Communication method and device

Abstract

A communication method and device belong to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: measuring B reference signals to obtain a measurement report, B being a positive integer, the B reference signals comprising L reference signals associated with R activated transmission configuration indication (TCI) states, R being a positive integer, L being a positive integer, the measurement report comprising first information, the first information is used for determining a signal quality size relationship of partial or all reference signals in the L reference signals; and sending the measurement report. According to the embodiment of the invention, the network equipment can determine the quality condition of the beam corresponding to the currently activated TCI state according to the first information, thereby determining whether to update the activated TCI state or the updated activated TCI state. Therefore, according to the scheme, the network equipment can be effectively assisted to update the activated TCI state through the first information.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In data transmission, both network devices and terminal devices employ the correct beams to ensure proper transmission. For example, in downlink transmission, a network device can indicate its downlink transmission beam to the terminal device. The downlink transmission beam can be indicated by corresponding transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states. For instance, a network device can configure multiple TCI states to the terminal device via signaling. After configuring multiple TCI states, the network device can activate eight of them via a media access control control element (MAC CE or MAC-CE).

[0003] However, how to assist network devices in updating the activated TCI status is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that, by enabling a network device to acquire the quality magnitude relationship of some or all signals in an active reference signal, can effectively assist the network device in updating the active TCI state.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. The execution entity of the method provided in the first aspect can be a first device. Unless otherwise specified, the first device in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. For ease of description, the following description uses a terminal device as an example.

[0006] For example, the chip can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip. Another example is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip that includes a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip.

[0007] The method includes: measuring B reference signals to obtain a measurement report, where B is a positive integer, the B reference signals including L reference signals associated with R active Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states, where R is a positive integer and L is a positive integer, wherein the measurement report includes first information for determining the signal quality magnitude relationship of some or all of the L reference signals; and sending the measurement report.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can use the first information to indicate the quality relationship of some or all of the reference signals associated with the currently active TCI state. In this way, the network device can determine the beam quality corresponding to the currently active TCI state based on the first information, thereby determining whether to update the active TCI state, or the updated active TCI state. Therefore, the above scheme, through the first information, can effectively assist the network device in updating the active TCI state.

[0009] In some implementations, the first information is used to determine the signal quality relationship of some or all of the L reference signals, including: the first information is used to determine the reference signal whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal among the L reference signals, wherein the first reference signal is the reference signal whose signal quality ranks Mth among the L reference signals, and M is a positive integer less than or equal to L.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, the first information can indicate the reference signal that ranks in the first M positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state, so that the network device can determine the reference signal with better quality, thereby further effectively assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state.

[0011] In some implementations, the first information includes X bits, where X is a positive integer. The first information is used to determine a reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. This includes: the first bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0012] Based on the above scheme, the first information can indicate whether some or all of the L reference signals are among the top M reference signals in the reference signals associated with the active TCI state, thereby effectively assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state with less overhead.

[0013] In some implementations, the first bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, including: the first bit being used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal; or, the R TCI states include T different TCI states, and the first bit is used to indicate whether the at least one reference signal associated with one of the T different TCI states is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, where T is a positive integer less than or equal to R; or, the L reference signals include V different reference signals, and the first bit is used to indicate whether the reference signal of one of the V different reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, where V is a positive integer less than or equal to L.

[0014] In some implementations, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the first code point is the x-th code point among the X code points of the first signaling; or, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is the x-th TCI state among the R TCI states, R = X; or, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is the x-th reference signal among the L reference signals, L = X; or, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the x-th bit corresponds to the x-th TCI state among the T different TCI states, T = X; or, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the x-th bit corresponds to the x-th reference signal among the V different reference signals, V = X; where x is a positive integer less than or equal to X.

[0015] In some implementations, the first information is used to determine a reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal. This includes: the first information indicating a first index, which is a reference signal index among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal; or, the first information indicating a second index, which is a TCI state index indicating the TCI state associated with the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal; or, the first information indicating a third index, which is the code point index of the code point corresponding to the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can use the first information to indicate the reference signal that ranks in the top M positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state, thereby effectively assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state with less overhead.

[0017] In some implementations, the first information is used to determine a reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal. This includes: the first information indicating a fourth index, which is a reference signal index of the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to that of the first reference signal; or, the first information indicating a fifth index, which is a TCI state index of the TCI state associated with the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to that of the first reference signal; or, the first information indicating a sixth index, which is a code point index of the code point corresponding to the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to that of the first reference signal.

[0018] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can use the first information to indicate the quality of the reference signal that is ranked in the last LM position among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state, thereby effectively assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state with less overhead.

[0019] In some implementations, when M is less than or equal to Q, the first information is used to indicate the first index, or the second index, or the third index; or when M is greater than or equal to Q, the first information is used to indicate the fourth index, or the fifth index, or the sixth index; where Q is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, when the number of reference signals ranking in the top M positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state is small, the terminal device can indicate the reference signal ranking in the top M positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state using the first information. When the number of reference signals ranking in the top M positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state is large, the terminal device can indicate the reference signal ranking in the bottom LM positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state using the first information. The terminal device can flexibly choose the method with lower transmission overhead to assist the network device in updating the active TCI state.

[0021] In some implementations, Q = 4, or Q is half the number of code points in the first signaling, or Q is half the number of different TCI states among the R TCI states, or Q is half the number of different reference signals among the L reference signals.

[0022] In some implementations, the first information is used to determine a reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal, including: the first information is used to indicate the index of the L reference signals, and the indexes of the L reference signals are arranged in order of signal quality from high to low or from low to high.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, the first information can indicate the indices of the L reference signals sorted according to their signal quality. This first information provides the network device with more information on the quality relationships of the reference signals, thereby better assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state.

[0024] In some implementations, the measurement report may also include at least one of the following: an index of a first reference signal; the signal quality of the first reference signal; an index of A reference signals; or, the signal quality of A reference signals; wherein the B reference signals include the A reference signals, and A is a positive integer.

[0025] In some implementations, the index of the L reference signals includes the reference signal index or TCI state index of the L reference signals, and the index of the first reference signal includes the reference signal index or TCI state index of the first reference signal; wherein, the L reference signals include V different reference signals, and the reference signal index is the ordinal position index of the V different reference signals; and / or, the R TCI states include T different TCI states, and the TCI state index is the ordinal position index of the T different TCI states.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, the reference signal index can be the ordinal position index of V different reference signals. This allows the same reference signal to use the same reference signal index, thereby reducing the total number of reference signal indices. Reducing the total number of reference signal indices reduces the number of bits occupied by the reference signal indices, thus reducing the overhead of transmitting and processing the indices. The beneficial effects of the TCI state index are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0027] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving the first signaling for activating the R TCI states, the first signaling including at least one code point, one of the at least one code point corresponding to at least one TCI state among the R TCI states.

[0028] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The method provided in this application can be executed by a second device. Unless otherwise specified, the second device in this application can refer to a network device, a component within the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. For ease of description, a network device will be used as an example below.

[0029] The method includes: receiving a measurement report obtained by measuring B reference signals, where B is a positive integer, the B reference signals including L reference signals associated with R active Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states, where R is a positive integer and L is a positive integer, wherein the measurement report includes first information for determining the signal quality magnitude relationship of some or all of the L reference signals.

[0030] In some implementations, the method further includes: sending a first signaling message to activate the R TCI states, the first signaling message including at least one code point, one of the at least one code point corresponding to at least one TCI state among the R TCI states.

[0031] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, including processing circuitry (or a processor) and an input / output interface (also referred to as an interface circuit), the input / output interface being used for inputting and / or outputting signals, the processing circuitry being used to perform the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or the processing circuitry being used to perform the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0032] In some implementations, the processing circuitry is used to communicate with other devices via an interface circuitry and to perform the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or to perform the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0033] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device may include units, modules, or means for performing the functions of the communication device.

[0034] In some implementations, the communication device may include modules, units, or means for performing the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0035] In some implementations, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit measures B reference signals to obtain a measurement report, where B is a positive integer. The B reference signals include L reference signals associated with R active Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states, where R and L are positive integers. The measurement report includes first information used to determine the signal quality relationship between some or all of the L reference signals. The transceiver unit transmits the measurement report.

[0036] In some implementations, the first information is used to determine the signal quality relationship of some or all of the L reference signals, including: the first information is used to determine the reference signal whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal among the L reference signals, wherein the first reference signal is the reference signal whose signal quality ranks Mth among the L reference signals, and M is a positive integer less than or equal to L.

[0037] In some implementations, the first information includes X bits, where X is a positive integer. The first information is used to determine a reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. This includes: the first bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0038] In some implementations, the first bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, including: the first bit being used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal; or, the R TCI states include T different TCI states, and the first bit is used to indicate whether the at least one reference signal associated with one of the T different TCI states is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, where T is a positive integer less than or equal to R; or, the L reference signals include V different reference signals, and the first bit is used to indicate whether the reference signal of one of the V different reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, where V is a positive integer less than or equal to L.

[0039] In some implementations, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the first code point is the x-th code point among the X code points of the first signaling; or, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is the x-th TCI state among the R TCI states, R = X; or, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is the x-th reference signal among the L reference signals, L = X; or, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the x-th bit corresponds to the x-th TCI state among the T different TCI states, T = X; or, the first bit is the x-th bit among the X bits, and the x-th bit corresponds to the x-th reference signal among the V different reference signals, V = X; where x is a positive integer less than or equal to X.

[0040] In some implementations, the first information is used to determine a reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal. This includes: the first information indicating a first index, which is a reference signal index among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal; or, the first information indicating a second index, which is a TCI state index indicating the TCI state associated with the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal; or, the first information indicating a third index, which is the code point index of the code point corresponding to the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal.

[0041] In some implementations, the first information is used to determine a reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal. This includes: the first information indicating a fourth index, which is a reference signal index of the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to that of the first reference signal; or, the first information indicating a fifth index, which is a TCI state index of the TCI state associated with the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to that of the first reference signal; or, the first information indicating a sixth index, which is a code point index of the code point corresponding to the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to that of the first reference signal.

[0042] In some implementations, when M is less than or equal to Q, the first information is used to indicate the first index, or the second index, or the third index; or when M is greater than or equal to Q, the first information is used to indicate the fourth index, or the fifth index, or the sixth index; where Q is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0043] In some implementations, Q = 4, or Q is half the number of code points in the first signaling, or Q is half the number of different TCI states among the R TCI states, or Q is half the number of different reference signals among the L reference signals.

[0044] In some implementations, the first information is used to determine a reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal, including: the first information is used to indicate the index of the L reference signals, and the indexes of the L reference signals are arranged in order of signal quality from high to low or from low to high.

[0045] In some implementations, the measurement report may also include at least one of the following: an index of a first reference signal; the signal quality of the first reference signal; an index of A reference signals; or, the signal quality of A reference signals; wherein the B reference signals include the A reference signals, and A is a positive integer.

[0046] In some implementations, the index of the L reference signals includes the reference signal index or TCI state index of the L reference signals, and the index of the first reference signal includes the reference signal index or TCI state index of the first reference signal; wherein, the L reference signals include V different reference signals, and the reference signal index is the ordinal position index of the V different reference signals; and / or, the R TCI states include T different TCI states, and the TCI state index is the ordinal position index of the T different TCI states.

[0047] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive the first signaling, the first signaling being used to activate the R TCI states, the first signaling including at least one code point, one of the at least one code point corresponding to at least one TCI state among the R TCI states.

[0048] In some implementations, the communication device may include modules, units, or means for performing the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0049] In some implementations, the communication device includes a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit receives a measurement report obtained by measuring B reference signals, where B is a positive integer. The B reference signals include L reference signals associated with R active Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states, where R and L are positive integers. The measurement report includes first information used to determine the signal quality relationship between some or all of the L reference signals.

[0050] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send a first signaling message to activate the R TCI states, the first signaling message including at least one code point, one of the at least one code point corresponding to at least one TCI state among the R TCI states.

[0051] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect to be performed (or implemented), or cause the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect to be performed (or implemented).

[0052] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect to be performed (or implemented), or cause the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect to be performed (or implemented).

[0053] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, including a processor for executing (or implementing) any of the possible methods of the first aspect above, or for executing (or implementing) any of the possible methods of the second aspect above, by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the device further includes a memory. In another possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together. In yet another possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device. The processor may include one or more processors. In some possible implementations, the memory may be used to store part or all of the computer programs or instructions necessary to implement the functions involved in the first aspect above. In some possible implementations, the memory may be used to store part or all of the computer programs or instructions necessary to implement the functions involved in the second aspect above.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, input / output interface, or other types of communication interface.

[0056] In one implementation, the communication device of the third, fourth or seventh aspect mentioned above can be a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, or a chip or chip system in a terminal device.

[0057] In one implementation, the communication device of the third, fourth or seventh aspect mentioned above can be a network device or a communication module in a network device, or a chip or chip system in a network device.

[0058] Eighthly, a chip is provided, including a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in a memory to cause the processor to execute or implement any of the implementations of the first aspect above, or to cause the processor to execute or implement any of the implementations of the second aspect above.

[0059] In some implementations, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0060] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a first device and a second device, the first device being configured to perform the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the second device being configured to perform the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0061] The description of the beneficial effects of any of the second to ninth aspects can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a MAC CE used to activate TCI.

[0063] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a TCI state activation signaling is shown.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system.

[0065] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication system.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of yet another communication system.

[0067] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an open radio access network (O-RAN) system.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario where coarse beam alignment is performed between a base station and a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for coarse beam alignment between a base station and a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario for base station beam fine-tuning according to an embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a base station beam fine-tuning process according to an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario for beam fine-tuning of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0078] In this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0079] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0080] In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., #1, #2, etc.) indicate distinctions made for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they may distinguish different messages, rather than describing a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0081] In this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device will take corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances. They are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0082] In this application, "instruction" or "for instruction" can include both direct and indirect instruction. When describing instruction information as being used to instruct A, it may include whether the instruction information directly or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction information carries A.

[0083] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0084] The "instruction information" in the embodiments of this application can be an explicit instruction, that is, a direct instruction through signaling, or an instruction obtained by combining other rules or parameters with the parameters indicated by the signaling, or by deduction. It can also be an implicit instruction, that is, an instruction obtained based on rules or relationships, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0085] In this application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as 5G (5G) protocols. th This application does not limit the scope of protocols such as generation (5G), new radio (NR), and related protocols applied in future communication systems. "Predefined" may include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device; this application does not limit the implementation method.

[0086] In this application, "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," "data processing," etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and "receiving." For example, transmission can be uplink transmission, such as a terminal device sending a signal to a network device; transmission can also be downlink transmission, such as a network device sending a signal to a terminal device; transmission can also be sidelink transmission, such as a terminal device sending a signal to another terminal device. For example, "transmission" can be air interface level transmission, or it can be signal transmission from a chip input (I) / output (O) port, rather than air interface level transmission.

[0087] In this application, terms such as "message," "information," "signal," or "information element (IE)" can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0088] "Sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, "sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, "sending" or "receiving" can occur between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices via an air interface. "Sending" or "receiving" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0089] In this application, terms such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions to present concepts in a specific manner. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. In the embodiments of this application, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," "corresponding," and "associate" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinctions are emphasized.

[0090] In this application, configuration can be signaling configuration or can be described as configuration signaling. For example, signaling configuration includes configuration using signaling sent by network devices, which can be radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI) messages, or system information blocks (SIBs). Another example is signaling configuration between network devices. These network devices can include access network devices, core network devices, or management plane devices, etc. Optionally, signaling configuration can also be pre-configured signaling to terminal devices or network devices, or configured to terminal devices or network devices through pre-configuration. Here, pre-configuration refers to defining or configuring the values ​​of corresponding parameters in advance using a protocol, and storing them in the terminal device or network device during communication. The pre-configured messages can be modified or updated when the terminal device or network device is connected to the network.

[0091] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. Each system may include devices, components, modules, etc., other than those illustrated, and / or may not include all and all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0092] The business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0093] In the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0094] In the embodiments of this application, "less than" and "less than or equal to" can be used interchangeably; "greater than" or "greater than or equal to" can be used interchangeably.

[0095] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, a brief, exemplary description of the concepts that may be involved in the embodiments will be provided first.

[0096] 1. Beam: A beam is a communication resource.

[0097] Beams can also be referred to as spatial domain filters, spatial filters, spatial domain parameters, spatial parameters, spatial domain settings, spatial settings, quasi-colocation (QCL) information, QCL assumptions, or QCL indications, etc.

[0098] The beam can be indicated by the transmission configuration indicator state (TCI-state) parameter or by the spatial relation parameter.

[0099] In the embodiments of this application, "beam" can be replaced by spatial filter, spatial filter, spatial parameter, spatial parameter, spatial setting, spatial setting, QCL information, QCL assumption, QCL indication, TCI-state (e.g., including uplink TCI-state and downlink TCI-state), or spatial relationship, etc. The above terms are also equivalent to each other. "Beam" can also be replaced with other beam-related terms, which are not limited herein.

[0100] The beam used to transmit signals can be called a transmission beam (Tx beam), a spatial domain transmission filter, a spatial transmission filter, a spatial domain transmission parameter, a spatial transmission parameter, a spatial domain transmission setting, or a spatial transmission setting.

[0101] The downlink transmit beam can be indicated by the TCI-state, the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and the synchronization system / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block). The SS / PBCH block can be abbreviated as the synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0102] In this embodiment, the downlink beam, CSI-RS, TCI-state, downlink / common TCI state, SSB, and tracking reference signal (TRS) can be interchanged.

[0103] The beam used to receive signals can be referred to as a reception beam (Rx beam), a spatial domain reception filter, a spatial reception filter, a spatial domain reception parameter, a spatial reception parameter, a spatial domain reception setting, or a spatial reception setting. The uplink transmit beam can be indicated by any of the following: spatial relation, uplink TCI-state, sounding reference signal (SRS) resource (indicating the transmit beam using that SRS), CSI-RS, SSB, or TRS. In the embodiments of this application, the uplink beam, uplink (UL) TCI-state, DLorjointTCI state, SRS, CSI-RS, SSB, and TRS can be interchanged.

[0104] The transmitting beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after a signal is transmitted through an antenna, while the receiving beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of a wireless signal received from an antenna.

[0105] Furthermore, the beam can be a wide beam, a narrow beam, or other types of beam, and the beamforming technology can be beamforming technology or other technical means. Beamforming technology can specifically be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, and hybrid digital / analog beamforming technology. Different beams can be considered as different resources.

[0106] For example, beams can be mapped to resources. During beam measurement, network devices can measure different beams using different resources. Terminal devices can provide feedback on the quality of the measured resources, allowing the network device to know the quality of the corresponding beam. During data transmission, beam information can also be indicated through its corresponding resources. For instance, network devices can indicate the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) beam information of terminal devices through the TCI field in the DCI.

[0107] In one possible implementation, multiple beams with the same or similar communication characteristics can be considered as a single beam. A beam may include one or more antenna ports for transmitting data channels, control channels, and probe signals, etc. The one or more antenna ports forming a beam can also be considered as a set of antenna ports.

[0108] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, a beam refers to the transmit beam of a network device. In beam measurement, each beam of a network device corresponds to a resource, and therefore the beam corresponding to that resource can be uniquely identified by the resource index.

[0109] 2. TCI: TCI can also be called TCI state.

[0110] In both uplink and downlink transmissions, both network devices and terminal devices employ the correct beams to ensure accurate transmission. In downlink transmission, the network device can indicate to the terminal device the downlink transmit beam it is using. The terminal device can then determine a suitable receive beam based on this downlink transmit beam, which can be used to receive information from the network device. Similarly, in uplink transmission, the network device needs to indicate to the terminal device which uplink transmit beam it is using to send information. The network device can determine the uplink transmit beam with the best signal quality for the terminal device.

[0111] Both uplink and downlink transmit beams can be indicated by their respective TCI states. Specifically, the downlink transmit beam can be indicated by the downlink TCI state, and the uplink transmit beam can be indicated by the uplink TCI state.

[0112] Network devices can indicate the TCI status to end devices through the TCI field in the DCI. For example, the TCI field can be 3 bits in size and can be represented by 8 different field values ​​(codepoints). Each field value of the TCI field can be associated with an index of a TCI status. This TCI status index can uniquely identify a TCI status, which can be a downlink TCI status or an uplink TCI status. Each field value of the TCI field can also be associated with two TCI status indices, which can uniquely identify two TCI statuses, including a downlink TCI status and an uplink TCI status.

[0113] The downlink TCI state can include several parameters that terminal devices can use to determine information related to the downlink transmit beam, thereby determining the appropriate receive beam to receive information from the network device. The downlink TCI state can be configured by the network device for each terminal device, and its structure is shown below:

[0114]

[0115] Each TCI state can include its own index (tci-StateId) and two quasi-colocation information (QCL-info) entries. Each QCL-info entry can include a cell field and a bandwidth part (bwp) identifier (Id), indicating which cell and bwp the TCI-state applies to, meaning different cells or different bwps within the same cell can be configured with different QCL-info entries. Each QCL-info entry can also include a reference signal, indicating which reference signal resource constitutes the QCL relationship.

[0116] In the R15 / R16 protocols, the term "beam" is generally not used directly; it is usually replaced by other terms. For example, in data transmission and channel measurement, a beam corresponds to a reference signal resource, with one beam corresponding to one reference signal resource. Therefore, when we say that a QCL relationship is formed with a reference signal resource, we are essentially referring to which beam the QCL relationship is formed with. A QCL relationship means that two reference signal resources (or two antenna ports, where there can be a one-to-one correspondence between antenna ports and reference signal resources) have certain identical spatial parameters. Which spatial parameters are identical depends on the type of the QCL-Info, specifically another field of the QCL-Info, qcl-Type. qcl-Type can have four values: {typeA, typeB, typeC, typeD}. Taking typeD as an example, typeD can indicate that two reference signal resources have the same spatial reception parameter information, that is, two beams have the same receiving beam. At most one of the two QCL-Info entries included in the TCI-state can be TypeD (or written as typeD).

[0117] For example, a network device can indicate a downlink TCI state to a terminal device via DCI. The terminal device can determine the reference signal resource in the QCL information of type D in the downlink TCI state. The terminal device can then use the receive beam of that reference signal resource as the receive beam for downlink transmission.

[0118] For example, the receiving beam of the reference signal resource can be obtained in advance by the terminal device through a beam management process. For instance, through the beam management process, the terminal device can determine which receiving beam is best for receiving the reference signal resource and use that receiving beam as the receiving beam for the reference signal resource.

[0119] The following example illustrates how network devices based on the R15 / R16 protocol use TCI-state to indicate the receive beam information of the data transmission beam to terminal devices. This process can include configuring, activating, and indicating the TCI-state.

[0120] TCI-state configuration: Network devices configure multiple TCI-states to terminal devices via RRC signaling. Each of these TCI-states includes a QCL-Info of type type D. Network devices can also configure TCI-states that do not include a QCL-Info of type type D; however, these TCI-states are not used for data transmission beam indication and will not be discussed further here.

[0121] TCI-state activation: After a network device is configured with multiple TCI-states, eight of them can be activated through the media access control element (MAC CE or MAC-CE). These eight TCI-states correspond one-to-one with the eight field values ​​of the TCI field in the DCI. That is, which eight TCI-states correspond to the eight field values ​​of the DCI's TCI field is determined by the MAC CE.

[0122] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a MAC CE (or TCI state activation signaling) used to activate a TCI state. Fields T0 to T(N-2)x8+7 correspond to the TCI-states configured in the first step, with indices from 0 to (N-2)x8+7 respectively. Each field is 1 bit in size and can have a value of 0 or 1. A value of 1 indicates activation of the TCI-state, and a value of 0 indicates deactivation. Theoretically, each MAC CE can have 8 active fields with values ​​of 1, and the rest are all 0. The TCI-states corresponding to these 8 active fields are the 8 TCI-states corresponding to the 8 values ​​of the TCI field in the DCI. For example, the minimum value of the TCI field, 000, corresponds to the TCI-state with the smallest active index in the MAC CE, and so on, one-to-one. There are many types of MAC-CEs; besides those used for TCI-state activation, there are many other types for various purposes. This application only relates to MAC-CEs used for combined TCI-state / TCI-state activation. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the MAC-CE described in this application refers to this type of MAC-CE. However, the structure of this MAC-CE can be... Figure 1 The structure shown can also be other structures, and this application is not limited to them. Furthermore, N mentioned above is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For ease of description, N appearing later in this application may not be... Figure 1 The meaning of N shown is detailed in the following description. In other words, unless otherwise specified, the N appearing in this application will be defined in detail below.

[0123] TCI Status Indication: Network devices can indicate a specific TCI-state through the TCI field in the DCI. For example, the TCI field value in the DCI sent by the network device to the terminal device can be 000. "000" indicates that the data transmission beam uses the TCI state corresponding to 000. The reference signal contained in the type D QCL-Info within this TCI state can be CSI-RS with index #1, indicating that the beam used for data transmission is the same as the receiving beam corresponding to CSI-RS with index #1. The receiving beam corresponding to CSI-RS with index #1 can be determined through beam measurement procedures and is known to the terminal device. Therefore, through the specific value of the TCI field, the terminal device can determine the beam corresponding to the data transmission beam and thus use the corresponding beam to send or receive data.

[0124] In this application, the three description methods of TCI state, TCI-state, and TCI state can be used interchangeably.

[0125] 3. Spatial relation

[0126] For example, the transmit beam for uplink transmission can be indicated by a spatial relation. The spatial relation functions similarly to TCI-state, informing the terminal device which transmit beam to use for uplink transmission.

[0127] For example, spatial relations can be configured via RRC signaling. Information configuring spatial relations may include the spatial relation identifier (id), serving cell ID, target reference signal, path loss measurement reference signal, or power control parameters, etc. The target reference signal (e.g., SRS, SSB, or CSI-RS) can be used to indicate the corresponding uplink beam. For example, assuming uplink transmission uses spatial relation #1, which includes target reference signal #2, it can indicate that the transmit beam for this uplink transmission is the transmit / receive beam of the target reference signal. For instance, if the target reference signal is SRS, it can indicate that the transmit beam used for uplink transmission is the transmit beam of the SRS (which is known). Similarly, if the target reference signal is SSB or CSI-RS, it can indicate that the transmit beam used for uplink transmission is the receive beam of the SSB or CSI-RS (which is known).

[0128] Network devices can configure multiple spatial relations for terminal devices. Then, one of these relations is activated via MAC-CE for the corresponding data transmission. Uplink transmission can include the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), the SRS, or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). For example, the spatial relation of the PUCCH can be indicated via MAC-CE signaling. Similarly, the spatial relation of the SRS can be indicated via MAC-CE signaling. Furthermore, the PUSCH can be associated with a specific SRS and use that SRS's spatial relation for transmission.

[0129] 4. Unified TCI

[0130] A unified TCI can be a unified beam indication framework. For example, a network device can indicate a beam to an end device, which can be used simultaneously for multiple channels and / or reference signals; this beam can also be called a common beam. The common beam can be an uplink common beam, a downlink common beam, or an uplink-downlink common beam, which the end device can use in subsequent transmissions.

[0131] Network devices can designate an uplink common beam for terminal devices to transmit multiple uplink channels and / or uplink reference signals; they can also designate a downlink common beam for terminal devices to transmit multiple downlink channels and / or downlink reference signals; or they can designate an uplink and downlink common beam for terminal devices to transmit multiple uplink channels and / or uplink reference signals, as well as multiple downlink channels and / or downlink reference signals. In other words, the uplink and downlink common beam can be used for both uplink and downlink transmission.

[0132] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the beam may include the aforementioned common beam.

[0133] In Release 17 and later, terminals can configure two TCI states: DLorjointTCI and UL TCI. For example, a UE can simultaneously configure joint / DL TCI states (up to 128) and UL TCI states (up to 64). As another example, in the serving cell configuration of RRC signaling, the base station can configure the TCI mode currently used by the UE as joint mode or separate mode. In joint mode, it indicates that one joint TCI state can be used for uplink and downlink transmission simultaneously; in separate mode, the base station needs to indicate that the DL TCI state and UL TCI state are used for uplink and downlink transmission respectively. In the embodiments of this application, joint / DL TCI and DLorjointTCI can be interchanged.

[0134] When the UE receives a TCI state activation signaling indicated by MAC-CE, the activation signaling includes the TCI state ID. The UE determines which TCI state is activated by MAC-CE according to the RRC configuration.

[0135] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a TCI state activation signaling structure is shown. This TCI state activation signaling can be a MAC-CE (or a MAC CE for activating TCI states, or a unified TCI state activation / deactivation MAC CE). Based on the Pi field (i is a positive integer less than or equal to 8), it can be determined whether each codepoint has one TCI state or multiple TCI states. For example, if Pi is 1, it indicates that the i-th TCI codepoint contains one DL TCI state and one UL TCI state; if Pi is 0, it indicates that the i-th TCI codepoint contains only one DL / jointTCI state or one UL TCI state. Thus, the UE can determine whether the TCI state ID of the same byte is the ID of a joint / DL TCI state or the ID of a UL TCI state based on the D / L field value. For example, specifically, 0 represents a UL TCI state, and 1 represents a joint / DL TCI state. The activated TCI state, as described below, can be the TCI state corresponding to the TCI state ID indicated in this MAC CE signaling.

[0136] 5. Resources

[0137] In communication protocols, reference signals can be configured as resources. Network devices can assign various reference signals to terminal devices as resources, with each resource being a configuration information unit. A configuration information unit can include parameters related to the reference signal, such as the time-frequency resource location, number of ports, and time-domain type (periodic / semi-static / aperiodic), etc.

[0138] Resources can be either uplink or downlink signal resources. Uplink signals (or uplink reference signals) include, but are not limited to, SRS or demodulation reference signal (DMRS). Downlink signals (or downlink reference signals) include, but are not limited to: CSI-RS, cell-specific reference signal (CS-RS), user equipment-specific reference signal (US-RS), DMRS, TRS, and synchronization system / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block). The SS / PBCH block can be abbreviated as synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0139] 6. Reference signal

[0140] The reference signal can be the reference signal of the serving cell. For example, the serving cell can be a primary cell (Pcell), a secondary cell (Scell), or a primary secondary cell (PScell). Among them, the Pcell can be called a cell with a primary component carrier (PCC), and the Scell ​​can be called a cell with a secondary component carrier (SCC).

[0141] The reference signal can be the reference signal of the neighboring cell of the serving cell (such as the reference signal of the cell corresponding to the additional physical cell identifier (additional PCI)).

[0142] The reference signal can also be a reference signal associated with the handover candidate cell configuration. The handover candidate cell can also be called a candidate cell or a neighboring cell. The handover candidate cell can be the current serving cell or a non-serving cell. The PCI of the handover candidate cell is different from that of the current primary cell (PCell).

[0143] The terminal device can be configured with one or more candidate cells. The configuration of each candidate cell can include the configuration of reference signal resources, which can be SSB or CSI-RS.

[0144] 7. Measurement Report Reporting: Based on the time-domain configuration behavior, network devices can be configured to perform three types of measurement report reporting processes (also known as beam reporting, beam measurement result reporting, CSI reporting, traditional CSI reporting based on beam management, or non-event-triggered reporting): periodic reporting, semi-persistent reporting, and aperiodic reporting. Semi-persistent reporting is also known as semi-static reporting.

[0145] Periodic Reporting: The network device sends reference signal resource configuration information to the terminal device. This reference signal resource configuration information includes periodic reference signal resources. The network device configures the terminal device with periodic measurement reference signals. The terminal device can periodically measure the reference signals based on this reference signal resource configuration information and periodically report the measurement results. Optionally, the measurement results obtained from the terminal device's periodic measurement reference signals can be carried on PUCCH resources.

[0146] Semi-persistent reporting: The terminal device periodically measures the reference signal, but reports the measurement results using a semi-persistent reporting method. In one possible implementation, the network device sends reference signal resource configuration information to the terminal device. This information includes periodic reference signal resources. The network device configures the terminal device's periodic measurement reference signal. When the terminal device receives an activation signaling message (e.g., MAC CE, or DCI) from the network device, it can continuously report the measurement results. Alternatively, the network device can send a deactivation command to the terminal device to deactivate its semi-persistent reporting process. In another possible implementation, both the measurement of the reference signal and the reporting of the measurement results are semi-persistent. When the terminal device receives an activation signaling message from the network device, it continuously measures the reference signal and reports the measurement results. When the terminal device receives a deactivation command from the network device, it stops reporting the measurement results. Furthermore, the measurement results can be carried on PUCCH resources or Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resources.

[0147] Aperiodic reporting: When the terminal device receives a trigger command from the network device, the terminal device measures the reference signal and reports the measurement result. After completing the reporting, the terminal device stops reporting the measurement result. Optionally, the reference signal can be a periodic reference signal, a semi-persistent reference signal, or an aperiodic reference signal. Optionally, the measurement result is carried on the PUSCH resource.

[0148] 8. Reference Signals Associated with TCI State: Reference signals associated with a TCI state can be QCL type D reference signals of the TCI state, or reference signals associated with QCL type D reference signals of the TCI state. Specifically, a QCL type D reference signal of the TCI state is the reference signal in the QCL-info where qcl-Type is type D. The reference signal associated with a QCL type D reference signal of the TCI state is the SSB that has a QCL relationship with that QCL type D reference signal. The SSB is the SSB corresponding to the source QCL resource in the QCL chain. That is, the source QCL resource is an SSB resource. The QCL chain is determined based on the QCL type D reference signal of the TCI state. For example, the network device indicates that the QCL resource of the TCI state for the terminal device is a CSI-RS resource. The QCL resource in the TCI state corresponding to this CSI-RS resource is a TRS resource. The TCI state corresponding to the CSI-RS resource can be understood as the TCI state used by the network device to send the CSI-RS resource, or the TCI state used by the network device to send the CSI-RS resource corresponding to the CSI-RS resource. The QCL resource in the TCI state corresponding to the TRS resource is an SSB resource. The TCI state corresponding to the TRS resource can be understood as the TCI state used by the network device to send the TRS resource, or the TCI state used by the network device to send the TRS resource corresponding to the TRS resource. Therefore, the QCL resources (such as CSI-RS resources) in the TCI state indicated by the network device to the terminal device, the QCL resources (such as TRS resources) in the TCI state corresponding to the CSI-RS resource, and the QCL resources (such as SSB resources) in the TCI state corresponding to the TRS resource constitute a QCL chain. The source QCL resource of this QCL chain is an SSB resource; therefore, the reference signal associated with the QCL type D reference signal of this TCI state is the SSB corresponding to this SSB resource. In one example, the QCL type D reference signal of the TCI state is TRS, which corresponds to one or more CSI-RS, or is composed of one or more CSI-RS. The reference signal associated with the TCI state can be understood as one of the one or more CSI-RS, such as the first or last CSI-RS in the one or more CSI-RS.

[0149] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, NR systems, and other fifth-generation (5G) communication systems. thThis includes various mobile communication systems such as 5G, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), satellite communication systems, LTE-machine-to-machine (LTE-M) systems, and other systems that evolve after 5G, such as future mobile communication systems.

[0150] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0151] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100. (For example...) Figure 3 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a wireless access network 110 and a core network 120. Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include an Internet 130. The wireless access network 110 may include at least one network device (such as...). Figure 3 111a and 111b in the above), may also include at least one terminal device (such as Figure 3 (112a-112j in the original text). The terminal device connects to the network device wirelessly. The network device connects to the core network 120 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network 120 may include one or more core network devices. These core network devices and network devices can be independent physical devices, or they can integrate the functions of the core network devices and the logical functions of the network devices onto the same physical device. Alternatively, a single physical device can integrate some core network device functions and some network device functions. Terminal devices and network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Wireless communication between terminal devices, between network devices, and between terminal devices and network devices can occur through air interface resources. For example, air interface resources may include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources. Figure 3 This is just an illustration; the communication system 100 may also include other network devices, such as wireless repeaters and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 3 It is not shown in the middle.

[0152] Network devices are sometimes also referred to as access network devices or access network nodes. It is understood that the names of devices with network device functions may differ in systems employing different wireless access technologies. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application collectively refer to devices providing wireless communication access functions to terminal devices as base stations. In the embodiments of this application, network devices include, but are not limited to: various forms of macro base stations (such as...) Figure 3 111a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 3 The types of base stations include 111b), pico base stations, small base stations, balloon base stations, relay stations, and access points. Among them, pico base stations can be referred to as small base stations. Network equipment may include evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, radio controllers in cloud radioaccess network (CRAN) scenarios, network equipment in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), access points (APs), radio relay nodes, radio backhaul nodes, transmission points (TPs) or transmission reception points (TRPs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, etc. It may also include next-generation NodeB (gNB) or transmission points (TRPs or TPs) in 5G systems, one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of base stations in 5G systems, network nodes constituting gNBs or transmission points, such as baseband units (BBUs) or distributed units (DUs), and network equipment, servers, wearable devices, or vehicle-mounted devices in future mobile communication systems and other networks that evolve after 5G. Network equipment can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station; for example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a unit (DU). Furthermore, network equipment can be understood as a collective term for all equipment on the network side (including sites); for example, multiple sites can be collectively referred to as network equipment. A site refers to a transmission node located in a specific physical location. In other words, network equipment conceptually includes sites.

[0153] In this embodiment, the means for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a means that enables the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system or a chip, which can be installed in the network device. The chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0154] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, network devices could be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0155] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the network device.

[0156] Terminal equipment can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users; it can also be a device with wireless connectivity. Terminal equipment can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). Terminal equipment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless network equipment, user agent, or user device. In this application embodiment, terminal devices include, but are not limited to: cellular phones, mobile phones, wireless data cards, wireless modems, tablets, laptop computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, smartphones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), satellite terminals, terminal devices in the Internet of Things or the Internet of Vehicles, as well as any form of terminal in future networks, relay user equipment, or terminals in future evolved PLMNs, etc.Terminal devices can also be virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, smart point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability user equipment (RedCapUE), machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, terminal devices in industrial control, terminal devices in self-driving, terminal devices in remote medical care, terminal devices in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, terminal devices in smart cities, terminal devices in smart homes, tactile terminal devices, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), smart robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving, or flying devices (e.g., smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. The terminal device can also be a vehicle device, such as a transport vehicle with wireless communication capabilities, a communication module, a complete vehicle device, an on-board module, an on-board chip, an on-board unit (OBU), or a telematics box (T-BOX). The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, it can be a device that acts as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0157] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip or chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device. The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components. In the technical solutions of this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device is exemplified by the terminal device itself. The terminal device can also be called a terminal. The following description may use a UE (User Equipment) as an example to illustrate the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0158] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 3The helicopter or drone 112i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 112j that access the wireless access network 110 via 112i, terminal 112i is a base station; however, for base station 111a, 112i is a terminal, meaning that 111a and 112i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 111a and 112i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, relative to 111a, 112i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 3 111a and 111b in the diagram can be referred to as communication devices with base station functionality. Figure 3 The 112a-112j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0159] Network devices and terminal devices can communicate via wireless links. The transmission link from a network device to a terminal device can be called a downlink (DL) or downlink channel, used for transmitting downlink signals. The transmission link from a terminal device to a network device can be called an uplink (UL) or uplink channel, used for transmitting uplink signals. The transmission link from a terminal device to a terminal device can be called a sidelink (SL) or sidelink channel. In this application embodiment, multiple network devices can send information to multiple different terminal devices and receive information from multiple different terminal devices; multiple network devices can also send information to the same terminal device and receive information from the same terminal device, and this application is not limited in this respect.

[0160] The communication between different devices involved in the embodiments of this application can refer to direct communication between different devices (i.e., without the need for relaying or forwarding by other devices), or communication between different devices through other devices (i.e., requiring relaying or forwarding by other devices), or communication between functional units within a device and other devices through another functional unit. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination ends, such as format changes, digital-to-analog conversion, amplification, or filtering, but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0161] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication system. Figure 4 Take the communication between terminal devices and network devices as an example.

[0162] like Figure 4As shown, terminal device 210 may include processor 211, memory 212, and transceiver 213. Exemplarily, transceiver 213 may include transmitter 2131, receiver 2132, and antenna 2133. Network device 220 may include processor 221, memory 222, and transceiver 223. Exemplarily, transceiver 223 may include transmitter 2231, receiver 2232, and antenna 2233. Receiver 2132 can be used to receive information from network device 220 via antenna 2133, and transmitter 2131 can be used to send information to network device 220 via antenna 2133. Transmitter 2231 can be used to send information to terminal device 210 via antenna 2233, and receiver 2232 can be used to receive information from terminal device 210 via antenna 2233.

[0163] The network device in this application embodiment may include a chip within the network device. For example, the network device may include a processor 221, a memory 222, and a transceiver 223. The terminal device in this application embodiment may include a chip within the terminal device. For example, the terminal device may include a processor 211, a memory 212, and a transceiver 213.

[0164] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of yet another communication system. Figure 5 An O-RAN system is illustrated. The O-RAN system in this application may include... Figure 5 Other components besides those shown may also include only those shown. Figure 5 Some components in.

[0165] See Figure 5 The network device can communicate with the core network device via the backhaul link 310 and with the terminal device via the air interface. For example, the BBU in the network device can communicate with the core network device via the backhaul link 310. The RU in the network device can communicate with at least one terminal device via the air interface. The BBU can communicate with at least one RU via the fronthaul link 330. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. For example, the BBU may include at least one CU and at least one DU. The CU and DU can communicate with each other via at least one midhaul link 320.

[0166] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN system. The O-RAN system in this embodiment can adopt... Figure 6 The diagram shows some or all of the methods for dividing network element functions and protocol layers; other methods may also be used.

[0167] In some examples, the CU can be used as a logical node to carry the RRC layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of access network devices. Exemplarily, the CU can connect to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which may include interfaces such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU may have some of the core network's functions.

[0168] For example, the CU (e.g., the PDCP layer or a layer higher than PDCP) connects to the DU (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer or a layer lower than RLC) through interfaces, such as the F1 interface. In some examples, the aforementioned interface (e.g., the F1 interface) can provide CP and UP functions, such as interface management, system information management, UE context management, and RRC message transmission. The F1 interface can employ the F1 application protocol (F1AP).

[0169] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP.

[0170] The CU-CP can be used as a logical node to carry the RRC layer and the control plane part of PDCP (PDCP-C) layer, implementing the control plane functions of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. For example, network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. For example, the AMF network element can be used to handle mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover.

[0171] CU-UP can be used as a logical node to carry the SDAP layer and the user plane part of PDCP (PDCP-U) layer, implementing the user plane functions of the CU. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. For example, in a 5G system, the user plane function (UPF) network element can be used to handle data forwarding and reception in terminal equipment.

[0172] The above CU or DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU or DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0173] In some examples, a DU can be used as a logical node to carry the RLC layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. For example, a DU can connect to an RU through interfaces, which may be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer may include PHY layer processing functions such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding, decoding, scrambling, modulation, or demodulation.

[0174] In some examples, the RU can be used as a logical node to carry both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) chain processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) node. rd Entities with TRP, RRH, or other similar functions in the Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In some examples, the Low PHY layer includes PHY processing functions such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or filtering. The RU can communicate with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0175] DU and RU may or may not be co-located. For example, DU and RU can exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower-layer split control / user / synchronization-plane (LLS-C / U / S) interface. For instance, the O-RAN CUS plane in DU can communicate with the O-RAN CUS plane in RU via the LLS-C / U / S interface. Exemplarily, LLS-C / U / S may include an LLS-control (C) interface and an LLS-user (U) interface providing CP and UP, respectively. In some examples, CP may refer to real-time control between DU and RU. DU and RU can exchange management information via the LLS-management (M) interface of the fronthaul link; the M plane may refer to non-real-time management operations between DU and RU. For example, the O-RAN M plane in DU can communicate with the O-RAN M plane in RU via the LLS-M interface. As another example, the O-RAN M plane in DU or RU can communicate with the management system via the LLS-M interface.

[0176] DUs and RUs can collaborate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. For example, a DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DUs and RUs can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions (e.g., high PHY) in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions (e.g., low PHY), or implement both lower-level and RF functions (e.g., RF chain). Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0177] Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems can employ high-frequency communication, specifically ultra-high-frequency (UHF) signals (such as 28GHz) for data transmission. A major problem with high-frequency communication is the sharp decrease in signal energy with transmission distance, resulting in short transmission ranges. To overcome this issue, high-frequency communication uses analog beamforming technology. By weighting the antenna array, the signal energy is concentrated within a small angular range, forming a beam-like signal (called an analog beam, or simply a beam), thereby increasing the transmission distance. Both network devices and terminal devices utilize beamforming for transmission. Specific beamforming techniques are required for both uplink and downlink data transmission.

[0178] Currently, terminal devices and network devices select appropriate beams through a beam management process and communicate using those beams. The beam management process can include: coarse beam alignment based on the SSB (Standard Sub-Band), followed by fine beam adjustment based on the CSI-RS (Center for System Indicator-Resistant Array). The beam management process can be divided into three stages, which will be described below using a base station as an example of a network device.

[0179] Phase 1: Coarse beam alignment between the base station and the terminal equipment. In Phase 1, the base station beam and the terminal beam can be understood as wide beams.

[0180] In Phase One, the base station can perform beam scanning. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the base station can transmit SSBs to the terminal device at different times using beams from different directions. Simultaneously, the terminal device scans and receives beams, meaning it also receives SSBs from network devices at different times using beams from different directions. The terminal device determines the optimal beam for base station signal transmission and the optimal beam for terminal device signal reception based on the received signal strength. The beam used for base station signal transmission is simply called the base station beam, and the beam used for terminal device signal reception is simply called the terminal beam.

[0181] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the base station first sends SSB resource configuration information and reported resource configuration information to the terminal device. In some examples, the SSB resource configuration information and reported resource configuration information can be carried in RRC signaling. For example, SSB resources can be configured by the information element CSI resource configuration (CSI-ResourceConfig) in RRC signaling. Each configuration can contain one CSI-SSB resource set (CSI-SSB-ResourceSet), and each set can contain up to 64 SSB resources. For example, reported resources can be configured by the information element CSI reporting configuration (CSI-ReportConfig) in RRC signaling. The configuration content can include the time-frequency domain resources to be reported, the content to be reported, etc.

[0182] When an RRC connection has been established between the base station and the terminal device, the base station can configure and report SSB resource configuration information via RRC signaling. When no RRC connection has been established between the base station and the terminal device, the base station can send SSBs to the terminal device using predefined SSB resources. The base station beam can include... Terminal beams may include For example, the i-th (i = 0, 1, ..., M-1) SSB base station uses beam B m The terminal uses beam U n , where nM+m=mod(i,MN). “mod” can represent modulo.

[0183] For example, see Figure 8 Assume the base station beam includes beams B0 to B1. 15 That is, M=16; assuming the terminal beams include beams U0 to U3, that is, N=4. The base station can use beam B0 to send SSBs to the terminal device through the corresponding SSB resources, use beam B1 to send SSBs to the terminal device, and so on, using beam B... 15 The SSB is sent to the terminal device. The terminal device measures the base station's signals via beams U0 to U3 and via beams B0 to B1, respectively. 15 The SSB was sent, and the measurement results were obtained.

[0184] The terminal device can determine the base station beam with the best signal quality based on the measurement results. The terminal device then reports this base station beam with the best signal quality back to the network equipment.

[0185] For example, there are two cases depending on whether the RRC connection between the base station and the terminal device is established before or after it is established.

[0186] Before an RRC connection is established, the SSB can carry a master information block (MIB). The MIB indicates the channel resources carrying SIB1. The base station can use the SIB1 message to indicate the mapping relationship between an SSB and a random access channel occasion (RO). The terminal device can perform random access through the physical random access channel (PRACH) resource corresponding to the optimal base station beam, thereby enabling the base station to obtain the optimal base station beam information.

[0187] After the RRC connection is established, the terminal device can provide feedback based on the reporting resources configured in the RRC signaling.

[0188] Phase Two: Base Station Beam Fine-Tuning.

[0189] Based on the base station beam with the best or best signal quality determined in Phase 1 (also known as the optimal base station beam), the base station can determine multiple candidate beams, each of which can be a narrow beam. The base station can scan using CSI-RS, and the terminal equipment can receive signals using the receiving beam selected in Phase 1 (or the optimal terminal beam), thereby fine-tuning the base station beam.

[0190] For example, suppose the optimal terminal beam selected by the terminal device in Phase 1 is U1. The candidate beams determined by the base station may include... Where K can be less than M, It can be A subset of. For example, suppose K = 3.

[0191] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the aforementioned candidate beams may include beams S0 through S2. Assuming that beam B3 is determined in stage one, this beam may be a wide beam. The base station can determine beams S0 through S2 based on beam B3.

[0192] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the base station can send CSI-RS configuration information to the terminal device. This CSI-RS configuration information can be used to configure CSI-RS resources and feedback reporting resources. For example, CSI-RS resources can be configured using the CSI resource configuration element (CSI-ResourceConfig) in RRC signaling. Similarly, feedback reporting resources can be configured by the base station using the CSI report configuration element (CSI-ReportConfig) in RRC signaling.

[0193] The base station can transmit CSI-RS sequentially, where the j-th CSI-RS can use beam S. j Where j = 0, 1, ..., K-1. The terminal equipment uses beam U1 for reception.

[0194] For example, the base station uses beam S0 to send CSI-RS to the terminal device through the corresponding CSI-RS resources, uses beam S1 to send CSI-RS to the terminal device through the corresponding CSI-RS resources, and uses beam S2 to send CSI-RS to the terminal device through the corresponding CSI-RS resources. The terminal device receives the CSI-RS sent by the base station through different beams via beam U1 and obtains the measurement results. The terminal device can determine the candidate beam with better or better signal quality based on the measurement results. The terminal device feeds back the candidate beam with better or better signal quality to the network device. For example, suppose the candidate beam with better or better signal quality is beam S1. The base station can use beam S1 as the beam for communication with the terminal device.

[0195] Phase 3: Fine-tuning of terminal equipment beams.

[0196] The base station can use the optimal beam obtained in Phase 2 to transmit CSI-RS. The terminal equipment scans the beam to determine the optimal terminal beam and complete beam alignment. A brief example is given below.

[0197] For example, the base station uses beam S1 to send CSI-RS to the terminal device, and the terminal device determines the optimal terminal beam as beam U1 through Phase 1. Beam U1 is a wide beam. The terminal device determines multiple candidate beams through beam U1, such as... Figure 11As shown, multiple candidate beams include beams P1 to P4. The terminal device receives the CSI-RS transmitted by the base station through beam S1 via beams P1 to P4 to obtain the measurement results. The terminal device can select one beam from beams P1 to P4 based on the measurement results and use that beam as the beam for communication with the base station.

[0198] The above is just an example; the terminal device can also identify more or fewer candidate beams. The process for Phase 3 is similar to that of Phase 2; for other details, please refer to the description of Phase 2.

[0199] The communication system in this application embodiment can implement all of the processes in stages one to three, or only some of them. For example, by implementing only stages one and two, the terminal device can determine the beam itself without the base station sending CSI-RS.

[0200] For example, network devices can be configured to allow terminal devices to report measurement results using one of three methods. These three methods can include periodic reporting, semi-persistent reporting, and aperiodic reporting. Semi-persistent reporting can also be called semi-static reporting. These will be described in detail below.

[0201] Periodic Reporting: Network devices can send reference signal resource configuration information to terminal devices. This reference signal resource configuration information may include periodic reference signal resources. Network devices can configure periodic measurement reference signals for terminal devices. Terminal devices can periodically measure reference signals based on this reference signal resource configuration information and periodically report measurement results. Optionally, the measurement results obtained from the periodic measurement reference signals of the terminal device can be carried in PUCCH resources.

[0202] Semi-persistent reporting: The terminal device can be configured with periodic measurement reference signals, but reports measurement results using a semi-persistent reporting method. In one possible implementation, the network device sends reference signal resource configuration information to the terminal device. This reference signal resource configuration information includes periodic reference signal resources. The network device configures the terminal device with periodic measurement reference signals. When the terminal device receives an activation signaling message (e.g., MAC CE, or DCI) from the network device, the terminal device can continuously report measurement results. The network device can also send a deactivation command to the terminal device, thereby deactivating the semi-persistent reporting process of the terminal device. In another possible implementation, both the measurement of the reference signal and the reporting of the measurement results are semi-persistent. When the terminal device receives an activation signaling message from the network device, the terminal device continuously measures the reference signal and reports the measurement results. When the terminal device receives a deactivation command from the network device, the terminal device stops reporting the measurement results. Additionally, the measurement results can be carried on PUCCH or PUSCH resources.

[0203] Aperiodic reporting: When the terminal device receives a trigger command from the network device, the terminal device measures the reference signal and reports the measurement result. After completing the reporting, the terminal device stops reporting the measurement result. Optionally, the reference signal can be a periodic reference signal, a semi-persistent reference signal, or an aperiodic reference signal. Optionally, the measurement result is carried on the PUSCH resource.

[0204] Therefore, the measurement results are either reported periodically or triggered by network devices sending instruction signals to the terminal devices to report semi-continuously or aperiodically. Thus, the timing of the reporting is entirely determined by the network devices.

[0205] Release 19 introduces measurement result reporting based on end devices or events. For example, an end device can inform the network device that it needs to report measurement results. Alternatively, an event can trigger an end device to report measurement results.

[0206] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. Optional operations in method 800 are... Figure 12 The dashed line indicates the relationship between the quality of some or all of the signals in the activated reference signal, as indicated by the first information. This effectively assists the network device in updating the activated TCI state. The following section combines... Figure 12 Method 800 is introduced.

[0207] S840, the terminal device measures B reference signals and obtains a measurement report. Here, B can be a positive integer.

[0208] S850, the terminal device sends the measurement report to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the measurement report from the terminal device.

[0209] For example, a terminal device can measure B reference signals and obtain a measurement report based on configuration information. Alternatively, it can measure B reference signal resources, with the B reference signals carried on these resources. The configuration information can be sent by the network device or can be predefined or pre-configured. A detailed description of the configuration information follows.

[0210] The B reference signals may include L reference signals associated with the R activated TCI states, where R can be a positive integer and L can be a positive integer.

[0211] Among them, B reference signals can be reference signals measured by the terminal equipment. The meaning of reference signals can be found in the previous explanation, and will not be repeated here.

[0212] For example, the reference signal may be a downlink reference signal. In some possible implementations, method 800 further includes: S830, the network device sends B reference signals to the terminal device, or in other words, the network device sends B reference signal resources, with the B reference signals carried on the B reference signal resources. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the B reference signals from the network device, or in other words, the terminal device receives the B reference signal resources from the network device, with the B reference signals carried on the B reference signal resources. For example, during the execution of S830, the number of reference signals sent by the network device to the terminal device may be B, or it may be an integer greater than B.

[0213] The measurement report may include measurement results for some or all of the B reference signals. For example, the meaning of the measurement results can be found above. Exemplarily, the measurement report may be a CSI report.

[0214] The R activated TCI states can also be described as R active TCI states. The meaning of the active TCI states can be found in the preceding text.

[0215] For example, when the terminal device is operating in joint TCI mode, the R TCI states can include any one or more of the following: All joint TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling.

[0216] All different joint TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling.

[0217] For example, when the terminal device is operating in separate TCI mode, the R TCI states can include any one or more of the following: All TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling, including, for example, the UL TCI state and the DLTCI state.

[0218] All DL TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling.

[0219] All different DL TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling.

[0220] All UL TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling.

[0221] All different UL TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling.

[0222] Optionally, the above TCI state is only the DL / joint TCI state. For example, when the terminal device is operating in jointTCI mode, the above TCI state is the joint TCI state; when the terminal device is operating in separate TCI mode, the above TCI state is the DL TCI state.

[0223] The R TCI states can be activated by the network device through a first signaling (e.g., MAC CE signaling, or TCI state activation signaling). In some possible implementations, the network device can send the first signaling to the terminal device, which can be used to activate the R TCI states. Optionally, the R TCI states are the R DL / joint TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling. For example, when the terminal device is operating in joint TCI mode, the R TCI states are the R joint TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling; when the terminal device is operating in separate TCI mode, the R TCI states are the R DL TCI states activated in the TCI state activation signaling. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first signaling from the network device.

[0224] The first signaling consists of K codepoints. K can be a positive integer less than or equal to 8. Each of the K codepoints corresponds to at least one of the R TCI states. For example, the K codepoints can have a one-to-one correspondence with the R TCI states, i.e., K = R. Alternatively, one or more of the K codepoints can correspond to one of the R TCI states.

[0225] For example, one of the K code points can correspond to one DL TCI state and one UL TCI state. Optionally, the DL TCI state corresponding to one of the K code points belongs to the aforementioned R TCI states; that is, the TCI state corresponding to a code point can be the DL TCI state corresponding to that code point.

[0226] For example, one of the K code points can correspond to a DL / joint TCI state or a UL TCI state. Optionally, the DL / joint TCI state corresponding to one of the K code points belongs to the aforementioned R TCI states; that is, the TCI state corresponding to a code point can be the DL / joint TCI state corresponding to that code point.

[0227] For example, the structure of the first signaling can be seen in [reference needed]. Figure 2 However, this application does not limit the structure of the first signaling; the first signaling may have other structures.

[0228] Here, the L reference signals can be the reference signals associated with the R active TCI states. Alternatively, the L reference signals can be understood as the reference signals associated with all active TCI states. For example, the L reference signals can be QCL type D reference signals of the R active TCI states. Or, for another example, the L reference signals can be the reference signals associated with the QCL type D reference signals of the R active TCI states.

[0229] For an understanding of the reference signal associated with the TCI state, please refer to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] The measurement report may include first information. This first information is used to determine the signal quality relationship between some or all of the L reference signals. For example, the first information is used to determine the signal quality relationship between multiple reference signals among the L reference signals.

[0231] The signal quality relationship can represent the ranking of the signal quality of multiple reference signals, or the comparison between the signal quality of any two reference signals.

[0232] For example, some or all of the L reference signals may include RS#1 to RS#4. For instance, the signal quality relationship between RS#1 to RS#4 could be: RS#2, RS#1, RS#3, RS#4 in descending order of signal quality; or RS#4, RS#3, RS#1, RS#2 in descending order of signal quality. Yet another example is that the signal quality relationship between RS#1 to RS#4 could be: RS#2 > RS#1, RS#1 > RS#3, and RS#3 > RS#4.

[0233] In some possible implementations, the network device can determine the signal quality relationship of some or all of the L reference signals based on the first information, thereby assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state. For example, if the signal quality of some reference signals is ranked relatively low among the L reference signals, the network device can determine that the TCI states associated with these reference signals should not be used as active TCI states, thus enabling the updating of the active TCI state.

[0234] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can use the first information to indicate the quality relationship of some or all of the reference signals associated with the currently active TCI state. In this way, the network device can determine the beam quality corresponding to the currently active TCI state based on the first information, thereby determining whether to update the active TCI state, or the updated active TCI state. Therefore, the above scheme, through the first information, can effectively assist the network device in updating the active TCI state.

[0235] In some possible implementations, S840 and / or S850 may be indicated by the network device. For example, the network device may instruct the terminal device to measure and report reference signals.

[0236] In some other possible implementations, S840 and / or S850 may be actively executed by the terminal device. For example, the terminal device decides to measure and report the reference signal.

[0237] In some other possible implementations, S840 and / or S850 can be event-triggered. These will be discussed in detail below.

[0238] For example, the event could be: the quality of at least one new beam is higher than the quality of the first active beam and exceeds a first threshold. In other words, the quality of at least one new beam is higher than the quality of the first active beam by more than a first threshold. The first threshold can be predefined, preconfigured, reported by the terminal device, or configured by the network device.

[0239] In the embodiments of this application, "less than", "less than or equal to", and "not greater than" can be used interchangeably; "greater than", "greater than or equal to", and "not less than" can be used interchangeably.

[0240] For ease of description, the above event can be referred to as event 7 or other names (e.g., event 1). For ease of description, event 7 will be used to refer to the above event below.

[0241] For example, the first active beam can be the beam corresponding to the reference signal whose signal quality is at the Nth position among the reference signals associated with the currently active TCI state, where N can be a positive integer. For instance, the first active beam can be the beam corresponding to the reference signal whose signal quality is at the Nth position among the L reference signals associated with the R TCI states. N can be a positive integer less than or equal to L.

[0242] Wherein, N can be predefined, preconfigured, reported by the terminal device, or determined by any one or more of the network device configurations. For example, N can be further configured by the network device based on the reported terminal capabilities. For instance, the terminal device reports one or more candidate values ​​for N, and the network device indicates one of the candidate values. Or, the terminal device reports the maximum and / or minimum value of N, and the network device configures N, where N needs to be greater than or equal to the minimum value and / or less than or equal to the maximum value. Or, if the network does not configure N, the protocol specifies a default value for N, such as N = 1 or 2.

[0243] For example, a new beam configured for a network device may include at least one of the following:

[0244] One or more beams that are different from the first active beam or the beam corresponding to the active TCI state.

[0245] The network device is configured to monitor one or more reference signals corresponding to one or more beams of a new beam.

[0246] One or more beams corresponding to the reference signal associated with the configured TCI state. The aforementioned one or more beams can be beams other than the first active beam or the beam corresponding to the active TCI state.

[0247] The aforementioned beam can be represented by resources, reference signals, and reference signal resource indexes (i.e., the above four terms can be interchanged). In the embodiments of this application, a beam (e.g., a first active beam and / or a new beam) can refer to the resources, reference signals, and reference signal resources corresponding to that beam, or it can be replaced with the resources, reference signals, and reference signal resources corresponding to that beam. For example, the beam index can be replaced with the resource index, reference signal index, or reference signal resource index corresponding to that beam.

[0248] Other descriptions of the beam are provided above and will not be repeated here.

[0249] For example, signal quality may include at least one of the following:

[0250] Reference signal receiving power (RSRP).

[0251] Signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR).

[0252] Layer 1 (L1) - RSRP.

[0253] L1-SINR.

[0254] Synchronization signal (SS) - RSRP.

[0255] CSI-RSRP.

[0256] SS-SINR.

[0257] CSI-SINR.

[0258] In some examples, in S840 above, the terminal device can measure the reference signal corresponding to at least one of the first active beam, the new beam, or the active TCI state according to the configuration information, and obtain the measurement result. The terminal device can determine whether to report the measurement result to the network device based on the measurement result. For example, when the measurement result meets the condition of an event (e.g., event 7), the terminal reports the measurement result. Exemplarily, the aforementioned B reference signals may include the reference signal corresponding to the new beam and L reference signals associated with the R active TCI states, where the L reference signals may include the reference signal corresponding to the first active beam.

[0259] If, among the new beams configured in the aforementioned network device, at least one new beam has a quality higher than the first active beam and exceeds a first threshold, then event 7 occurs. Further, the terminal device can execute S850 to send a measurement report to the network device. This measurement report may include the reporting content corresponding to event 7. For example, the reporting content may include first information.

[0260] Event 7 can be understood as the existence of a new beam whose signal quality is higher than or equal to the first threshold than the first active beam's signal quality. Alternatively, it can be understood as the existence of a new beam whose signal quality is higher than or equal to the first threshold d1 times within the first time window.

[0261] The first time window can be predefined, preconfigured, reported by the terminal device, or determined by any one or more of the network device configurations. The unit of the time window can be a time slot, symbol, subframe, frame, millisecond, or microsecond, etc., and is not limited in this embodiment. d1 can be predefined, preconfigured, reported by the terminal device, or determined by any one or more of the network device configurations. d1 can be a positive integer.

[0262] The following section continues with examples of the first piece of information.

[0263] Optionally, the first information is used to determine the signal quality relationship among some or all of the L reference signals, including: the first information is used to determine the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0264] Here, the first reference signal can be the reference signal with the Mth-ranked signal quality among the L reference signals, where M is a positive integer less than or equal to L. For example, assuming L = 4 and M = 3, the L reference signals can be denoted as RS#1 to RS#4. If the L reference signals are ranked from highest to lowest signal quality as: RS#2, RS#1, RS#3, RS#4, then the first reference signal could be RS#3.

[0265] Wherein, M can be predefined, preconfigured, reported by the terminal device, or determined by any one or more of the network device configurations. For example, M can be further configured by the network device based on the reported terminal capabilities. For instance, the terminal device reports one or more candidate values ​​of M, and the network device indicates one of the candidate values. Or, the terminal device reports the maximum and / or minimum value of M, and the network device configures M, where M needs to be greater than or equal to the minimum value and / or less than or equal to the maximum value. Or, in the case where the network does not configure M, the protocol specifies a default value for M, such as M = 1 or 2.

[0266] The M and N mentioned above may be equal or unequal. In some examples, M may be determined based on N. For example, M = N + 1. Another example is M = N - 1. Yet another example is M = N. When M = N, it can be understood that the first reference signal is the reference signal corresponding to the first active beam.

[0267] The above scheme can also be understood as follows: the first information can be used to determine which TCI states are associated with reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal among all the reference signals associated with all active TCI states.

[0268] In other words, the first information can be used to determine which reference signals among the active TCI state-associated reference signals have a signal quality greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal among all the active TCI state-associated reference signals.

[0269] In other words, the first information can be used to determine which TCI states are associated with reference signals whose signal quality is in the first M or first M-1 positions among all active TCI state-associated reference signals.

[0270] In other words, the first information can be used to determine which reference signals among the active TCI state-associated reference signals have signal quality that is in the first M or first M-1 positions among all active TCI state-associated reference signals.

[0271] Based on the above scheme, the first information can indicate the reference signal that is ranked in the first M or first M-1 positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state, so that the network device can determine the reference signal with better quality, thereby further effectively assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state.

[0272] Below, we introduce two examples of how the first information is used to determine the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal, denoted as Indication Example 1 and Indication Example 2, respectively. The first information comprises X bits, where X is a positive integer.

[0273] Example 1: The first bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. For example, the first bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of one of the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. As another example, the first bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of multiple of the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. The multiple reference signals among the L reference signals can be the same reference signal. In other words, the first bit can correspond to one of the L reference signals, or it can correspond to multiple identical reference signals among the L reference signals.

[0274] The following are some alternative expressions.

[0275] Alternative Representation 1 of Example 1: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0276] Alternative Representation 2 for Indicator Example 1: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is ranked in the first M or first M-1 positions of the L reference signals.

[0277] Alternative Representation 3 of Example 1: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0278] Alternative statement 4 for Indicator Example 1: Does the reference signal corresponding to the new beam reported contain at least one reference signal whose signal quality is greater than the reference signal corresponding to the first bit?

[0279] In the alternative statements 1 to 4 of Example 1, at least one reference signal may be a single reference signal or multiple identical reference signals.

[0280] The first bit can be one of X bits. The first bit can correspond to at least one of L reference signals. The first bit can indicate the signal quality relationship between the corresponding at least one reference signal and the first reference signal.

[0281] As another description of Example 1, the first bit can be used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0282] In other words, the first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0283] As an example, a value of 1 for the first bit can indicate that the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 1 for the first bit can indicate that the signal quality of at least one reference signal corresponding to the first bit is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Furthermore, a value of 1 for the first bit can indicate that the signal quality of the reference signal corresponding to the first bit is within the first M or first M-1 positions of the L reference signals.

[0284] As another example, a first bit value of 0 can indicate that the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a first bit value of 0 can indicate that the signal quality of at least one reference signal corresponding to that first bit is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a first bit value of 0 can indicate that the signal quality of the reference signal corresponding to that first bit is located in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0285] As an example, a value of 0 for the first bit can indicate that the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 0 for the first bit can indicate that the signal quality of at least one reference signal corresponding to the first bit is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Furthermore, a value of 0 for the first bit can indicate that the signal quality of the reference signal corresponding to the first bit is within the first M or first M-1 positions of the L reference signals.

[0286] As another example, a first bit value of 1 can indicate that the signal quality of at least one of the L reference signals is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a first bit value of 1 can indicate that the signal quality of at least one reference signal corresponding to that first bit is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a first bit value of 1 can indicate that the signal quality of the reference signal corresponding to that first bit is located in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0287] In this application, "first M bits" and "not located in the last LM bits" can be interchanged, "first M-1 bits" and "not located in the last L-M+1 bits" can be interchanged, "last LM bits" and "not located in the first M bits" can be interchanged, and "last L-M+1 bits" and "not located in the first M-1 bits" can be interchanged. In the foregoing examples, at least one reference signal can be a single reference signal or multiple identical reference signals.

[0288] The first M bits or the first M-1 bits. The last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits. The meaning of the first bit being 0 or 1 can be found in the description above, or it can be described in other ways. For example, replace the value 0 in the description above with the value 1, and replace the value 1 in the description above with the value 0.

[0289] Optionally, Example 1 includes Examples 1-1 to 1-3, which are described below.

[0290] Example 1-1: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. For example, the first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of a reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0291] The following are some alternative expressions.

[0292] Alternative Representation 1 of Example 1-1: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0293] Alternative Representation 2 of Example 1-1: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is ranked in the first M or first M-1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0294] Alternative Representation 3 of Example 1-1: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0295] Alternative statement 4 to Example 1-1: Does the reference signal corresponding to the new beam reported have a signal quality greater than that of the reference signal associated with the TCI state of the first code point corresponding to the first bit?

[0296] For example, at least one of the reference signals in the alternative representations 1 to 4 of Example 1-1 can be replaced with a single reference signal.

[0297] The first code point can be one of the K code points in the first signaling. The first code point can correspond to at least one of the R TCI states (i.e., active TCI states). The description of the reference signal associated with the TCI state is given above and will not be repeated here.

[0298] As examples, the first bit can be mapped to the first code point. The cases where X is less than or equal to K (denoted as Case 1) and X is greater than K (denoted as Case 2) are described below.

[0299] Case 1: X is less than or equal to K.

[0300] For example, the first bit is the x-th bit out of the X bits, and the first code point is the x-th code point out of the X code points of the first signaling. Here, x is a positive integer less than or equal to X. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the X bits and the X code points.

[0301] The above example can also be expressed as: the xth bit of X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth code point of the first signaling is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Several alternative expressions are introduced below.

[0302] Alternative Statement 1: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth code point of the X code points of the first signaling is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0303] Alternative Statement 2: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth code point of the X code points of the first signaling is ranked in the first M or first M-1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0304] Alternative Statement 3: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth code point of the X code points of the first signaling is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0305] Alternative Statement 4: Does the reported reference signal for the new beam have a signal quality greater than the signal quality of the reference signal associated with the TCI state of the code point corresponding to the x-th bit of the X bits? Wherein, the x-th bit of the X bits corresponds to the x-th code point of the X code points in the first signaling.

[0306] The aforementioned X code points can be some or all of the K code points in the first signaling. For example, when the terminal device is operating in separate TCI mode, the X code points can be the code points corresponding to the DL TCI state included in the TCI activation signaling.

[0307] Examples of Case 1 could include: X code points being all of the K code points in the first signaling (denoted as Case 1-1), or X code points being a subset of the K code points in the first signaling (denoted as Case 1-2). These will be described below.

[0308] In case 1-1, the X code points can be all the code points from the K code points of the first signaling. Each bit in the X bits can be mapped to one code point in the first signaling, meaning there is a one-to-one correspondence between the X bits and the K code points, i.e., X = K. For example, if the first signaling includes K = 8 code points, then X = K = 8. Or, for example, if the first signaling includes K = 4 code points, then X = K = 4.

[0309] The above example can also be expressed as: the xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth code point in the first signaling is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Several alternative expressions are introduced below.

[0310] Alternative Statement 1: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth code point in the first signaling is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0311] Alternative Statement 2: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth code point in the first signaling is ranked in the first M or first M-1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0312] Alternative Statement 3: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth code point in the first signaling is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0313] Alternative Statement 4: Does the reported reference signal for the new beam have a signal quality greater than the signal quality of the reference signal associated with the TCI state of the code point corresponding to the x-th bit of the X bits? Here, the x-th bit of the X bits corresponds to the x-th code point in the first signaling.

[0314] For example, when the terminal device is operating in separate TCI mode, if the TCI state corresponding to the x'th code point among the X code points of the first signaling does not include the DL TCI state, then the x'th bit among the X bits is meaningless or reserved, or set to a special value (e.g., 0 or 1). Here, x' is a positive integer less than or equal to X, and x' is not equal to x.

[0315] Alternatively, if only X' code points out of the X code points in the first signaling have corresponding DL TCI states, then the first X' bits of the X bits are mapped one-to-one to the X' code points out of the X bits. X' is a positive integer less than or equal to X. For example, the first X' bits of the X bits can be mapped one-to-one to the X' code points according to their size, from smallest to largest (or from largest to smallest). The last X-X' bits of the X bits are meaningless or reserved, or set to special values, such as 0 or 1.

[0316] Case 1-2: The X code points are a subset of the K code points in the first signaling, i.e., X... <K。

[0317] For example, when the terminal device is operating in separate TCI mode, the X code points can be code points containing DL TCI states in the TCI activation signaling; that is, the value of X is determined based on the number of code points containing DL TCI states in the TCI activation signaling. As another example, when the terminal device is operating in separate TCI mode, the X code points can be code points containing different DL TCI states in the TCI activation signaling; that is, the value of X is determined based on the number of code points containing different DL TCI states in the TCI activation signaling.

[0318] Case 2: When X > K.

[0319] The first K bits of X bits can be mapped one-to-one to the K code points of the first signaling. The last XK bits of X bits are meaningless or reserved, or set to special values, such as 0 or 1. Alternatively, the last K bits of X bits can be mapped one-to-one to the K code points of the first signaling. The first XK bits of X bits are meaningless or set to special values, such as 0 or 1. For example, if X = 8, the first K bits of 8 bits can be mapped one-to-one to the K code points of the first signaling, and the last 8-K bits of 8 bits are meaningless or reserved.

[0320] The first K' bits of the X bits can be mapped one-to-one to the K' code points of the first signaling. The last X-K' bits of the X bits are meaningless, reserved, or set to special values, such as 0 or 1. Alternatively, the last K' bits of the X bits can be mapped one-to-one to the K' code points of the first signaling. The first X-K' bits of the X bits are meaningless, reserved, or set to special values, such as 0 or 1. The K' code points can be code points that correspond to the DL TCI states among the X code points of the first signaling, or they can be code points that correspond to different DL TCI states among the X code points of the first signaling. For example, if X = 8, the first K' bits of the 8 bits can be mapped one-to-one to the K' code points of the first signaling, and the last 8-K' bits of the 8 bits are meaningless or reserved. K' can be a positive integer less than or equal to X. K and K' can be the same or different. K' can be a positive integer less than or equal to K.

[0321] As another example, the first bit is mapped to the TCI state corresponding to the first code point.

[0322] For example, the first bit is the x-th bit out of X bits, and the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is the x-th TCI state out of R TCI states. Here, R = X, and x is a positive integer less than or equal to X. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between X bits and X TCI states.

[0323] For example, the first bit is the x-th bit out of X bits, and the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is the x-th TCI state out of R TCI states. Here, x is a positive integer less than or equal to R, R is a positive integer less than or equal to X, and the following XR bits are meaningless or reserved. X can be determined by any one or more of the following: network configuration, protocol specifications, or terminal capability reporting.

[0324] The above example can also be expressed as follows: the x-th bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state among the X TCI states (or R TCI states) corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. For example, the x-th bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of a reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state among the X TCI states (or R TCI states) corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Several alternative expressions are introduced below.

[0325] Alternative Statement 1: The x-th bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state among the X TCI states (or R TCI states) corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. For example, the x-th bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of a reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state among the X TCI states (or R TCI states) corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0326] Alternative Statement 2: The x-th bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state among the X (or R) TCI states corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is ranked in the first M or first M-1 positions of the L reference signals. For example, the x-th bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of a reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state among the X (or R) TCI states corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is ranked in the first M or first M-1 positions of the L reference signals.

[0327] Alternative Statement 3: The x-th bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state among the X (or R) TCI states corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals. For example, the x-th bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of a reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state among the X (or R) TCI states corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0328] Alternative Statement 4: Does the reported reference signal for the new beam have a signal quality greater than that of the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth bit of the X bits? Here, the xth bit of the X bits corresponds to the xth TCI state among the X (or R) TCI states corresponding to the code point of the first signaling. For example, does the reported reference signal for the new beam have a signal quality greater than that of a reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the xth bit of the X bits? Here, the xth bit of the X bits corresponds to the xth TCI state among the X (or R) TCI states corresponding to the code point of the first signaling. As another example, the first bit is mapped to the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point.

[0329] For example, the first bit is the x-th bit out of the X bits, and the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is the x-th reference signal out of the L reference signals. Where L = X, and x is a positive integer less than or equal to X. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the X bits and the X reference signals.

[0330] For example, the first bit is the x-th bit out of the X bits, and the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is the x-th reference signal out of the L reference signals. Here, x is a positive integer less than or equal to L, L is a positive integer less than or equal to X, and the last XL bits of the X bits are meaningless or reserved and unused.

[0331] The above example can also be expressed as: the x-th bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the x-th reference signal among the X reference signals (or L reference signals) associated with the TCI state corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Several alternative expressions are introduced below.

[0332] Alternative Statement 1: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the xth reference signal among the X reference signals (or L reference signals) associated with the TCI state corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0333] Alternative Statement 2: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the xth reference signal among the X reference signals (or, L reference signals) associated with the TCI state corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is ranked in the first M or first M-1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0334] Alternative Statement 3: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the xth reference signal among the X reference signals (or L reference signals) associated with the TCI state corresponding to the code point of the first signaling is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0335] Alternative Statement 4: Does the reported new beam correspond to a reference signal whose signal quality is greater than that of the reference signal corresponding to the xth bit out of X bits? Here, the xth bit out of X bits corresponds to the xth reference signal out of L reference signals.

[0336] Example 1-2: The R TCI states include T distinct TCI states. The first bit is used to indicate whether the at least one reference signal associated with one of the T distinct TCI states is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, where T is a positive integer less than or equal to R. Several alternative expressions are introduced below. For example, the first bit is used to indicate whether a reference signal associated with one of the T distinct TCI states is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0337] Alternative Representation 1 of Example 1-2: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with one of the T different TCI states is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0338] Alternative Representation 2 of Example 1-2: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with one of the T different TCI states is ranked in the first M or first M-1 positions of the L reference signals.

[0339] Alternative Representation 3 of Example 1-2: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with one of the T different TCI states is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0340] Alternative Representation 4 of Example 1-2: Does there exist a reference signal with a new beam whose signal quality is greater than the signal quality of the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first bit? This TCI state is one of T distinct TCI states.

[0341] For example, at least one of the reference signals in the alternative representations 1 to 4 of Examples 1-2 can be replaced with a single reference signal.

[0342] For example, X can be the number of different TCI states activated by the first signaling. That is, X = T. For instance, if the TCI states mentioned above are only DL / joint TCI states, then X can be the number of different DL / joint TCI states activated by the first signaling.

[0343] For example, the first bit is the x-th bit out of X bits, and the x-th bit corresponds to the x-th TCI state out of T different TCI states, where T = X. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the X bits and the T different TCI states. Exemplarily, X can be determined by any one or more of the network configuration, protocol specifications, or terminal capability reporting, and X can be greater than or equal to T.

[0344] For example, the first bit is the x-th bit out of X bits, and this x-th bit corresponds to the x-th TCI state out of T different TCI states, where x is less than or equal to T. The following XT bits of this X bits are meaningless or reserved and unused. X can be determined by any one or more of the following: network configuration, protocol specification, or terminal capability reporting. For example, X = 8.

[0345] The above example can also be expressed as: the xth bit of X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the xth TCI state among T different TCI states is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Several alternative expressions are introduced below.

[0346] Alternative Statement 1: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the xth TCI state among T different TCI states is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0347] Alternative Statement 2: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the xth TCI state among the T different TCI states is ranked in the first M or first M-1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0348] Alternative Statement 3: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the xth TCI state among the T different TCI states is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0349] Alternative Statement 4: Does the reported reference signal for the new beam have a signal quality greater than that of the reference signal associated with the at least one reference signal corresponding to the TCI state of the X bits? Here, the xth bit of the X bits corresponds to one of the TCI states.

[0350] As an example, a value of 1 for the x-th bit out of X bits can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state out of T different TCI states is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 1 for the x-th bit can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state corresponding to the x-th bit is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 1 for the first bit can indicate that the signal quality of the reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state corresponding to the x-th bit is within the first M or first M-1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0351] As another example, the value of the x-th bit out of X bits being 0 can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state out of T different TCI states is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, the value of the x-th bit being 0 can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state corresponding to the x-th bit is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, the value of the first bit being 0 can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state corresponding to the x-th bit is located in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0352] As an example, a value of 0 for the x-th bit out of X bits can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state out of T different TCI states is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 0 for the x-th bit can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state corresponding to the x-th bit is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 0 for the first bit can indicate that the signal quality of the reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state corresponding to the x-th bit is within the first M or first M-1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0353] As another example, a value of 1 for the x-th bit out of X bits can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state out of T different TCI states is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 1 for the x-th bit can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state corresponding to the x-th bit is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 1 for the first bit can indicate that the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with the x-th TCI state corresponding to the x-th bit is located in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0354] The above example can also be expressed as follows: the xth bit of X bits is mapped to the xth different DL / joint TCI state activated by the first signaling (e.g., different TCI states can be ordered sequentially from front to back or from back to front according to the code point position). Alternatively, the X bits are mapped sequentially from left to right or from right to left to the DL / joint TCI states activated by the first signaling in ascending or descending order of their indices.

[0355] For example, assuming X = 3, the first signaling includes K = 4 code points. These 4 code points can be denoted as code point #1 to code point #4 from front to back. Code point #1 corresponds to T different TCI states, code point #2 corresponds to T different TCI states, code point #3 corresponds to T different TCI states, and code point #4 corresponds to T different TCI states, specifically TCI state #3.

[0356] If we consider the different TCI states corresponding to the code point positions from front to back, then the first bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to TCI state #1, the second bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to TCI state #2, and the third bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to TCI state #3. Alternatively, the different TCI states can be sequentially ordered as: TCI state #1, TCI state #2, and TCI state #3.

[0357] If we consider the different TCI states corresponding to the code point positions from back to front, then the first bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to TCI state #3, the second bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to TCI state #2, and the third bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to TCI state #1. Alternatively, the different TCI states can be sequentially ordered as: TCI state #3, TCI state #2, and TCI state #1.

[0358] Example 1-3: The L reference signals include V different reference signals. The first bit is used to indicate whether one of the V different reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, where V is a positive integer less than or equal to L. Several alternative expressions are introduced below.

[0359] Alternative Representation 1 of Example 1-3: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of one of the V different reference signals is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0360] Alternative Representation 2 of Example 1-3: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of one of the V different reference signals ranks in the first M or first M-1 positions of the L reference signals.

[0361] Alternative Representation 3 of Example 1-3: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of one of the V different reference signals is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0362] Alternative statement 4 to Example 1-3: Does there exist a reference signal with a signal quality greater than that of the reference signal corresponding to the first bit among the reported new beams? Wherein, this reference signal is one of V different reference signals.

[0363] For example, X can be the number of different reference signals associated with the TCI state activated by the first signaling. That is, X = V. For example, if the TCI state mentioned above is only a DL / joint TCI state, then X can be the number of different reference signals associated with the DL / joint TCI state activated by the first signaling.

[0364] For example, the first bit is the x-th bit out of the X bits, and the x-th bit corresponds to the x-th reference signal out of the V different reference signals, where V = X; where x is a positive integer less than or equal to X. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the X bits and the V different reference signals.

[0365] For example, X can be determined by any one or more of the network configuration, protocol specifications, and terminal capability reporting, and X can be greater than or equal to V. For example, X = 8.

[0366] For example, the first bit is the xth bit among the X bits, and the xth bit can correspond to the xth reference signal among the V different reference signals, where x is less than or equal to V; the next XV bits of the X bits are meaningless or reserved and unused.

[0367] The above example can also be expressed as: the x-th bit of X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the x-th reference signal among V different reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Several alternative expressions are introduced below.

[0368] Alternative Statement 1: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the xth reference signal among the V different reference signals is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0369] Alternative Statement 2: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the xth reference signal among the V different reference signals ranks in the top M or top M-1 positions of the L reference signals.

[0370] Alternative Statement 3: The xth bit of the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the xth reference signal among the V different reference signals is ranked in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0371] Alternative Statement 4: Does the reference signal corresponding to the reported new beam have a signal quality greater than that of the reference signal corresponding to the x-th bit out of X bits? Here, the x-th bit out of X bits corresponds to one of V different reference signals.

[0372] As an example, a value of 1 for the x-th bit in X bits indicates that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal among V different reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 1 for the x-th bit indicates that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal corresponding to that x-th bit is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Similarly, a value of 1 for the first bit indicates that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal corresponding to that x-th bit is within the first M or first M-1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0373] As another example, the value of the x-th bit in X bits is 0, which can indicate that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal among V different reference signals is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, the value of the x-th bit is 0, which can indicate that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal corresponding to the x-th bit is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, the value of the first bit is 0, which can indicate that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal corresponding to the x-th bit is located in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0374] As an example, a value of 0 for the x-th bit out of X bits indicates that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal among V different reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 0 for the x-th bit indicates that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal corresponding to that x-th bit is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Similarly, a value of 0 for the first bit indicates that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal corresponding to that x-th bit is within the first M or first M-1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0375] As another example, a value of 1 for the x-th bit out of X bits indicates that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal among V different reference signals is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. In other words, a value of 1 for the x-th bit indicates that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal corresponding to that x-th bit is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal. Conversely, a value of 1 for the first bit indicates that the signal quality of the x-th reference signal corresponding to that x-th bit is located in the last LM bits or the last L-M+1 bits of the L reference signals.

[0376] The above example can also be expressed as follows: the xth bit of X bits is mapped to the xth different reference signal associated with the TCI state activated by the first signaling (e.g., the different reference signals are ordered sequentially from front to back or from back to front according to the code point position). Alternatively, the X bits are mapped sequentially from left to right or from right to left to reference signals associated with the TCI state activated by the first signaling, with the reference signal indices ranging from small to large or from large to small.

[0377] For example, assuming X = 3, the first signaling includes K = 4 code points. These 4 code points can be designated as code points #1 to #4 from front to back. Code point #1 corresponds to reference signal #1 among V different reference signals, code point #2 corresponds to reference signal #1 among V different reference signals, code point #3 corresponds to reference signal #2 among V different reference signals, and code point #4 corresponds to reference signal #3 among V different reference signals. The reference signal corresponding to each code point can be understood as the reference signal associated with the TCI state of that code point.

[0378] If the code point positions correspond to different reference signals sequentially from front to back, then the first bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to reference signal #1, the second bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to reference signal #2, and the third bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to reference signal #3. Alternatively, the different reference signals can be sequentially ordered as: reference signal #1, reference signal #2, and reference signal #3.

[0379] If the code point positions correspond to different reference signals sequentially from back to front, then the first bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to reference signal #3, the second bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to reference signal #2, and the third bit of X = 3 bits corresponds to reference signal #1. Alternatively, the different reference signals can be sequentially ordered as: reference signal #3, reference signal #2, and reference signal #1.

[0380] Based on the above scheme, the first information can indicate whether some or all of the L reference signals are among the top M reference signals in the reference signals associated with the active TCI state, thereby effectively assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state with less overhead.

[0381] Example 2 of the instructions is described below.

[0382] Example 2: The first information indicates the index of all or part of the TCI states in the active TCI states, or the index of all or part of the reference signals in the reference signals associated with the active TCI states, according to certain rules.

[0383] Optionally, Example 2 includes Examples 2-1 to 2-3, which are described below.

[0384] Example 2-1: The terminal device reports the reference signal index, TCI status index, or code point index corresponding to the first M or first M-1 reference signals with the best signal quality.

[0385] The following are examples of reporting the reference signal index, TCI state index, and code point index, respectively denoted as Example 2-1-1, Example 2-1-2, and Example 2-1-3.

[0386] Example 2-1-1: The first information is used to indicate the first index, which is the reference signal index of the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

[0387] In this embodiment, the reference signal index and the reference signal resource index can be interchanged. The reference signal and the reference signal resource can also be interchanged.

[0388] For example, the first index may include one or more reference signal indices. Optionally, the multiple reference signal indices indicated by the first information are sorted from high to low or from low to high according to the signal quality of the reference signals corresponding to the multiple reference signal indices.

[0389] As an example, the reference signal index can be the index of L reference signals.

[0390] For example, the reference signal index can be taken from 0 to L-1, or 1 to L. In other words, L reference signals can each correspond to L reference signal indices. Any two of the L reference signal indices must be different. For instance, the L reference signals can be mapped to the L reference signal indices (i.e., 0 to L-1, or 1 to L) in descending order (or ascending order) of their non-zero power CSI-RS resource identifiers (NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId) or SSB indices (SSB-index). As another example, the L reference signals can be mapped to the L reference signal indices (i.e., 0 to L-1, or 1 to L) in descending order (or ascending order) of the indexes of the code points to which the L reference signals belong.

[0391] Optionally, the number of bits required for each reference signal index is:

[0392] For example, the reference signal index can be a non-zero power CSI-RS resource identifier (NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId) or an SSB index configured in the network device. The number of bits required for each reference signal index can be determined based on the number of reference signals in the reference signal resource set to which the reference signal belongs. For example, if the reference signal resource set includes Q reference signals, the number of bits required for each reference signal index is... When the reference signal is CSI-RS, the reference signal index of the reference signal can be the CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI); when the reference signal is SSB, the reference signal index of the reference signal can be the SSB resource indicator (SSBRI).

[0393] For example, the reference signal index can be the index of the code point to which the reference signal belongs. For example, K = L, the reference signal index of the reference signal associated with the TCI state of the k-th code point among the K code points of the first signaling can be k. Here, k is a positive integer less than or equal to K. Optionally, the number of bits required for each reference signal index is... or (That is, the reference signal index is fixed at 3 bits).

[0394] As another example, the L reference signals include V distinct reference signals, and the reference signal index can be the ordinal position index of these V distinct reference signals. Optionally, the number of bits required for each reference signal index is... or (That is, the reference signal index is fixed at 3 bits).

[0395] The ordinal position indices of the V distinct reference signals indicate their ordinal positions. For example, if the ordinal position of the first reference signal among the V distinct reference signals is 0 (or 1), then its ordinal position index can be 0 (or 1). Similarly, if the ordinal position of the second reference signal among the V distinct reference signals is 1 (or 2), then its ordinal position index can be 1 (or 2). And so on. If the ordinal position of the Vth reference signal among the V distinct reference signals is V-1 (or V), then its ordinal position index can be V-1 (or V). The ordinal position can be understood as the location of the V distinct reference signals associated with the TCI state activated by the first signaling, ordered sequentially from front to back or from back to front according to their code point positions.

[0396] For example, the ordinal position indices of the V different reference signals can be sorted in ascending order according to the code point indices to which the reference signals belong. For instance, in the first signaling, the first code point corresponds to reference signal #1, and the reference signal index of this reference signal can be 0 (or 1); the second code point corresponds to reference signal #2, and the reference signal index of this reference signal can be 1 (or 2); the third and fourth code points correspond to the same reference signal, reference signal #3, and the reference signal index of this reference signal can be 2 (or 3).

[0397] Based on the above scheme, the reference signal index can be the ordinal position index of V different reference signals. This allows the same reference signal to use the same reference signal index, thereby reducing the total number of reference signal indices. Reducing the total number of reference signal indices reduces the number of bits occupied by the reference signal indices, thus reducing the overhead of transmitting and processing the indices.

[0398] Example 2-1-2: The first information is used to indicate the second index, which is the TCI state index used by the first information to indicate the TCI state associated with the reference signal whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal among the L reference signals.

[0399] For example, the second index may include one or more TCI state indices. Optionally, the multiple TCI state indices indicated by the first information are sorted from high to low or from low to high according to the signal quality of the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the multiple TCI state indices.

[0400] As an example, a TCI state index can be an index of R TCI states.

[0401] For example, the TCI state index can be taken from 0 to R-1, or 1 to R. In other words, R TCI states can each correspond to R TCI state indices. Any two of the aforementioned R TCI state indices are different. For instance, the R TCI states can be mapped to the aforementioned R TCI state indices (i.e., 0 to R-1, or 1 to R) in descending order (or ascending order) of their TCI state identifiers (TCI-stateId). As another example, the R TCI states can be mapped to the aforementioned R TCI state indices (i.e., 0 to R-1, or 1 to R) in descending order (or ascending order) of the indices of the code points corresponding to the R TCI states.

[0402] Optionally, the number of bits required for each TCI state index is

[0403] For example, the TCI state index can be a TCI state identifier (TCI-stateId) configured by the network device.

[0404] For example, the TCI state index can be the index of the code point corresponding to the TCI state. For example, K = R, the TCI state index of the TCI state corresponding to the k-th code point among the K code points of the first signaling can be k. Where k is a positive integer less than or equal to K.

[0405] As another example, the R TCI states include T distinct TCI states, and the TCI state index is the ordinal position index of the T distinct TCI states.

[0406] The ordinal position indices of the T distinct TCI states indicate their ordinal positions. For example, if the ordinal position of the first TCI state is 0 (or 1), its ordinal position index can be 0 (or 1). Similarly, if the ordinal position of the second TCI state is 1 (or 2), its ordinal position index can be 1 (or 2), and so on. If the ordinal position of the Tth TCI state is T-1 (or T), its ordinal position index can be T-1 (or T). The ordinal position can be understood as the position within the T distinct TCI states activated by the first signaling, ordered sequentially from front to back or from back to front according to their code point positions.

[0407] For example, the ordinal position indices of the T different TCI states can be sorted in ascending order according to the code point index of the code point to which the TCI state belongs. For instance, in the first signaling, the first code point corresponds to TCI state #1, and the TCI state index of TCI state #1 can be 0 (or 1); the second code point corresponds to TCI state #2, and the TCI state index of TCI state #2 can be 1 (or 2); the third and fourth code points can correspond to the same TCI state #3, and the TCI state index of TCI state #3 can be 2 (or 3).

[0408] Based on the above scheme, the TCI state index can be the ordinal position index of T different TCI states. This allows the same TCI state to use the same TCI state index, thereby reducing the total number of TCI state indices. Reducing the total number of TCI state indices reduces the number of bits occupied by the TCI state indices, thus reducing the overhead of transmitting and processing the indices.

[0409] Example 2-1-3: The first information is used to indicate the third index, which is the code point index of the code point corresponding to the reference signal whose signal quality is greater than or equal to that of the first reference signal among the L reference signals.

[0410] For example, the third index may include one or more code point indices. Optionally, the multiple code point indices indicated by the first information are sorted from high to low or from low to high according to the signal quality of the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the multiple code point indices.

[0411] The first signaling may include K code points. The following describes an example of the meaning of the code point index.

[0412] In some examples, the code point index for each code point can be obtained through... Bit representation. For example, the 0th to Kth code points of the first signaling correspond sequentially to code point indices 0 to K. Wherein, Meaningless. Among them, This indicates rounding up to the nearest integer.

[0413] In other examples, the code point index of each code point can be fixed using 3 bits. For example, the 0th to Kth code points of the first signaling correspond to code point indices 0 to K respectively. Here, 8-K to 8 are meaningless.

[0414] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can use the first information to indicate the reference signal that ranks in the top M positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state, thereby effectively assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state with less overhead.

[0415] Example 2-2: The reference signal index, TCI status index, or code point index corresponding to the LM worst-quality reference signal reported by the terminal device.

[0416] The following are examples of reporting the reference signal index, TCI state index, and code point index, denoted as Example 2-2-1, Example 2-2-2, and Example 2-2-3, respectively.

[0417] Example 2-2-1: The first information is used to indicate the fourth index, which is the reference signal index of the reference signal among the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to that of the first reference signal.

[0418] For example, the fourth index may include one or more reference signal indices. Optionally, the multiple reference signal indices indicated by the first information are sorted from high to low or from low to high according to the signal quality of the reference signals corresponding to the multiple reference signal indices.

[0419] Examples of reference signal indices can be found above, for example, see the description of Example 2-1-1, which will not be repeated here.

[0420] Example 2-2-2: The first information is used to indicate the fifth index, which is the TCI state index of the TCI state associated with the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to that of the first reference signal.

[0421] For example, the fifth index may include one or more TCI state indices. Optionally, the multiple TCI state indices indicated by the first information are sorted from high to low or from low to high according to the signal quality of the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the multiple TCI state indices.

[0422] Examples of TCI status indexes can be found above, for example, see the description of Example 2-1-2, which will not be repeated here.

[0423] Example 2-2-3: The first information is used to indicate the sixth index, which is the code point index of the code point corresponding to the reference signal whose signal quality is less than or equal to that of the first reference signal among the L reference signals.

[0424] For example, the sixth index may include one or more code point indices. Optionally, the multiple code point indices indicated by the first information are sorted from high to low or from low to high according to the signal quality of the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the multiple code point indices.

[0425] Examples of code point indexes can be found above, for example, see the description of Example 2-1-3, which will not be repeated here.

[0426] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can use the first information to indicate the quality of the reference signal that is ranked in the last LM position among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state, thereby effectively assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state with less overhead.

[0427] The following are examples of determining whether to use the method of Example 2-1 or Example 2-2.

[0428] When M is less than or equal to Q, Example 2-1 can be used. For example, the first information is used to indicate the first index, or the second index, or the third index. Here, Q can be an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0429] When M is greater than or equal to Q, Example 2-2 can be used. For example, the first information is used to indicate the fourth index, or the fifth index, or the sixth index.

[0430] Based on the above scheme, when the number of reference signals ranking in the top M positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state is small, the terminal device can indicate the reference signal ranking in the top M positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state using the first information. When the number of reference signals ranking in the top M positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state is large, the terminal device can indicate the reference signal ranking in the bottom LM positions among the reference signals associated with the active TCI state using the first information. The terminal device can flexibly choose the method with lower transmission overhead to assist the network device in updating the active TCI state.

[0431] Alternatively, Q = 4.

[0432] Optionally, Q is half the number of code points in the first signaling. For example, Q = K / 2.

[0433] Optionally, Q is half the number of distinct TCI states among the R TCI states, or Q is the integer part of half the number of distinct TCI states among the R TCI states. For example, Q = T / 2.

[0434] Optionally, Q is half the number of distinct reference signals among the L reference signals, or Q is the integer part of half the number of distinct reference signals among the L reference signals. For example, Q = V / 2.

[0435] Example 2-3: The first information is used to indicate the index of the L reference signals, and the index of the L reference signals is arranged in order of signal quality from high to low or from low to high.

[0436] The indices of the L reference signals can include reference signal indices, TCI state indices, or code point indices. For example, the TCI state index of the L reference signals can be the TCI state index of the TCI state associated with the L reference signals. The code point index of the L reference signals can be the code point index of the code point corresponding to the TCI state associated with the L reference signals.

[0437] Examples of reference signal index, TCI state index, and code point index can be found in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0438] As an example, the first information is used to indicate the code point indices of the L reference signals. The code point indices can be sorted from high to low (or low to high) according to the signal quality of the reference signals associated with the corresponding TCI states. The number of code point indices indicated by the first information can be K'. K' can be equal to K, or it can be a fixed value, such as 8.

[0439] Taking K'=8 as an example, if K<8, the first information can indicate K'=8 code point indices. Among them, the K code point indices in the K'=8 code point indices correspond to the K code points in the first signaling, and the 8-K code point indices in the K'=8 code point indices are meaningless or reserved.

[0440] As another example, the first piece of information is used to indicate the TCI state index of the L reference signals. The TCI state index can be sorted in descending (or ascending) order of signal quality of the reference signals associated with the TCI state. Alternatively, the TCI state index can be sorted in descending (or ascending) order of TCI state index.

[0441] Optionally, the number of reference signal indices indicated by the first information can be determined by the number of different reference signals associated with the R active TCI states. For example, the number of reference signal indices indicated by the first information can be V.

[0442] Based on the above scheme, the first information can indicate the indices of the L reference signals sorted according to their signal quality. This first information provides the network device with more information on the quality relationships of the reference signals, thereby better assisting the network device in updating the active TCI state.

[0443] In some possible implementations, the measurement report may further include at least one of the following: event information of the first event; index of the first reference signal; signal quality information of the first reference signal; index of A reference signals; or, signal quality information of A reference signals; wherein the B reference signals include the A reference signals, and A is a positive integer.

[0444] The index of the first reference signal includes the reference signal index, TCI state index, or code point index of the first reference signal.

[0445] The signal quality information of the first reference signal can be either the signal quality of the first reference signal itself or the difference between the signal quality of the first reference signal and the signal quality of the second reference signal. The second reference signal can be the reference signal with the highest signal quality among the A reported reference signals. The meaning of signal quality is explained above and will not be repeated here.

[0446] Here, the A reference signals can be reference signals corresponding to the A new beams configured in the network device. Optionally, at least one of the A reference signals satisfies an event condition (e.g., a first event). For example, the A reference signals can belong to the reference signals corresponding to the new beams.

[0447] The index of the A reference signals can be the reference signal index of the A reference signals.

[0448] The signal quality information of the A reference signals can be the signal quality of the A reference signals themselves, the signal quality of the second reference signal, or the difference between the signal quality of the A-1 reference signals and the signal quality of the second reference signal. The meaning of signal quality is explained above and will not be repeated here.

[0449] The event information for the first event can be either the event index or the event identifier of the first event.

[0450] In some possible implementations, method 800 also includes S820 before S840. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 12 Detailed introduction.

[0451] In S820, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the configuration information from the network device.

[0452] For example, a network device can send configuration information to a terminal device via RRC signaling.

[0453] The configuration information may include one or more event-triggered report configurations.

[0454] For example, the event-triggered report configuration can be a CSI reporting configuration (CSI-ReportConfig), and an indication message can be configured in CSI-reportConfig (e.g., the reporting configuration type (reportConfigType) is configured as event-triggered) to indicate that the report is configured for event-triggered reporting.

[0455] For example, the CSI-reportConfig can contain event-related information, such as the event index and the corresponding threshold. This indicates that the report is configured for event-triggered reporting.

[0456] For example, the event-triggered report configuration can also be a dedicated event-triggered report information element configuration. For instance, the information element for dedicated event-triggered reporting could be L1-EventTriggered-CSI-ReportConfig or UE-initiated CSI-reportConfig. This application does not limit the names used in its embodiments.

[0457] For example, the above event-triggered report configuration may include at least one of the following information:

[0458] One or more reference signal resources can be used for channel measurement, interference measurement, or beam management. For example, one or more reference signal resources can be located in one or more sets of reference signal resources.

[0459] Cell information can be used to indicate which cell a reference signal resource corresponds to, and / or which cell a reference signal resource for a monitored event (e.g., the reference signal resource corresponding to the current beam and / or the new beam) corresponds to. The aforementioned cell can be a serving cell, such as the cell corresponding to a serving cell index or identifier. This serving cell can be a primary cell (Pcell), a secondary cell (Scell), or a primary-secondary cell (PScell). A Pcell can also be called a cell of the primary component carrier (PCC), and an Scell ​​can be called a cell of the secondary component carrier (SCC). Another example is the cell corresponding to an additional PCI, i.e., a neighboring cell of the serving cell. An additional PCI can be called the PCI (physical cell identifier) ​​of a non-serving cell. It can also be a candidate cell, such as an L1 / L2-triggered mobility candidate cell (LTM candidate cell).

[0460] One or more event information, such as one or more event indexes, or an event table containing one or more events. For example, an event could be the aforementioned event 7.

[0461] In some possible implementations, method 800 also includes S810 before S840. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 12 Detailed introduction.

[0462] S810: The terminal device sends capability information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the capability information from the terminal device.

[0463] Capability information can be used to indicate the capabilities of a terminal device, and this capability information may include one or more of the following: Does the terminal device support the ability to report events?

[0464] Event information supported by the terminal device.

[0465] In this application, event-triggered reporting may also be referred to as event-triggered report, event-triggered CSI report, event-triggered CSI measurement report, event-triggered beam reporting, event-triggered beam measurement report, event-triggered measurement report, event-triggered beam report, event-triggered beam measurement result report, event-triggered measurement result report, or event-triggered interference measurement report, i.e., the foregoing terms are interchangeable. Event triggering can be interchanged with terminal-initiated or UE-initiated.

[0466] Regarding the determination of a terminal device's capabilities, if the terminal reports the capability information, it indicates that the terminal supports the capability; if the terminal does not report the capability information, it indicates that the terminal does not support the capability. Alternatively, if the terminal reports the capability information, it indicates that the terminal supports the capability; if the terminal reports that it does not support the capability, it indicates that the terminal does not support the capability. It is also possible that if a terminal device supports certain capabilities, then it must also support another capability, meaning that even if the terminal does not report a capability, it still indicates that the terminal device supports that capability. This application does not impose any limitations.

[0467] The following, combined with Figures 13 to 16 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in the embodiments. The descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0468] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0469] Figure 13 This is an exemplary block diagram of the communication device 10 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0470] like Figure 13 As shown, for example, the communication device 10 may include a chip system 110, a memory 120, a bus 130, a power management module 140, or a transceiver 150, etc.

[0471] The chip system 110 can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed through integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the chip system 110 or through software instructions.

[0472] By way of example and not limitation, chip system 110 may include circuitry or chips responsible for signal processing (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core).

[0473] Optionally, the chip system 110 may also include a memory (such as a cache) for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the chip system 110 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the chip system 110 has just used or that are used repeatedly. If the chip system 110 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can directly retrieve it from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the chip system 110, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0474] In some embodiments, the chip system 110 may include one or more interfaces. Interfaces may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM) interface, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc.

[0475] Memory 120 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 120 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described in this application.

[0476] Optionally, the code may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the embodiments of this application, such as instructions for sending measurement reports. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other types of memory. In some cases, the code may not be directly executable by the chip system 110, but may instead enable a computer (e.g., at compile and execution time) to perform the functions described in this application. In some cases, memory 120 may contain a basic I / O system that controls basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0477] For example, the chip system 110 executes various functional applications and data processing of the communication device 10 by running instructions stored in the memory 120. For instance, when the communication device 10 transfers files with other devices (which may also be terminals or access network devices), the chip system 110 of the communication device 10 can call the computer-executable program code stored in the memory 120 to implement the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0478] In addition, the memory 120 can be integrated into the chip system 110 or independent of the chip system 110.

[0479] For example, bus 130 may be USB for supporting communication between various parts of communication device 10.

[0480] The power management module 140 is used to receive charging input from the charger. Optionally, the power management module 140 can also supply power to the communication device 10 while charging it (e.g., the battery module of the communication device 10). By way of example and not limitation, the power management module 140 can also supply power to other devices besides the communication device 10.

[0481] Transceiver 150 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired links, or wireless links. For example, transceiver 150 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. Transceiver 150 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and for demodulating packets received from the antenna. Transceiver 150 may include a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver performing the function of receiving information and the transmitter performing the function of transmitting information.

[0482] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna. However, in other cases, a device may have more than one antenna, such as... Figure 13Antennas 1 and 2 shown may be capable of simultaneously transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. Exemplarily, antennas 1 and 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in communication device 10 can be used to cover one or more communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be multiplexed to improve antenna utilization. For example, antenna 1 can be multiplexed as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In some other embodiments, the antennas can be used in conjunction with a tuning switch. Communication device 10 can transfer files to other devices via wireless communication functions.

[0483] In one design, the communication device 10 may correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0484] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver 150 can be used to perform the transmission and reception related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, such as executing step S850 in the above method embodiments. The chip system 110 can be used to perform the processing related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, such as executing step S840 in the above method embodiments.

[0485] In another design, the communication device 10 may correspond to the network device in the above method embodiment.

[0486] The device 20 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the network device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver 150 can be used to perform transmit / receive related operations of the network device in the above method embodiments, such as executing step S850 of the above method embodiments. The chip system 110 can be used to perform processing related operations of the network device in the above method embodiments, such as S840.

[0487] In a design where the communication device 20 corresponds to a terminal device, the communication device 10 may include, for example: Figure 13 The short-range communication module 164, sensor 161, display 162, or camera 163 shown are examples of such modules.

[0488] The short-range communication module 164 may include modules that support short-range communication, such as WiFi and Bluetooth.

[0489] For example, sensor 161 may include pressure sensor, gyroscope sensor, barometric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, distance sensor, proximity sensor, fingerprint sensor, temperature sensor, touch sensor, ambient light sensor, bone conduction sensor, etc.

[0490] For example, display 162 is used to display images, videos, etc. The display includes a display panel. The display panel may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a mini light-emitting diode (LED), a microLED, a microOLED, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. For example, in this embodiment, the display can be used to display the interface required by the communication device 10. For example, the communication device 10 implements display functions through a graphics processing unit (GPU), a display, and an application processor. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing, connected to the display and the application processor. The GPU is used to perform mathematical and geometric calculations for graphics rendering. The chip system 110 may include one or more GPUs that execute program instructions to generate or modify display information.

[0491] For example, camera 163 is used to acquire images, videos, etc.

[0492] Understandable Figure 13 The structure shown does not constitute a specific limitation on the communication device 10. The specific structure of the terminal equipment and / or access network equipment can be referred to Figure 13 As shown. In some embodiments, the communication device 10 may also include a... Figure 13 This could mean having more or fewer components, combining some components, separating some components, or having different component arrangements. Or, Figure 13 Some of the components shown can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware. Terminal devices and / or access network devices can be implemented in… Figure 13 The components were added or removed based on the given structure.

[0493] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 20 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0494] like Figure 14As shown, the communication device 20 may include a baseband unit 210, which can communicate with external devices via a cellular radio frequency (RF) transceiver 220 (e.g., if the communication device 20 is a terminal device, the baseband unit 210 can communicate with access network devices via the cellular RF transceiver 220; or, if the communication device 20 is an access network device, the baseband unit 210 can communicate with terminal devices and / or core network devices via the cellular RF transceiver 220).

[0495] Exemplarily, baseband unit 210 may include a computer-readable medium / memory. Baseband unit 210 may be responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by baseband unit 304, the software causes baseband unit 210 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by baseband unit 210 during software execution.

[0496] Optionally, the baseband unit 210 further includes a receiving unit 201, a management unit 202, and a transmitting unit 203. The management unit 202 includes one or more of these components. Figure 14 The sub-units shown are examples of sub-units. For instance, a measurement sub-unit, which can be used to operate the measurement reference signal in the above method embodiments. Units within the management unit 201 can be stored in a computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within the baseband unit 210. The receiving unit 201 and the transmitting unit 203 can be referred to as transceiver units.

[0497] When the communication device 20 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 201 is used to execute the receiving step of the terminal device, the sending unit 203 is used to execute the sending step of the terminal device, and the management unit 202 is used to execute the processing step of the terminal device.

[0498] For example, when the communication device 20 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, the management unit 201 is used to measure B reference signals and obtain a measurement report, where B is a positive integer. The B reference signals include L reference signals associated with the R active Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states, where R is a positive integer and L is a positive integer. The measurement report includes first information, which is used to determine the signal quality relationship of some or all of the L reference signals. The sending unit 203 is used to send the measurement report.

[0499] For example, when the device 20 is used to perform Figure 12When the method is in use, the receiving unit 201 can be used to execute the step of receiving information in the method; the management unit 202 can be used to execute the processing step in the method; and the sending unit 203 can be used to execute the step of sending information in the method.

[0500] When the communication device 20 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 201 is used to perform the receiving step of the network device, the sending unit 203 is used to perform the sending step of the network device, and the management unit 202 is used to perform the processing step of the network device.

[0501] For example, when the communication device 20 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 201 is used to receive a measurement report, which is obtained by measuring B reference signals, where B is a positive integer. The B reference signals include L reference signals associated with the active R Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states, where R is a positive integer and L is a positive integer. The measurement report includes first information, which is used to determine the signal quality magnitude relationship of some or all of the reference signals among the L reference signals.

[0502] For example, when the device 20 is used to perform Figure 12 When the method is in use, the receiving unit 201 can be used to execute the step of receiving information in the method; the management unit 202 can be used to execute the processing step in the method; and the sending unit 203 can be used to execute the step of sending information in the method.

[0503] For a more detailed description of the receiving unit 201, management unit 202 and sending unit 203, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0504] As an example and not a limitation, the chip system in this application is as follows: Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 30 provided in the embodiments of this application. The chip system includes, but is not limited to, a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core.

[0505] from Figure 15 As can be seen, the chip system (or processing system) includes a processor 310, a memory 320, and an input / output interface 330.

[0506] The processor 310 can be a processing circuit in a chip system (including at least one processor, such as...). Figure 15(Shown as processor 1 and processor 2, etc.). Processor 310 can be coupled to memory 320, calling instructions in memory 320, so that the chip system can implement the methods and functions of the various embodiments of this application. Input / output interface 330 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, outputting information processed by the chip system, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing.

[0507] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0508] For example, processor 310 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments; input / output interface 330 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0509] As an example and not a limitation, the chip system in this application is as follows: Figure 16 As shown, Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 40 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0510] from Figure 16 As can be seen, the chip system (or processing system) includes an input / output interface 410 and logic circuits 420. The input / output interface 410 can be an input / output circuit within the chip system, outputting processed information or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing. For details, please refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments, for example, performing... Figure 12 The embodiment described above; the logic circuit 420 is used to execute the communication method described above, and can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiment for details.

[0511] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0512] For example, logic circuit 420 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 410 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0513] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0514] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the terminal device or network device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0515] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by a terminal device or a network device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0516] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned terminal device and network device.

[0517] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0518] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0519] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0520] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0521] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0522] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0523] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: measuring B reference signals to obtain a measurement report, B being a positive integer, the B reference signals comprising L reference signals associated with R activated transmission configuration indication (TCI) states, R being a positive integer, L being a positive integer, wherein the measurement report comprises first information used to determine a signal quality size relationship of part or all of the L reference signals; and sending the measurement report.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information used to determine the signal quality size relationship of part or all of the L reference signals comprises: The first information is used to determine a reference signal whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of a first reference signal among the L reference signals, wherein the first reference signal is a reference signal ranked in an Mth position in terms of signal quality among the L reference signals, M being a positive integer less than or equal to L.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information comprises X bits, X being a positive integer, wherein the first information is used to determine a reference signal whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of a first reference signal among the L reference signals, comprising: A first bit in the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one reference signal among the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first bit in the X bits is used to indicate whether the signal quality of at least one reference signal among the L reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, comprising: The first bit is used to indicate whether the signal quality of the at least one reference signal associated with a TCI state corresponding to a first code point is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal; or The R TCI states comprise T different TCI states, the first bit is used to indicate whether the at least one reference signal associated with one TCI state among the T different TCI states is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, T being a positive integer less than or equal to R; or The L reference signals comprise V different reference signals, the first bit is used to indicate whether one reference signal among the V different reference signals is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, V being a positive integer less than or equal to L.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein: The first bit is an xth bit in the X bits, and the first code point is an xth code point in X code points of the first signaling; or The first bit is an xth bit in the X bits, and the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is an xth TCI state among the R TCI states, R=X; or The first bit is an xth bit in the X bits, and the reference signal associated with the TCI state corresponding to the first code point is an xth reference signal among the L reference signals, L=X; or The first bit is an xth bit in the X bits, and the xth bit corresponds to an xth TCI state among the T different TCI states, T=X; or The first bit is an xth bit in the X bits, and the xth bit corresponds to an xth TCI state among the T different TCI states, T=X; or ​ ​ The first bit is an xth bit in the X bits, the xth bit corresponding to an xth reference signal in the V different reference signals, V=X; wherein x is a positive integer less than or equal to X.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information is used to determine reference signals in the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, including: The first information is used to indicate a first index, the first index being a reference signal index of the reference signals in the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, or, The first information is used to indicate a second index, the second index being a TCI state index of a TCI state associated with the reference signals in the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, or, The first information is used to indicate a third index, the third index being a codepoint index of a codepoint corresponding to the reference signals in the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information is used to determine reference signals in the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, including: The first information is used to indicate a fourth index, the fourth index being a reference signal index of the reference signals in the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, or, The first information is used to indicate a fifth index, the fifth index being a TCI state index of a TCI state associated with the reference signals in the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, or, The first information is used to indicate a sixth index, the sixth index being a codepoint index of a codepoint corresponding to the reference signals in the L reference signals whose signal quality is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein, in a case where M is less than or equal to Q, the first information is used to indicate the first index, or the second index, or the third index; or, in a case where M is greater than or equal to Q, the first information is used to indicate the fourth index, or the fifth index, or the sixth index; wherein, Q is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, Q=4, or, Q is half of a number of codepoints in the first signaling, or, Q is half of a number of different TCI states in the R TCI states, or Q is half of a number of different reference signals in the L reference signals. The first information is used to determine reference signals in the L reference signals whose signal quality is greater than or equal to the signal quality of the first reference signal, including:

10. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information is used to indicate indexes of the L reference signals, the indexes of the L reference signals being arranged in an order from high to low, or from low to high, according to the signal quality of the L reference signals. The measurement report further includes at least one of:

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, an index of the first reference signal; ​ a signal quality of the first reference signal; an index of the A reference signals; or a signal quality of the A reference signals; wherein the B reference signals comprise the A reference signals, A being a positive integer.

12. The method of any one of claims 6-11, wherein the indices of the L reference signals comprise reference signal indices or TCI state indices of the L reference signals, and the index of the first reference signal comprises a reference signal index or a TCI state index of the first reference signal; wherein the L reference signals comprise V different reference signals, and the reference signal indices are ordinal position indices of the V different reference signals; and / or the R TCI states comprise T different TCI states, and the TCI state indices are ordinal position indices of the T different TCI states.

13. The method of claim 5 or 9, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving the first signaling, the first signaling being used to activate the R TCI states, the first signaling comprising at least one codepoint, one codepoint of the at least one codepoint corresponding to at least one TCI state of the R TCI states.

14. A communication method, comprising: comprising: receiving a measurement report, the measurement report being obtained by measuring B reference signals, B being a positive integer, the B reference signals comprising L reference signals associated with R activated transmission configuration indication, TCI, states, R being a positive integer, L being a positive integer, wherein the measurement report comprises first information, the first information being used to determine a signal quality size relationship of some or all of the L reference signals.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The method further comprises: sending first signaling, the first signaling being used to activate the R TCI states, the first signaling comprising at least one codepoint, one codepoint of the at least one codepoint corresponding to at least one TCI state of the R TCI states.

16. A communications device, characterized by comprising at least one module or at least one unit configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-15.

17. A communications device, characterized by comprising: a processor configured to cause the method of any one of claims 1-15 to be performed by executing computer programs or instructions.

18. The communication apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The communication apparatus further comprises a memory configured to store the computer programs or the instructions.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon computer programs or instructions which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-15 to be performed.

20. A computer program product, characterised in that, comprising computer programs or instructions which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-15 to be performed.

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