Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, which can realize that terminal equipment sends a sidelink positioning reference signal or receives the sidelink positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of an unlicensed spectrum. The method comprises: a first terminal device sending capability information to an access network device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports sending and / or receiving a sidelink positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of an unlicensed spectrum; the access network device receives capability information from the first terminal device and sends configuration information to the first terminal device, the configuration information indicates a first resource used for sending and / or receiving the sidelink positioning reference signal, and the first resource is a resource in a shared resource pool of an unlicensed spectrum; and the first terminal equipment receives the configuration information from the access network equipment.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] To meet the positioning needs of indoor or vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios, 3GPP Release 18 introduced sidelink (SL) positioning between terminal devices. In SL positioning scenarios, terminal devices need to transmit sidelink-positioning reference signals (SL-PRS), and may also need to transmit positioning-related information, such as positioning-related auxiliary data, capability information, SL PRS configuration information, measurement results, location information, and connection control information. Other data may also need to be transmitted between terminal devices.

[0003] In SL positioning scenarios, since terminal devices need to transmit SL PRS, they can use side-line granted resources (SL grant) from the dedicated SL PRS resource pool or from the shared resource pool on the licensed spectrum. The dedicated SL PRS resource pool is specifically for SL PRS transmission; the shared resource pool can be used for both SL PRS and data transmission. Currently, the question of how terminal devices can transmit SL PRS on the shared resource pool in the unlicensed spectrum urgently needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that enables terminal devices to transmit or receive SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first terminal device or a chip or chip system in the first terminal device. The method includes: sending capability information to an access network device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; and receiving configuration information from the access network device, the configuration information indicating a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving the sidelink positioning reference signals, the first resource being a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0006] Based on the above technical solution, the terminal device (first terminal device) reports its capability information to the access network device, indicating its ability to transmit and / or receive SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The access network device then sends configuration information to the terminal device based on this capability information. This configuration information indicates a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving SL-PRS, which the terminal device can utilize to transmit or receive SL-PRS. Therefore, this solution allows the access network device to determine whether the terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, thereby enabling the terminal device to transmit or receive SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, after sending capability information to the access network device, the method further includes: receiving indication information from the access network device, the indication information instructing the first terminal device to use resources in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to send and / or receive the sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0008] For example, after receiving configuration information, the first terminal device receives indication information from the access network device. The first terminal device can then use the first resource indicated by the configuration information to send and / or receive SL-PRS according to the indication information. Alternatively, before receiving configuration information, the first terminal device receives indication information from the access network device. The first terminal device can then use resources in the shared resource pool to send and / or receive SL-PRS according to the indication information.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the capability information to the access network device, the method further includes: receiving first capability request information from the access network device, wherein the first capability request information is used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, some implementations of the first aspect further include: sending the capability information to the second terminal device. Based on this optional implementation, the second terminal device can know whether the first terminal device supports sending and / or receiving SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, thereby enabling sidelink positioning between the first and second terminal devices. For example, if the capability information sent by the first terminal device to the second terminal device indicates that the first terminal device supports receiving SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, then the second terminal device can send SL-PRS to the first terminal device, and the first terminal device can determine the location of the second terminal device based on the SL-PRS sent by the second terminal device.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the capability information to the second terminal device, the method further includes: receiving second capability request information from the second terminal device, wherein the second capability request information is used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, after receiving the configuration information from the access network device, the method further includes: sending the sidelink positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource. Based on this optional implementation, the second terminal device can determine the location of the first terminal device according to the SL-PRS sent by the first terminal device.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the sidelink positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource, the method further includes: sending first-level sidelink control information (SCI) to the second terminal device, wherein the first-level SCI is used to indicate the resource of the second-level SCI; and sending a second-level SCI to the second terminal device on the resource of the second-level SCI, wherein the second-level SCI is used to indicate the first resource. For example, the format of the first-level SCI is SCI format 1-A, and the format of the second-level SCI is SCI format 2-D. Based on this implementation, the first terminal device indicates the resource of the second-level SCI through the first-level SCI, for example, the first terminal device indicates the resource of SCI format 2-D through SCI format 1-A, and the second-level SCI indicates the first resource used to send the sidelink positioning reference signal, wherein the first resource is a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, thereby enabling the first terminal device to send the sidelink positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0014] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access network device or a chip or chip system in the access network device. The method includes: receiving capability information from a first terminal device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; and, based on the capability information, sending configuration information to the first terminal device, the configuration information indicating a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving the sidelink positioning reference signals, the first resource being a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0015] The method provided in the second aspect is the access network device-side method corresponding to the first aspect, and its beneficial effects can be referred to the first aspect.

[0016] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, after receiving the capability information from the first terminal device, the method further includes: sending indication information to the first terminal device, the indication information instructing the first terminal device to use resources in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to send and / or receive the sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0017] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, before receiving the capability information from the first terminal device, the method further includes: sending first capability request information to the first terminal device, wherein the first capability request information is used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0018] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second terminal device or a chip or chip system in the second terminal device. The method includes: receiving capability information from a first terminal device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; and receiving the sidelink positioning reference signals from the first terminal device on a first resource, the first resource being a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0019] The method provided in the third aspect is the method on the second terminal device side corresponding to the first aspect, and its beneficial effects can be referred to the first aspect.

[0020] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, before receiving the capability information from the first terminal device, the method further includes: sending second capability request information to the second terminal device, wherein the second capability request information is used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0021] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, before receiving the sidelink positioning reference signal from the first terminal device on the first resource, the method further includes: receiving a first-level SCI from the first terminal device, the first-level SCI being used to indicate the resource of the second-level SCI; and receiving a second-level SCI from the first terminal device on the resource of the second-level SCI, the second-level SCI being used to indicate the first resource.

[0022] Fourthly, a communication device is provided that can be applied to the first terminal device described in the first aspect. The communication device includes: a transceiver module for sending capability information to an access network device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports sending and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0023] The transceiver module is further configured to receive configuration information from the access network device, the configuration information indicating a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving the sidelink positioning reference signal, the first resource being a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0024] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to receive indication information from the access network device, the indication information instructing the first terminal device to use resources in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit and / or receive the sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0025] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first capability request information from the access network device, wherein the first capability request information is used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0026] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to send the capability information to the second terminal device.

[0027] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to receive second capability request information from the second terminal device, the second capability request information being used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0028] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to send the sidelink positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource.

[0029] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to: send a first-level side link control information (SCI) to the second terminal device, wherein the first-level SCI is used to indicate the resources of the second-level SCI; and, on the resources of the second-level SCI, send a second-level SCI to the second terminal device, wherein the second-level SCI is used to indicate the first resource.

[0030] Fifthly, a communication device is provided that can be applied in the access network equipment described in the second aspect. The communication device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive capability information from a first terminal device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; the transceiver module is further configured to, based on the capability information, transmit configuration information to the first terminal device, the configuration information indicating a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving the sidelink positioning reference signals, the first resource being a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0031] Optionally, the communication device further includes a processing module for allocating the first resource.

[0032] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to send indication information to the first terminal device, the indication information instructing the first terminal device to use resources in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to send and / or receive the sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0033] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to send a first capability request information to the first terminal device, wherein the first capability request information is used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided that can be applied to the second terminal device described in the third aspect. The communication device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive capability information from a first terminal device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; the transceiver module is further configured to receive the sidelink positioning reference signals from the first terminal device on a first resource, the first resource being a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0035] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to send a second capability request information to the second terminal device, the second capability request information being used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0036] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive a first-level SCI from the first terminal device, the first-level SCI being used to indicate the resources of the second-level SCI; and, on the resources of the second-level SCI, receive a second-level SCI from the first terminal device, the second-level SCI being used to indicate the first resource.

[0037] A seventh aspect provides a communication device comprising: a processor configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication device further comprises an interface circuit configured to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices.

[0038] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication device further comprises an interface circuit configured to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices.

[0039] A ninth aspect provides a communication device comprising: a processor configured to implement the method as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication device further comprises an interface circuit configured to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices.

[0040] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system including a first terminal device for performing the method as described in the first aspect, an access network device for performing the method as described in the second aspect, and a second terminal device for performing the method as described in the third aspect.

[0041] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable medium storing a computer program; when the computer program is run by a processor, the methods of the first to third aspects and any possible implementation thereof are executed.

[0042] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed, causes the methods of the first and second aspects and any possible implementation thereof to be performed.

[0043] The solutions provided in aspects four through twelfth above are used to implement or cooperate with the methods provided in aspect one, aspect two, or aspect three above, and therefore can achieve the same or corresponding beneficial effects as aspect one, aspect two, or aspect three, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of application scenarios for SL positioning;

[0046] Figure 3 This is an example diagram of an open radio access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system;

[0047] Figure 4A schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figures 8 to 10 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solution provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] The embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as sidelink communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) systems, global system for mobile communications (GSM) systems, enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE) systems, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) systems, code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000) systems, time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, satellite communication systems, 5th generation (5G) systems, or future communication network systems, etc.

[0054] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of this application can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, specifically referring to a subscriber unit, user equipment (UE), access terminal, cellular phone, user station, mobile station (MS), customer-premises equipment (CPE), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device can also be a satellite phone, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, tablet computer, wireless modem, laptop computer, machine-type communication (MTC) device, and wireless terminal in self-driving vehicles, etc. Terminal devices can also be cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, communication devices mounted on high-altitude aircraft, drones, robots, point-of-sale (POS) machines, terminals in device-to-device (D2D) communication, terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. Wireless terminals in the home (or terminal equipment in future communication networks), etc. Among these, user equipment includes vehicle user equipment.With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, an increasing number of devices that previously lacked communication capabilities—such as, but not limited to, home appliances, vehicles, tools, service equipment, and service facilities—are acquiring wireless communication functionality by being equipped with wireless communication units. This allows them to access wireless communication networks and be remotely controlled. Because these devices are equipped with wireless communication units and thus possess wireless communication capabilities, they also fall under the category of wireless communication devices. This application does not impose any limitations.

[0055] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; or it can be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0056] The network devices involved in this application embodiment are devices in a wireless network, such as radio access network (RAN) nodes that connect terminal devices to the wireless network. Network devices can be nodes in the RAN, also known as base stations, or RAN nodes (or devices). Network devices can be base transceiver stations (BTS) in GSM or CDMA networks, Node Bs (NBs) in WCDMA, evolved Node Bs (eNBs or eNodeBs) in LTE, or next-generation node Bs (gNBs) in 5G networks; network devices can be base stations in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), or access devices in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP); network devices can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. Optionally, the network devices in this application embodiment may include various forms of base stations, such as: relay stations, access points, devices that implement base station functions in communication systems evolved after 5G, mobile switching centers, home evolved NodeBs (HNBs), baseband units (BBUs), devices that perform base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication, access points (APs), wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission points (TPs), or transmission and reception points (TRPs) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, devices that perform base station functions in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and may also include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) in CRAN systems, and network devices in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems.The network device in this application embodiment can also be a gNB or transmission point in new radio (NR), one or a group (including multiple) of antenna panels of a base station in NR, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point. Alternatively, the network device can be an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, or a network device in a future communication network, or a network device in a future evolved PLMN network, or a network device deployed on a satellite. This application embodiment does not limit this. Furthermore, based on the size of the service coverage area provided, base stations can be divided into macro base stations for providing macro cells, micro base stations for providing pico cells, and femto base stations for providing femto cells. With the continuous evolution of wireless communication technology, future base stations may also adopt other names.

[0057] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the network device can be the network device itself; or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0058] To facilitate understanding of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the system architecture of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. It is understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the solutions of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. This system architecture can be used for the positioning of terminal devices in a 5G core network. The system architecture includes the following network elements.

[0060] (1) Location management function (LMF): A device or component deployed in the core network to provide location functions for terminal devices; it can be connected to the enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) and the service location protocol (SLP).

[0061] (2) Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): This AMF can be used to control the access and mobility of terminal devices. In practical applications, it includes the access and mobility management functions in the mobility management entity (MME) of the LTE network framework, and adds access management functions. Specifically, it can be responsible for terminal device registration, mobility management, tracking area update procedures, reachability detection, selection of session management network elements, and mobile state transition management. For example, in 5G, the access and mobility management network element can be an AMF network element; in future communication networks, the access and mobility management network element can still be an AMF network element, or it may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0062] (3) Terminal equipment: including various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication capabilities.

[0063] (4) Next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN): including next-generation LTE base stations (next-generation eNodeB, ng-eNB) and 5G base stations (gNodeB, gNB).

[0064] ng-eNB: A device or apparatus deployed in a radio access network that meets 4G standards to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. ng-eNB can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, and vehicle-mounted devices. ng-eNB can also be a TRP (Transportation Reference Point).

[0065] gNB: A device or apparatus deployed in a radio access network that meets 5G standards to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. gNB can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, and vehicle-mounted devices. gNB can also be a TRP (Transmission Measurement Function) or a TMF (Transmission Measurement Function). gNB can include a central unit (CU) and a DU (Digital Unit) integrated on the gNB.

[0066] Figure 2This diagram illustrates application scenarios for SL (Sidelink) positioning. In Scenario 1, two terminal devices (sidelink users) in a scenario without network coverage achieve mutual positioning, such as ranging or angle measurement, by sending SL PRS (Sidelink Predictive Signals). In Scenario 2, a terminal device achieves sidelink positioning by receiving SL PRS from multiple roadside units (RSUs). In Scenario 3, two terminal devices within network coverage, under the control of the base station, achieve mutual ranging or angle measurement by sending SL PRS, and transmit the measurement results to the LMF (Local Multi-Function) in the core network via the base station.

[0067] An RSU is a roadside unit deployed along the roadside that conforms to sidelink communication / location protocols and provides wireless communication functionality for terminal devices. An RSU can be various forms of roadside sites, access points, sidelink devices, etc.

[0068] Figure 3 This is an example diagram of an open radio access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, which may include... Figure 3 Other components besides those shown. For example... Figure 3 As shown, access network devices (such as eNB, gNB, or next-generation access network devices) communicate with the core network (CN) via backhaul links and with terminal devices via air interfaces.

[0069] Specifically, the baseband unit (BBU) in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, and the radio unit (RU) in the access network equipment communicates with at least one terminal device via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located.

[0070] The BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one DU, which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0071] There is an interface between the DU and RU. Depending on the functions of the DU and RU, and / or the different switching methods, the interface between the DU and RU can be a common public radio interface (CPRI) or an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI).

[0072] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions related to the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below.

[0073] 1. SCI format

[0074] In NR sidelink communication, SCI includes a first-level SCI and a second-level SCI. The first-level SCI is carried on the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), and the second-level SCI is carried on the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH).

[0075] The first-level SCI includes a format, SCI format 1-A. The fields included in SCI format 1-A are: priority value, frequency domain resource allocation, time domain resource allocation, resource reservation period, demodulation reference signal (DMRS) mode, second-level SCI format, beta-offset indicator, DMRS port number indicator, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), MCS table indicator, PSFCH overhead indicator, and reserved bits.

[0076] The second level of SCI includes four formats: SCI Format 2-A, SCI Format 2-B, SCI Format 2-C, and SCI Format 2-D.

[0077] The fields included in SCI format 2-A are: number of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes, new data indicator (NDI), redundancy version (RV), source ID, destination ID, HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator, cast type indicator, and channel state information (CSI) request.

[0078] The fields included in SCI format 2-B are: HARQ process count, NDI, RV, source ID, destination ID, HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator, zone identity (zone ID), and communication range requirement.

[0079] The fields included in SCI format 2-C are: HARQ process count, new data indication, redundant version, source ID, destination ID, HARQ feedback enable / disable indication, CSI request, and provide / request indication.

[0080] The fields included in SCI Format 2-D are: SL-PRS Resource ID, SL-PRS Request, Embedded SCI Format, and Embedded SCI Format Payload.

[0081] In current SL positioning technology, SL-PRS resources are indicated by SCI format 1-A and SCI format 2-D. SCI format 1-A is used to schedule PSSCH and the second-level SCI of PSSCH, while SCI format 2-D is used to indicate SL-PRS resources and information for traditional SL communication. Table 1 shows the values ​​of the second-level SCI format fields corresponding to different second-level SCI formats.

[0082] Table 1

[0083] Values ​​of the second-level SCI format field Second-tier SCI format 00 SCI Format 2-A 01 SCI Format 2-B 10 SCI Format 2-C 11 SCI Format 2-D

[0084] 2. Unlicensed spectrum and listen-before-talk (LBT) technology

[0085] The spectrum resources used by terminal devices are divided into licensed spectrum and unlicensed spectrum. Licensed spectrum can only be used by certain organizations or operators; unlicensed spectrum is shared spectrum and can be used by different operators / organizations. To ensure fairness in the use of unlicensed spectrum, terminal devices and network devices need to perform a Level By-Block (LBT) process before transmitting data. The LBT process can be understood as a channel access process.

[0086] Generally, LBT (Local Broadcasting) is performed at the channel level, for example, a channel with a bandwidth of 20MHz. Before transmitting a signal (data signal) on the first channel, the communication device can first detect whether the first channel is idle. For example, it can detect whether a nearby communication device is occupying the first channel to transmit a signal. This detection process can be called a clear channel assessment (CCA) process or a channel access process. Specifically, the channel access process includes a first type of channel access process and a second type of channel access process. The communication device in the embodiments of this application can be a terminal device or a network device.

[0087] The first type of channel access process can be called a fixed-duration channel access process. For a certain bandwidth, the communication device detects the energy of the received signal within a fixed duration. If the energy of the received signal is less than or equal to a first preset threshold, the channel is considered idle, and the communication device can use the idle channel to transmit data; otherwise, the communication device considers the channel busy, and the communication device does not use the busy channel to transmit data.

[0088] The second type of channel access procedure can be called a backoff-based channel access procedure. For a given bandwidth, a window is defined, which specifies a range of values ​​for the number of time slots used for energy detection of the received signal. The communication device randomly selects a value A from this range. If the communication device determines that at least A time slots are idle through energy detection, it considers the channel idle and can use the idle channel to transmit data; otherwise, the communication device considers the channel busy and does not use the busy channel to transmit data. Specifically, if the energy of the signal received by the communication device within a fixed duration in each of the at least A time slots is less than or equal to a second preset threshold, the channel is considered idle. The first and second preset thresholds can be predefined, and there is no restrictive relationship between them. The first and second preset thresholds can be the same or different. This application does not limit this.

[0089] There are two possible outcomes when performing a channel access procedure: channel access complete or channel access incomplete. A successful channel access procedure (LBT) is referred to as a successful LBT, while an incomplete LBT is referred to as a failed LBT. Within the time-frequency resources used for data transmission, there are multiple time-domain start positions. If the channel is determined to be idle before any time-domain start position, the channel access procedure can be considered complete; if the channel is determined to be busy before all time-domain start positions, the channel access procedure can be considered incomplete.

[0090] In summary, in scenarios where the base station schedules uplink resources for the terminal device, the terminal device can directly use the uplink resources for uplink transmission. However, in scenarios where the base station schedules uplink resources for the terminal device, the terminal device needs to perform LBT (Local Bit Bypass) on the uplink resources. Only after the LBT is successful can the terminal device use the uplink resources for uplink transmission. Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating uplink transmission based on unlicensed spectrum. It should be understood that if the terminal device performs an LBT (Local Level Bypass) on this uplink resource and the LBT fails, the uplink resource cannot be used.

[0091] 3. Shared resource pool

[0092] In SL positioning scenarios, since terminal devices need to transmit SL PRS, they can use either the dedicated SL grant resource pool or the shared resource pool. The dedicated SL grant resource pool is specifically for transmitting SL PRS; the shared resource pool can be used for both SL PRS and data transmission. For a single SL grant, the same terminal device can only send information to one peer terminal device. For example, with a dedicated resource pool, the same terminal device can use one SL grant from the dedicated pool to transmit SL PRS to one peer terminal device. Similarly, with a shared resource pool, the same terminal device can use one SL grant from the shared pool to transmit both SL PRS and data to one peer terminal device; it can also use one SL grant from the shared pool to transmit SL PRS without transmitting data; and it can also use one SL grant from the shared pool to transmit data without transmitting SL PRS. Different terminal devices can choose different uses for the SLgrants in the shared resource pool; for example, terminal device 1 can choose an SL grant in the shared resource pool to transmit SLPRS, while terminal device 2 can choose an SL grant in the same shared resource pool to transmit data. Compared to a dedicated resource pool that does not support data transmission, a shared resource pool can support both SL PRS and data transmission.

[0093] Currently, whether terminal devices support the transmission of SL PRS on the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum is unknown from the network side. Therefore, the question of how terminal devices can transmit SL PRS on the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum urgently needs to be addressed. Transmitting SL PRS includes sending and / or receiving SL PRS.

[0094] Therefore, this application proposes a communication method that enables terminal devices to send or receive SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0095] Figure 4This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the term "first terminal device" in this application can refer to the first terminal device itself, a component within the first 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 first terminal device. Similarly, the term "second terminal device" can refer to the second terminal device itself, a component within the second 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 second terminal device. Likewise, the term "access network device" can refer to the access network device itself, a component within the access 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 access network device.

[0096] S410, the first terminal device sends capability information to the access network device, indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the capability information from the first terminal device. For example, the first terminal device sends the capability information to the access network device via a radio resource control (RRC) message or a sidelink message carrying the field "SidelinkUEInformationNR," where the sidelink message is a message used in the sidelink positioning protocol (SLPP).

[0097] For example, the capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; or, the capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; or, the capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports both transmitting and receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0098] Optionally, before the first terminal device sends capability information to the access network device, the access network device sends a first capability request information to the first terminal device. The first capability request information is used to request whether the first terminal device can support transmitting and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first capability request information from the access network device.

[0099] For example, the first capability request information is used to request whether the first terminal device can support transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The capability information sent by the first terminal device to the access network device indicates that the first terminal device supports transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0100] For example, the first capability request information is used to request whether the first terminal device can support receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The capability information sent by the first terminal device to the access network device indicates that the first terminal device supports receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0101] For example, the first capability request information is used to request information on whether the first terminal device can support transmitting and receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; the capability information sent by the first terminal device to the access network device indicates that the first terminal device supports transmitting and receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, or that the first terminal device supports transmitting side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, or that the first terminal device supports receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0102] S420, after the access network device receives capability information from the first terminal device, the access network device sends configuration information to the first terminal device based on the capability information. This configuration information indicates a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving side-side walkway positioning reference signals. This first resource is a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the configuration information from the access network device.

[0103] It should be noted that the shared resource pool indicated by the capability information and the shared resource pool where the first resource indicated by the configuration information is located can be the same shared resource pool or different shared resource pools; for example, the resources in the shared resource pool indicated by the capability information include the resources in the shared resource pool indicated by the configuration information.

[0104] For example, the capability information indicates support for transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, and the configuration information indicates a first resource for transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals.

[0105] For example, capability information indicates support for receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, and configuration information indicates a first resource for receiving side-link positioning reference signals.

[0106] For example, the capability information indicates support for transmitting and receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; the configuration information indicates a first resource for transmitting and receiving side-link positioning reference signals, in other words, the first resource indicated by the configuration information can be used for transmitting side-link positioning reference signals or for receiving side-link positioning reference signals.

[0107] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, a terminal device (first terminal device) reports its capability information to an access network device, indicating its ability to transmit and / or receive SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The access network device then sends configuration information to the terminal device based on this capability information. This configuration information indicates a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving SL-PRS, which the terminal device can utilize to transmit or receive SL-PRS. Therefore, this solution allows the access network device to know whether the terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, thereby enabling the terminal device to transmit or receive SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0108] Optionally, in step S430, after the access network device receives capability information from the first terminal device, the access network device sends indication information to the first terminal device, which instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit and / or receive the downlink positioning reference signal. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the indication information from the access network device.

[0109] Optionally, step S430 can be performed before or after step S420. If step S430 is performed before step S420, the first terminal device can send and / or receive SL-PRS using resources in the shared resource pool according to the indication information. If step S430 is performed after step S420, the first terminal device can send and / or receive SL-PRS using the first resource indicated by the configuration information according to the indication information.

[0110] It should be noted that the shared resource pool indicated by the instruction information and the shared resource pool indicated by the capability information can be the same shared resource pool or different shared resource pools; for example, the resources in the shared resource pool indicated by the capability information include the resources in the shared resource pool indicated by the instruction information. The shared resource pool indicated by the instruction information and the shared resource pool indicated by the configuration information can be the same shared resource pool or different shared resource pools.

[0111] For example, the capability information indicates support for transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, and the indication information instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit sidelink positioning reference signals.

[0112] For example, the capability information indicates support for receiving a side-link positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. This information instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to receive the side-link positioning reference signal.

[0113] For example, the capability information indicates support for transmitting and receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; the indication information instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit and receive side-link positioning reference signals. In other words, the indication information instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit side-link positioning reference signals, and also to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to receive side-link positioning reference signals.

[0114] Optionally, in step S440, the first terminal device sends capability information to the second terminal device, indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the capability information from the first terminal device. For example, the first terminal device sends the capability information to the second terminal device via a sidelink message carrying the field "UECapabilityInformationSidelink".

[0115] It should be noted that step S440 can be executed before step S410, step S440 can be executed after step S410, or step S440 can be executed simultaneously with step S410. This application does not limit this.

[0116] Based on this optional implementation, the second terminal device can know whether the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, thereby enabling sidelink positioning between the first and second terminal devices. For example, if the capability information sent by the first terminal device to the second terminal device indicates that the first terminal device supports receiving SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, then the second terminal device can send SL-PRS to the first terminal device, and the first terminal device can determine the location of the second terminal device based on the SL-PRS sent by the second terminal device.

[0117] Optionally, before the first terminal device sends capability information to the second terminal device, the second terminal device sends second capability request information to the first terminal device. This second capability request information requests information on whether the first terminal device can support transmitting and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the second capability request information from the second terminal device.

[0118] For example, the second capability request information is used to request whether the first terminal device can support transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The capability information sent by the first terminal device to the second terminal device indicates that the first terminal device supports transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0119] For example, the second capability request information is used to request whether the first terminal device can support receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The capability information sent by the first terminal device to the second terminal device indicates that the first terminal device supports receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0120] For example, the second capability request information is used to request information on whether the first terminal device can support transmitting and receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; the capability information sent by the first terminal device to the second terminal device indicates that the first terminal device supports transmitting and receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, or that the first terminal device supports transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, or that the first terminal device supports receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0121] Optionally, in step S450, if the first terminal device supports transmitting a sidelink positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, after receiving configuration information from the access network device (after step S420), the first terminal device transmits a sidelink positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource; correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the sidelink positioning reference signal from the first terminal device on the first resource. Based on this optional implementation, the second terminal device can determine the location of the first terminal device according to the SL-PRS transmitted by the first terminal device.

[0122] For example, configuration information indicates a first resource for transmitting a sidelink positioning reference signal; the first terminal device transmits the sidelink positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource.

[0123] For example, the first resource indicated by the configuration information can be used to send a side traversal positioning reference signal or to receive a side traversal positioning reference signal; the first terminal device sends a side traversal positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource.

[0124] Optionally, before the first terminal device sends a sidelink positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource, the first terminal device sends a first-level SCI to the second terminal device. This first-level SCI indicates the resource for the second-level SCI. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the first-level SCI from the first terminal device. Then, the first terminal device sends a second-level SCI to the second terminal device on the resource for the second-level SCI. This second-level SCI indicates the first resource. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the second-level SCI from the first terminal device. For example, the format of the first-level SCI is SCI format 1-A, and the format of the second-level SCI is SCI format 2-D. Based on this implementation, the first terminal device indicates the resource for the second-level SCI through the first-level SCI. For example, the first terminal device indicates the resource for SCI format 2-D through SCI format 1-A. The second-level SCI indicates the first resource for sending the sidelink positioning reference signal, and the first resource is a resource in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. This enables the first terminal device to send the sidelink positioning reference signal on the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0125] Optionally, the first terminal device supports receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. After the first terminal device receives configuration information from the access network device (after step S420), the first terminal device receives sidelink positioning reference signals from the second terminal device on the first resource.

[0126] Optionally, before the first terminal device receives a sidelink positioning reference signal from the second terminal device on the first resource, the second terminal device sends a first-level SCI to the first terminal device. This first-level SCI indicates the resource of the second-level SCI. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first-level SCI from the second terminal device. Then, on the resource of the second-level SCI, the second terminal device sends a second-level SCI to the first terminal device. This second-level SCI indicates the first resource. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the second-level SCI from the second terminal device. In this optional implementation, the second terminal device supports transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, and the access network device also configures the first resource for the second terminal device.

[0127] Figure 5This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, a terminal device (first terminal device) reports its capability information to the LMF (Local Management Provider) to support the transmission and / or reception of SL-PRS on a shared resource pool in unlicensed spectrum. Based on this capability information, the LMF sends a request message to the access network device, requesting the access network device to configure resources for the first terminal device for transmitting and / or receiving crosslink positioning reference signals. Based on the request message, the access network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, indicating a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving SL-PRS. The terminal device can utilize this first resource to transmit or receive SL-PRS. Therefore, this embodiment allows the LMF and the access network device to know whether the terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving SL-PRS on a shared resource pool in unlicensed spectrum, thereby enabling the terminal device to transmit or receive SL-PRS on a shared resource pool in unlicensed spectrum.

[0128] S510, the first terminal device sends capability information to the LMF, indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the LMF receives the capability information from the first terminal device. For example, the first terminal device sends the capability information to the LMF via an RRC message or a sidelink message carrying the field "SidelinkUEInformationNR".

[0129] For example, the capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; or, the capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; or, the capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports both transmitting and receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0130] Optionally, before the first terminal device sends capability information to the LMF, the first terminal device receives third capability request information from the LMF. This third capability request information is used to request whether the first terminal device can support transmitting and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the third capability request information from the LMF.

[0131] For example, the third capability request information is used to request whether the first terminal device can support transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The capability information sent by the first terminal device to the LMF indicates that the first terminal device supports transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0132] For example, the third capability request information is used to request whether the first terminal device can support receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The capability information sent by the first terminal device to the LMF indicates that the first terminal device supports receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0133] For example, the third capability request information is used to request information on whether the first terminal device can support transmitting and receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; the capability information sent by the first terminal device to the LMF indicates that the first terminal device supports transmitting and receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, or that the first terminal device supports transmitting side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, or that the first terminal device supports receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0134] S520, after the LMF receives the capability information from the first terminal device, the LMF sends a request message to the access network device. The request message is used to request the access network device to configure resources for the first terminal device for transmitting and / or receiving side link positioning reference signals; correspondingly, the access network device receives the request message from the LMF.

[0135] S530, after the access network device receives a request message from the LMF, the access network device sends configuration information to the first terminal device, the configuration information indicating a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving the hop-side link positioning reference signal; correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the configuration information from the access network device.

[0136] For example, the capability information indicates support for transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The request message is used to request the access network device to configure resources for the first terminal device to transmit sidelink positioning reference signals. This configuration information indicates a first resource for transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals. Optionally, in S540, the first terminal device sends capability information to the second terminal device, indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the capability information from the first terminal device.

[0137] It should be noted that step S540 can be executed before step S510, step S540 can be executed after step S510, or step S540 can be executed simultaneously with step S510. This application does not limit this.

[0138] Optionally, before the first terminal device sends capability information to the second terminal device, the second terminal device sends second capability request information to the first terminal device. This second capability request information requests information on whether the first terminal device can support transmitting and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the second capability request information from the second terminal device.

[0139] Optionally, in step S550, if the first terminal device supports transmitting a sidelink positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, after receiving configuration information from the access network device, the first terminal device transmits a sidelink positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource; correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the sidelink positioning reference signal from the first terminal device on the first resource. The second terminal device can determine the location of the first terminal device based on the SL-PRS transmitted by the first terminal device.

[0140] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, a terminal device (first terminal device) reports its capability information to an access network device, indicating its ability to transmit and / or receive SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. The access network device then sends indication information to the terminal device based on this capability information. This indication information instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit and / or receive side-link positioning reference signals. The terminal device can use the resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit or receive SL-PRS via sensing. Therefore, this embodiment enables the access network device to know whether the terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, thereby enabling the terminal device to transmit or receive SL-PRS on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0141] S610, the first terminal device sends capability information to the access network device, indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the capability information from the first terminal device.

[0142] For example, the capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; or, the capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; or, the capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports both transmitting and receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0143] Optionally, before the first terminal device sends capability information to the access network device, the access network device sends a first capability request information to the first terminal device. The first capability request information is used to request whether the first terminal device can support transmitting and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first capability request information from the access network device.

[0144] S620, after the access network device receives capability information from the first terminal device, the access network device sends indication information to the first terminal device, which instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit and / or receive the downlink positioning reference signal. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the indication information from the access network device.

[0145] For example, the capability information indicates support for transmitting sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, and the indication information instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit sidelink positioning reference signals.

[0146] For example, the capability information indicates support for receiving a side-link positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. This information instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to receive the side-link positioning reference signal.

[0147] For example, the capability information indicates support for transmitting and receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; the indication information instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit and receive side-link positioning reference signals. In other words, the indication information instructs the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit side-link positioning reference signals, and also to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to receive side-link positioning reference signals.

[0148] Optionally, in step S630, the first terminal device sends capability information to the second terminal device, indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the capability information from the first terminal device.

[0149] It should be noted that step S630 can be executed before step S610, step S630 can be executed after step S610, or step S630 can be executed simultaneously with step S610. This application does not limit this.

[0150] Optionally, before the first terminal device sends capability information to the second terminal device, the second terminal device sends second capability request information to the first terminal device. This second capability request information requests information on whether the first terminal device can support transmitting and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the second capability request information from the second terminal device.

[0151] Optionally, in step S640, if the first terminal device supports transmitting a sidelink positioning reference signal (SL-PRS) on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum, after receiving indication information from the access network device, the first terminal device selects an SL resource in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum by listening, and transmits a SL-PRS to the second terminal device on the selected SL resource; correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the SL-PRS from the first terminal device. The second terminal device can determine the location of the first terminal device based on the SL-PRS transmitted by the first terminal device.

[0152] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described above. The execution subject for performing the above communication method will be described below.

[0153] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 according to an embodiment of this application. This device can be applied to embodiments of this application. Figure 4 , Figure 5 ,or Figure 6 In the first terminal device of the method, the communication device 700 includes:

[0154] The transceiver module 710 is used to send capability information to the access network device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving side-link positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum;

[0155] The transceiver module 710 is further configured to receive configuration information from the access network device, the configuration information indicating a first resource for transmitting and / or receiving the side link positioning reference signal, the first resource being a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0156] Optionally, the transceiver module 710 is further configured to receive indication information from the access network device, the indication information instructing the first terminal device to use resources in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to transmit and / or receive the sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0157] Optionally, the transceiver module 710 is further configured to receive first capability request information from the access network device, wherein the first capability request information is used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0158] Optionally, the transceiver module 710 is further configured to send the capability information to the second terminal device.

[0159] Optionally, the transceiver module 710 is further configured to receive second capability request information from the second terminal device, the second capability request information being used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0160] Optionally, the transceiver module 710 is further configured to send the sidelink positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource.

[0161] Optionally, the transceiver module 710 is further configured to:

[0162] Send a first-level side link control information (SCI) to the second terminal device. The first-level SCI is used to indicate the resources of the second-level SCI.

[0163] On the resource of the second-level SCI, the second-level SCI is sent to the second terminal device, and the second-level SCI is used to indicate the first resource.

[0164] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 800 according to an embodiment of this application. This device can be applied to embodiments of this application. Figure 4 , Figure 5 ,or Figure 6 The method is used in the access network equipment. The communication device 800 includes:

[0165] The transceiver module 810 is used to receive capability information from the first terminal device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum;

[0166] The transceiver module 810 is further configured to send configuration information to the first terminal device, the configuration information indicating a first resource for sending and / or receiving the side link positioning reference signal, the first resource being a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0167] Optionally, the communication device 800 further includes a processing module 820 for allocating the first resource.

[0168] Optionally, the transceiver module 810 is further configured to send indication information to the first terminal device, the indication information instructing the first terminal device to use resources in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum to send and / or receive the sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0169] Optionally, the transceiver module 810 is further configured to send a first capability request information to the first terminal device, wherein the first capability request information is used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0170] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 900 according to an embodiment of this application. This device can be applied to embodiments of this application. Figure 4 , Figure 5 ,or Figure 6 In the second terminal device of the method, the communication device 900 includes:

[0171] The transceiver module 910 is used to receive capability information from the first terminal device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving sidelink positioning reference signals on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum;

[0172] The transceiver module 910 is further configured to receive, on a first resource, the sidelink positioning reference signal from the first terminal device, wherein the first resource is a resource in a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

[0173] Optionally, the transceiver module 910 is further configured to send a second capability request information to the second terminal device, the second capability request information being used to request the acquisition of the capability information.

[0174] Optionally, the transceiver module 910 is further configured to: receive a first-level SCI from the first terminal device, wherein the first-level SCI is used to indicate the resources of the second-level SCI; and receive a second-level SCI from the first terminal device on the resources of the second-level SCI, wherein the second-level SCI is used to indicate the first resources.

[0175] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 can be applied to the aforementioned first terminal device, access network device, or second terminal device. The communication device 1000 includes a processor 1010, which implements the communication method provided in the embodiment of this application through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0176] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include interface circuitry 1020. Processor 1010 and interface circuitry 1020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that interface circuitry 1020 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0177] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1010, or storing input data required by the processor 1010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1010 executes instructions.

[0178] The aforementioned processor 1010 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by software instructions. The aforementioned processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0179] This application also provides a communication system, including a first terminal device, an access network device, and a second terminal device in the communication method provided in this application.

[0180] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for implementing the methods in the above-described method embodiments. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer can implement the methods in the above-described method embodiments.

[0181] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0182] This application also provides a chip, including a processor connected to a memory for storing computer programs, and the processor for executing the computer programs stored in the memory, so that the chip performs the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0183] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second" and "third", and there is no order of precedence or size among the technical features described by "first", "second" and "third".

[0184] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. The term "at least one" in this application can represent "one" and "two or more." For example, A, B, and C can represent: A existing alone, B existing alone, C existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, A and C existing simultaneously, C and B existing simultaneously, and A, B, and C existing simultaneously.

[0185] In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0186] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between access network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0187] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0188] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction can be implemented by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0189] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0190] 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.

[0191] Those skilled in the art will clearly 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to a first terminal device or a chip in the first terminal device, the method comprising: sending capability information to an access network device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports sending and / or receiving a sidelink positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of an unlicensed frequency spectrum; receiving configuration information from the access network device, the configuration information indicating a first resource for sending and / or receiving the sidelink positioning reference signal, the first resource being a resource in the shared resource pool of the unlicensed frequency spectrum.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, After the sending of the capability information to the access network device, the method further comprises: receiving indication information from the access network device, the indication information indicating that the first terminal device uses a resource in the shared resource pool of the unlicensed frequency spectrum to send and / or receive the sidelink positioning reference signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the sending of the capability information to the access network device, the method further comprises: receiving first capability request information from the access network device, the first capability request information being used to request acquisition of the capability information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending the capability information to a second terminal device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, Before the sending of the capability information to the second terminal device, the method further comprises: receiving second capability request information from the second terminal device, the second capability request information being used to request acquisition of the capability information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, After the receiving of the configuration information from the access network device, the method further comprises: sending the sidelink positioning reference signal to a second terminal device on the first resource.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, Before the sending of the sidelink positioning reference signal to the second terminal device on the first resource, the method further comprises: sending first-stage sidelink control information (SCI) to the second terminal device, the first-stage SCI being used to indicate a resource of second-stage SCI; sending the second-stage SCI to the second terminal device on the resource of the second-stage SCI, the second-stage SCI being used to indicate the first resource.

8. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to an access network device or a chip in the access network device, the method comprising: receiving capability information from a first terminal device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports sending and / or receiving a sidelink positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of an unlicensed frequency spectrum; sending configuration information to the first terminal device, the configuration information indicating a first resource for sending and / or receiving the sidelink positioning reference signal, the first resource being a resource in the shared resource pool of the unlicensed frequency spectrum.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, After the receiving of the capability information from the first terminal device, the method further comprises: sending indication information to the first terminal device, the indication information indicating that the first terminal device uses a resource in the shared resource pool of the unlicensed frequency spectrum to send and / or receive the sidelink positioning reference signal.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Before the receiving of the capability information from the first terminal device, the method further comprises: sending first capability request information to the first terminal device, the first capability request information being used to request acquisition of the capability information.

11. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to a second terminal device or a chip in the second terminal device, the method comprising: receiving capability information from a first terminal device, the capability information indicating that the first terminal device supports transmitting and / or receiving a sidelink positioning reference signal on a shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum; receiving the sidelink positioning reference signal from the first terminal device on a first resource, the first resource being a resource in the shared resource pool of unlicensed spectrum.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, Before the receiving the capability information from the first terminal device, further comprising: sending second capability request information to the second terminal device, the second capability request information being used for requesting to obtain the capability information.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, Before the receiving the sidelink positioning reference signal from the first terminal device on the first resource, further comprising: receiving a first stage SCI from the first terminal device, the first stage SCI being used for indicating a resource of a second stage SCI; receiving the second stage SCI from the first terminal device on the resource of the second stage SCI, the second stage SCI being used for indicating the first resource.

14. A communications device, characterized by A module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, or a module for performing the method of any one of claims 8 to 10, or a module for performing the method of any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. A communications device, characterized by A processor for implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, or for implementing the method of any one of claims 8 to 10, or for implementing the method of any one of claims 11 to 13.

16. A communication system, characterized by comprising: a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and an access network device, the first terminal device being configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, the second terminal device being configured to implement the method of any one of claims 11 to 13, and the access network device being configured to implement the method of any one of claims 8 to 10.

17. A computer readable storage medium characterized by comprising: The computer readable medium stores a computer program; The computer program, when executed by the processor, causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed.

18. A computer program product, characterised in that, A computer program, when executed, causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed.

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