Communication method and related equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and related equipment, which are used for determining reference signal configuration information sent by first equipment, sending a reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information, preventing different first equipment from sending the same reference signal, reducing interference between the reference signals sent by the different first equipment, and improving the user experience. The positioning precision is improved, and the positioning performance is ensured. In the method, a first device determines detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information, determines first reference signal configuration information based on the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information, and sends a first reference signal based on the first reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information is associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal configuration information belongs to at least one reference signal configuration information.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication, and in particular to a communication method and related equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, the position information of a user equipment (UE) is usually acquired by using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The GNSS, also known as a global satellite navigation system, is an air-based radio navigation and positioning system that can provide three-dimensional coordinates and speed and time information for users on the earth's surface or in near-earth space at any location. The GNSS includes the Beidou satellite navigation system of China, the global positioning system of the United States, the GLONASS satellite navigation system of Russia, and the Galileo satellite navigation system of the European Union. GNSS positioning is a downlink positioning method, that is, a satellite broadcasts navigation signals (downlink signals) and navigation information, and a user equipment acquires a measurement related to positioning based on the measurement of the navigation signals, and the measurement is used to determine the positioning result of the user equipment.

[0003] In a satellite communication scenario, the position information of a UE is very helpful for improving the performance of satellite communication. For example, the position information and the number of users acquired by a satellite can assist satellite communication, such as performing more precise beam management (for example, assisting a beam to be directed to a specific user, increasing the service time of an area with a large number of users, etc.), performing more accurate time-frequency synchronization (for example, uplink synchronization, Doppler compensation, etc.).

[0004] Therefore, in a satellite communication scenario, how to acquire the position information of a user equipment and ensure the positioning performance is a technical problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and related equipment for determining the reference signal configuration information sent by a first device, sending a reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information, avoiding different first devices from sending the same reference signal, reducing the interference between the reference signals sent by different first devices, improving the positioning accuracy, and ensuring the positioning performance.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a first device, or by a part of the first device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device. In the first aspect and possible implementation manners thereof, the method is described by taking the method performed by the first device as an example. In the method, the first device determines detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information; determines first reference signal configuration information based on the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information; and transmits a first reference signal based on the first reference signal configuration information, where the first reference signal configuration information is associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0007] The first device can be a terminal device, for example, a user equipment (UE), and the second device can be a network device, including a core network device and / or an access network device, for example, a base station, a satellite, and the like.

[0008] The detection configuration information is used to determine the first reference signal to be transmitted. The detection configuration information includes at least one of a listening duration, a maximum detection number, and a maximum transmission number. The first reference signal can be a positioning reference signal, which is used by the second device to obtain a positioning measurement quantity.

[0009] The first reference signal configuration information is associated with the first reference signal, and is used to determine related configuration information of the first reference signal.

[0010] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information can also be associated with area identification information, Doppler shift information, or preamble information.

[0011] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information includes transmission information of the first reference signal, frequency hopping (FH)-related configuration information, a modulation mode, and the like.

[0012] The transmission information of the first reference signal can include resource configuration and / or transmission mode configuration occupied by the first reference signal transmission. The transmission mode can include whether the first reference signal is generated according to a type 1 or a type 2.

[0013] Specifically, the transmission information of the first reference signal can include one or more of scrambling code information of the UE generating the first reference signal, position information of the first reference signal, periodicity information, interval information, density information, reserved guard time information, and tuning time information.

[0014] The scrambling code information can be one or more of a scrambling code range of the first reference signal and a scrambling code value set.

[0015] The location information can be the location where the first reference signal was sent.

[0016] The period information can be the period of the first reference signal transmission.

[0017] The interval information can be the interval between two adjacent transmissions of the first reference signal.

[0018] Density information can be the number of times the first reference signal is sent within a specific time range.

[0019] The reserved protection time information can be the length of time to be reserved before sending the first reference signal, or the length of time to be reserved after sending the first reference signal, or the length of time to be reserved between sending two first reference signals.

[0020] The tuning time information can be the switching time from the transmission of the first reference signal to the next transmission of the first reference signal.

[0021] Specifically, the frequency hopping configuration information of the first reference signal may include frequency hopping time-domain configuration information, frequency hopping frequency-domain configuration information, etc.

[0022] Frequency hopping time-domain configuration information can include start position information, interval information, period information, the number of symbols occupied by each hop, and frame / slot configuration information.

[0023] Frequency hopping frequency domain configuration information can be one or more of the following: starting RB position information, the number of RBs occupied by each hop (or the frequency width occupied by each hop signal), the resource width of each hop (such as for phase estimation), the number of hops on a frequency within a specific time period, the frequency resource range of frequency hopping, subcarrier spacing information, and frequency hopping offset.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, the first device determines the first reference signal configuration information from at least one reference signal configuration information according to the detection configuration information, so as to send the first reference signal. This can avoid the first reference signal from conflicting with the reference signals sent by other devices in the network, and ensure the positioning performance of the first device and other devices.

[0025] In one possible implementation, first information is received, and based on the first information, detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information are determined.

[0026] Optionally, the first information may include detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0027] Optionally, the first information may include information for determining detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information; that is, the first information may not directly include detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0028] It is worth noting that the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information can be predefined or preconfigured. For example, the first device can obtain the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information without being based on the first information.

[0029] In this implementation, the first information is received, and the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information are determined. Optionally, the first information can trigger the first device to perform detection of the reference signal according to the detection configuration information.

[0030] In a possible implementation, a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) is received, and the first reference signal is transmitted.

[0031] Optionally, the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) can be broadcast by the second device, and the SSB includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0032] In this implementation, the first device receives the SSB, which can trigger the first device to transmit the first reference signal, and the first device does not need to establish a communication link with the second device, which is conducive to reducing the complexity and cost of the first device and reducing power consumption.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the SSB is used to indicate that the first information is received.

[0034] The SSB includes indication information, which is used to indicate that the first device receives the first information.

[0035] Optionally, one or more bit values in the SSB are used to represent the indication information, and the one or more bit values are used to indicate that the first information is received. For example, one bit value in the SSB is used to represent the indication information.

[0036] In a possible implementation, when the bit value is 0, it indicates that the first information is not included or not supported, the first information does not need to be received, or the communication method described in the present application is not supported. In this way, the first device can determine based on the SSB information that it does not need to continue to receive the first information, for example, the first device does not need to receive other SIBs, posSIBs, or other messages to obtain the first information, which can effectively reduce the complexity and power consumption of the UE and avoid invalid information reception and decoding; when the bit value is 1, it indicates that the first information is included or supported, the first information needs to be received, or the communication method described in the present application is supported, and the first device can determine based on the SSB information that it needs to receive the first information, for example, the first device needs to receive other SIBs, posSIBs, or other messages to obtain the first information, which can achieve the effect of fast indication.

[0037] Another possible implementation, when the bit value is 0, indicates that the first information is "included" or "supported", "received", or the communication method described in the present application is "supported"; when the bit value is 1, indicates that the first information is "not included" or "not supported", "not needed to be received", or the communication method described in the present application is "not supported".

[0038] Yet another possible implementation, when the SSB carries the bit or parameter (i.e., the bit or parameter exists), indicates that the first information is "included" or "supported", "received", or the communication method described in the present application is "supported"; when the SSB does not carry the bit or parameter (i.e., the bit or parameter does not exist), indicates that the first information is "not included" or "not supported", "not needed to be received", or the communication method described in the present application is "not supported". The indication information can also be in the form of a field or a variable, which is not limited here.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the second reference signal configuration information is determined, the second reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information, and the second reference signal configuration information is associated with the second reference signal. Based on the second reference signal configuration information, it is determined that at least one of the first condition or the second condition is met, the first condition is that the second reference signal is not detected, and the second condition is that i is greater than or equal to M and / or j is greater than or equal to N, i is the number of times of detecting the second reference signal, j is the number of times of sending the second reference signal, M is the maximum number of detections, N is the maximum number of transmissions, and i, j, M, and N are positive integers. The first reference signal configuration information is determined to be the second reference signal configuration information.

[0040] The first condition is that the first device does not detect the second reference signal, and the first condition is used to determine whether there is another device in the network to select or determine or send the second reference signal. The second condition is whether the number of times of detecting the second reference signal by the first device meets the maximum number of detections and / or whether the number of times of sending the second reference signal meets the maximum number of transmissions.

[0041] When the second condition is whether the number of times of detecting the second reference signal by the first device meets the maximum number of detections, the second condition is used to improve the accuracy of detection. For example, when the first device detects the second reference signal for the first time, although another device has already selected or determined or sent the second reference signal, the other device has not sent the second reference signal because it has not finished making the decision, or the first device does not detect the second reference signal through one detection because of the link quality. In this way, based on multiple detections, the accuracy of detection can be improved.

[0042] When the second condition is whether the number of times of sending the second reference signal meets the maximum sending number, the second condition can be used to improve the accuracy of detection by other devices. It should be understood that "sending the second reference signal" herein is equivalent to "attempting to send the second reference signal", which aims to indicate other devices that the first device has selected or determined or sent the second reference signal.

[0043] In this implementation, the first condition or the second condition is determined to be met according to the number of times of detecting and / or sending the second reference signal, so as to determine the first reference signal configuration information. By detecting the second reference signal i times, it can be avoided that the reference signal sent by the first device collides or conflicts with the reference signal sent by other devices. By sending the second reference signal j times, it is equivalent to informing other devices that the first device has determined or selected or used the reference signal, avoiding different first devices from sending the same reference signal, reducing the interference between the reference signals sent by different first devices, improving the positioning accuracy, and ensuring the positioning performance.

[0044] In a possible implementation, determining that at least one of the first condition or the second condition is met is to determine whether the first condition and the second condition are met at the same time. For example, the second reference signal is detected i times, and it is determined that the first condition is met. The second reference signal is sent j times, and it is determined that the second condition is met.

[0045] The first condition is that the first device does not detect the second reference signal, and the first condition is used to determine whether there is other device in the network that selects or determines or sends the second reference signal. The second condition is whether the number of times of detecting the second reference signal by the first device meets the maximum detection number and / or whether the number of times of sending the second reference signal meets the maximum sending number. It should be understood that "sending the second reference signal" herein is equivalent to "attempting to send the second reference signal", which aims to indicate other devices that the first device has selected or determined or sent the second reference signal.

[0046] In this implementation, the second reference signal is not detected i times, and it is determined that the first condition is met, indicating that there is no other device in the network that determines or selects or sends the second reference signal. The second reference signal is sent j times, which is equivalent to informing other devices that the first device has determined or selected or used the reference signal. By determining that the first condition and the second condition are met at the same time, the possibility of multiple devices selecting the same reference signal is reduced, different first devices sending the same reference signal is avoided, the interference between the reference signals sent by different first devices is reduced, the positioning accuracy is improved, and the positioning performance is ensured.

[0047] In a possible implementation, determining that at least one of the first condition or the second condition is met is to determine whether the first condition is met.

[0048] The first condition is that the first device does not detect the second reference signal, and the first condition is used to determine whether there is another device in the network that selects or determines or transmits the second reference signal. For example, the second reference signal is detected i times, and it is determined that the first condition is met.

[0049] In this implementation, the second reference signal is detected i times, and it is determined that the first condition is met when the second reference signal is not detected, which indicates that there is no other device in the network that determines or selects or transmits the second reference signal, so as to avoid collision or conflict between the reference signal transmitted by the first device and the reference signal transmitted by another device, and to ensure the positioning performance of multiple devices. In addition, only determining whether the first condition is met can simplify the processing flow and reduce the processing complexity of the user equipment.

[0050] In a possible implementation, determining whether at least one of the first condition or the second condition is met is determining whether the second condition is met.

[0051] The second condition is whether the number of times that the first device detects the second reference signal meets a maximum detection number and / or whether the number of times that the first device transmits the second reference signal meets a maximum transmission number. For example, the second reference signal is transmitted j times, and j is greater than or equal to the maximum transmission number N, and it is determined that the second condition is met. For another example, the second reference signal is detected i times, and i is greater than or equal to the maximum detection number M, and it is determined that the second condition is met. For another example, the second reference signal is detected i times, and i is greater than or equal to the maximum detection number M, and the second reference signal is transmitted j times, and j is greater than or equal to the maximum transmission number N, and it is determined that the second condition is met.

[0052] When the second condition is whether the number of times that the first device detects the second reference signal meets the maximum detection number, the second condition is used to improve the accuracy of detection. For example, when the first device detects the second reference signal for the first time, although another device has selected or determined or transmitted the second reference signal, the other device has not transmitted the second reference signal because it has not finished making the decision, or the first device does not detect the second reference signal through one detection because of the link quality. In this way, based on multiple detections, the accuracy of detection can be improved.

[0053] When the second condition is whether the number of times that the first device transmits the second reference signal meets the maximum transmission number, the second condition can be used to improve the accuracy of detection of another device. It should be understood that "transmitting the second reference signal" here is equivalent to "attempting to transmit the second reference signal", and the purpose is to indicate that another device has selected or determined or transmitted the second reference signal.

[0054] In the implementation, the first reference signal configuration information is determined according to whether the second condition is met according to the number of times of detecting and / or the number of times of sending the second reference signal. By detecting the i times of the second reference signal, the reference signal sent by the first device can be prevented from colliding or conflicting with the reference signal sent by another device. By sending the j times of the second reference signal, it is equivalent to informing another device that the first device has determined or selected or used the reference signal, so as to reduce the possibility of conflict between the reference signals determined or selected or sent by multiple devices and ensure the positioning performance of the multiple devices. In addition, only the second condition is determined, the processing flow can be simplified, and the processing complexity of the user equipment can be reduced.

[0055] In a possible implementation, it is determined that the first condition is not met, and the second reference signal configuration information is determined as third reference signal configuration information. The third reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information, and the third reference signal configuration information is associated with the third reference signal.

[0056] In the implementation, when it is determined that the first condition is not met, it indicates that the first device detects the second reference signal, which means that another device has determined or selected or used the second reference signal. Therefore, the first device needs to determine or select another reference signal again, so as to avoid selecting the same reference signal as another device in the network and to avoid conflict and interference between the reference signals.

[0057] In a possible implementation, it is determined that the first condition is not met, and a first timer is started. It is determined that the first timer is stopped, and the second reference signal configuration information is determined as the third reference signal configuration information.

[0058] In the implementation, when the first device detects the second reference signal, the timer is started, and the second reference signal configuration information is determined again after a period of time.

[0059] In a possible implementation, it is determined that the second condition is not met, and the second reference signal is detected again.

[0060] In the implementation, when it is determined that the second condition is not met, it indicates that the number of times of detecting the second reference signal by the first device is less than the maximum number of times of detecting, and / or the number of times of sending the second reference signal by the first device is less than the maximum number of times of sending. The first device needs to detect the second reference signal again or continue to send the second reference signal.

[0061] In a possible implementation, it is determined that the second condition is not met, and a second timer is started. It is determined that the second timer is stopped, and the second reference signal is detected again.

[0062] In the implementation, when the number of times of detecting the second reference signal is less than the maximum number of times of detection and / or the number of times of sending the second reference signal is less than the maximum number of times of sending, the timer is started, and the second reference signal configuration information is re-detected or the second reference signal is continuously sent after a period of time.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the detection configuration information includes at least one of a listening duration, the maximum number of times of detection M, or the maximum number of times of sending N. The listening duration is a duration of detecting the second reference signal. The maximum number of times of detection is an upper limit of the number of times of detecting the second reference signal by the first device. The maximum number of times of sending is an upper limit of the number of times of sending the second reference signal by the first device. The maximum number of times of detection and the maximum number of times of sending can be the same, that is, M and N are the same, so that signaling overhead can be saved. M and N can also be different, so that flexibility of the implementation can be increased.

[0064] Optionally, the listening duration can be a single duration of detecting the second reference signal, or a total duration of detecting the second reference signal i times.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the listening duration, the duration of the first timer, or the duration of the second timer is determined by at least one of the following: Doppler shift information of the first device, a number of beams of a neighboring cell of the first device, or identification information of the first device.

[0066] The Doppler shift information can include information such as a Doppler frequency or a phase. When the first device moves in a certain direction, a phase or a frequency change caused by a difference in propagation distance can be referred to as a Doppler shift of the first device.

[0067] The number of beams of the neighboring cell of the first device is a number of beams of a neighboring cell that can be detected by the first device, for example, a number of SSB beams.

[0068] The identification of the first device is an identification used to uniquely identify a user equipment, for example, an international mobile subscriber identification number (IMSI), an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), a temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI), or the like.

[0069] In this implementation, in most scenarios, the Doppler shift information of the first device, the number of adjacent beams of the first device, or the identification information of the first device are all user equipment specific, that is, the Doppler shift information, the number of adjacent beams, and the identification information of the first device are different for different user equipment. Based on these information, the listening duration, the duration of the first timer, or the duration of the second timer can be determined, so that the listening duration, the duration of the first timer, or the duration of the second timer is more random, and the accuracy and scientificity of detection is improved.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the first reference signal is transmitted by using a first power, and the second reference signal is transmitted by using a second power, and the first power is greater than the second power.

[0071] It should be understood that the purpose and effect of "transmitting the first reference signal" and "transmitting the second reference signal" in the present application are different. "Transmitting the first reference signal" is equivalent to "formally transmitting the first reference signal", and its effect is that the network device can obtain positioning-related measurement quantities based on the first reference signal. However, "transmitting the second reference signal" is equivalent to "tentatively transmitting the second reference signal", and its purpose is to indicate that other devices that the first device has selected or determined or transmitted the second reference signal. In other words, the main purpose of transmitting the second reference signal is not to determine the positioning information of the device.

[0072] In this implementation, the first device transmits the second reference signal at a lower power (second power) to indicate or notify other first devices in a relatively close distance in the network that the second reference signal has been determined or selected by other devices (such as the first device), so as to avoid other first devices using the second reference signal. The first reference signal is transmitted at a larger power (first power) to ensure that the first reference signal can be received by the second device. For example, the second device is a satellite, or the distance between the second device and the first device is far enough, and the first reference signal needs to be transmitted at a large power.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one set of reference signal configuration information, and the at least one set of reference signal configuration information is associated with at least one of the area identification information, the Doppler shift information, or the preamble information.

[0074] The area identification information is used to identify certain area information, and can be represented by a wave position ID, a self-defined area ID, a cell ID, or the like.

[0075] The preamble information is a kind of random access preamble, which is used for synchronization and identification of signals in wireless communication. For example, a self-correlation method can be used to detect the presence or absence of a reference signal, and a local signal and a received signal are cross-correlated to achieve time synchronization.

[0076] In this implementation, the "at least one reference signal configuration information" is equivalent to being divided into multiple groups of reference signal configuration information, and each group of reference signal configuration information is distinguished by at least one of the area identification information, the Doppler shift information, or the preamble information.

[0077] In a possible implementation, based on at least one of the area identification information, the Doppler shift information, or the preamble information, a first reference signal configuration information group is determined, and the first reference signal configuration information group belongs to at least one group of reference signal configuration information; and based on the first reference signal configuration information group, at least one of the first reference signal configuration information, the second reference signal configuration information, or the third reference signal configuration information is determined.

[0078] Based on at least one of the area identification information, the Doppler shift information, or the preamble information, the first device can first determine a certain group, that is, first determine "a group of reference signal configuration information (such as a first reference signal configuration information group)"; and then the first device can select a reference signal configuration information from the "first reference signal configuration information group".

[0079] In this implementation, the reference signal configuration information is determined by grouping, which can improve the efficiency of reference signal configuration selection, and the second device does not need to receive all reference signals, which can effectively reduce the complexity and network resource overhead of the second device in receiving the reference signals. For example, when the first reference signal configuration information group is determined based on the area identification information, the second device can only issue the reference signal configuration information in the group corresponding to the area, and the second device only needs to receive the reference signals corresponding to the area.

[0080] In a possible implementation, second information is received, the second information including position information of the first device and / or first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate to stop sending the first reference signal and / or to update the first reference signal configuration information.

[0081] In this implementation, the first device receives second information, and the second information includes position information of the first device. In this way, the first device can obtain its own positioning result for satellite communication. The first indication information can be used to indicate to stop sending the first reference signal, so that the first device can know when to stop sending the first reference signal, thereby reducing power consumption and reducing occupation of network resources. The first indication information can also be used to update the first reference signal configuration information, so that the first device can send the first reference signal by using more appropriate reference signal configuration information, to improve the positioning performance.

[0082] In a possible implementation, configuration index information of the first reference signal is sent, and the configuration index information includes at least one of the following: a first reference signal resource identifier or a first reference signal resource set identifier.

[0083] The first reference signal configuration information can be associated with the first reference signal resource, for example, the first reference signal configuration information includes configuration index information, and the configuration index information includes a first reference signal resource identifier and a first reference signal resource set identifier. The reference signal resource identifier can be used to identify a certain reference signal resource, and the reference signal resource set identifier can be used to identify one or more reference signal resources. The resource set can include at least one resource, and the resource can be one or more of bandwidth, BWP, RB, and subcarrier.

[0084] In this implementation, the first device sends a first reference signal resource identifier or a first reference signal resource set identifier of the first reference signal, and the second device can determine the association relationship between the first device and the first reference signal configuration information and the first reference signal according to the first reference signal resource identifier or the first reference signal resource set identifier.

[0085] In a possible implementation, at least one of the first reference signal, the second reference signal, or the third reference signal is a sounding reference signal SRS.

[0086] Optionally, the reference signal can also be an uplink positioning sounding reference signal pos-SRS, a demodulation reference signal DM-RS, a phase noise tracking reference signal PT-RS, a sidelink reference signal, a random access preamble, and the like.

[0087] In this implementation, the sounding reference signal SRS can be used to determine the positioning information of the first device, and can also be used for channel measurement during communication.

[0088] In a possible implementation, the first information is a system information block SIB or a positioning system information block posSIB or other RRC messages.

[0089] In this implementation, the system information block SIB can be any one of SIB1 to SIB25, and the SIB is important information broadcast by a base station in a mobile communication network, including configuration information and operating parameters of a cell, so that the first device can understand the state and characteristics of the network to establish a connection with the network. The posSIB is a system information block for supporting positioning services, which provides necessary positioning information for UEs to support high-precision positioning services. The radio resource control (RRC) message is a message used for radio resource management, control, and scheduling in a mobile communication network.

[0090] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is executed by a second device, or executed by some components (such as a processor, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the second device, or can also be implemented by a logic module or software which can realize all or part of the functions of the second device. In the second aspect and its possible implementation manners, the method is executed by the second device as an example. In the method, a first reference signal is received, the first reference signal is associated with first reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information is determined by a first device based on detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information, and the first reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information; the first reference signal is measured to obtain third information, and the third information is used to determine position information of the first device.

[0091] The first reference signal is associated with first reference signal configuration information, and the first reference signal configuration information is determined by the first device based on detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0092] The detection configuration information is used to determine the first reference signal to be sent. The detection configuration information includes at least one of a listening duration, a maximum detection number, and a maximum sending number. The first reference signal can be a positioning reference signal, which is used for the second device to obtain a positioning measurement (the third information).

[0093] The first reference signal configuration information is associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal configuration information is used to determine related configuration information of the first reference signal to be sent.

[0094] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information can also be associated with area identification information, Doppler shift information or preamble information.

[0095] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information includes transmission information of the first reference signal, frequency hopping (FH) related configuration information, a modulation mode, etc.

[0096] The transmission information of the first reference signal can include resource configuration and / or transmission mode configuration occupied by the first reference signal transmission. The transmission mode can include whether the first reference signal is generated according to type 1 or type 2.

[0097] Specifically, the transmission information of the first reference signal can include one or more of scrambling code information of the UE generating the first reference signal, position information of the first reference signal, period information, interval information, density information, reserved protection time information, and tuning time information.

[0098] The scrambling code information can be one or more of a scrambling code range of the first reference signal and a scrambling code value set.

[0099] The position information can be a position of the first reference signal transmission.

[0100] The period information can be a period of the first reference signal transmission.

[0101] The interval information can be an interval between two adjacent first reference signal transmissions.

[0102] The density information can be a number of times of transmitting the first reference signal within a specific time range.

[0103] The guard time information can be a length of time to be reserved before the first reference signal transmission, or a length of time to be reserved after the first reference signal transmission, or a length of time to be reserved between two first reference signal transmissions.

[0104] The tuning time information can be a switching time from the first reference signal transmission to the next first reference signal transmission.

[0105] Specifically, the frequency hopping related configuration information of the first reference signal can include frequency hopping time domain configuration information, frequency hopping frequency domain configuration information, and the like.

[0106] The frequency hopping time domain configuration information can be start position information, interval information, period information, a number of symbols occupied by each hop, frame / slot configuration information, and the like.

[0107] The frequency hopping frequency domain configuration information can be one or more of start RB position information, a number of RBs occupied by each hop (or a frequency width occupied by each hop signal), a resource width of each hop (such as for phase estimation), a number of hops in a specific time on a frequency, a frequency resource range of frequency hopping, subcarrier spacing information, and frequency hopping offset.

[0108] Based on the above scheme, the second device receives the first reference signal, measures the first reference signal, and obtains third information, which can be used to determine the positioning information of the first device. The first reference signal is associated with the first reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information is determined by the first device based on the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information, and the first reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information, thereby avoiding different first devices from transmitting the same reference signal, reducing interference between reference signals transmitted by different first devices, improving positioning accuracy, and ensuring positioning performance.

[0109] In a possible implementation, the first information is transmitted, and the first information is used to determine the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0110] Optionally, the first information can include the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0111] Optionally, the first information can comprise information for determining the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information, i.e., the first information can not directly comprise the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0112] It is worth noting that the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information can be predefined or preconfigured. For example, the first device can obtain the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information without being based on the first information.

[0113] In this implementation, the first information is transmitted, and the first information is used for determining the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information. Optionally, the first information can trigger the first device to perform detection of the reference signal according to the detection configuration information.

[0114] In a possible implementation, a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) is transmitted, the SSB is used for the first device to transmit the first reference signal, and / or indicates the first device to receive the first information.

[0115] Optionally, the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) can be broadcast by the second device, and the SSB comprises a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0116] Optionally, the SSB comprises indication information, and the indication information is used for indicating the first device to receive the first information.

[0117] Optionally, one or more bit values in the SSB are used to represent the indication information, and the one or more bit values are used to indicate the first information. For example, one bit value in the SSB is used to represent the indication information.

[0118] Specifically, when the bit value is 0, it represents that the first information is “not contained” or “not supported”, the first information is “not needed to be received”, or the communication method described in the present application is “not supported”. In this way, the first device can determine, based on the SSB information, that it does not need to continue to receive the first information, for example, the first device does not need to receive other SIBs, posSIBs, or other messages to obtain the first information, which can effectively reduce the complexity and power consumption of the UE and avoid invalid information reception and decoding; when the bit value is 1, it represents that the first information is “contained” or “supported”, the first information is “received”, or the communication method described in the present application is “supported”, and the first device can determine, based on the SSB information, that it needs to receive the first information, for example, the first device needs to receive other SIBs, posSIBs, or other messages to obtain the first information, which can achieve the effect of fast indication.

[0119] Specifically, when the bit value is 0, it indicates that the first information is "included" or "supported", "received" or "supported" the communication method described in the present application; when the bit value is 1, it indicates that the first information is "not included" or "not supported", "not received" or "not supported" the communication method described in the present application.

[0120] Specifically, when the SSB carries the bit or parameter (i.e., the bit or parameter exists), it indicates that the first information is "included" or "supported", "received" or "supported" the communication method described in the present application; when the SSB does not carry the bit or parameter (i.e., the bit or parameter does not exist), it indicates that the first information is "not included" or "not supported", "not received" or "not supported" the communication method described in the present application. The indication information can also be in the form of a field or a variable, which is not limited here.

[0121] In this implementation, the SSB is sent, which can trigger the first device to send the first reference signal, and / or instruct the first device to receive the first information, without the need for the first device to establish a communication link with the second device, which is beneficial to reduce the complexity and overhead of the first device and reduce power consumption.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one set of reference signal configuration information, and the at least one set of reference signal configuration information is associated with at least one of the area identification information, the Doppler shift information, or the preamble information.

[0123] The area identification information is used to identify certain area information, which can be represented by a wave position ID, a self-defined area ID, a cell ID, etc.

[0124] The preamble information is a kind of random access preamble, which is used for synchronization and identification of signals in wireless communication. For example, the autocorrelation method can be used to detect the presence or absence of the reference signal, and the cross-correlation between the local signal and the received signal is used to achieve time synchronization.

[0125] In this implementation, the "at least one reference signal configuration information" is equivalent to being divided into multiple sets of reference signal configuration information, and each set of reference signal configuration information is distinguished by at least one of the area identification information, the Doppler shift information, or the preamble information.

[0126] In a possible implementation, the second information is sent, and the second information includes the location information of the first device and / or the first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct to stop sending the first reference signal and / or update the first reference signal configuration information.

[0127] In this implementation, the second device sends the second information, and the second information includes the position information of the first device. In this way, the first device can obtain its own positioning result for satellite communication. The first indication information can be used to indicate to stop sending the first reference signal. In this way, the first device can know when to stop sending the reference signal, reduce power consumption, and reduce the occupation of network resources. The first indication information can also be used to update the first reference signal configuration information. In this way, the first device can send the first reference signal by using more appropriate reference signal configuration information, so as to improve the positioning performance.

[0128] In a possible implementation, the configuration index information of the first reference signal is obtained, and the configuration index information includes at least one of the following: a first reference signal resource identifier, a first reference signal resource set identifier; and the first device is determined to be associated with the first reference signal based on the configuration index information.

[0129] The reference signal resource identifier can be used to identify a certain reference signal resource. The reference signal resource set can include at least one reference signal resource, and one reference signal resource set identifier can be used to identify one or more reference signal resources. The resource can be one or more of bandwidth, BWP, RB, and subcarrier.

[0130] In this implementation, the second device obtains the configuration index information of the first reference signal, for example, at least one of the first reference signal resource identifier or the first reference signal resource set identifier of the first reference signal. Based on at least one of the first reference signal resource identifier or the first reference signal resource set identifier, the first device is determined to be associated with the first reference signal.

[0131] In a possible implementation, the first reference signal is a sounding reference signal SRS.

[0132] The above reference signal can also be an uplink positioning sounding reference signal pos-SRS, a demodulation reference signal DM-RS, a phase noise tracking reference signal PT-RS, a sidelink reference signal, a random access preamble Preamble, and the like.

[0133] In this implementation, the sounding reference signal SRS can be used to determine the positioning information of the first device, and can also be used for channel measurement during communication.

[0134] In a possible implementation, the first information is a system information block SIB or a positioning system information block posSIB or other RRC message.

[0135] In the implementation, the system information block (SIB) can be any one of SIB1 to SIB25, which is important information broadcast by a base station in a mobile communication network, including configuration information and operating parameters of a cell, so that the first device can understand the state and characteristics of the network to establish a connection with the network. The posSIB is a system information block for supporting positioning services, which provides necessary positioning information for the UE to support high-precision positioning services. The radio resource control (RRC) message is a message used for radio resource management, control and scheduling in a mobile communication network.

[0136] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0137] A determining module is configured to determine the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0138] The determining module is further configured to determine the first reference signal configuration information based on the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information belonging to the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0139] A sending module is configured to send the first reference signal based on the first reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information being associated with the first reference signal.

[0140] The communication device in the third aspect can perform any possible implementation manner of the first device in the first aspect and achieve the same technical effects, and details are not described herein again.

[0141] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0142] A receiving module is configured to receive the first reference signal, the first reference signal being associated with the first reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information being determined by the first device based on the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information belonging to the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0143] A measuring module is configured to measure the first reference signal to obtain third information, the third information being used to determine the position information of the first device.

[0144] The communication device in the fourth aspect can perform any possible implementation manner of the second device in the second aspect and achieve the same technical effects, and details are not described herein again.

[0145] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory being configured to store instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0146] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, comprising one or more interface circuits and one or more processors; the interface circuits and the processors are interconnected through lines; the interface circuits are configured to receive signals from a memory of a communication device and send signals to the processors, the signals comprising computer instructions stored in the memory; when the processors execute the computer instructions, the communication device performs the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0147] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, comprising computer programs or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0148] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0149] Figure 1 A system architecture schematic diagram is provided for the present application;

[0150] Figure 2 A system architecture schematic diagram is provided for the present application;

[0151] Figure 3 A system architecture schematic diagram is provided for the present application;

[0152] Figure 4 A system architecture schematic diagram is provided for the present application;

[0153] Figure 5 A communication method flowchart is provided for the present application;

[0154] Figure 6 A synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block structure schematic diagram is provided for the present application;

[0155] Figure 7 A reference signal transmission mode schematic diagram is provided for the present application;

[0156] Figure 8 A reference signal resource relationship schematic diagram is provided for the present application;

[0157] Figure 9A schematic diagram of a positioning method provided in the present application;

[0158] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a positioning method provided in the present application;

[0159] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a positioning method provided in the present application;

[0160] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a positioning method provided in the present application;

[0161] Figure 13 A flowchart of a communication method provided in the present application;

[0162] Figure 14 A flowchart of a communication method provided in the present application;

[0163] Figure 15a A flowchart of a communication method provided in the present application;

[0164] Figure 15b A flowchart of a communication method provided in the present application;

[0165] Figure 16 A structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in the present application;

[0166] Figure 17 A structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in the present application;

[0167] Figure 18 A structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in the present application;

[0168] Figure 19 A structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0169] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application. As technology develops and new scenarios appear, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0170] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the description, claims, and drawings of the application are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the application described herein are, for example, capable of use in either order. Moreover, the terms "include", "have", and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, product or apparatus.

[0171] In the present application, "for indicating" can include for directly indicating and for indirectly indicating. When describing that certain indication information is for indicating A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A.

[0172] In the present application, the information indicated by the indication information is referred to as to-be-indicated information. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information, for example, it can be realized by a direct indication manner, such as indicating by the to-be-indicated information itself or the index of the to-be-indicated information. It can also be realized by an indirect indication manner by indicating other information, wherein the to-be-indicated information and the other information have an association relationship. It can also only indicate a part of the to-be-indicated information, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of a specific information can also be realized by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, a protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent.

[0173] The to-be-indicated information can be sent as a whole, or can be sent separately into multiple sub-information, and the sending period and / or sending occasion of the sub-information can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in the present application. The sending period and / or sending occasion of the sub-information can be pre-defined, for example, pre-defined according to a protocol, or can be configured by the transmitting end device by sending configuration information to the receiving end device.

[0174] In this application, "sending" and "receiving" represent the direction of signal transmission. In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, which can be that A directly sends to B, or A indirectly sends to B through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, which can be that entity B directly receives the information sent by entity A, or entity B indirectly receives the information sent by entity A through other entities. Here, entity A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules inside RAN nodes or terminals. The sending and receiving of information can be the information interaction between RAN nodes and terminals, for example, the information interaction between base stations and terminals; the sending and receiving of information can also be the information interaction between two RAN nodes, for example, the information interaction between CU and DU; the sending and receiving of information can also be the information interaction between different modules inside one device, for example, the information interaction between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or the information interaction between a base station chip and other modules in the base station. "Sending" can also be understood as "output" of the chip interface, for example, the baseband chip outputs information to the radio frequency chip, and "receiving" can also be understood as "input" of the chip interface.

[0175] In this application, the terms "system" and "network" can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC.

[0176] In this application, the size of the serial number does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the application.

[0177] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "in the case of", "if", "when", "if" and similar descriptions can be used instead. And these descriptions all mean that under certain objective circumstances, the corresponding processing will be done, not limited by time, and also does not require the implementation to have a judgment action, nor means that there are other limitations.

[0178] It can be understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented independently in some scenarios without relying on other features, such as the scheme currently based on, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects, and can be combined with other features according to needs in some scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of the present application can also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be described here.

[0179] In the embodiments of the present application, "sending information to (a terminal)" can be understood as that the destination of the information is the terminal, which can include directly or indirectly sending information to the terminal. "Receiving information from (a terminal)" can be understood as that the source of the information is the terminal, which can include directly or indirectly receiving information from the terminal. The information can be processed as necessary between the source and the destination of the information sending, for example, format change, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in the present application can be similarly understood, which will not be described here.

[0180] In the embodiments of the present application, the same or similar parts between different embodiments can be mutually referred to, unless otherwise specified. In the embodiments of the present application, and in each implementation / implementation method / realization method in each embodiment, if there is no special specification and no logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments, and between each implementation / implementation method / realization method in each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referred to, and the technical features in different embodiments, and in each implementation / implementation method / realization method in each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementations, implementation methods, or realization methods according to their inherent logical relationship. The implementation methods of the present application described below do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present application.

[0181] The present application can be applied to a long term evolution (LTE) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a new radio vehicle to everything (NR V2X) system; can also be applied to a system of LTE and 5G hybrid networking; or a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine to machine (M2M) communication system, an internet of things (IoT), or a drone communication system; or a communication system supporting multiple wireless technologies such as supporting LTE technology and NR technology; or a non-ground communication system such as a satellite communication system, a high-altitude communication platform, etc.

[0182] Optionally, the communication system can also be applicable to a narrow band-internet of things (NB-IoT), an enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE), a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), a code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), a time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), an A-IoT, etc.

[0183] Please refer to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system is provided for the present application, which includes a first device 101 and a second device 102.

[0184] The first device 101 can be a device for implementing a communication function. The first device 101 can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), a terminal device, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile terminal (MT), a user terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user apparatus, etc. The terminal can be, for example, an internet of things (IoT), a vehicle-to-everything (V2X), a device to device (D2D), a machine-to-machine (M2M), a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication network, or a wired / wireless terminal in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN). The wireless terminal can refer to a device with wireless transceiver function, which can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld or vehicle-mounted, and can also be deployed on water surface (such as ships, etc.), and can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites, etc.).

[0185] Exemplarily, the terminal device can be an IoT device (for example, a sensor, an electric meter, a water meter, etc.), a V2X device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device (which can also be referred to as a smart wearable device), a tablet computer or a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical treatment, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a vehicle with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication capability, a smart connected vehicle, a drone with UAV to UAV (U2U) communication capability, etc. The terminal device can be mobile or fixed, and the embodiments of the present application do not make a specific limitation in this regard.

[0186] The second device 102 can also be referred to as a network device, and specifically can include a core network device and / or an access network device.

[0187] In the case that the second device 102 is a core network device, the second device 102 includes at least one of a mobility management entity (MME) in a 4th generation (4G) network, a home subscriber server (HSS), a serving gateway (S-GW), a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), a public data network gateway (P-GW), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a user plane function (UPF), a session management function (SMF), and the like in a 5G network, and other core network devices in a 5G network, a next-generation network of the 5G network, and a future network. In addition, the core network device can further include other core network devices in a 5G network, a next-generation network of the 5G network, and a future network.

[0188] In the case that the second device 102 is an access network device, the second device 102 can be specifically a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that accesses a terminal device to a wireless network, and the RAN node can be a base station, a Node B (NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB), a next-generation eNodeB (ng-eNB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation Node B (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, and the like. The RAN node can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, for example, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC).

[0189] Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, the access network device in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in the present application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform such as a cloud platform. The RAN node can also be provided with a communication module, circuit or chip for performing corresponding communication functions, and program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions. The RAN node in the present application can also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0190] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes cooperate to assist terminals to implement wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of a base station. For example, the RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU) or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0191] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, the CU can also be referred to as an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU. For the sake of convenience, the present application is described by taking the CU, the CU-CP, the CU-UP, the DU and the RU as examples. Any one of the CU (or the CU-CP, the CU-UP), the DU and the RU in the present application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0192] It should be understood that the RAN node can also have different expressions in different communication systems or communication technologies, for example, in a WLAN system, the RAN node can be referred to as an access point (AP). In the following, the "network device" is used for expression unless otherwise specified.

[0193] In the embodiment of the application, the second device transmits a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) through a downlink. When the first device receives the SSB, it transmits an uplink physical signal, such as a sounding reference signal (SRS), through an uplink. The second device receives the uplink physical signal, which is used by the second device to obtain a positioning measurement quantity to obtain relevant information of the first device, such as location information, the number of users in the area, and the like. The second device can transmit the relevant information of the first device obtained through the downlink.

[0194] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The number of devices in the above is only an example with the number of devices being 1. In actual applications, the communication system can include a larger number of first devices and second devices, for example, one first device can communicate with one or more second devices, and the specific number is not limited here.

[0195] Optionally, the second device can also include a satellite, an airplane, a drone, and a ground station device connected with the satellite, the airplane, and the drone, and the like. The second device and the first device constitute a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication, and the NTN network architecture includes a transparent architecture and a regenerative architecture. In the following, the first device is taken as a UE, and the second device is taken as a satellite as an example to specifically describe the two network architectures.

[0196] Please refer to Figure 2 A transparent architecture diagram applied to the embodiment of the application. In the transparent architecture, the functions of the satellite and the base station are separated from each other. The network architecture can include a UE, a satellite, an NTN gateway, and a base station (such as a gNB). Figure 2The network architecture shown in the figure includes a user equipment (UE), a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a satellite, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) gateway, a 5G core network (5GC), and a data network. In the communication process between the UE and the gNB, the satellite communicates with the NTN gateway through an NR-Uu interface, the gNB communicates with the 5GC through a next generation (NG) interface, and the 5GC communicates with the data network through an N6 interface. The network communication segment between the UE and the base station is called a remote radio unit (RRU). The RRU is responsible for amplification, modulation, and demodulation of wireless signals. Through the RRU, the base station can realize coverage and transmission of wireless signals.

[0197] The functions of the devices involved in the network architecture are described below.

[0198] (1) Satellite

[0199] In the transparent architecture, the satellite acts as an analog radio frequency repeater, only performing analog domain radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification and forwarding of signals from the UE or the gNB, without changing the signal waveform. It can be used as a physical layer relay to regenerate the physical layer signal, so that the physical layer signal is invisible in the protocol layer above the physical layer.

[0200] (2) NTN gateway

[0201] The NTN gateway is used for transmission network layer nodes, supports all necessary transmission protocols, connects network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication, and supports all necessary functions of forwarding NR-Uu interface signals. Specifically, the UE sends signals to the satellite through the NR-Uu interface, the satellite forwards the signals to the NTN gateway, and the NTN gateway forwards the signals to the gNB. Correspondingly, the satellite can also forward the NR-Uu interface signals from the gNB to the UE.

[0202] (3) NG-RAN

[0203] The NG-RAN is used to ensure the normal communication between the UE and the 5GC. Specifically, the NG-RAN is composed of multiple gNBs connected with the 5GC, the gNBs are connected through an Xn interface, the gNBs are connected with the 5GC through an NG interface, and a gNB can include a gNB-CU and one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU and the gNB-DU can be connected through an F1 interface, and one gNB-CU can be connected with multiple gNB-DUs.

[0204] It should be noted that, Figure 2The network elements and communication interfaces between the network elements shown in FIG. 1 are only an example, and other network elements can also be included, for example, the base station can be a gNB, and can also be an ng-eNB, which is not limited in the present application. Other communication interfaces can also be used between the network elements, for example, in addition to the N6 interface, the communication between the 5GC and the data network can also use N1, N2 and the like, which is not limited in the present application. In addition, the communication system of the present application can include more or fewer network elements or communication interfaces.

[0205] Referring to Figure 3 , a regenerative architecture diagram applied to an embodiment of the present application. The network architecture can include: UE, satellite (satellite as base station), NTN gateway, 5G core network, data network and the like. For the network elements involved in the network architecture, such as satellites, NTN gateways and the like, please refer to the foregoing Figure 2 related description, which will not be repeated here.

[0206] In the regenerative architecture, the base station can be a satellite, and the satellite has all or part of the functions of the base station. The satellite can directly process the signal from the UE, or directly send the signal to the UE. The satellite in the regenerative architecture supports radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, as well as demodulation / decoding, encoding / modulation, error detection, correction and recovery of signals, and improves the quality of signals.

[0207] According to the fact that the satellite has all or part of the functions of the base station, the regenerative architecture can be further divided into: entire base station on-satellite architecture and base station distributed unit (DU) on-satellite architecture. In the entire base station on-satellite architecture, the satellite has all the functions of the base station, and in the base station DU on-satellite architecture, the satellite has part of the functions of the base station.

[0208] Referring to Figure 3 , the communication process of each network element in the entire base station on-satellite architecture is described. The satellite is interconnected with the UE through the NR-Uu interface, the satellites are interconnected through the Xn interface, the satellite is interconnected with the 5GC through the NG interface, and the 5GC is interconnected with the data network through the N6 interface. The Xn interface can be deployed on the inter-satellite link (ISL). In the process of interconnecting the satellite with the 5GC, the NTN gateway is used to connect network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. In the network segment from the satellite to the NTN gateway, the NG interface is deployed in the satellite radio interface (SRI).

[0209] It should be noted that Figure 3The network elements and communication interfaces shown are merely examples; other network elements may also be included, such as gNBs, ng-eNBs, and other base stations. Other communication interfaces may also be used between network elements. For example, in addition to the N6 interface, the communication between the 5GC and the data network may also use N1, N2, or other interfaces. This application does not limit this. Furthermore, the communication system of this application may include more or fewer network elements or communication interfaces.

[0210] The above parts combined Figure 2 and Figure 3 This section describes the communication system between user equipment and base stations. This communication system (including the NTN system described above) can provide location services (LCS) to terminal devices. For ease of understanding, the following section will combine... Figure 4 This section introduces the positioning architecture in a communication system. This network architecture may include: terminal equipment, access management network elements, location management network elements, radio access network elements, and some unshown network elements, such as session management function (SMF) network elements and user plane function (UPF) network elements. This network architecture is applicable to positioning scenarios in NR access or evolved universal mobile telecommunications system terrestrial radioaccess (E-UTRA). NR and E-UTRA provide communication between terminal equipment and network equipment via wireless communication. NR is a 5G radio access technology, and E-UTRA is a 4G LTE radio access technology.

[0211] The functions of the network elements or devices involved in this network architecture are explained below.

[0212] (1) Terminal equipment

[0213] Terminal devices such as Figure 4 As shown in the diagrams for UEs A, B, C, and D, these UEs can measure downlink signals from NG-RAN and other sources to support positioning. Specifically, when the UE is within NG-RAN coverage, such as... Figure 4 The UE A and UE B devices shown in the image, or the UE located outside the NG-RAN coverage area, are as follows: Figure 4 When using UE C and UE D devices, the terminal device can measure downlink signals to support side-link positioning.

[0214] (2) Access Management Network Element

[0215] Access management network elements such as Figure 4 The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element shown is responsible for mobility management and access management, performing registration, connection, and reachability management, and providing a session management message transmission channel for the UE and SMF network element. The AMF network element is also responsible for providing authentication and authorization functions for user access. Specifically, the AMF network element can receive location service requests related to the target UE from the 5G core network (5GC) location services (LCS) entity, or the AMF network element itself can initiate some location services on behalf of a specific target UE and forward the location service requests to the Location Management Function (LMF) network element. After the LMF network element obtains the UE's location information, it returns the relevant location information to the 5GC LCS entity.

[0216] (3) Location management network element

[0217] The location management function (LMF) network element is a core network element in 5GC that provides location services. It is responsible for supporting different types of location services for the target UE, including locating the terminal device and transmitting auxiliary data to the terminal device. Its control plane and user plane are the evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) and the secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP), respectively.

[0218] Depending on the type of location service, the information that LMF may exchange with next-generation eNodeB (ng-eNB) / gNB and terminal devices may differ. The following is a brief overview of the interactions that may occur during the provision of location services.

[0219] Optionally, the LMF and ng-eNB / gNB exchange information via NR positioning protocol a (NRPPa) messages, such as obtaining positioning reference signal (PRS), sounding reference signal (SRS) configuration information, cell timing, cell location information, etc.

[0220] Optionally, the LMF and UE communicate via Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages to exchange UE capability information, auxiliary information, measurement information, etc.

[0221] Optionally, for LMF-based positioning, the LMF can return the positioning service results (such as the location estimation results of the terminal device) to the access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0222] (4) Wireless access network element

[0223] Wireless access network elements such as Figure 4 The base stations shown, including gNB and ng-eNB, manage radio resources, provide access services to UEs, and forward user data between the UE and the core network. The gNB / ng-eNB can provide measurement information to the target UE and transmit this information to the LMF. For core network and access network equipment, please refer to the aforementioned documentation. Figure 1 The relevant descriptions in the document will not be repeated here.

[0224] (5) SMF network element

[0225] The SMF network element is responsible for session management functions, completing processes related to the establishment, release, and update of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions. In addition, it is also used for user equipment Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, user plane function selection, policy enforcement, billing data collection, roaming, etc.

[0226] (6) UPF network element

[0227] The UPF network element is mainly responsible for functions such as routing and forwarding of user plane data packets in the 5G core network, and is used to support routing and forwarding of UE service data, data and service identification, action and policy execution, etc. The UPF interacts with the SMF network element through the N4 interface, is directly controlled and managed by the SMF network element, and performs service flow processing according to various policies issued by the SMF network element.

[0228] In combination Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the UEs communicate through the NR PC5 interface, the UEs and the gNB communicate through the NR-Uu interface, the UEs and the ng-eNB communicate through the LTE-Uu interface, the gNB and the ng-eNB communicate through the Xn interface, the NG-RAN and the core network communicate through the NG-C interface, the NG-C interface is a control plane interface between the wireless access network and the 5G core network, and the LMF and the AMF communicate through the NL1 interface.

[0229] It should be noted that the above-mentioned function network element can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on a special hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). The above-mentioned function network element can be divided into one or more services, and further, a service independent of the network function can also appear. In this application, the instance of the above-mentioned function network element, or the instance of the service included in the above-mentioned function network element, or the instance of the service independent of the network function can be referred to as a service instance.

[0230] It should be noted that, Figure 4 The network elements and the communication interfaces between the network elements shown in the figure are only an example, and the communication system of the present application can include more or fewer network elements or communication interfaces, and can further include other network elements, and other communication interfaces between network elements can also be used, which are not limited in the present application. The name of each network element shown is only a name, and the name does not limit the function of the network element itself. In the 5G network and future communication networks, part or all of the above-mentioned network elements can continue to use this name, or other names can also be used, which are not limited in the present application.

[0231] The above-mentioned part is combined Figure 4 The positioning architecture involved in the communication system is described, and the positioning method is described below.

[0232] According to the difference of the position solution, the positioning method can be divided into a UE-based positioning method, a UE-assisted positioning method, or a LMF-based positioning method, and a standalone positioning method.

[0233] (1) In UE-based positioning method, the user equipment is responsible for the position calculation (with assistance data) and can also provide measurement results.

[0234] (2) In UE-assisted / LMF-based positioning method, the user equipment only provides measurement and does not perform position calculation, and the LMF network element or other network device is responsible for the position calculation (with assistance data).

[0235] (3) In standalone positioning method, the user equipment performs measurement and position calculation without assistance data.

[0236] The subsequent embodiments of the present application take the UE-assisted / LMF-based positioning method as an example for description, that is, the LMF network element or other network device is responsible for the position calculation of the first device.

[0237] According to the sending of the reference signal by the network device or the user equipment, the positioning method can be divided into the following three categories:

[0238] (1) Downlink positioning method: downlink-based positioning method. That is, the network device sends downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS), and the user equipment performs positioning measurement to obtain the positioning result of the user equipment.

[0239] (2) Uplink positioning method: uplink-based positioning method. That is, the user equipment sends uplink-sounding reference signal (UL-SRS), and the network equipment performs positioning measurement to obtain the positioning result of the user equipment.

[0240] (3) Uplink-downlink joint positioning method: downlink and uplink-based positioning method. That is, the network device and the user equipment need to send positioning reference signals, and the user equipment and the network equipment perform corresponding measurement respectively, and the user equipment or the network equipment obtains the positioning result of the user equipment.

[0241] In uplink positioning or uplink-downlink joint positioning, the network device (such as a base station) performs measurement on the uplink positioning reference signal, and the relevant positioning measurement quantity is used to determine the position information of the UE. In the above scenario, there may be multiple UEs determining or selecting or occupying the same reference signal configuration to send uplink reference signals, and there may be interference between the uplink reference signals sent by different UEs, thereby causing the positioning accuracy to decrease or the positioning result to be unable to be obtained, which seriously affects the positioning performance.

[0242] Therefore, the present application provides a communication method and related devices for determining reference signal configuration information sent by a first device, sending a reference signal based on the reference signal configuration information, avoiding different first devices from sending reference signals using the same reference signal configuration information, reducing interference between reference signals sent by different first devices, improving positioning accuracy, and ensuring positioning performance. For details, see subsequent embodiments one to four.

[0243] Embodiment one, total interaction flow of positioning a first device.

[0244] Please refer to Figure 5 A flowchart of a communication method provided by the present application.

[0245] 501. The second device sends a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB).

[0246] The first device can receive a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB). Please refer to Figure 6 The structure of the SSB is shown in the figure. The SSB includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0247] Optionally, the second device broadcasts the SSB.

[0248] After the first device receives the SSB, the first device can be triggered to send a first reference signal, and the first device does not need to establish a communication link with the second device, which is beneficial to reduce the complexity and cost of the first device and reduce power consumption.

[0249] Optionally, the first device sends the first reference signal after receiving the SSB.

[0250] Optionally, the transmission mode of sending the first reference signal can include a periodic transmission mode and a UE request-based transmission mode. In the periodic transmission mode, the first device sends the first reference signal in a periodic manner, which has a timing property. In the UE request-based transmission mode, when a UE needs specific information (for example, the location information of the UE), the UE sends a request, and then the second device sends related information, which is more flexible and has stronger adaptability.

[0251] In one possible implementation, the SSB is used to indicate the reception of the first information.

[0252] The SSB includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the first device receives the first information.

[0253] Optionally, one or more bit values in the SSB are used to represent the indication information, and the one or more bit values are used to indicate that the first information is received. For example, one bit value in the SSB is used to represent the indication information.

[0254] In a possible implementation, when the bit value is 0, it indicates that the first information is not contained or not supported, the first information does not need to be received, or the communication method described in the present application is not supported. In this way, the first device can determine that it does not need to continue to receive the first information based on the SSB information, for example, the first device does not need to receive other SIBs, posSIBs or other messages to obtain the first information, which can effectively reduce the complexity and power consumption of the UE and avoid invalid information reception and decoding; when the bit value is 1, it indicates that the first information is contained or supported, the first information is received, or the communication method described in the present application is supported, and the first device can determine that it needs to receive the first information based on the SSB information, for example, the first device needs to receive other SIBs, posSIBs or other messages to obtain the first information, which can achieve the effect of fast indication.

[0255] In another possible implementation, when the bit value is 0, it indicates that the first information is contained or supported, the first information is received, or the communication method described in the present application is supported; and when the bit value is 1, it indicates that the first information is not contained or not supported, the first information does not need to be received, or the communication method described in the present application is not supported.

[0256] In yet another possible implementation, when the SSB carries the bit or parameter (that is, the bit or parameter exists), it indicates that the first information is contained or supported, the first information is received, or the communication method described in the present application is supported; and when the SSB does not carry the bit or parameter (that is, the bit or parameter does not exist), it indicates that the first information is not contained or not supported, the first information does not need to be received, or the communication method described in the present application is not supported. The indication information can also be in the form of a field or a variable, which is not limited here.

[0257] 502. The first device receives the first information.

[0258] The second device sends the first information, which can be sent at a wave bit level, a region level, a cell level, or the like. The first information is used to determine a reference signal to be sent by the first device.

[0259] Optionally, the Earth's surface can be divided into multiple geographical regions, such as grids of approximately the same area. Each grid can be referred to as a wave position, and a region can include one or more wave positions, which facilitates network management. It should be noted that this application does not limit the shape and size of the wave positions. For example, the shape of a wave position can be rectangular, square, hexagonal, or other shapes.

[0260] The first device can directly receive the first information, or it can receive the first information in conjunction with step 501 when the SSB instructs the first device to receive the first information. The specific details are not limited here.

[0261] Optionally, the first information may include detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0262] Optionally, the first information may include information for determining detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information; that is, the first information may not directly include detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0263] It is worth noting that the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information can be predefined or preconfigured. For example, the first device can obtain the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information without relying on the first information.

[0264] The first device receives first information and determines detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information. Optionally, the first information can trigger the first device to detect the reference signal according to the detection configuration information.

[0265] When the second device transmits the first information using a wavelet-level broadcast method, the first information may include at least one reference signal configuration information, which is applicable to user equipment within the coverage area corresponding to the wavelet. In this implementation, the first information does not need to carry the association information between the wavelet ID and the reference signal configuration information.

[0266] When the second device transmits the first information using a regional broadcast method, the first information may include the association information between the regional identifier and the reference signal configuration information. The regional identifier information is used to identify a specific region and can be represented by a wave position ID, a custom region ID, a cell ID, etc.

[0267] In one possible implementation, the first information is a System Information Block (SIB) or a Positioning System Information Block (posSIB) or other RRC messages.

[0268] The System Information Block (SIB) can be any one of the SIB messages from SIB1 to SIB25. In a mobile communication network, the SIB is important information broadcast by the base station, including cell configuration information and operating parameters, so that the first device can understand the network status and characteristics in order to establish a connection with the network.

[0269] posSIB is a system information block used to support positioning services, providing the UE with the necessary positioning information to support high-precision positioning services.

[0270] Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages are used in mobile communication networks for the management, control, and scheduling of radio resources.

[0271] 503. The first device determines the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0272] After obtaining the first information in step 502, the first information is further processed, such as decoding the SIB or posSIB, to obtain detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information. For example, based on the waveform ID, at least one reference signal configuration information corresponding to the waveform position of the first device is determined.

[0273] The detection configuration information is used to determine the reference signal to be transmitted. The detection configuration information includes at least one of the following: listening duration, maximum number of detections, and maximum number of transmissions. The listening duration can be the duration for detecting the reference signal. The maximum number of detections can be the upper limit for detecting the reference signal. The maximum number of transmissions can be the upper limit for transmitting the reference signal.

[0274] Reference signal configuration information is associated with the reference signal and is used to determine the relevant configuration information of the transmitted reference signal.

[0275] Optionally, the reference signal configuration information can be associated with reference signal resources. For example, the reference signal configuration information includes configuration index information, which includes a reference signal resource identifier and a reference signal resource set identifier. A resource set can include at least one resource, and the resource can be one or more of bandwidth, BWP, RB, and subcarriers.

[0276] Optionally, the reference signal configuration information can also be associated with area identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information.

[0277] Among them, the area identification information is used to identify information about a certain area, and can be represented by wave position ID, custom area ID, cell ID, etc.

[0278] Doppler frequency shift information may include information such as Doppler frequency or phase. When the first device moves along a certain direction, the phase and frequency change due to the difference in propagation path, and the phase or frequency change can be referred to as the Doppler frequency shift of the first device.

[0279] Preamble information is a random access preamble used for signal synchronization and identification in wireless communication. For example, it can be used to detect the presence of a reference signal using autocorrelation, or to perform cross-correlation between the local signal and the received signal to achieve time synchronization.

[0280] Optionally, the reference signal configuration information includes the transmission information of the reference signal, frequency hopping (FH) related configuration information, modulation method, etc.

[0281] The transmission information of the reference signal may include the resource configuration and / or transmission mode configuration used for the transmission of the reference signal. The transmission mode may include whether the reference signal is generated according to type 1 sequence or type 2 sequence.

[0282] Specifically, the transmission information of the first reference signal may include one or more of the following: scrambling information of the first reference signal generated by the UE, location information of the first reference signal, period information, interval information, density information, reserved protection time information, and tuning time information.

[0283] The scrambling information can be the scrambling range of the reference signal, or one or more values ​​from the set of scrambling values.

[0284] Location information can be the location where the reference signal was sent.

[0285] The period information can be the period of the reference signal transmission.

[0286] The interval information can be the interval between two adjacent transmissions of reference signals.

[0287] Density information can be the number of times a reference signal is sent within a specific time range.

[0288] The reserved protection time information can be the length of time to be reserved before sending the reference signal, the length of time to be reserved after sending the reference signal, or the length of time to be reserved between sending two first reference signals.

[0289] Tuning time information can be the switching time from the transmission of the reference signal to the next transmission of the reference signal.

[0290] Specifically, the frequency hopping configuration information of the reference signal may include frequency hopping time-domain configuration information, frequency hopping frequency-domain configuration information, etc.

[0291] Frequency hopping time-domain configuration information can include start position information, interval information, period information, the number of symbols occupied by each hop, and frame / slot configuration information.

[0292] Frequency hopping frequency domain configuration information can be one or more of the following: starting RB position information, the number of RBs occupied by each hop (or the frequency width occupied by each hop signal), the resource width of each hop (such as for phase estimation), the number of hops on a frequency within a specific time period, the frequency resource range of frequency hopping, subcarrier spacing information, and frequency hopping offset.

[0293] For example, at least one reference signal configuration information may be an SRS resource pool, which includes one or more sets of SRS configuration information. Optionally, the SRS configuration information includes the correspondence or association between SRS configurations and preamble information, for example, multiple SRS configurations correspond to or are associated with one preamble information. The SRS configuration information may also include information such as signal type, time interval for the UE to transmit reference signals, frequency and time resource configuration required for the reference signals, etc. Please refer to the foregoing description of reference signal configuration information for details.

[0294] It should be noted that the above-mentioned reference signal configuration information refers to the SRS resource pool, which is only one example. This reference signal configuration information can also be the configuration information of other reference signals, such as the configuration information of a side-link reference signal; specific details are not limited here.

[0295] 504. The first device determines the first reference signal configuration information based on the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0296] The first reference signal configuration information belongs to at least one reference signal configuration information. The first reference signal configuration information is associated with a first reference signal. The first reference signal configuration information is used to determine the relevant configuration information of the transmitted first reference signal.

[0297] Optionally, the first device may randomly select the first reference signal configuration information from at least one reference signal configuration information, or determine the first reference signal configuration information according to a certain algorithm or formula, or determine the first reference signal configuration information according to the priority of the reference signal configuration information. For example, the SRS configuration information with the highest priority may be selected from the SRS resource pool as the first reference signal configuration information. In addition, other methods may be used to determine the first reference signal configuration information, which are not limited here.

[0298] In one possible implementation, at least one reference signal configuration information can be grouped to obtain at least one reference signal configuration information group, and then the first reference signal configuration information can be determined from the reference signal configuration information group. The at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one group of reference signal configuration information. For example, the at least one group of reference signal configuration information may be associated with at least one of region identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information.

[0299] This is equivalent to dividing "at least one reference signal configuration information" into multiple groups of reference signal configuration information, and distinguishing each group of reference signal configuration information from at least one of the following: region identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information.

[0300] Based on at least one of the region identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information, the first device may first determine a certain group, that is, first determine "a certain group of reference signal configuration information (such as the first reference signal configuration information group)"; then, the first device may select a reference signal configuration information from the "first reference signal configuration information group".

[0301] In this implementation, determining the reference signal configuration information through grouping improves the efficiency of reference signal configuration selection. The second device also does not need to receive all reference signals, effectively reducing the complexity of receiving reference signals and network resource overhead. For example, when determining the first reference signal configuration information group based on area identification information, the second device can only send the reference signal configuration information within the group corresponding to that area, and the second device only needs to receive the reference signals corresponding to that area.

[0302] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal configuration information can be determined from at least one reference signal configuration information by combining detection configuration information. This implementation may include the following features: determining second reference signal configuration information from at least one reference signal configuration information, wherein the second reference signal configuration information is associated with a second reference signal; a first device detects whether a second reference signal exists in the network; if not detected, a first condition is satisfied; the first device transmits the second reference signal, and if the number of times the second reference signal is transmitted j is greater than or equal to the maximum number of transmissions N, and / or the number of times the second reference signal is detected i is greater than or equal to the maximum number of detections M, a second condition is satisfied, where i, j, M, and N are positive integers; when, based on the detection configuration information, it is determined that at least one of the first or second conditions is satisfied, the first reference signal configuration information is determined to be the second reference signal configuration information, and the first reference signal to be transmitted is determined to be the second reference signal. For a specific embodiment of determining the first reference signal configuration information, please refer to [link to specific implementation details]. Figure 13 , 14 As shown in 15a and 15b.

[0303] The first condition is that the first device does not detect the second reference signal. This first condition is used to determine whether there are other devices in the network that select, determine, or transmit the second reference signal. The second condition is whether the number of times the first device detects the second reference signal meets the maximum number of detections, and / or whether the number of times it transmits the second reference signal meets the maximum number of transmissions.

[0304] When the second condition is whether the number of times the first device detects the second reference signal meets the maximum number of detections, this second condition is used to improve the accuracy of detection. For example, when the first device detects the second reference signal for the first time, although other devices have already selected, determined, or sent the second reference signal, the first device may not have detected the second reference signal in one detection because the other devices have not yet sent the second reference signal after making their decisions, or because of link quality issues. Thus, by conducting multiple detections, the accuracy of detection can be improved.

[0305] When the second condition is whether the number of times the second reference signal is sent meets the maximum number of transmissions, this second condition can be used to improve the accuracy of detection by other devices. It should be understood that "sending the second reference signal" here is equivalent to "attempting to send the second reference signal," and its purpose is to indicate to other devices that the first device has selected, determined, or sent the second reference signal.

[0306] In this implementation, based on multiple detections and / or multiple transmissions of the second reference signal, it is determined whether at least one of the first or second conditions is met, thereby determining the configuration information of the first reference signal. Detecting the second reference signal i times avoids collisions or conflicts between the reference signal transmitted by the first device and reference signals transmitted by other devices. Transmitting the second reference signal j times is equivalent to notifying other devices that the first device has determined, selected, or used the reference signal, preventing different first devices from transmitting the same reference signal, reducing interference between reference signals transmitted by different first devices, thereby improving positioning accuracy and ensuring positioning performance.

[0307] 505. The first device sends the first reference signal.

[0308] The first device sends a first reference signal, so that the second device, the third device (other network devices), or the target network element can receive the first reference signal.

[0309] Combination Figure 1As shown, the first device transmits a first reference signal, which is an uplink physical signal. The first reference signal can be a sounding reference signal (SRS), an uplink positioning sounding reference signal (pos-SRS), a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS), a phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS), a sidelink reference signal, a random access preamble, etc. Among these, pos-SRS or SRS is used to determine the positioning information of the first device. In addition, SRS can also be used for channel measurement during communication. Specifically, the second device receives the SRS, measures the SRS, and obtains positioning measurements to determine the location information of the first device.

[0310] Optionally, a first reference signal is transmitted based on first reference signal configuration information, which is associated with a first reference. The first device can execute the transmission process of the first reference signal according to the first reference signal configuration information. For example, the first reference signal can be transmitted based on the time-frequency position, period, etc. of the first reference signal.

[0311] Optionally, the second reference signal is transmitted at a second power, and the first reference signal is transmitted at a first power, wherein the first power is greater than the second power. That is, the power of transmitting the first reference signal in step 505 is greater than the power of transmitting the second reference signal in step 504.

[0312] It should be understood that the purposes and functions of "transmitting the first reference signal" and "transmitting the second reference signal" in this application are different. "Transmitting the first reference signal" is equivalent to "formally transmitting the first reference signal," and its function is to enable the network device to obtain positioning-related measurements based on the first reference signal. However, "transmitting the second reference signal" is equivalent to "trial transmitting the second reference signal," and its purpose is to indicate to other devices that the first device has selected, determined, or transmitted the second reference signal. In other words, the primary purpose of transmitting the second reference signal is not to determine the device's positioning information.

[0313] In this implementation, the first device transmits a second reference signal at a lower power (second power) to indicate or notify other first devices within a short distance in the network that the second reference signal has been determined or selected by other devices (such as the first device), thus preventing other first devices from using the second reference signal. Transmitting the first reference signal at a higher power (first power) ensures that the first reference signal can be received by the second device. For example, if the second device is a satellite, or if the distance between the second device and the first device is sufficiently large, a higher power transmission of the first reference signal is necessary.

[0314] Optionally, the first device may transmit the first reference signal using a narrowband frequency hopping method. Combined with Figure 7 As shown, the bandwidth for transmitting the first reference signal during each frequency hopping can be determined based on the system bandwidth (or maximum bandwidth) and the number of frequency hopping cycles. For example, if the system bandwidth is 20MHz and the number of frequency hopping cycles is 4, then the bandwidth of the SRS transmitted by the UE each time occupies 5MHz, and 4 SRSs are transmitted through 4 frequency hopping cycles. The receiving end (such as a satellite) can combine the received 4 SRSs to obtain positioning performance close to 20MHz SRS.

[0315] By employing narrowband frequency hopping to transmit the reference signal, the reference signal hops between different frequencies, occupying only a narrow band of spectrum within a specific time period. This allows for transmission of the reference signal at multiple frequencies, reducing its impact on data or other signals. Furthermore, narrowband frequency hopping provides power boosting, effectively improving signal transmission quality and interference immunity over long distances.

[0316] Optionally, the first reference signal can be transmitted using either narrow beamforming or wide beamforming; the specific method is not limited here. In wide beamforming transmission, each antenna port performs wide beamforming, covering the entire angular range of the cell, but this method requires a large number of ports. In narrow beamforming transmission, fewer antenna ports can be used, with each antenna port performing narrow beamforming, resulting in a smaller angular range of spatial coverage. The first reference signal, after narrow beamforming, gains beamforming gain, increasing the coverage distance. In practical applications, to cover all UEs within a cell, multiple beamforming methods are often configured and transmitted.

[0317] 506. The first device sends configuration index information.

[0318] Optionally, the configuration index information can be used to represent the association between the first reference signal configuration information and the first reference signal or the first reference signal resource. The configuration index information includes at least one of the following: a first reference signal resource identifier or a first reference signal resource set identifier.

[0319] A resource set may include at least one resource, which can be one or more of bandwidth, BWP, RB, and subcarrier. A reference signal resource identifier can be used to identify a specific reference signal resource. A reference signal resource set may include at least one reference signal resource, and a reference signal resource set identifier can be used to identify at least one reference signal resource. (Combined) Figure 8 The diagram shows the relationship between an SRS resource set and SRS resources. The SRS resource set is identified as 0 (srs-ResourceSetId = 0), and it includes SRS resources identified as 0 and 1 (srs-ResourceSetIdList includes srs-ResourceId = 0 and srs-ResourceId = 1).

[0320] It should be noted that the above Figure 8 This is merely an illustration and should be understood as not being limited to the reference signal being SRS, nor is it limited to the configuration index information including only the above parameters; no specific limitations are made here.

[0321] Optionally, the configuration index information includes other configuration parameters that can identify the first reference signal.

[0322] Based on the foregoing description of the reference signal configuration information, this configuration parameter can be a reference signal configuration information parameter. For example, period information, interval information, transmission mode, etc. Taking the configuration index information including period information as an example, the first device transmits the period information of the first reference signal, and the second device receives the period information. This period information can be used to determine the association between the transmission period of the first reference signal and the first reference signal.

[0323] In this implementation, the first device sends a first reference signal resource identifier or a first reference signal resource set identifier or other configuration parameters that can identify the first reference signal. The second device can determine the association between the first device and the first reference signal configuration information and the first reference signal based on the first reference signal resource identifier or the first reference signal resource set identifier or other configuration parameters that can identify the first reference signal.

[0324] 507. The second device determines the association between the first device and the first reference signal based on the configuration index information.

[0325] The second device determines the corresponding first reference signal configuration information based on the received configuration index information. For example, the second device can query a local database to obtain the corresponding first reference signal configuration information based on the first reference signal resource identifier; the specific method is not limited here. Furthermore, the association between the first device and the first reference signal can be determined based on this first reference signal configuration information. For example, the relationship between the user equipment and the SRS can be determined based on the SRS resource identifier, i.e., which user equipment sent the SRS.

[0326] Optionally, the first device may be associated with one first reference signal or with multiple first reference signals; no specific limitation is made here.

[0327] Optionally, the second device determines that the first device is associated with the first reference signal, and can execute the transmission of the first reference signal according to the reference signal configuration information corresponding to the first reference signal, such as determining the transmission period, time and frequency resources, transmission power and modulation method of the reference signal.

[0328] 508. The second device measures the first reference signal and obtains the third information.

[0329] The second device measures the first reference signal to obtain third information, which can be understood as the measurement information of the first reference signal. Optionally, the second device can perform preliminary processing on the measured quantity of the first reference signal to obtain the third information. Measuring the first reference signal can be understood as the second device receiving and analyzing the reference signal from the first device to extract position-related information, such as signal strength, signal arrival time, signal phase, Doppler shift information, etc.

[0330] Optionally, a third device measures the first reference signal to obtain third information, then sends the third information, and a second device receives the third information. The third device can be other network equipment, such as a neighboring base station. For example, the neighboring base station measures the first reference signal to obtain the third information, and the serving base station receives the third information sent by the neighboring base station. Optionally, the third device forwards the third information through the Xn interface or an LMF network element, and the second device receives the second information.

[0331] Optionally, the second device sends third information, the target network element receives the third information, and the target network element determines the location information of the first device based on the third information. For example, the base station sends information such as the signal strength and delay of the reference signal, and the LMF network element calculates the UE's location information based on the relevant information.

[0332] Optionally, the second device determines the UE's location information based on the third information. For example, the serving base station directly determines the UE's location information based on the aforementioned information. Optionally, the second device performs preliminary processing on the first reference signal, including noise reduction and signal enhancement, to improve measurement accuracy.

[0333] 509. The second device sends the third message.

[0334] The second device sends the third information, and the target network element receives the third information. The target network element is a network element with location management functions, as described above. Figure 4 In the LMF network element, the location information of the first device is calculated by the target network element.

[0335] 510. The target network element determines the location information of the first device based on the third information.

[0336] Depending on the different physical quantities of the measurement reference signal, the target network element can calculate the location information of the first device in various ways, including: positioning based on time of arrival (TOA), positioning based on round trip time (RTT), positioning based on Doppler frequency shift, positioning based on pseudorange, and positioning based on carrier phase, etc., without being limited here.

[0337] It is understandable that the third information may be one or more of the following: the arrival time of the first reference signal, the round-trip time of the first reference signal, the Doppler frequency shift information of the first reference signal, etc., which are used to assist the target network element in calculating its position.

[0338] The following explains some of the positioning methods.

[0339] (1) TDOA-based positioning

[0340] The UE transmits SRS (Service Reference Signal), and multiple base stations receive and measure the arrival time of the SRS. The target network element calculates the difference between the arrival times of different base stations and the arrival time of a reference base station. Based on this difference, it calculates the location information of the first device. Combined with... Figure 9 As shown, assuming gNB1 is used as the reference base station, the difference in arrival time Δt between gNB1 and gNB2 is measured. 12 The hyperbola l can be determined 12 ;Measure the difference Δt between the arrival times of gNB1 and gNB3. 13 The hyperbola l can be determined 13 The intersection of the two hyperbolas is the position of the UE.

[0341] (2) RTT-based positioning

[0342] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the reference signal transmission and reception process based on RTT positioning. The UE transmits an SRS at time t1, base station 1 receives the SRS at time t2, and transmits a PRS at time t3. The UE receives the PRS at time t4. Therefore, the distance d1 between the UE and base station 1 satisfies the following formula:

[0343]

[0344] Where c represents the speed of light.

[0345] Similarly, the target network element can calculate the distance d2 from the UE to base station 2 and the distance d3 from the UE to base station 3. Combined with... Figure 11 Draw circles with radii of distances d1, d2, and d3 respectively. The intersection of the three circles is the position of UE.

[0346] (3) Doppler frequency shift-based positioning

[0347] Combination Figure 12 As shown, the UE transmits SRS, and the base station performs measurements and obtains the Doppler frequency shift information of the SRS. The candidate position of the UE is a conical surface, called the Doppler equal-frequency conical surface. The vertex of this conical surface is the base station position S, and the cone angle is θ, where θ is the angle between the line connecting the base station and the user and the velocity direction of the base station. Thus, one base station can obtain one of these conical surfaces, and multiple base stations can obtain multiple conical surfaces. The intersection of multiple conical surfaces with the Earth's surface is the position of the UE.

[0348] Based on the above, the target network element can calculate the location information of the first device according to the third information sent by the second device.

[0349] 511. The target network element sends the location information of the first device.

[0350] The target network element sends the location information of the first device, and the second device receives the location information. For example, the LMF network element sends the location information of the UE, the serving base station receives the location information, and then the serving base station forwards the location information, which is then received by the UE.

[0351] 512. The second device sends second information, which includes the location information of the first device and / or the first indication information.

[0352] The first indication information is used to indicate the cessation of transmitting the first reference signal and / or to update the configuration information of the first reference signal.

[0353] For example, if the first reference signal received by the second device is too weak or cannot be received, the first device can be instructed to change the configuration information of the first reference signal.

[0354] For example, if the second device has already obtained the location information of the first device, or does not need to locate the first device, or does not need the location information of the first device, it can instruct the first device to stop sending the first reference signal.

[0355] It should be noted that updating the first reference signal configuration information can be achieved either by the first device re-determining the first reference signal configuration information based on the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information, or by the second device directly instructing the first device on the updated first reference signal configuration information. The specific method is not limited here.

[0356] Optionally, the second device can use a finer beam to transmit the second information. Since the second device has already obtained the location information of the first device, it can use a finer beam to transmit the second information, thereby improving the success rate of information transmission.

[0357] Optionally, the first device receives the second information and performs time-frequency estimation, mobility management, etc., based on the second information. Time-frequency estimation refers to the process in wireless communication of determining the time and frequency characteristics of a signal by analyzing the received signal. Mobility management is a series of technologies and strategies used in wireless communication systems to handle the mobility status and handover process of user equipment in the network, maintaining connectivity and quality of service between devices.

[0358] The second device transmits second information, including the location information of the first device. This allows the first device to obtain its own positioning results for satellite communication. The first indication information can be used to instruct the first device to stop transmitting the first reference signal, thus allowing it to know when to cease transmission, reducing power consumption and network resource usage. The first indication information can also be used to update the first reference signal configuration information, enabling the first device to transmit the first reference signal with a more suitable configuration, thereby improving positioning performance.

[0359] 513. The first device updates the configuration information of the first reference signal according to the first instruction information.

[0360] If the first indication information is used to indicate updating the first reference signal configuration information, the first device can re-determine the first reference signal configuration information based on the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information. The process of re-determining the first reference signal configuration information is the same as step 504.

[0361] Specifically, a third reference signal configuration information is determined from at least one reference signal configuration information, as in step 504, and will not be repeated here. The third reference signal configuration information belongs to at least one reference signal configuration information and is associated with a third reference signal. The third reference signal configuration information and the first reference signal configuration information can be the same or different; no specific limitation is made here.

[0362] 514. The first device stops sending the first reference signal according to the first instruction information.

[0363] If the first indication information is used to indicate the cessation of transmitting the first reference signal, then the first device triggers a stop command based on the first indication information.

[0364] It should be noted that in this embodiment, steps 501, 502, 506, 507, 509, 510, 511, 513, and 514 are all optional steps. The execution order of steps 505, 506, 507, and 508 is not limited; that is, the execution order of the steps of the second device receiving the first reference signal, configuring index information, measuring the first reference signal, and determining the association between the first device and the first reference signal based on the configured index information is not limited.

[0365] In this embodiment, step 501 before step 502 is just an example. Step 501 can be executed before step 505, that is, the first device receives the SSB and triggers the first device to send the first reference signal.

[0366] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second device receives the first reference signal, measures the first reference signal, obtains the third information, and sends the third information to the target network element, which then calculates the location information of the first device. In practical applications, the second device can also directly calculate the location information of the first device without involving the target network element; see [reference needed]. Figure 14 Alternatively, a third device measures the first reference signal to obtain third information. This third device then forwards the third information to a second device or target network element, which determines the location information of the first device. (See also...) Figure 13 .

[0367] As described above, the first device (UE) sends a first reference signal. Based on this first reference signal, the second and third devices determine the location information of the first device. Alternatively, the second and third devices can measure the first reference signal to obtain third information, which is then sent to the target network element. The target network element then determines the location information of the first device based on this third information. Optionally, the first device, the second device, and the target network element can be one or more; this is not limited here.

[0368] Optionally, the second device performs location estimation for the first device, and the target network element performs precise location calculation for the first device. That is, the location information of the first device can be calculated by the target network element, by the second device, or by both the second device and the target network element.

[0369] In this embodiment, the first device determines the first reference signal configuration information from at least one reference signal configuration information according to the detection configuration information. The first reference signal configuration information is associated with the first reference signal. The first reference signal is sent based on the first reference signal configuration information to avoid different first devices sending the same reference signal, reduce interference between reference signals sent by different first devices, improve positioning accuracy, and ensure positioning performance.

[0370] Secondly, throughout the positioning process, the first device does not need to maintain a real-time communication link with the second device, reducing its power consumption and enabling information exchange in a connected state under Radio Resource Control (RRC). RRC states include RRC connected (RRC_connected) and RRC disconnected states, with the latter further divided into RRC idle (RRC_idle) and RRC inactive (RRC_inactive). When the first device is in the RRC idle state, it is not connected to the second device and needs to re-establish a connection for data transmission. When the first device is in the RRC inactive state, it can maintain a connection with the second device but does not need to frequently send or receive data, thus balancing power consumption and signaling overhead.

[0371] In addition, the second device measures the first reference signal to obtain the third information. The target network element calculates the position information of the first device based on the third information, which enables the first device to be located without relying on GNSS and reduces positioning power consumption.

[0372] The above embodiments focus on the overall process of device interaction, while subsequent embodiments focus on the determination of the first reference signal configuration information.

[0373] Example 2: Determining whether the first condition is met (either a first condition or a second condition) is satisfied is used to determine whether the first condition is met, thereby determining the first reference signal. The following explanation uses the example of determining that the first condition is met and therefore no second reference signal is detected.

[0374] Please see Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application.

[0375] 1301. The second device sends a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB).

[0376] The first device receives the SSB.

[0377] 1302. The first device receives the first information.

[0378] 1303. The first device determines the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0379] 1304. The first device determines the configuration information of the second reference signal.

[0380] The second reference signal configuration information belongs to at least one reference signal configuration information, the second reference signal configuration information is associated with the second reference signal, and the second reference signal configuration information is used to determine the relevant configuration information of the second reference signal.

[0381] Optionally, the first device may randomly select the second reference signal configuration information from at least one set of reference signal configuration information, or determine the second reference signal configuration information according to a certain algorithm or formula, or determine the second reference signal configuration information based on the priority of the reference signal configuration information. For example, the highest priority SRS configuration information may be selected from the SRS resource pool as the second reference signal configuration information. In addition, other methods may be used to determine the second reference signal configuration information, which are not limited here.

[0382] In one possible implementation, at least one reference signal configuration information can be grouped to obtain at least one group of reference signal configuration information, and then a second reference signal configuration information can be determined from the group of reference signal configuration information. The at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one group of reference signal configuration information. For example, the at least one group of reference signal configuration information may be associated with at least one of region identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information.

[0383] Based on at least one of the region identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information, the first device may first determine a certain group, that is, first determine "a certain group of reference signal configuration information (such as the first reference signal configuration information group)"; then, the first device may select a reference signal configuration information from the "first reference signal configuration information group".

[0384] In this implementation, determining the reference signal configuration information through grouping improves the efficiency of reference signal configuration selection. The second device also does not need to receive all reference signals, effectively reducing the complexity of receiving reference signals and network resource overhead. For example, when determining the first reference signal configuration information group based on area identification information, the second device can only send the reference signal configuration information within the group corresponding to that area, and the second device only needs to receive the reference signals corresponding to that area.

[0385] 1305. Detect the second reference signal, the number of detections is I, where I is a positive integer.

[0386] 1306. Determine whether a second reference signal has been detected.

[0387] If no second reference signal is detected, and the first condition is satisfied, then proceed to step 1309. If a second reference signal is detected, and the first condition is not satisfied, then proceed to step 1307 or 1304.

[0388] For example, when I is 1, it can be understood as detecting the second reference signal once. If it is not detected, it is determined that the first condition is met, and step 1309 is executed; if it is detected, it is determined that the first condition is not met, and step 1307 or 1304 is executed.

[0389] For example, when I is greater than 1, it can be understood as detecting the second reference signal I times. For instance, let i represent the current number of times the second reference signal is detected. The initial value of i is 1. If no second reference signal is detected after one detection, the value of i is incremented by 1, and the detection is repeated, and the above process is executed. One possible scenario is that no second reference signal is detected until i accumulates to I (i.e., i equals I), in which case step 1309 is executed; if a second reference signal is detected before i accumulates to I (i.e., i is less than I), it is determined that the first condition is not met, and steps 1307 or 1304 are executed. It can be understood that i represents a variable, and I represents a constant.

[0390] Optionally, the detection can be performed continuously once, or it can be performed after a certain interval. For example, after one or more detections, a first timer can be started, and the detection can be performed again after the first timer ends. The specifics are not limited here.

[0391] Optionally, the detection configuration information includes the listening duration. The listening duration is the duration for detecting the second reference signal.

[0392] Optionally, the listening duration can be the duration of a single detection of the second reference signal, or the total duration of I detections of the second reference signal.

[0393] In one possible implementation, the listening duration is determined by at least one of the following: the Doppler frequency shift information of the first device, the number of neighboring beams of the first device, or the identification information of the first device.

[0394] The Doppler frequency shift information may include information such as Doppler frequency or phase. When the first device moves along a certain direction, the phase and frequency change due to the difference in propagation path, and the phase or frequency change can be referred to as the Doppler frequency shift of the first device.

[0395] The number of neighboring beams of the first device is the number of neighboring beams that the first device can detect, such as the number of SSB beams.

[0396] The first device identifier is an identifier used to uniquely identify the user equipment, such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (IMSI), International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), or Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI).

[0397] In this implementation, in most scenarios, since the Doppler frequency shift information, the number of neighboring beams of the first device, or the identification information of the first device are all specific to the user device, that is, the Doppler frequency shift information, the number of neighboring beams, and the identification information of the first device are different for different user devices, determining the listening duration, the duration of the first timer, or the duration of the second timer based on this information can make the listening duration, the duration of the first timer, or the duration of the second timer more random, thereby improving the accuracy and scientific nature of the detection.

[0398] 1307. The first device starts the first timer.

[0399] If a second reference signal is detected from another device, and it is determined that the first condition is not met, the first timer can be started.

[0400] 1308. The first device determines that the first timer has stopped counting, re-determines the configuration information of the second reference signal, and executes step 1304. The duration of the first timer is determined by at least one of the following: the Doppler frequency shift of the first device, the number of neighboring beams of the first device, or the identifier of the first device. See the relevant description in step 1306 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0401] If it is determined that the first condition is not met, the second reference signal configuration information is re-determined, i.e., step 1304 is re-executed. Specifically, a third reference signal configuration information is determined from at least one reference signal configuration information. The third reference signal configuration information belongs to at least one reference signal configuration information and is associated with a third reference signal. The second reference signal configuration information and the third reference signal configuration information can be the same or different; no specific limitation is made here.

[0402] 1309. The first device determines the first reference signal configuration information as the second reference signal configuration information.

[0403] If no other device sends a second reference signal, and the first condition is met, the first device determines that the first reference signal configuration information is the second reference signal configuration information.

[0404] 1310. The first device sends the first reference signal.

[0405] The second and third devices can receive the first reference signal. 1311. The second and / or third devices measure the first reference signal to obtain third information.

[0406] Refer to step 508; details will not be repeated here.

[0407] 1312. The second device sends the third information, and the target network element receives the third information.

[0408] 1313. The third device sends the third information, and the target network element receives the third information.

[0409] The execution order of steps 1312 and 1313 is not limited. Step 1312 can be executed first, followed by step 1313; step 1313 can be executed first, followed by step 1312; or steps 1312 and 1313 can be executed simultaneously.

[0410] 1314. The target network element determines the location information of the first device based on the third information.

[0411] Refer to step 510; details will not be repeated here.

[0412] 1315. The target network element sends the location information of the first device.

[0413] In this embodiment, the second device receives the location information of the first device, for example, via an NRPPa message. The second device sends location information to the first device, for example, via an RRC message or a broadcast message. Optionally, the target network element sends location information, for example, via an LPP message, such as an LPP ProvideLocationInformation message.

[0414] 1316. The second device sends second information, which includes the location information of the first device and / or the first indication information.

[0415] The first device receives the second information.

[0416] It should be noted that steps 1301, 1302, 1307, and 1308 in this embodiment are optional steps. Steps 1301 to 1303 are the same as those described above. Figure 5 Steps 501 to 503 in the illustrated embodiment are similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0417] It should be understood that in this embodiment, step 1301 before step 1302 is merely an example, and step 1302 can be executed before step 1309, that is, the first device receives the SSB and triggers the first device to send the first reference signal. The steps after the first device sends the first reference signal in embodiment 1, namely steps 506 to 514, can also be executed in this embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0418] In this embodiment, a second device and / or a third device measure a first reference signal to obtain third information. The second device and / or the third device forward the third information to a target network element, which then determines the location information of the first device. The target network element sends the location information to the second device, which further sends second information. The first device receives the second information to achieve positioning of the first device.

[0419] In this embodiment, based on the detection configuration information, such as the maximum number of detections M, the first device performs a detection process for the second reference signal to determine the configuration information of the first reference signal. If no second reference signal is detected after M detections, it is determined that the first condition is met, indicating that no other device in the network has determined, selected, or transmitted the second reference signal. This avoids different first devices transmitting the same reference signal, reduces interference between reference signals transmitted by different first devices, improves positioning accuracy, and ensures positioning performance. Furthermore, determining only whether the first condition is met simplifies the processing flow and reduces the complexity of user equipment.

[0420] Example 3: Determining whether the second condition is met is based on whether at least one of the first or second conditions is satisfied, thereby determining the first reference signal. The following explanation uses the example of determining whether the second condition is met by transmitting the second reference signal a number greater than or equal to the maximum number of transmissions.

[0421] Please see Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application.

[0422] 1401. The second device sends a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB).

[0423] The first device receives the SSB.

[0424] 1402. The first device receives the first information.

[0425] 1403. The first device determines the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0426] 1404. The first device determines the configuration information of the second reference signal.

[0427] 1405. The first device sends the second reference signal.

[0428] Optionally, the first device detects the second reference signal before sending it.

[0429] 1406. Determine whether the current sending count j is greater than or equal to the maximum sending count N.

[0430] The maximum number of transmissions N can be the upper limit of the number of times the first device can transmit the second reference signal.

[0431] When N is 1, it can be understood as sending the second reference signal once to determine that the second condition is met, and then executing step 1409.

[0432] When N is greater than 1, it can be understood as sending the second reference signal N times. For example, let j represent the current number of times the second reference signal is sent. The initial value of j is 1. After each transmission of the second reference signal, the value of j is incremented by 1 until j accumulates to N (i.e., j equals N). At this point, the second condition is satisfied, and step 1409 is executed. Otherwise, it means that the current number of transmissions j is less than the maximum number of transmissions N, and the second condition is not satisfied. Steps 1407 or 1405 are executed, and the second reference signal is retransmitted.

[0433] Optionally, it can be sent continuously N times, or it can be sent after a certain interval. For example, after sending the second reference signal, a second timer can be started, and the signal can be sent after the second timer finishes counting down. The specifics are not limited here.

[0434] 1407. Start the second timer.

[0435] If the current number of transmissions j is less than the maximum number of transmissions N, it is determined that the second condition is not met, and the second timer can be started to wait for the next transmission.

[0436] 1408. Determine that the second timer has stopped counting, and the first device sends the second reference signal.

[0437] The duration of the second timer is determined by at least one of the following: the Doppler frequency shift of the first device, the number of neighboring beams of the first device, or the identifier of the first device. See step 1306 for details; further elaboration is omitted here.

[0438] 1409. Determine the first reference signal configuration information as the second reference signal configuration information.

[0439] If the current transmission count j is greater than or equal to the maximum transmission count N, the second condition is satisfied, and the first reference signal configuration information is determined to be the second reference signal configuration information.

[0440] 1410. The first device sends the first reference signal.

[0441] The second device can receive the first reference signal.

[0442] 1411. The second device measures the first reference signal to obtain the position information of the first device.

[0443] Optionally, the second device can perform positioning calculations. The second device can directly measure the first reference signal to obtain the position information of the first device.

[0444] 1412. The second device sends second information, which includes the location information and / or the first indication information of the first device.

[0445] The second device sends the second information, and the first device receives the second information.

[0446] It should be noted that steps 1401, 1402, 1407, and 1408 in this embodiment are optional steps. Steps 1401 to 1404 are similar to steps 1301 to 1304 in the previous embodiment, and step 1410 is similar to step 505. The specifics will not be repeated here.

[0447] It should be understood that in this embodiment, step 1401 before step 1402 is merely an example, and step 1402 can be executed before step 1410, that is, the first device receives the SSB and triggers the first device to send the first reference signal. The steps after the first device sends the first reference signal in embodiment 1, namely steps 506 to 514, can also be executed in this embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0448] In this embodiment, the second device directly measures the first reference signal to calculate the position information of the first device, and the second device sends the position information, while the first device receives the position information to achieve the positioning of the first device.

[0449] In this embodiment, the second condition is satisfied when the number of times the second reference signal is sent (j) meets the maximum number of transmissions (N), which improves the accuracy of detection by other devices. Based on the detection configuration information, such as the maximum number of transmissions (N), the first device executes the process of sending the second reference signal to determine the first reference signal. Sending the second reference signal N times is equivalent to notifying other devices that the first device has determined, selected, or used the reference signal, avoiding different first devices sending the same reference signal, reducing interference between reference signals sent by different first devices, thereby improving positioning accuracy and ensuring positioning performance. Furthermore, only determining whether the second condition is met simplifies the processing flow and reduces the complexity of the user equipment.

[0450] Example 4: Determining whether at least one of the first or second conditions is satisfied is used to determine whether both the first and second conditions are satisfied simultaneously, in order to determine the first reference signal. The following explanation uses the following example: determining that the first condition is satisfied means no second reference signal has been detected; determining that the second condition is satisfied means the current detection count i is greater than or equal to the maximum detection count M, and the current transmission count j is greater than or equal to the maximum transmission count N.

[0451] Please see Figure 15a This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application.

[0452] 1501. The first device determines the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0453] Optionally, before performing this step, the first device receives a synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB). And / or, the first device receives first information. See steps 501 to 503 above for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0454] 1502. Determine a first reference signal configuration information group based on at least one of the region identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information.

[0455] For details regarding area identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information, please refer to the relevant description in step 503 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0456] At least one reference signal configuration information can be grouped according to at least one of the area identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information to obtain at least one reference signal configuration information group. That is, the reference signal configuration information group can be associated with at least one of the area identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information. Then, the first reference signal configuration information group matched by the first device is determined according to the area identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information of the first device.

[0457] For example, SRS configuration information with the same area identification information (such as the same wave position ID) is grouped together to obtain multiple SRS configuration information groups associated with wave position ID. The wave position ID corresponding to the first group of SRS configuration information is 1, the wave position ID corresponding to the second group of SRS configuration information is 2, and the wave position ID corresponding to the first device is 1. Then, the first reference signal configuration information group is determined to be the first group of SRS configuration information groups.

[0458] For example, the SRS configuration information can be grouped according to the range of Doppler frequencies to obtain multiple SRS configuration information groups associated with Doppler frequencies. The first SRS configuration information group is associated with [f0, f1], and the second SRS configuration information group is associated with [f1, f2]. If the Doppler frequency corresponding to the first device falls within the range of [f1, f2], then the first reference signal configuration information group is determined to be the second SRS configuration information group.

[0459] The method for determining the first reference signal configuration information group based on the Preamble information can be the same as above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0460] 1503. Determine the configuration information of the second reference signal.

[0461] The first device may randomly select the second reference signal configuration information from the first reference signal configuration information group, or determine the second reference signal configuration information according to a certain algorithm or formula, or determine the second reference signal configuration information according to the priority of the reference signal configuration information. For example, the highest priority SRS configuration information may be selected from a group of SRS resource configuration information as the second reference signal configuration information. In addition, other methods may be used to determine the second reference signal configuration information, which are not limited here.

[0462] 1504. The second reference signal is detected I times. The current number of detections is i, where i and I are positive integers.

[0463] 1505. Determine whether a second reference signal has not been detected.

[0464] The number of tests I can be understood as the first device performing one or more tests.

[0465] When I is 1, the second reference signal is detected once. If the second reference signal is not detected, it is determined that the first condition is met, and step 1506 is executed.

[0466] When I is greater than 1, the second reference signal is detected I times. For example, let i represent the current number of times the second reference signal is detected. The initial value of i is 1. If no second reference signal is detected after one detection, the value of i is incremented by 1, and the detection is repeated. This process continues until no second reference signal is detected when i is I, indicating that the first condition is met, and step 1506 is executed. If a second reference signal is detected during the i-th detection, it is determined that the first condition is not met, and step 1503 is executed. It can be understood that i represents a variable, and I represents a constant.

[0467] Optionally, the detection can be performed continuously once, or it can be performed after a certain interval. For example, after one or more detections, a first timer can be started, and the detection can be performed again after the first timer ends. The specifics are not limited here.

[0468] 1506. Send the second reference signal J times. The current number of transmissions is j, where j and J are positive integers.

[0469] The first device transmits the second reference signal at the second power.

[0470] The number of transmissions J can be understood as the number of times the first device sends the message, either once or multiple times.

[0471] When J is 1, it can be understood as sending the second reference signal once, and executing step 1507.

[0472] When J is greater than 1, it can be understood as sending the second reference signal J times. For example, let j represent the current number of times the second reference signal is sent. The initial value of j is 1. After each transmission of the second reference signal, the value of j is incremented by 1 until j accumulates to J (i.e., j equals J), then proceed to step 1507. Otherwise, it means that the current number of transmissions j is less than the number of transmissions J, so the second reference signal is retransmitted, and step 1506 is executed.

[0473] Optionally, the signal can be sent J times consecutively or at intervals. For example, after sending the second reference signal, a second timer can be started, and the signal can be sent again after the second timer finishes counting down. The specific method is not limited here.

[0474] 1507. Determine whether the current detection count i is greater than or equal to the maximum detection count M, and whether the current sending count j is greater than or equal to the maximum sending count N.

[0475] If the current detection count i is greater than or equal to the maximum detection count M, and the current sending count j is greater than or equal to the maximum sending count N, then the second condition is met, and step 1508 is executed.

[0476] If the current number of detections i is less than the maximum number of detections M, it is determined that the second condition is not met. The second reference signal is re-detected, and step 1504 is executed.

[0477] If the current transmission count j is less than the maximum transmission count N, it is determined that the second condition is not met. The second reference signal is retransmitted, and step 1506 is executed.

[0478] 1508. Determine the first reference signal configuration information as the second reference signal configuration information.

[0479] 1509. The first device sends the first reference signal.

[0480] The first device transmits a first reference signal at a first power, which is greater than the second power.

[0481] It should be noted that M and N can be the same, meaning the maximum number of detections and the maximum number of transmissions are the same, which can save signaling overhead. M and N can also be different, which can increase the flexibility of the implementation.

[0482] It should be noted that this embodiment only illustrates the case where the second condition is that the current detection count i is greater than or equal to the maximum detection count M, and the current transmission count j is greater than or equal to the maximum transmission count N. It should be understood that all combinations of the first and second conditions fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0483] For example, the first condition is that no second reference signal is detected, and the second condition is that the current detection count i is greater than or equal to the maximum detection count M. Specifically, when the combination satisfies both the first and second conditions, the first reference signal configuration information is determined to be the second reference signal configuration information. If the combination does not satisfy the second condition and the current detection count i is less than the maximum detection count M, the second reference signal is re-detected. Further details are omitted here.

[0484] For example, the combination that satisfies the first condition (no second reference signal detected) and the second condition (the current transmission count j being greater than or equal to the maximum transmission count N) is considered. Specifically, if this combination satisfies both the first and second conditions, the first reference signal configuration information is determined to be the second reference signal configuration information. If this combination does not satisfy the second condition, and the current transmission count j is less than the maximum transmission count N, the second reference signal continues to be transmitted. Further details are omitted here.

[0485] In this embodiment, the first device, based on the detection configuration information, repeatedly detects and transmits the second reference signal to determine if the first and second conditions are met, thus determining the first reference signal. If no second reference signal is detected after *i* detections, the first condition is met, indicating that no other device in the network has determined, selected, or transmitted the second reference signal. Transmitting the second reference signal *j* times is equivalent to notifying other devices that the first device has determined, selected, or used the reference signal. By determining that both the first and second conditions are met simultaneously, the transmission of the same reference signal by different first devices is avoided, reducing interference between reference signals transmitted by different first devices, thereby improving positioning accuracy and ensuring positioning performance.

[0486] In this embodiment, the first device transmits the second reference signal at a second power and the first reference signal at a first power, where the first power is greater than the second power. That is, the power at which the first reference signal is transmitted in step 1509 is greater than the power at which the second reference signal is transmitted in step 1506. The first device transmits the second reference signal at a lower power (second power) to indicate or notify other first devices in the network that the second reference signal has been determined or selected by other devices (such as the first device), thus preventing other first devices from using the second reference signal. Transmitting the first reference signal at a higher power (first power) ensures that the first reference signal can be received by the second device. For example, if the second device is a satellite, or if the distance between the second device and the first device is sufficiently far, it is necessary to use a higher power to transmit the first reference signal.

[0487] In this embodiment, determining the reference signal configuration information by grouping improves the efficiency of reference signal configuration selection. The second device also does not need to receive all reference signals, effectively reducing the complexity of receiving reference signals and network resource overhead. For example, when determining the first reference signal configuration information group based on area identification information, the second device can only send the reference signal configuration information within the group corresponding to that area, and the second device only needs to receive the reference signals corresponding to that area.

[0488] Furthermore, considering the special case of this embodiment, when the number of times the second reference signal is detected (I) is the same as the number of times the second reference signal is transmitted (J), and the maximum number of detections (M) is the same as the maximum number of transmissions (N), detecting the second reference signal once and transmitting the second reference signal once constitutes one round. See the details below. Figure 15b As shown.

[0489] 1601. Determine the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0490] Similar to step 1501, the specifics will not be repeated here.

[0491] 1602. Determine the first reference signal configuration information group based on the area identification information, Doppler frequency shift information, or Preamble information.

[0492] Similar to step 1502, the specifics will not be repeated here.

[0493] 1603. Determine the configuration information of the second reference signal.

[0494] Similar to step 1503, the specifics will not be repeated here.

[0495] 1604. Detect the second reference signal. The current round is i, where i is a positive integer.

[0496] 1605. Send the second reference signal, the current round is i.

[0497] One detection and one transmission of the second reference signal constitute one round. The current round of detection and transmission can be represented by the number i, which is initially 1. Each round of detection and transmission is incremented by 1, and step 1606 is executed.

[0498] Optionally, multiple rounds can be executed consecutively, or one or more rounds can be executed after a certain interval. For example, after executing one or more rounds, a timer can be started, and the detection and transmission can be performed again after the timer expires. The specifics are not limited here.

[0499] 1606. Determine whether the current round i is greater than or equal to the maximum number of detections M.

[0500] If the current round i is greater than or equal to the maximum number of detection transmissions M, then the first and second conditions are satisfied, and step 1607 is executed. If the current round i is less than the maximum number of detection transmissions M, then step 1604 is executed.

[0501] 1607. Determine the first reference signal configuration information as the second reference signal configuration information.

[0502] 1608. Send the first reference signal.

[0503] It should be understood that the above embodiments are only some embodiments provided by this application. Various embodiments that determine the first reference signal configuration information in different ways, such as various cases that satisfy at least one of the first condition or the second condition, various cases that determine the reference signal configuration information by grouping, not grouping or other various methods, and various cases that perform position calculation by the second device, the third device, and the target network element, can all be combined with the foregoing embodiments and all fall within the protection scope of this application. They will not be elaborated here.

[0504] Please see Figure 16 This is one embodiment of the communication device in this application, comprising:

[0505] The determination module 1601 is used to determine the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0506] The determining module 1601 is further configured to determine first reference signal configuration information based on the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information, wherein the first reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0507] The transmitting module 1602 transmits a first reference signal based on the first reference signal configuration information, wherein the first reference signal configuration information is associated with the first reference signal.

[0508] The communication device in this application embodiment can perform the operations performed by the first device in the above method embodiment, and can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0509] Please see Figure 17 One embodiment of the communication device in this application includes:

[0510] The receiving module 1701 is used to receive a first reference signal, which is associated with first reference signal configuration information. The first reference signal configuration information is determined by the first device based on detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information, and the first reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0511] The measurement module 1702 is used to measure the first reference signal and obtain third information, which is used to determine the position information of the first device.

[0512] The communication device in this application embodiment can perform the operations performed by the second or third device in the above method embodiment, and can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0513] Please see Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device 1800 in this application. The communication device 1800 can specifically be the first device and / or the second device in the above embodiments. The communication device 1800 may include at least one processor 1801 and a communication port 1802.

[0514] The communication port 1802 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1802 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0515] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1803 and a bus. In embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1801 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1800.

[0516] Processor 1801 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. 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.

[0517] It is understandable that this application relates to Figure 18 The number of each component shown is not limited. For example, the number of processors 1801, the number of communication ports 1802, and the number of memory 1803 can each be one or more, and the specific number is not limited here.

[0518] It should be noted that, Figure 18 The communication device 1800 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the first device and / or the second device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and achieve the corresponding technical effects. Figure 18 The specific implementation of the communication device shown can be referred to the description in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0519] Please see Figure 19 This is a structural schematic diagram of the communication device 1900 in this application. Specifically, the communication device 1900 can be the communication device that serves as the first device and / or the second device in the above embodiments.

[0520] The communication device 1900 includes at least one processor 1911 and at least one network interface 1914.

[0521] Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1912, at least one transceiver 1913, and one or more antennas 1915. The processor 1911, memory 1912, transceiver 1913, and network interface 1914 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1915 is connected to the transceiver 1913. The network interface 1914 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1914 may include a network interface between the communication device and a core network device, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network devices), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0522] The processor 1911 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs, for example, to support the communication device in performing the actions described in the embodiments. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs.

[0523] Processor 1911 can integrate the functions of a baseband processor and a central processing unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and the central processing unit can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Communication devices can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple central processing units to enhance their processing capabilities. The various components of the communication device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processing unit can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, with the processor executing the software program to implement the baseband processing function.

[0524] Figure 19 Only one memory and one processor are shown. In actual communication devices, multiple processors and multiple memories may exist. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory 1912 is mainly used to store software programs and data. Memory 1912 can exist independently and be connected to processor 1911, or memory 1912 can be integrated with processor 1911, for example, integrated into a single chip. This application embodiment does not limit this. Memory 1912 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by processor 1911. The various types of computer program code that are executed can also be regarded as drivers for processor 1911.

[0525] Transceiver 1913 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between communication devices and terminals. Transceiver 1913 can be connected to antenna 1915. Transceiver 1913 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1915 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1913 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 1911 so that processor 1911 can optionally process the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding.

[0526] Furthermore, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1913 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals from processor 1911, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into radio frequency (RF) signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 1915. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the RF signals to obtain digital baseband signals or IF signals, and the order of the downmixing and IF conversion is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals to obtain RF signals, and the order of the upmixing and IF conversion is adjustable. Digital baseband signals and digital IF signals can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0527] The transceiver 1913 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0528] It should be noted that, Figure 19 The communication device 1900 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the first device and / or the second device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the first device and / or the second device. Figure 19 The specific implementation of the communication device 1900 shown can be referred to the description in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0529] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the terminal, information sent to the terminal by the base station; or, the terminal chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the terminal, information sent to the base station by the terminal. For example, when the first device is a terminal, the terminal sending indication information can be understood as the process of the terminal's chip outputting indication information.

[0530] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a base station, the base station module implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the terminal to the base station; or, the base station module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the base station to the terminal. Here, the base station module can be the baseband chip of the base station, or a DU or other modules. The DU can be a DU under an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture. For example, when the second device is a base station, the base station sending indication information can be understood as the process of the base station's chip outputting indication information.

[0531] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a terminal chip that specifically performs the steps described above as a first device and / or a second device. The terminal chip includes: a higher-layer protocol processor, a physical layer protocol processor, and a baseband hardware processor.

[0532] The high-level protocol processor is used to implement at least one of the following: implement high-level protocol (L2 / L3) processing, support ASN.1 and other encoding and decoding functions, support standard air interface encryption and decryption, integrity protection algorithms, etc.

[0533] The physical layer protocol processor is used to implement at least one of the following: implement physical layer processing, complete downlink network search, time-frequency tracking, measurement, channel estimation, demodulation and decoding, and uplink coding, modulation and time-frequency offset adjustment.

[0534] The baseband hardware processor is used to perform at least one of the following: complete the secure boot and secure startup of the baseband system, and complete protocol layer processing (L1 / L2 / L3), etc.

[0535] The above description of the terminal chip was from the processor's perspective; the following description will offer another perspective from the subsystem's viewpoint. A terminal communication chip may consist of a baseband subsystem, a radio frequency (RF) subsystem, a power supply subsystem, and peripherals (storage, external interfaces). The baseband subsystem is responsible for at least one of the following: application layer processing, external interface functions, and L3 / L2 / L1 communication protocol processing. The RF subsystem is responsible for at least one of the following: the RF front-end and antenna convert spatial electromagnetic waves into electrical signals, and perform the necessary amplification and filtering functions to achieve excellent coverage; it connects with the baseband to perform frequency conversion and nonlinear distortion correction of analog signals. The power supply subsystem is responsible for at least one of the following: providing power management functions for the communication baseband chip.

[0536] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0537] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0538] 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 modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0539] 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 modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules 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 indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, apparatuses, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0540] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0541] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0542] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: Determine the detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information; Based on the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information, a first reference signal configuration information is determined, wherein the first reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information; Based on the first reference signal configuration information, a first reference signal is transmitted, wherein the first reference signal configuration information is associated with the first reference signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the first message; Based on the first information, detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information are determined.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs); Send the first reference signal.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The SSB is used to indicate that the first information has been received.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The determination of the first reference signal configuration information includes: Determine second reference signal configuration information, wherein the second reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information, and the second reference signal configuration information is associated with the second reference signal; Based on the configuration information of the second reference signal, it is determined that at least one of the first condition or the second condition is met. The first condition is that the second reference signal is not detected. The second condition is that i is greater than or equal to M and / or j is greater than or equal to N. The i is the number of times the second reference signal is detected, the j is the number of times the second reference signal is transmitted, the M is the maximum number of detections, the N is the maximum number of transmissions, and the i, j, M, and N are positive integers. The configuration information of the first reference signal is determined to be the configuration information of the second reference signal.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The determination that at least one of the first condition or the second condition is satisfied includes: The second reference signal is detected i times to determine that the first condition is met; Send the second reference signal j times to determine that the second condition is met.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, The determination that at least one of the first condition or the second condition is satisfied includes: The second reference signal is detected i times to determine if the first condition is met.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein, The determination that at least one of the first condition or the second condition is satisfied includes: Send the second reference signal j times to determine that the second condition is met.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first condition is not met, the second reference signal configuration information is determined to be the third reference signal configuration information, the third reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information, and the third reference signal configuration information is associated with the third reference signal.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first condition is not met, start the first timer; The first timer is stopped, and the second reference signal configuration information is determined to be the third reference signal configuration information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the second condition is not met, the second reference signal is re-detected.

12. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the second condition is not met, start the second timer; Determine to stop the second timer and re-detect the second reference signal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that, The detection configuration information includes at least one of the following: listening duration, maximum number of detections M, or maximum number of transmissions N. The listening duration is the duration for detecting the second reference signal.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The listening duration, the duration of the first timer, or the duration of the second timer is determined by at least one of the following: Doppler shift information of the first device, a number of adjacent beams of the first device, or identification information of the first device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: transmitting the first reference signal using a first power; transmitting the second reference signal using a second power; The first power is greater than the second power.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one set of reference signal configuration information, and the at least one set of reference signal configuration information is associated with at least one of area identification information, Doppler shift information, or preamble information.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The method further includes: determining a first reference signal configuration information set based on at least one of the area identification information, the Doppler shift information, or the preamble information, the first reference signal configuration information set belonging to the at least one set of reference signal configuration information; determining at least one of the first reference signal configuration information, the second reference signal configuration information, or the third reference signal configuration information based on the first reference signal configuration information set.

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The method further includes: receiving second information, the second information including location information of the first device and / or first indication information, the first indication information indicating to stop transmitting the first reference signal and / or updating the first reference signal configuration information.

19. The method of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The method further includes: transmitting configuration index information of the first reference signal, the configuration index information including at least one of first reference signal resource identification or first reference signal resource set identification.

20. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, At least one of the first reference signal, the second reference signal, or the third reference signal is a sounding reference signal (SRS).

21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The first information is a system information block (SIB) or a positioning system information block (posSIB).

22. A method of communication, comprising: including: receiving a first reference signal, the first reference signal being associated with first reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information being determined by a first device based on detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information belonging to the at least one reference signal configuration information; measuring the first reference signal to obtain third information, the third information being used to determine location information of the first device.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The method further includes: transmitting first information, the first information being used to determine detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein, The method further includes: transmitting a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), the SSB being used for the first device to transmit the first reference signal and / or indicating the first device to receive the first information.

25. The method of any one of claims 22-24, wherein, The at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one set of reference signal configuration information, and the at least one set of reference signal configuration information is associated with at least one of area identification information, Doppler shift information, or preamble information.

26. The method of any one of claims 22-25, wherein, The method further includes: Send a second message, the second message including the location information of the first device and / or a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate to stop sending the first reference signal and / or update the configuration information of the first reference signal.

27. The method of any one of claims 22-26, wherein, The method further includes: Obtain the configuration index information of the first reference signal, wherein the configuration index information includes at least one of the following: first reference signal resource identifier, first reference signal resource set identifier; Based on the configuration index information, it is determined that the first device is associated with the first reference signal.

28. The method of any one of claims 22-27, wherein, The first reference signal is the detection reference signal SRS.

29. The method of any one of claims 22-28, wherein, The first information is either a system information block (SIB) or a positioning system information block (posSIB).

30. A communications device, characterized by include: A determination module is used to determine detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information; The determining module is further configured to determine first reference signal configuration information based on the detection configuration information and the at least one reference signal configuration information, wherein the first reference signal configuration information belongs to the at least one reference signal configuration information; The transmitting module transmits a first reference signal based on the first reference signal configuration information, wherein the first reference signal configuration information is associated with the first reference signal.

31. A communications device, characterized by include: A receiving module is configured to receive a first reference signal, the first reference signal being associated with first reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information being determined by a first device based on detection configuration information and at least one reference signal configuration information, the first reference signal configuration information being a subset of the at least one reference signal configuration information; The measurement module is used to measure the first reference signal and obtain third information, which is used to determine the position information of the first device.

32. A communications device, characterized by The device includes a processor coupled to a memory for storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

33. The communication device of claim 32, wherein, The communication device is a chip or chip system.

34. A computer program product comprising code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29.

35. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the computer program or instructions are stored thereon, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, they cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

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