Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and is used for reducing the influence of terminal equipment on service data when the terminal equipment realizes a non-data transmission function. The method comprises the steps that terminal equipment determines a first resource in first uplink resources used for sending uplink communication data; wherein the first resource is a part of time-frequency resource in the first uplink resource; and the terminal equipment transmits a signal related to a first function on the first resource, wherein the first function is a non-data transmission function. According to the invention, the terminal equipment can transmit the signal related to the first function on part of the first uplink resources, so that the influence of transmission of the signal related to the first function on the uplink communication data can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communication, terminal devices can perform a variety of different types of services, such as voice calls, video chat, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and online games.

[0003] Furthermore, with the continuous enhancement of terminal device functions, these devices can also autonomously transmit signals to perform non-data transmission functions. Currently, terminal devices can perform non-data transmission functions without connecting to the radio access network (RAN). For example, taking the terminal device's sensing function as an example, in new radio (NR) systems, terminal devices are only supported in providing radio sensing services on unlicensed spectrum when not connected to the RAN. Therefore, terminal devices cannot connect to the RAN when performing non-data transmission functions, thus preventing them from performing normal service data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to reduce the impact of non-data transmission functions of terminal devices on business data.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method executed by a terminal, or by a chip, chip system, or circuit in the terminal. The communication method may include: the terminal device determining a first resource in a first uplink resource used for transmitting uplink communication data; wherein the first resource is a portion of the time-frequency resources in the first uplink resource; and the terminal device transmitting a signal related to a first function on the first resource, wherein the first function is a non-data transmission function.

[0006] Using the above method, when the terminal device enables the first function of non-data transmission, it can determine a portion of the resources in the first uplink resources used for sending uplink communication data, and transmit signals related to the first function on the portion of the resources. Based on this, the terminal device can transmit signals related to the first function on a portion of the resources in the first uplink resources while transmitting uplink communication data normally, thereby reducing the impact of transmitting signals related to the first function on the uplink communication data.

[0007] For example, the first function includes any of the following: sensing function, measurement function, or monitoring function.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the terminal device transmits uplink communication data on a second resource within the first uplink resource, where the second resource is a time-frequency resource other than the first resource within the first uplink resource.

[0009] Through the above implementation, the terminal device transmits signals related to the first function on a portion of the first uplink resources and sends uplink communication data on another portion of the first uplink resources, thereby reducing the impact of transmitting signals related to the first function on the uplink communication data.

[0010] In one possible implementation, before determining the first resource in the first uplink resource used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data, the terminal device receives first configuration information of the first uplink resource; after the terminal device enables the first function, when the first uplink resource indicated by the first configuration information is capable of carrying signals and uplink communication data related to the first function, the first resource is determined in the first uplink resource.

[0011] With the above implementation, after the terminal device enables the first function, the terminal device determines whether the first uplink resource configured by the network device can carry the signals and uplink communication data related to the first function. If it is determined that the first uplink resource can carry the signals and uplink communication data related to the first function, the terminal device transmits the signals related to the first function on the first resource in the first uplink resource, so that the transmission of the uplink communication data is not affected when transmitting the signals related to the first function.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives second configuration information of the second uplink resource; after the terminal device enables the first function, when the second uplink resource indicated by the second configuration information cannot carry signals and uplink communication data related to the first function, the terminal device sends an uplink resource request and receives first configuration information of the first uplink resource; the terminal device determines the first uplink resource according to the first configuration information.

[0013] With the above implementation, after the terminal device activates the first function, the terminal device determines whether the second uplink resource configured by the network device can carry the signals and uplink communication data related to the first function. If it is determined that the second uplink resource cannot carry the signals and uplink communication data related to the first function, the terminal device requests the first uplink resource from the network device and transmits the signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource. Based on this, the terminal device can send uplink communication data on the second uplink resource, thereby reducing the impact of transmitting signals related to the first function on the uplink communication data.

[0014] In one possible implementation, if the terminal device determines that no uplink resources are configured, the terminal device sends an uplink resource request and receives first configuration information of the first uplink resource; the terminal device determines the first uplink resource based on the first configuration information.

[0015] With the above implementation, after the terminal device enables the first function, if the terminal device determines that no uplink resources are configured, the terminal device requests the first uplink resources from the network device and transmits the first function-related signals on the first uplink resources; based on this, the terminal device can transmit the first function-related signals based on the first uplink resources, thereby realizing the first function.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides a communication device that can be applied to a terminal device. The communication device may include a resource determination module and a transceiver module. The resource determination module is used to determine a first resource in a first uplink resource used by the terminal device for transmitting uplink communication data; wherein the first resource is a portion of the time-frequency resources in the first uplink resource; the transceiver module is used to transmit signals related to a first function on the first resource, where the first function is a non-data transmission function.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first function includes any of the following: sensing function, measurement function, or monitoring function.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to send uplink communication data on a second resource in the first uplink resource, wherein the second resource is a time-frequency resource in the first uplink resource other than the first resource.

[0019] In one possible implementation, before the resource determination module determines the first resource from the first uplink resources for sending uplink communication data, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first configuration information of the first uplink resource; the resource determination module is configured to enable the first function; when the first uplink resource indicated by the first configuration information is capable of carrying signals and uplink communication data related to the first function, the first resource is determined from the first uplink resources.

[0020] In one possible implementation, before the resource determination module determines the first resource from the first uplink resources used to send uplink communication data, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive second configuration information of the second uplink resource; the resource determination module is configured to enable the first function; the transceiver module is further configured to send an uplink resource request when the second uplink resource indicated by the second configuration information cannot carry signals and uplink communication data related to the first function; and receive the first configuration information of the first uplink resource; the resource determination module is further configured to: determine the first uplink resource according to the first configuration information.

[0021] In one possible implementation, before the first resource is determined from the first uplink resources used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data, the terminal device is not configured with uplink resources, and the transceiver module is further configured to send an uplink resource request; and receive the first configuration information of the first uplink resource; the resource determination module is further configured to: determine the first uplink resource according to the first configuration information.

[0022] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device, which is a terminal or a chip in a terminal. The communication device may include a processor and a memory; the memory stores a computer program; the processor is used to read the computer program stored in the memory and execute the communication method provided in the first aspect or any of the implementations described above.

[0023] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the communication method provided in the first aspect or any of the implementations described above.

[0024] Fifthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the communication method provided in the first aspect or any of the implementations described above.

[0025] For the various aspects of the second to fifth aspects mentioned above, and the technical effects that each aspect may achieve, please refer to the above description of the technical effects that various possible solutions for the first aspect or aspects may achieve, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 A network architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3A A schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3B A schematic diagram illustrating another application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between service latency, packet loss rate, and MOS provided for embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 6A schematic diagram illustrating another correspondence between service latency, packet loss rate, and MOS provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] The at least one item mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to one or more items. Multiple items refers to two or more items. "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. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe objects in the embodiments of this application, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the objects from each other.

[0040] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the following description of embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. It should be noted that in embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any method or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in embodiments of this application should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0041] The technology provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems that comply with the communication standards of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Examples include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems (such as New Radio (NR) systems), and future communication systems.

[0042] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0043] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0044] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 to which this application embodiment applies is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., ...). Figure 1110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 connects wirelessly to RAN node 110, and RAN node 110 connects wirelessly or via a wired connection to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN nodes. Terminals can connect to each other, and RAN nodes can connect to each other, via wired or wireless connections.

[0045] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, an NR system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0046] The network device involved in this application embodiment can be a RAN node. A RAN node, also known as a radio access network device, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help terminals access the communication system wirelessly. In one application scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can also be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the middle can also be a relay node or a donor node.

[0047] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0048] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). CU-control panel (CU-CP) can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), and CU-user panel (CU-UP) can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, an RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0049] Terminal equipment can be any device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and possesses corresponding communication functions. Terminal equipment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal device, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. Terminal equipment typically contains communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. It may also be configured with program instructions for performing these functions.

[0050] For example, the terminal device in the embodiments of this application may be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a drone, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a machine-type communication (MTC) terminal, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home (e.g., game consoles, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and fitness equipment), a transportation vehicle with wireless communication capabilities, a communication module, or a roadside unit (RSU) with terminal functionality. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0051] like Figure 2The diagram illustrates the structure of a terminal device. This terminal device may include multiple components, such as: a main control system, memory, a storage device (e.g., a massive storage device), a baseband subsystem, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a radio frequency front end (RFFE) device, and an antenna (ANT). These components can be coupled via various interconnect buses or other electrical connections.

[0052] The main control system, also known as the main computing system, may include one or more processors. Multiple processors can be of the same type or a combination of different types. Optionally, the processor can be a general-purpose processor or a processor designed for a specific domain. For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a microcontroller (MCU); it can also be a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), an audio signal processor (ASP), or an AI processor specifically designed for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. AI processors include, but are not limited to, neural network processing units (NPUs), tensor processing units (TPUs), and processors referred to as AI engines.

[0053] Figure 2 In this context, ANT_1 represents the first antenna, ANT_N represents the Nth antenna, RFIC 1 represents the first radio frequency integrated circuit, and RFIC N represents the Nth radio frequency integrated circuit, where N is a positive integer greater than 1. It should be understood that... Figure 2 The components shown are for illustrative purposes only and represent one possible implementation. The terminal device of this application also includes other implementations. For example, the terminal device may include more or fewer components.

[0054] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0055] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1 The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0056] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

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

[0058] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection with a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also subject to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0059] Communication between a base station and a terminal device can follow a specific protocol layer structure. For example, this protocol layer structure may include a control plane protocol layer structure and a user plane protocol layer structure. For instance, the control plane protocol layer structure may include at least one of the following: a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, or a physical (PHY) layer. Similarly, the user plane protocol layer structure may include at least one of the following: a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, or a physical layer.

[0060] A base station may include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). This design can be referred to as CU and DU separation. Multiple DUs can be centrally controlled by a single CU. As an example, the interface between the CU and DU is called the F1 interface. The control plane (CP) interface can be F1-C, and the user plane (UP) interface can be F1-U. This application does not limit the specific names of the interfaces. The CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layer of the wireless network: for example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above (e.g., RRC and SDAP layers) are located in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., RLC, MAC, and PHY layers) are located in the DU; or, for example, the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer are located in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer are located in the DU, without limitation.

[0061] The above division of CU and DU processing functions according to protocol layers is merely an example; other methods can also be used. For instance, CUs or DUs can be divided into those with more protocol layer functions, or they can be divided into those with partial protocol layer processing functions. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of CUs or DUs can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that need to meet latency requirements can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement can be placed in the CU.

[0062] Optionally, the CU may have one or more core network functions.

[0063] Optionally, the radio unit (RU) of the DU can be remotely located. The RU has radio frequency (RF) functionality. For example, the DU and RU can be separated at the PHY layer. For instance, the DU can implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU can implement lower-level functions. When transmitting, the PHY layer functions may include at least one of the following: adding cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, or RF transmission functionality. When receiving, the PHY layer functions may include at least one of the following: CRC check, channel decoding, rate matching de-scrambling, demodulation, layer mapping de-mapping, channel detection, resource demapping, physical antenna demapping, or RF reception functionality. The higher-level functions in the PHY layer may include a portion of the PHY layer's functionality, which is closer to the MAC layer; the lower-level functions in the PHY layer may include another portion of the PHY layer's functionality, for example, a portion closer to the RF functionality. For example, higher-level functions in the PHY layer may include adding CRC bits, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping, while lower-level functions may include precoding, resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and RF transmission functions; or, higher-level functions in the PHY layer may include adding CRC bits, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, and precoding, while lower-level functions may include resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and RF transmission functions. For example, higher-level functions in the PHY layer may include CRC checksum, channel decoding, rate matching de-matching, decoding, demodulation, and layer mapping de-matching, while lower-level functions may include channel detection, resource de-mapping, physical antenna de-mapping, and RF reception functions; or, higher-level functions in the PHY layer may include CRC checksum, channel decoding, rate matching de-matching, decoding, demodulation, layer mapping de-matching, and channel detection, while lower-level functions may include resource de-mapping, physical antenna de-mapping, and RF reception functions.

[0064] Optionally, the functions of the CU can be further divided, separating the control plane and the user plane and implementing them through different entities. The separated entities are the control plane CU entity (i.e., the CU-CP entity) and the user plane CU entity (i.e., the CU-UP entity). The CU-CP entity and the CU-UP entity can be connected to the DU respectively. In the embodiments of this application, an entity can be understood as a module or unit, and its form can be a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module, without limitation.

[0065] Optionally, any one of CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU can be a software module, a hardware structure, or a combination of software and hardware structures, without limitation. The different entities can exist in the same or different forms. For example, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU are software modules, and RU is a hardware structure. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations are listed here. These modules and their executed methods are also within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, when the method of the embodiments of this application is executed by an access network device, it can be executed by at least one of CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, or DU.

[0066] After a terminal device establishes a connection with a network device (such as the RAN node described above), the network device can configure uplink resources for the terminal device. Using these configured uplink resources, the terminal device can send uplink communication data to the network device. For example, the terminal device can perform various types of services, such as voice calls, video chat, virtual reality, augmented reality, and online games. While performing these services, the terminal device and the network device transmit service data; for instance, the terminal device can send uplink service data to the network device based on the uplink resources configured on the network device.

[0067] In addition to performing data transmission services, terminal devices can also perform non-data transmission functions. When performing non-data transmission functions, the terminal device can autonomously transmit signals and receive echo signals. For example, the non-data transmission functions performed by the terminal device may include, but are not limited to, sensing, monitoring, and measurement functions; for instance, when performing a sensing function, the terminal device can transmit sensing signals and receive echo signals. However, currently, when a terminal device performs non-data transmission functions, it needs to disconnect from the network device. Performing non-data transmission functions without being connected to the network device prevents the terminal device from transmitting service data with the network device, thus hindering normal business operations.

[0068] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which, when a terminal device initiates a non-data transmission function, the terminal device transmits signals related to the non-data transmission function on a portion of the time-frequency resources in the uplink resources configured by the network device. Based on this implementation, the terminal device can perform non-data transmission functions while connected to the network device, transmitting signals related to the non-data transmission function on a portion of the uplink resources, while another portion of the uplink resources can be used to transmit uplink communication data. Thus, the terminal device performing non-data transmission functions does not affect normal business operations.

[0069] like Figure 3A The diagram illustrates an application scenario of an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes a terminal device and a network device. The transmission link from the terminal device to the network device is an uplink (UL), and the transmission link from the network device to the terminal device is a downlink (DL). Data transmission by the terminal device on the uplink is scheduled by the network device; for example, the network device configures uplink resources for the terminal device, allowing the terminal device to transmit uplink communication data via the uplink on those resources. Based on the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the terminal device can transmit signals not related to data transmission functions on a portion of the time-frequency resources in the uplink resources configured by the network device for the terminal device. For example, it can send signals not related to data transmission functions on a portion of the time-frequency resources in the uplink resources, and enable the downlink to receive echo signals used to receive and transmit signals not related to data transmission functions.

[0070] like Figure 3B The diagram shown is an application scenario illustration of an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes multiple terminal devices and network devices. Figure 3B Taking terminal device A and terminal device B as an example, sidelink communication is possible between them. The transmission link from the terminal device to the network device is the uplink, and the transmission link from the network device to the terminal device is the downlink; the transmission link between terminal device A and terminal device B is the sidelink. Data transmission by terminal device A on the uplink transmission link is scheduled by the network device; for example, the network device configures uplink resources for terminal device A, and terminal device A can transmit uplink communication data on the uplink resources via the uplink. Based on the communication method provided in this application embodiment, on a portion of the time-frequency resources in the uplink resources configured by the network device for terminal device A, terminal device A can transmit signals not related to data transmission functions. For example, terminal device A sends signals not related to data transmission functions on a portion of the time-frequency resources in the uplink resources, and enables the downlink to receive echo signals used to receive and transmit signals not related to data transmission functions; correspondingly, terminal device B can receive signals not related to data transmission functions sent by terminal device A on a portion of the time-frequency resources in the uplink resources. For example, when terminal device A performs a sensing function, terminal device A can send sensing signals on a portion of the uplink time-frequency resources, and terminal device B can activate a side link to receive the sensing signals sent by terminal device A; terminal device A can also receive echo signals on a portion of the uplink time-frequency resources.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method mainly includes the following steps. It can be understood that... Figure 4The steps and execution order illustrated are merely examples. In actual implementation, some of the steps may be executed, or the remaining steps may also be executed. Similarly, the execution order of the steps may also be adjusted, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0072] Step 400: The terminal device determines the first resource in the first uplink resource used for sending uplink communication data.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first uplink resource can be a resource configured by the network device for the terminal device to send uplink communication data. After the terminal device generates the uplink communication data to be sent, the terminal device can send the uplink communication data to the network device on the first uplink resource.

[0074] After the network device configures the first uplink resource for the terminal device, the terminal device can determine the first resource from the first uplink resource.

[0075] Optionally, the first resource is a portion of the time-frequency resources in the first uplink resource.

[0076] Step 401: The terminal device transmits signals related to the first function on the first resource.

[0077] In this embodiment of the application, after determining that the first function is started, the terminal device transmits signals related to the first function on the first resource in the first uplink resource.

[0078] Optionally, the first function is a non-data transmission function.

[0079] For example, the first function includes, but is not limited to: sensing function, measurement function, or monitoring function.

[0080] For example, sensing functions can enable terminal devices to perceive objects in their environment, such as the location, size, and distance of objects from the terminal. Measurement functions can enable terminal devices to perform channel measurements on network devices, such as measuring channel quality. Monitoring functions can enable terminal devices to monitor health, such as monitoring user health, including heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

[0081] It should be noted that the first function described above is merely an example of the embodiments of this application. The first function of the embodiments of this application may also be other non-data transmission functions besides the examples described above.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first uplink resource includes a first resource and a second resource. After the first function is activated, the terminal device transmits signals related to the first function on the first resource; the terminal device sends uplink communication data on the second resource.

[0083] The first resource can be a continuous resource in the first uplink resource, or the first resource can also be a discrete resource in the first uplink resource.

[0084] Optionally, the terminal device transmitting signals related to the first function on the first resource includes: the terminal device sending signals related to the first function on the first resource, and / or the terminal device receiving signals related to the first function on the first resource. For example, if the first function is a sensing function, the terminal device may send sensing signals on the first resource, and the terminal device may receive echo signals for the sensing signals on the first resource; as another example, if the first function is a measurement function, the terminal device may send measurement signals on the first resource, and the terminal device may receive feedback signals for the measurement signals on the first resource.

[0085] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can determine the activation of the first function in a variety of different ways. The following describes the different ways of determining the activation of the first function.

[0086] Determine the first function startup method 1: In response to the first function startup command, the terminal device determines that the first function is started.

[0087] In determining the first function activation method 1, the terminal device can detect a first function activation command triggered by the user; after detecting the first function activation command, the terminal device determines that the first function is activated in response to the command. For example, the user can trigger the first function activation command through the terminal device's settings page; or the user can trigger the first function activation command through the user interface of an application running on the terminal device.

[0088] Alternatively, in determining the first function activation method 1, the terminal device can detect a first function activation command triggered during application operation; after detecting the first function activation command, the terminal device determines that the first function is activated in response to the first function activation command. For example, if the first function needs to be activated during the application operation of the terminal device, the first function activation command is triggered; for example, if the terminal device is an in-vehicle terminal, and an autonomous driving application is currently running, and the perception function can be activated during the operation of the autonomous driving application, then the perception function activation command is triggered during the operation of the autonomous driving application.

[0089] Determine the first function activation method 2: The terminal device determines the timing for activating the first function based on the function configuration information, and then determines that the first function is activated.

[0090] In determining the first function activation method 2, the function configuration information can be configuration information for the first function. For example, the function configuration information can configure the activation time of the first function; for instance, when the first function is a measurement function, which is used to measure the channel, the function configuration information can be the measurement time configured by the network device. When the terminal device determines the activation timing of the first function based on the function configuration information, the terminal device determines that the first function is activated.

[0091] Regarding the first uplink resource in step 400 above, the first uplink resource can be the time-frequency resource configured by the network device before the first function is enabled for sending uplink communication data, or the first uplink resource can be the time-frequency resource requested by the terminal device from the network device after the first function is enabled. The determination method of the first uplink resource is described in detail below.

[0092] I. The first uplink resource is the time-frequency resource configured by the network device before the first function is enabled, which is used to send uplink communication data.

[0093] Optionally, the terminal device receives the first configuration information of the first uplink resource. Correspondingly, the network device sends the first configuration information of the first uplink resource to the terminal device.

[0094] The first configuration information is used to configure uplink frequency domain resources and / or uplink time domain resources.

[0095] After the terminal device enables the first function, it determines the first uplink resource based on the first configuration information configured by the network device.

[0096] In one possible implementation, after determining that the first function is enabled, the terminal device determines the first uplink resource within a first time period after the first function is enabled, based on the first configuration information.

[0097] In implementation, the first duration can be a pre-configured duration based on the different types of first functions; the lengths of the first durations corresponding to different types of first functions can be the same or different. For example, when the first function is a sensing function, the first duration configured for the sensing function can be relatively long, such as the first duration corresponding to the sensing function being two wireless frames; when the first function is a monitoring function, the first duration configured for the monitoring function can be relatively short, such as the first duration corresponding to the monitoring function being one wireless frame.

[0098] Optionally, after determining the first uplink resource, the terminal device can determine whether the first uplink resource is capable of carrying signals and uplink communication data related to the first function.

[0099] Since the first uplink resource configured by the network device for the terminal device is used to send uplink communication data, after the terminal device uses the first resource in the first uplink resource to transmit the first function-related signal, the resource used to send uplink communication data will be reduced. Therefore, before the terminal device transmits the first function-related signal on the first resource in the first uplink resource, the terminal device needs to determine whether sending uplink communication data only on the second resource in the first uplink resource will affect the current data transmission of the terminal device.

[0100] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can determine whether the first uplink resource can carry signals and uplink communication data related to the first function in the following ways:

[0101] Based on the resource occupancy information of the first function and the service type of the current service, the terminal device determines whether the first uplink resource can carry the signal and uplink communication data related to the first function.

[0102] The resource occupancy information of the first function is used to characterize the amount of resources occupied by the first function. The resource occupancy information includes the time-domain resource occupancy information and / or the frequency-domain resource occupancy information of the first function. The time-domain resource occupancy information is used to characterize the amount of time-domain resources occupied by the first function, and the frequency-domain resource occupancy information is used to characterize the amount of frequency-domain resources occupied by the first function.

[0103] Optionally, the resource usage information for the first function can be pre-configured. In this embodiment, resource usage information for each different type of first function can be pre-configured; wherein the resource usage information for different types of first functions can be the same or different.

[0104] The following is a detailed explanation of the process by which a terminal device determines whether the first uplink resource can carry signals and uplink communication data related to the first function.

[0105] Step 1: After the first function is started, the terminal device obtains the resource usage information of the first function.

[0106] During implementation, the terminal device obtains the resource usage information pre-configured for the first function.

[0107] Step 2: The terminal device determines the increase in latency corresponding to the current service when transmitting signals related to the first function while occupying a portion of the first uplink resources, based on the resource occupancy information of the first function.

[0108] In practice, the terminal device determines the amount of resources occupied when transmitting signals related to the first function on the first uplink resources based on the resource occupancy information of the first function, and determines the amount of latency increase corresponding to the current service when sending uplink communication data on the remaining resources. The remaining resources are the resources in the first uplink resources other than those occupied when transmitting signals related to the first function.

[0109] Because the terminal device transmits signals related to a first function on the first resource of the first uplink resource used for sending uplink communication data, the terminal device needs to suspend uplink communication data transmission on the first resource. If the network device does not receive the uplink communication data sent by the terminal device when the terminal device suspends uplink communication data transmission on the first resource, the network device instructs the terminal device to retransmit the data. Since data retransmission occupies uplink resources, this will cause the delay of subsequent uplink communication data to increase sequentially.

[0110] When determining the increase in latency corresponding to the current service, the terminal device can determine the increase in latency corresponding to the current service based on the transmission cycle of the first function-related signal and the proportion of the first uplink resources occupied in transmitting the first function-related signal.

[0111] Step 3: The terminal device determines whether the increase in latency corresponding to the current service meets the latency conditions corresponding to the current service based on the service type of the current service.

[0112] Optionally, in this application embodiment, corresponding latency conditions can be configured for each service type; the latency conditions corresponding to different service types can be the same or different.

[0113] For example, the latency condition can be that the latency increase corresponding to a service is not greater than a first threshold. Based on this latency condition, embodiments of this application set a first threshold for each service type. After determining the latency increase corresponding to the current service, the terminal device compares the latency increase corresponding to the current service with the first threshold corresponding to the current service; if the latency increase corresponding to the current service is not greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the latency increase corresponding to the current service meets the latency condition for the current service; if the latency increase corresponding to the current service is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the latency increase corresponding to the current service does not meet the latency condition for the current service.

[0114] It should be understood that when setting a first threshold for each service type in this application embodiment, the first threshold set for latency-sensitive services is relatively small (e.g., real-time gaming services, which are latency-sensitive; if the latency increases by 20ms, users may perceive it, so the first threshold set for real-time gaming services can be no greater than 20ms); the first threshold set for generally latency-sensitive services is relatively larger than that for latency-sensitive services (e.g., voice or video call services, which are generally latency-sensitive; if the latency increases by 50-100ms, it has little impact on voice or video call services, so the first threshold set for voice or video call services can be greater than 100ms); and the first threshold set for latency-insensitive services can be even larger (e.g., video playback services; when video playback services have caching functions, if the latency increases by several hundred milliseconds or 1 second, users may not perceive it, so the first threshold set for video playback services can be greater than 1 second).

[0115] For example, the latency condition can be that the evaluation parameter corresponding to the service latency is not less than a second threshold. The evaluation parameter corresponding to the service latency can be used to characterize service quality; taking the mean opinions score (MOS) as an example, the latency condition can be that the MOS corresponding to the service latency is not less than a second threshold. Based on this latency condition, this application embodiment sets a second threshold for each service type, wherein different types of service types can set the same or different second thresholds.

[0116] Furthermore, the mapping between service latency and MOS can be pre-configured for each service type. Different types of services can be configured with the same or different mappings between service latency and MOS. After determining the latency increase corresponding to the current service, the terminal device determines the service latency of the current service. The terminal device can determine the MOS corresponding to the service latency of the current service based on the mapping between the service latency and MOS. The terminal device compares the MOS corresponding to the service latency of the current service with a second threshold corresponding to the current service. If the MOS corresponding to the service latency of the current service is not less than the second threshold, it is determined that the latency increase of the current service meets the latency condition of the current service; if the MOS corresponding to the service latency of the current service is less than the second threshold, it is determined that the latency increase of the current service does not meet the latency condition of the current service.

[0117] Alternatively, the correspondence between service latency, packet loss rate, and MOS can be pre-configured for each service type. Different types of services can be configured with the same or different correspondences between service latency, packet loss rate, and MOS. After determining the latency increase corresponding to the current service, the terminal device determines the service latency of the current service; and the terminal device determines the packet loss rate of the current service when transmitting signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource. The terminal device can determine the MOS corresponding to the service latency and packet loss rate of the current service based on the correspondence between the service latency and MOS of the current service. The terminal device compares the MOS corresponding to the service latency of the current service with a second threshold corresponding to the current service; if the MOS corresponding to the service latency of the current service is not less than the second threshold, it is determined that the latency increase of the current service meets the latency condition of the current service; if the MOS corresponding to the service latency of the current service is less than the second threshold, it is determined that the latency increase of the current service does not meet the latency condition of the current service.

[0118] Taking real-time gaming as an example, the following configurations can be made for real-time gaming services: Figure 5 The diagram shows the correspondence between service latency, packet loss rate, and MOS (Mean Offset Synchronization). Taking voice call services as an example, configurations for voice call services can be as follows: Figure 6 The diagram shows the correspondence between service latency, packet loss rate, and MOS.

[0119] Step 4: Based on the above judgment results, if the increase in latency corresponding to the current service meets the latency conditions corresponding to the current service, the terminal device determines that the first uplink resource can carry the signal and uplink communication data related to the first function; if the increase in latency corresponding to the current service does not meet the latency conditions corresponding to the current service, the terminal device determines that the first uplink resource cannot carry the signal and uplink communication data related to the first function.

[0120] In this embodiment of the application, when the terminal device determines that the first uplink resource can carry signals and uplink communication data related to the first function, the terminal device can determine the first resource in the first uplink resource, transmit the signals related to the first function on the first resource, and send uplink communication data on the second resource in the first uplink resource.

[0121] Second, the first uplink resource is the time-frequency resource requested by the terminal device from the network device after the first function is enabled.

[0122] In this embodiment of the application, after the terminal device determines that the first function is enabled, it can request time-frequency resources from the network device under various different circumstances.

[0123] Optionally, after the terminal device determines that the first function is enabled, if the terminal device determines that the second uplink resource currently configured by the network device cannot carry the signals and uplink communication data related to the first function, the terminal device may request time-frequency resources from the network device; or after the terminal device determines that the first function is enabled, if the terminal device determines that no uplink resources are currently configured, the terminal device may request time-frequency resources from the network device.

[0124] The following explanation addresses different situations.

[0125] Scenario 1: After the terminal device determines that the first function is enabled, the terminal device determines that the second uplink resources configured by the current network device cannot carry the signals and uplink communication data related to the first function.

[0126] Optionally, the terminal device receives the second configuration information of the second uplink resource. Correspondingly, the network device sends the second configuration information of the second uplink resource to the terminal device. The terminal device enables the first function; after enabling the first function, the terminal device determines the second uplink resource based on the second configuration information configured by the network device.

[0127] In one possible implementation, after determining that the first function is enabled, the terminal device determines the second uplink resource within a first duration after the first function is enabled, based on the second configuration information. In practice, the first duration can be a pre-configured duration according to different types of first functions; the length of the first duration corresponding to different types of first functions can be the same or different.

[0128] Optionally, after determining the second uplink resource, the terminal device can determine whether the second uplink resource is capable of carrying signals and uplink communication data related to the first function.

[0129] It should be noted that the method by which the terminal device determines whether the second uplink resource can carry the signals and uplink communication data related to the first function can be found in the method described above for determining whether the terminal device can carry the signals and uplink communication data related to the first function, and will not be repeated here.

[0130] When the terminal device determines that the second uplink resource indicated by the second configuration information cannot carry the signal and uplink communication data related to the first function, the terminal device sends an uplink resource request. Correspondingly, the network device receives the uplink resource request from the terminal device.

[0131] Optionally, the uplink resource request sent by the terminal device can be a buffer status report (BSR) message. In implementation, when the terminal device determines that the second uplink resource indicated by the second configuration information cannot carry the signal and uplink communication data related to the first function, the terminal device can establish a fake service based on the resource occupancy information of the first function. For example, the terminal device can increase the data volume in the buffer based on the resource occupancy information of the first function, thereby triggering the BSR message.

[0132] After receiving an uplink resource request, the network device sends first configuration information of the first uplink resource to the terminal device, wherein the first configuration information is used to configure the first uplink resource; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information of the first uplink resource. The terminal device determines the first uplink resource based on the first configuration information.

[0133] After determining the first uplink resource, the terminal device identifies a first resource within the first uplink resource; wherein the first resource can be some or all of the time-frequency resources within the first uplink resource. The terminal device transmits signals related to the first function on the first resource.

[0134] Scenario 2: After the terminal device determines that the first function is enabled, the terminal device determines that no uplink resources are currently configured.

[0135] In one possible implementation, after determining that the first function is enabled, the terminal device determines that no uplink resources have been configured within a first duration after the first function is enabled. In practice, the first duration can be a pre-configured duration based on different types of first functions; the length of the first duration corresponding to different types of first functions can be the same or different.

[0136] If the terminal device determines that it has no configured uplink resources, it sends an uplink resource request. Correspondingly, the network device receives the uplink resource request from the terminal device.

[0137] Optionally, the uplink resource request sent by the terminal device can be a scheduling request (SR) message. In implementation, if the terminal device determines that no uplink resources are configured, it can establish a fake service based on the resource occupancy information of the first function. For example, the terminal device can increase the data volume in the buffer based on the resource occupancy information of the first function, thereby triggering an SR message.

[0138] After receiving an uplink resource request, the network device sends first configuration information of the first uplink resource to the terminal device, wherein the first configuration information is used to configure the first uplink resource; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information of the first uplink resource. The terminal device determines the first uplink resource based on the first configuration information.

[0139] After determining the first uplink resource, the terminal device identifies a first resource within the first uplink resource; wherein the first resource can be some or all of the time-frequency resources within the first uplink resource. The terminal device transmits signals related to the first function on the first resource.

[0140] To better understand the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the following detailed description of the communication method provided in this application is provided through several specific embodiments.

[0141] Figure 7 An exemplary flow of a communication method is illustrated, which may include the following steps. It is understood that... Figure 7 The steps and execution order illustrated are merely examples. In actual implementation, some of the steps may be executed, or the remaining steps may also be executed. Similarly, the execution order of the steps may also be adjusted, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0142] Step 700: The terminal device receives the first configuration information from the network device.

[0143] Accordingly, the network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal device.

[0144] The first configuration information is used to configure the first uplink resource, which is used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data.

[0145] Step 701: The terminal device enables the first function.

[0146] The primary function is a non-data transmission function; such as sensing, measurement, or monitoring functions.

[0147] Step 702: The terminal device determines the first uplink resource within the first time period after the first function is enabled.

[0148] The first duration can be a pre-configured duration based on the different types of first functions; the length of the first duration corresponding to different types of first functions can be the same or different.

[0149] Step 703: The terminal device obtains the resource usage information of the first function.

[0150] Among them, the resource occupancy information of the first function is used to characterize the amount of resources required to transmit signals related to the first function.

[0151] Step 704: If the terminal device determines that the first uplink resource can carry the signal and uplink communication data related to the first function, the terminal device determines the first resource in the first uplink resource.

[0152] Among them, the first resource is a portion of the time-frequency resources in the first uplink resource.

[0153] Step 705: The terminal device transmits a signal related to the first function on the first resource.

[0154] It should be understood that the terminal device transmitting signals related to the first function on the first resource includes: the terminal device sending signals related to the first function on the first resource, and / or the terminal device receiving signals related to the first function on the first resource.

[0155] Step 706: The terminal device sends uplink communication data on the second resource in the first uplink resource.

[0156] The second resource is the time-frequency resource other than the first resource in the first uplink resource.

[0157] It should be noted that the execution order of step 706 and steps 701 to 705 is not important, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0158] Figure 8 An exemplary flow of a communication method is illustrated, which may include the following steps. It is understood that... Figure 8 The steps and execution order illustrated are merely examples. In actual implementation, some of the steps may be executed, or the remaining steps may also be executed. Similarly, the execution order of the steps may also be adjusted, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0159] Step 800: The terminal device receives the second configuration information from the network device.

[0160] Correspondingly, the network device sends the second configuration information to the terminal device.

[0161] The second configuration information is used to configure the second uplink resources, which are used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data.

[0162] Step 801: The terminal device enables the first function.

[0163] The primary function is a non-data transmission function; such as sensing, measurement, or monitoring functions.

[0164] Step 802: The terminal device determines the second uplink resource within the first time period after the first function is enabled.

[0165] The first duration can be a pre-configured duration based on the different types of first functions; the length of the first duration corresponding to different types of first functions can be the same or different.

[0166] Step 803: The terminal device obtains the resource usage information of the first function.

[0167] Among them, the resource occupancy information of the first function is used to characterize the amount of resources required to transmit signals related to the first function.

[0168] Step 804: If the terminal device determines that the second uplink resource cannot carry the signal and uplink communication data related to the first function, the terminal device sends an uplink resource request to the network device.

[0169] Correspondingly, the network device receives uplink resource requests from the terminal device.

[0170] Optionally, the uplink resource request in step 804 can be a BSR message; the uplink resource request is used to request uplink resources from the network device.

[0171] Step 805: The network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal.

[0172] Accordingly, the terminal device receives first configuration information from the network device. This first configuration information is used to configure the first uplink resource.

[0173] Step 806: The terminal device transmits signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource.

[0174] Optionally, the terminal device may transmit signals related to the first function on some or all of the resources in the first uplink resources.

[0175] It should be understood that the terminal device transmitting signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource includes: the terminal device sending signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource, and / or the terminal device receiving signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource.

[0176] Step 807: The terminal device sends uplink communication data on the second resource in the first uplink resource.

[0177] The second resource is the time-frequency resource other than the first resource in the first uplink resource.

[0178] It should be noted that the execution order of step 807 and steps 801 to 806 is not important, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0179] Figure 9 An exemplary flow of a communication method is illustrated, which may include the following steps. It is understood that... Figure 9 The steps and execution order illustrated are merely examples. In actual implementation, some of the steps may be executed, or the remaining steps may also be executed. Similarly, the execution order of the steps may also be adjusted, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0180] Step 900: The terminal device enables the first function.

[0181] The primary function is a non-data transmission function; such as sensing, measurement, or monitoring functions.

[0182] Step 901: The terminal device determines that no uplink resources have been configured within the first time period after the first function is enabled.

[0183] The first duration can be a pre-configured duration based on the different types of first functions; the length of the first duration corresponding to different types of first functions can be the same or different.

[0184] Step 902: The terminal device sends an uplink resource request to the network device.

[0185] Correspondingly, the network device receives uplink resource requests from the terminal device.

[0186] Optionally, the uplink resource request in step 902 can be an SR message; the uplink resource request is used to request uplink resources from the network device.

[0187] Step 903: The network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal.

[0188] Accordingly, the terminal device receives first configuration information from the network device. This first configuration information is used to configure the first uplink resource.

[0189] Step 904: The terminal device transmits signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource.

[0190] Optionally, the terminal device may transmit signals related to the first function on some or all of the resources in the first uplink resources.

[0191] It should be understood that the terminal device transmitting signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource includes: the terminal device sending signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource, and / or the terminal device receiving signals related to the first function on the first uplink resource.

[0192] Based on the same technical concept as the above-described method embodiments, this application also provides a communication device for performing the above-described... Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 The method shown in the embodiment is the method executed by the terminal device. Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 1000 includes a resource determination module 1001 and a transceiver module 1002.

[0193] The resource determination module 1001 is used to determine a first resource in the first uplink resources used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data; wherein the first resource is a portion of the time-frequency resources in the first uplink resources;

[0194] The transceiver module 1002 is used to transmit signals related to the first function on the first resource, wherein the first function is a non-data transmission function.

[0195] As one possible implementation, the first function includes any one of the following: sensing function, measurement function, or monitoring function.

[0196] As one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1002 is further configured to transmit the uplink communication data on a second resource in the first uplink resource, wherein the second resource is a time-frequency resource in the first uplink resource other than the first resource.

[0197] As one possible implementation, before the resource determination module 1001 determines the first resource from the first uplink resources for sending uplink communication data, the transceiver module 1002 is further configured to: receive the first configuration information of the first uplink resource;

[0198] The resource determination module 1001 is used to enable the first function; when the first uplink resource indicated by the first configuration information is capable of carrying the signal and the uplink communication data related to the first function, the first resource is determined from the first uplink resource.

[0199] As one possible implementation, before the resource determination module 1001 determines the first resource from the first uplink resource for sending uplink communication data, the transceiver module 1002 is further configured to: receive the second configuration information of the second uplink resource;

[0200] Resource determination module 1001 is used to enable the first function;

[0201] The transceiver module 1002 is further configured to: send an uplink resource request when the second uplink resource indicated by the second configuration information cannot carry the signal and the uplink communication data related to the first function; and receive the first configuration information of the first uplink resource;

[0202] The resource determination module 1001 is also used to: determine the first uplink resource based on the first configuration information.

[0203] As one possible implementation, before the first resource is determined in the first uplink resource used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data, the terminal device has not been configured with uplink resources. The transceiver module 1002 is further configured to: send an uplink resource request; and receive the first configuration information of the first uplink resource.

[0204] The resource determination module 1001 is also used to: determine the first uplink resource based on the first configuration information.

[0205] The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0206] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it 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 all or part 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 terminal device (which may be a personal computer, mobile phone, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods 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 (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0207] Based on the same technical concept as the above-described method embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, which may be a terminal device or a module or chip in a terminal device. The terminal device may be... Figure 1 Any of the terminal devices shown. This communication device can be used to implement the functions of the terminal devices in the above method embodiments.

[0208] In some embodiments, the structure of the communication device 1100 can be as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the system includes a processor 1101 and a memory 1102 connected to the processor 1101. The processor 1101 and the memory 1102 can be interconnected via a bus. The processor 1101 can be a general-purpose processor, such as a microprocessor, or other conventional processor. The bus can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc.

[0209] The memory 1102 can be used to store software programs and modules. The processor 1101 executes various functional applications and data processing of the communication device 1100 by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 1102, such as the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0210] The memory 1102 may primarily include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, application programs of at least one application, etc.; the data storage area may be used to store user data, etc. In addition, the memory 1102 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0211] The processor 1101 in the communication device 1100 is used to run computer instructions or programs stored in the memory 1102 to perform the functions in any of the above method embodiments. In some embodiments, the processor 1101 may include one or more processing units, which may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors. The processor 1101 may also include a controller, which can generate operation control signals according to the instruction opcode and timing signals to control the fetching and execution of instructions.

[0212] In one embodiment, the communication device 1100 may further include a communication module, which can be used to communicate with network devices.

[0213] It is understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the communication device. In other embodiments of this application, the communication device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0214] This application also provides a computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions. In one embodiment, the computer-executable instructions are used to cause a computer to perform the functions described in the method embodiments above.

[0215] Computer-executable instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions. In one embodiment, the computer-executable instructions are used to cause a computer to perform the functions described in the method embodiments above.

[0216] The computer-readable storage medium provided in the embodiments of this application may be random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), register, hard disk, portable hard disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable storage medium known in the art.

[0217] Computer-executable instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can 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 can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video disc (DVD); or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive.

[0218] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced mutually. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such as including a series of steps or units. A method, system, product, or device is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0219] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely illustrative examples of the solutions defined by the appended claims and are to be considered as covering any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application.

[0220] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A first resource is determined in the first uplink resource used by the terminal device to transmit uplink communication data; wherein, the first resource is a portion of the time-frequency resource in the first uplink resource; Transmit signals related to the first function on the first resource, where the first function is a non-data transmission function.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first function includes any one of the following: Sensing function, measurement function, or monitoring function.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The uplink communication data is transmitted on the second resource in the first uplink resource, wherein the second resource is a time-frequency resource in the first uplink resource other than the first resource.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before determining the first resource in the first uplink resource used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data, the method further includes: Receive the first configuration information of the first uplink resource; Enable the first function; Determining the first resource from the first uplink resource used by the terminal device for sending uplink communication data includes: When the first uplink resource indicated by the first configuration information is capable of carrying signals related to the first function and the uplink communication data, the first resource is determined in the first uplink resource.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before determining the first resource in the first uplink resource used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data, the method further includes: Receive the second configuration information of the second uplink resource; Enable the first function; When the second uplink resource indicated by the second configuration information is unable to carry the signal and the uplink communication data related to the first function, an uplink resource request is sent. Receive the first configuration information of the first uplink resource; The first uplink resource is determined based on the first configuration information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before determining the first uplink resource in the first uplink resource used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data, the terminal device has not been configured with uplink resources, and the method further includes: Send an uplink resource request; Receive the first configuration information of the first uplink resource; The first uplink resource is determined based on the first configuration information.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The resource determination module is used to determine a first resource in a first uplink resource used by the terminal device to send uplink communication data; wherein the first resource is a portion of the time-frequency resource in the first uplink resource; The transceiver module is used to transmit signals related to the first function on the first resource, where the first function is a non-data transmission function.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store program instructions, the processor causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 when executing the program instructions.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer storage medium stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 to be performed.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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