Uplink control information transmission method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and a device for transmitting uplink control information, and an execution main body of the method can be terminal equipment or a chip applied to the terminal equipment. The following description is carried out by taking an execution main body as terminal equipment as an example. The method comprises the following steps: receiving indication information, wherein the indication information is used for indicating a first PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) resource and repeated transmission times N; determining the first PUCCH resource and the number N of repeated transmission times from at least one PUCCH resource set according to the indication information; and finally, repeatedly sending uplink control information UCI for M times through the first PUCCH resource and the number N of repeated transmission times. By adopting the method and the device provided by the invention, the terminal equipment can transmit the UCI according to the repeated transmission times corresponding to the PUCCH resource according to the indication of the network equipment, so that the flexible configuration of the PUCCH repeated transmission times can be realized, and the utilization rate of the resource is improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 202080092126.X and the original application date is August 7, 2020. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application claims priority to PCT patent application filed on January 17, 2020, with application number PCT / CN2020 / 072861, entitled "A Method and Apparatus for Transmitting Uplink Control Information", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for transmitting uplink control information. Background Technology

[0004] In 5G mobile communication, terminal devices can transmit uplink control information (UCI) to the network device via the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). The network device typically configures one or more (e.g., 2 to 4) PUCCH resource sets for the terminal device. Before sending the UCI, the terminal device first determines a PUCCH resource set from these sets based on the number of bits required for the UCI to be transmitted. Then, it uses the PUCCH resource indicator field in the DCI sent by the network device to determine a PUCCH resource from this set. To ensure the reliability of the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) response information transmission in the UCI, the terminal device also receives configuration information from higher-layer signaling. This configuration information indicates the number of retransmissions, N. Therefore, the terminal device will repeatedly transmit the PUCCH in N uplink slots.

[0005] The current method for transmitting uplink control information has a problem: network devices configure the number of retransmissions for terminal devices through configuration information, so terminal devices will always repeatedly send PUCCH within N uplink slots. Therefore, the current configuration method for the number of retransmissions of PUCCH is not flexible enough, reducing resource utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method and apparatus for transmitting uplink control information. The execution subject of this method can be a terminal device or a chip applied in the terminal device. The following description assumes the execution subject is a terminal device. The method includes: receiving indication information, which indicates a first PUCCH resource and a retransmission count N; determining the first PUCCH resource and the retransmission count N from at least one PUCCH resource set according to the indication information; and finally, repeatedly transmitting uplink control information (UCI) M times using the first PUCCH resource and the retransmission count N, where M is a positive integer.

[0007] In this embodiment, since the network device pre-configures PUCCH resources and the number of repetitions, the terminal device can transmit UCI according to the instructions of the network device and the number of repetitions corresponding to the PUCCH resources. This enables flexible configuration of the number of PUCCH repetitions and improves resource utilization.

[0008] In one possible implementation, when at least one PUCCH resource set includes at least two PUCCH resource sets, the terminal device can first determine the target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of bits of the UCI; and then determine the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N from the target PUCCH resource set based on the indication information.

[0009] In this embodiment of the application, the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N are indicated by an indication message, which can effectively save signaling overhead.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the number of retransmissions N is the number of times the network device configures the first PUCCH resource in the at least one PUCCH resource set; or, the number of retransmissions N is the number of times the network device configures the PUCCH resource set corresponding to the first PUCCH resource. That is, the network device pre-configures the PUCCH resources and their corresponding number of retransmissions to achieve flexible configuration of the number of retransmissions for the PUCCH resources.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the indication information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information indicates the first PUCCH resource, and the second indication information indicates the number of retransmissions N. The terminal device can determine a target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of retransmissions N; or the terminal device can determine a target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of retransmissions N and the number of bits of the UCI; then, the terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource from the target PUCCH resource set based on the first indication information; and determines the number of retransmissions N corresponding to the first PUCCH resource from the target PUCCH resource set based on the second indication information. In this embodiment, the terminal device determines the target PUCCH resource set based on the number of retransmissions N and the number of bits of the UCI. The terminal device can associate multiple PUCCH resource sets with the same number of UCI bits, achieving more flexible resource set configuration.

[0012] In one possible implementation, at least one PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the at least one PUCCH resource set; or, the at least one PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set; or, the at least one PUCCH resource set includes the maximum allowed number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set, and the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the at least one PUCCH resource set. In the embodiments of this application, the number of repetitions can be associated with PUCCH resources or PUCCH resource sets in various ways, increasing the flexibility of configuration.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the indication information is carried within downlink control information (DCI). In this embodiment, the downlink control information can dynamically indicate the PUCCH resources and the number of repeated transmissions.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the PUCCH resources used in the S times of the repeated M UCI transmissions occupy consecutive symbols in one time slot, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

[0015] Thus, the latency between the N PUCCH resources determined in this embodiment is relatively small, which can reduce the latency of UCI transmission to a certain extent and meet the latency requirements of services with high latency requirements.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the PUCCH resources used in S of the M repeated UCI transmissions occupy one time slot, and the number of interval symbols of the PUCCH resources used in the same time slot for the S transmissions is predefined, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M. In this embodiment, the number of interval symbols of the PUCCH resources can be configured for greater flexibility and to meet different needs.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the number of symbols occupied by the PUCCH resources in the time domain is the same in each of the M repeated UCI transmissions.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the time-domain resources used for the repeated M UCI transmissions are resources on M microtimeslots. For example, the M microtimeslots are at least two consecutive microtimeslots.

[0019] Thus, since the N PUCCH resources determined in this embodiment are micro-slots, the latency between PUCCH resources is small, which can reduce the latency of UCI transmission to a certain extent and meet the latency requirements of services with high latency requirements.

[0020] In one possible implementation, each PUCCH resource used in the repeated M UCI transmissions has the same starting position and symbol length in different micro-slots.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first PUCCH resource is in format 0 or format 2.

[0022] In one possible implementation, M equals N.

[0023] In one possible implementation, repeatedly transmitting uplink control information (UCI) M times using the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N includes: determining M using N PUCCH resources, wherein the first PUCCH resource is one of the N PUCCH resources.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the N PUCCH resources are contiguous in the time domain.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the time-domain intervals of the N PUCCH resources are predefined.

[0026] In one possible implementation, determining M through N PUCCH resources includes: H PUCCH resources among the N PUCCH resources cross the slot boundary, M = N + H, and H is less than N.

[0027] In one possible implementation, determining M through N PUCCH resources includes: if R of the N PUCCH resources are second PUCCH resources, then M = NR; R is less than N; the second PUCCH resources are downlink symbols, transmit conversion symbols, or predefined symbols.

[0028] Optionally, the cross-slot boundary means that the time domain of a PUCCH resource belongs to at least two slots respectively;

[0029] Optionally, the PUCCH resource set mentioned in the text actually refers to the information element of the PUCCH resource set.

[0030] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for transmitting uplink control information. The execution subject of this method can be a network device or a chip applied in a network device. The following description uses a network device as the execution subject. The method includes: determining a first PUCCH resource and a retransmission count N in at least one PUCCH resource set; then sending indication information, which indicates the first PUCCH resource and the retransmission count N; and finally, repeatedly receiving uplink control information (UCI) M times using the first PUCCH resource and the retransmission count N, where M and N are positive integers.

[0031] Since the communication method described in the second aspect corresponds to the communication method described in the first aspect, the relevant beneficial effects of the communication method described in the second aspect can be found in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0032] In one possible implementation, before the network device determines the first PUCCH resource in at least one PUCCH resource set and the number of repetitions N, it further includes: sending configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes the number of repetitions corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource in the at least one PUCCH resource set, or, the configuration information includes the number of repetitions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set; or, the configuration information includes the maximum allowed number of repetitions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set, and the number of repetitions corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource in the at least one PUCCH resource set. In the embodiments of this application, the number of repetitions can be associated with PUCCH resources or PUCCH resource sets in various ways, increasing the flexibility of configuration.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the indication information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the first PUCCH resource, and the second indication information is used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions N. In this embodiment, using two indication information to indicate the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions respectively provides greater flexibility.

[0034] In one possible implementation, at least one PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the at least one PUCCH resource set;

[0035] Alternatively, the at least one PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set;

[0036] Alternatively, the at least one PUCCH resource set may include the maximum allowed number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set, and the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the at least one PUCCH resource set.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

[0038] In one possible implementation, the PUCCH resources used in the S times of the repeated M UCI transmissions occupy consecutive symbols in one time slot, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

[0039] In one possible implementation, when the PUCCH resources used in S of the M repeated UCI transmissions occupy one time slot, the number of interval symbols of the PUCCH resources used in the S transmissions in the same time slot is predefined, wherein S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the number of symbols occupied by the PUCCH resources in the time domain is the same in each of the M repeated UCI transmissions.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the time-domain resources used for the repeated M UCI transmissions are resources on M microtime slots. Alternatively, the M microtime slots are at least two consecutive microtime slots.

[0042] In one possible implementation, each PUCCH resource used in the repeated M UCI transmissions has the same starting position and symbol length in different micro-slots.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first PUCCH resource is in format 0 or format 2.

[0044] In one possible implementation, M equals N.

[0045] In one possible implementation, repeatedly transmitting uplink control information (UCI) M times using the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N includes: determining M using N PUCCH resources, wherein the first PUCCH resource is one of the N PUCCH resources.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the N PUCCH resources are contiguous in the time domain.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the time-domain intervals of the N PUCCH resources are predefined.

[0048] In one possible implementation, determining M through N PUCCH resources includes: H PUCCH resources among the N PUCCH resources cross the slot boundary, M = N + H, and H is less than N.

[0049] In one possible implementation, determining M through N PUCCH resources includes: if R of the N PUCCH resources are second PUCCH resources, then M = NR; R is less than N; the second PUCCH resources are downlink symbols, transmit conversion symbols, or predefined symbols.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the temporal location of N PUCCH resources can be calculated as follows, where n = 0, 1, 2…N-1:

[0051] The starting time slot for transmitting PUCCH can be calculated using the following formula:

[0052] Where K s The first PUCCH is located in the indicated time slot, S is the time domain start symbol of the first PUCCH resource, and L is the symbol length occupied by the first PUCCH resource. The number of symbols in a time slot.

[0053] The start transmission symbol of the PUCCH relative to the time slot start point can be calculated using the following formula:

[0054] mod(T,y) represents the modulo operation. For example, mod(10,3) equals 1, and mod(10,2) equals 0.

[0055] The location of the last time slot in which the PUCCH transmission occurs can be calculated using the following formula:

[0056] Where Ks The first PUCCH is located in the indicated time slot, S is the time domain start symbol of the first PUCCH resource, and L is the symbol length occupied by the first PUCCH resource. The number of symbols in a time slot.

[0057] The last symbol of the PUCCH relative to the start of the time slot is

[0058] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a method for transmitting uplink control information, which can be executed by a terminal device. The method includes: receiving first indication information and second indication information; since the first indication information is used to indicate a first PUCCH resource, the first PUCCH resource is determined from at least one set of PUCCH resources according to the first indication information; since the second indication information is used to indicate the number of retransmissions N; therefore, the UCI is repeatedly transmitted M times using the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N, wherein M and N are positive integers.

[0059] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can reuse existing signaling that indicates the number of repeated transmissions, so as to indicate repeated transmissions within a single time unit. This can save signaling overhead and reduce the latency of UCI transmission to a certain extent, thus meeting the latency requirements of services with high latency requirements.

[0060] In one possible implementation, when at least one PUCCH resource set includes at least two PUCCH resource sets, the method further includes: the terminal device determining a target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of bits of the UCI; and determining the first PUCCH resource from the target PUCCH resource set based on the first indication information.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI), and the second indication information is carried in the higher-layer configuration signaling.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the PUCCH resources used in the S times of the repeated M UCI transmissions occupy consecutive symbols in one time slot, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

[0063] In one possible implementation, when the PUCCH resources used for S UCIs in the M repeated UCIs occupy one time slot, the number of interval symbols of the PUCCH resources used for the S UCIs in the same time slot is predefined, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the number of symbols occupied by the PUCCH resources in the time domain is the same in each of the M repeated UCI transmissions.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the time-domain resources used for the repeated M UCI transmissions are resources on M microtime slots.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the M micro-timeslots are at least two consecutive micro-timeslots.

[0067] In one possible implementation, each PUCCH resource used in the repeated M UCI transmissions has the same starting position and symbol length in different micro-slots.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the first PUCCH resource is in format 0 or format 2.

[0069] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for transmitting uplink control information, which can be executed by a network device. The method includes: determining a number of retransmissions N and a first PUCCH resource in at least one PUCCH resource set; sending first indication information and second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the first PUCCH resource and the second indication information is used to indicate the number of retransmissions N; and repeatedly receiving UCI M times using the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N, wherein M and N are positive integers.

[0070] Since the communication method described in the fourth aspect corresponds to the communication method described in the third aspect, the relevant beneficial effects of the communication method described in the fourth aspect can be found in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

[0072] In one possible implementation, the PUCCH resources used in S of the M repeated UCI receptions occupy consecutive symbols in one time slot, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the PUCCH resources used in S of the M repeated UCI receptions occupy one time slot, and the number of interval symbols of the PUCCH resources used in the S receptions in the same time slot is predefined, wherein S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the number of symbols occupied by the PUCCH resources in the time domain is the same in each of the M repeated UCI transmissions.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the time-domain resources used for the repeated M UCI transmissions are resources on M microtime slots. These M microtime slots are at least two consecutive microtime slots.

[0076] In one possible implementation, each PUCCH resource used in the repeated M UCI transmissions has the same starting position and symbol length in different micro-slots.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the first PUCCH resource is in format 0 or format 2.

[0078] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a terminal device or a chip disposed within a terminal device. The communication device has the functions described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the steps involved in the first aspect above. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0079] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The communication unit can be used to transmit and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, such as receiving first information from a network device. 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 steps involved in the first aspect described above.

[0080] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The processor executes program instructions to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect described above. The communication device may also include one or more memories for coupling with the processor. The one or more memories may be integrated with the processor or may be separate from it; this application is not limiting. The memories may store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first aspect described above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memories, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect described above.

[0081] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which can store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first aspect above. The processor can 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 aspect above.

[0082] In one possible design, the communication device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and to perform the methods executed by the terminal device in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect described above.

[0083] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a network device or a chip disposed within a network device. The communication device has the functions described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the steps described in the second aspect above. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0084] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The communication unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, for example, the communication unit can be used to send first information to a terminal device. 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 steps involved in the second aspect above.

[0085] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The processor executes program instructions to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect described above. The communication device may also include one or more memories for coupling with the processor. The one or more memories may be integrated with the processor or may be separate from it; this application is not limiting. The memories may store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the second aspect described above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memories, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect described above.

[0086] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which can store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the second aspect above. The processor can 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 second aspect above.

[0087] In one possible design, the communication device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect described above.

[0088] Seventhly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a terminal device or a chip disposed within a terminal device. The communication device has the functions described in the third aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the steps involved in the third aspect above. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0089] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The communication unit can be used to transmit and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, such as receiving first information from a network device. 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 steps involved in the third aspect described above.

[0090] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The processor executes program instructions to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the third aspect described above. The communication device may also include one or more memories for coupling with the processor. The one or more memories may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately from it; this application is not limiting. The memories may store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the third aspect described above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memories, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the third aspect described above.

[0091] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which can store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the third aspect above. The processor can 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 third aspect above.

[0092] In one possible design, the communication device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and to perform the methods executed by the terminal device in any possible design or implementation of the third aspect described above.

[0093] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a network device or a chip disposed within a network device. The communication device has the functions described in the fourth aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the steps described in the fourth aspect above. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0094] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The communication unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, such as sending first information to a terminal device. 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 steps involved in the fourth aspect above.

[0095] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The processor executes program instructions to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the fourth aspect described above. The communication device may also include one or more memories for coupling with the processor. The one or more memories may be integrated with the processor or may be separate from it; this application is not limiting. The memories may store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the fourth aspect described above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memories, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the fourth aspect described above.

[0096] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which can store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the fourth aspect above. The processor can 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 fourth aspect above.

[0097] In one possible design, the communication device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the fourth aspect described above.

[0098] Ninthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the first or second aspect described above.

[0099] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the first or second aspect described above.

[0100] In the eleventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the third or fourth aspect described above.

[0101] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor coupled to a memory for reading and executing a software program stored in the memory to implement the method in any of the possible designs of the first or second aspect described above.

[0102] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor coupled to a memory for reading and executing a software program stored in the memory to implement the method in any of the possible designs of the third or fourth aspect described above.

[0103] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a method and apparatus for transmitting uplink control information. The execution subject of the method can be a terminal device or a chip applied in the terminal device. The following description uses a terminal device as the execution subject. The method includes: the terminal device receiving configuration information from a network device, wherein the configuration information includes at least one PUCCH resource set, the PUCCH resource set includes at least one PUCCH resource subset, and the at least one PUCCH resource subset includes A PUCCH resources, where A is greater than or equal to 2. The terminal device receives indication information used to determine a target PUCCH resource subset from the at least one PUCCH resource set, and then the terminal device repeatedly transmits UCI M times using N PUCCH resources from the target PUCCH resource subset, where M and N are positive integers.

[0104] For example, in an embodiment of this application, at least N PUCCH resources in at least one subset of PUCCH resources are configured independently.

[0105] In this embodiment, since the network device pre-configures PUCCH resources for the terminal device, the terminal device can transmit the same UCI M times repeatedly through N PUCCH resources according to the instruction information of the network device, thereby realizing flexible configuration of the number of PUCCH repeated transmissions and improving resource utilization.

[0106] In one possible design, the terminal device can first determine the target PUCCH resource set from the at least one PUCCH resource set based on the number of bits of UCI; at this time, the indication information is used to determine the target PUCCH resource subset from the target PUCCH resource set.

[0107] In this embodiment, the terminal device determines the target PUCCH resource set based on the number of bits in the UCI. The network device can configure multiple PUCCH resource sets for the terminal device. By using the number of bits in the UCI, the target PUCCH resource set can be determined from multiple PUCCH resource sets. Therefore, more flexible resource set configuration is achieved, and no additional signaling overhead is required to indicate the target PUCCH resource set.

[0108] In one possible design, among N PUCCH resources, at least two PUCCH resources have the same PUCCH format and / or the same frequency domain resources. In this way, at least two PUCCH resources can share the configuration information of the PUCCH format and / or frequency domain resources, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0109] In one possible design, at least two of the N PUCCH resources are time-domain resources with different symbol lengths. This approach facilitates flexible configuration of PUCCH resources and improves resource utilization.

[0110] In one possible design, the indication information is also used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions Q, or the terminal device receives a fourth indication information, which indicates the number of repeated transmissions Q, where Q is a positive integer; the terminal device can determine N multiplied by Q PUCCH resources based on N PUCCH resources and the number of repeated transmissions Q, and then the terminal device repeatedly transmits UCI M times using N multiplied by Q PUCCH resources.

[0111] In this embodiment, the terminal device can repeatedly transmit the same UCI using N multiplied by Q PUCCH resources according to the instructions of the network device, thereby enabling flexible configuration of the number of PUCCH retransmissions and improving resource utilization. Furthermore, by using the configuration information of N PUCCH resources and parameter Q, the terminal device can determine the number of N multiplied by Q PUCCH resources based on parameter Q, which reduces signaling overhead compared to directly configuring N multiplied by Q PUCCH resources.

[0112] In one possible design, the PUCCH resources used in S of the M repeated UCI transmissions occupy symbols in one time slot, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M; or, the PUCCH resources used in the M repeated UCI transmissions are in different time slots, and at least two of the PUCCH resources used in the M repeated UCI transmissions have different or partially overlapping time domain positions in the time slots.

[0113] Thus, the latency between the N PUCCH resources determined in this embodiment is relatively small, which can reduce the latency of UCI transmission to a certain extent and meet the latency requirements of services with high latency requirements.

[0114] In one possible design, the indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

[0115] In one possible design, the time-domain resources used for repeatedly transmitting UCI M times are resources on M microtime slots.

[0116] In one possible design, the M microtimeslots are at least two consecutive microtimeslots.

[0117] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for transmitting uplink control information. The execution subject of this method can be a network device or a chip applied in the network device. The following description uses a network device as an example. The method includes: the network device sending configuration information, the configuration information including at least one set of Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources, the PUCCH resource set including at least one subset of PUCCH resources, the at least one subset of PUCCH resources including A PUCCH resources, where A is greater than or equal to 2; the network device sending indication information, the indication information used to indicate determining a target subset of PUCCH resources from the at least one set of PUCCH resources; and the network device repeatedly receiving uplink control information (UCI) M times through N PUCCH resources in the target subset of PUCCH resources, where M and N are positive integers.

[0118] In one possible design, at least two of the N PUCCH resources have the same PUCCH format and / or the same frequency domain resources.

[0119] In one possible design, at least two of the N PUCCH resources are time-domain resources with different symbol lengths.

[0120] In this embodiment, the lengths of the N PUCCH time-domain symbols can be different, which improves the flexibility of PUCCH resource configuration.

[0121] In one possible design, the indication information is also used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions Q, or to send a fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions Q, where Q is a positive integer; the terminal device determines N multiplied by Q PUCCH resources based on the N PUCCH resources and the number of repeated transmissions Q, and repeatedly receives UCI M times on the N multiplied by Q PUCCH resources.

[0122] In one possible design, the PUCCH resources used in the M repeated transmissions of UCI occupy one symbol in one time slot, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M. Alternatively, the PUCCH resources used in the M repeated transmissions of UCI are in different time slots, and at least two of the PUCCH resources used in the M repeated transmissions of UCI have different or partially overlapping time domain positions in the time slots.

[0123] Since the communication method described in aspect 15 corresponds to the communication method described in aspect 14, the relevant beneficial effects of the communication method described in aspect 15 can be found in aspect 14, and will not be repeated here.

[0124] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a method and apparatus for transmitting uplink control information. The execution subject of the method can be a terminal device or a chip applied in the terminal device. The following description assumes the execution subject is a terminal device. The method includes: the terminal device receiving indication information; the terminal device determining a first PUCCH resource from at least one PUCCH resource set based on the indication information; and the terminal device repeatedly transmitting uplink control information (UCI) M times using the first PUCCH resource, where M is a positive integer.

[0125] In this embodiment, since the network device pre-configures PUCCH resources, the terminal device can transmit UCI according to the instructions of the network device and the number of repetitions corresponding to the PUCCH resources, thereby enabling flexible configuration of the number of PUCCH repetitions and improving resource utilization.

[0126] In one possible design, the indication information is further used to indicate the number of retransmissions Z, or the terminal device receives second indication information, which indicates the number of retransmissions Z, where N is a positive integer. Based on the indication information, the terminal device determines a first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions Z from at least one PUCCH resource set. Based on the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions Z, the terminal device repeatedly transmits UCI M times. In this embodiment, because the network device pre-configures the PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions, the terminal device can transmit UCI according to the number of retransmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resource based on the network device's indication, thereby achieving flexible configuration of the number of PUCCH retransmissions and improving resource utilization.

[0127] In one possible design, the number of retransmissions Z is configured for the first PUCCH resource in the PUCCH resource set. In another possible design, the indication information is also used to indicate the number of interval symbols T, where T is a positive integer, or the terminal device receives fifth indication information, which indicates the number of interval symbols T; the terminal device retransmits uplink control information (UCI) M times based on the first PUCCH resource and the number of interval symbols T.

[0128] In one possible design, the number of interval symbols T is allocated to the first PUCCH resource in the PUCCH resource set.

[0129] In this embodiment, since the network device pre-configures PUCCH resources and the number of interval symbols T, the terminal device can determine Z PUCCH resources with an interval symbol number T according to the network device's instructions and the default number of repetitions corresponding to the PUCCH resources. UCI is then transmitted through these Z PUCCH resources, thereby enabling flexible configuration of the number of PUCCH repetitions and improving resource utilization. Furthermore, by configuring the number of interval symbols T, the distance between two PUCCH resources can be flexibly configured, providing processing time for terminal devices sending UCI on two PUCCH resources.

[0130] In one possible design, the indication information is also used to indicate the number of interval symbols T and the number of repeated transmissions Z; the terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource, the number of repeated transmissions Z, and the number of interval symbols T from at least one set of PUCCH resources based on the indication information; the terminal device determines the Z PUCCH resources based on the first PUCCH resource, the number of repeated transmissions Z, and the number of interval symbols T; then the terminal device repeatedly transmits UCI M times through the Z PUCCH resources.

[0131] In this embodiment, since the network device pre-configures PUCCH resources, the number of retransmissions Z, and the number of interval symbols T, the terminal device can determine Z PUCCH resources with an interval symbol number T according to the network device's instructions and the number of retransmissions Z corresponding to the PUCCH resources. UCI is then transmitted through these Z PUCCH resources, thereby enabling flexible configuration of the number of PUCCH retransmissions and improving resource utilization. Furthermore, by simultaneously determining the number of interval symbols T and the number of retransmissions Z through a single instruction, signaling overhead can be effectively reduced.

[0132] In one possible design, when at least one PUCCH resource set includes at least two PUCCH resource sets, the terminal device can first determine the target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of bits of the UCI; and then determine the first PUCCH resource from the target PUCCH resource set based on the indication information.

[0133] In this embodiment, the target PUCCH resource set is selected based on the number of bits in the UCI. This allows network devices to configure multiple PUCCH resource sets for terminal devices, increasing the number of PUCCH resource sets that can be configured and enabling more flexible application in UCI transmission, thereby improving resource utilization.

[0134] In one possible design, the number of retransmissions Z is the first PUCCH resource configured by the network device in the at least one PUCCH resource set. That is, the network device pre-configures the PUCCH resources and their corresponding number of retransmissions to achieve flexible configuration of the number of retransmissions for the PUCCH resources, and to save on indication signaling overhead.

[0135] In one possible design, the above method further includes: the terminal device determining a target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of repetitions Z; or determining a target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of repetitions Z and the number of bits of the UCI; and the terminal device determining the first PUCCH resource from the target PUCCH resource set based on the indication information.

[0136] In one possible design, the indication information is carried in downlink control information (DCI).

[0137] In one possible design, the number of symbols occupied by the PUCCH resources in the time domain is the same in each of the M repeated UCI transmissions.

[0138] In one possible design, the time-domain resources used for the repeated M UCI transmissions are resources on M microtime slots.

[0139] In one possible design, the M microtimeslots are at least two consecutive microtimeslots.

[0140] In one possible design, the first PUCCH resource is in format 0 or format 2.

[0141] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for transmitting uplink control information. The execution subject of this method can be a network device or a chip applied in the network device. The following description uses a network device as the execution subject. The method includes: the network device sending indication information, the indication information being used to indicate a first PUCCH resource; the network device repeatedly receiving uplink control information (UCI) M times according to the first PUCCH resource, where M is a positive integer.

[0142] In one possible design, the above method further includes: the network device determining the number of repeated transmissions Z; the indication information is also used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions Z, or to send a second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions Z, where Z is a positive integer; the network device repeatedly receives uplink control information (UCI) M times based on the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions Z.

[0143] In one possible design, the above method further includes: the network device determining the number of interval symbols T; the indication information is also used to indicate the number of interval symbols T, or a fifth indication information is sent, the fifth indication information being used to indicate the number of interval symbols T; the network device repeatedly receives uplink control information (UCI) M times based on the first PUCCH resource and the number of interval symbols T.

[0144] In one possible design, the indication information is also used to indicate the number of interval symbols T and the number of retransmissions Z. The network device determines Z PUCCH resources based on the first PUCCH resource, the number of retransmissions Z, and the number of interval symbols T. The network device repeatedly receives UCI M times through the Z PUCCH resources.

[0145] In one possible design, the network device determines the number of repeated transmissions Z, and also includes sending configuration information;

[0146] Wherein, the configuration information includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource in the at least one PUCCH resource set, or, the configuration information includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set; or,

[0147] The configuration information includes the maximum allowed number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set, and the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource in the at least one PUCCH resource set.

[0148] In one possible design, at least one PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the at least one PUCCH resource set;

[0149] Alternatively, the at least one PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set;

[0150] Alternatively, the at least one PUCCH resource set may include the maximum allowed number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set, and the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the at least one PUCCH resource set.

[0151] In one possible design, the indication information is carried in downlink control information (DCI).

[0152] In one possible design, the number of symbols occupied by the PUCCH resources in the time domain is the same in each of the M repeated UCI transmissions.

[0153] In one possible design, the time-domain resources used for the repeated M UCI transmissions are resources on M microtime slots.

[0154] In one possible design, the M microtimeslots are at least two consecutive microtimeslots.

[0155] In one possible design, the first PUCCH resource is in format 0 or format 2.

[0156] Since the communication method described in aspect seventeen corresponds to the communication method described in aspect sixteen, the relevant beneficial effects of the communication method described in aspect seventeen can be found in aspect sixteen, and will not be repeated here.

[0157] Eighteenthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a terminal device or a chip disposed within a terminal device. The communication device has the functions to implement the fourteenth or sixteenth aspects described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the steps involved in the fourteenth or sixteenth aspects described above. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0158] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The communication unit can be used to transmit and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, such as receiving instruction information from a network device. 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 steps involved in the fourteen or sixteen aspects mentioned above.

[0159] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The processor executes program instructions to perform the methods in any of the fourteen or sixteen possible designs or implementations described above. The communication device may also include one or more memories coupled to the processor. These memories may be integrated with or separated from the processor; this application is not limiting. The memories may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the fourteen or sixteen aspects. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memories, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any of the fourteen or sixteen possible designs or implementations described above when the computer programs or instructions are executed.

[0160] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which may store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the fourteen or sixteen aspects 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 fourteen or sixteen aspects described above.

[0161] In one possible design, the communication device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and execute the methods performed by the terminal device in any of the fourteen or sixteen possible designs or implementations described above.

[0162] Nineteenthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a network device or a chip disposed within a network device. The communication device has the functions described in aspects fifteen or seventeen above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the steps described in aspects fifteen or seventeen above. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0163] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The communication unit can be used to transmit and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, such as sending instruction information to a terminal device. 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 may correspond to the steps involved in aspects fifteen or seventeen above.

[0164] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The processor executes program instructions to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the fifteenth or seventeenth aspect described above. The communication device may also include one or more memories for coupling with the processor. The one or more memories may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately from it; this application is not limiting. The memories may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the fifteenth or seventeenth aspect described above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memories, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the fifteenth or seventeenth aspect described above.

[0165] 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 described in aspect fifteen or seventeen 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 aspect fifteen or seventeen above.

[0166] In one possible design, the communication device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the fifteenth or seventeenth aspect described above.

[0167] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method in any of the possible designs of the fourteenth or sixteenth aspects described above.

[0168] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the fifteenth or seventeenth aspects described above.

[0169] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the fourteenth or sixteenth aspects described above.

[0170] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the fifteenth or seventeenth aspects described above.

[0171] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor coupled to a memory for reading and executing a software program stored in the memory to implement the method in any of the possible designs of the fourteenth or sixteenth aspects described above.

[0172] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor coupled to a memory for reading and executing a software program stored in the memory to implement the method in any of the possible designs of the fifteenth or seventeenth aspects described above. Attached Figure Description

[0173] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the communication method of embodiments of this application is shown;

[0174] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0175] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0176] Figures 4A to 4C This is a schematic diagram of a PUCCH resource set provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0177] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of an uplink control information transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0178] Figures 6A to 6E This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0179] Figures 7A to 7G This is a schematic diagram of the temporal location of the PUCCH resource provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0180] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another method for transmitting uplink control information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0181] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another method for transmitting uplink control information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0182] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram of a PUCCH resource set provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0183] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another method for transmitting uplink control information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0184] Figure 12A This is a schematic diagram of another method for transmitting uplink control information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0185] Figure 12B and Figure 12C This is a schematic diagram illustrating two different numbers of spacing symbols provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0186] Figure 13 This is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0187] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another method for transmitting uplink control information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0188] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0189] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the network device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0190] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0191] The embodiments of this application can be applied to, but are not limited to, 5G systems, also known as new NR systems; they can also be applied to LTE systems, Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, Enhanced Long Term Evolution-Advanced (eLTE) and other related cellular systems such as the 3GPP program.

[0192] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems 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 approaches are also possible.

[0193] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, the term "exemplary" is used to indicate that it is an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a specific manner.

[0194] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "information," "signal," "message," and "channel" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, they all convey the same meaning. Similarly, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, they all convey the same meaning.

[0195] In the embodiments of this application, the first PUCCH resource and PUCCH1 can sometimes be used interchangeably. Similarly, the second PUCCH resource and PUCCH2 resource can sometimes be used interchangeably, the third PUCCH resource and PUCCH3 resource can sometimes be used interchangeably, the fourth PUCCH resource and PUCCH4 resource can sometimes be used interchangeably, and the fifth PUCCH resource and PUCCH5 resource can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, the meaning they express is the same.

[0196] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating 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.

[0197] The embodiments of this application can be applied to both time division duplex (TDD) and frequency division duplex (FDD) scenarios.

[0198] This application's embodiments can be applied to both traditional typical networks and future UE-centric networks. UE-centric networks introduce a non-cell network architecture, deploying a large number of small cells within a specific area to form a hypercell. Each small cell serves as a Transmission Point (TP) or Transmission Point Point (TRP) within the hypercell and is connected to a central controller. When a UE moves within the hypercell, the network-side equipment selects a new sub-cluster to serve the UE, thereby avoiding actual cell handover and ensuring UE service continuity. The network-side equipment includes wireless network devices.

[0199] In this application, some scenarios are illustrated using NR networks in wireless communication networks as examples. It should be noted that the solutions in this application can also be applied to other wireless communication networks, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other wireless communication networks.

[0200] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, let's first take... Figure 1 The communication system shown in the figure is used as an example to describe in detail the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the communication method of embodiments of this application is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a network device 102 and a terminal device 106. The network device 102 may be configured with multiple antennas, and the terminal device may also be configured with multiple antennas. Optionally, the communication system may further include a network device 104, which may also be configured with multiple antennas.

[0201] It should be understood that network device 102 or network device 104 may also include multiple components (e.g., processor, modulator, multiplexer, demodulator or demultiplexer, etc.) related to signal transmission and reception.

[0202] The network equipment refers to devices with wireless transceiver capabilities or chips that can be configured in such devices. This equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission and reception point (TRP or transmission point, TP) in a Wi-Fi system, and can also be a gNB in ​​a 5G, such as NR, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU). (unit), etc.

[0203] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. A gNB may also include a radio unit (RU). The CU implements some of the gNB's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU implements radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer functions, while the DU implements radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layer functions. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC or PDCP layer signaling, can be considered to be sent by the DU, or by the DU+RU. It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network (RAN) or a network device in the core network (CN); this is not a limitation.

[0204] Terminal equipment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. In the embodiments of this application, the terminal equipment can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, smart printer, train detector, gas station detector, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal equipment, augmented reality (AR) terminal equipment, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenario. In this application, the aforementioned terminal equipment and the chips that can be configured in the aforementioned terminal equipment are collectively referred to as terminal equipment.

[0205] Both network device 102 and network device 104 can communicate with multiple terminal devices (such as terminal device 106 shown in the figure). Network device 102 and network device 104 can communicate with any number of terminal devices similar to terminal device 106. However, it should be understood that the terminal device communicating with network device 102 and the terminal device communicating with network device 104 can be the same or different. Figure 1 The terminal device 106 shown can communicate with both network device 102 and network device 104 simultaneously, but this only shows one possible scenario. In some scenarios, the terminal device may only communicate with network device 102 or network device 104, and this application does not limit this.

[0206] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is a simplified illustration for ease of understanding only. The communication system may also include other network devices or other terminal devices. Figure 1 It was not drawn in the middle.

[0207] Currently, the problem with uplink control information transmission methods is that because network devices configure the number of retransmissions by terminal devices through configuration information, terminal devices will always repeatedly send PUCCH within N uplink slots. For example, as... Figure 2The network device can send downlink control information (DCI) carried on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to the terminal devices within the cell. This DCI is used to schedule the physical downlink share channel (PDSCH)1 carrying service data 1. The network device also sends configuration information to the terminal devices, which indicates the PUCCH1 used for the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback of service data 1. In addition, the terminal devices also receive configuration messages from higher-layer radio resource control (RRC) signaling, which indicate the number of times the PUCCH1 resource of the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback of service data 1 will be retransmitted (the protocol stipulates that sending feedback information on PUCCH1 once belongs to one of the retransmissions, for example, N is 2). Therefore, after receiving PDSCH1, the terminal device sends the HARQ feedback information for service data 1 on PUCCH1 in time slot 1, and repeats the transmission of the HARQ feedback information for service data 1 on PUCCH2 in time slot 2. Subsequently, if the terminal device receives PDSCH2 carrying service data 2, it will again follow the above method, sending the HARQ feedback information for service data 2 on PUCCH3 configured by the network device, and repeating the transmission of the HARQ feedback information for service data 2 on PUCCH4 in the next time slot. It is evident that the current configuration method for the number of repeated transmissions of PUCCH resources is not flexible enough, reducing the utilization rate of PUCCH resources.

[0208] To address the inflexible configuration method for the number of repeated transmissions of PUCCH resources mentioned above, this application provides a first communication method that can configure the number of repeated transmissions for PUCCH resources in the PUCCH resource set corresponding to the terminal device.

[0209] Example 1

[0210] See Figure 3 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which specifically includes the following steps.

[0211] Step 301: The terminal device receives configuration information from the network device, which includes parameters indicating the number of repeated transmissions.

[0212] In other words, the network device configures a parameter for the PUCCH resource set or PUCCH resource corresponding to the terminal device. This parameter indicates the number of times the PUCCH resource is repeatedly transmitted. The number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resource set or the PUCCH resource in the PUCCH resource set is configured independently by the network device. The PUCCH resource set mentioned in this article actually refers to the information element of the PUCCH resource set.

[0213] In one possible embodiment, the parameter can be the number of retransmissions N corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource in at least one PUCCH resource set. RepNum For example, such as Figure 4A As shown, assume that the network device pre-configures PUCCH resource set 1 for the terminal device, which includes PUCCH resource 1, PUCCH resource 2, and PUCCH resource 3. This configuration information may include N corresponding to PUCCH resource 1. RepNum The value is 3, and the N corresponding to PUCCH resource 2 is 3. RepNum For N corresponding to resources 4 and 5 of PUCCH RepNum For example, suppose the network device pre-configures a PUCCH resource set for the terminal device that also includes PUCCH resource set 2, which includes PUCCH resource 4, PUCCH resource 5, and PUCCH resource 6. This configuration information may also include N corresponding to PUCCH resource 5. RepNum For 5, N corresponds to PUCCH resource 6. RepNum The value is 3. Among them, N corresponds to PUCCH resource 4. RepNum It is omitted.

[0214] In another possible embodiment, this parameter can be the number of repeated transmissions N corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource set. RepNum For example, such as Figure 4B As shown, assume that the network device has pre-configured PUCCH resource set 1 and PUCCH resource set 2 for the terminal device. This configuration information may include N corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1. RepNum The value is 3, and the N corresponding to PUCCH resource set 2 is 2. RepNum The value is 4.

[0215] In other possible embodiments, this parameter can be the maximum allowed number of retransmissions (MAT) corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource set. RepNum And the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the PUCCH resource set. Where the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the PUCCH resource set is no greater than the MAT. RepNum For example, such as Figure 4C As shown, assume that the network device has pre-configured PUCCH resource set 1 and PUCCH resource set 2 for the terminal device. This configuration information may include the MATLAB code corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1. RepNum The value is 6, and the MAT corresponding to PUCCH resource set 2 is 2. RepNum The value is 3, and the N corresponding to PUCCH resource 1 in PUCCH resource set 1 is... RepNum For N corresponding to resource 6, PUCCH resource 2 RepNum For N corresponding to resource 4 and PUCCH resource 3 RepNum The value is 5, and the N corresponding to PUCCH resource 5 in PUCCH resource set 2 is... RepNum For N corresponding to resource 6 of PUCCH 2. RepNum The value is 3, where N corresponds to PUCCH resource 4. RepNum It is omitted.

[0216] Step 302: Based on the configuration information, determine the correspondence between PUCCH resources and the number of repeated transmissions in the PUCCH resource set.

[0217] In a first possible embodiment, if the parameter is the number of repeated transmissions N corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource in at least one PUCCH resource set. RepNum Then the terminal device can determine the correspondence between PUCCH resources and the number of repeated transmissions. For N... RepNum For a defaulted PUCCH resource, the terminal device can determine the number of retransmissions N corresponding to that defaulted PUCCH resource. RepNum This is the default value. For example, for... Figure 4A The terminal device can determine the one-to-one correspondence between PUCCH resources and repeated transmission counts in PUCCH resource set 1 as shown in Table 1, and the terminal device can determine the one-to-one correspondence between PUCCH resources and repeated transmission counts in PUCCH resource set 2 as shown in Table 1a.

[0218] Table 1

[0219] Index value PUCCH resource identifier <![CDATA[Number of retransmission N RepNum > 1 PUCCH Resource 1 3 2 PUCCH Resource 2 4 3 PUCCH Resource 3 5

[0220] Table 1a

[0221] Index value PUCCH resource identifier <![CDATA[Number of retransmission times N RepNum > 1 PUCCH Resource 4 Default value (default) 2 PUCCH Resource 5 5 3 PUCCH Resource 6 3

[0222] In one possible embodiment, if the parameter is the number of repeated transmissions N corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource set. RepNum Then the terminal device determines the repetition count of all PUCCH resources in a PUCCH resource set and N. RepNum Same. For example, for Figure 4BThe one-to-one correspondence between PUCCH resources and repeated transmission counts in PUCCH resource set 1 can be determined by the terminal device as shown in Table 2, and the one-to-one correspondence between PUCCH resources and repeated transmission counts in PUCCH resource set 2 can be determined by the terminal device as shown in Table 2a.

[0223] Table 2

[0224] Index value PUCCH resource identifier <![CDATA[Number of retransmission times N RepNum > 1 PUCCH Resource 1 3 2 PUCCH Resource 2 3 3 PUCCH Resource 3 3

[0225] Table 2a

[0226] Index value PUCCH resource identifier <![CDATA[Number of retransmission times N RepNum > 4 PUCCH Resource 4 4 5 PUCCH Resource 5 4 6 PUCCH Resource 6 4

[0227] In one possible embodiment, if the parameter is the maximum allowed number of repeated transmissions (MAT) corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource set. RepNum The terminal device can then determine the correspondence between PUCCH resources and the number of repeated transmissions, as well as the number of times each PUCCH resource in the PUCCH resource set is repeated. For N... RepNum For a defaulted PUCCH resource, the terminal device can determine the number of retransmissions N corresponding to that defaulted PUCCH resource. RepNum This is the default value. For example, for... Figure 4C The one-to-one correspondence between PUCCH resources and repeated transmission counts in PUCCH resource set 1 can be determined by the terminal device as shown in Table 3, and the one-to-one correspondence between PUCCH resources and repeated transmission counts in PUCCH resource set 2 can be shown in Table 3a.

[0228] Table 3

[0229] Index value PUCCH resource identifier <![CDATA[Number of retransmission times N RepNum > 1 PUCCH Resource 1 6 2 PUCCH Resource 2 4 3 PUCCH Resource 3 5

[0230] Table 3a

[0231] Index value PUCCH resource identifier <![CDATA[Number of retransmission times N RepNum > 4 PUCCH Resource 4 Default value (default) 5 PUCCH Resource 5 2 6 PUCCH Resource 6 3

[0232] It should be noted that step 301 above can also be omitted, and the parameters corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the PUCCH resource set can be predefined by the standard. That is to say, the protocol can pre-determine the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the resources in the PUCCH resource set, or the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resource set.

[0233] Example 2

[0234] In Embodiment 2, a possible implementation of the uplink control information transmission method will be described based on Embodiment 1 above.

[0235] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the uplink control information transmission method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0236] Step 501: The network device determines a first PUCCH resource in at least one set of PUCCH resources, and the network device determines the number of repeated transmissions N.

[0237] Specifically, the PUCCH resource is used to carry UCI. The UCI may include one or more of the following: hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), acknowledgment / negative acknowledgement (ACK / NACK) messages, scheduling request (SR), and / or Channel State Information (CSI). The CSI may further include one or more of the following: channel quality indication (CQI), precoding matrix indication (PMI), or rank indication (RI). In this embodiment, the first PUCCH resource is used to carry the first UCI.

[0238] Step 502: The network device sends an indication message to the terminal device, which indicates the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N.

[0239] The indication information can be carried in signaling sent from the network device to the terminal device. In this embodiment, the signaling can be one or more of radio resource control (RRC) signaling, medium access control (MAC) control elements (CE), or physical layer signaling, where the physical layer signaling can be downlink control information (DCI). Specifically, the type of signaling carrying the indication information can be determined based on protocol agreement or the actual scenario, and is not limited here.

[0240] In one possible embodiment, the network device may implicitly indicate the first PUCCH resource and the number of repetitions N in the indication information. For example, the network device may indicate the first PUCCH resource and the number of repetitions N through the PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) in the DCI or through a semi-static indication parameter. For example, referring to Table 1 above, the PRI bit is "1", and the "1" indicates the PUCCH resource 1 and the number of repetitions 3 in the row corresponding to index value 1 in Table 1.

[0241] In one possible embodiment, the network device can implicitly indicate the first PUCCH resource through a first indication message and explicitly indicate the number of retransmissions N through a second indication message. Exemplarily, the network device can indicate the first PUCCH resource through PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) information in the DCI or a semi-static indication parameter. For example, referring to Table 1 above, the PRI bit is "1", and the "1" indicates PUCCH resource 1 in the row corresponding to index value 1 in Table 1.

[0242] Optionally, the second indication information may refer to existing configuration information. For example, the terminal device may also receive a configuration message from higher-layer RRC signaling, which indicates the number of retransmissions. The terminal device may also receive a third indication information from the network device. This third indication information is used to enable the retransmission count parameter indicated by the second indication information. When this retransmission count parameter is enabled, the retransmission count indicates the number of retransmissions that the PUCCH resource can support within a time unit. This time unit can refer to a time slot or a micro-time slot.

[0243] In other possible embodiments, the network device may explicitly indicate the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N in the indication information. For example, the DCI sent by the network device to the terminal device may be in DCI format 1. This DCI format 1 may include the following information fields, as shown in Table 4.

[0244] Table 4

[0245] Information domain Number of bits Short Messages Indicator 2 bits Short Messages 8 bits (reserved bits) Frequency domain resource assignment T bits Time domain resource assignment 4 bits VRB-to-PRB mapping 1 bit MCS (Modulation and Coding Strategy) 5 bits TB scaling 2 bits Reserved bits 6 bits

[0246] In Table 4, the Frequency domain resource assignment and / or Time domain resource assignment in DCI Format 1 can indicate the first PUCCH resource, and one of the Reserved bits in DCI Format 1 can be used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions N.

[0247] Step 503: The terminal device receives instruction information from the network device.

[0248] Specifically, the terminal device can receive signaling from the network device, which includes indication information. For example, the terminal device receives a DCI (Distributed Information Center) that includes indication information.

[0249] Step 504: The terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N from at least one PUCCH resource set according to the instruction information.

[0250] In this application embodiment, there are multiple ways for the terminal device to determine the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N based on the indication information. Several possible implementation methods are described below as examples.

[0251] Scenario 1: Assume the network device configures only one PUCCH resource set for the terminal device, and the network device configures the number of repeated transmissions for the PUCCH resources (or the PUCCH resource set) in this PUCCH resource set according to the method provided in Embodiment 1. In this scenario, the terminal device can determine the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N according to Method 1 or Method 2 as follows.

[0252] Method 1: If the network device implicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, the terminal device can determine the PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions corresponding to the indication information from the set of PUCCH resources.

[0253] For example, see Figure 6A Assuming the indication information is PRI in DCI, and PRI is "1", the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 1 and repeated transmission number 3 corresponding to the index value "1" from Table 1 corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1.

[0254] Method 2: If the network device explicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N in the indication information, or if the network device implicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and explicitly indicates the number of repeated transmissions N in the indication information, the terminal device can determine the PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the indication information from the set of PUCCH resources.

[0255] For example, see Figure 6A Assuming the indication information is that the Frequency domain resource assignment and Time domain resource assignment in DCI indicate that the resource used for carrying UCI is PUCCH resource 1, and one bit in the reserved bits indicates the number of repeated transmissions is 3, then the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 1 and the number of repeated transmissions 3 from Table 1 corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1.

[0256] For example, see Figure 6A Assuming the indication information is PRI in DCI, and the PRI is "1", the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 1 corresponding to the index value "1" from PUCCH resource set 1; and then determine PUCCH resource 1 and the number of repeated transmissions 3 according to the displayed indication of repeated transmission count 3.

[0257] Method 3: If the network device implicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource in the first indication information and explicitly indicates the number of repeated transmissions N in the second indication information, then the terminal device can determine the PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the indication information from the set of PUCCH resources.

[0258] For example, see Figure 6A Assuming the indication information is PRI in DCI, and PRI is "1", the terminal device can determine the PUCCH resource 1 corresponding to the index value "1" from Table 1 corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1, and one bit in the reserved bits indicates the number of repeated transmissions is 3.

[0259] Scenario 2: Assume the network device configures at least two PUCCH resource sets for the terminal device, and the network device configures the number of repeated transmissions for the PUCCH resources (or PUCCH resource sets) in the PUCCH resource sets according to the method provided in Embodiment 1. In this scenario, the terminal device can determine the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N according to any one of the following methods four to eight.

[0260] Method 4: If the network device implicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, the terminal device can first determine the target PUCCH resource set from at least two PUCCH resource sets corresponding to the terminal device based on the number of bits of the UCI to be transmitted. Then, the terminal device can determine the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N from the target PUCCH resource set according to the indication information, following Method 1 described above.

[0261] For example, see Figure 6B If the terminal device determines that the number of bits to be transmitted in the UCI is 2, then the terminal device determines that the PUCCH resource set 1, which falls within the bit range [0,2] of the UCI, is the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming that the indication information is PRI in the DCI, and the PRI is "1", the terminal device can determine the PUCCH resource 1 corresponding to the index value "1" and the number of repeated transmissions 3 from Table 1 corresponding to the PUCCH resource set 1.

[0262] For example, if the terminal device determines that the number of bits of the UCI to be transmitted is 3, then the terminal device determines that the PUCCH resource set 2, which falls within the bit range [2,4] of the UCI, is the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming that the indication information is PRI in DCI, and the PRI is "1", then the terminal device can determine the PUCCH resource 4 corresponding to the index value "1" from Table 1a corresponding to PUCCH resource set 2. The number of repeated transmissions can be the default value (e.g., the default value is 3).

[0263] Method 5: If the network device explicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, or if the network device implicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and explicitly indicates the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, then the terminal device can first determine the target PUCCH resource set from at least two PUCCH resource sets corresponding to the terminal device based on the number of bits of the UCI to be transmitted. Then, the terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N from the target PUCCH resource set according to the indication information, following Method 2 described above.

[0264] For example, see Figure 6B If the terminal device determines that the number of bits to be transmitted for the UCI is 2, then the terminal device determines that the PUCCH resource set 1, which falls within the bit range [0,2] of the UCI, is the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming that the indication information in the DCI is Frequency domain resource assignment and Time domain resource assignment, indicating that the resource used to carry the UCI is PUCCH resource 1, and the number of repeated transmissions is 3, then the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 1 and the number of repeated transmissions 3 from Table 1 corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1.

[0265] Method Six: If the network device explicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, or if the network device implicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and explicitly indicates the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, then the terminal device can first determine the target PUCCH resource set from at least two PUCCH resource sets corresponding to the terminal device based on the number of retransmissions N. Then, the terminal device can determine the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N from the target PUCCH resource set according to the indication information, following Method Two described above.

[0266] For example, see Figure 6C If the terminal device determines that the number of repeated transmissions N indicated by the second indication information is 3, then the terminal device determines that the PUCCH resource set 1 falling within the interval [0,3] of repeated transmissions is the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming that the indication information in DCI indicates that the resource used to carry UCI is PUCCH resource 1, and the number of repeated transmissions is 3, then the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 1 and the number of repeated transmissions 3 from Table 2 corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1.

[0267] For example, see Figure 6C If the terminal device determines that the number of repeated transmissions N indicated by the second indication information is 3, then the terminal device determines that the PUCCH resource set 1 falling within the interval [0,3] of repeated transmissions is the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming that the indication information is PRI in DCI and the PRI is "1", the terminal device can determine the PUCCH resource 1 and the number of repeated transmissions 3 corresponding to the index value "1" from Table 2 corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1.

[0268] Method 7: If the network device explicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, or if the network device implicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and explicitly indicates the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, then the terminal device can first determine the target PUCCH resource set from at least two PUCCH resource sets corresponding to the terminal device based on the number of retransmissions N and the number of UCI bits to be transmitted. Then, the terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N from the target PUCCH resource set according to the indication information, following Method 2 described above.

[0269] For example, see Figure 6DIf the terminal device determines that the number of bits to be transmitted in the UCI is 2, then the terminal device determines PUCCH resource set 1, PUCCH resource set 2, and PUCCH resource set 3, which fall within the bit range [0,2] of the UCI, as candidate target PUCCH resource sets. Further, if the terminal device determines that the number of repetitions N indicated by the second indication information is 3, then the terminal device determines PUCCH resource set 1, which corresponds to the number of repetitions of 3, as the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming the indication information in the DCI (Frequency domain resource assignment and Time domain resource assignment) indicates that the resource used to carry the UCI is PUCCH resource 1, and the number of repetitions is 3, then the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 1 and the number of repetitions 3 from Table 2 corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1.

[0270] For example, see Figure 6D If the terminal device determines that the number of bits to be transmitted for the UCI is 2, then the terminal device determines PUCCH resource set 1, PUCCH resource set 2, and PUCCH resource set 3, which fall within the bit range [0,2] of the UCI, as candidate target PUCCH resource sets. Further, if the terminal device determines that the number of retransmissions N indicated by the second indication information is 3, then the terminal device determines PUCCH resource set 1, which corresponds to the number of retransmissions of 3, as the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming the indication information is PRI in DCI, where PRI is "1", indicating that the resource used to carry the UCI is PUCCH resource 1, and the number of retransmissions is 3, then the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 1 and the number of retransmissions 3 from Table 2 corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1. For example, see [link to example]. Figure 6EIf the terminal device determines that the number of bits to be transmitted for the UCI is 2, then the terminal device determines PUCCH resource set 1, PUCCH resource set 2, and PUCCH resource set 3, which fall within the bit number interval [0,2] of the UCI, as candidate target PUCCH resource sets. Further, if the terminal device determines that the number of repetitions N indicated by the second indication information is 3, then the terminal device determines PUCCH resource set 1, which falls within the repetition number interval [0,3], as the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming the indication information in the DCI (Frequency domain resource assignment and Time domain resource assignment) indicates that the resource used to carry the UCI is PUCCH resource 1, and the number of repetitions is 3, then the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 1 and the number of repetitions 3 from Table 3a corresponding to PUCCH resource set 2.

[0271] Method 8: If the network device explicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, or if the network device implicitly indicates the first PUCCH resource and explicitly indicates the number of retransmissions N in the indication information, then the terminal device can first determine the target PUCCH resource set from at least two PUCCH resource sets corresponding to the terminal device based on the number of retransmissions N and the number of UCI bits to be transmitted. Then, the terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N from the target PUCCH resource set according to the indication information, following Method 1 described above.

[0272] For example, see Figure 6E If the terminal device determines that the number of bits to be transmitted in the UCI is 2, then the terminal device determines PUCCH resource set 1, PUCCH resource set 2, and PUCCH resource set 3, which fall within the bit number interval [0,2] of the UCI, as candidate target PUCCH resource sets. Further, if the terminal device determines that the number of retransmissions N indicated by the second indication information is 3, then the terminal device determines PUCCH resource set 1, which falls within the retransmission number interval [0,3], as the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming the indication information is PRI in the DCI, and PRI is "1", then the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 4 corresponding to the index value "1" from Table 1a corresponding to PUCCH resource set 1. The number of retransmissions can be a default value (e.g., a default value of 3).

[0273] Step 505: The terminal device sends the UCI to the network device M times using the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N.

[0274] Specifically, the terminal device determines N PUCCH resources for repeatedly transmitting UCI M times using the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N. Furthermore, the terminal device determines M using the N PUCCH resources, and the first PUCCH resource is one of the N PUCCH resources. The terminal device then repeatedly transmits UCI M times using these N PUCCH resources.

[0275] Step 506: The network device receives the UCI M times by using the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N.

[0276] Specifically, the network device determines N PUCCH resources for repeatedly receiving M UCIs using the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N. Furthermore, the network device determines M using the N PUCCH resources, and the first PUCCH resource is one of the N PUCCH resources. The network device repeatedly receives M UCIs using these N PUCCH resources, where one UCI is carried on each PUCCH resource.

[0277] In steps 505 and 506 above, the terminal device and the network device can determine the M through N PUCCH resources in the following ways.

[0278] Method I determines the number of UCI transmissions M based on the number of PUCCH resources that cross time slot boundaries among the N PUCCH resources.

[0279] If H out of N PUCCH resources cross slot boundaries, then M = N + H. For example, as... Figure 7C As shown, the terminal device determines the number of repeated transmissions N to be 3. The first PUCCH resource is PUCCH1 in time slot 1, which occupies symbols 9, 10, and 11 in time slot 1. The terminal device determines PUCCH2 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 12 and 13 in time slot 1 and symbol 0 in time slot 2. The terminal device determines PUCCH3 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 1, 2, and 3 in time slot 2. The terminal device sends a UCI once for each of PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3. One of the PUCCH2 segments across a time slot boundary (i.e., H = 1), meaning that PUCCH2 occupies symbols 12 and 13 in time slot 1 and symbol 0 in time slot 2. PUCCH2 that segments across a time slot boundary is considered to be transmitted twice: the first transmission is for symbols 12 and 12 in time slot 1, and the second transmission is for symbol 0 in time slot 2. Therefore, M equals N + H = 3 + 1 = 4.

[0280] Method II: The number of UCI transmissions M is determined based on the number of second PUCCH resources among the N PUCCH resources, wherein the second PUCCH resources include downlink symbols, transmit conversion symbols, predefined symbols, or time slot boundaries.

[0281] If R out of N PUCCH resources are second PUCCH resources, then M = NR; where R is less than N. The second PUCCH resources include downlink symbols, transmit conversion symbols, predefined symbols, or time slot boundaries. Transmit conversion symbols can refer to downlink-to-uplink symbols in TDD. For example, as... Figure 7G As shown, time slot 1 is the uplink time slot, and symbol 0 in time slot 2 is the downlink symbol, with the remaining symbols being uplink symbols. The terminal device determines the number of repeated transmissions N to be 3, and the first PUCCH resource is PUCCH1 in time slot 1. PUCCH1 occupies symbols 9, 10, and 11 in time slot 1. The terminal device determines PUCCH2 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 0, 1, and 2 in time slot 2, and PUCCH3 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 3, 4, and 5 in time slot 2. Since symbol 0 in time slot 2 is the downlink symbol, the corresponding PUCCH2 is not transmitted; that is, only PUCCH1 and PUCCH3 are transmitted. M equals 2.

[0282] Method III: The number of UCI transmissions M is determined based on the number of second PUCCH resources among the N PUCCH resources and the number of PUCCH resources crossing time slot boundaries. The second PUCCH resources include downlink symbols, transmit conversion symbols, predefined symbols, or time slot boundaries.

[0283] If none of the N PUCCH resources crosses a time slot boundary, and none of the PUCCH resources are downlink symbols, transmit conversion symbols, or predefined symbols, then M equals N.

[0284] For example, such as Figure 7A As shown, the terminal device determines the number of repeated transmissions N to be 3. The first PUCCH resource is PUCCH1 in time slot 1. Assuming PUCCH1 occupies symbols 3, 4, and 5 in time slot 1, the terminal device determines PUCCH2 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 3, 4, and 5 in time slot 2, and the terminal device determines PUCCH3 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 3, 4, and 5 in time slot 2. The terminal device sends a UCI once for each of PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3. In this scenario, none of the PUCCH resources cross time slot boundaries; therefore, M equals N, for example, both being 3.

[0285] For example, such as Figure 7B As shown, the terminal device determines the number of repeated transmissions N to be 3. The first PUCCH resource is PUCCH1 in time slot 1, which occupies symbols 3 and 4 in time slot 1. The terminal device determines that PUCCH2 corresponds to symbols 5 and 6 in time slot 1, and that PUCCH3 corresponds to symbols 7 and 8 in time slot 1. The terminal device sends a UCI once for each of PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3. In other possible implementations, PUCCH3 may be T symbols away from PUCCH2, where T is a predefined value; or PUCCH3 may be a resource in an adjacent time slot. This application does not limit this. In this scenario, none of the PUCCH resources cross time slot boundaries; therefore, M equals N, for example, both being 3.

[0286] It should be noted that the PUCCH format of PUCCH resources can currently include the following 5 types, as shown in Table 5.

[0287] Table 5

[0288]

[0289] Among them, PUCCH format 0 and PUCCH format 2 are also known as short PUCCH formats. The above-mentioned uplink control information transmission in the embodiments of this application is applicable to transmission on PUCCH format 0 and PUCCH format 2.

[0290] In this embodiment of the application, in steps 505 and 506 above, the terminal device and the network device determine the N PUCCH resources for repeatedly transmitting UCI M times using the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N. There are several possible implementation methods. Several possible implementation methods are described below as examples.

[0291] Method 1: The terminal device determines N consecutive or incompletely consecutive uplink time slots for transmitting UCI; or, the network device determines N consecutive or incompletely consecutive uplink time slots for receiving UCI.

[0292] For example, such as Figure 7AAs shown, the terminal device determines the number of repeated transmissions N to be 3, and the first PUCCH resource is PUCCH1 on time slot 1. Assuming PUCCH1 occupies symbols 3, 4, and 5 on time slot 1, the terminal device determines PUCCH2 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 3, 4, and 5 on time slot 2, and also determines PUCCH3 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 3, 4, and 5 on time slot 2. The terminal device sends a UCI once for each of PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3. Therefore, PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3 are PUCCH resources on three consecutive uplink time slots.

[0293] Method 2: The terminal device or network device determines that the PUCCH resources used in S of the M repeated UCI transmissions occupy one time slot, and the number of interval symbols of the PUCCH resources used in the same time slot in the S transmissions is predefined, wherein S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

[0294] In other words, the terminal device or network device determines that at least two of the N PUCCH resources occupy one time slot, and the symbols occupied by the at least two PUCCH resources in the same time slot are consecutive; or the terminal device or network device determines that at least two of the N PUCCH resources occupy one time slot, and the number of symbols between the at least two PUCCH resources in the same time slot is predefined. In the M repeated transmissions of UCI, the number of symbols occupied by the PUCCH resources in the time domain is the same each time.

[0295] For example, such as Figure 7B As shown, the terminal device determines the number of repeated transmissions N to be 3, the first PUCCH resource is PUCCH1 in time slot 1, PUCCH1 occupies symbols 3 and 4 in time slot 1, the terminal device determines PUCCH2 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 5 and 6 in time slot 1, and the terminal device determines PUCCH3 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 7 and 8 in time slot 1. The terminal device transmits a UCI once for each of PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3. In other possible implementations, PUCCH3 may also be T symbols apart from PUCCH2, where T is a predefined value; or PUCCH3 may be a resource in an adjacent time slot, which is not limited in this application. In this example, the symbols occupied by PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3 in the same time slot are consecutive, and the number of symbols occupied is 2 for each.

[0296] For example, such as Figure 7CAs shown, the terminal device determines the number of repeated transmissions N to be 3. The first PUCCH resource is PUCCH1 in time slot 1, which occupies symbols 9, 10, and 11 in time slot 1. The terminal device determines PUCCH2 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 12 and 13 in time slot 1 and symbol 0 in time slot 2. The terminal device determines PUCCH3 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 1, 2, and 3 in time slot 2. The terminal device sends a UCI once for each of PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3. In this example, PUCCH1 and PUCCH2 occupy consecutive symbols in the same time slot 1, and PUCCH2 and PUCCH3 occupy consecutive symbols in the same time slot 2.

[0297] For example, such as Figure 7D As shown, the terminal device determines the number of repeated transmissions to be 3. The first PUCCH resource is PUCCH1 in time slot 1, which occupies symbols 9, 10, and 11 in time slot 1. The terminal device determines PUCCH2 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 0, 1, and 2 in time slot 2, and PUCCH3 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 3, 4, and 5 in time slot 2. The terminal device transmits a UCI once for each of PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3. In this example, PUCCH2 and PUCCH3 occupy consecutive symbols in the same time slot 2.

[0298] In this embodiment of the application, compared with the first method, the latency between the N PUCCH resources determined in the second method is smaller, which can reduce the latency of UCI transmission to a certain extent and meet the latency requirements of services with high latency requirements.

[0299] For example, one time slot is equal to two micro-time slots (subslots or minislots). Currently, in existing technologies, when repeatedly transmitting UCI on N PUCCH resources, the PUCCH is specified to be repeatedly transmitted at a time slot granularity. Even if the time granularity of the scheduled resource is a micro-time slot, existing technologies do not allow PUCCH resources to be repeatedly transmitted at a micro-time slot granularity. For example, currently... Figure 2 The temporal offset relationship between the PDSCH and the PUCCH carrying UCI, as shown, is indicated by the variable k1. k1 represents the temporal offset between the PUCCH and PDSCH of k1 time slots. In other words, if the PDSCH is transmitted in the nth time slot, then the corresponding PUCCH is transmitted in the n+k1th time slot.

[0300] Therefore, this application embodiment makes an improvement. When the time granularity of the scheduled resource is a micro-slot, the protocol stipulates that k1 represents the time domain offset between PUCCH and PDSCH as k1 micro-slots (subslots or minislots). In other words, if PDSCH is transmitted in the nth micro-slot, then the corresponding PUCCH is transmitted in n+k1 micro-slots. For example, as... Figure 7E As shown, one time slot corresponds to two micro time slots. Assuming the time-domain offset between PUCCH and PDSCH is k1 and is 5, then... Figure 7E The microslot with the number 1 corresponds to k1 of 5. Therefore, its corresponding PUCCH is the position starting from it and 5 microslots apart, which is the position indicated by the arrow in the figure.

[0301] Based on the above improvements, the implementation methods for terminal devices and network devices to determine N PUCCH resources can also include the following method three.

[0302] Method 3: The terminal device or network device determines the time-domain resources of N PUCCH resources as resources on N micro-slots. In other words, the time-domain resources used for repeatedly sending M UCIs are resources on M micro-slots. Among them, the N micro-slots can be discontinuous, or at least two of the N micro-slots can be consecutive, i.e., the M micro-slots are at least two consecutive micro-slots.

[0303] For example, such as Figure 7F As shown, the terminal device determines the number of repeated transmissions to be 3. The first PUCCH resource is PUCCH1 corresponding to symbols 2, 3, and 4 on micro-time slot 1. The terminal device determines PUCCH2 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 9, 10, and 11 on micro-time slot 2. The terminal device determines PUCCH3 to be the resource corresponding to symbols 2, 3, and 4 on micro-time slot 3. The terminal device transmits a UCI once for each of PUCCH1, PUCCH2, and PUCCH3. In other possible implementations, the interval between PUCCH3 and PUCCH2 can be K symbols, where K is a predefined value, greater than or equal to 1; or PUCCH3 can be a resource on other adjacent micro-time slots. This application does not limit this.

[0304] In this embodiment of the application, compared with method one, the N PUCCH resources determined in method three are micro-slots, so the latency between PUCCH resources is small, which can reduce the latency of UCI transmission to a certain extent and meet the latency requirements of services with high latency requirements.

[0305] Example 3

[0306] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating the method for transmitting uplink control information provided in Embodiment 3 of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the method includes:

[0307] Step 801: The network device determines a first PUCCH resource in at least one PUCCH resource set, and the network device determines the number of repeated transmissions N.

[0308] The content that the PUCCH resource is used to carry can be found in step 501, and will not be repeated here.

[0309] Step 802: The network device sends a first indication information and a second indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information is used to indicate a first PUCCH resource, and the second indication information is used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions N.

[0310] The first and second indication information can be carried in signaling sent from the network device to the terminal device. In this embodiment, the signaling can be one or more of radio resource control (RRC) signaling, medium access control (MAC) control elements (CE), or physical layer signaling, where the physical layer signaling can be downlink control information (DCI). Specifically, the type of signaling carrying the indication information can be determined based on protocol agreement or the actual scenario, and is not limited here.

[0311] Considering that existing technologies allow PUCCH formats 1, 3, and 4 to be repeatedly transmitted in multiple time slots, and that the retransmission count parameter is configured via higher-layer RRC, in one possible embodiment of this application, the retransmission count is still configured using higher-layer RRC signaling. When the terminal device receives third indication information from the network device, this third indication information is used to enable the retransmission count parameter. That is, if the terminal device receives the third indication information, the terminal device can repeatedly transmit UCI using one of the transmission methods described in step 506 of Embodiment 2. The retransmission count parameter then indicates that the PUCCH resource can support repeated transmission within a time unit. The PUCCH format used is at least one of PUCCH format 0, PUCCH format 1, PUCCH format 2, PUCCH format 3, and PUCCH format 4. When the terminal device does not receive the third indication information, or receives a disabled third indication information, the retransmission count parameter is still used to indicate the number of times the PUCCH resource is repeatedly transmitted in multiple time slots. The third indication information can be indicated using the information field in the DCI, for example, by using one bit from the reserved bits in Table 4 to represent the third indication information. Alternatively, the terminal device can enable or disable the repetition count parameter through semi-static configuration of higher-layer performance.

[0312] Step 803: The terminal device receives first instruction information and second instruction information from the network device.

[0313] In one possible implementation, the terminal device may receive higher-layer RRC signaling and DCI from the network device, wherein the higher-layer RRC signaling includes the second indication information, and the DCI includes the first indication information.

[0314] In step 804, the terminal device receives third indication information from the network device. This third indication information enables the retransmission count parameter indicated by the second indication information. When the retransmission count parameter is enabled, it indicates that the PUCCH resource can support retransmission within a time unit. This time unit can refer to a time slot or a micro-time slot. Specifically, the terminal device can determine the PUCCH resource for retransmitting UCI using methods one to three after step 506 in the above embodiment two.

[0315] Step 805: The terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource from at least one PUCCH resource set according to the first instruction information.

[0316] In this embodiment, at least one PUCCH resource set includes information about at least one PUCCH resource, excluding the number of repeated transmissions parameter. For example, a terminal device can determine a first PUCCH resource from at least one PUCCH resource set based on the time-frequency resource location indicated by the first indication information. Another example is that the terminal device can determine the first PUCCH resource from at least one PUCCH resource set based on PRI.

[0317] Step 806: The terminal device sends the same UCI to the network device M times using the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N.

[0318] Specifically, the terminal device determines N PUCCH resources for repeatedly transmitting UCI M times using the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N. Furthermore, the terminal device determines M using the N PUCCH resources, and the first PUCCH resource is one of the N PUCCH resources. The terminal device repeatedly transmits UCI M times using these N PUCCH resources, wherein one UCI is carried on each PUCCH resource.

[0319] Step 807: The network device receives the UCI M times by using the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N.

[0320] Specifically, the network device determines N PUCCH resources for repeatedly receiving M UCIs using the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N. Furthermore, the network device determines M using the N PUCCH resources, and the first PUCCH resource is one of the N PUCCH resources. The network device then repeatedly receives M UCIs using these N PUCCH resources.

[0321] In this embodiment, the method by which the terminal device and the network device determine the M through N PUCCH resources can be referred to Methods I to III above, and will not be repeated here.

[0322] In this embodiment of the application, there are multiple ways for the terminal device and the network device to determine the N PUCCH resources in steps 806 and 807 above. These can be referred to as methods one to three listed in relation to steps 505 and 506. The rules that the N PUCCH resources satisfy in time slots or micro-time slots can also be referred to in embodiment two, and will not be repeated here.

[0323] As can be seen, in this embodiment of the application, when the PUCCH resource can be repeatedly transmitted within a time slot by following the above method, the latency of UCI transmission can be reduced to a certain extent, which can meet the latency requirements of services with high latency requirements.

[0324] Example 4

[0325] See Figure 9 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the uplink control information transmission method provided in this application embodiment. The method includes:

[0326] Step 901: The network device sends configuration information, which includes at least one set of Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources. The PUCCH resource set includes at least one subset of PUCCH resources, and the at least one subset of PUCCH resources includes A PUCCH resources, where A is greater than or equal to 2. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the configuration information.

[0327] The PUCCH resource is used to carry UCI. The details regarding UCI can be found in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0328] Step 902: The network device sends indication information to the terminal device, the indication information being used to determine a target PUCCH resource subset from the at least one PUCCH resource set. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the indication information.

[0329] Optionally, the terminal device determines a target PUCCH resource subset from the at least one PUCCH resource set based on the pointer information.

[0330] Step 903: The network device and the terminal device use N PUCCH resources in the target PUCCH resource subset to repeatedly transmit uplink control information (UCI) M times, where M and N are positive integers.

[0331] The indication information in step 902 can be carried in the signaling sent by the network device to the terminal device. The signaling-related content in this embodiment can be referred to the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0332] In one possible embodiment, the indication information is further used to indicate the number of retransmissions Q, or to send fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the number of retransmissions Q, where Q is a positive integer. The terminal device determines N multiplied by Q PUCCH resources based on the N PUCCH resources and the number of retransmissions Q, and repeatedly receives UCI M times on the N multiplied by Q PUCCH resources.

[0333] For example, a network device indicates N PUCCH resources using PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) information or semi-static indicator parameters in the DCI. For instance, referring to Table 6 below, the PRI indicates PUCCH resources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 in the row corresponding to index value 2 in Table 6. In this embodiment, the PUCCH resource set includes three subsets of PUCCH resources, each corresponding to a row in the table. The PUCCH resources in the row corresponding to index value 2 are the target PUCCH resource subset. In this example, the target PUCCH resource subset includes PUCCH resources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3.

[0334] Table 6

[0335]

[0336] In another possible embodiment, the network device may explicitly indicate N PUCCH resources in the indication information. For example, the DCI sent by the network device to the terminal device may be in DCI format 1. This DCI format 1 may include the following information fields, as shown in Table 4 above. In Table 4, the Frequencydomain resource assignment and / or Time domain resource assignment in DCI format 1 may indicate N PUCCH resources.

[0337] Specifically, the terminal device can receive signaling from the network device, which includes indication information. For example, the terminal device receives a DCI (Distributed Information Center) that includes indication information.

[0338] In this embodiment, there are multiple ways for the terminal device to determine N PUCCH resources based on the instruction information. Several possible implementation methods are described below as examples.

[0339] In one example, assume the network device is configured with only one PUCCH resource set 1 for the end device, see [link to example]. Figure 10A Assuming the indication information is PRI in DCI, and the PRI is "2", the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 2-1, PUCCH resource 2-2 and PUCCH resource 2-3 corresponding to the index value "2" in Table 6 from PUCCH resource set 1.

[0340] Method 2: If the network device explicitly indicates N PUCCH resources in the indication information, the terminal device can determine the N PUCCH resources corresponding to the indication information from the PUCCH resource set 1.

[0341] For example, see Figure 10A Assuming the indication information is Frequency domain resource assignment and Time domain resource assignment in DCI, indicating that the resources used for carrying UCI are PUCCH resource 2-1, PUCCH resource 2-2, and PUCCH resource 2-3, then the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 2-1, PUCCH resource 2-2, and PUCCH resource 2-3 from PUCCH resource set 1.

[0342] Scenario 2: Suppose the network device configures at least two PUCCH resource sets for the terminal device. In this case, the terminal device can determine N PUCCH resources according to method four or method five as follows.

[0343] In one example, the terminal device determines a target PUCCH resource set from the at least one PUCCH resource set based on the number of bits of the UCI, and the indication information received by the terminal device can be used to determine a target PUCCH resource subset from the target PUCCH resource set.

[0344] For example, see Figure 10B If the terminal device determines that the number of bits to be transmitted in the UCI is 2, then the terminal device determines that the PUCCH resource set 1, which falls within the bit range [0,2] of the UCI, is the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming that the indication information is PRI in the DCI, and the PRI is "2", the terminal device can determine from PUCCH resource set 1 the PUCCH resources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 corresponding to the index value "2" determined in Table 6.

[0345] For example, if the terminal device determines that the number of bits of the UCI to be transmitted is 3, then the terminal device determines that the PUCCH resource set 2, which falls within the bit number range [2,4] of the UCI, is the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming that the indication information is PRI in DCI, and the PRI is "2", then the terminal device can determine from PUCCH resource set 2 the PUCCH resources 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 corresponding to the index value "2" determined in Table 6.

[0346] Method 3: If the network device explicitly indicates N PUCCH resources in the indication information, the terminal device can first determine the target PUCCH resource set from at least two PUCCH resource sets corresponding to the terminal device based on the number of bits of the UCI to be sent. Then, the terminal device can determine N PUCCH resources from the target PUCCH resource set according to the indication information in Method 2 above.

[0347] For example, see Figure 10B If the terminal device determines that the number of bits to be transmitted for the UCI is 2, then the terminal device determines that the PUCCH resource set 1, which falls within the bit range [0,2] of the UCI, is the target PUCCH resource set. Assuming the indication information in the DCI (Frequency domain resource assignment and Time domain resource assignment) indicates that the resources used to carry the UCI are PUCCH resource 2-1 and PUCCH resource 2-2, then the terminal device can determine PUCCH resource 2-1 and PUCCH resource 2-2 from PUCCH resource set 1.

[0348] Step 903 specifically includes: the terminal device sending a UCI to the network device M times using the N PUCCH resources. Correspondingly, the network device receiving the UCI M times using the N PUCCH resources.

[0349] Specifically, the terminal device determines M using N PUCCH resources, and repeatedly sends UCI M times using these N PUCCH resources. M can be greater than or equal to N, or it can be less than N.

[0350] For example, the PUCCH resources used in S of the M repeated UCI transmissions occupy symbols in one time slot, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M; or, the PUCCH resources used in the M repeated UCI transmissions are in different time slots, and at least two of the PUCCH resources used in the M repeated UCI transmissions have different or partially overlapping time domain positions in the time slots.

[0351] The determination of resources for repeated M transmissions of UCI by terminal equipment and network equipment can refer to the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0352] In this embodiment, the N PUCCH resources configured by the network device for the terminal device can be resources on time slots or resources on micro-time slots. The N PUCCH resources can all occupy the same length or different lengths. Because the N PUCCH resources in this embodiment are configured by the network device, the length of the resources can be flexibly configured, improving resource utilization. Furthermore, the network device pre-configures N PUCCH resources to flexibly configure the number of repeated transmissions of the PUCCH resources.

[0353] Example 5

[0354] In the case where the number of repeated transmissions N in Embodiment 1 is defaulted, that is, when the protocol can pre-determine the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the resources in the PUCCH resource set (or the PUCCH resource set), the terminal device can complete the repeated transmission of UCI based on the first PUCCH resource configured by the network device.

[0355] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the uplink control information transmission method provided in Embodiment 5 of this application, as shown below. Figure 11 As shown, the method includes:

[0356] Step 1101: The network device determines a first PUCCH resource in at least one set of PUCCH resources.

[0357] Specifically, the PUCCH resource is used to carry UCI. For a description of UCI, please refer to the aforementioned embodiments.

[0358] Step 1102: The network device sends an indication message to the terminal device, which is used to indicate the first PUCCH resource.

[0359] This indication information can be carried in signaling sent from the network device to the terminal device. The description of the signaling in this embodiment can be found in the foregoing embodiments.

[0360] The indication method for the first PUCCH resource can be either explicit or implicit. For details, please refer to step 1102 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] Step 1103: The terminal device receives instruction information from the network device.

[0362] Specifically, the terminal device can receive signaling from the network device, which includes indication information. For example, the terminal device receives a DCI (Distributed Information Center) that includes indication information.

[0363] Step 1104: The terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource from at least one PUCCH resource set according to the instruction information.

[0364] Step 1105: The terminal device sends the UCI to the network device M times using the first PUCCH resource and the default number of repeated transmissions Z.

[0365] Specifically, the terminal device determines Z PUCCH resources for repeatedly transmitting UCI M times using the first PUCCH resource and the default number of retransmissions Z. Furthermore, the terminal device determines M using the Z PUCCH resources, and the first PUCCH resource is one of the Z PUCCH resources. The terminal device then repeatedly transmits UCI M times using these Z PUCCH resources.

[0366] Step 1106: The network device receives the UCI M times by using the first PUCCH resource and the default number of repeated transmissions Z.

[0367] Specifically, the network device determines Z PUCCH resources for repeatedly receiving M UCIs using the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions Z. Furthermore, the network device determines the M using the Z PUCCH resources, and the first PUCCH resource is one of the Z PUCCH resources. The network device repeatedly receives M UCIs using these Z PUCCH resources, wherein one UCI is carried on each PUCCH resource.

[0368] In steps 1105 and 1106 above, the method by which the terminal device and the network device determine the M through Z PUCCH resources can be referred to the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0369] It should be noted that the PUCCH format of PUCCH resources can currently include the following 5 types, as shown in Table 5.

[0370] In this embodiment of the application, in steps 1105 and 1106 above, the terminal device and the network device determine the N PUCCH resources for repeatedly sending UCI M times through the first PUCCH resource and the default number of repeated transmissions Z. The implementation method can be found in methods one to three of embodiment two, and will not be repeated here.

[0371] Example 6

[0372] In the case where the number of repeated transmissions Z in Embodiment 1 is defaulted, that is, when the protocol can pre-determine the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the resources in the PUCCH resource set (PUCCH resource set), the terminal device can complete the repeated transmission of UCI based on the first PUCCH resource and the number of interval symbols T configured by the network device.

[0373] Figure 12A This is a flowchart illustrating the uplink control information transmission method provided in Embodiment Six of this application, as shown below. Figure 12A As shown, the method includes:

[0374] Step 1201: The network device determines the first PUCCH resource and the number of interval symbols T in at least one PUCCH resource set.

[0375] Specifically, the PUCCH resource is used to carry UCI. The details of the UCI can be found in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0376] It should be noted that the number of interval symbols T represents the temporal relationship between the Z PUCCH resources. In one case, it can refer to the number of interval symbols between the last symbol of the preceding PUCCH resource and the first symbol of the first PUCCH resource, such as... Figure 12B As shown; in another case, it can refer to the number of interval symbols between the first symbol of the preceding PUCCH resource and the first symbol of the first PUCCH resource, such as... Figure 12C As shown.

[0377] Step 1202: The network device sends an indication message to the terminal device, which indicates the first PUCCH resource and the number of interval symbols T.

[0378] The network device can indicate the first PUCCH resource and the number of interval symbols T using the same indication information, or it can indicate the first PUCCH resource and the number of interval symbols T using different indication information.

[0379] This instruction information can be carried in signaling sent from the network device to the terminal device. The content of the signaling can be referred to the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0380] The indication method for the first PUCCH resource can be either explicit or implicit. For details, please refer to step 1202 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0381] Step 1203: The terminal device receives instruction information from the network device.

[0382] Specifically, the terminal device can receive signaling from the network device, which includes indication information. For example, the terminal device receives a DCI (Distributed Information Center) that includes indication information.

[0383] Step 1204: The terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource from at least one PUCCH resource set according to the instruction information.

[0384] Step 1205: The terminal device repeatedly sends uplink control information (UCI) M times based on the first PUCCH resource and the number of interval symbols T.

[0385] Specifically, the terminal device determines Z PUCCH resources for repeatedly transmitting UCI M times using the first PUCCH resource, the default number of retransmissions Z, and the number of interval symbols T. Additionally, the terminal device determines M using N PUCCH resources, with the first PUCCH resource being one of the Z PUCCH resources. The terminal device then repeatedly transmits UCI M times using these Z PUCCH resources.

[0386] In another example, the terminal device can determine the Z PUCCH resources based on the first PUCCH resource, the number of interval symbols T, and the number of retransmissions Z; and repeatedly transmit receive UCIs M times using the Z PUCCH resources. Correspondingly, the network device acquires the Z PUCCH resources in the same manner and repeatedly receives UCIs M times.

[0387] Specifically, the network device determines Z PUCCH resources for repeatedly receiving M UCIs using the first PUCCH resource, the number of interval symbols T, and the number of retransmissions Z. Furthermore, the network device determines M using the Z PUCCH resources, and the first PUCCH resource is one of the Z PUCCH resources. The network device repeatedly receives M UCIs using these Z PUCCH resources, where one UCI is carried on each PUCCH resource.

[0388] It should be emphasized that the method by which the terminal device and network device determine the M using the Z PUCCH resources can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. The implementation method by which the terminal device and network device determine the Z PUCCH resources for repeatedly sending the UCI M times using the first PUCCH resource and the default number of repeated transmissions Z can be found in the embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0389] It is important to emphasize that the number of interval symbols T can be defaulted. When the number of interval symbols T is defaulted, it is the default value. For example, the default number of interval symbols T can be 0.

[0390] Example 7

[0391] See Figure 13 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which specifically includes the following steps.

[0392] Step 1301: The terminal device receives configuration information from the network device, which includes parameters indicating the number of repeated transmissions and the number of interval symbols.

[0393] In other words, the network device configures a first parameter for the PUCCH resource set or PUCCH resource corresponding to the terminal device. This first parameter indicates the number of repetitions and the number of interval symbols for the PUCCH resource. The number of repetitions and the number of interval symbols corresponding to the PUCCH resource set or the PUCCH resource in the PUCCH resource set are configured independently by the network device. The PUCCH resource set mentioned in this document actually refers to the information element of the PUCCH resource set.

[0394] For example, the one-to-one correspondence between PUCCH resources, number of repeated transmissions, and number of interval symbols T in the configuration information is shown in Table 7 below.

[0395] Table 7

[0396]

[0397] Step 1302: The terminal device determines the correspondence between PUCCH resources, the number of interval symbols T, and the number of repeated transmissions in the PUCCH resource set based on the configuration information.

[0398] In a first possible embodiment, if the parameters are the number of repeated transmissions Z corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource in at least one PUCCH resource set and the number of interval symbols T, then the terminal device can determine the correspondence between the PUCCH resource, the number of repeated transmissions and the number of interval symbols.

[0399] For example, targeting Figure 4A The terminal device can determine the correspondence between PUCCH resources, repeated transmission times, and interval symbols in PUCCH resource set 1 as shown in Table 8 below.

[0400] Table 8

[0401]

[0402] Example 8

[0403] In Embodiment 8, a possible implementation of the uplink control information transmission method will be described based on Embodiment 7 above.

[0404] Figure 14This is a flowchart illustrating the uplink control information transmission method provided in Embodiment 8 of this application, as shown below. Figure 14 As shown, the method includes:

[0405] Step 1401: The network device determines a first PUCCH resource in at least one PUCCH resource set, and the network device determines the number of repeated transmissions Z and the number of interval symbols T.

[0406] The number of repeated transmissions Z is the first PUCCH resource configured by the network device in the at least one PUCCH resource set.

[0407] Specifically, the PUCCH resource is used to carry UCI. The specific content of UCI can be found in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0408] Step 1402: The network device sends an indication message to the terminal device, which indicates the first PUCCH resource, the number of repeated transmissions Z, and the number of interval symbols T.

[0409] This instruction information can be carried in signaling sent from the network device to the terminal device. For details regarding this signaling, please refer to the foregoing embodiments.

[0410] In one possible embodiment, the network device may implicitly indicate the first PUCCH resource, the number of repetitions Z, and the number of interval symbols T in the indication information. For example, the network device may indicate the first PUCCH resource and the number of repetitions Z through the PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) in the DCI or through semi-static indication parameters. For example, referring to Table 1 above, the PRI bit is "1", and the "1" indicates the PUCCH resource 1 and the number of repetitions 3 in the row corresponding to index value 1 in Table 1.

[0411] Step 1403: The terminal device receives instruction information from the network device.

[0412] Specifically, the terminal device can receive signaling from the network device, which includes indication information. For example, the terminal device receives a DCI (Distributed Information Center) that includes indication information.

[0413] Step 1404: The terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource from at least one PUCCH resource set according to the instruction information.

[0414] For example, the at least one PUCCH resource set includes at least two PUCCH resource sets. The terminal device determines a target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of bits of the UCI, and determines the first PUCCH resource from the target PUCCH resource set based on the indication information.

[0415] For example, the terminal device determines the target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of retransmissions Z; or it determines the target PUCCH resource set from the at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of retransmissions Z and the number of bits of the UCI. Further, the terminal device determines the first PUCCH resource from the target PUCCH resource set based on the indication information.

[0416] The method by which network devices determine the first PUCCH resource is similar to that on the terminal side, and will not be described in detail here.

[0417] In this embodiment, the terminal device can determine the first PUCCH resource according to the instruction information in various ways. Please refer to the above embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0418] Step 1405: The terminal device repeatedly transmits UCI M times using the first PUCCH resource, the number of repeated transmissions Z, and the number of interval symbols T.

[0419] Step 1406: The network device receives the UCI M times by using the first PUCCH resource, the number of repeated transmissions Z, and the number of interval symbols T.

[0420] Specifically, the network device determines Z PUCCH resources for repeatedly receiving M UCIs using the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions Z. Furthermore, the network device determines the M using the Z PUCCH resources, and the first PUCCH resource is one of the Z PUCCH resources. The network device repeatedly receives M UCIs using these Z PUCCH resources, wherein one UCI is carried on each PUCCH resource.

[0421] In steps 1405 and 1406 above, the method by which the terminal device and the network device determine the M through N PUCCH resources can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0422] In this embodiment of the application, the implementation method of determining the Z PUCCH resources for repeatedly sending M UCIs through the first PUCCH resource and the default number of repeated transmissions Z in steps 1405 and 1406 can be found in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0423] Regarding the above embodiments one to eight, it should be noted that: (1) Embodiment one and embodiment eight can be implemented separately in different scenarios, or they can be implemented in combination in the same scenario, or the different solutions involved in different embodiments can also be implemented in combination (for example, some or all of the solutions involved in embodiment one can be implemented in combination with embodiment two), and there is no specific limitation.

[0424] (2) The various flowcharts described in the embodiments of this application (e.g.) Figure 5 , Figure 8 The step numbers are merely an example of the execution flow and do not constitute a restriction on the order of execution of the steps. In the embodiments of this application, there is no strict execution order between steps that have no temporal dependency on each other.

[0425] The above primarily describes the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the interaction between network devices and terminal devices. It is understood that, to achieve the above functions, network devices or terminal devices may include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of 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.

[0426] 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.

[0427] When using integrated units, Figure 15 A possible exemplary block diagram of the apparatus involved in an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 15As shown, device 1500 may include a processing unit 1502 and a communication unit 1503. The processing unit 1502 is used to control and manage the operation of device 1500. The communication unit 1503 is used to support communication between device 1500 and other devices. Optionally, the communication unit 1503, also called a transceiver unit, may include a receiving unit and / or a transmitting unit, respectively used to perform receiving and transmitting operations. Device 1500 may also include a storage unit 1501 for storing program code and / or data of device 1500.

[0428] The device 1500 can be a terminal device as described in any of the above embodiments, or it can be a chip disposed in the terminal device. The processing unit 1502 can support the device 1500 in performing the actions of the terminal device in the method examples above.

[0429] Specifically, in one possible embodiment, the communication unit 1503 is configured to receive indication information, the indication information being used to indicate a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and a retransmission count N, where N is a positive integer; the processing unit 1502 is configured to determine the first PUCCH resource and the retransmission count N from at least one PUCCH resource set according to the indication information; the processing unit 1502 is further configured to repeatedly transmit uplink control information (UCI) M times using the first PUCCH resource and the retransmission count N, where M is a positive integer.

[0430] In another possible embodiment, the communication unit 1503 is configured to receive configuration information from a network device, the configuration information including at least one set of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, the PUCCH resource set including at least one subset of PUCCH resources, the at least one subset of PUCCH resources including A PUCCH resources, wherein A is greater than or equal to 2.

[0431] Communication unit 1503 is used to receive indication information, the indication information being used to determine a target PUCCH resource subset from the at least one PUCCH resource set;

[0432] The communication unit 1503 is used to repeatedly send uplink control information (UCI) M times through N PUCCH resources in the target PUCCH resource subset, where M and N are positive integers.

[0433] In another possible embodiment, the communication unit 1503 is configured to receive indication information and determine the first PUCCH resource from at least one PUCCH resource set according to the indication information; the communication unit 1503 is also configured to repeatedly send uplink control information (UCI) M times according to the first PUCCH resource, wherein M is a positive integer.

[0434] The methods executed on the terminal device side in the above-described embodiments one to eight can all be referenced under this device, and will not be repeated here.

[0435] The device 1500 can be a network device in any of the above embodiments, or it can be a chip disposed in a network device. The processing unit 1502 in the device 1500 can support the device 1500 in performing the actions of the network device in the method examples above.

[0436] Specifically, in one possible embodiment, processing unit 1502 determines a first PUCCH resource and a retransmission count N in at least one Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource set, where N is a positive integer; communication unit 1503 is configured to send indication information, which indicates the first PUCCH resource and the retransmission count N; communication unit 1503 is further configured to repeatedly receive uplink control information (UCI) M times using the first PUCCH resource and the retransmission count N, where M is a positive integer.

[0437] In another possible embodiment, the communication unit 1503 is configured to send configuration information, the configuration information including at least one Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource set, the PUCCH resource set including at least one PUCCH resource subset, the at least one PUCCH resource subset including A PUCCH resources, where A is greater than or equal to 2; the communication unit 1503 is further configured to send indication information, the indication information being used to determine a target PUCCH resource subset from the at least one PUCCH resource set; the communication unit 1503 is further configured to repeatedly receive uplink control information (UCI) M times through N PUCCH resources in the target PUCCH resource subset, where M and N are positive integers.

[0438] In another possible embodiment, the communication unit 1503 is configured to send indication information, the indication information being used to indicate the first PUCCH resource; the communication unit 1503 is also configured to repeatedly receive uplink control information (UCI) M times according to the first PUCCH resource, wherein M is a positive integer.

[0439] The methods executed on the network device side in the above-described embodiments one to eight can all be referenced under this device, and will not be repeated here.

[0440] 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 others 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, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0441] 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 to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0442] 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.

[0443] Please refer to Figure 16This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. It can be the terminal device in the above embodiments, used to implement the operations of the terminal device in the above embodiments. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the terminal device includes an antenna 1610, a radio frequency (RF) section 1620, and a signal processing section 1630. The antenna 1610 is connected to the RF section 1620. In the downlink direction, the RF section 1620 receives information sent by the network device through the antenna 1610 and sends the information to the signal processing section 1630 for processing. In the uplink direction, the signal processing section 1630 processes the information from the terminal device and sends it to the RF section 1620. The RF section 1620 processes the information from the terminal device and then sends it to the network device through the antenna 1610.

[0444] The signal processing section 1630 may include a modem subsystem for processing data at various communication protocol layers; it may also include a central processing subsystem for processing the terminal device's operating system and application layers; furthermore, it may include other subsystems, such as a multimedia subsystem and a peripheral subsystem, wherein the multimedia subsystem is used to control the terminal device's camera, screen display, etc., and the peripheral subsystem is used to connect to other devices. The modem subsystem may be a separately configured chip.

[0445] The modem subsystem may include one or more processing elements 1631, such as a main control CPU and other integrated circuits. Furthermore, the modem subsystem may also include a storage element 1632 and an interface circuit 1633. The storage element 1632 is used to store data and programs; however, the program used to execute the methods performed by the terminal device in the above methods may not be stored in the storage element 1632, but rather in a memory outside the modem subsystem, which loads and uses it when needed. The interface circuit 1633 is used for communication with other subsystems.

[0446] The modulation and demodulation subsystem can be implemented using a chip, which includes at least one processing element and an interface circuit. The processing element executes the steps of any of the methods performed by the terminal device described above, and the interface circuit communicates with other devices. In one implementation, the unit in the terminal device that implements the steps of the above methods can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler. For example, the device for the terminal device includes a processing element and a storage element. The processing element calls a program stored in the storage element to execute the method performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The storage element can be a storage element on the same chip as the processing element, i.e., an on-chip storage element.

[0447] In another implementation, the program used to execute the method performed by the terminal device in the above method can be located on a storage element on a different chip than the processing element, i.e., an off-chip storage element. In this case, the processing element calls or loads the program from the off-chip storage element onto the on-chip storage element to call and execute the method executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0448] In another implementation, the units in the terminal device that implement the steps of the above methods can be configured as one or more processing elements located on the modem subsystem. These processing elements can be integrated circuits, such as one or more ASICs, one or more DSPs, one or more FPGAs, or combinations of these types of integrated circuits. These integrated circuits can be integrated together to form a chip.

[0449] The units implementing each step of the above method in the terminal device can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a System-on-Chip (SoC). This SoC chip is used to implement the above method. The chip can integrate at least one processing element and a storage element, with the processing element calling a stored program in the storage element to implement the method executed by the terminal device; alternatively, the chip can integrate at least one integrated circuit to implement the method executed by the terminal device; or, a combination of the above implementation methods can be used, with the function of some units implemented by the processing element calling a program, and the function of some units implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0450] As can be seen, the above-described apparatus for a terminal device may include at least one processing element and an interface circuit, wherein the at least one processing element is used to execute any of the methods provided by the terminal device in the above-described method embodiments. The processing element may execute part or all of the steps executed by the terminal device in a first manner: that is, by calling a program stored in a storage element; or in a second manner: that is, by combining instructions with the integrated logic circuits of the hardware in the processor element; of course, it may also combine the first and second methods to execute part or all of the steps executed by the terminal device.

[0451] The processing element here is the same as described above and can be implemented using a processor. The function of the processing element can be the same as... Figure 16 The processing unit described herein has the same function. Exemplarily, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more ASICs, or one or more microprocessors (DSPs), or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. The storage element can be implemented using a memory, and the function of the storage element can be the same as... Figure 15The storage unit described herein has the same function. Storage elements can be implemented using memory, and their function can be the same as... Figure 15 The storage units described herein have the same function. A storage element can be a single memory or a collective term for multiple memory units.

[0452] Figure 16 The terminal device shown can achieve Figure 5 The illustrated method embodiments involve various processes of the terminal device. Figure 16 The operations and / or functions of each module in the terminal device shown are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0453] Please refer to Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application. It is used to implement the operation of the network device in the above embodiments. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the network device includes: antenna 1701, radio frequency (RF) device 1702, and baseband device 1703. Antenna 1701 is connected to RF device 1702. In the uplink direction, RF device 1702 receives information sent by the terminal device through antenna 1701 and sends the information sent by the terminal device to baseband device 1703 for processing. In the downlink direction, baseband device 1703 processes the information from the terminal device and sends it to RF device 1702. RF device 1702 processes the information from the terminal device and then sends it to the terminal device through antenna 1701.

[0454] The baseband device 1703 may include one or more processing elements 17031, such as a main control CPU and other integrated circuits. Furthermore, the baseband device 1703 may also include a storage element 17032 and an interface 17033. The storage element 17032 is used to store programs and data; the interface 17033 is used to interact with the radio frequency device 1702, and this interface is, for example, a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI). The above-described means for network devices may be located in the baseband device 1703. For example, the above-described means for network devices may be a chip on the baseband device 1703, which includes at least one processing element and interface circuitry. The processing element is used to execute the various steps of any of the methods executed by the network device, and the interface circuitry is used to communicate with other devices. In one implementation, the unit of the network device that implements the various steps of the above methods can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler. For example, the means for the network device includes a processing element and a storage element, and the processing element calls the program stored in the storage element to execute the method executed by the network device in the above method embodiments. Storage elements can be storage elements located on the same chip as the processing elements, i.e., on-chip storage elements, or storage elements located on different chips than the processing elements, i.e., off-chip storage elements.

[0455] In another implementation, the units in the network device that implement the steps of the above methods can be configured as one or more processing elements located on the baseband device. These processing elements can be integrated circuits, such as one or more ASICs, one or more DSPs, one or more FPGAs, or combinations of these types of integrated circuits. These integrated circuits can be integrated together to form a chip.

[0456] The units implementing the various steps of the above methods in a network device can be integrated together as a system-on-a-chip (SOC). For example, a baseband device includes this SOC chip to implement the above methods. This chip can integrate at least one processing element and a storage element, with the processing element calling a stored program from the storage element to implement the methods executed by the network device. Alternatively, the chip can integrate at least one integrated circuit to implement the methods executed by the network device. Or, a combination of the above implementation methods can be used, where the functions of some units are implemented by the processing element calling a program, and the functions of other units are implemented by integrated circuits.

[0457] As can be seen, the above-described apparatus for a network device may include at least one processing element and an interface circuit, wherein the at least one processing element is used to execute any of the methods provided by the network device in the above method embodiments. The processing element may execute part or all of the steps executed by the network device in a first manner: that is, by calling a program stored in a storage element; or in a second manner: that is, by combining instructions with the integrated logic circuits of the hardware in the processor element; of course, it may also combine the first and second methods to execute part or all of the steps executed by the network device.

[0458] The processing element here is the same as described above and can be implemented using a processor. The function of the processing element can be the same as... Figure 15 The processing unit described herein has the same function. Exemplarily, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more ASICs, or one or more microprocessors (DSPs), or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. The storage element can be implemented using a memory, and the function of the storage element can be the same as... Figure 17 The storage unit described herein has the same function. Storage elements can be implemented using memory, and their function can be the same as... Figure 15 The storage units described herein have the same function. A storage element can be a single memory or a collective term for multiple memory units.

[0459] Figure 17 The network device shown can achieve Figure 5 , Figure 8 The illustrated method embodiments involve various processes of network devices. Figure 17 The operations and / or functions of each module in the network device shown are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0460] 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.

[0461] 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.

[0462] To produce a machine by means of a processor in a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device, such that instructions executable by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0463] 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.

[0464] 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.

[0465] 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 method for transmitting uplink control information, characterized in that, include: Receive indication information, the indication information being used to indicate the first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources and the number of repeated transmissions N, where N is a positive integer; Based on the indicated information, determine the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N from the target PUCCH resource set; Using the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N, uplink control information (UCI) is repeatedly transmitted M times, where M is a positive integer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The target PUCCH resource set is determined from at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of bits in the UCI.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of repeated transmissions N is the first PUCCH resource configured by the network device in the target PUCCH resource set; or... The number of repeated transmissions N is the set of PUCCH resources configured by the network device for the first PUCCH resource.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indication information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the first PUCCH resource, and the second indication information is used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions N.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The target PUCCH resource set is determined from at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of retransmissions N; or the target PUCCH resource set is determined from at least two PUCCH resource sets based on the number of retransmissions N and the number of bits of the UCI. Based on the indicated information, determining the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N from the target PUCCH resource set includes: Based on the first indication information, the first PUCCH resource is determined from the target PUCCH resource set; Based on the second indication information, the number of repeated transmissions N corresponding to the first PUCCH resource is determined from the target PUCCH resource set.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The target PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the target PUCCH resource set; Alternatively, the target PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the target PUCCH resource set; Alternatively, the target PUCCH resource set may include the maximum allowed number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the target PUCCH resource set, and the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the target PUCCH resource set.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The PUCCH resources used in the S times of the repeated M UCI transmissions occupy a continuous symbol in one time slot, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The PUCCH resources used in the S times of the repeated M UCI transmissions occupy one time slot, and the number of interval symbols of the PUCCH resources used in the same time slot in the S times is predefined, wherein S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, In the repeated M UCI transmissions, the number of PUCCH resources used in each transmission is the same in the time domain.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The time-domain resources used for the repeated M UCI transmissions are resources on M microtime slots.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The M micro-time slots are at least two consecutive micro-time slots.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The PUCCH resources used in the repeated M UCI transmissions all have the same starting position and symbol length in different micro-slots.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first PUCCH resource is in format 0 or format 2.

15. A method for transmitting uplink control information, characterized in that, include: Determine the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N in the target physical uplink control channel PUCCH resource set, where N is a positive integer; Send indication information, the indication information being used to indicate the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N; Using the first PUCCH resource and the number of repeated transmissions N, uplink control information (UCI) is repeatedly received M times, where M is a positive integer.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Before determining the first PUCCH resource and the number of retransmissions N in the target PUCCH resource set, the method further includes: Send configuration information, The configuration information includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource in the target PUCCH resource set, or... The configuration information includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the target PUCCH resource set; or, The configuration information includes the maximum allowed number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the target PUCCH resource set, and the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to at least one PUCCH resource in the target PUCCH resource set.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The indication information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the first PUCCH resource, and the second indication information is used to indicate the number of repeated transmissions N.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The target PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the target PUCCH resource set; Alternatively, the target PUCCH resource set includes the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the at least one PUCCH resource set; Alternatively, the target PUCCH resource set may include the maximum allowed number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the target PUCCH resource set, and the number of repeated transmissions corresponding to the PUCCH resources in the target PUCCH resource set.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The indication information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The PUCCH resources used in the S times of the M repeated UCI receptions occupy a continuous symbol in one time slot, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, When the PUCCH resources used in S out of the M repeated UCI receptions occupy one time slot, the number of interval symbols of the PUCCH resources used in the same time slot in the S receptions is predefined, where S is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that, In the repeated M UCI receptions, the number of PUCCH resources used in each reception is the same in the time domain.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The time-domain resources used for the repeated reception of M UCIs are resources on M microtime slots.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The M micro-time slots are at least two consecutive micro-time slots.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, In the repeated reception of M UCI, the PUCCH resources used by each PUCCH resource have the same starting position and symbol length in different micro-time slots.

26. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that, The first PUCCH resource is in format 0 or format 2.

27. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that, The indication information is the PUCCH resource indication information in DCI.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor connected to a memory, the at least one processor being configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory, such that the device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or 15-27.

29. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is coupled to a memory for reading and executing program instructions stored in the memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is invoked by a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

32. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 15-27.

33. A method for transmitting uplink control information, characterized in that, include: Receive configuration information from a network device, the configuration information including at least one set of Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources, the PUCCH resource set including at least one subset of PUCCH resources, the at least one subset of PUCCH resources including A PUCCH resources, where A is greater than or equal to 2; Receive indication information, the indication information being used to determine a target PUCCH resource subset from the at least one PUCCH resource set; Uplink control information (UCI) is repeatedly transmitted M times using N PUCCH resources in the target PUCCH resource subset, where M and N are positive integers.

34. A method for transmitting uplink control information, characterized in that, include: Send configuration information, the configuration information including at least one set of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, the PUCCH resource set including at least one subset of PUCCH resources, the at least one subset of PUCCH resources including A PUCCH resources, where A is greater than or equal to 2; Send indication information, the indication information being used to determine a target PUCCH resource subset from the at least one PUCCH resource set; The uplink control information (UCI) is repeatedly received M times through N PUCCH resources in the target PUCCH resource subset, where M and N are positive integers.

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