Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of wireless communication, in particular to a communication method and device. The communication method applied to the network equipment comprises the steps that uplink control information UCI sent by terminal equipment is received on a first time slot, the first time slot is a first time slot of a first period, and the first period is a sending period of an orthogonal cover code OCC. In the communication method of the present application, a network device can receive a UCI sent by a terminal device in a first time slot of a first period. Therefore, the orthogonality of the OCC can be ensured.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of wireless communication, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a communication system, such as a non-terrestrial satellite communication network (NTSCN or NTN), there are a large number of terminal devices, which can easily cause a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) phenomenon in data transmission. Generally, a repetition transmission technology is introduced to ensure communication quality, but the repetition transmission technology obviously causes significant consumption of communication resources.

[0003] Based on this, in some related technologies, a plurality of terminal devices multiplex the same time-frequency domain resources by using respective orthogonal cover codes (OCCs) to transmit data. The data transmitted by which terminal device can be distinguished by using the orthogonal OCCs. Therefore, how to ensure the orthogonality of the OCCs becomes a technical problem to be solved urgently. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus for ensuring the orthogonality of the OCCs.

[0005] To achieve the above object, embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a network device, and the communication method comprises: receiving UCI sent by a terminal device on a first time slot, the first time slot being a first time slot of a first period, and the first period being a sending period of an orthogonal cover code (OCC).

[0007] In a possible embodiment, the UCI is carried in a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0008] In embodiments of the present application, the network device can receive the UCI sent by the terminal device on the first time slot of the sending period of the OCC, to ensure the orthogonality of the OCC, so that the UCI sent by different terminal devices through respective OCCs can multiplex the same time-frequency domain resources, and the communication resources are fully utilized. Moreover, the UCI sent by different terminal devices based on respective OCCs will not interfere with each other, which helps the network device to distinguish the UCI sent by each terminal device. Thus, the system capacity and communication efficiency of the communication system can be improved.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: receiving, in each time slot in the first period, the UCI sent by the terminal device.

[0010] The terminal device sends the UCI to the network device in the first time slot in the first period, and the terminal device can also copy the UCI and send the UCI to the network device in other time slots in the first period, so as to ensure that the terminal device can send the UCI in each time slot in the first period. In this way, the orthogonality of the OCC can be ensured.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: receiving first information sent by the terminal device, the first information indicating that the terminal device sends the UCI in the first time slot, or the first information indicating that the terminal device does not send the UCI.

[0012] For example, the first information can be sent to the network device according to the communication protocol or autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0013] According to the sending mode of the UCI indicated by the first information, the terminal device can send the UCI in the first time slot of one sending period of the OCC, or not send the UCI in each time slot of one sending period of the OCC, so as to ensure the orthogonality of the OCC.

[0014] In the first aspect and / or the second aspect below,

[0015] The first period is any one of the following:

[0016] The terminal device can send the UCI in the first time slot of the period in which the Mth time slot is located, that is, send the UCI in advance.

[0017] The terminal device can send the UCI in the first time slot of the Xth period before the period in which the Mth time slot is located, that is, send the UCI in advance.

[0018] Wherein, M is the order of the time slot in which the network device indicates the terminal device to send the UCI in its period, the Mth time slot is a time slot other than the first time slot in its period, and X and M are positive integers.

[0019] Alternatively, the first period is the next period of the period in which the Mth time slot is located. The terminal device can send the UCI in the first time slot of the period in which the Mth time slot is located, that is, send the UCI in advance.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: receiving second information sent by the terminal device, the second information being used to indicate whether the terminal device can send the UCI in advance.

[0021] The second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device can send UCI in advance; that is, the second information indicates whether the terminal device has the ability to send UCI in advance.

[0022] When a terminal device sends a UCI to a network device, it must first process the UCI and then send the UCI in the Mth time slot according to the configuration information indicated by the network device. The time interval between the time slot in which the terminal device completes processing the UCI and the Mth time slot can be used to evaluate whether the terminal device has the ability to send UCIs in advance, and the strength of this ability.

[0023] In this embodiment, the terminal device reports its ability to send UCI in advance to the network device by sending a second message. For example, the terminal device and the network device can reach a consensus, allowing the terminal device to send the second message to the network device and then autonomously determine one of three sending methods: sending UCI in advance, delaying UCI transmission, or not sending UCI at all.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes sending configuration information to a terminal device, the configuration information being used to indicate whether the terminal device enables the ability to send UCI in advance.

[0025] After the terminal device sends the second information to the network device, the network device can configure whether to enable the ability to send UCI in advance. For example, if the network device is configured to enable the ability to send UCI in advance, the terminal device can independently determine one of three transmission methods: sending UCI in advance, delaying UCI transmission, or not sending UCI. Conversely, if the network device is configured not to enable the ability to send UCI in advance, the terminal device can independently determine one of two transmission methods: delaying UCI transmission or not sending UCI.

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: if the first information is two bits, receiving the first information sent by the terminal device in the first time slot of the first period.

[0027] To promptly send the first message to the network device, indicating the UCI transmission method, the terminal device can send the first message to the network device in the first time slot. This first message indicates one of three scenarios: sending the UCI early, delaying the UCI transmission, or not sending the UCI at all. The first message requires at least two bits.

[0028] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: when the first information is one bit, receiving the first information sent by the terminal device in the first time slot of the first period and the second period, wherein the second period is the next period after the first period.

[0029] The first information transmitted in the first time slot of both the first and second cycles can collectively indicate three scenarios: early transmission of the UCI, delayed transmission of the UCI, or no transmission of the UCI. In this case, at least one bit is required in the first information to indicate these three scenarios.

[0030] It should be noted that the first time slot of the first cycle, or the first time slot of the first cycle and the second cycle, can be reserved for bits to indicate the first information.

[0031] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes sending first information to a terminal device.

[0032] In this embodiment, the network device has the capability to indicate in which time slot the UCI is transmitted. Therefore, the first information can indicate that the UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the OCC cycle to ensure the orthogonality of the OCC.

[0033] At this point, the first information can indicate M, where M is 1, meaning that the Mth time slot is the first time slot of the corresponding OCC cycle.

[0034] In the first aspect and / or the second aspect below,

[0035] In one possible embodiment, the second information includes: the number of time slots that the UCI can send ahead of time in one cycle, or the total number of time slots that the UCI can send ahead of time.

[0036] In one possible embodiment, N is the number of time slots in which UCI can be sent ahead of time in one cycle, and the value of N can characterize the strength of the terminal device's ability to send UCI ahead of time.

[0037] When N≥M, this indicates that the terminal device can send the UCI in advance. The first information indicates: the UCI is sent in the first time slot of the first cycle, or the UCI is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, or the UCI is not sent.

[0038] In one possible embodiment, if M is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the first cycle; if M is greater than the first threshold, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle; wherein the first threshold is a positive integer and is less than or equal to the total number of time slots in a cycle.

[0039] K1 can be used to indicate the position of any time slot within a cycle.

[0040] If M ≤ the first threshold K1, it means that the Mth time slot is located relatively early in the current period. In order for the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period, the terminal device needs to transmit fewer time slots in advance, making it more efficient for the terminal device to transmit the UCI earlier. Therefore, the first information can instruct the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period.

[0041] When M > K1, it means that the Mth time slot is in a later position in the current period. In order for the UCI to be sent in the first time slot of the first period, the terminal device needs to send more time slots in advance. It is better for the terminal device to delay sending the UCI. Therefore, the first information can indicate that the UCI is sent in the first time slot of the second period.

[0042] In one possible embodiment, if M is less than or equal to the second threshold, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the first cycle; if M is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle; if M is greater than the third threshold and less than the second threshold, the first information indicates that UCI is not transmitted; wherein, the second threshold is a positive integer less than the third threshold, and the third threshold is less than the total number of time slots in one cycle.

[0043] Both the second threshold K2 and the third threshold K3 can be used to indicate the position of any time slot within a cycle. If K2 < K3, then K2 indicates the earlier position of any time slot within a cycle, and K3 indicates the later position of any time slot within the first cycle.

[0044] If M ≤ K2, it means that the Mth time slot is located relatively early in the current period. In order for the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period, the terminal device needs to transmit fewer time slots in advance, making it more efficient for the terminal device to transmit the UCI earlier. Therefore, the first information can instruct the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period.

[0045] M≥K3 indicates that the Mth time slot is located relatively late in the cycle. In order for the UCI to be sent in the first time slot of the first cycle, the terminal device needs to send a large number of time slots in advance. It is better for the terminal device to delay sending the UCI. Therefore, the first information can indicate that the UCI is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0046] If M > K2 and M < K3, then M is located in a relatively middle time slot position within the current cycle. Let s1 be the number of time slots the terminal device needs to send UCI in advance for the first time slot of the first cycle; let s2 be the number of time slots the terminal device needs to delay sending UCI in advance for the first time slot of the second cycle. The values ​​of s1 and s2 are quite close.

[0047] At this point, it is better not to send a UCI, so the first message can instruct the UCI not to be sent.

[0048] In one possible embodiment, N is the number of time slots that UCI can transmit in advance in a cycle. If N is less than M, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle, or UCI is not transmitted.

[0049] When N < M, this means the terminal device cannot send the UCI in advance. The first information indicates: the UCI is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, or the UCI is not sent.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, if M is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, the first information indicates that UCI is not transmitted; if M is greater than the fourth threshold, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle, wherein the fourth threshold is a positive integer, the fourth threshold is less than or equal to the total number of time slots in a cycle, and the second cycle is the next cycle of the cycle.

[0051] The fourth threshold K4 can be used to indicate the position of any time slot within a cycle.

[0052] K4 can have the same or different values ​​as K1.

[0053] When M ≤ K4, it indicates that the Mth time slot is located relatively early in the current period. To ensure that the UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the first period, the terminal device needs to transmit fewer time slots in advance, making it more efficient for the terminal device to transmit the UCI earlier. Therefore, the first information can instruct the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period.

[0054] When M > K4, it means that fewer time slots need to be delayed in order for UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle. In this case, the first information can instruct UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0055] In one possible embodiment, where the UCI includes third information, the first information indicates that the UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle, which is the next cycle after the first cycle.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the third information is a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK); or, the third information is the first part of the Channel State Information (CSI part 1).

[0057] When UCI includes HARQ-ACK, it indicates that HARQ-ACK needs to be fed back to the second communication device. At this time, the first information cannot indicate that UCI should not be sent. That is, the first information indicates that UCI should be sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, so as to enable the terminal device to postpone sending UCI.

[0058] CSI-Part 1 can be used for more efficient resource allocation, modulation and coding scheme selection, and beamforming, thereby improving the performance and reliability of the NTN system. Therefore, when UCI includes CSI-Part 1, the first information cannot instruct UCI not to be transmitted; that is, the first information instructs UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle, so as to allow the terminal equipment to postpone the transmission of UCI.

[0059] Secondly, a communication method is provided for use in a terminal device. The communication method includes sending uplink control information to a network device in a first time slot, wherein the first time slot is the first time slot of a first period, and the first period is one transmission period of an orthogonal coverage code (OCC).

[0060] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes sending uplink control information to the network device in each time slot of the first cycle.

[0061] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: sending first information to a network device, the first information instructing a terminal device to send uplink control information in a first time slot, or the first information instructing the terminal device not to send uplink control information.

[0062] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes sending a second message to a network device, the second message being used to indicate whether the terminal device can send uplink control information in advance.

[0063] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: receiving configuration information sent by a network device, the configuration information being used to indicate whether the terminal device enables the ability to send uplink control information in advance.

[0064] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: if the first information is two bits, sending the first information to the network device in the first time slot of the first period.

[0065] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: if the first information is one bit, sending the first information to a network device in the first time slot of the first period and the second period, wherein the second period is the next period after the first period.

[0066] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes: receiving first information sent by a network device, the first information instructing a terminal device to send uplink control information in a first time slot.

[0067] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a module for performing the methods described in the first aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0068] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a module for performing the methods described in the second aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0069] Fifthly, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first communication device for performing the methods described in the first aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, and a second communication device for performing the methods described in the second aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0070] A sixth aspect provides a communication device comprising: a transceiver, a processor, and a memory. The memory stores computer programs or instructions, and the processor controls the transceiver to transmit and receive signals. The processor also calls and executes the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to implement the methods of any of the above aspects and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0071] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to invoke a computer program or instructions in a memory, causing the communication device to perform the method of any of the above aspects and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0072] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory for storing program instructions. The processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0073] Eighthly, a chip device is provided, including a processor for invoking a computer program or instructions in the memory to cause the processor to perform the methods of any of the above aspects and any possible embodiments of the above aspects.

[0074] Alternatively, the processor may be coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0075] A ninth aspect provides a chip, comprising: an interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip, and the logic circuit is configured to implement any of the above aspects and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0076] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions configured to perform the methods of any of the foregoing aspects and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0077] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods of any of the above aspects and any possible embodiments thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating that related technology 1 does not use OCC to send uplink control information;

[0079] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how related technology 2 uses OCC to send uplink control information.

[0080] Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are schematic diagrams of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 4 An interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 8 An interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 9 An interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 10 An interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0091] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a," "the," "the," and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that in the following embodiments of this application, "at least one" and "one or more" refer to one or more (including two). The term "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0092] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in one possible embodiment," "in some other embodiments," and "in other embodiments" appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The term "connection" includes both direct and indirect connections, unless otherwise stated. "First" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0093] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0094] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained below to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0095] OCC consists of a set of code vectors. These code vectors are orthogonal, meaning that the inner product of any two distinct code vectors is zero. Code vectors are typically vectors composed of a set of characters. The characters in two code vectors are different. This orthogonality allows OCC to effectively distinguish different signals in communication systems, improving the capacity and performance of the communication system.

[0096] The aforementioned signals may include: UCI, radio resource control (RRC) messages, uplink data, demodulation reference signal (DMRS), etc. UCI can be carried within RRC messages. UCI, RRC messages, uplink data, and DMRS can be transmitted, for example, carried on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0097] Uplink data refers to data sent by a terminal device to a base station or core network. Conversely, downlink data refers to data sent by a base station or core network to a terminal device.

[0098] An OCC transmission cycle can include 2 time slots, 4 time slots, or 8 time slots, etc. The orthogonality of the OCC is guaranteed only if each time slot in an OCC transmission cycle includes the aforementioned signals. Alternatively, the orthogonality of the OCC can also be guaranteed if each time slot in an OCC transmission cycle does not include the aforementioned signals.

[0099] The following example illustrates the use of OCC to send UCI, with the UCI carried on PUSCH for transmission.

[0100] Typically, terminal devices can send UCIs to network devices. UCIs are used to provide feedback to the network device regarding the terminal device's reception of downlink data. This ensures the reliability of data transmission.

[0101] UCI can be transmitted on the PUSCH. For example, UCI and uplink data can be transmitted together on the PUSCH. When multiple terminal devices send UCI, each terminal device's UCI can correspond to its own OCC. Furthermore, the OCCs corresponding to different terminal devices are orthogonal. Therefore, multiple terminal devices can reuse the same time-frequency domain resources by using their own OCCs for their respective UCIs and transmitting UCIs. Network devices can distinguish UCIs transmitted by different terminal devices based on the OCCs on the same time-frequency domain resources.

[0102] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating that related technology 1 does not use OCC to send UCI. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of OCC to send uplink control information in related technology 2.

[0103] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this example, the network device instructs the terminal device to send a UCI in the (n+1)th time slot. The (n+1)th time slot can be denoted as slot n+1.

[0104] like Figure 1 As shown, in each time slot from the nth to the (n+3rd)th time slot, the terminal device sends uplink data to the network device to achieve repeated transmission. In the (n+1th)th time slot, the terminal device sends uplink data and UCI to the network device.

[0105] exist Figure 1 In the example, in each time slot from the nth time slot to the (n+3)th time slot, the terminal device also sends a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) to the network device, so that the network device can perform demodulation or channel estimation based on the DMRS to improve the performance of the communication system.

[0106] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The legend will be used in the figures in this article.

[0107] It is evident that related technology 1 can easily lead to significant consumption of communication resources.

[0108] Figure 2 In this example, taking one transmission cycle of OCC as consisting of 4 time slots, the nth time slot to the (n+3)th time slot can be one transmission cycle of OCC.

[0109] exist Figure 2 In the example, the nth to (n+3)th time slots are denoted as w1, w2, w3, and w4, respectively. Taking w1 as an example, w1 represents the first time slot in one transmission cycle of the OCC.

[0110] like Figure 2 As shown, the terminal device can send a UCI to the network device in the (n+1)th time slot according to the network device's instructions. Furthermore, the terminal device can also send a UCI to the network device after the (n+1)th time slot, that is, in the (n+2)th and (n+3)th time slots.

[0111] As can be seen, in related technology 2, the terminal device fails to send a UCI to the network device in the nth time slot, which will destroy the orthogonality of OCC.

[0112] In view of the above problems, this application provides a communication method.

[0113] In the communication method of this application embodiment, the terminal device may send the UCI in the first time slot of an OCC transmission cycle, or the terminal device may choose not to send the UCI. This ensures the orthogonality of the OCC.

[0114] In the case of transmitting UCI, the terminal device can transmit the UCI several time slots earlier than the time slots configured for UCI transmission on the network device. Alternatively, the terminal device can transmit the UCI several time slots later.

[0115] Please see Figure 3A and Figure 3B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are schematic diagrams illustrating the architecture of a communication system provided in embodiments of this application. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the communication system in this application embodiment may include: terminal device 10 and network device 20.

[0116] Terminal device 10 can be understood as a device used to implement wireless communication functions. Terminal devices may include, for example, smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smart cameras, smart home products, etc.

[0117] Network device 20 can be understood as a device that connects terminal devices to a wireless network. It can be a base station in an NTN system, or a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station. Unless otherwise specified below, network device refers to wireless access network device.

[0118] exist Figure 3A In the example, network device 20 can be a base station that can communicate with satellite equipment.

[0119] exist Figure 3B In the example, network device 20 can be a satellite device.

[0120] When the network equipment is satellite equipment, it can be understood as a satellite with integrated base station functionality. Satellite equipment can transmit signals to terminal devices via downlink, and it can also receive uplink data from terminal devices.

[0121] When the network equipment is satellite-based, it typically boasts high transmission power and a wide coverage area, enabling it to serve multiple terminal devices simultaneously. Satellite equipment can also communicate via inter-satellite links, achieving seamless global communication connectivity.

[0122] In addition to the access network device, network device 20 may also include one or more of core network devices, wireless relay devices, and wireless backhaul devices, without specific limitations. The network device can connect to the core network device wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network device and the network device can be independent physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the network device can be integrated on the same physical device. Alternatively, a single physical device can integrate some of the functions of the core network device and some of the functions of the network device; this embodiment does not specifically limit this approach.

[0123] It should be noted that, Figure 3A or Figure 3B The system architecture and related descriptions shown are for illustrative purposes only. Figure 3A or Figure 3B The number and architecture of the network devices and terminal devices shown can be configured according to requirements, and will not be elaborated here. The communication method of this application embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the system architecture shown in Figure 3.

[0124] based on Figure 3A or Figure 3B The system architecture shown is as follows: Figure 4 An interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application is illustrated.

[0125] like Figure 4 As shown, the communication method in this application embodiment may include: step S101.

[0126] S101, the terminal device sends a UCI to the network device in the first time slot.

[0127] Correspondingly, the network device receives the UCI sent by the terminal device in the first time slot.

[0128] The first time slot is the first time slot of the first cycle. The first cycle and the second cycle mentioned below are all transmission cycles of the orthogonal overlay code (OCC).

[0129] In this embodiment, the terminal device can transmit the UCI in the first time slot of a transmission cycle of the OCC to ensure the orthogonality of the OCC. This allows UCIs transmitted by different terminal devices through their respective OCCs to reuse the same time-frequency domain resources, making full use of communication resources. Furthermore, it ensures that UCIs transmitted by different terminal devices based on their respective OCCs do not interfere with each other, helping network devices to distinguish the UCIs transmitted by each terminal device. Therefore, the system capacity and communication efficiency of the communication system can be improved.

[0130] Compared to related technology 1, the embodiments of this application have at least the following advantages:

[0131] Terminal devices use OCC to transmit UCI. This allows multiple terminal devices to reuse the same communication resources for transmission of UCI, improving the utilization rate of communication resources and the capacity of the communication system.

[0132] Compared with related technologies 1 and 2, the embodiments of this application have at least the following advantages:

[0133] The terminal device sends the UCI in the first time slot of the first cycle to ensure OCC orthogonality. Furthermore, the network device can receive the UCI to ensure successful transmission and improve data transmission efficiency.

[0134] In this way, the UCIs of multiple terminal devices can not interfere with each other, which helps network devices to distinguish the UCIs sent by different terminal devices based on OCC. This avoids situations where the UCIs sent by different terminal devices interfere with each other, requiring repeated transmission and wasting communication resources, thereby improving the capacity and performance of the communication system.

[0135] In one possible embodiment, after S101, the network device can send downlink data to the terminal device according to the UCI.

[0136] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives downlink data sent by the network device.

[0137] In one possible implementation, where the UCI includes a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK), the network device can determine whether previously sent downlink data to the UE was correctly received based on the UCI.

[0138] If the HARQ-ACK is a positive confirmation, the network device can continue to send new downlink data or make other scheduling decisions. If it is a negative confirmation, the network device can decide whether to retransmit the downlink data based on the specific circumstances.

[0139] In one possible embodiment, UCI includes Channel State Information (CSI), which allows network devices to understand the state of the downlink channel and determine the appropriate downlink transmission method.

[0140] Downlink data may include downlink control information, which may indicate at least one of the following: scheduling decisions, modulation and coding schemes, and downlink transmission methods.

[0141] In one possible embodiment, the communication method includes: in each time slot of the first cycle, the terminal device sends a UCI to the network device.

[0142] Correspondingly, in each time slot of the first cycle, the network device receives the UCI sent by the terminal device.

[0143] The terminal device sends a UCI to the network device in the first time slot of the first cycle. The terminal device can also copy the UCI and send it to the network device in other time slots of the first cycle to ensure that the terminal device can send a UCI in every time slot of the first cycle. Correspondingly, the network device can receive a UCI in every time slot of the first cycle. This ensures the orthogonality of OCC.

[0144] The first cycle can include multiple implementation methods.

[0145] In one possible embodiment, the first period is any of the following: the period containing the Mth time slot; the Xth period preceding the period containing the Mth time slot; or the period following the period containing the Mth time slot.

[0146] M represents the order in which the network device instructs the terminal device to send uplink control information within its own cycle. The Mth time slot is any time slot other than the first time slot in its own cycle. X and M are positive integers.

[0147] The period in which the Mth time slot is located is one transmission period of the OCC in which the Mth time slot is located.

[0148] M can be configured by the network device, or M can be specified by the communication protocol.

[0149] X indicates the terminal device's ability to send a UCI one or more periods in advance. X can be determined based on the number of time slots between the time slot where the terminal device finishes processing the UCI and the Mth time slot. Alternatively, X can be determined based on the duration of the interval between the time slot where the terminal device finishes processing the UCI and the Mth time slot.

[0150] The communication method in this application embodiment may further include: step S100.

[0151] S100, the network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal device.

[0152] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information sent by the network device.

[0153] Among them, the first configuration information indicates M.

[0154] The terminal device can determine, based on the first configuration information, that it needs to send a UCI in the Mth time slot. If the Mth time slot is not the first time slot of the transmission cycle, then the orthogonality of the OCC will be destroyed.

[0155] Taking an OCC transmission period L consisting of 4 time slots as an example, i.e., L = 4, M = {1, 2, 3, 4}.

[0156] If M can be 2, 3, or 4, then the terminal device, based on the first configuration information, can determine whether to send UCI in the non-first time slot of the period containing the Mth time slot. This would disrupt the orthogonality of OCC.

[0157] The following will take M with a value of 2 and X with a value of 1 as an example, combined with Figures 5 to 7 Give an example to illustrate the meaning of the first cycle and the method of sending UCI.

[0158] like Figure 5 As shown, when the first period is the period containing the Mth time slot, the terminal device will send the UCI in the first time slot w1 of the first period. In this way, the terminal device will send the UCI in the first time slot w1 of the period containing the Mth time slot, instead of the second time slot w2 of the period containing the Mth time slot. Thus, the terminal device sends the UCI in advance.

[0159] like Figure 6 As shown, if the first period is the Xth period before the period containing the Mth time slot, the terminal device will send the UCI in the first time slot w1 of the first period. Thus, the terminal device moves its UCI transmission from the second time slot w2 of the period containing the Mth time slot to the first time slot w1 of the Xth period before the Mth time slot. Therefore, the terminal device sends the UCI ahead of schedule.

[0160] like Figure 7 As shown, if the first period is the next period of the period containing the Mth time slot, the terminal device will send the UCI in the first time slot w1 of the first period. Thus, the terminal device postpones the UCI transmission from the second time slot w2 of the period containing the Mth time slot to the first time slot w1 of the next period of the period containing the Mth time slot. Therefore, the terminal device postpones the transmission of the UCI.

[0161] In summary, when the terminal device sends the UCI in the first time slot of the first cycle, the terminal device can send the UCI earlier or later to ensure the orthogonality of the OCC.

[0162] Based on the above description, UCI transmission methods can include the following three:

[0163] Send to UCI in advance, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, this will be referred to as sending method one below.

[0164] Delay sending to UCI, such as Figure 7 As shown, this will be referred to as sending method two below.

[0165] Without sending UCI, this will be referred to as sending method three.

[0166] It should be noted that if the terminal device does not send a UCI, the network device will not receive a UCI either. The above-mentioned S101 corresponds to either transmission method one or transmission method two.

[0167] The above embodiments illustrate how the terminal device sends a UCI in the first time slot of the first cycle. The following will explain in detail how the terminal device sends a UCI through an indication method or by means of a communication protocol.

[0168] The indication method can include the following two:

[0169] The terminal device reports to the network device the ability to send UCI in advance, which will be referred to as indication method one below.

[0170] The terminal device indicates to the network device the UCI transmission method, which will be referred to as indication method two below.

[0171] Example 1 is an example of three transmission methods of UCI indicated according to Instruction Method 1.

[0172] Figure 8 This is an interactive diagram of Example 1.

[0173] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication method includes step S201.

[0174] S201, the terminal device sends the first information to the network device.

[0175] The first information indicates that the terminal device may send uplink control information in the first time slot, or the first information indicates that the terminal device may not send uplink control information.

[0176] For example, the first message can be sent to the network device, as specified by the communication protocol or determined autonomously by the terminal device.

[0177] Based on the UCI transmission method indicated by the first information, the terminal device may transmit the UCI in the first time slot of a transmission cycle of the OCC, or may not transmit the UCI in any time slot of a transmission cycle of the OCC, in order to ensure the orthogonality of the OCC.

[0178] In one possible embodiment, the communication method further includes step S301.

[0179] S301, the terminal device sends a second message to the network device, the second message being used to indicate whether the terminal device can send uplink control information in advance.

[0180] The second piece of information can be carried in an RRC message, for example.

[0181] If the terminal device autonomously decides to send the first information to the network device, S301 can be executed before S201.

[0182] The second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device can send UCI in advance; that is, the second information indicates whether the terminal device has the ability to send UCI in advance.

[0183] When a terminal device sends a UCI to a network device, it must first process the UCI and then send the UCI in the Mth time slot according to the configuration information indicated by the network device. The time interval between the time slot in which the terminal device completes processing the UCI and the Mth time slot can be used to evaluate whether the terminal device has the ability to send UCIs in advance, and the strength of this ability.

[0184] For example, the time slot in which the terminal device finishes processing the UCI might be the same as the Mth time slot. This indicates that the terminal device needs to send the UCI in the same time slot after processing it. Therefore, the terminal device cannot send the UCI in a time slot before the Mth time slot. In other words, the terminal device does not have the ability to send the UCI in advance.

[0185] For example, the time slot in which the terminal device finishes processing the UCI is N time slots away from the Mth time slot. This indicates that the terminal device can send the UCI N time slots after processing it. Therefore, the terminal device can send the UCI at most N time slots in advance. That is, the terminal device has the capability to send the UCI ahead of schedule.

[0186] In one possible embodiment, the second information includes: the number of time slots that the UCI can send ahead of time in one cycle, or the total number of time slots that the UCI can send ahead of time.

[0187] Let's take the example of the network device instructing the terminal device to send a UCI in the Mth time slot.

[0188] If the total number of time slots N that UCI can transmit in advance is less than the total number of time slots L in one cycle, the number of time slots that UCI can transmit in advance in one cycle is the same as the total number of time slots that UCI can transmit in advance. The terminal device can at most advance the transmission time slot of UCI to the first time slot of the cycle containing the Mth time slot.

[0189] If the total number of time slots N that UCI can transmit in advance is greater than or equal to the total number of time slots L in a period, UCI can be transmitted at least one period in advance. The terminal device can advance the transmission time slot of UCI to the first time slot of the Xth period, preceding the period containing the Mth time slot.

[0190] The value of N can characterize the strength of the terminal device's ability to send UCI in advance.

[0191] In one possible embodiment, the communication method may further include step S302.

[0192] S302, the network device sends second configuration information to the terminal device. The second configuration information is used to indicate whether the terminal device enables the ability to send uplink control information in advance.

[0193] When the terminal device autonomously decides to send the first information to the network device, S302 can be executed between S301 and S201, for example.

[0194] In this embodiment, the terminal device reports its ability to send UCI in advance to the network device by sending a second message. For example, the terminal device and the network device can reach a consensus, allowing the terminal device to send the second message to the network device and then autonomously determine one of three sending methods: sending UCI in advance, delaying UCI transmission, or not sending UCI at all.

[0195] Alternatively, the terminal device can send the second information to the network device, and the network device can then configure whether to enable the ability to send UCIs in advance. For example, if the network device is configured to enable the ability to send UCIs in advance, the terminal device can independently determine one of three transmission methods: sending UCIs in advance, delaying the transmission of UCIs, or not sending UCIs at all. Conversely, if the network device is configured not to enable the ability to send UCIs in advance, the terminal device can independently determine one of two transmission methods: delaying the transmission of UCIs or not sending UCIs at all.

[0196] Example 2 is an example of three transmission methods of UCI indicated according to indication method 2.

[0197] Figure 9 This is an interactive diagram of Example 2.

[0198] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication method includes either step S401 or step S402.

[0199] S401, if the first information consists of two bits, the terminal device sends the first information to the network device in the first time slot of the first cycle.

[0200] In order to send the first information to the network device in a timely manner to indicate the transmission method of UCI, the terminal device can send the first information to the network device in the first time slot.

[0201] The first information indicates three possibilities: sending the UCI in advance, sending the UCI in a delayed manner, or not sending the UCI at all.

[0202] If the first information indicates that the UCI should be sent earlier or later, the terminal device may simultaneously send the first information and the UCI to the network device in the first time slot. Correspondingly, if the first information indicates that the UCI should be sent earlier or later, the network device may receive the first information and the UCI sent by the terminal device to the network device in the first time slot.

[0203] If the first information indicates that no UCI should be sent, the terminal device may send a UCI to the network device in the first time slot. Correspondingly, if the first information indicates that no UCI should be sent, the network device may receive a UCI sent by the network device in the first time slot.

[0204] At this point, to indicate whether to send the UCI early, delay sending the UCI, or not send the UCI at all, the first message requires at least two bits.

[0205] S402, if the first information is one bit, the terminal device sends the first information to the network device in the first time slot of the first cycle and the second cycle.

[0206] The first message sent in the first time slot of the first cycle and the second cycle can jointly indicate three scenarios: sending the UCI early, sending the UCI late, or not sending the UCI.

[0207] For example, in the case where the terminal device sends a UCI in advance, the first message sent by the terminal device in the first time slot of the first cycle indicates that the terminal device will send a UCI in the first time slot of the first cycle. Furthermore, the first message sent by the terminal device in the first time slot of the second cycle indicates that the terminal device will not send a UCI in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0208] For example, in the case where the terminal device delays transmitting the UCI, the first message transmitted by the terminal device in the first time slot of the first cycle indicates that the terminal device will not transmit the UCI in the first time slot of the first cycle. Furthermore, the first message transmitted by the terminal device in the first time slot of the second cycle indicates that the terminal device will transmit the UCI in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0209] For example, in the case where the terminal device does not transmit a UCI, the first message transmitted by the terminal device in the first time slot of the first cycle indicates that the terminal device will not transmit a UCI in the first time slot of the first cycle. Furthermore, the first message transmitted by the terminal device in the first time slot of the second cycle indicates that the terminal device will not transmit a UCI in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0210] At this point, to indicate whether to send the UCI early, delay sending the UCI, or not send the UCI at all, the first message requires at least one bit.

[0211] It should be noted that the first time slot of the first cycle, or the first time slot of the first cycle and the second cycle, can be reserved for bits to indicate the first information.

[0212] exist Figure 9 The example also shows the steps of the terminal device sending a UCI based on the first information.

[0213] like Figure 9 As shown, S403 can be executed after S401 or S402.

[0214] S403, in each time slot of the first cycle, the terminal device sends a UCI to the network device.

[0215] exist Figure 9 The example also shows:

[0216] The embodiment of S403 is not executed after S401. At this time, in the first time slot of the first cycle, the terminal device sends first information to the network device. Furthermore, in each time slot of the first cycle, the terminal device does not send a UCI to the network device. That is, the first information indicates that a UCI should not be sent.

[0217] The embodiment of S403 is not executed after S402. At this time, in the first time slot of the first cycle and the second cycle, the terminal device sends first information to the network device. Furthermore, in each time slot of the first cycle, the terminal device does not send a UCI to the network device. That is, the first information indicates that a UCI should not be sent.

[0218] It should be noted that: if the terminal device has the ability to send data in advance, and the first information indicates that the UCI is to be sent in the first time slot of the first cycle, the terminal device may send the first information in a time slot before the first cycle. Alternatively, the terminal device may send the UCI in each time slot of a cycle before the first cycle, or in each time slot of the first cycle.

[0219] If the terminal device has the capability to send data in advance, and the first information indicates that a UCI should not be sent, the terminal device may send the first information in a time slot before the first cycle. The terminal device can then choose not to send a UCI based on the indication of the first information, thus ensuring the orthogonality of the OCC.

[0220] In both Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the terminal device has the ability to send UCI in advance.

[0221] The following Example 3 will explain in detail how to determine the UCI transmission method.

[0222] Example 3 can be combined with Example 1. In this case, the terminal device and the network device reach a consensus on how to determine the UCI transmission method.

[0223] Example 3 can be combined with Example 2. In this case, the terminal device autonomously decides how to send the UCI.

[0224] In one possible implementation, N is the number of time slots that UCI can send ahead of time in one cycle.

[0225] The value of N can characterize the strength of the terminal device's ability to send UCI in advance.

[0226] When N < M, this means the terminal device cannot send the UCI in advance. The first information indicates: the UCI is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, or the UCI is not sent.

[0227] When N≥M, this means that the terminal device can send the UCI in advance. The first message could, for example, indicate that the UCI is sent in the first time slot of the first cycle.

[0228] Of course, in the case of N≥M, the first information could indicate, for example, that UCI is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, or that UCI is not sent.

[0229] For the case where N≥M:

[0230] 1) In one possible embodiment, if M ≤ first threshold K1, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the first cycle.

[0231] K1 is a positive integer, and K1 ≤ the total number of time slots L in one cycle.

[0232] K1 can be used to indicate the position of any time slot within a cycle.

[0233] When M ≤ K1, it indicates that the Mth time slot is located relatively early in the current period. In order for the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period, the terminal device needs to transmit fewer time slots in advance, making it more efficient for the terminal device to transmit the UCI earlier. Therefore, the first information can instruct the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period.

[0234] 2) In one possible embodiment, if M ≥ K1, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0235] Unlike when M is less than or equal to K1, when M is greater than K1, it indicates that the Mth time slot is in a later position in the current period. In order for the UCI to be sent in the first time slot of the first period, the terminal device needs to send more time slots in advance. It is better for the terminal device to delay sending the UCI. Therefore, the first information can indicate that the UCI is sent in the first time slot of the second period.

[0236] 3) In one possible embodiment,

[0237] 3.1) When M ≤ the second threshold K2, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the first cycle.

[0238] K2 is a positive integer less than the third threshold K3, and K3 is less than the total number of time slots in one cycle.

[0239] Both K2 and K3 can be used to indicate the position of any time slot within a cycle. If K2 < K3, then K2 indicates the earlier position of any time slot within a cycle, and K3 indicates the later position of any time slot within the first cycle.

[0240] If M ≤ K2, it means that the Mth time slot is located relatively early in the current period. In order for the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period, the terminal device needs to transmit fewer time slots in advance, making it more efficient for the terminal device to transmit the UCI earlier. Therefore, the first information can instruct the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period.

[0241] 3.2) When M≥K3, the first information indication is: UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0242] M≥K3 indicates that the Mth time slot is located relatively late in the cycle. In order for the UCI to be sent in the first time slot of the first cycle, the terminal device needs to send a large number of time slots in advance. It is better for the terminal device to delay sending the UCI. Therefore, the first information can indicate that the UCI is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0243] 3.3) When M > K2 and M < K3, the first information indication is: UCI is not sent.

[0244] If M > K3 and M < K2, then M is located in a relatively middle time slot position within the current cycle. Let s1 be the number of time slots the terminal device needs to send UCI in advance for the first time slot of the first cycle; let s2 be the number of time slots the terminal device needs to delay sending UCI in advance for the first time slot of the second cycle. The values ​​of s1 and s2 are quite close.

[0245] At this point, it is better not to send a UCI, so the first message can instruct the UCI not to be sent.

[0246] In both Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the terminal device has the ability to send UCI in advance.

[0247] There are also cases where the terminal device lacks the capability to send UCI in advance or does not consider sending UCI in advance. In this case, the first message indicates either delaying the transmission of UCI or not sending UCI at all.

[0248] Example 4 is an example in which the terminal device delays sending the UCI or does not send the UCI, depending on the type of UCI.

[0249] In the case of combining Embodiment 4 with Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the terminal device does not have the ability to send UCI in advance.

[0250] In the case of combining Embodiment 4 with Embodiment 1, the terminal device and the network device reached a consensus on how to determine the UCI transmission method based on the type of UCI.

[0251] In the case where Embodiment 4 is not combined with Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, for example, as specified by the communication protocol or determined autonomously by the terminal device: the UCI transmission method is determined according to the type of UCI.

[0252] Example 4

[0253] In one possible embodiment, the type of UCI can be determined based on whether the UCI includes third information.

[0254] In the case that UCI includes third information, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0255] For example, the third information is HARQ-ACK or the first part of the channel state information, CSI part 1.

[0256] HARQ-ACK is feedback information from the HARQ mechanism. Taking a second communication device sending data to a first communication device as an example, the first communication device receives and decodes the data. If the first communication device successfully decodes the data, it will send a HARQ-ACK to indicate that the data has been correctly received.

[0257] Therefore, when UCI includes HARQ-ACK, it indicates that HARQ-ACK needs to be fed back to the second communication device. At this time, the first information cannot instruct UCI not to be sent. That is, the first information instructs UCI to be sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, so as to enable the terminal device to postpone sending UCI.

[0258] CSI-Part 1 includes partial descriptive information about the communication channel state. This channel state information reflects the characteristics of the wireless channel, such as signal strength, fading, and interference levels. This allows CSI-Part 1 to be used for more efficient resource allocation, modulation and coding scheme selection, and beamforming, thereby improving the performance and reliability of the NTN system.

[0259] Therefore, in the case where UCI includes CSI-part1, the first information cannot instruct UCI not to be sent. That is, the first information instructs UCI to be sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, so as to enable the terminal device to postpone the transmission of UCI.

[0260] There are also cases where the terminal device lacks the capability to send UCI in advance or does not consider sending UCI in advance. In this case, the first message indicates either delaying the transmission of UCI or not sending UCI at all.

[0261] Example 5 involves determining the transmission method of UCI based on the position of the predetermined transmission slot of UCI within the OCC cycle.

[0262] Similar to Embodiment 4, when Embodiment 4 is combined with Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the terminal device does not have the ability to send UCI in advance. When Embodiment 4 is not combined with Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, for example, the communication protocol stipulates or the terminal device determines itself: the UCI transmission method is determined according to the position of the predetermined UCI transmission slot in the OCC cycle.

[0263] In the case of combining Embodiment 4 with Embodiment 1, the terminal device and the network device reached a consensus on how to determine the transmission method of UCI based on the position of the predetermined transmission slot of UCI in the OCC cycle.

[0264] Example 5

[0265] M can indicate a predetermined transmission time slot for UCI, which will be used as an example for illustration.

[0266] When M ≤ the fourth threshold K4, the first information indicates that UCI is not transmitted; when M > K4, the first information indicates that UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0267] K4 is a positive integer, and K4 is less than or equal to the total number of time slots in one cycle.

[0268] K4 can be used to indicate the position of any time slot within a cycle.

[0269] K4 can have the same or different values ​​as K1.

[0270] When M ≤ K4, it indicates that the Mth time slot is located relatively early in the current period. To ensure that the UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the first period, the terminal device needs to transmit fewer time slots in advance, making it more efficient for the terminal device to transmit the UCI earlier. Therefore, the first information can instruct the UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the first period.

[0271] Unlike the case where M ≤ K4, the case where M > K4 indicates that fewer time slots need to be delayed in order for UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle. In this case, the first message can instruct UCI to be transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle.

[0272] Example 6 will describe in detail an embodiment of constraining network device scheduling. In this case, the network device may send first information to the terminal device, which may instruct the terminal device to send UCI in the first time slot of the OCC cycle.

[0273] Example 6

[0274] Figure 10 This is an interactive diagram of Example 6.

[0275] like Figure 10 As shown, the communication method further includes step S501.

[0276] S501, the network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0277] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information sent by the network device.

[0278] In this embodiment, the network device has the capability to indicate in which time slot the UCI is transmitted. Therefore, the first information can indicate that the UCI is transmitted in the first time slot of the OCC cycle to ensure the orthogonality of the OCC.

[0279] Similar to the network device sending the first configuration information M to the terminal device in the above embodiment, the first information can indicate M, where M is 1, that is, the Mth time slot is the first time slot of the OCC cycle.

[0280] By way of example, this application also provides a communication device.

[0281] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device (hereinafter referred to as the first communication device) provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0282] like Figure 11 As shown, the first communication device 1100 can exist independently or be integrated into other devices. It can communicate with the second communication device to implement the operation corresponding to the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0283] The first communication device 1100 may include a transceiver unit 1101. The transceiver unit 1101 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the transceiver unit 1101 may also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. The processing unit 1102 can be used for data processing.

[0284] In one possible embodiment, the first communication device 1100 may further include a processing unit 1102.

[0285] In one possible embodiment, the first communication device 1100 may further include a storage unit. This storage unit can be used to store instructions and / or data.

[0286] The first communication device 1100 can be used to perform the actions ultimately performed in the aforementioned method embodiments. The transceiver unit 1101 is used to perform reception-related operations of the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and the processing unit 1102 is used to perform processing-related operations of the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0287] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation of the network device in the above method embodiment. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation of the network device in the above method embodiment.

[0288] It should be noted that the first communication device 1100 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the first communication device 1100 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the first communication device 1100 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0289] The first communication device 1100 may include a transceiver unit 1101.

[0290] The transceiver unit 1101 is used to receive uplink control information sent by the terminal device in the first time slot. The first time slot is the first time slot of the first cycle, and the first cycle is one transmission cycle of the orthogonal coverage code (OCC).

[0291] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive uplink control information sent by the terminal device in each time slot of the first cycle.

[0292] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive first information sent by the terminal device, the first information instructing the terminal device to send uplink control information in a first time slot, or the first information instructing the terminal device not to send uplink control information.

[0293] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive second information sent by the terminal device, the second information being used to indicate whether the terminal device can send uplink control information in advance.

[0294] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send configuration information to the terminal device, the configuration information being used to indicate whether the terminal device enables the ability to send uplink control information in advance.

[0295] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive the first information sent by the terminal device in the first time slot of the first period, if the first information is two bits.

[0296] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive the first information sent by the terminal device in the first time slot of the first cycle and the second cycle, when the first information is one bit, wherein the second cycle is the next cycle of the first cycle.

[0297] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send first information to the terminal device, the first information instructing the terminal device to send uplink control information in a first time slot, or, the first information instructing the terminal device not to send uplink control information.

[0298] It should be understood that the corresponding processes performed by each unit have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0299] The processing unit in the preceding embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver unit 1101 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a communication unit or communication interface. The storage unit can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0300] By way of example, this application also provides a communication device.

[0301] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device (hereinafter referred to as the second communication device) provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0302] like Figure 12 As shown, the second communication device 1200 can exist independently or be integrated into other devices. It can communicate with the first communication device mentioned above to implement the operation corresponding to the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0303] The second communication device 1200 may include a transceiver unit 1201. The transceiver unit 1201 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the transceiver unit 1201 may also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. The processing unit 1202 can be used for data processing.

[0304] In one possible embodiment, the second communication device 1200 may further include a processing unit 1202.

[0305] In one possible embodiment, the second communication device 1200 may further include a storage unit. This storage unit can be used to store instructions and / or data.

[0306] The second communication device 1200 can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the preceding method embodiments. The transceiver unit 1201 is used to perform the receiving-related operations of the terminal device in the preceding method embodiments, and the processing unit 1202 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the terminal device in the preceding method embodiments.

[0307] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0308] It should be noted that the second communication device 1200 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the second communication device 1200 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the second communication device 1200 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0309] The second communication device 1200 may include a transceiver unit 1201.

[0310] The transceiver unit 1201 is used to send uplink control information to the network device in the first time slot. The first time slot is the first time slot of the first cycle, and the first cycle is one transmission cycle of the orthogonal coverage code (OCC).

[0311] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is also configured to: send uplink control information to the network device in each time slot of the first cycle.

[0312] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send first information to the network device, the first information instructing the terminal device to send uplink control information in a first time slot, or, the first information instructing the terminal device not to send uplink control information.

[0313] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send second information to the network device, the second information being used to indicate whether the terminal device is able to send uplink control information in advance.

[0314] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive configuration information sent by the network device, the configuration information being used to indicate whether the terminal device enables the ability to send uplink control information in advance.

[0315] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send the first information to the network device in the first time slot of the first period, if the first information is two bits.

[0316] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send the first information to the network device in the first time slot of the first period and the second period, wherein the second period is the next period after the first period, if the first information is one bit.

[0317] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive first information sent by the network device, the first information instructing the terminal device to send uplink control information in a first time slot, or the first information instructing the terminal device not to send uplink control information.

[0318] It should be understood that the corresponding processes performed by each unit have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0319] This application can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method examples. The module division in each embodiment of this application is illustrative and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0320] By way of example, this application also provides a communication device.

[0321] The communication device 1300 may be a terminal device or a network device, or it may be a chip of a terminal device or a network device. The communication device 1300 may be used to perform the operations performed by the terminal device or the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0322] Please see Figure 13 , Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0323] The communication device includes parts 1310 and 1320.

[0324] Section 1310 is primarily used for storing computer program code and data, and can typically be referred to as a memory or storage unit. Section 1320 is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals and for converting RF signals to baseband signals; section 1320 can typically be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver unit of section 1320, also called a transceiver, includes antenna 1323 and RF circuitry (not shown in the figure), where the RF circuitry is mainly used for RF processing. Optionally, the device in section 1320 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiver, and the device used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitter; that is, section 1320 includes receiver 1322 and transmitter 1321. The receiver can also be called a receiving unit, receiver circuit, or receiving unit, and the transmitter can be called a transmitting unit, transmitting unit, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0325] The communication device may also include part 3130.

[0326] The 1330 section is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station; the 1330 section is usually the control center of the base station, which can be called a processor or processing unit, and is used to control the terminal device or network device to perform the processing operations of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0327] Section 1320 may include one or more single boards, each single board may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is used to read and execute programs in the memory to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple single boards exist, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an optional implementation, multiple single boards may share one or more processors, or multiple single boards may share one or more memories, or multiple single boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0328] In one implementation, the transceiver unit in section 1320 is used to perform... Figure 13 The transmission and reception related processes are performed by the terminal device or network device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0329] The processor in the 1330 section is used to perform, for example... Figure 13 The process described in the embodiment is related to the processing performed by the terminal device or network device.

[0330] It should be understood that Figure 13 This is merely an example and not a limitation; the terminal or network devices mentioned above, including processors, memory, and transceivers, may not rely on... Figure 13 The structure shown.

[0331] When the communication device 1300 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver and a memory. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the transmitting operation of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0332] A chip may also include a processor. The processor is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0333] For example, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon for implementing the methods executed by a terminal device or by a network device in the above method embodiments.

[0334] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the method executed by the terminal device or the method executed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0335] For example, this application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method executed by the terminal device or the method executed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0336] For example, this application also provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is used to execute the processes executed by the terminal device in the preceding embodiments. The network device is used to execute the processes executed by the network device in the preceding embodiments.

[0337] For example, this application also provides a chip device including a processor for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the processor to perform the methods of the above embodiments.

[0338] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the above. Figure 13 The receiving operation in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the output of the chip device described above, for example... Figure 13 The sending operation in the illustrated embodiment.

[0339] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0340] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0341] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program that controls the reference signal processing method of the preceding embodiments. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0342] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0343] In this application, the terminal device or network device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also known as main memory). The operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer may include applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0344] 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.

[0345] 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, or indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0346] 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.

[0347] Furthermore, 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. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0348] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the processes of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0349] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, the method includes: The uplink control information sent by the terminal device is received in the first time slot, which is the first time slot of the first cycle, and the first cycle is one transmission cycle of the orthogonal coverage code (OCC).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: In each time slot of the first cycle, the uplink control information sent by the terminal device is received.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives first information, which instructs the terminal device to send the uplink control information in the first time slot, or the first information instructs the terminal device not to send the uplink control information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives a second message, which indicates whether the terminal device can send the uplink control information in advance.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Configuration information is sent to the terminal device, the configuration information being used to indicate whether the terminal device enables the ability to send the uplink control information in advance.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first information consists of two bits, the first information sent by the terminal device is received in the first time slot of the first period.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first information is one bit, the first information sent by the terminal device is received in the first time slot of the first period and the second period, wherein the second period is the next period after the first period.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information to the terminal device, the first information instructing the terminal device to send the uplink control information in the first time slot.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Uplink control information is sent to the network device in the first time slot, which is the first time slot of the first period, and the first period is one transmission period of the orthogonal coverage code (OCC).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: In each time slot of the first cycle, the uplink control information is sent to the network device.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message to the network device, the first message instructing the terminal device to send the uplink control information in the first time slot, or the first message instructing the terminal device not to send the uplink control information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message to the network device, the second message being used to indicate whether the terminal device can send the uplink control information in advance.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives configuration information sent by the network device, the configuration information being used to indicate whether the terminal device enables the ability to send the uplink control information in advance.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first information consists of two bits, it is sent to the network device in the first time slot of the first period.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first information is one bit, the first information is sent to the network device in the first time slot of the first period and the second period, wherein the second period is the next period after the first period.

16. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives first information sent by the network device, the first information instructing the terminal device to send the uplink control information in the first time slot.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The first period is any one of the following: The period in which the Mth time slot is located; The Xth period preceding the period containing the Mth time slot. Where M is the order in which the network device instructs the terminal device to send the uplink control information within its own period, the Mth time slot is any time slot other than the first time slot in its own period, and X and M are positive integers.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The first cycle is: The next period of the period containing the Mth time slot, Where M is the order in which the network device instructs the terminal device to send the uplink control information within its own period, the Mth time slot is any time slot other than the first time slot in its own period, and X and M are positive integers.

19. The method according to any one of claims 4-7 and 12-15, characterized in that, The second information includes: the number of time slots in which the uplink control information can be sent in advance within one cycle, or the total number of time slots in which the uplink control information can be sent in advance.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, N is the number of time slots in which the uplink control information can be sent ahead of schedule within one cycle. When N is greater than or equal to M, the first information indicates that: the uplink control information is sent in the first time slot of the first cycle, or the uplink control information is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, or the uplink control information is not sent, and the second cycle is the next cycle of the first cycle.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, If M is less than or equal to the first threshold, the first information indicates that the uplink control information is sent in the first time slot of the first cycle. If M is greater than the first threshold, the first information indicates that the uplink control information is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle. Wherein, the first threshold is a positive integer, and the first threshold is less than or equal to the total number of time slots in one cycle.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, If M is less than or equal to the second threshold, the first information indicates that the uplink control information is sent in the first time slot of the first cycle. If M is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the first information indicates that the uplink control information is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle. If M is greater than the second threshold and less than the third threshold, the first information indicates that the uplink control information is not sent. Wherein, the second threshold is a positive integer less than the third threshold, and the third threshold is less than the total number of time slots in one cycle.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17-22, characterized in that, N is the number of time slots in which the uplink control information can be sent ahead of schedule within one cycle. When N is less than M, the first information indicates that the uplink control information is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, or that the uplink control information is not sent.

24. The method according to any one of claims 17, 18, and 23, characterized in that, If M is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, the first information indicates that the uplink control information is not sent; if M is greater than the fourth threshold, the first information indicates that the uplink control information is sent in the first time slot of the second cycle, wherein the fourth threshold is a positive integer, the fourth threshold is less than or equal to the total number of time slots in one cycle, and the second cycle is the next cycle of the pair of cycles.

25. The method according to any one of claims 17, 18, and 23, characterized in that, If the uplink control information includes third information, the first information indicates that the uplink control information is transmitted in the first time slot of the second cycle, and the second cycle is the next cycle of the first cycle.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The third information is a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK); or, the third information is the first part of the channel state information, CSIpart 1.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1-26, characterized in that, The uplink control information is carried in the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

28. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module for performing the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, 16-27, or any one of claims 9-27.

29. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-8, 16-27, and the second communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 9-27.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

31. A chip, characterized in that, include: An interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips besides the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips besides the chip, and the logic circuit is used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

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