Communication method and related device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and a related device, which can flexibly adjust a sending mode of a reference signal for sensing. The method comprises the steps that a third logic unit receives first information, the first information is used for indicating a first mode corresponding to a first echo signal and / or indicating a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, and the first echo signal is a signal reflected by a target of a first reference signal; and the third logic unit responds to the first information and sends second information, and the second information is used for instructing the first logic unit to activate the second mode.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In addition to communication capabilities, wireless communication devices can also possess sensing capabilities. For example, a wireless communication device with sensing capabilities (hereinafter referred to as a sensing device for convenience) can obtain information about its surrounding environment by sending reference signals for sensing and receiving echo information, such as determining whether a specific target is present in the vicinity.

[0003] Currently, in order to promptly detect changes in the environment surrounding communication devices and reduce the probability of missing newly appearing objects, sensing devices densely and continuously transmit reference signals for sensing. However, this method of continuously and periodically transmitting reference signals for sensing is not flexible enough and makes it difficult to accurately sense targets. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus to flexibly adjust the transmission mode of reference signals used for sensing.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a communication method applicable to a third logic unit. For example, the third logic unit may be a distributed unit (DU), or other unit capable of processing layer 2 signals and physical layer signals; or it may be a component configured within the third logic unit (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system); or it may be software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the third logic unit. This application does not limit the scope of the application in this regard.

[0006] For example, the method includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to a first echo signal and / or to indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, the first echo signal being a signal reflected by a target from a first reference signal; and in response to the first information, sending second information, the second information being used to indicate a first logic unit to activate a second mode.

[0007] It is understood that the first mode corresponding to the first echo signal may include information for instructing the first logic unit to send or receive the first reference signal in a scanning manner or in a unidirectional manner, wherein the first reference signal is sent by the first logic unit.

[0008] Sending a reference signal in a scanning manner means sending the reference signal in different directions, while receiving an echo signal in a scanning manner means receiving the echo signal from different directions; sending a reference signal in a unidirectional manner means sending the reference signal in the same direction, while receiving a signal in a unidirectional manner means receiving the echo signal from the same direction.

[0009] Optionally, the first mode and the second mode may be predefined or indicated by a third logic unit.

[0010] Based on this technical solution, the third logic unit can determine the location of the target by receiving a first mode indicating the first echo signal and / or a beam identifier indicating the first echo signal. Then, based on the determined location of the target, it sends information to instruct the first logic unit to activate the second mode, so that the first logic unit can send a reference signal based on the second mode to sense the target. Thus, the method provided in this application can dynamically adjust the transmission mode of the reference signal according to the received echo, realizing flexible adjustment of the transmission method of the reference signal used for sensing, and effectively improving the accuracy of target sensing.

[0011] Optionally, the second mode may include information indicating the transmission method of the second reference signal, which may be a unidirectional transmission method. In other words, the second mode may include information indicating that the second reference signal is transmitted in a unidirectional manner, and that the second reference signal is transmitted by the first logic unit.

[0012] Optionally, the first information may come from a first logic unit or from a second logic unit.

[0013] One possible implementation is that the first information comes from the first logic unit. That is, the first echo signal is received by the first logic unit.

[0014] Optionally, the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal is at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal. The at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal can determine the beam direction of the first reference signal, or in other words, it can determine which beam the first echo signal is the echo of the reference signal sent by, or in other words, it can determine the geographical area where the target appears.

[0015] Optionally, the first mode corresponding to the first echo signal is the transmission mode of the first reference signal, and the first mode includes information for indicating that the transmission mode of the first reference signal is a scanning mode; the second mode includes information for indicating that the transmission mode of the second reference signal is a unidirectional mode.

[0016] Based on this, the first logic unit sends a first reference signal using a scanning method. After receiving the echo signal of the first reference signal reflected by the target, the third logic unit determines, based on the information related to the echo signal, that the first logic unit sends a second reference signal using a unidirectional method to sense the same target. This method of switching from scanning to unidirectional transmission of reference signals, that is, the first logic unit switching from sending reference signals in multiple directions to sending reference signals in a single direction, can effectively reduce the overhead of air interface resources and reduce the power consumption of sensing.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before receiving the first information, the method further includes: sending third information, the third information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode.

[0018] Alternatively, the third information is used to instruct the first logic unit to send a reference signal using the first mode.

[0019] Based on this, the method of sending a first reference signal to instruct the first logic unit to use a scanning method can effectively avoid missing targets in the environment.

[0020] Another possible implementation is that the first information comes from the second logic unit. That is, the first echo signal is received by the second logic unit.

[0021] Optionally, the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal is the beam identifier of the second logic unit receiving the first echo signal. The beam identifier of the first echo signal is used to determine the beam direction of receiving the first echo signal, or in other words, to determine the geographical area where the target appears.

[0022] Optionally, the first information is also used to indicate at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal corresponding to the first echo signal. The description of at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal can be found in the relevant description above, and will not be repeated here.

[0023] Optionally, the first mode corresponding to the first echo signal is the receiving mode of the first echo signal, and the first mode includes information for indicating that the receiving method of the first echo signal is a scanning mode; the second mode includes information for indicating that the transmitting method of the second reference signal is a unidirectional mode.

[0024] Based on this, the first logic unit sends a first reference signal using a scanning method. After the second logic unit receives the echo signal of the first reference signal reflected by the target, the third logic unit determines, based on the information related to the echo signal, that the first logic unit sends a second reference signal using a unidirectional method to sense the same target. This method of switching from scanning to unidirectional transmission of reference signals, that is, the first logic unit switching from sending reference signals in multiple directions to sending reference signals in a single direction, can effectively reduce the overhead of air interface resources and reduce the power consumption of sensing.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: in response to the first information, sending fourth information, the fourth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a third mode, the third mode including information indicating that the receiving mode of the second echo signal is a unidirectional mode, the second echo signal being a signal reflected from the second reference signal by the target.

[0026] Optionally, the receiving beam direction of the second echo signal is the same as or similar to the transmitting beam direction of the second reference signal.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before receiving the first information, the method further includes: sending fifth information, the fifth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate the first mode.

[0028] Optionally, before receiving the first information, the method further includes: sending a ninth message, the ninth message being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate a fifth mode, the fifth mode including information indicating that the transmission mode of the first reference signal is a scanning mode.

[0029] Optionally, the reception period of the first echo signal is different from the transmission period of the first reference signal.

[0030] Based on the fifth and ninth pieces of information mentioned above, the receiving beam of the echo signal corresponding to the transmitting beam of the reference signal can be obtained.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending sixth information, the sixth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a fourth mode, the fourth mode including information indicating that the transmission mode of the third reference signal is unidirectional, the beam direction of the third reference signal corresponding to the beam direction of the second reference signal.

[0032] The beam direction of the third reference signal corresponds to the beam direction of the second reference signal. This can be understood as the geographical area corresponding to the beam direction of the third reference signal being the same as the physical area corresponding to the beam direction of the second reference signal.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending seventh information, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, the multiple modes including the first mode and the second mode, each of the multiple modes including at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is sent, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain position of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

[0034] Here, "signal" can be a reference signal or an echo signal. If the "signal" is an echo signal, then the number of times the signal is transmitted can be replaced by the number of times the signal is received.

[0035] Optionally, the time-domain location of the signal includes the transmission period of the signal, the starting time-domain location of the signal, or the duration of the signal.

[0036] Similar to the number of transmissions, if the "signal" is an echo signal, then the transmission period of the signal can be replaced by the reception period of the signal.

[0037] Optionally, the multiple modes also include a third mode, a fourth mode, and a fifth mode.

[0038] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending an eighth message, the eighth message being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode and / or the second mode.

[0039] Based on this, the first logic unit can avoid continuing to send reference signals using the first mode and / or the second mode, effectively reducing the overhead of air interface resources.

[0040] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first logic unit. For example, the first logic unit may be a radio unit (RU), or other unit that can process physical layer signals, or it may be a component (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the first logic unit, or it may be software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first logic unit. This application does not limit the scope of the application.

[0041] For example, the method includes: sending first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to a first echo signal and / or to indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, the first echo signal being a signal reflected by a target from the first reference signal; receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate that the first logic unit activates a second mode; and sending a second reference signal based on the second mode.

[0042] The first mode corresponding to the first echo signal is the mode of the first reference signal. The mode of the first reference signal may include information for instructing the first logic unit to transmit the first reference signal in a scanning mode or a unidirectional mode. In this application, the first logic unit may transmit the first reference signal in a scanning mode, that is, the first mode includes information for instructing the first reference signal to be transmitted in a scanning mode.

[0043] The beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal is at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal. The at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal can determine the beam direction of the first reference signal, or in other words, can determine which beam the first echo signal is the echo of the reference signal sent by, or in other words, can determine the geographical area where the target appears.

[0044] Based on this technical solution, the third logic unit can determine the location of the target by receiving a first mode and / or a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal sent by the first logic unit. Then, based on the determined location of the target, the third logic unit can instruct the first logic unit to send a second mode, so that the first logic unit can send a reference signal based on the second mode to sense the target. Thus, the method provided in this application can dynamically adjust the transmission mode of the reference signal according to the received echo, realizing flexible adjustment of the transmission method of the reference signal used for sensing, and effectively improving the accuracy of target sensing.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first mode includes information for indicating that the transmission mode of the first reference signal is a scanning mode, and the second mode includes information for indicating that the transmission mode of the second reference signal is a unidirectional mode.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode; and sending the first reference signal based on the first mode.

[0047] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving seventh information, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, the multiple modes including the first mode and the second mode, each of the multiple modes including at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain location of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

[0048] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the time-domain position of the signal includes: the transmission period of the signal, the starting time-domain position of the signal, or the duration of the signal.

[0049] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending an eighth message, the eighth message being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode or the second mode.

[0050] The descriptions of the third and seventh information in the second aspect can be found in the relevant descriptions in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] In conjunction with the first and second aspects, in certain implementations of the first and second aspects, the third information is further used to indicate at least one of the following: multiple beam identifiers of the first reference signal, precoding of multiple beamforming of the first reference signal, or multiple beam weights of the first reference signal; the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal belongs to the multiple beam identifiers.

[0052] The precoding of multiple beamformings for the first reference signal can be replaced with: the precoding of multiple beamformings used to transmit the first reference signal.

[0053] The multiple beam weights of the first reference signal can be replaced with the multiple beam weights used to transmit the first reference signal.

[0054] In conjunction with the first and second aspects, in some implementations of the first and second aspects, where the third information indicates the plurality of beam identifiers, the second information is further used to indicate the beam identifier of the second reference signal, the beam identifier of the second reference signal belonging to the plurality of beam identifiers.

[0055] In conjunction with the first and second aspects, in some implementations of the first and second aspects, the second information is also used to indicate: precoding information for beamforming of the second reference signal, and / or beam weight information of the second reference signal.

[0056] Optionally, the beamforming precoding of the second reference signal belongs to the beamforming precoding of the first reference signal.

[0057] Optionally, the beam weights of the second reference signal belong to multiple beam weights of the first reference signal.

[0058] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a second logic unit. For example, the second logic unit may be an RU, or other unit that can perform physical layer signal processing, or it may be a component (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the second logic unit, or it may be software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second logic unit. This application does not limit the scope of the application.

[0059] For example, the method includes: sending first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to a first echo signal and / or to indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, the first echo signal being a signal reflected by a target from a first reference signal; receiving fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that a second logic unit activates a third mode, the third mode including information indicating that the reception mode of a second echo signal is a unidirectional mode, the second echo signal being a signal reflected by a target from a second reference signal; and receiving the second echo signal based on the third mode.

[0060] The first mode corresponding to the first echo signal is the mode of the first echo signal, which includes information indicating that the receiving mode of the first echo signal is a scanning mode.

[0061] The beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal is the beam identifier of the second logic unit receiving the first echo signal. This beam identifier of the first echo signal is used to determine the beam direction of receiving the first echo signal, or in other words, to determine the geographical area where the target appears.

[0062] Optionally, the first information is further used to indicate at least one beam identifier of a first reference signal corresponding to the first echo signal, the first reference signal being a signal transmitted by the first logic unit. A description of at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal can be found in the description in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0063] For example, the first information includes one or more of the following information to indicate at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal corresponding to the first echo signal: time information of the second logic unit receiving the first echo signal, frequency domain information of the second logic unit receiving the first echo signal, and receive code sequence information of the second logic unit receiving the first echo signal.

[0064] Based on this technical solution, the third logic unit can determine the location of the target by receiving a first mode and / or a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal sent by the second logic unit. Then, based on the determined location of the target, the third logic unit can instruct the first logic unit to send a second mode, enabling the first logic unit to send a reference signal based on the second mode. Furthermore, the third logic unit can instruct the second logic unit to receive the echo signal using the third mode for target sensing. Therefore, the method provided in this application can dynamically adjust the transmission mode of the reference signal according to the received echo, achieving flexible adjustment of the transmission method of the reference signal used for sensing, thereby effectively improving the sensing accuracy.

[0065] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first mode includes information for indicating that the transmission mode of the first echo signal is a scanning mode.

[0066] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal includes: the beam identifier of the first reference signal corresponding to the first echo signal, and / or, the beam identifier of the first echo signal.

[0067] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, before receiving the first echo signal, the method further includes: receiving fifth information, the fifth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate the first mode.

[0068] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving seventh information, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, the multiple modes including the first mode and the second mode, each of the multiple modes including at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain position of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

[0069] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the time-domain position of the signal includes the transmission period of the signal, the starting time-domain position of the signal, or the duration of the signal.

[0070] The descriptions of the fifth and seventh information in the third aspect can be found in the relevant descriptions in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0071] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method, the method comprising: a first logic unit or a second logic unit sending first information to a third logic unit, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to a first echo signal and / or to indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, the first echo signal being a signal reflected by a target from a first reference signal; the third logic unit responding to the first information sending second information to the first logic unit, the second information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate a second mode; and the first logic unit sending a second reference signal based on the second mode.

[0072] Optionally, the method further includes: a third logic unit sending third information to a first logic unit, the third information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode; and the first logic unit sending a first reference signal based on the first mode.

[0073] Optionally, the first information comes from the second logic unit, and the method further includes: a third logic unit responding to the first information sends fourth information to the second logic unit, the fourth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a third mode, the third mode including information indicating that the receiving mode of the second echo signal is a unidirectional mode, the second echo signal being the signal reflected by the target from the second reference signal; the second logic unit receiving the second echo signal based on the third mode.

[0074] Optionally, the first information comes from the second logic unit, and the method further includes: the third logic unit sending fifth information to the second logic unit, the fifth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate the first mode; the second logic unit receiving the first echo signal based on the first mode.

[0075] Optionally, the method further includes: a third logic module sending sixth information to a second logic unit, the sixth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a fourth mode, the fourth mode including information indicating that the transmission mode of the third reference signal is unidirectional, the beam direction of the third reference signal corresponding to the beam direction of the second reference signal; and the second logic module transmitting the third reference signal based on the fourth mode.

[0076] Optionally, the method further includes: a third logic module sending seventh information to a first logic unit, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, the multiple modes including the first mode and the second mode, each of the multiple modes including at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is sent, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain position of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

[0077] Optionally, the method further includes: a third logic module sending seventh information to a second logic unit, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, the multiple modes including the first mode and the second mode, each of the multiple modes including at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is sent, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain position of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

[0078] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, including modules, units, or means for implementing any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the above aspects.

[0079] It should be understood that each module, unit, or means can achieve its corresponding function by executing a computer program. Specifically, the module, unit, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both.

[0080] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0081] The apparatus may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects.

[0082] The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module or other type of communication interface.

[0083] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the above aspects, such as receiving or processing data and / or information involved in the above methods.

[0084] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0085] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0086] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the methods in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0087] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods of any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the above aspects.

[0088] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication system including the aforementioned third logic unit and first logic unit, wherein the third logic unit is configured to execute the methods in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the first logic unit is configured to execute the methods in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0089] Optionally, the communication system further includes a second logic unit, which is used to execute the methods in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0090] It should be understood that the fourth to ninth aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first or second aspects of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0091] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the separate architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of the separate architecture provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to the methods provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0094] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a self-sending and self-receiving communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a self-transmitting and other-receiving communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0097] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram corresponding to the beam provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0098] Figure 8 This is another illustrative flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0099] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the sending period and the receiving period provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0100] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0101] Figure 11 This is another schematic block diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0102] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are explained first:

[0104] First, in the embodiments of this application, the use of prefixes such as "first" and "second" is merely for the purpose of distinguishing and describing different things belonging to the same name category, and does not constrain the order, size, or quantity of things. For example, "first logical unit" and "second logical unit" are simply different logical units, and do not limit the number of logical units or their priority; similarly, "first information" and "second information" are simply different information, and have no size or priority relationship; furthermore, "first reference signal" and "second reference signal" are simply reference signals transmitted using different modes, and do not limit the number of times the reference signals are transmitted or their priority.

[0105] Second, in this application, information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, before being sent from the source to the destination. The destination, upon receiving information from the source, may also perform corresponding processing, such as decoding and demodulation, to interpret the valid information from the source. Here, the source refers to the sending end, and the destination refers to the receiving end.

[0106] Third, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it does not exclude the possibility of indicating an "and" relationship. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0107] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (the first information described below) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only instruct a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various pieces of information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction.

[0108] It is understandable that, for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be indicated, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be indicated.

[0109] Fifth, the tables in the embodiments of this application are merely examples. The values ​​of the information in each table are only examples and can be configured to other values; this application is not limited thereto. The tables do not limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the tables described above, such as splitting, merging, etc. Furthermore, the parameter names shown in the headings of each table can also use other names understandable to the communication device, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations understandable to the communication device. Moreover, in the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0110] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., the first communication device or the second communication device) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device (e.g., the first communication device or the second communication device) to have a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0111] Seventh, the predefined terms in this application can be understood as: definition, pre-defined, storage, pre-storage, pre-negotiation, pre-configuration, solidification, or pre-firing.

[0112] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, sidelink (SL) communication systems, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems or new radio access technology (NR), satellite communication systems, etc. Among them, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networking.

[0113] The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as future communication networks.

[0114] With the development of wireless technology, access network devices not only have the function of communicating with users, but also the function of sensing the surrounding environment. For example, access network devices can process the transmitted reference signals used for sensing and the echo information of the received reference signals reflected by objects to determine the surrounding environment. That is, access network devices can determine whether there are objects around the base station through sensing functions. Currently, in order to sense the surrounding environment in a timely manner, access network devices need to continuously and uninterruptedly transmit sensing reference signals to minimize the probability of missing newly appearing objects in the environment.

[0115] The aforementioned access network equipment is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, such as a radio access network (RAN) device, used to provide wireless communication services and allow terminal devices to connect to the wireless network. The radio access network device can be a node in the radio access network, referred to as a RAN node.

[0116] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a home evolved NodeB (or home Node B, HNB), a Wi-Fi access point (AP), a mobile switching center, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can also be a device that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, and internet-to-things (IoT) communication systems. A RAN node can also be a RAN node in a nonterrestrial network (NTN), meaning that a RAN node can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or a satellite. RAN nodes can be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, etc., or radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or nodes in open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) scenarios. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, RAN nodes can be roadside units (RSUs). Of course, RAN nodes can also be nodes in the core network.

[0117] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to achieve sensing functions, with different RAN nodes implementing specific functions of the base station. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0118] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in the ORAN system, CU can also be called open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called open RU (O-RU).

[0119] Among them, any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. That is, the above-mentioned access network equipment can be virtualized devices, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or through dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. Among them, general-purpose hardware can be servers, such as cloud servers.

[0120] For example, a base station can logically be divided into a CU and one or more DUs, that is, a CU and one or more DUs work together to implement the functions of the base station, specifically as follows: Figure 1As shown in the diagram, each DU connects to the CU via an F1 logical interface. The DU handles operations related to the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical layer (PHY) layer. The CU handles operations related to the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, radio resource control (RRC) layer, and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0121] Based on the preceding description of wireless access network equipment, we can conclude that in some discrete architectures, a base station can be further divided into CU, DU, and RU. That is, the CU, DU, and RU work together to implement the functions of the base station, specifically as follows: Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. In the CU-DU-RU separation architecture, the interface between DU and RU can be called the fronthaul interface, the interface between CU and DU can be called the midhaul interface, and the interface between CU and the core network can be called the backhaul interface.

[0122] In this architecture, RU handles some or all of the operations related to the PHY layer, while DU handles the operations related to the RLC and MAC layers, or some of the operations related to the PHY layer. In other words, in an architecture where CU, DU, and RU are separated, the PHY operations are handled jointly by the DU and RU units, or the PHY operations are handled entirely by the RU.

[0123] For example, the RU can be used to perform at least one of the following PHY layer operations: scrambling, modulation, precoding, beamforming, or analog-to-digital conversion, etc.

[0124] In this application, the logical unit (or communication unit, access network element) used to process operations related to the RLC layer and MAC layer is referred to as the third logical unit (e.g., DU), and the logical unit (or communication unit, access network element) used to process all or part of the operations related to the PHY layer is referred to as the first logical unit or the second logical unit (e.g., RU).

[0125] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the CU and DU can be deployed in a separate architecture or in a merged architecture, and this application does not limit them.

[0126] In the CU-DU-RU separation architecture, when the RU transmits a reference signal for sensing, the DU instructs the RU to transmit the reference signal via the fronthaul interface. For example, the DU can send a reference signal transmission instruction to the RU, and the RU, upon receiving the instruction, transmits the reference signal accordingly. This reference signal transmission instruction may include: the content of the reference signal to be transmitted, the time-domain position information of the reference signal to be transmitted, the frequency-domain position of the reference signal to be transmitted, and the beam direction information of the reference signal to be transmitted.

[0127] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, Region 1 is the geographical area covered by RU1, and Region 2 is the geographical area covered by RU2. DU connects to RU1 and RU2 via a fronthaul interface. DU can send a reference signal transmission instruction to RU1 or RU2. After RU1 (or RU2) receives the reference signal transmission instruction from DU, it can transmit a reference signal based on that instruction.

[0128] It is understandable that when the reference signal is reflected by the target to generate an echo signal, the echo signal can be received by either RU1 or RU2. In other words, the echo signal of a reference signal transmitted by one RU after being reflected by the target can be received by the RU that transmitted the reference signal or by other RUs.

[0129] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a self-sending and self-receiving communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 4 As shown, DU sends a reference signal transmission instruction to RU1, RU1 receives the instruction and transmits a reference signal, and receives the echo signal of the reference signal reflected by the target; when the target moves to the coverage area of ​​RU2, DU can continue to send a reference signal transmission instruction to RU2, RU2 receives the instruction and transmits a reference signal, and receives the echo signal of the reference signal reflected by the target.

[0130] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a self-transmitting and other-receiving communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 5 As shown, DU sends a reference signal transmission instruction to RU1, RU1 receives the instruction and sends a reference signal, and RU2 receives the echo signal of the reference signal sent by RU1 reflected by the target.

[0131] The target in this application may be a person, animal, or object in the environment.

[0132] Based on the above description, in order to promptly perceive changes in the surrounding environment of access network devices and minimize the probability of missing newly appearing objects, in scenarios where the DU and RU are separated, the DU needs to instruct the RU to periodically and continuously send reference signals in different directions to perceive surrounding environmental information. However, this method of continuously and periodically sending reference signals for perception is not flexible enough and makes it difficult to accurately perceive targets.

[0133] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and related apparatus. In this method, the method of transmitting a reference signal by the RU is adjusted by the received echo signal in order to realize the perception of the target. This method can flexibly adjust the transmission mode of the reference signal used for perception, and can effectively improve the accuracy of perception.

[0134] The method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0135] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that the method provided in this application can be applied to... Figures 2 to 4 The communication architecture shown is not limited to this, but the embodiments of this application are exemplary. Exemplarily, the method provided in this application is applied to... Figures 2 to 4 When the communication architecture shown is used, Figure 6 The third logic unit in can be Figures 2 to 4 In the DU, the first logic unit and the second logic unit can be Figures 2 to 4 In the context of RU, and more specifically, the method provided in this application is applied to... Figure 3 or Figure 4 The system architecture shown in this application indicates that the first logical unit can be... Figure 3 or Figure 4 In RU1, the second logic unit can be Figure 3 or Figure 4 RU2 in the middle.

[0136] exist Figure 6 The flowchart shown illustrates the method from the perspective of the interaction between the third logic unit and the first logic unit, but this application does not limit the subject that executes the method. For example, Figure 6 The third logic unit can be replaced by a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the method by the third logic unit, or it can be software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third logic unit. Figure 6 The first logic unit in the method can be replaced by a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the method by the first logic unit, or it can be software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first logic unit.

[0137] like Figure 6As shown, method 600 may include steps S601 to S606. The steps in method 600 are described in detail below.

[0138] S601, the first logic unit sends first information to the third logic unit, the first information being used to indicate the first mode corresponding to the first echo signal and / or to indicate the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal. Correspondingly, the third logic unit receives the first information from the first logic unit.

[0139] The first echo signal is the signal reflected from the target by the first reference signal sent by the first logic unit. The first reference signal is the signal sent by the first logic unit.

[0140] The first echo signal corresponds to a first mode, which is the mode of the first reference signal. This first reference signal mode may include information indicating whether the first logic unit transmits the first reference signal in a scanning or unidirectional manner. In this application, the first logic unit can transmit the first reference signal in a scanning manner; that is, the first mode includes information indicating that the transmission mode of the first reference signal is a scanning mode. In the scanning mode, the first logic unit transmits the first reference signal in different directions; therefore, the scanning mode can also be called a multidirectional mode or other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0141] The beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal is at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal. This beam identifier can determine the beam direction from which the first reference signal was transmitted, or in other words, it can determine which beam the first echo signal was transmitted with, or the geographical area where the target appears. In another possible implementation, the first reference signal includes multiple reference signals, each with an identifier corresponding to a beam identifier. In this approach, the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal is the identifier of at least one of the reference signals included in the first reference signal.

[0142] For example, the first logic unit transmits a first reference signal using beams 1, 2, and 3. The first echo signal is the signal reflected from the target by the reference signal transmitted using beam 1. Therefore, the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal indicated by the first information is the beam identifier of beam 1. In another example, the first logic unit transmits reference signals with reference signal identifiers 1, 2, and 3. These reference signals with identifiers 1, 2, and 3 can be collectively referred to as the first reference signal. Different identifiers correspond to different beam directions. In this example, the first echo signal is the signal reflected from the target by the reference signal corresponding to the transmitted reference signal identifier 1. Therefore, the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal indicated by the first information is reference signal identifier 1.

[0143] Optionally, the first logic unit may also send first echo information to the third logic unit. The first echo information may be information obtained by the first logic unit processing the first echo signal, such as converting the first echo signal from an analog signal to a digital bit stream to obtain the first echo information.

[0144] It should be understood that the first echo information and the aforementioned first information can be sent simultaneously or separately.

[0145] S602, in response to the first information, the third logic unit sends a second information to the first logic unit, the second information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the second mode. Correspondingly, the first logic unit receives the second information from the third logic unit.

[0146] "Activate" can also be replaced with terms such as "enable," "use," or "start" to describe the start of using the second mode.

[0147] For example, the second information may directly or indirectly indicate the second mode; for instance, the second information may include the second mode or include an identifier of the second mode.

[0148] Optionally, the second mode may include information indicating the transmission method of the second reference signal, which may be a unidirectional transmission method. In other words, the second mode may include information indicating that the transmission method of the second reference signal is a unidirectional transmission method. In the unidirectional mode, the first logic unit transmits the first reference signal in the same direction, so the unidirectional mode may also be called a fixed-direction mode, a specific-direction mode, or other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0149] It is understood that the second mode and the aforementioned first mode can be predefined or indicated by a third logic unit.

[0150] Optionally, in response to the first information, the third logic unit sends second information to the first logic unit, which may include: the third logic unit determining a second mode based on the first information; and sending second information to the first logic unit to instruct the first logic unit to activate the second mode.

[0151] Optionally, upon receiving the second information, the first logic unit may use a second mode to transmit a second reference signal. It is understood that the beam direction of this second reference signal is the same as or similar to the beam direction indicated by the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal.

[0152] In this embodiment, the third logic unit can determine the location of the target by receiving a first mode and / or a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal sent by the first logic unit. Based on the determined location of the target, the third logic unit can instruct the first logic unit to send a second mode, so that the first logic unit can send a reference signal based on the second mode to sense the target. Thus, the method provided by this application can dynamically adjust the transmission mode of the reference signal according to the received echo, realizing flexible adjustment of the transmission method of the reference signal used for sensing, and effectively improving the accuracy of target sensing.

[0153] Optionally, prior to S601, the method 600 further includes: S603, whereby the third logic unit sends third information to the first logic unit, the third information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode. Correspondingly, the first logic unit receives the third information from the third logic unit.

[0154] Optionally, if the first logic unit receives the third information, the first logic unit may use the first mode to send the first reference signal.

[0155] It is understandable that if the first logic unit does not receive information for activating other modes before receiving the third information, then the first information in S601 may not indicate the first mode corresponding to the first echo signal.

[0156] For a description of the first mode, please refer to the description in S601 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0157] Based on this, the first logic unit sends a first reference signal using a scanning method. After receiving the echo signal reflected by the target from the first reference signal, the first logic unit continues to send a second reference signal using a unidirectional method to sense the same target. This method of switching from scanning to unidirectional transmission of reference signals, that is, the first logic unit switching from sending reference signals in multiple directions to sending reference signals in a single direction, can effectively reduce the overhead of air interface resources and reduce the power consumption of sensing.

[0158] Optionally, the third information is also used to indicate the beam direction of the first reference.

[0159] For example, the beam direction of the first reference signal can be determined by one or more of the following: beam identifier, beamforming precoding, or beam weights.

[0160] Therefore, the aforementioned third information can also be used to indicate at least one of the following: multiple beam identifiers of the first reference signal, precoding of multiple beamforming of the first reference signal, multiple beam weights of the first reference signal, or identifiers of multiple reference signals included in the first reference signal.

[0161] The first reference signal uses multiple beam identifiers to identify multiple beams, and the directions of these beams can be determined based on these identifiers. In other words, the first reference signal can be sent to the directions of the geographical areas represented by the multiple beam identifiers.

[0162] Optionally, the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal may belong to multiple beam identifiers of the first reference signal.

[0163] The precoding of multiple beamformings for the first reference signal can be replaced by: the precoding of multiple beamformings used to transmit the first reference signal. It should be understood that each beamforming precoding determines one beam, and the multiple beamforming precodings can determine multiple different beams. These multiple different beams correspond to the aforementioned multiple beam identifiers, or in other words, these multiple different beams correspond one-to-one with the beams indicated by the aforementioned multiple beam identifiers of the first reference signal.

[0164] Similarly, the multiple beam weights of the first reference signal can be replaced with the multiple beam weights used to transmit the first reference signal. It should be understood that each beam weight can identify a beam, and these multiple beam weights can identify multiple different beams. These multiple different beams correspond to the aforementioned multiple beam identifiers, or in other words, these multiple different beams correspond one-to-one with the beams indicated by the multiple beam identifiers of the first reference signal.

[0165] Optionally, the second information is also used to indicate the beam direction of the second reference signal.

[0166] Similar to the beam direction of the first reference signal, the beam direction of the second reference signal can be determined by one or more of the following: beam identifier, beamforming precoding, or beam weights.

[0167] Therefore, the second information can also be used to indicate: the beam identifier of the second reference signal, the precoding information of the beamforming of the second reference signal, and / or the beam weight information of the second reference signal.

[0168] It is understandable that, since the second mode is determined based on the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, the beam identifier of the second reference signal belongs to multiple beam identifiers of the first reference signal.

[0169] Similarly, the beamforming precoding of the second reference signal belongs to the beamforming precoding of the first reference signal; the beam weights of the second reference signal belong to the beam weights of the first reference signal.

[0170] It can be understood that the beam indicated by the beam identifier of the second reference signal is the same beam as the beam determined by the precoding of the beamforming of the second reference signal; or, the beam indicated by the beam identifier of the second reference signal is the same beam as the beam determined by the beam weights of the second reference signal; or, the beam determined by the precoding of the beamforming of the second reference signal is the same beam as the beam determined by the beam weights of the second reference signal.

[0171] Optionally, after S603, the method 600 further includes: S604, whereby the third logic unit sends a sixth message to the second logic unit, the sixth message being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a fourth mode. Correspondingly, the second logic unit receives the sixth message from the third logic unit.

[0172] The fourth mode includes information indicating that the transmission mode of the third reference signal is unidirectional.

[0173] Optionally, if the second logic unit receives the sixth information, the second logic unit uses the fourth mode to send the third reference signal.

[0174] The beam direction of the third reference signal corresponds to the beam direction of the second reference signal; or, in other words, matches it; or, the geographical area indicated by the beam of the third reference signal is the same as or similar to the geographical area indicated by the beam of the second reference signal.

[0175] Since the third logic unit knows the geographical area covered by the first logic unit and the geographical area covered by the second logic unit, when the target moves from the geographical area covered by the first logic unit to the geographical area covered by the second logic unit, the second logic unit can determine the beam of the third reference signal sent by the third logic unit based on the geographical area corresponding to the beam of the second reference signal sent by the first logic unit (hereinafter referred to as the first geographical area for ease of description), so that the geographical area corresponding to the beam of the third reference signal is the same as or similar to the first geographical area.

[0176] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram corresponding to the beam provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 7As shown, the beam identifiers of the reference signals transmitted by RU1 are: beam identifier 1, beam identifier 2, and beam identifier 3, and each beam identifier corresponds to a different geographical region. The beam identifiers of the reference signals transmitted by RU2 are: beam identifier 4, beam identifier 5, and beam identifier 6, and each beam identifier corresponds to a different geographical region. The geographical region corresponding to beam identifier 1 is close to the geographical region corresponding to beam identifier 4. Therefore, when DU determines that a target has moved from the geographical region covered by RU1 to the geographical region covered by RU2, the third mode transmitted by DU to RU2 includes the information of beam identifier 1.

[0177] Optionally, prior to S604, the method 600 further includes: a third logic unit determining that the target has moved into the coverage area of ​​the second logic unit.

[0178] For example, the third logic unit can determine that the target has moved into the coverage area of ​​the second logic unit based on the perception results of the target.

[0179] The target perception result can be obtained by the third logic unit based on the second echo signal and the second reference signal, where the second echo signal is the signal reflected by the target from the second reference signal.

[0180] For example, the third logic unit can determine that the target has moved into the coverage area of ​​the second logic unit based on the prediction results of the artificial intelligence (AI) model. Specifically, the third logic unit can input the perception results of the target into the AI ​​model to obtain the geographical area where the target will appear in the next moment.

[0181] Optionally, prior to S601, the method 600 further includes: S605, whereby the third logic unit sends seventh information to the first logic unit, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, including a first mode and a second mode. Correspondingly, the first logic unit receives the seventh information from the third logic unit.

[0182] Each of these multiple modes includes at least one of the following: an indication of the signal transmission method, the number of times the signal is transmitted, the sequence format of the generated signal, the time-domain location of the signal, or the frequency-domain resources of the signal.

[0183] The time-domain location of the signal includes: the signal transmission period, the signal start time-domain location, or the signal duration; or, it includes: the signal transmission period, the signal start time-domain location, or the signal end location; or, it includes: the signal transmission period, the signal end time-domain location, or the signal duration.

[0184] For example, the start time-domain position of the signal refers to the starting position of the signal in each transmission cycle, the end time-domain position of the signal refers to the ending position of the signal in each transmission cycle, and the duration of the signal refers to the duration of the signal in each transmission cycle. Based on the start or end position of the signal and the duration of the signal, the time-domain resources occupied by the signal in each transmission cycle can be determined; or, based on the start and end positions of the signal, the time-domain resources occupied by the signal in each transmission cycle can be determined.

[0185] Optionally, the multiple modes also include a fourth mode. Since the first mode, the second mode, and the fourth mode are multiple modes, the first mode may further include at least one of the following information: the number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the first reference signal, the time-domain position of the first reference signal, or the frequency-domain resources of the first reference signal; the second mode may further include at least one of the following information: the number of times the second reference signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the second reference signal, the time-domain position of the second reference signal, or the frequency-domain resources of the second reference signal; the fourth mode may further include at least one of the following information: the number of times the third reference signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the third reference signal, the time-domain position of the third reference signal, or the frequency-domain resources of the third reference signal.

[0186] In this application, the reference signal transmitted using the first mode is referred to as the first reference signal, the reference signal transmitted using the second mode is referred to as the second reference signal, and the reference signal transmitted using the fourth mode is referred to as the third reference signal.

[0187] For example, the above-mentioned multiple modes can be configured as shown in Table 1 below, where each row of Table 1 defines a mode.

[0188] Table 1

[0189]

[0190]

[0191] It should be understood that Table 1 is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on the various configuration modes. In practical applications, more modes may be included, or each mode may include more configuration information, such as: beam identifier, beamforming precoding matrix, or beamforming weights, etc.

[0192] As shown in Table 1, long-format sequences are suitable for scenarios where the geographic area to be perceived is large; short-format sequences are suitable for scenarios where the geographic area to be perceived is small.

[0193] Taking mode 0001 as an example, as shown in Table 1, the meaning of the information included in each mode is as follows: The transmission period of the reference signal is 500ms, which means that the RU transmits the reference signal according to a period of 500ms; the transmission mode of the beam: scanning mode, which means that it is transmitted in different directions, or unidirectional mode, which means that it is repeatedly transmitted in the same direction; the number of times the reference signal is transmitted is 4, which means that the RU transmits the reference signal 4 times in one cycle; the time domain information of the reference signal, such as SFN, time slot number, and symbol number in Table 1; the frequency domain information of the reference signal, such as the position of the RB.

[0194] Optionally, for time-domain information, the duration of the transmitted signal may also be included, such as the number of symbols; for frequency-domain information, the frequency-domain bandwidth may also be included, such as the number of RBs.

[0195] Optionally, prior to S601, the method 600 further includes: the third logic unit sending seventh information to the second logic unit. Correspondingly, the second logic unit receives the seventh information from the third logic unit. A description of the seventh information can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0196] Optionally, the method 600 further includes: S606, the third logic unit sends an eighth message to the first logic unit, the eighth message being used to instruct the first logic unit to deactivate the first mode and / or the second mode. Correspondingly, the first logic unit receives the eighth message from the third logic unit.

[0197] For example, when the eighth information is used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode, the first logic unit stops sending the first reference signal based on the eighth information.

[0198] It is understandable that after the third logic unit receives the first information sent by the first logic unit, it can send information to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode. Based on this, the first logic unit does not need to continue using the first mode to send the first reference signal, effectively saving air interface resource overhead.

[0199] For example, when the eighth information is used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the second mode, the first logic unit stops sending the second reference signal based on the eighth information.

[0200] It is understandable that after the third logic unit determines that the target has moved into the coverage area of ​​the second logic unit, it can send information to instruct the first logic unit to activate the second mode, so that the first logic unit does not need to continue to use the second mode to send the second reference signal, effectively saving the overhead of air interface resources.

[0201] For example, when the eighth information is used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode and the second mode, the first logic unit stops sending the first reference signal and the second reference signal based on the eighth information.

[0202] It is understandable that after the third logic unit determines that the target has moved into the coverage area of ​​the second logic unit, it can send information to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode and the second mode, so that the first logic unit does not need to continue to use the first mode and the second mode to send the second reference signal, effectively saving the overhead of air interface resources.

[0203] Optionally, after S604, the method 600 further includes: the third logic unit sending information to the second logic unit to instruct the first logic unit to activate the fourth mode. Correspondingly, the second logic unit receives the information and stops sending the third reference signal to save air interface resource overhead.

[0204] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that the method provided in this application can be applied to... Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 5 The communication architecture shown is not limited to this, but the embodiments of this application are exemplary. Exemplarily, the method provided in this application is applied to... Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 5 When the communication architecture shown is used, Figure 8 The third logic unit in can be Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 5 In the DU, the first logic unit and the second logic unit can be Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 5 In the context of RU, and more specifically, the method provided in this application is applied to... Figure 3 or Figure 5 The system architecture shown in this application indicates that the first logical unit can be... Figure 3 or Figure 5 In RU1, the second logic unit can be Figure 3 or Figure 5 RU2 in the middle.

[0205] exist Figure 8 The flowchart shown illustrates the method from the perspective of the interaction between the first, second, and third logic units, but this application does not limit the subject that executes the method. For example, Figure 8The second logic unit can be replaced by a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the method by the second logic unit, or it can be software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second logic unit. For a description of the third logic unit and the first logic unit, please refer to the relevant description in method 600 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0206] like Figure 8 As shown, method 800 may include steps S801 to S806. The steps in method 800 are described in detail below.

[0207] S801, the second logic unit sends first information to the third logic unit, the first information being used to indicate the first mode corresponding to the first echo signal and / or to indicate the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal. Correspondingly, the third logic unit receives the first information from the second logic unit.

[0208] The first echo signal is the signal reflected from the first reference signal by the target. The first mode corresponding to the first echo signal is the mode of the first echo signal, which includes information indicating that the reception mode of the first echo signal is a scanning mode.

[0209] The beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal is the beam identifier received by the second logic unit from the first echo signal. This beam identifier is used to determine the beam direction of the received first echo signal, or in other words, to determine the geographical area where the target appears. In another possible implementation, the first echo signal includes multiple echo signals, and the identifier of each echo signal corresponds to a beam identifier. In this method, the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal is the identifier of at least one echo signal included in the first echo signal.

[0210] Optionally, the first information is further used to indicate at least one beam identifier of a first reference signal corresponding to the first echo signal, the first reference signal being a signal transmitted by the first logic unit. A description of at least one beam identifier of the first reference signal can be found in S601, and will not be repeated here.

[0211] Since the logic unit transmitting the first reference signal and the logic unit receiving the first echo signal are different logic units, the second logic unit cannot directly obtain the beam identifier of the first reference signal corresponding to the first echo signal. However, since the first logic unit transmits the first reference signal according to the instruction of the third logic unit, the second logic unit can report the following information to the third logic unit so that the third logic unit can determine the beam identifier of the first reference signal corresponding to the first echo signal: the time information of the second logic unit receiving the first echo signal, the frequency domain information of the second logic unit receiving the first echo signal, the received code sequence information of the second logic unit receiving the first echo signal, and the identifier of at least one echo signal included in the first echo signal received by the second logic unit.

[0212] In step S802, the third logic unit, in response to the first information, sends a second information to the first logic unit, which instructs the first logic unit to activate a second mode. Correspondingly, the first logic unit receives the second information from the third logic unit.

[0213] This process can be referred to in the description in S602 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0214] Optionally, when the first logic unit receives the first information, the first logic unit may use a second mode to send a second reference signal.

[0215] In step S803, the third logic unit, in response to the first information, sends a fourth information to the second logic unit, which instructs the second logic unit to activate the third mode. Correspondingly, the second logic unit receives the fourth information from the third logic unit.

[0216] The third mode includes information indicating that the receiving mode of the second echo signal is unidirectional, the second echo signal is the signal reflected by the target from the second reference signal, and the second reference signal is the signal sent by the first logic unit.

[0217] Optionally, if the second logic unit receives the fourth information, the second logic unit can use the third mode to receive the second echo signal.

[0218] In this embodiment, the third logic unit can determine the location of the target by receiving a first mode and / or a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal sent by the second logic unit. Based on the determined location of the target, the third logic unit can instruct the first logic unit to send a second mode, so that the first logic unit can send a reference signal based on the second mode. The third logic unit can also instruct the second logic unit to receive the echo signal using the third mode to sense the target. Thus, the method provided in this application can dynamically adjust the transmission mode of the reference signal according to the received echo, realizing flexible adjustment of the transmission method of the reference signal used for sensing, thereby effectively improving the sensing accuracy.

[0219] Optionally, prior to S801, the method 800 further includes: S804, whereby the third logic unit sends a ninth message to the first logic unit, the ninth message being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the fifth mode. Correspondingly, the first logic unit receives the ninth message from the third logic unit.

[0220] The fifth mode may include information indicating that the transmission mode of the first reference signal is a scanning mode.

[0221] Optionally, if the first logic unit receives the ninth information, the first logic unit may send a first reference signal based on the fifth mode.

[0222] Optionally, the ninth information is also used to indicate the beam direction of the first reference.

[0223] The description of the ninth information can be found in the description of the third information in method 600 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0224] Optionally, the second information is also used to indicate the beam direction of the second reference signal.

[0225] For a description of the second information, please refer to the description of the second information in Method 600 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0226] Optionally, prior to S801, the method 800 further includes: S805, whereby the third logic unit sends fifth information to the second logic unit, the fifth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate the first mode. Correspondingly, the second logic unit receives the fifth information from the third logic unit.

[0227] Optionally, if the second logic unit receives the third information, the second logic unit may receive the first echo signal based on the first mode.

[0228] It should be noted that the period during which the first logic unit transmits the first reference signal based on the fifth information (hereinafter referred to as the transmission period for convenience) is different from the period during which the second logic unit receives the first echo signal based on the first mode (hereinafter referred to as the reception period for convenience). For example, the transmission period is less than the reception period, for example, the reception period is a positive integer multiple of the transmission period; or, the transmission period is greater than the reception period, for example, the transmission period is a positive integer multiple of the reception period.

[0229] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the transmission period and the reception period provided in an embodiment of this application. RU1 transmits reference signals by scanning through four beam directions, and RU2 also needs to receive signals by scanning through multiple different beam directions. Figure 9 As shown, RU1 transmits using beams 1, 2, 3, and 4 sequentially from 0 to 499 ms, with the four beams corresponding to four different directions. RU2 receives using beam 1 from 0 to 499 ms, and the direction corresponding to beam 1 is the same as or similar to the direction of beam 1 transmitted by RU1. RU1 transmits using beams 1, 2, 3, and 4 sequentially from 500 to 999 ms, and RU2 receives using beam 2 from 500 to 999 ms. RU1 transmits using beams 1, 2, 3, and 4 sequentially from 1000 to 1499 ms, and RU2 receives using beam direction 3 from 1000 to 1499 ms. RU1 transmits using beams 1, 2, 3, and 4 sequentially from 1500 to 1999 ms, and RU2 receives using beam direction 4 from 1500 to 1999 ms.

[0230] Depend on Figure 9 It can be concluded that the receiving period of RU2 is four times the transmitting period of RU1. Figure 9 The process shown allows for a more accurate determination of the receiving beam direction of RU2, which corresponds to the transmitting beam direction of RU1. For a description of the beam direction correspondence, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions in the document will not be repeated here.

[0231] Optionally, the fifth piece of information is also used to indicate the beam direction of the first echo.

[0232] For example, the beam direction of the first echo signal can be determined by one or more of the following: beam identifier, beamforming precoding, or beam weights.

[0233] Therefore, the aforementioned fifth information can also be used to indicate at least one of the following: multiple beam identifiers of the first echo signal, precoding of multiple beamforming of the first echo signal, multiple beam weights of the first echo signal, or identifiers of multiple echo signals included in the first echo signal.

[0234] The multiple beam identifiers of the first echo signal are used to identify multiple beams, and the directions of multiple beams can be determined based on these identifiers. In other words, the directions of which geographical areas need to be received from the first echo signal can be determined based on these multiple beam identifiers.

[0235] Optionally, the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal in S801 above belongs to multiple beam identifiers of the first echo signal.

[0236] The precoding of multiple beamforming patterns for the first echo signal can be replaced with: the precoding of multiple beamforming patterns used to transmit the first echo signal. It should be understood that each beamforming precoding determines one beam, and the multiple beamforming precodings can determine multiple different beams. These multiple different beams correspond to the aforementioned multiple beam identifiers, or in other words, these multiple different beams correspond one-to-one with the beams indicated by the aforementioned multiple beam identifiers of the first echo signal.

[0237] Similarly, the multiple beam weights of the first echo signal can be replaced with the multiple beam weights used to transmit the first echo signal. It should be understood that each beam weight defines a beam, and these multiple beam weights can define multiple different beams. These multiple different beams correspond to the aforementioned multiple beam identifiers, or in other words, these multiple different beams correspond one-to-one with the beams indicated by the aforementioned multiple beam identifiers of the first echo signal.

[0238] Optionally, the fourth information is also used to indicate the beam direction of the second echo signal.

[0239] Similar to the beam direction of the first echo signal, the beam direction of the second echo signal can be determined by one or more of the following: beam identifier, beamforming precoding, or beam weights.

[0240] Therefore, the fourth information can also be used to indicate: the beam identifier of the second echo signal, the precoding information of the beamforming of the second echo signal, and / or the beam weight information of the second echo signal.

[0241] It is understandable that, since the third mode is determined based on the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, the beam identifier of the second echo signal belongs to multiple beam identifiers of the first echo signal.

[0242] Similarly, the beamforming precoding of the second echo signal belongs to the precoding of multiple beamformings of the first echo signal; the beam weights of the second echo signal belong to multiple beam weights of the first echo signal.

[0243] It can be understood that the beam indicated by the beam identifier of the second echo signal is the same beam as the beam determined by the precoding of the beamforming of the second echo signal; or, the beam indicated by the beam identifier of the second echo signal is the same beam as the beam determined by the beam weights of the second echo signal; or, the beam determined by the precoding of the beamforming of the second echo signal is the same beam as the beam determined by the beam weights of the second echo signal.

[0244] Optionally, the method 800 further includes: S806, whereby the third logic unit sends seventh information to the second logic unit, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes. Correspondingly, the second logic unit receives the seventh information from the third logic unit.

[0245] The multiple modes may include a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, and a fifth mode. Each of the multiple modes includes at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is sent, the sequence format of the generated signal, the time domain location of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

[0246] The time domain location of a signal includes the signal transmission period, the starting time domain location of the signal, or the duration of the signal.

[0247] For a description of the multiple modes, please refer to the description of the multiple modes in S605 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0248] Since the first mode, second mode, third mode, and fifth mode are multiple modes, the first mode may further include at least one of the following information: the number of times the first echo signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the first echo signal, the time domain position of the first echo signal, or the frequency domain resources of the first echo signal; the third mode may further include at least one of the following information: the number of times the second echo signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the second reference signal, the time domain position of the second echo signal, or the frequency domain resources of the second echo signal; the second mode may further include at least one of the following information: the number of times the second reference signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the second reference signal, the time domain position of the second reference signal, or the frequency domain resources of the second reference signal; the fifth mode may further include at least one of the following information: the number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the first reference signal, the time domain position of the first reference signal, or the frequency domain resources of the first reference signal.

[0249] This application designates a reference signal transmitted using a first mode as the first reference signal, a reference signal transmitted using a second mode as the second reference signal, and a reference signal transmitted using a fourth mode as the third reference signal.

[0250] Optionally, the method 800 further includes: the third logic unit sending seventh information to the first logic unit, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes. Correspondingly, the first logic unit receives the seventh information from the third logic unit. A description of the seventh information can be found in the description in S605 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0251] Optionally, after S803, the method 800 may further include: the third logic unit sending sixth information to logic unit #1, the sixth information being used to instruct logic unit #1 to activate a fourth mode, the fourth mode including information indicating that the transmission mode of the third reference signal is unidirectional. Correspondingly, logic unit #1 receives the sixth information from the third logic unit.

[0252] The logic unit #1 can be a second logic unit, or it can be any other logic unit besides the first and second logic units that can communicate with the third logic unit. For example, the logic unit #1 is RU3.

[0253] Optionally, if logic unit #1 receives the sixth information, logic unit #1 uses the fourth mode to send the third reference signal.

[0254] The beam direction of the third reference signal corresponds to the beam direction of the second reference signal; or, in other words, matches it; or, the geographical area indicated by the beam of the third reference signal is the same as or similar to the geographical area indicated by the beam of the second reference signal.

[0255] Optionally, the method 800 further includes: the third logic unit sending information to the first logic unit to indicate the deactivation of the fifth mode and / or the second mode.

[0256] For example, when the second logic unit receives information instructing the second logic unit to deactivate the fifth mode, the second logic unit stops sending the first reference signal based on the information.

[0257] For example, when the second logic unit receives information instructing the second logic unit to deactivate the second mode, the first logic unit stops sending the second reference signal based on that information.

[0258] For example, when the second logic unit receives information instructing the second logic unit to deactivate the fifth mode and the second mode, the first logic unit stops sending the first signal and the second reference signal based on the information.

[0259] This method of deactivating the fifth mode and / or the second mode can effectively save on air interface resource costs.

[0260] Optionally, the method 800 further includes: the third logic unit sending information to the second logic unit to indicate deactivation of the first mode and / or the third mode.

[0261] For example, when the second logic unit receives information instructing the second logic unit to deactivate the first mode, the second logic unit stops receiving the first echo signal based on the information.

[0262] For example, when the second logic unit receives information instructing the second logic unit to deactivate the third mode, the first logic unit stops receiving the second echo signal based on that information.

[0263] For example, when the second logic unit receives information instructing the second logic unit to deactivate the first mode and the third mode, the first logic unit stops receiving the first echo signal and the second echo signal based on the information.

[0264] This method of deactivating the first and / or third modes can effectively save on air interface resource costs.

[0265] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0266] The above text combined Figures 1 to 9 The method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The apparatus provided in this application is described in detail.

[0267] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The diagram illustrates possible apparatuses provided for embodiments of this application. These apparatuses can be used to implement the functions of the first logic unit, the second logic unit, or the third logic unit in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0268] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of the apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 10 As shown, the device 1000 includes a receiving module 1010 and a transmitting module 1020.

[0269] One possible design is that device 1000 is used to achieve the above. Figure 6 and Figure 8 The function of the third logic unit in the method embodiment shown.

[0270] For example, the receiving module 1010 is configured to: receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to the first echo signal and / or indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal; the sending module 1020 is configured to: send second information in response to the first information.

[0271] Optionally, the sending module 1020 is further configured to: send third information, the third information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode.

[0272] Optionally, the transmitting module 1020 is further configured to: in response to the first information, transmit fourth information, the fourth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a third mode, the third mode including information indicating that the receiving mode of the second echo signal is a unidirectional mode, the second echo signal being the signal reflected by the target from the second reference signal.

[0273] Optionally, the sending module 1020 is further configured to: send fifth information, the fifth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate the first mode.

[0274] Optionally, the transmitting module 1020 is further configured to: transmit sixth information, the sixth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a fourth mode, the fourth mode including information indicating that the transmission mode of the third reference signal is a unidirectional mode, the beam direction of the third reference signal corresponding to the beam direction of the second reference signal.

[0275] Optionally, the sending module 1020 is further configured to: send seventh information, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, the multiple modes including the first mode and the second mode, each of the multiple modes including at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is sent, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain position of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

[0276] Optionally, the sending module 1020 is further configured to: send an eighth message, the eighth message being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode or the second mode.

[0277] For a more detailed description of the aforementioned transmitting module 1020 and receiving module 1010, please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 8 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0278] Another possible design is that device 1000 is used to achieve the above. Figure 6 The function of the first logic unit in the method embodiment shown.

[0279] For example, the transmitting module 1020 is configured to: transmit first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to a first echo signal and / or indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal; the receiving module 1010 is configured to: receive second information, the second information being used to indicate that the first logic unit activates a second mode; the transmitting module 1020 is further configured to: transmit a second reference signal based on the second mode.

[0280] Optionally, the receiving module 1010 is further configured to: receive third information, the third information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode; the sending module 1020 is further configured to: send the first reference signal based on the first mode.

[0281] Optionally, the receiving module 1010 is further configured to: receive seventh information, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, the multiple modes including the first mode and the second mode, each of the multiple modes including at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain position of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

[0282] Optionally, the receiving module 1010 is further configured to: receive eighth information, the eighth information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode or the second mode.

[0283] For a more detailed description of the receiving module 1010 and the transmitting module 1020 mentioned above, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0284] Another possible design is that device 1000 is used to achieve the above. Figure 8 The function of the second logic unit in the method embodiment shown.

[0285] For example, the transmitting module 1020 is configured to: transmit first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to the first echo signal and / or to indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal; the receiving module 1010 is configured to: receive fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that the second logic unit activates a third mode, the third mode including information indicating that the receiving method of the second echo signal is a unidirectional mode, and, based on the third mode, receive the second echo signal.

[0286] Optionally, the receiving module 1010 is further configured to: receive fifth information, the fifth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate the first mode.

[0287] Optionally, the receiving module 1010 is further configured to: receive seventh information, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, the multiple modes including the first mode and the second mode, each of the multiple modes including at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain position of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

[0288] For a more detailed description of the receiving module 1010 and the transmitting module 1020 mentioned above, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0289] It is understandable that since device 1000 has communication capabilities, it can also be called a communication device.

[0290] Figure 11 This is another schematic block diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 11 As shown, device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110. The processor 1110 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the device (e.g., a first logic unit, a second logic unit, a third logic unit, or a chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0291] Optionally, in one design, processor 1110 may include a program (also referred to as code or instructions) that can be executed on processor 1110, causing device 1100 to perform the methods executed by the first, second, or third logic unit in the above method embodiments. In yet another possible design, device 1100 includes circuitry (…). Figure 11 (Not shown), the circuit is used to implement the functions of the first logic unit, the second logic unit, or the third logic unit in the above method embodiments.

[0292] For example, processor 1110 can be used to execute computer programs or instructions in memory to achieve Figure 6 and Figure 8 The steps performed by the first logic unit, the second logic unit, or the third logic unit in any of the embodiments shown in the examples.

[0293] Optionally, the device 1100 may include one or more memories 1120 storing programs (sometimes referred to as code or instructions) that can be run on the processor 1110, causing the device 1100 to perform the methods executed by the first logic unit, the second logic unit, or the third logic unit in the above embodiments.

[0294] Optionally, the processor 1110 and / or memory 1120 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module, which is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module may be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0295] Optionally, the processor 1110 and / or memory 1120 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0296] Optionally, the device 1100 may further include a communication interface 1130. The processor 1110, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the device (e.g., a first logic unit, a second logic unit, or a third logic unit). The communication interface 1130, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transceiver function of the device.

[0297] Optionally, the device 1100 also includes a communication interface 1130. The processor 1110 and the communication interface 1130 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 1130 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0298] It is understandable that since device 1100 has communication capabilities, it can also be called a communication device.

[0299] When device 1100 is used to achieve Figure 6 or Figure 8 When using the method, whether the communication interface 1130 is used for sending or receiving depends on whether the device 1100 is used to perform the sending or receiving action in the scheme it executes.

[0300] It is understood that when the device 1100 is a first logic unit, a second logic unit, or a third logic unit, the communication interface 1130 can be a transceiver, specifically including a transmitter and a receiver, with the transmitter used to send signals and the receiver used to receive signals. When the device 1100 is a chip applied to a first logic unit, a second logic unit, or a third logic unit, the communication interface 1130 can be an input / output circuit, wherein the input circuit can be used for receiving and the output interface can be used for sending.

[0301] It should be noted that the above method embodiments can be applied to a processor, or implemented by a processor. A processor may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by software instructions.

[0302] The aforementioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0303] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in mature storage media in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0304] The memory in this application embodiment can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or it can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0305] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the above method embodiments.

[0306] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium containing computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0307] This application also provides a communication system including the aforementioned third logic unit and first logic unit. Optionally, the communication system may further include the aforementioned second logic unit.

[0308] The methods provided in the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, they can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product may include one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic disk), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0309] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0310] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0311] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0312] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0313] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0314] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0315] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to a first echo signal and / or to indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, the first echo signal being a signal reflected from a first reference signal by a target; In response to the first information, a second information is sent, which instructs the first logic unit to activate the second mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mode includes information indicating that the transmission mode of the first reference signal is a scanning mode, and the second mode includes information indicating that the transmission mode of the second reference signal is a unidirectional mode.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before receiving the first information, the method further includes: Send a third message, which is used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: multiple beam identifiers of the first reference signal, precoding of multiple beamforming of the first reference signal, or multiple beam weights of the first reference signal; the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal belongs to the multiple beam identifiers.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the third information indicates the plurality of beam identifiers, the second information is also used to indicate the beam identifier of the second reference signal, which belongs to the plurality of beam identifiers.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The second information is also used to indicate: the precoding information for beamforming of the second reference signal, and / or the beam weight information of the second reference signal.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mode includes information indicating that the receiving mode of the first echo signal is a scanning mode, and the second mode includes information indicating that the transmitting mode of the second reference signal is a unidirectional mode.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to the first information, a fourth information is sent, the fourth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a third mode, the third mode including information indicating that the receiving mode of the second echo signal is a unidirectional mode, the second echo signal being the signal reflected by the target from the second reference signal.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Before receiving the first information, the method further includes: Send a fifth message, which instructs the second logic unit to activate the first mode.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: A sixth message is sent, which is used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a fourth mode. The fourth mode includes information indicating that the transmission mode of the third reference signal is unidirectional, and the beam direction of the third reference signal corresponds to the beam direction of the second reference signal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a seventh message, which is used to configure multiple modes, including the first mode and the second mode. Each of the multiple modes includes at least one of the following: the number of times the signal is sent, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain location of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The time-domain location of the signal includes the signal transmission period, the signal start time-domain location, or the signal duration.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send an eighth message, which instructs the first logic unit to activate the first mode and / or the second mode.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first logic unit, the method includes: Send first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to a first echo signal and / or to indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, the first echo signal being a signal reflected from a first reference signal by a target; Receive second information, which instructs the first logic unit to activate the second mode; Based on the second mode, a second reference signal is sent.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first mode includes information indicating that the transmission mode of the first reference signal is a scanning mode, and the second mode includes information indicating that the transmission mode of the second reference signal is a unidirectional mode.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode; Based on the first mode, the first reference signal is sent.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The third information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: multiple beam identifiers of the first reference signal, precoding of multiple beamforming of the first reference signal, or multiple beam weights of the first reference signal; the beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal belongs to the multiple beam identifiers.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the third information indicates the plurality of beam identifiers, the second information is also used to indicate the beam identifier of the second reference signal, which belongs to the plurality of beam identifiers.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The second information is also used to indicate: the precoding information for beamforming of the second reference signal, and / or the beam weight information of the second reference signal.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive seventh information, which is used to configure multiple modes, including the first mode and the second mode. Each of the multiple modes includes at least one of the following information: the number of times the signal is sent, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain location of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The time-domain location of the signal includes: the transmission period of the signal, the starting time-domain location of the signal, or the duration of the signal.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the eighth message, which is used to instruct the first logic unit to activate the first mode or the second mode.

23. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second logic unit, the method includes: Send first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode corresponding to a first echo signal and / or to indicate a beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal, the first echo signal being a signal reflected from a first reference signal by a target; Receive fourth information, the fourth information being used to instruct the second logic unit to activate a third mode, the third mode including information indicating that the receiving mode of the second echo signal is a unidirectional mode, the second echo signal being a signal reflected from the second reference signal by the target; Based on the third mode, the second echo signal is received.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The first mode includes information indicating that the transmission mode of the first echo signal is a scanning mode.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The beam identifier corresponding to the first echo signal includes: the beam identifier of the first reference signal corresponding to the first echo signal, and / or, the beam identifier of the first echo signal.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, Before receiving the first echo signal, the method further includes: Receive a fifth message, which is used to instruct the second logic unit to activate the first mode.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive seventh information, the seventh information being used to configure multiple modes, the multiple modes including the first mode, each of the multiple modes including at least one of the following: the number of times the signal is transmitted, the sequence format for generating the signal, the time domain location of the signal, or the frequency domain resources of the signal.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The time-domain location of the signal includes the signal transmission period, the signal start time-domain location, or the signal duration.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor for causing the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28 by executing a computer program and / or by logic circuitry.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that, It also includes a memory for storing computer programs and / or configuration files for the logic circuitry.

32. The apparatus according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that, It also includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

33. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method of any one of claims 1 to 28 is performed.

34. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program, and when the computer program is run, the method of any one of claims 1 to 28 is performed.

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