A communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device, and a storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device and a storage medium, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: receiving, by a terminal, first control information transmitted by a network device, the first control information being capable of being carried by a data channel. The first control information transmitted between the terminal and the network device is used to enable the terminal to determine the format of the control information that can be carried by the data channel.

Description

A communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device, and a storage medium. Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device, a communication system, a communication equipment, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are becoming increasingly important components of 5G communication technology, playing a crucial role in the research and application of 5G and 6G communication standards. Machine learning can generate models from large amounts of training data, and these models can be used to predict events. Wireless communication networks can utilize AI for prediction and reasoning, thereby improving system performance.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, system, equipment, and storage medium, which can be used in the field of communication technology to solve the problem of which DCI format can be carried on a data channel for new-DCI bearers and data channels.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a terminal, comprising: receiving first control information sent by a network device, wherein the first control information can be carried by a data channel.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a network device, comprising: sending first control information to a terminal, wherein the first control information can be carried by a data channel.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, including a transceiver module for: receiving first control information sent by a network device, the first control information being capable of being carried by a data channel.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, including a transceiver module for sending first control information to a terminal, the first control information being capable of being carried by a data channel.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including one or more processors; wherein the one or more processors are configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in either the first or second aspect.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0012] According to the communication method proposed in this disclosure, a terminal receives first control information sent by a network device, and the first control information can be carried by a data channel. Regarding new-DCI (Downlink Control Information) carried on a data channel, by receiving the control information sent by the network device, it is determined which DCI format can be carried on the data channel. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3A is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This disclosure provides a communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device, and a storage medium.

[0026] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, comprising: receiving first control information sent by a network device, wherein the first control information can be carried by a data channel.

[0027] In the above embodiments, control information sent by network devices is received to determine the DCI format that can be carried by the data channel.

[0028] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the data channel includes at least one of the following: a data channel dynamically scheduled by second control information; a semi-statically configured data channel; and a semi-statically pre-configured and dynamically activated data channel.

[0029] In the above embodiments, control information sent by network devices is received to determine the format of DCI that can be carried by different data channels.

[0030] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining the format of the first control information based on a protocol agreement or an instruction from a network device.

[0031] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the format of the first control information carried on the data channel based on the protocol agreement or the instruction of the network device.

[0032] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the format of the first control information includes at least one of the following: a first format, which is predefined by a protocol and is carried only on a data channel; a second format, which is predefined by a protocol and can be carried on a data channel and / or a control channel; and a third format, which is predefined by a protocol and is used to schedule a first function, the first function including at least one of communication transmission, sensing transmission, and satellite transmission.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the format of the first control information carried on the data channel based on the instructions of the network device.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate whether a second format can be carried on a data channel.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is included in signaling, or second control information, or control unit.

[0036] In the above embodiments, based on the instructions of the network device, it can be determined whether the second format of the first control information can be carried on the data channel.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the format of the first control information based on the instruction of the network device includes: receiving second information sent by the network device, the second information being used to indicate whether a format that can be carried on the control channel can be carried on the data channel; and determining the format of the first control information based on the second information.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the size of the second information is at least one bit or a bitmap.

[0039] In the above embodiments, based on the instructions of the network device, it can be determined whether the format of the first control information that can be carried on the control channel can be carried on the data channel.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the first control information transmitted between the terminal and the network device enables the terminal to determine the DCI format that can be carried on the data channel through protocol predefined or instructions from the network device.

[0041] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, comprising: sending first control information to a terminal, wherein the first control information can be carried by a data channel.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the first control information sent from the network device to the terminal is used to determine that the control information can be carried on the data channel.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the data channel includes at least one of the following: a data channel dynamically scheduled by a second control information; a semi-statically configured data channel; and a semi-statically pre-configured and dynamically activated data channel.

[0044] In the above embodiments, control information sent by network devices is received to determine the format of DCI that can be carried by different data channels.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining the format of the first control information based on a protocol agreement; or, indicating the format of the first control information to the terminal.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the format of the first control information carried on the data channel based on the protocol agreement or the instruction of the network device.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the format of the first control information includes at least one of the following: a first format, which is predefined by a protocol and is carried only on a data channel; a second format, which is predefined by a protocol and can be carried on a data channel and / or a control channel; and a third format, which is predefined by a protocol and is used to schedule a first function, the first function including at least one of communication transmission, sensing transmission, and satellite transmission.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the format of the first control information carried on the data channel based on the instructions of the network device.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate whether the second format can be carried on a data channel.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is included in signaling, or second control information, or control unit.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, instructing the terminal on the format of the first control information includes: sending second information to the terminal, the second information being used to indicate whether a format that can be carried on a control channel can be carried on a data channel, and the second information being used to assist the terminal in determining the format of the first control information.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the size of the second information is at least one bit or a bitmap.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the network device sends first control information, as well as first information and / or second information, to the terminal so that the terminal can determine the format of the control information that can be carried on the data channel.

[0054] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including: a transceiver module, configured to receive first control information sent by a network device, wherein the first control information can be carried by a data channel.

[0055] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including: a transceiver module, configured to send first control information to a terminal, wherein the first control information can be carried by a data channel.

[0056] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including: one or more processors; wherein the one or more processors are configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0057] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in any embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure; and the network device is configured to perform the method described in any embodiment of the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0058] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the embodiments of the first or second aspect of this disclosure.

[0059] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0060] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0061] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0062] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0063] This disclosure provides a communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method can be used interchangeably; terms such as terminal and network device can be used interchangeably with terms such as information processing device and communication device; and terms such as information processing system and communication system can be used interchangeably.

[0064] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0065] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0066] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0067] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the aforementioned," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0068] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0069] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0070] The descriptions in this disclosure, such as "at least one of A, B, C..." or "A and / or B and / or C...", include the case where any one of A, B, C... exists alone, as well as the case where any combination of any of A, B, C... exists alone. Each case can exist alone. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes the cases of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B combination, A and C combination, B and C combination, and A and B and C combination. For example, A and / or B includes the cases of A alone, B alone, and A and B combination.

[0071] In some embodiments, the notation "in one case A, in another case B" or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: A is executed regardless of B, i.e., A is executed in some embodiments; B is executed regardless of A, i.e., B is executed in some embodiments; A and B are selectively executed, i.e., A and B are selected for execution in some embodiments; A and B are both executed, i.e., A and B are executed in some embodiments. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0072] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0073] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0074] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0075] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0076] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0077] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0078] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0079] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0080] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0081] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0082] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0083] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0084] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0085] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0086] The following is a description of the technical terms used in this disclosure:

[0087] 1. DCI: Downlink Control Information, carried by the downlink physical control channel PDCCH, is the downlink control information sent from the eNB to the UE, including uplink and downlink resource allocation, HARQ information, power control, etc.

[0088] 2. PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel.

[0089] 3. PHICH: Physical Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel.

[0090] 4. PCFICH: Physical Control Format Indicator Channel.

[0091] 5. PBCH: Physical Broadcast Channel.

[0092] 6. URLLC: Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (Ultra-reliable and ultra-low-latency communications).

[0093] 7. PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared Channel.

[0094] 8. SPS: Semi-Persistent Scheduling.

[0095] 9. LTE Control Region:

[0096] In LTE, the Control Region consists of PCFICH, PHICH, PDCCH, and Reference Symbols. The mapping order is as follows: first map the Reference Symbols, then map the PCFICH and PHICH, and finally map the PDCCH.

[0097] Reference Symbols include Downlink cell-specific reference signals that support cell communication, and PSS (Primary Synchronization Signal) and SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal) that support initial access synchronization of terminal devices. These signals are predefined and configured in fixed time-frequency domain positions by the protocol.

[0098] The PCFICH carries a 2-bit CFI information indicating the specific number of time-domain symbols in the control region. The PCFICH is mapped to the first time-domain symbol of the downlink subframe and to 4 REGs (Resource Element Groups) in the frequency domain, distributed equally across the entire bandwidth. The specific location of the REGs is related to the PCI; different PCIs have different REG locations. The terminal device determines the PHICH resource distribution by reading the PBCH.

[0099] In an LTE cell, all terminals search for the same PDCCH resource range of the DCI. The frequency domain resources of the control region are equal to the cell system bandwidth by default, and the time domain resources are fixed to the first 1 to 3 / 2 to 4 OFDM symbols of the downlink subframe, which are dynamically indicated by the PCFICH.

[0100] The size of the DCI field information in the PDCCH is only related to the DCI format and downlink bandwidth. The same DCI selects different aggregation levels according to channel quality. The aggregation level supports 1 to 8, representing different numbers of CCEs occupied when the DCI is transmitted. The search space is divided into two main categories: UE-specific and Common. The common space starts blind detection from CCE0, while the starting position of the UE-specific space is obtained through calculation.

[0101] 10. NR PDCCH:

[0102] In NR, to improve link performance through beamforming of the PDCCH, optimize the design of the PDCCH reference signal, simplify base station scheduling, and save power consumption of the base station and terminal, NR uses UE-specific PDCCH resources. The PDCCH monitoring range of a terminal is concentrated from the system bandwidth to a "control subband", namely the control resource set (CORESET).

[0103] NR introduces mini-slots and flexible channel structures to achieve low latency. The LTE PDCCH, which can only be transmitted in the first few symbols of a subframe, cannot meet the requirements of URLLC and low-latency eMBB services. Furthermore, LTE terminals need to monitor the PDCCH in every downlink subframe, resulting in high terminal power consumption. Therefore, NR PDCCH requires a time-domain flexible PDCCH to match the flexibility of the data channel, thereby achieving on-demand transmission. This flexibility is ultimately reflected in the design of the PDCCH search space set.

[0104] NR carrier bandwidth can reach over 100MHz, and TDM alone cannot effectively reuse PDCCH and PDSCH, resulting in a significant waste of frequency domain resources on both sides of the PDCCH. Therefore, 5G NR systems support FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing) for both PDCCH and PDSCH. From a UE's perspective, its PDCCH is confined to the Control Sub-band, while it can simultaneously receive PDSCH outside the Control Sub-band. The base station's ORESET configuration implements this scheduling. Multiplexing between the PDCCH of other UEs and the PDSCH of the current UE is more complex, requiring information on PDCCH resources occupied by other UEs and further resolution through rate matching, among other methods.

[0105] Currently, both LTE and NR use PDCCH to carry DCI (Data Channel Integration). However, PDCCH resources are limited, leading to significant congestion issues when facing frequent multi-user scheduling in the larger-scale access of 6G. Furthermore, blind detection of the UE (User Equipment) has always been a major obstacle to UE energy efficiency. In NR, to support low-latency scheduling, DCI monitoring timing is configured more frequently, which is detrimental to terminal energy saving. Based on the fundamental design requirements of reducing UE blind detection and DCI congestion rate, a design for 6G is to use a data channel-carrying DCI mechanism, with SPS (Simultaneous Power Grid Switching) as the preferred method and dynamically scheduled PDSCH as the second best.

[0106] The advantages of this mechanism are as follows:

[0107] 1. The new DCI carried by PDSCH eliminates the need for blind testing by terminal devices, fundamentally reducing the number of blind tests required by the terminal.

[0108] 2. While maintaining the existing DCI in the network, it can also reduce the candidate positions of legacy DCI carried in PDCCH, further reducing the number of blind checks in PDCCH.

[0109] 3. With the number of DCIs in the network remaining unchanged, the network side can reduce the configuration of legacy DCIs carried in the PDCCH, thereby reducing the blocking probability of legacy DCIs and helping to improve system throughput.

[0110] 4. Compared to the NR / LTE mechanism, it provides more flexible DCI transmission locations, which helps to enhance scheduling flexibility;

[0111] 5. Compared to PDCCH, PDSCH can be configured with more time and frequency resources, allowing for larger DCI payloads, which means that DCI can support more diverse functions.

[0112] The potential disadvantages of this mechanism are as follows:

[0113] 1. Affects PDSCH transmission;

[0114] 2. PDSCH has lower reliability requirements than PDCCH. After its introduction, reliability needs to be enhanced to ensure the transmission of DCI.

[0115] Regarding the first disadvantage, from the perspective of system throughput, it's necessary to consider the overall control / data resources and the specific network configuration. If the PDSCH itself is redundant and the DCI is insufficient, then the key factor affecting the overall system throughput is the number of DCIs, not the number of PDSCHs. Therefore, using PDSCHs to transmit DCIs is beneficial to the PDSCH transmission itself, and the impact on PDSCH transmission can only be considered from the perspective of a single PDSCH transmission. From a system perspective, in some scenarios, it can improve system throughput. Furthermore, compared to data information, control information occupies a very small percentage of the total PDSCH time-frequency resources, so its impact on PDSCH is limited. Additionally, this mechanism does not require PDSCHs to always carry DCIs; the network side can completely disable the function of carrying DCIs on PDSCHs when PDSCH resources are scarce.

[0116] Regarding the second disadvantage, the reliability requirements for PDSCH transmission are currently lower than those for PDCCH. However, PDSCH actually has multiple reliability / coverage enhancement schemes. Similarly, if PDSCH supports carrying DCI, conventional coverage enhancement approaches can be reused to mitigate this issue.

[0117] In summary, PDSCH carrying DCI still has significant technical advantages.

[0118] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a communication method, device, system, and storage medium. Numerous DCI formats have been designed for the NR phase. For new-DCI bearers and data channels, it needs to be clearly defined which DCI format can be carried on the data channel. Otherwise, it may lead to unnecessary blind detection by the UE and degraded performance of control information transmission.

[0119] The method proposed in this disclosure is applicable to various communication systems, including but not limited to 4G, 5G, 5G-advance and subsequent communication technologies (such as 6G).

[0120] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0121] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be a device that receives first control information.

[0122] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be a device for determining the format of the first control information.

[0123] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be a device that receives first information.

[0124] In some embodiments, the name of the terminal 101 is not limited, and may be, for example, "device for receiving first control information" or "device for determining the format of the first control information".

[0125] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a network node or a base station.

[0126] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a device that sends first control information.

[0127] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a device that determines the format of the first control information.

[0128] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a device that indicates the format of the first control information.

[0129] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a device that sends the first information.

[0130] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a device that sends second information.

[0131] In some embodiments, the name of the network device 102 is not limited, and may be, for example, "device for sending first control information", "device for determining the format of the first control information", "device for indicating the format of the first control information", etc.

[0132] In some embodiments, the terminal may include at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0133] In some embodiments, the access network equipment may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a radio backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open RAN, a cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, and an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0135] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0136] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0137] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0138] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0139] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other user plane path establishment methods, and next-generation systems extended from them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0140] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a communication system, such as the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1. The communication system includes a terminal and a network device. The interactive method may include the following steps:

[0141] Step 2101: The network device sends the first control information to the terminal.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first control information can be carried by a data channel.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first control information may be new-DCI.

[0144] In some embodiments, the data channel includes at least one of the following: a data channel dynamically scheduled by a second control information; a semi-statically configured data channel; and a semi-statically configured and dynamically activated data channel.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second control information may be legacy-DCI.

[0146] In some embodiments, semi-static configuration can be configured via RRC signaling.

[0147] For example, new-DCI is control information defined by a protocol that can be carried by a data channel. A data channel is a channel capable of carrying data information, including but not limited to at least one of the following: a data channel dynamically scheduled by control information (e.g., a PDSCH scheduled by legacy DCI), a semi-statically configured data channel (e.g., an SPS configured by RRC), and a semi-statically pre-configured data channel that is dynamically activated (e.g., an SPS pre-configured by RRC and activated by legacy DCI).

[0148] Step 2102: The network device determines the format of the first control information.

[0149] In some embodiments, the network device determines the format of the first control information based on protocol agreements.

[0150] In some embodiments, the network device determines the format of the first control information as a second format based on the protocol agreement. The second format is predefined by the protocol and can be carried on the data channel and / or control channel.

[0151] In some embodiments, the second format is predefined by the protocol and can be carried on a data channel or a control channel. The second format may include at least one of the following: DCI format 0_x, DCI format 1_x, DCI format 2_x, DCI format 3_x, DCI format 4_x; the second format may also be a newly defined DCI format.

[0152] In some embodiments, the network device can determine whether the second format of the first control information can be carried on the data channel based on the protocol agreement, that is, determine the first information.

[0153] In some embodiments, the network device can determine, based on protocol agreements, whether a format that can be carried on the control channel can be carried on the data channel, i.e., determine the second information.

[0154] Step 2103: The network device sends the first information to the terminal.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate whether the second format can be carried on a data channel.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first information is included in signaling, or second control information, or control unit.

[0157] In some embodiments, the signaling may be RRC signaling, the second control information may be legacy DCI, and the control unit may be MAC CE.

[0158] For example, the network device configures the terminal via RRC signaling whether the second DCI format can be carried on the data channel.

[0159] For example, a network device uses DCI to indicate whether a second DCI format can be carried on the data channel.

[0160] For example, network devices determine whether a second DCI format can be carried on the data channel via MAC CE activation.

[0161] Step 2104: The network device sends the second information to the terminal.

[0162] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate whether a format that can be carried on a control channel can be carried on a data channel.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second information is used to assist the terminal in determining the format of the first control information.

[0164] In some embodiments, the size of the second information is at least one bit or a bitmap.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second information may be related configuration of the control channel, including data channel bearer indication parameters, which indicate whether the bearable DCI format can be carried on the data channel.

[0166] For example, the network device uses RRC configuration to assist the terminal in determining whether the DCI format can be carried on the data channel. Optionally, the RRC configuration is related to the control channel and includes data channel bearer indication parameters. The data channel bearer indication parameters are used to indicate whether the DCI format that can be carried on the corresponding control channel can be carried on the data channel.

[0167] Step 2105: The terminal determines the format of the first control information.

[0168] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the format of the first control information based on protocol agreements or instructions from network devices.

[0169] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the format of the first control information based on the protocol agreement. This can be based on the protocol agreement to determine the format of the first control information as a first format, which is only carried on the data channel.

[0170] For example, the terminal determines the new-DCI format as the first DCI format based on a predefined protocol. The first DCI format is carried only on the data channel. The first DCI format includes at least one of the following: DCI format 0_x, DCI format 1_x, DCI format 2_x, DCI format 3_x, and DCI format 4_x. Optionally, the first DCI format can also be a newly defined DCI format.

[0171] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the format of the first control information based on the protocol agreement. This can be based on the protocol to determine the format of the first control information as a second format, which can be carried on the data channel or the control channel.

[0172] For example, the terminal determines the new-DCI format as the second DCI format based on the protocol predefined. The second DCI format can be carried on the data channel or the control channel. The second DCI format includes at least one of the following: DCI format 0_x, DCI format 1_x, DCI format 2_x, DCI format 3_x, and DCI format 4_x. Optionally, the second DCI format can also be a newly defined DCI format.

[0173] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the DCI format based on the protocol predefined.

[0174] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the format of the first control information based on the protocol agreement. This can be based on the protocol pre-determined format of the first control information as a third format. The third format is used to schedule the first function, which includes at least one of communication transmission, sensing transmission, and satellite transmission.

[0175] For example, the terminal determines the third DCI format carried on the data channel according to the protocol predefined. The third DCI format is the DCI format for scheduling communication transmissions, and can schedule either PDSCH or PUSCH.

[0176] For example, the terminal determines the third DCI format carried on the data channel according to the protocol predefined. The third DCI format is the DCI format for scheduling sensing transmission, which can schedule the transmission of sensing reference channel.

[0177] For example, the terminal determines the third DCI format carried on the data channel according to the protocol predefined. The third DCI format is the DCI format for satellite communication transmission and can schedule uplink and downlink data transmission of the satellite.

[0178] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the DCI format based on the protocol predefined.

[0179] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the format of the first control information based on a predefined protocol and the first information.

[0180] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the format of the first control information as the second format based on a protocol predefined, and determines whether the second format can be carried on the data channel or the control channel based on the first information sent by the network device indicating whether the second format can be carried on the data channel.

[0181] For example, based on a predefined protocol, the terminal determines the new-DCI format as the second DCI format. This second DCI format can be carried on either the data channel or the control channel. The second DCI format includes at least one of the following: DCI format 0_x, DCI format 1_x, DCI format 2_x, DCI format 3_x, and DCI format 4_x. Optionally, the second DCI format can also be a newly defined DCI format. Further, based on the network device's RRC configuration, it is indicated whether the second DCI format can be carried on the data channel.

[0182] For example, the terminal determines the new-DCI format as the second DCI format based on the protocol predefined, and further indicates whether the second DCI format can be carried on the data channel based on the DCI indication information of the network device.

[0183] For example, the terminal determines the new-DCI format as the second DCI format based on the protocol predefined, and further determines whether the second DCI format can be carried on the data channel based on the MAC CE activation of the network device.

[0184] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the DCI format based on the protocol predefined and the instructions of the network device.

[0185] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the format of the first control information based on the second information.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terminal determines that the format of the first control information is the second format based on second information sent by the network device indicating whether the format that can be carried on the control channel can be carried on the data channel. The second format can be carried on either the control channel or the data channel.

[0187] For example, network devices are configured via RRC to assist terminals in determining whether the DCI format can be carried on the data channel.

[0188] Optionally, the RRC configuration is for the control channel and includes data channel bearer indication parameters. These parameters indicate whether a DCI format that can be carried on the corresponding control channel can also be carried on the data channel.

[0189] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the DCI format based on the instructions of the network device.

[0190] In the above embodiments, steps 2102, 2103, and 2104 are optional, and some or all of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0191] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2101 to 2105. For example, step 2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 2101+2102, 2101+2105, 2101+2102+2103, 2101+2102+2104, and 2101+2102+2103+2104+2105 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0192] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0193] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the format of the first control information carried on the data channel based on the protocol agreement or the instruction of the network device, so as to clarify the format of the first control information before listening to the first control information, avoid unnecessary blind detection, and avoid the performance degradation of control information transmission.

[0194] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method for a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0195] Step 3101: Receive the first control information sent by the network device.

[0196] The optional implementation of step 3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0197] Step 3102: Receive the first information sent by the network device.

[0198] The optional implementation of step 3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2103 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0199] Step 3103: Receive the second information sent by the network device.

[0200] The optional implementation of step 3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2104 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0201] Step 3104: Determine the format of the first control information.

[0202] The optional implementation of step 3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2105 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0203] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3101 to 3104. For example, step 3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step 3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. And so on, but not limited thereto. Steps 3101+3104, 3101+3102+3104, 3101+3103+3104, and 3101+3102+3103+3104 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0204] In some embodiments, steps 3102 and 3103 are optional, and some or all of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0205] Figure 3B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0206] Step 3201: Receive the first control information sent by the network device.

[0207] The first control information can be carried by the data channel.

[0208] The optional implementation of step 3201 can be found in step 2101 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3101 of Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0209] In the embodiments of this disclosure, step 3201 can be combined with step 3102 in FIG3A, step 3201 can be combined with step 3103 in FIG3A, and step 3201 can be combined with step 3104 in FIG3A.

[0210] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0211] Step 4101: Send the first control information to the terminal.

[0212] The optional implementation of step 4101 can be found in step 2101 of Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0213] Step 4102: Determine the format of the first control information.

[0214] The optional implementation of step 4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0215] Step 4103: Send the first information to the terminal.

[0216] The optional implementation of step 4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] Step 4104: Send the second information to the terminal.

[0218] The optional implementation of step 4104 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0219] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 4101 to 4104. For example, step 4101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step 4102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. And so on, but not limited thereto. Steps 4101+4102, 4101+4102+4103, 4101+4102+4104, and 4101+4102+4103+4104 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0220] In some embodiments, steps 4102, 4103, and 4104 are optional, and some or all of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0221] Figure 4B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0222] Step 4201: Send the first control information to the terminal.

[0223] The first control information can be carried by the data channel.

[0224] The optional implementation of step 4201 can be found in step 2101 of Figure 2, step 3101 of Figure 3A, step 3201 of Figure 3B, optional implementation of step 4101 of Figure 4A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, 3B, and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0225] In embodiments of this disclosure, step 4201 may be combined with step 4102 in FIG4A.

[0226] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0227] Step 5101: The network device sends the first control information to the terminal.

[0228] The first control information can be carried by the data channel.

[0229] The optional implementation of step 5101 can be found in the optional implementations of step 2101 in Figure 2, step 3101 in Figure 3A, step 3201 in Figure 3B, step 4101 in Figure 4A, and step 4201 in Figure 4B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods described in the embodiments on the terminal side and network device side, which will not be repeated here.

[0231] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0232] The following is a specific embodiment of a communication method provided by this disclosure, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0233] In a network, new-DCI is mapped onto a data channel. The new-DCI is control information defined by a protocol and can be carried by the data channel. The data channel refers to a channel capable of carrying data information, including, but not limited to, at least one of the following: a data channel dynamically scheduled via control information (e.g., a PDSCH scheduled via legacy DCI), a semi-statically configured data channel (e.g., an SPS configured via RRC), and a semi-statically pre-configured data channel dynamically activated (e.g., an SPS pre-configured via RRC and activated by legacy DCI).

[0234] The methods for determining the new-DCI format include at least one of the following:

[0235] Method 1:

[0236] The protocol predefines that the first DCI format is carried only on the data channel. The first DCI format includes at least one of the following:

[0237] DCI format 0_x, DCI format 1_x, DCI format 2_x, DCI format 3_x, DCI format 4_x. Optionally, the first DCI format can also be a newly defined DCI format.

[0238] Method 2:

[0239] The protocol predefines that the second DCI format can be carried on either the data channel or the control channel. The second DCI format includes at least one of the following: DCI format 0_x, DCI format 1_x, DCI format 2_x, DCI format 3_x, and DCI format 4_x. Optionally, the second DCI format can also be a newly defined DCI format.

[0240] Furthermore, the RRC configuration determines whether the second DCI format can be carried on the data channel.

[0241] Optionally, the DCI indication determines whether the second DCI format can be carried on the data channel.

[0242] Optionally, MAC CE activation determines whether the second DCI format can be carried on the data channel.

[0243] Method 3:

[0244] RRC configuration determines whether the DCI format can be carried on the data channel.

[0245] Optionally, the RRC is configured for control channel-related settings, including a data channel bearer indication parameter. This parameter indicates whether a DCI format that can be carried on the corresponding control channel can also be carried on the data channel. Typically, it is one bit or one bitmap.

[0246] Method 4:

[0247] The protocol predefines a third DCI format carried on the data channel. This third DCI format is a DCI format for scheduling communication transmissions, capable of scheduling PDSCH or PUSCH.

[0248] Method 5:

[0249] The protocol predefines a third DCI format carried on the data channel. This third DCI format is a DCI format for scheduling sensing transmissions, capable of scheduling the transmission of the sensing reference channel.

[0250] Method 6:

[0251] The protocol predefines a third DCI format carried on the data channel. This third DCI format is the DCI format for satellite communication transmission and can schedule uplink and downlink data transmission on the satellite.

[0252] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0253] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0254] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0255] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0256] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, the terminal 6100 includes a transceiver module 6101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive first control information sent by a network device, which is carried by a first control data channel.

[0257] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 6100 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 2101, 2103, 2104, 3101, 3102, 3103, 3201, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0258] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0259] In some embodiments, the terminal further includes a processing module, which is used to perform at least one of the other communication steps (such as step 2105, step 3104, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal 6100 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0260] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device 6200 provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, the network device 6200 includes a transceiver module 6201.

[0261] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 is used to send first control information to the terminal, and the first control information can be carried by a data channel.

[0262] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device 6200 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 2101, 2103, 2104, 4101, 4103, 4104, 4201, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0263] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0264] In some embodiments, the network device further includes a processing module for performing at least one of the other communication steps (e.g., steps 2102, 4102, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device 6200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0265] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 7100 provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0266] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 7100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 7101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0267] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7102. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7102, the transceivers 7102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 2101, 2103, 2104, 3101, 3102, 3103, 3201, 4101, 4103, 4104, 4201, 5101, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 2102, 2105, 3104, 4102, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceivers may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0268] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7103 may be located outside the communication device 7100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuits 7104 are connected to the memories 7102 and can be used to receive data from the memories 7102 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 can read data stored in the memories 7102 and send the data to the processor 7101.

[0269] In some embodiments, the processor 7101 may store a computer program 7105, which runs on the processor 7101 and causes the communication device 7000 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer program 7105 may be embedded in the processor 7101, in which case the processor 7101 may be implemented in hardware.

[0270] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0271] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0272] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201. Chip 7200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0273] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside chip 7200. Optionally, interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive data from memory 7203 or other devices, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to send data to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read data stored in memory 7203 and send the data to processor 7201.

[0274] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 2101, 2103, 2104, 3101, 3102, 3103, 3201, 4101, 4103, 4104, 4201, and 5101, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 7202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 7202 performing data interaction between the processor 7201, the chip 7200, the memory 7203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 7201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 2102, 2105, 3104, and 4102, but not limited thereto).

[0275] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0276] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0277] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0278] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: The system receives first control information sent by a network device, which can be carried by a data channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data channel includes at least one of the following: Data channels are dynamically scheduled via the second control information; Semi-statically configured data channels; Semi-static pre-configured and dynamically activated data channels.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The format of the first control information is determined based on the protocol agreement or the instructions of the network device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The format of the first control information includes at least one of the following: A first format, which is predefined by the protocol, is carried only on the data channel; A second format, which is predefined by the protocol, can be carried on the data channel and / or control channel; The third format, which is predefined by the protocol, is used to schedule a first function, which includes at least one of communication transmission, sensing transmission, and satellite transmission.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network device receives first information, which indicates whether the second format can be carried on the data channel.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first information is included in signaling, or second control information, or control unit.

7. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, Determining the format of the first control information based on the indication from the network device includes: The network device receives second information, which indicates whether a format that can be carried on a control channel can be carried on the data channel. Based on the second information, the format of the first control information is determined.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The size of the second information is at least one bit or a bitmap.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: Send first control information to the terminal, the first control information being carried by the data channel.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The data channel includes at least one of the following: Data channels are dynamically scheduled via the second control information; Semi-statically configured data channels; Semi-static pre-configured and dynamically activated data channels.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the agreement, the format of the first control information is determined; or, Instruct the terminal on the format of the first control information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The format of the first control information includes at least one of the following: A first format, which is predefined by the protocol, is carried only on the data channel; A second format, which is predefined by the protocol, can be carried on the data channel and / or control channel; The third format, which is predefined by the protocol, is used to schedule a first function, which includes at least one of communication transmission, sensing transmission, and satellite transmission.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate whether the second format can be carried on the data channel.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first information is included in signaling, or second control information, or control unit.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The format for instructing the terminal with the first control information includes: The terminal is sent a second message, which indicates whether a format that can be carried on the control channel can be carried on the data channel. The second message is used to assist the terminal in determining the format of the first control information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The size of the second information is at least one bit or a bitmap.

17. A terminal, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive first control information sent by the network device, which can be carried by the data channel.

18. A network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send first control information to the terminal, and the first control information can be carried by the data channel.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A terminal for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; A network device for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 18.

20. A communication device, wherein, include: transceiver; Memory; The processor, connected to the transceiver and the memory respectively, is configured to control the wireless signal transmission and reception of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and is capable of implementing the method of any one of claims 1-8 or 9-18.

21. A computer storage medium, wherein, The computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions; when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions can implement the method of any one of claims 1-8 or 9-18.

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