transmit power information of a reference signal, the correspondence between the mode and transmit power information of the reference signal including the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource corresponding to the first mode.

[0027] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that the channel state information is in a second mode, the second mode being one of the N modes.

[0028] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource is the second mode, the channel state information also being associated with the reference signal on the second reference signal resource.

[0029] In one possible design, the first mode is a communication mode and the second mode is a communication-aware fusion mode; or, the first mode is a communication-aware fusion mode and the second mode is a communication mode.

[0030] It is understood that the communication method provided in the second aspect corresponds to the first aspect, and the beneficial effects of the relevant technical features in the second aspect can be referred to the description in the first aspect.

[0031] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions involved in the first or second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first or second aspect above. The functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0032] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit can be used to transmit and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices; the processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the processing unit and the communication unit can correspond to the operations involved in the first or second aspect described above.

[0033] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor that can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first or second aspect above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect above, when executed.

[0034] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first or second aspect described above. The processor may execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0035] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and execute the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0036] Understandably, in the third aspect described above, the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. Furthermore, there can be one or more processors, and one or more memories. The memory can be integrated with the processor or separated from it. In specific implementations, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0037] Fourthly, this application provides a communication system, which may include a first communication device and a second communication device; wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect, and the second communication device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0038] Fifthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program (or computer-readable instructions) in which, when a computer reads and executes some or all of the computer-readable instructions, the method in any of the possible designs of the first or second aspect described above is executed.

[0039] For example, a computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. This includes, but is not limited to, non-transient computer-readable media, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer.

[0040] Sixthly, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the method in any of the possible designs of the first or second aspect to be performed.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip (or chip system) including a processor coupled to a memory storing a computer program; the processor is configured to invoke part or all of the computer program in the memory, such that the method in any of the possible designs of the first or second aspect described above is executed. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sensing mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the rooftop configuration for communication time slots and sensing time slots;

[0045] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the determination of channel state information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 6 The following are possible exemplary block diagrams of the apparatus involved in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This application will focus on various aspects, embodiments, or features of a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these solutions may also be used.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0051] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), short-range wireless communication systems (such as sidelink, wireless fidelity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), wired networks, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems (such as New Radio (NR) systems), and future communication systems (such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems). The application does not limit the scope to 6G mobile communication systems or other similar communication systems. The embodiments of this application use... Figure 1 The communication system shown is used as an example for description. When the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are applied to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc. in the embodiments can be replaced with corresponding devices, components, modules in other communication systems without limitation.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes an access network 100. Optionally, the communication system may also include a core network 200 and an Internet 300. The access network 100 may include at least one network device, such as... Figure 1 110a and 110b may also include at least one terminal device, such as Figure 1The series consists of 120a-120j. Specifically, 110a is a base station, 110b is a micro-station, 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j are mobile phones, 120b is a car, 120c is a fuel dispenser, 120d is a home access point (HAP) deployed indoors or outdoors, 120g is a laptop, 120h is a printer, and 120i is a drone. The same terminal device or network device can provide different functions in different application scenarios. For example... Figure 1 The mobile phones included are 120a, 120e, 120f, and 120j. Mobile phone 120a can access base station 110a, connect to car 120b, communicate directly with mobile phone 120e, and access HAP. Car 120b can access HAP and communicate directly with mobile phone 120a. Mobile phone 120f can connect to micro-station 110b, connect to laptop 120g, and connect to printer 120h. Mobile phone 120j can control drone 120i.

[0053] (1) Network equipment

[0054] A network device is a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. A network device can be a device in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication capabilities to terminal devices; this is called RAN equipment. The RAN can be an access network within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G, or future-oriented 6G networks. The RAN can also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a communication network combining two or more of these.

[0055] RAN equipment can also be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc.

[0056] RAN equipment can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station. For example, it can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers of the base station, and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the radio link control (RLC) and medium access control (MAC) layers of the base station, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer (PHY) functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, CU, DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. RA equipment can be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 In 110b), it can also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network equipment.

[0057] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the network device can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the functions of the network device. This control subsystem, which includes the functions of the network device, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities.

[0058] (2) Terminal equipment

[0059] A terminal device is a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. In the embodiments of this application, the device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing that function, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components that can implement the functions of the terminal device. This device can be installed in the terminal device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the terminal device.

[0060] In this embodiment of the application, the functions of the terminal device can also be performed by modules (such as chips or modems) in the terminal device, or by a device that includes the functions of the terminal device.

[0061] Network devices and terminal devices can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the network devices and terminal devices.

[0062] The roles of network devices and terminal devices can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile network device. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a network device; however, for network device 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a network device-to-network device interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a network device relative to 110a. Therefore, both network devices and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 110a and 110b can be referred to as communication devices with network equipment functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0063] Network devices and terminal devices, network devices and network devices, and terminal devices can communicate through licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously, without limitation.

[0064] The network architecture and business scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0065] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated communication system, taking the communication between a network device and a terminal device as an example, the wireless channel between the network device and the terminal device is constantly changing. To ensure the communication performance between the terminal device and the network device, the network device sends a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) to the terminal device. The terminal device can measure the CSI based on the CSI-RS and report the CSI to the network device, which can then perform downlink transmission based on the CSI.

[0066] (1) CSI

[0067] Channel Information System (CSI) is information used to characterize the channel state. CSI may include at least one of the following: CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI), channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), layer indicator (LI), reference signal received power (RSRP), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

[0068] (2) CSI measurement

[0069] Terminal equipment can receive CSI-RS on CSI-RS resources and obtain CSI based on CSI-RS measurements. For example, the terminal equipment determines the channel coefficients based on the CSI-RS, and then determines the CSI based on the channel coefficients. If the transmit power of the CSI-RS is the same as the transmit power of the data channel, the terminal equipment can directly determine the CSI based on the channel coefficients. If the transmit powers are different, the terminal equipment needs to perform power compensation on the channel coefficients before determining the CSI. For example, the data channel can be a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0070] CSI-RS resources can be periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic. Periodic / semi-persistent / aperiodic CSI-RS resources can be configured by network devices to terminal devices through higher-layer signaling (such as RRC signaling) and / or downlink control information (DCI).

[0071] ① For periodic CSI-RS resources, the terminal device receives CSI-RS signals and measures CSI on the periodic CSI-RS resources. The periodic CSI-RS resource can be one of the resources in CSI-RS resource set 1. In CSI-RS resource set 1, all resources have the same period, but the offsets of different resources can be different. All resources have the same starting resource block (RB) and bandwidth. For example, CSI-RS resource set 1 includes two CSI-RS resources (i.e., CSI-RS resource 1 and CSI-RS resource 2). Both of these CSI-RS resources have a period of 5 time slots. The offset of CSI-RS resource 1 is 0, and the offset of CSI-RS resource 2 is 1. In the frequency domain, these two CSI-RS resources have the same starting RB and bandwidth.

[0072] ② For semi-persistent CSI-RS resources, network devices can activate and deactivate them via higher-layer signaling (such as media access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling). After activation, the terminal device receives CSI-RS signals and measures CSI on the periodic CSI-RS resource. The semi-persistent CSI-RS resource can be one of the resources in CSI-RS resource set 1; the specific contents of CSI-RS resource set 1 can be found above.

[0073] ③ An aperiodic CSI-RS resource can be one of the resources in CSI-RS resource set 2. CSI-RS resource set 2 contains one or more CSI-RS resources, and each CSI-RS resource set 2 corresponds to a slot offset used to determine the slot where the CSI-RS resource within that set is located. Network devices can associate CSI-RS resource set 2 with an aperiodic CSI report via higher-layer signaling (such as RRC signaling, or RRC signaling and MAC CE). The network device triggers an aperiodic CSI report via DCI. When this aperiodic CSI report is activated, the associated CSI-RS resource set 2 is also activated simultaneously. The slot corresponding to CSI-RS resource set 2 is the slot where the activated DCI is located plus the slot offset. For example, when the slot offset is 0, CSI-RS resource set 2 and the DCI are in the same slot. CSI-RS resources in the same CSI-RS resource set 2 have the same time slot offset, and the specific symbol on which these CSI-RS resources are located is configured in the configuration information of each CSI-RS resource.

[0074] (3) CSI reporting

[0075] CSI reporting can be periodic, semi-continuous, or aperiodic. The CSI reported by the terminal is associated with reference signals of one or more CSI-RS resources. That is, the CSI is measured based on reference signals on these one or more CSI-RS resources. The specific association relationship can be configured by the network device to the terminal device.

[0076] For periodic CSI reporting, network devices can configure terminal devices to perform periodic CSI reporting through higher-layer signaling (such as RRC signaling). The terminal devices perform channel measurements based on periodic CSI-RS resources and report CSI at fixed time intervals.

[0077] For semi-persistent CSI reporting, when a terminal device is configured to perform semi-persistent CSI reporting, it only begins CSI reporting after receiving activation signaling from the network device. CSI reporting ends upon receiving deactivation signaling. In some methods, when CSI is carried on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), the network device can activate and deactivate semi-persistent CSI reporting via downlink higher-layer signaling (such as MAC CE signaling); in other methods, when CSI is carried on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), the network device can activate and deactivate semi-persistent CSI reporting via DCI.

[0078] For non-periodic CSI reporting, network devices can semi-statically configure multiple CSI reporting parameters for terminal devices via RRC signaling, and trigger one or more CSI reports via DCI. Terminal devices can perform channel measurements based on the CSI reporting configuration parameters and report CSIs via PUSCH.

[0079] exist Figure 1 In the envisioned communication system, network devices may simultaneously possess communication and sensing capabilities to achieve integrated communication and sensing. Integrated communication and sensing is a key technology in next-generation wireless communication systems, aiming to merge wireless communication and sensing functions into a single system. It utilizes the various propagation characteristics of wireless signals to achieve sensing functions such as target localization, detection, imaging, and identification, thereby acquiring information about the surrounding physical environment and enhancing the user experience.

[0080] (1) Sensing technology

[0081] The technical principles of sensing differ somewhat from those of communication. In communication, the transmitting end modulates information onto radio waves and sends it to the receiving end, which then demodulates the signal to obtain the information. Sensing, however, requires the transmitting end to send radio waves in a specific direction. When these radio waves strike a target surface, they are reflected, and the receiving end receives and processes these reflected waves to obtain information such as the target's position, speed, and type.

[0082] Sensing technologies can generally be divided into two modes: single-station sensing mode and dual-station sensing mode, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0083] Single-site sensing mode refers to a mode where the transmitting device for the sensing signal and the receiving device for the echo signal are the same device. In other words, in single-site sensing mode, the transmitting device both transmits the sensing signal and receives the echo signal reflected from the target surface. Therefore, single-site sensing mode can also be called a self-transmitting and self-receiving mode. A typical single-site sensing scenario is a network device self-transmitting and self-receiving scenario (see...). Figure 2 (as shown in (a)) and the scenario of self-transmission and self-reception by terminal devices (see [reference]). Figure 2 (as shown in (b)).

[0084] Dual-site sensing mode refers to a mode where the transmitting device for the sensing signal and the receiving device for the echo signal are different devices. In other words, sensing station A transmits a sensing signal, and the echo signal reflected from the target surface is received by sensing station B. Therefore, this dual-site sensing mode can also be called A-transmit / B-receive mode. A typical dual-site sensing scenario is the scenario where network device A transmits and network device B receives (see...). Figure 2 As shown in (c)), the scenario of terminal device A transmitting and terminal device B receiving (see [reference]). Figure 2 As shown in (d)), the scenario of network device A transmitting and terminal device B receiving (see [reference]). Figure 2 (as shown in (e)), scenario where terminal device A transmits and network device B receives (see [reference]). Figure 2 (as shown in (f) in the text).

[0085] Understandable, Figure 2 The example given is a vehicle, but this application is not limited to this. For example, the target may also be a pedestrian, a low-altitude drone, or other moving or stationary objects. Figure 2 Taking a smartphone as an example, the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. Exemplarily, the sending device is... Figure 1 In the network equipment, the receiving end device is Figure 1 The terminal device in the middle; or, the sending device is Figure 1 The terminal device in the middle, the receiving device is Figure 1 Network devices within the network are not restricted.

[0086] (2) Full-duplex capability

[0087] As can be seen from the above introduction of sensing technologies, network devices need to have full-duplex capability when sensing. For example, when a terminal device needs to communicate and sense simultaneously, within the same time slot, the network device will use part of the antenna to send downlink sensing and communication signals, and use another part of the antenna to receive the echo signal of the sensing signal. That is, the network device sends and receives within the same time slot.

[0088] Full-duplex capability is different from half-duplex capability. When a network device has full-duplex capability, it can transmit and receive within the same time slot. Furthermore, the network device can transmit and receive signals of the same frequency within the same time slot. However, when a network device has half-duplex capability, it can only transmit or receive within the same time slot, or in other words, it can transmit and receive carrier signals of different frequencies within the same time slot.

[0089] As described above, in integrated communication scenarios, network devices possess both communication and sensing capabilities. Furthermore, network devices require full-duplex capability during sensing, therefore, the antenna configuration and transmission power of the network device will differ from those during non-sensing scenarios. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when in a pure communication time slot, network devices use the entire antenna surface to transmit CSI-RS (i.e., use all antenna ports to transmit CSI-RS), thus allowing for higher transmit power. However, when simultaneous communication and sensing are required (corresponding to...),... Figure 3 In the communication sensing time slots, network devices will use a portion of the antenna surface to transmit CSI-RS (i.e., use a portion of the antenna ports to transmit CSI-RS), thus reducing the transmit power. Since the transmit power of CSI-RS affects the CSI determined by the terminal device based on CSI-RS (see the description of CSI measurement above), how the terminal device reports channel state information after the introduction of integrated communication sensing still requires further research.

[0090] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus and system. By introducing multiple modes of reference signals, terminal devices can measure and report channel state information according to the received reference signal modes, which is convenient for adapting to integrated communication and sensing scenarios.

[0091] The relevant terms used in the embodiments of this application are explained here. Unless otherwise specified, these explanations are for the purpose of supporting the meaning of the relevant terms and making the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as a strict limitation of the terms within the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0092] (1) First communication device, second communication device

[0093] The communication method provided in this application involves a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is used to receive reference signals and report CSI (Content Security Indication), and the second communication device is used to transmit reference signals and receive CSI.

[0094] For example, the first communication device is a terminal device or a component of a terminal device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the terminal device; the second communication device is a network device or a component of a network device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in a network device. Alternatively, the first communication device is a first terminal device or a component of the first terminal device, and the second communication device is a second terminal device or a component of the second terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the following description uses "the first communication device is a terminal device, and the second communication device is a network device" as an example.

[0095] (2) Reference signal

[0096] A reference signal (RS), also known as a pilot signal, is a known signal provided by a transmitting device to a receiving device for channel estimation or channel sounding. For example, a second communication device transmits a reference signal through a wireless channel, and a first communication device receives this reference signal and then measures the Channel Sounding Reference Signal (CSI) of the wireless channel based on it. Exemplarily, the reference signal can be CSI-RS, or other possible signals, such as a channel sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0097] (3) N types of patterns

[0098] This application's embodiments involve N modes, where N is an integer greater than 1. The term "mode" in this application's embodiments can also be replaced with other possible names, such as "type," without any specific limitation.

[0099] For example, the N modes include a first mode and a second mode, such as the first mode being a communication mode and the second mode being a communication-sensing fusion mode; or the first mode being a communication-sensing fusion mode and the second mode being a communication mode.

[0100] Different modes can correspond to different transmit power information of the reference signal. The transmit power information indicates the transmit power; for example, it can be the transmit power itself or a transmit power offset. For instance, the first communication mode corresponds to the first transmit power information, and the second communication mode corresponds to the second transmit power information.

[0101] Different modes can correspond to different time units. Here, "time unit" refers to a unit of time, which can be, but is not limited to, a radio frame, subframe, slot, or symbol. Symbols can be time-domain symbols (e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). For example, the first mode corresponds to the first time unit, and the second mode corresponds to the second time unit; that is, the reference signal mode in the first time unit is the first mode, and the reference signal mode in the second time unit is the second mode.

[0102] Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart corresponding to the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0103] S401, the network device sends first information, which indicates that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode; accordingly, the terminal device receives the first information.

[0104] For example, a network device can configure multiple reference signal resources for a terminal device. The specific configuration method can be referred to the description of CSI-RS resources above. For example, the multiple reference signal resources include a first reference signal resource, and optionally, a second reference signal resource as described below.

[0105] There are multiple ways to indicate that "the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode". The following describes three possible ways in conjunction with indication methods a1 to a3.

[0106] Indication method a1: The first information is used to indicate that the first reference signal resource is located in the first time unit, and the mode of the reference signal in the first time unit is the first mode. For example, the first information can be the configuration information of the first reference signal resource.

[0107] The correspondence between time units and modes can be predefined; alternatively, it can be configured by the network device for the terminal device. For example, the network device sends second information to the terminal device, which indicates the correspondence between time units and modes. Exemplarily, the second information can be information carried in higher-layer signaling (such as RRC signaling) or DCI, without specific limitations. The correspondence between time units and modes includes a first time unit corresponding to a first mode, and optionally, a second time unit corresponding to a second mode. For example, the network device indicates to the terminal device through the second information that time slots 0 and 1 correspond to the first mode, and time slots 2 and 3 correspond to the second mode.

[0108] Indication method a2: The first information is the identification information of the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource. For example, a new field (called field 1) can be added to the configuration information of the first reference signal resource. Field 1 is used to carry the first information; that is, the network device directly indicates the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource in the configuration information of the first reference signal resource.

[0109] The pattern identification information can be the pattern index value or other information used to identify the pattern, without any specific limitation. For example, field 1 (or the first information) includes 1 bit. When the value of this bit is 0, it indicates that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode. When the value of this bit is 1, it indicates that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the second mode.

[0110] Indication method a3: The first information is the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and the mode corresponding to the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode. For example, a new field (called field 2) can be added to the configuration information of the first reference signal resource. Field 2 is used to carry the first information; that is, the network device directly indicates the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource in the configuration information of the first reference signal resource.

[0111] The correspondence between transmit power information and modes can be predefined; alternatively, it can be configured by the network device for the terminal device. For example, the network device sends third information to the terminal device, which indicates the correspondence between transmit power information and modes. This correspondence includes transmit power information 1 corresponding to a first mode, and optionally, transmit power information 2 corresponding to a second mode. For instance, the transmit power offset for the first mode is 0, and the transmit power offset for the second communication mode is x decibels (dB). The transmit power offset can be an offset relative to a base transmit power, which can be indicated by the network device to the terminal device.

[0112] Thus, for indication mode a1 or indication mode a2, the terminal device can determine the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource based on the first information; further, based on the correspondence between the transmission power information and the mode, it can determine the transmission power of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource. For indication mode a3, the terminal device can determine the transmission power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource based on the first information; further, based on the correspondence between the transmission power information and the mode, it can determine the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource. That is, in S401, the terminal device can determine the mode and transmission power of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

[0113] S402, the network device sends fourth information, which indicates that the channel state information mode is the second mode; accordingly, the terminal device receives the fourth information.

[0114] There are multiple ways to indicate that "the fourth information indicates that the channel state information mode is the second mode". The following describes two possible ways in conjunction with indication mode b1 and indication mode b2.

[0115] Indication method b1: The fourth information is the identification information of the channel state information mode. For example, a new field (called field 3) can be added to the configuration information for reporting channel state information. Field 3 is used to carry the fourth information; that is, the network device directly indicates the mode of the channel state information in the configuration information for reporting channel state information.

[0116] Instruction information b2: The fourth piece of information is the transmit power information corresponding to the channel state information. For example, a new field (called field 4) can be added to the configuration information for reporting channel state information. Field 4 is used to carry the fourth piece of information; that is, the network device directly carries the transmit power information corresponding to the channel state information in the configuration information for reporting channel state information. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine the mode of the channel state information based on the transmit power information corresponding to the channel state information and the correspondence between the transmit power information and the mode.

[0117] It is understandable that the aforementioned channel state information is associated with the reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and this association may be configured by the network device for the terminal device.

[0118] Furthermore, S402 is an optional step. That is to say, the network device may also choose not to send the fourth information. For example, the terminal device may default that the channel state information and the reference signal associated with the channel state information are in the same mode, that is, the terminal device defaults the channel state information mode to the first mode.

[0119] S403, the terminal device determines the channel state information based on the first mode and the reference signal on the received first reference signal resource.

[0120] Here, there are multiple ways for the terminal to determine the channel state information. The following describes three possible implementations in conjunction with implementation methods 1 to 3.

[0121] (1) Implementation method 1

[0122] In implementation method 1, the channel state information is associated with the reference signal on the first reference signal resource. The mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource (such as the first mode) is the same as the mode of the channel state information. Then, the terminal device can determine the first channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and then determine the channel state information based on the first channel coefficient.

[0123] For example, see Figure 5 As shown in (a) above, the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is communication mode, and the mode of the channel state information is also communication mode; or, see [reference 1]. Figure 5 As shown in (b) in the figure, the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the communication-aware fusion mode, and the mode of the channel state information is also the communication-aware fusion mode.

[0124] (2) Implementation Method 2

[0125] In implementation method 2, the channel state information is associated with the reference signal on the first reference signal resource. The mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource (such as the first mode) is different from the mode of the channel state information (such as the second mode). Therefore, the above "the terminal device determines the channel state information according to the first mode and the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource" can be replaced with "the terminal device determines the channel state information according to the first mode, the second mode and the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource".

[0126] Specifically, the terminal device can determine a first channel coefficient based on the reference signal received from the first reference signal resource; and determine channel state information based on the first channel coefficient and a transmit power offset. Here, the transmit power offset is the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the first mode and the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the second mode, or the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the second mode and the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the first mode. The difference can be positive or negative, and is not specifically limited.

[0127] For example, the transmit power bias for the communication mode is 0, while the transmit power bias for the communication-sensing fusion mode is x dB. That is, the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal in the communication-sensing fusion mode and the transmit power of the reference signal in the communication mode is x dB. See also... Figure 5As shown in (c), the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is communication mode, and the mode of the channel state information is communication-aware fusion mode. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the first channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and then scale and adjust the first channel coefficient according to the transmit power offset (x dB) to obtain the third channel coefficient. Finally, the terminal device determines the channel state information based on the third channel coefficient. (See also...) Figure 5 As shown in (d) in the diagram, the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the communication-aware fusion mode, and the mode of the channel state information is the communication mode. Then, the terminal device can determine the first channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and then scale and adjust the first channel coefficient according to the transmit power offset (x dB) to obtain the fourth channel coefficient, and determine the channel state information based on the fourth channel coefficient.

[0128] Specifically, the first channel coefficient is scaled and adjusted according to the transmit power offset (x dB) to obtain the third channel coefficient. This can be achieved by converting the transmit power offset (x dB) into a linear value, and then dividing the first channel coefficient by this linear value. Similarly, the first channel coefficient is scaled and adjusted according to the transmit power offset (x dB) to obtain the fourth channel coefficient. This can be achieved by converting the transmit power offset (x dB) into a linear value, and then multiplying the first channel coefficient by this linear value. Similarities in other implementations can be found here.

[0129] (3) Implementation method 3

[0130] In implementation method 3, the channel state information is associated with a reference signal on a first reference signal resource, and the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource (e.g., a first mode) is different from the mode of the channel state information (e.g., a second mode). Furthermore, the channel state information is also associated with a reference signal on a second reference signal resource, and the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource (e.g., a second mode) is the same as the mode of the channel state information (e.g., a second mode). The network device can send fifth information to the terminal device, which indicates that the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource is the second mode. The specific indication method of the fifth information can be referred to the description of the first information above.

[0131] If the first mode and the second mode are different, then the above "the terminal device determines the channel state information based on the first mode and the reference signal on the received first reference signal resource" can be replaced with "the terminal device determines the channel state information based on the first mode, the second mode and the reference signal on the received first reference signal resource".

[0132] Specifically, the terminal device can determine a first channel coefficient based on the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource; determine a second channel coefficient based on the reference signal received on the second reference signal resource; and determine channel state information based on the first channel coefficient, the second channel coefficient, and the transmit power offset; wherein, the transmit power offset is the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the first mode and the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the second mode.

[0133] For example, the transmit power bias for the communication mode is 0, while the transmit power bias for the communication-sensing fusion mode is x dB. That is, the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal in the communication-sensing fusion mode and the transmit power of the reference signal in the communication mode is x dB. See also... Figure 5 As shown in (e), the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the communication mode, the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource is the communication-aware fusion mode, and the mode of the channel state information is the communication-aware fusion mode. Then, the terminal device can determine the first channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource; determine the second channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the second reference signal resource; scale and adjust the first channel coefficient according to the transmit power offset (x dB) to obtain the third channel coefficient; and then determine the channel state information based on the third channel coefficient and the second channel coefficient.

[0134] See Figure 5 As shown in (f), the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the communication-aware fusion mode, the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource is the communication mode, and the mode of the channel state information is the communication mode. Then, the terminal device can determine the first channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource; determine the second channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the second reference signal resource; scale and adjust the first channel coefficient according to the transmit power offset (xdB) to obtain the fourth channel coefficient; and then determine the channel state information based on the fourth channel coefficient and the second channel coefficient.

[0135] For example, the terminal device determining channel state information based on the third channel coefficient and the second channel coefficient can mean that the terminal device concatenates the third channel coefficient and the second channel coefficient (both of which are matrices) into a channel coefficient matrix, and then determines the channel state information based on the concatenated channel coefficient matrix. The specific implementation of "the terminal device determining channel state information based on the fourth channel coefficient and the second channel coefficient" can be handled similarly.

[0136] S404, the terminal device sends channel status information to the network device; correspondingly, the network device receives the channel status information.

[0137] For example, a terminal device can send channel state information to a network device via PUSCH or PUCCH, as described above.

[0138] By using the above method, by defining at least two modes of reference signals and at least two modes of channel state information, the terminal device can determine the channel state information based on the mode of the reference signals and the mode of the channel state information, which is convenient for adapting to new scenarios (such as integrated communication and sensing scenarios).

[0139] Regarding the above embodiments, it is understood that:

[0140] (1) In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions of different implementations or different examples are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different implementations or different examples can be combined to form new solutions according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0141] (2) The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. The step numbers in the above flowcharts are only examples of the execution process and do not constitute a restriction on the order of execution of the steps. That is, the size of each step number does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each step should be determined by its function and internal logic. Furthermore, not all steps shown in the flowcharts are mandatory steps; some steps may be added or deleted based on actual needs.

[0142] The above primarily describes the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between terminal devices and network devices. It is understood that, to achieve the above functions, the terminal devices and network devices may include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for performing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0143] This application embodiment can divide the terminal device and network device into functional units according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0144] When using integrated units, Figure 6 A possible exemplary block diagram of the apparatus involved in an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 6 As shown, device 600 may include a processing unit 602 and a communication unit 603. The processing unit 602 is used to control and manage the operation of device 600. The communication unit 603 is used to support communication between device 600 and other devices. Optionally, the communication unit 603, also called a transceiver unit, may include a receiving unit and / or a sending unit, respectively used to perform receiving and sending operations. Device 600 may also include a storage unit 601 for storing the program code and / or data of device 600.

[0145] (1) The device 600 can be the terminal device in the above embodiments. The processing unit 602 can support the device 600 in performing the actions of the terminal device in the method embodiments above. Alternatively, the processing unit 602 mainly performs the internal actions of the terminal device in the method embodiments, and the communication unit 603 can support communication between the device 600 and other devices.

[0146] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 603 is configured to: receive first information, the first information indicating that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, the first mode being one of N modes, the transmission power of the reference signals corresponding to the N modes being different; N being an integer greater than 1; the processing unit 602 is configured to: determine channel state information based on the first mode and the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource; the communication unit 603 is further configured to: send the channel state information.

[0147] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, including: the first information is used to indicate that the first reference signal resource is located in a first time unit, and the mode of the reference signal on the first time unit is the first mode.

[0148] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is further configured to: receive second information, the second information being used to indicate a correspondence between time units and modes, wherein the correspondence between time units and modes includes the first time unit corresponding to the first mode.

[0149] In one possible design, the first information is the identification information of the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

[0150] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, including: the first information is the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and the mode corresponding to the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode.

[0151] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is further configured to: receive third information, the third information being used to indicate a correspondence between a mode and the transmit power information of a reference signal, the correspondence between the mode and the transmit power information of the reference signal including the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource corresponding to the first mode.

[0152] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is further configured to: receive fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that the channel state information is in a second mode, the second mode being one of the N modes; the processing unit 602 is specifically configured to: determine the channel state information based on the first mode, the second mode, and the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource.

[0153] In one possible design, the first mode is different from the second mode; the processing unit 602 is specifically used to: determine a first channel coefficient based on the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource; and determine the channel state information based on the first channel coefficient and the transmit power offset; wherein the transmit power offset is the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the first mode and the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the second mode.

[0154] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is further configured to: receive fifth information, the fifth information indicating that the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource is the second mode; the processing unit 602 is specifically configured to: determine a first channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the first reference signal resource; determine a second channel coefficient based on the received reference signal on the second reference signal resource; determine the channel state information based on the first channel coefficient, the second channel coefficient, and a transmit power offset; wherein the transmit power offset is the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the first mode and the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the second mode.

[0155] In one possible design, the first mode is a communication mode and the second mode is a communication-aware fusion mode; or, the first mode is a communication-aware fusion mode and the second mode is a communication mode.

[0156] (2) The device 600 can be a network device in the above embodiments. The processing unit 602 can support the device 600 in performing the actions of the network device in the method embodiments above. Alternatively, the processing unit 602 mainly performs the internal actions of the network device in the method embodiments, and the communication unit 603 can support communication between the device 600 and other devices.

[0157] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 603 is configured to: send first information, the first information being used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, the first mode being one of N modes, the transmission power of the reference signals corresponding to the N modes being different; N being an integer greater than 1; and receive channel state information, the channel state information being associated with the reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

[0158] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, including: the first information is used to indicate that the first reference signal resource is located in a first time unit, and the mode of the reference signal on the first time unit is the first mode.

[0159] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is further configured to: send second information, the second information being used to indicate a correspondence between time units and modes, wherein the correspondence between time units and modes includes the first time unit corresponding to the first mode.

[0160] In one possible design, the first information is the identification information of the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

[0161] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, including: the first information is the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and the mode corresponding to the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode.

[0162] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is further configured to: transmit third information, the third information being used to indicate a correspondence between a mode and the transmit power information of a reference signal, the correspondence between the mode and the transmit power information of the reference signal including the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource corresponding to the first mode.

[0163] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is further configured to: send fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that the channel state information is in a second mode, the second mode being one of the N modes.

[0164] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is further configured to: transmit fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource is the second mode, the channel state information also being associated with the reference signal on the second reference signal resource.

[0165] In one possible design, the first mode is a communication mode and the second mode is a communication-aware fusion mode; or, the first mode is a communication-aware fusion mode and the second mode is a communication mode.

[0166] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, and some units can be implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, called and executed by a processing element of the device. Moreover, these units can be fully or partially integrated together, or implemented independently. The processing element mentioned here can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the operations of the above methods or the various units mentioned above can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0167] In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together and implemented as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC).

[0168] The receiving unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the receiving unit is an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices. The transmitting unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to transmit signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the transmitting unit is an interface circuit for the chip to transmit signals to other chips or devices.

[0169] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the terminal device or network device described above. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the device can be a chip in a terminal device or a network device. The device includes a processor 701 and a communication interface 702, and optionally, a memory 703. Figure 7 Only the main components of the communication device are shown. In addition to the processor 701 and the communication interface 702, the communication device may further include a memory 703 and input / output devices (not shown).

[0170] The processor 701 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 703, specifically to perform the actions of the processing unit 602 described above, which will not be described in detail here. The communication interface 702 is specifically used to perform the actions of the communication unit 603 described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0171] Processor 701 can be a CPU, a digital processing unit, etc. Processor 701 can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data, such as, but not limited to, baseband-related processing. Communication interface 702 can be used for transmitting and receiving signals, such as, but not limited to, radio frequency transceiver. The above-mentioned devices can be disposed on separate chips, or at least partially or entirely on the same chip. For example, processor 701 can be further divided into an analog baseband processor and a digital baseband processor. The analog baseband processor can be integrated with the transceiver on the same chip, while the digital baseband processor can be disposed on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor can be integrated with multiple application processors (such as, but not limited to, graphics processors, multimedia processors, etc.) on the same chip. Such a chip can be called a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Whether to dispose of the devices independently on different chips or integrate them on one or more chips often depends on the specific needs of the product design. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the specific implementation of the above-mentioned devices.

[0172] The communication interface 702 can be a transceiver, an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver chip, etc. Optionally, the communication interface 702 may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry and an antenna. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0173] Memory 703 is used to store programs executed by processor 701. Memory 703 can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory 703 can be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this.

[0174] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 701 can read the software program in the memory 703, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 701 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 701. The processor 701 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0175] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0176] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 702, processor 701, and memory 703. This application embodiment... Figure 7 The memory 703, processor 701, and communication interface 702 are connected via a bus 704. Figure 7 The connections between other components are shown in bold lines only and are not intended to be limiting. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 7 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0177] Optionally, the communication device described above can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be:

[0178] (1) An independent integrated circuit (IC), or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0179] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including a storage component for storing data and instructions;

[0180] (3) Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), such as modem;

[0181] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0182] (5) Receivers, smart terminals, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.;

[0183] (6) Others, etc.

[0184] In this application embodiment, "multiple" can refer to two or more. Therefore, in this application embodiment, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two". "At least one" can be understood as one or more, such as one, two, or more. For example, "including at least one" means including one, two, or more. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C, then it could include A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C. "And / or" describes the association relationship between related objects. Specifically, there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / ", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0185] Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably, as can "according to" and "based on". The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are generally used to distinguish different objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first communication device and the second communication device in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish between two communication devices, and do not limit the priority or importance of these two communication devices.

[0186] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0187] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0188] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0189] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0190] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, the first mode being one of N modes, the transmission power of the reference signals corresponding to the N modes being different; N is an integer greater than 1; Based on the first mode and the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource, determine the channel state information; Send the channel status information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode, including: The first information is used to indicate that the first reference signal resource is located in a first time unit, and the mode of the reference signal in the first time unit is the first mode.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to indicate the correspondence between time units and modes, wherein the correspondence between time units and modes includes the first time unit corresponding to the first mode.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is the identification information of the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode, including: The first information is the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and the mode corresponding to the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to indicate the correspondence between the mode and the transmit power information of the reference signal, the correspondence between the mode and the transmit power information of the reference signal including the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource corresponding to the first mode.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that the channel state information mode is a second mode, the second mode being one of the N modes; Based on the first mode and the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource, channel state information is determined, including: The channel state information is determined based on the first mode, the second mode, and the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first mode is different from the second mode; The channel state information is determined based on the first mode, the second mode, and the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource, including: The first channel coefficient is determined based on the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource; The channel state information is determined based on the first channel coefficient and the transmit power offset. The transmit power bias is the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the first mode and the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the second mode.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource is the second mode; The channel state information is determined based on the first mode, the second mode, and the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource, including: The first channel coefficient is determined based on the reference signal received on the first reference signal resource; The second channel coefficient is determined based on the reference signal received on the second reference signal resource; The channel state information is determined based on the first channel coefficient, the second channel coefficient, and the transmit power offset. The transmit power bias is the difference between the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the first mode and the transmit power of the reference signal corresponding to the second mode.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The first mode is a communication mode, and the second mode is a communication-sensing fusion mode; or, The first mode is a communication-aware fusion mode, and the second mode is a communication mode.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send first information, the first information being used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is a first mode, the first mode being one of N modes, the transmission power of the reference signals corresponding to the N modes being different; N is an integer greater than 1; Receive channel state information, which is associated with a reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode, including: The first information is used to indicate that the first reference signal resource is located in a first time unit, and the mode of the reference signal in the first time unit is the first mode.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which indicates the correspondence between time units and modes, wherein the correspondence between time units and modes includes the first time unit corresponding to the first mode.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first information is the identification information of the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate that the mode of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode, including: The first information is the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource, and the mode corresponding to the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource is the first mode.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the mode and the transmit power information of the reference signal. The correspondence between the mode and the transmit power information of the reference signal includes the transmit power information of the reference signal on the first reference signal resource corresponding to the first mode.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth message, which indicates that the channel state information is in the second mode, and the second mode is one of the N modes.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fifth message is sent, the fifth message indicating that the mode of the reference signal on the second reference signal resource is the second mode, and the channel state information is also associated with the reference signal on the second reference signal resource.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first mode is a communication mode, and the second mode is a communication-sensing fusion mode; or, The first mode is a communication-aware fusion mode, and the second mode is a communication mode.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 19.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The method includes a processor coupled to a memory storing a computer program; the processor is configured to invoke part or all of the computer program in the memory such that the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 is executed.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The method includes a processor coupled to a memory in which a computer program is stored; the processor is configured to invoke part or all of the computer program in the memory such that the method described in any one of claims 11 to 19 is executed.

24. A communication system, characterized in that, This includes the communication device as described in claim 20 or 22 and the communication device as described in claim 21 or 23.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program that, when some or all of the computer program is executed by a computer, causes the method described in any one of claims 1 to 19 to be performed.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer reads and executes the computer program product, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 19 is performed.

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