Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a communication method and a communication device, and relates to the technical field of communication. In the method, when an access network device in a first RAT indicates to a terminal device in the first RAT that a time domain resource corresponding to a spectrum resource shared by the first RAT and a second RAT is fixedly used for transmitting a first signal in the second RAT, the first RAT can dynamically schedule the time domain resource corresponding to the spectrum resource based on the time domain resource used for transmitting the first signal, for example, the first RAT schedules the time domain resource corresponding to the spectrum resource except the time domain resource used for transmitting the first signal, or in other words, the time domain resource range when the first RAT performs resource scheduling can not include the time domain resource used for transmitting the first signal, which can reduce resource scheduling overhead.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For telecommunications operators, spectrum resources are limited and costly. Therefore, different radio access technologies (RATs) (or network standards) can share the same spectrum resources through dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), meaning they can dynamically share the same spectrum resource according to service demand. Taking Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) as examples, DSS can fully utilize LTE's existing low-frequency spectrum resources, facilitating the rapid large-scale deployment of NR. However, when NR and LTE share spectrum resources through DSS, the overhead of NR dynamically scheduling the time-domain resources corresponding to the shared spectrum resources is significant. Therefore, how to reduce the overhead of dynamically scheduling the time-domain resources corresponding to shared spectrum resources across multiple RATs is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can reduce the overhead of dynamically scheduling time-domain resources corresponding to spectrum resources shared by multiple RATs.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a first RAT, which is higher than a second RAT. The scheme described in the first aspect can be executed by a terminal device. The terminal device can be a terminal equipment, a module within the terminal equipment (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. For ease of description, the following description uses a terminal equipment as an example. The method includes: the terminal equipment receiving first information, the first information indicating time-domain resources for transmitting a first signal, the first signal being a signal in a second wireless access technology, the first signal including at least one of a common signal and a reference signal, and the time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal being in a non-dormant state; the terminal equipment determining the time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal based on the first information.

[0005] In the above scheme, the access network device in the first RAT indicates to the terminal device in the first RAT the time-domain resources in the spectrum resources shared by the first RAT and the second RAT that are fixedly used for transmitting the first signal in the second RAT. This can support the access network device in the first RAT to dynamically schedule the time-domain resources corresponding to the spectrum resources shared by the first RAT and the second RAT using the time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal. For example, the access network device in the first RAT can schedule the time-domain resources in the time-domain resources corresponding to the spectrum resources other than the time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal. In other words, the time-domain resource range when the access network device in the first RAT performs resource scheduling may not include the time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal. This can reduce the overhead of dynamically scheduling the time-domain resources corresponding to the spectrum resources shared by multiple RATs.

[0006] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second information indicating time-domain resources in a dormant state within a first time-domain resource set, wherein the first time-domain resource set does not include the time-domain resource used for transmitting the first signal. Since the first time-domain resource set does not include the time-domain resource used for transmitting the first signal, the number of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set can be reduced, thereby reducing the indication overhead. Furthermore, by indicating time-domain resources in a dormant state within the first time-domain resource set, the terminal device in the first RAT can avoid transmitting on the dormant time-domain resource, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device in the first RAT.

[0007] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes receiving third information indicating a time-domain offset between a system frame M in the second radio access technology and a system frame M in the first radio access technology, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 0. This enables frame boundary alignment between the first and second RATs, thereby improving the accuracy of resource scheduling.

[0008] In some implementations of the first aspect, the unit of the time-domain offset is a symbol or a time slot. The method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information indicating a first subcarrier interval, the first subcarrier interval being used to determine the unit duration of the time-domain offset. Thus, the terminal device in the first RAT can determine the unit duration of the time-domain offset based on the first subcarrier interval, and thereby determine the time-domain offset.

[0009] In some implementations of the first aspect, the unit of the time-domain offset is a time slot, and the method further includes: receiving second indication information, the second indication information indicating a second subcarrier interval and a first time slot, the second subcarrier interval and the first time slot being used to determine the unit duration of the time-domain offset, and the number of symbols included in the first time slot being predefined by the protocol.

[0010] The second subcarrier interval is used to determine the duration of a symbol. The number of symbols included in the first time slot is predefined, so the duration of the first time slot can be determined based on the number of symbols and the symbol duration. When the unit of the time domain offset is a time slot, the terminal equipment in the first RAT determines the duration of the first time slot based on the second subcarrier interval and the number of symbols included in the first time slot, and thus can determine the time domain offset.

[0011] In some implementations of the first aspect, the unit of the time-domain offset is a time slot. The method further includes receiving third indication information, which indicates a second time slot used to determine the time-domain offset, wherein the duration of the second time slot is predefined by the protocol. This enables the terminal device in the first RAT to determine the unit duration of the time-domain offset between system frames M in the first RAT and the system frames M in the second RAT, thereby supporting the determination of the time-domain offset.

[0012] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information indicating time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set used for data transmission; the first time-domain resource set includes the second time-domain resource set, the second time-domain resource set does not include time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set that are in a dormant state, or the second time-domain resource set is a time-domain resource set composed of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set excluding the time-domain resources in a dormant state and time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal. Since the second time-domain resource set does not include the aforementioned time-domain resources in a dormant state, the number of time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set can be reduced, thereby reducing the indication overhead. In addition, by indicating the time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set used for data transmission, the terminal device in the first RAT can perform data transmission on the time-domain resources used for data transmission and not perform transmission on other time-domain resources, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device in the first RAT.

[0013] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving first configuration information, the first configuration information being used to configure at least one of the following: a period of a synchronization signal block; or at least one subcarrier spacing; and candidate time-domain resources for transmitting the synchronization signal block being determined based on the period of the synchronization signal block and the subcarrier spacing. Wherein, the aforementioned period of the synchronization signal block and at least one subcarrier spacing are applied to a second RAT. Thus, the terminal device in the first RAT can determine candidate time-domain resources for transmitting the synchronization signal block based on the period of the synchronization signal block and the subcarrier spacing.

[0014] Secondly, a communication method is provided, applied to a first RAT, where the first RAT is higher than a second RAT. The scheme described in the second aspect can be executed by an access-side device, which can be an access network device, a module within the access network device (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. For ease of description, the following description uses an access network device as an example. The method includes: the access network device sending first information to a terminal device, the terminal device being a device using a first wireless access technology; the first information indicating time-domain resources for transmitting a first signal; the first signal being a signal in a second wireless access technology; the first signal including at least one of a common signal and a reference signal; and the time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal being in a non-dormant state.

[0015] It should be noted that the description of the beneficial effects in the second aspect can be found in the description of the beneficial effects in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0016] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending second information to the terminal device, the second information indicating time-domain resources in a dormant state in a first time-domain resource set, the first time-domain resource set not including the time-domain resource used to transmit the first signal.

[0017] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending third information to the terminal device, the third information indicating a time-domain offset between system frame M in the second radio access technology and system frame M in the first radio access technology, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0018] In some implementations of the second aspect, the unit of the time-domain offset is a symbol or a time slot, and the method further includes: sending first indication information to the terminal device, the first indication information indicating a first subcarrier interval, the first subcarrier interval being used to determine the unit duration of the time-domain offset.

[0019] In some implementations of the second aspect, the unit of the time-domain offset is a time slot, and the method further includes: sending second indication information to the terminal device, the second indication information indicating a second subcarrier interval and a first time slot, the first time slot and the second subcarrier interval being used to determine the unit duration of the time-domain offset, and the number of symbols included in the first time slot being predefined by the protocol.

[0020] In some implementations of the second aspect, the unit of the time domain offset is a time slot, and the method further includes: sending a third indication information to the terminal device, the third indication information indicating a second time slot, the second time slot being used to determine the time domain offset, and the time length of the second time slot being predefined by the protocol.

[0021] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending third information to the terminal device, the third information indicating time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set used for data transmission; the first time-domain resource set includes the second time-domain resource set, the second time-domain resource set does not include time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set that are in a dormant state, or the second time-domain resource set is a time-domain resource set composed of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set other than the time-domain resources in the dormant state and time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal.

[0022] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending first configuration information to the terminal device, the first configuration information being used to configure at least one of the following: the period of a synchronization signal block; at least one subcarrier interval; and candidate time-domain resources for transmitting the synchronization signal block being determined based on the period of the synchronization signal block and the subcarrier interval.

[0023] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the second information includes at least one of the following: a first bitmap, which indicates time-domain resources in a dormant state within a first time-domain resource set, the length of which is the same as the number of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set; or, a first start and length indication value, which indicates the first time-domain resource in the dormant state within the first time-domain resource set and the number of dormant time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set. Since the first time-domain resource set does not include time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal, this reduces the number of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set, thereby reducing indication overhead.

[0024] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the fourth information includes at least one of the following: a second bitmap, the second bitmap indicating time-domain resources used for data transmission in the second time-domain resource set, the length of the second bitmap being the same as the number of time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set; or, a second start and length indication value, the second start and length indication value indicating the first time-domain resource among the time-domain resources used for data transmission in the second time-domain resource set and the number of time-domain resources used for data transmission in the second time-domain resource set. Since the second time-domain resource set does not include time-domain resources in a dormant state, this reduces the number of time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set, thereby reducing indication overhead.

[0025] In combination with either the first or second aspect, the first signal includes at least one of a common signal and a reference signal, and the type of the first signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a control resource set 0 and a system information block 1, a channel state information-reference signal, or a tracking reference signal. Thus, this can support the indication of time-domain resources used for transmitting multiple different types of signals.

[0026] Combining any aspect of the first and second aspects, the first signal is a synchronization signal block. Candidate time-domain resources for transmitting the synchronization signal block are associated with subcarrier intervals. First information indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: the first information indicating a used or unused subcarrier interval; or, the first information indicating a third subcarrier interval and unused or used candidate synchronization signal blocks among multiple candidate synchronization signal blocks associated with the third subcarrier interval, where the third subcarrier interval is the used subcarrier interval. Thus, the terminal device in the first RAT determines the candidate time-domain resources for the synchronization signal block in the second RAT based on the subcarrier interval indicated by the first information, or the terminal device in the first RAT determines the actual time-domain resources used by the synchronization signal block in the second RAT based on the information indicated by the first information. Both of these methods facilitate flexible scheduling of time-domain resources by the access network devices in the first RAT.

[0027] Combining any one of the first and second aspects, the type of the first signal is control resource set 0 and system information block 1. The first information indicates at least one of the following: the transmission period of control resource set 0 and system information block 1, the multiplexing mode of control resource set 0 and system information block 1, the repetition period of control resource set 0 and system information block 1, the time domain length of control resource set 0 and system information block 1, the time domain start position of control resource set 0 and system information block 1, the offset between the time domain start position of control resource set 0 and system information block 1 and the time domain start position of the synchronization signal block, or the offset between the time domain start position of control resource set 0 and system information block 1 and the time domain end position of the synchronization signal block. Thus, the terminal equipment in the first RAT can determine the time domain resources used by control resource set 0 and system information block 1 in the second RAT based on the information indicated by the first information, which is beneficial for the access network equipment in the first RAT to flexibly schedule time domain resources.

[0028] Combining any aspect of the first and second aspects, the type of the first signal is a channel state information-reference signal, and the first information indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: identification information indicating the time-domain resources used to transmit the channel state information-reference signal. Thus, the terminal equipment in the first RAT can determine the time-domain resources used by the channel state information-reference signal in the second RAT based on the information indicated by the first information, which facilitates flexible scheduling of time-domain resources by the access network equipment in the first RAT.

[0029] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the first signal is a tracking reference signal, and the first information indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: identification information indicating the time-domain resources used to transmit the tracking reference signal. Thus, the terminal device in the first RAT can determine the time-domain resources used by the tracking reference signal in the second RAT based on the information indicated by the first information, which facilitates flexible scheduling of time-domain resources by the access network devices in the first RAT.

[0030] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which may be a terminal device, or a device or module for performing terminal device functions, etc.

[0031] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0032] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0033] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which may be an access network device, or a device or module for performing the functions of an access network device.

[0034] One possible implementation is that the communication device includes modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, wherein the modules or units are hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0035] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0036] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, or by using logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first to second aspects.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

[0039] A sixth aspect provides a communication device including logic circuitry and an input / output interface for inputting and / or outputting signals, the logic circuitry being configured to perform the methods described in the first to second aspects.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instructions are stored, which, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in the first to second aspects to be performed.

[0041] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in the first to second aspects to be performed.

[0042] A ninth aspect provides a chip or chip system comprising: one or more processors for executing computer programs or instructions in the memory, such that the chip or chip system implements the methods of the first to second aspects.

[0043] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided that is installed in a communication device. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads and executes instructions through the communication interface, causing the communication device to perform the methods described in the first to second aspects.

[0044] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and an access network device. The access network device performs the method described in the second aspect, and the terminal device performs the method described in the first aspect.

[0045] For a description of the beneficial effects of any of the second to eleventh aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a time slot.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the multiplexing mode of CORESET 0 and SIB1.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0053] 1. Unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one" means "one or more".

[0054] 2. Unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced in each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0055] III. The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. The magnitude of the serial numbers used in this application does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and other various terminology (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0056] Furthermore, any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0057] IV. The terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product or device.

[0058] V. In this application, "for indicating" can be understood as "enabling", and "enabling" includes direct enabling and indirect enabling. When describing information for enabling A, it may include whether the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, but it does not mean that the information necessarily carries A.

[0059] The information that enables the information is called the information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the information to be enabled, such as, but not limited to, directly enabling the information to be enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or its index. It can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be enabled. It can also enable only a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, enabling specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing enabling overhead to some extent. Simultaneously, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and enabled uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by individually enabling the same information.

[0060] In addition, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0061] VI. The term "storage" or "preservation" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separately configured or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately configured, while others can be integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0062] VII. The arrows or boxes indicated by dashed lines in the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes an access network 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The access network 100 can be a radio access network (RAN). The access network 100 includes at least one access node (e.g., 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110), and at least one terminal device (e.g., 120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) accesses the network through the access network 100. The access network 100 may also include other nodes, such as relay equipment or backhaul equipment. The terminal device 120 communicates wirelessly with the access node 110. The access node 110 is connected to the CN 200 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network equipment in the CN 200 and the access node 110 in the access network 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating CN logical functions and access node logical functions.

[0064] An access node can be an access network device, which is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities used to communicate with terminal devices. Access network devices can be nodes in the RAN (Radio Access Network), also known as base stations or RAN nodes. They can also include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, transmission reception points (TRPs), transmission points, mobile switching centers, and devices that perform base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.

[0065] An access node is a communication device used to implement the functions of an access network device. It can be the access network device itself, or a device that supports the access network device in implementing these functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device. The chip system in this embodiment can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0066] Access network 100 can be a radio access network (RAN), such as a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), for example, 4G, 5G communication systems, or future communication networks. RAN 100 can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (C-RAN), or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. Access network 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0067] Access node 110, also known as access network equipment, access entity, or access node, is used to help terminal devices achieve access. Figure 1The multiple access nodes 110 in the network can be of the same or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of access nodes 110 and terminal devices 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access the access network 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. Access nodes 110 and terminal devices 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal device functions.

[0068] In one possible scenario, the access node can be a RAN node, which can be: a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNB) of LTE, an access point (AP), a transmission point (TP), a TRP, a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future communication network, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system, etc.

[0069] Access nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0070] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control planes (CPs), CU-user planes (UPs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0071] In different communication systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, the meaning of which will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can be called O-CU (open CU), DU can be called O-DU, CU-CP can be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can be called O-CU-UP, and RU can be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0072] The number of devices in the above communication system is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited thereto. In actual applications, the communication system may include more terminal devices, more RAN devices, and other devices.

[0073] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user equipment, satellite phone, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, wireless modem, machine-type communication equipment, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), customer-premises equipment (CPE), point-of-sale (POS) machine, handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted equipment, communication equipment mounted on high-altitude aircraft, wearable device, drone, robot, terminal in D2D, terminal in V2X, virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, industrial control... Wireless terminals in various fields, including those for autonomous driving, telemedicine or telehealth services, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, and future communication networks, are not subject to any restrictions.

[0074] The terminal device can also be a device with communication functions in a future communication network, and there is no limitation on the form of the terminal device in the future communication network.

[0075] The communication device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be a terminal equipment or a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0076] The network architecture and service scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of communication network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0077] The following section will first describe the technical terms related to this application.

[0078] I. Synchronization Signal Block (SSB)

[0079] The SSB comprises the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and the physical broadcast channel block (PBCH) payload. As an example, the SSB can also be referred to as the "synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block".

[0080] The candidate time-domain location used for transmitting candidate SSBs is related to the subcarrier spacing (SCS). For example:

[0081] Case 1: SCS = 15kHz, the index of the first symbol containing the candidate SSB is {2, 8} + 14 × n (representing the time slot number). When the carrier frequency f ≤ 3GHz, n = 0 and 1; when 3GHz < carrier frequency f ≤ 6GHz, n = 0, 1, 2, and 3.

[0082] Case 2: SCS30 = kHz, the index of the first symbol containing the candidate SSB is {4, 8, 16, 20} + 28 × n. When the carrier frequency f ≤ 3 GHz, n = 0; when 3 GHz < carrier frequency f ≤ 6 GHz, n = 0 and 1.

[0083] Case 3: SCS = 30kHz, the index of the first symbol containing the candidate SSB is {2, 8} + 14 × n. When the carrier frequency f ≤ 3GHz, n = 0 and 1; when 3GHz < carrier frequency f ≤ 6GHz, n = 0, 1, 2, and 3.

[0084] Case 4: SCS = 120kHz, the index of the first symbol containing the candidate SSB is {4, 8, 16, 20} + 28 × n. When the carrier frequency f > 6GHz, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18.

[0085] Case 5: SCS = 240kHz, the index of the first symbol containing the candidate SSB is {8, 12, 16, 20, 32, 36, 40, 44} + 56 × n. When the carrier frequency f > 6GHz, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

[0086] Taking SCS = 30KHz and 3GHz < carrier frequency f ≤ 6GHz as an example: when n = 0, the index of the first symbol where the candidate SSB is located is {2, 8}, and there are 2 candidate SSBs in this time slot; when n = 1, the index of the first symbol where the candidate SSB is located is {16, 22}, and there are 2 candidate SSBs in this time slot; when n = 2, the index of the first symbol where the candidate SSB is located is {30, 36}, and there are 2 candidate SSBs in this time slot; when n = 3, the index of the first symbol where the candidate SSB is located is {44, 50}, and there are 2 candidate SSBs in this time slot. Therefore, there are 4 time slots with candidate SSBs in one half-frame (one half-frame includes 5 subframes, and one subframe includes 2 time slots). Each time slot has 2 candidate SSBs, and the total number of candidate SSBs in one half-frame is 8. The indices of the first symbol containing the candidate SSB are {2, 8, 16, 22, 30, 36, 44, 50}, that is, the symbols {2, 8, 16, 22, 30, 36, 44, 50} are the candidate symbols associated with the candidate SSB.

[0087] Since an SCS is associated with multiple candidate SSBs, but not all SSBs will be used or transmitted, the actual SSBs transmitted among these candidate SSBs and their SSB periodicity can be configured via System Information Block (SIB) 1 or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. Additionally, the half-frame position of the actually transmitted SSB (e.g., the sequence and position of the PBCH DMRS are used to distinguish the first and second half-frames) and the SSB index can be obtained through the PBCH payload and PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS). The SSB index indicates the index of the actually transmitted SSB.

[0088] II. Control resource set (CORESET) 0 and SIB1.

[0089] CORESET can be a set of physical resources within a specific area of ​​the downlink resource grid. CORESET can be used to indicate the time-frequency resources occupied by the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). CORESET 0 is specifically used to carry downlink control information (DCI) scheduling information for SIB1 (carried on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)). In other words, the terminal device can obtain the time-frequency resource information used to schedule SIB1 through CORESET 0. SIB1 carries key information required for cell access, such as random access parameters. Furthermore, CORESET 0 and SIB1 generally appear together.

[0090] As described in the background section, when NR and LTE share spectrum resources via DSS technology, the overhead of NR dynamically scheduling the time-domain resources corresponding to the shared spectrum resources is significant. For example, the shared spectrum resources may contain fixed time-domain resources used for transmitting common signals and / or reference signals in LTE. Since the NR's time-domain resource scheduling range does not consider these resources, the NR's time-domain resource scheduling range becomes excessively large, leading to high overhead during dynamic scheduling. Therefore, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the overhead of dynamically scheduling time-domain resources corresponding to shared spectrum resources across multiple RATs. For details, please refer to... Figure 2 .

[0091] The solution in this application embodiment can be used between a terminal device and an access-side device, where the access-side device can be the aforementioned access node. The following description uses the interaction between terminal device 120 and access network device 110 as an example. Access network device 110 and terminal device 120 are devices that communicate using a first RAT, or access network device 110 and terminal device 120 are devices applied in the first RAT, or access network device 110 and terminal device 120 are devices in the first RAT; there is no limitation in this regard.

[0092] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0093] S201, Access network device 110 determines the first information.

[0094] The first information indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal, which is a signal in the second RAT. The time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal are either in a non-dormant state or not in a dormant state. A dormant state can be understood as: the time-domain resources are not used for uplink and / or downlink data transmission, or the time-domain resources are not used for transmitting or detecting PDCCH, or the time-domain resources are not used for uplink and / or downlink measurements, etc. Similarly, a non-dormant state can be understood as: the time-domain resources can be used for uplink and / or downlink data transmission, or the time-domain resources can be used for transmitting or detecting PDCCH, or the time-domain resources can be used for uplink and / or downlink measurements, etc. Furthermore, "dormant" can also be replaced with terms such as "off," "non-working," "non-transmitting," "sleep," "mute," or "blank," and similarly, "non-dormant" can be replaced with terms such as "not off," "working," "transmitting," "not sleep," "not mute," or "not blank." In addition, the first RAT is higher than the second RAT. For example, the second RAT is NR, while the first RAT is the future communication network.

[0095] The aforementioned time-domain resources include any of the following: symbols, mini time slots, time slots, subframes, frames, or absolute time (e.g., 9:10 to 10:10; e.g., 100ms). For ease of description, the symbols for time-domain resources will be used as examples below. For instance, the first RAT and the second RAT share a time slot using DSS technology. A description of time slots can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 .

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, this time slot includes symbols 0 to 13. The symbols indicating the first information include symbols 3, 6, 7, and 11 (all of which are actually used to transmit the first signal) (shown on a black background). Symbols 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, and 12 are symbols not used to transmit the first signal.

[0097] The protocol in the first RAT can predefine multiple candidate time-domain resources for transmitting a first signal (these multiple candidate time-domain resources can also be understood as a set of candidate time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal). These multiple candidate time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal include the time-domain resources indicated by the first information (i.e., the time-domain resources indicated by the first information belong to this set of candidate time-domain resources). Here, "candidate" can be understood as some or all of the candidate time-domain resources being configured for transmitting the first signal. Figure 3For example, in the first RAT, predefined symbols 3, 6, 7, 11, and 12 are candidate symbols configured for transmitting the first signal, and the symbols indicated by the first information include symbols 3, 6, 7, and 11. Thus, through the predefined protocol and / or the first information, the terminal device 120 determines that symbol 12 is not actually used to transmit the first signal, and symbols 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, and 12 are also not used to transmit the first signal. Here, the statement that symbol 12 is not actually used to transmit the first signal can be understood as: symbol 12 is a candidate symbol configured for transmitting the first signal, but in actual application, symbol 12 is not used to transmit the first signal.

[0098] One possible example is that the first signal is a common signal in the second RAT. A common signal is a signal carrying common information that is applied to multiple terminal devices. Common signals include, but are not limited to: SSB, CORESET 0, and SIB1.

[0099] Another possible example is that the first signal is the reference signal (RS) in the second RAT. The reference signal includes, but is not limited to: channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), tracking reference signal (TRS), or phase tracking reference signal (PTRS).

[0100] Another possible example is that the first signal is the common signal and reference signal in the second RAT, such as the first signal including SSB and TRS.

[0101] S202, Access network device 110 sends first information to terminal device 120. Correspondingly, terminal device 120 receives the first information.

[0102] Specifically, the indication method of the first information varies depending on the type of the first signal. The following describes the indication methods of the first information for different first signal types. When the first signal type is SSB (which can be understood as the first signal being SSB), the indication methods of the first information include methods A1, A2, A3, and A4. When the first signal type is CORESET 0 and SIB1 (which can be understood as the first signal being CORESET 0 and SIB1), the indication method of the first information includes method B1. When the first signal type is CRS-RS (which can be understood as the first signal being CRS-RS), the indication method of the first information includes method C1. When the first signal type is TRS (which can be understood as the first signal being TRS), the indication method of the first information includes method D1. When the first signal type is PTRS (which can be understood as the first signal being PTRS), the indication method of the first information includes method E1. See the description below for details.

[0103] In method A1, the first signal type is SSB, and the first information indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: the first information indicating the used SCS or the unused SCS. The used and unused SCS are described using the second RAT as an example. When the first information indicates an unused SCS in the access network device of the second RAT, the SCS used by the access network device in the second RAT can be determined based on the unused SCS in the access network device of the second RAT.

[0104] Since one SCS is associated with multiple candidate SSBs, and one candidate SSB corresponds to one candidate temporal resource, one SCS is associated with the candidate temporal resources of multiple candidate SSBs. Specifically, the protocol in the first RAT can predefine that the terminal device 120 determines the candidate temporal resources used for transmitting the candidate SSBs according to Clause 4.1in [technical specifications (TS) 38.213]. The terminal device 120 determines the temporal resources used for transmitting the SSBs according to the SCS indicated by the first information, as detailed in the aforementioned terminology description. A description of TS 38.213 can be found in Table 1. Different SCSs are associated with different numbers of candidate SSBs.

[0105] Table 1

[0106] SCS carrier frequency Time Domain Location The range of n Number of candidate SSBs 15KHz ≤3GHz {2，8}+14×n n＝0，1 4 15KHz FR1, f > 3GHz {2，8}+14×n n＝0，1，2 6 30kHz FR1, f > 3GHz {4，8，16，20}+28×n n＝0 4 30kHz FR1, f > 3GHz {2，8}+14×n n＝0，1 8

[0107] In this embodiment of the application, the protocol in the first RAT can configure the terminal device 120 to use the SCS that the access network device in the second RAT may use on the same carrier. For specific examples, please refer to Table 2 and Table 3.

[0108] Table 2

[0109] Frequency range The access network equipment in the second RAT may use SCS. f < 1GHz 15kHz, 30kHz 1GHz < f < 6GHz 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz f > 6GHz 60kHz, 120kHz

[0110] As shown in Table 2, if the carrier frequency f is less than 1 GHz, the access network equipment in the second RAT may use 15 kHz and 30 kHz; if the carrier frequency f is greater than 1 GHz and less than 6 GHz, the access network equipment in the second RAT may use 15 kHz, 30 kHz and 60 kHz; if the carrier frequency f is greater than 6 GHz, the access network equipment in the second RAT may use 60 kHz and 120 kHz.

[0111] Table 3

[0112] Frequency range The access network equipment in the second RAT may use SCS. Frequency range (FR) 1 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz FR2-2 60kHz, 120kHz FR2-2 120kHz, 480kHz, 960kHz

[0113] As shown in Table 3, for FR1, the access network equipment in the second RAT may use 15KHz, 30KHz, or 60KHz; for example, for FR2-2, the access network equipment in the second RAT may use 60KHz or 120KHz; and for FR2-2, the access network equipment in the second RAT may use 120KHz, 480KHz, or 960KHz.

[0114] Optionally, the protocol in the first RAT can also predefine the SCS that the terminal device 120 may use in the access network device in the second RAT according to 3GPP TS 38.104. In this way, the access network device 110 in the first RAT can avoid configuring the SCS that the access network device in the second RAT may use to the terminal device 120 in the first RAT, which can reduce overhead.

[0115] In one example, the protocol in the first RAT can configure the terminal device 120 to use the SCS (which can also be understood as candidate SCS) that the access network device in the second RAT may use, including {15KHz, 30KHz, 60KHz}. The length of the first information can be determined according to the number of these multiple SCSs. For example, the access network device 110 indicates the SCS using 2 bits. For example, bit 00 indicates 15KHz, bit 01 indicates 30KHz, and bit 10 indicates 60KHz. Taking the indication that SCS = 15KHz is the SCS used by the access network device in the second RAT as an example, the terminal device 120 determines that the candidate time domain resources associated with SCS = 15KHz (used for transmitting candidate SSBs, which will not be described in detail below) are the time domain resources actually used for transmitting SSBs, while the candidate time domain resources associated with SCS = 30KHz and SCS = 60KHz are not used for transmitting SSBs. Taking the indication that SCS=15kHz is an unused SCS by access network equipment in the second RAT as an example, terminal device 120 determines that SCS=30kHz and SCS=60kHz are SCSs used by access network equipment in the second RAT. Terminal device 120 determines that the candidate time-domain resources associated with SCS=30kHz and SCS=60kHz are the time-domain resources actually used for transmitting SSB. In this way, when indicating only one SCS, the indication overhead can be saved.

[0116] In another example, the protocol in the first RAT can configure the terminal device 120 to use the SCS (which can also be understood as candidate SCS) that the access network device in the second RAT may use, including {15KHz, 30KHz, 60KHz}. The length of the first information can be determined according to the number of these multiple SCSs. For example, the access network device indicates the SCS through a bitmap of length 3 bits. For example, bit 001 indicates 60KHz, 011 indicates 30KHz and 60KHz, and 111 indicates 15KHz, 30KHz and 60KHz. Taking the indication that SCS = 15KHz is the SCS used by the access network device in the second RAT as an example, the terminal device 120 determines that the candidate time domain resource associated with SCS = 15KHz is the time domain resource actually used to transmit the SSB, and the candidate time domain resources associated with SCS = 30KHz and SCS = 60KHz are not used to transmit the first signal. Taking the indication that SCS=15kHz is an unused SCS by access network equipment in the second RAT as an example, terminal device 120 determines that SCS=30kHz and SCS=60kHz are SCSs used by access network equipment in the second RAT. Terminal device 120 determines that the candidate time-domain resources associated with SCS=30kHz and SCS=60kHz are the time-domain resources actually used for transmitting SSB. In this way, when indicating multiple SCSs, this can save indication overhead.

[0117] Based on the above scheme, the first information can instruct the protocol in the first RAT to configure at least one of the multiple SCSs that the access network device in the second RAT may use for the terminal device 120. When the SCS indicated by the first information is an SCS used by the access network device in the second RAT, the access network device in the first RAT can flexibly schedule the candidate time-domain resources associated with the SCSs other than the SCS indicated by the first information. When the SCS indicated by the first information is an SCS not used by the access network device in the second RAT, the access network device in the first RAT can flexibly schedule the candidate time-domain resources associated with the SCS indicated by the first information.

[0118] In mode A2, the type of the first signal is SSB, and the first information indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: the first information indicates the SSB used or unused by the third SCS and a plurality of candidate SSBs associated with the third SCS.

[0119] The third SCS is the SCS used by the access network equipment in the second RAT. The third SCS is associated with multiple candidate SSBs. During application, the first information can also indicate which of these candidate SSBs is used by the access network equipment in the second RAT or is not used by the access network equipment in the second RAT. The overhead of the first information indicating which of the candidate SSBs associated with the third SCS is used by the access network equipment in the second RAT or is not used by the access network equipment in the second RAT is related to the number of these candidate SSBs. Based on the above scheme, the access network equipment in the first RAT can flexibly schedule a larger number of candidate time-domain resources.

[0120] As an example, the first information includes a bit map corresponding to the plurality of candidate SSBs, wherein the candidate SSB corresponding to the bit position with a value of 1 in the bit map is either an SSB used by the access network device in the second RAT or an SSB not used by the access network device in the second RAT, without limitation.

[0121] Optionally, the first information may also indicate the half-frame position of multiple candidate SSBs associated with the third SCS.

[0122] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device in the first RAT determines the time domain resources actually used by the SSB in the second RAT according to the information indicated by the first information. This is beneficial for the access network device in the first RAT to flexibly schedule time domain resources.

[0123] In method A3, the first signal type is SSB, and the first information indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: the first information indicating a used case or an unused case. The used and unused cases are described using the second RAT as an example. When the first information indicates an unused case by the access network device in the second RAT, the case used by the access network device in the second RAT can be determined based on the unused cases by the access network device in the second RAT.

[0124] For example, the protocol in the first RAT can configure the terminal device 120 to use multiple cases that the access network device in the second RAT may use. In other words, the protocol in the first RAT can predefine the multiple cases that the terminal device 120 in the first RAT may use according to Clause 4.1 in [TS 38.213]. For a description of the cases, please refer to Table 4. The contents shown in Table 4 are for example only and are not intended as final limitations.

[0125] Table 4

[0126]

[0127]

[0128] As shown in Table 4, different CASEs are associated with different numbers of candidate SSBs, and the candidate time-domain resources used to transmit SSBs can be determined based on the CASE.

[0129] In one example, the protocol in the first RAT configures the terminal device 120 to include CASEs that the access network devices in the second RAT may use, including {CASE1, CASE2, CASE3} (which can also be understood as candidate CASEs). The length of the first information can be determined based on the number of these multiple CASEs. For example, the access network device 110 indicates a CASE using two bits. For instance, bit 00 indicates CASE1, bit 01 indicates CASE2, and bit 10 indicates CASE3. Taking the indication that CASE1 is a CASE used by the access network devices in the second RAT as an example, the terminal device 120 determines that the candidate time-domain resources of the candidate SSB associated with CASE1 are the time-domain resources actually used for transmitting the SSB, while the candidate time-domain resources of the candidate SSBs associated with CASE2 and CASE3 are not used for transmitting the SSB. Taking the indication that CASE1 is an unused SCS by the access network equipment in the second RAT as an example, the terminal device 120 determines that CASE2 and CASE3 are CASEs used by the access network equipment in the second RAT. The terminal device 120 determines that the candidate time-domain resources of the candidate SSBs associated with CASE2 and CASE3 are the time-domain resources actually used to transmit the SSBs. In this way, when indicating a single CASE, this can save indication overhead.

[0130] In another example, the protocol in the first RAT can configure the terminal device to use CASEs that the access network devices in the second RAT may use, including {CASE1, CASE2, CASE3} (which can also be understood as candidate CASEs). The length of the first information can be determined according to the number of these multiple CASEs. For example, the access network device indicates the CASE through a bitmap with a length of 3 bits. For example, bit 001 indicates CASE3, 011 indicates CASE2 and CASE1, and 111 indicates CASE1, CASE2, and CASE3. Taking the indication that CASE1 is a CASE used by the access network devices in the second RAT as an example, the terminal device 120 determines that the candidate time domain resources of the candidate SSB associated with CASE1 are the time domain resources actually used to transmit the SSB, while the candidate time domain resources of the candidate SSBs associated with CASE2 and CASE3 are not used to transmit the SSB. Taking the indication that CASE1 is an unused SCS by the access network equipment in the second RAT as an example, the terminal device 120 determines that CASE2 and CASE3 are CASEs used by the access network equipment in the second RAT. The terminal device 120 determines that the candidate time-domain resources of the candidate SSBs associated with CASE2 and CASE3 are the time-domain resources actually used to transmit the SSBs. In this way, when indicating multiple CASEs, this can save indication overhead.

[0131] Based on the above scheme, the protocol of the first information indicating the first RAT is to configure the terminal device 120 with a variety of CASEs that the access network device in the second RAT may use, including either the CASE used by the access network device in the second RAT or the CASE not used by the access network device in the second RAT. When the CASE indicated by the first information is a CASE used by the access network device in the second RAT, the access network device in the first RAT can flexibly schedule the candidate time-domain resources of the candidate SSBs associated with the CASE other than the CASE indicated by the first information. When the CASE indicated by the first information is a CASE not used by the access network device in the second RAT, the access network device in the first RAT can flexibly schedule the candidate time-domain resources of the candidate SSBs associated with the CASE indicated by the first information.

[0132] In mode A4, the type of the first signal is SSB, and the first information indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: the first information indicates the SSB used or unused in the first CASE and a plurality of candidate SSBs associated with the first CASE.

[0133] The first case is the case used by the access network equipment in the second RAT. The first case is associated with multiple candidate SSBs (Service Stubs) for resource utilization. During application, the first information can indicate which SSBs in the second RAT are used by the access network equipment or which are not used by the access network equipment in the second RAT. The overhead of the first information indicating which SSBs in the second RAT are used or not used by the access network equipment in the second RAT is related to the number of candidate SSBs. Based on this scheme, the access network equipment in the first RAT can flexibly schedule a larger number of candidate time-domain resources.

[0134] As an example, the first information includes a bit map corresponding to the plurality of candidate SSBs, wherein the candidate SSB corresponding to the bit position with a value of 1 in the bit map is either an SSB used by the access network device in the second RAT or an SSB not used by the access network device in the second RAT, without limitation.

[0135] Optionally, the first information may also indicate the half-frame position of multiple candidate SSBs associated with the first CASE.

[0136] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device in the first RAT determines the time domain resources actually used by the SSB in the second RAT according to the information indicated by the first information. This is beneficial for the access network device in the first RAT to flexibly schedule time domain resources.

[0137] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0138] S202a, Access network device 110 sends first configuration information to terminal device 120. Correspondingly, terminal device 120 receives the first configuration information.

[0139] The first configuration information is used to configure the following parameters: the period of the SSB, or at least one SCS. The aforementioned SSB period and at least one SCS are applied to the second RAT. The SSB period and SCS are used to determine candidate time-domain resources for transmitting the SSB. The at least one SCS may include the SCS shown in Table 1. Additionally, the at least one SCS may include the aforementioned third SCS.

[0140] The SSB period configured in the first configuration information can be 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, and 160ms. Alternatively, when the SSB period is configured in a predefined manner (e.g., the predefined SSB period is 20ms), the first configuration information can configure the SSB period increment, such as 5ms (actual SSB period is 25ms), 10ms (actual SSB period is 30ms), 40ms (actual SSB period is 60ms), 80ms (actual SSB period is 100ms), and 160ms (actual SSB period is 180ms).

[0141] In mode B1, the first signal is of type CORESET 0 and SIB1, and the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0142] The transmission period for CORESET 0 and SIB1, such as 160ms;

[0143] The multiplexing mode of CORESET 0 and SIB1, such as indicating mode 1, mode 2 or mode 3 by using 2 bits;

[0144] The repetition period of CORESET 0 and SIB1. For example, different multiplexing modes correspond to different repetition periods. For mode 1, the repetition period of CORESET 0 and SIB1 is configured to be 20ms. For mode 2 or mode 3, the repetition period of CORESET 0 and SIB1 is the same as the period of SSB.

[0145] The time-domain length of CORESET 0 and SIB1, such as K symbols, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0146] The time-domain start position of CORESET 0 and SIB1, such as configuring the start symbol position of CORESET 0 and SIB1 within a time slot, for example, configuring the index of the start symbol of CORESET 0 and SIB1 in a time slot;

[0147] The offset between the time-domain start positions of CORESET 0 and SIB1 and the time-domain start position of SSB, where the SSB's time-domain start position can be configured via other signaling. For example, in mode 2, the offset between the SSB's start symbol position and the start symbol positions of CORESET 0 and SIB1, along with the SSB's start symbol position, determines the start symbol positions of CORESET 0 and SIB1; in mode 3, the offset between the start symbol positions of CORESET 0 and SIB1 and the start symbol position of SSB is 0; or...

[0148] The offset between the time-domain start position of CORESET 0 and SIB1 and the time-domain end position of SSB, where the time-domain end position of SSB can be configured through other signaling. For example, for mode 1, the offset between the start symbol position of CORESET 0 and SIB1 and the end symbol position of SSB, along with the end symbol position of SSB, can determine the start symbol position of CORESET 0 and SIB1.

[0149] Optionally, the first information may be included in one or more of the following: higher-layer information (such as RRC messages, media access control-control element (MAC CE) messages), or physical layer information.

[0150] In one example, higher-layer information configures one or more parameters among the following: transmission period of CORESET 0 and SIB1, multiplexing mode of CORESET 0 and SIB1, repetition period of CORESET 0 and SIB1, time domain length of CORESET 0 and SIB1, and time domain start position of CORESET 0 and SIB1. Physical layer information indicates one or more parameters among the following: transmission period of CORESET 0 and SIB1, multiplexing mode of CORESET 0 and SIB1, repetition period of CORESET 0 and SIB1, time domain length of CORESET 0 and SIB1, and time domain start position of CORESET 0 and SIB1.

[0151] For a description of the multiplexing modes of CORSET 0 and SIB1, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 .like Figure 4 As shown in (a), in mode 1, SSB and CORESET 0 are located on different symbols. The starting resource block (RB) position of CORESET 0 is lower than or equal to the starting RB position of SSB, and the ending RB position of CORESET 0 is higher than the ending RB position of SSB. Figure 4As shown in (b), in mode 2, SSB and CORESET 0 are located on different symbols, and the start RB position of CORESET 0 is higher than the end RB position of SSB. Figure 4 As shown in (c), in mode 3, SSB occupies more symbols, and the symbols occupied by CORSET0 are located within the symbols occupied by SSB. The starting RB position of CORESET0 is higher than the ending RB position of SSB.

[0152] Specifically, the time-domain positions of CORESET 0 and SIB1 can be determined by one or more of the above methods. For example, when the first information indicates the transmission period of CORESET 0 and SIB1, the remaining parameters can be determined in a predefined manner, thus supporting the determination of the time-domain positions of CORESET 0 and SIB1.

[0153] One possible implementation is that when the time-domain positions of CORESET 0 and SIB1 are associated with the time-domain positions of SSBs, the time-domain positions of CORESET 0 and SIB1 can be determined by the time-domain positions of SSBs. For example, the frame and time slot where CORESET 0 and SIB1 are located can be determined by referring to the frame and time slot where SSB#i (the actual transmitted SSB) is located. For instance, the SFN of the frame where CORESET 0 and SIB1 are located is determined by the SFN of the frame where SSB#i is located. This could be because the frame where CORESET 0 and SIB1 are located is the same frame as the frame where SSB#i is located, or the frame where CORESET 0 and SIB1 are located is the frame preceding the frame where SSB#i is located, or the frame where CORESET 0 and SIB1 are located is the frame following the frame where SSB#i is located. Similarly, the time slot where CORESET 0 and SIB1 are located is determined by the time slot where SSB#i is located. This could be because the time slot where CORESET 0 and SIB1 are located is the same time slot as the time slot where SSB#i is located, or the time slot where CORESET 0 and SIB1 are located is the same time slot as the time slot where SSB#i is located, or the time slot where CORESET 0 and SIB1 are located is the same time slot as the time slot where SSB#i is located. The time slot containing CORESET 0 and SIB1 is the time slot preceding the time slot containing SSB#i, or the time slot containing CORESET 0 and SIB1 is the time slot following the time slot containing SSB#i. Therefore, the aforementioned first information can also indicate the frame number, time slot number, and start symbol index of the time slot containing CORESET 0 and SIB1. For a detailed description of the time-domain location of CORESET 0 and SIB1, please refer to the NR protocol, which will not be repeated here.

[0154] In mode C1, the type of the first signal is CSI-RS, and the first information indicates the time domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: identification information of the time domain resources used to transmit CSI-RS.

[0155] The protocol in the first RAT can configure one or more sets of CSI-RS time-domain resource parameters in the second RAT for the terminal device 120. Specifically, the protocol in the first RAT configures the time-domain resources used for transmitting CSI-RS by configuring the following parameters: time-domain resource identification information, resource type (periodic, semi-static, aperiodic), configuration period (periodicityAndOffset), CSI-RS start position in the time slot (firstOFDMSymbolInTimeDomain & firstOFDMSymbolInTimeDomain2), and the number of symbols occupied. Therefore, the access network device in the first RAT can indicate the identification information of at least one of the configured CSI-RS time-domain resources to the terminal device 120 through the first information.

[0156] In mode D1, the type of the first signal is TRS, and the first information indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: identification information of the time-domain resources used to transmit the TRS.

[0157] The protocol in the first RAT configures the terminal device 120 with a set of time-domain resource parameters for one or more TRSs in the second RAT. Specifically, the first RAT configures the time-domain resources used for transmitting TRS by configuring the following parameters: time-domain resource identification information, resource type (periodic, semi-static, aperiodic), configuration period (periodicityAndOffset), and the time-domain position of the TRS in the time slot. Therefore, the first RAT indicates the identification information of at least one time-domain resource among the configured time-domain resources of the TRS to the terminal device 120 through first information.

[0158] In mode E1, the type of the first signal is PTRS, and the first information indicates the time domain resources used to transmit the first signal, including: the identification information of the time domain resources used to transmit PTRS.

[0159] The protocol in the first RAT configures one or more PTRS time-domain resource parameter sets in the second RAT for the terminal device 120. Specifically, the protocol in the first RAT configures the time-domain resources used for PTRS transmission by configuring the following parameters: time-domain resource identification information, resource type (periodic, semi-static, aperiodic), configuration period (periodicityAndOffset), and the time-domain position of the PTRS in the time slot. Therefore, the access network device in the first RAT indicates the identification information of at least one of the configured PTRS time-domain resources to the terminal device 120 through the first information.

[0160] S203, Terminal device 120 determines the time domain resources used to transmit the first signal based on the first information.

[0161] by Figure 3 For example, the first information indication symbols 3, 6, 7 and 11 are symbols actually used to transmit the first signal, and symbols 0 to 2, 4 to 5, 8 to 10, 12 and 13 are symbols that can be flexibly scheduled by the access network equipment in the first RAT.

[0162] Through the above scheme, the access network device 110 in the first RAT indicates to the terminal device 120 in the first RAT the time domain resources that are fixedly used for transmitting the first signal in the time domain resources corresponding to the spectrum resources shared between the first RAT and the second RAT. This can support the first RAT to dynamically schedule the time domain resources corresponding to the spectrum resources based on the time domain resources used for transmitting the first signal. For example, the access network device in the first RAT can schedule the time domain resources in the time domain resources corresponding to the spectrum resources other than the time domain resources used for transmitting the first signal. In other words, the time domain resource range when the access network device in the first RAT performs resource scheduling does not include the time domain resources used for transmitting the first signal, which can reduce resource scheduling overhead.

[0163] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0164] S204, Access network device 110 sends second information to terminal device 120. Correspondingly, terminal device 120 receives the second information. The second information indicates time-domain resources in a dormant state within the first time-domain resource set, and the first time-domain resource set does not include the time-domain resources indicated by the first information. In other words, the time-domain resources in a dormant state within the first time-domain resource set are related to the time-domain resources indicated by the first information.

[0165] In this embodiment, it is possible to support predefined or configured candidate time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal to be in a non-dormant state (including time-domain resources indicated by the first information) (for a description of the candidate time-domain resources, please refer to...). Figure 3 (Description).

[0166] by Figure 3 For example, the first information indicates that symbols 3, 6, 7, and 11 are symbols used to transmit the first signal, and the remaining symbols other than symbols 3, 6, 7, and 11 constitute the first time-domain resource set. The second information indicates the symbols that are in a dormant state among symbols 0 to 2, 4 to 5, 8 to 10, 12, and 13.

[0167] Since the first time-domain resource set does not include time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal, the number of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set can be reduced, thereby reducing indication overhead. Furthermore, by indicating time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set that are in a dormant state, the terminal device in the first RAT can avoid transmitting on those dormant time-domain resources, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device in the first RAT.

[0168] One possible implementation is that the second information includes a first bitmap indicating time-domain resources in a dormant state in a first time-domain resource set, and the length of the first bitmap is the same as the number of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set.

[0169] For example, the second information is a first bitmap, and the length of the first bitmap is equal to the number of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set. Figure 3 For example, the first time-domain resource set consists of symbols 0 to 2, 4 to 5, 8 to 10, 12 and 13, and the length of the first bit map is 10 bits.

[0170] In this embodiment, the protocol in the first RAT can configure the length of the bitmap through predefined means or higher-layer signaling. For example, the protocol in the first RAT configures the bitmap to be 12 bits long, with one bit corresponding to one symbol. These 12 bits are determined by the first RAT based on the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal. For instance, the first signal occupies at least two symbols in a time slot. Further, the access network device in the first RAT indicates the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal to the terminal device through first information. Additionally, the protocol in the first RAT can predefine the priority use of bits positioned earlier in the bitmap, with any extra bits considered redundant. For example, if symbols 2, 3, 4, and 5 in a time slot are used to transmit the first signal, and symbols 0, 1, 6 to 13 may be in a dormant state (10 symbols in total), then the first 10 bits (the last 2 bits can be considered redundant) of the bitmap (12 bits in length) can be used to indicate the dormant symbols among symbols 0, 1, 6 to 13. For example, if symbols 2 and 3 in a time slot are used to transmit the first signal, and there are 12 symbols that may be in a dormant state among symbols 0, 1, 4 to 13, then the first 12 bits of a 12-bit bitmap can be used to indicate the symbols that are in a dormant state among symbols 0, 1, 4 to 13.

[0171] One possible implementation is that the second information includes a first start and length indicator value (SLIV), which indicates the first time-domain resource in the first time-domain resource set that is in a dormant state and the number of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set that are in a dormant state.

[0172] When a dormant symbol is introduced, Figure 3 For example, the protocol in the first RAT can predefine that the terminal device 120 understands the meaning of the first SLIV based on the symbols other than symbols 3, 6, 7, and 11. For example, the symbols other than symbols 3, 6, 7, and 11 are: symbol 0, symbol 1, symbol 2, symbol 4, symbol 5, symbol 8, symbol 9, symbol 10, symbol 12, and symbol 13. When the starting position of the first SLIV indicator is 1 (the starting position of the first SLIV indicator can start from 0) and the quantity is 4, it indicates that the symbols in the first time domain resource set that are in a dormant state include: symbol 1, symbol 2, symbol 4, and symbol 5.

[0173] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0174] S205, access network device 110 sends fourth information to terminal device 120. Correspondingly, terminal device 120 receives the fourth information. The fourth information indicates the time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set used for data transmission.

[0175] The first time-domain resource set includes the second time-domain resource set. The second time-domain resource set does not include the time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set that are in a dormant state. Alternatively, the second time-domain resource set is a time-domain resource set consisting of the time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set excluding the dormant time-domain resources and the time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal. In other words, the time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set used for data transmission are related to the dormant time-domain resources indicated by the second information.

[0176] by Figure 3 For example, symbols 1, 2, 4 and 5 are in a dormant state. For example, the second time-domain resource set consists of symbols 0, 8, 9, 10 and 13. For another example, the second time-domain resource set consists of symbols 0, 3, 6 to 13.

[0177] Since the second time-domain resource set does not include the aforementioned time-domain resources in a dormant state, the number of time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set can be reduced, thereby reducing indication overhead. Furthermore, by indicating the time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set used for data transmission, the terminal device in the first RAT can perform data transmission on those time-domain resources and not on other time-domain resources, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device in the first RAT.

[0178] One possible implementation is that the fourth information includes a second bitmap indicating the time-domain resources used for data transmission in the second time-domain resource set, the length of which is the same as the number of time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set.

[0179] For example, the fourth piece of information is the second bitmap, and the length of the second bitmap is equal to the number of time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set. For a detailed description, please refer to the aforementioned description of the first bitmap, which will not be repeated here.

[0180] One possible implementation is that the fourth information includes a second SLIV, which indicates the first time-domain resource in the second time-domain resource set used for data transmission and the number of time-domain resources in the second time-domain resource set used for data transmission. For a detailed description, please refer to the foregoing description of the first SLIV, which will not be repeated here.

[0181] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0182] S206. Access network device 110 sends third information to terminal device 120. Correspondingly, terminal device 120 receives the third information. The third information indicates the time-domain offset between system frame M in the second RAT and system frame M in the first RAT, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 0, such as M = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ..., 1023.

[0183] For example, the third information could indicate that the time-domain offset between system frame M in the second RAT and system frame M in the first RAT is 2 units.

[0184] Optionally, the protocol in the first RAT predefines a reference time period configured on the network side. For example, a reference time period includes 7 symbols, or a reference time period includes 3 symbols, or a reference time period includes 14 symbols. Therefore, the time-domain offset between the system frame M in the first RAT and the system frame M in the second RAT includes 2 units, which can be understood as the time-domain offset between the system frame M in the first RAT and the system frame M in the second RAT including 2 reference time periods.

[0185] One possible implementation is that the unit of the time-domain offset includes any of the following:

[0186] Symbol, time slot, mini-time slot, subframe, frame, or absolute time (e.g., 1ms, 0.5ms, 0.1ms, 0.05ms, etc.).

[0187] This allows for flexible indication of the temporal offset between system frames in the first RAT and system frames in the second RAT.

[0188] Optionally, the unit of the time-domain offset is a symbol or a time slot, and the method further includes:

[0189] S206a, Access network device 110 sends first instruction information to terminal device 120. Correspondingly, terminal device 120 receives the first instruction information.

[0190] The first indication information indicates the first SCS, which is used to determine the unit duration of the time domain offset between the system frame M in the first RAT and the system frame M in the second RAT. Thus, the terminal device in the first RAT can determine the unit duration of the time domain offset based on the first SCS, and then determine the time domain offset.

[0191] Specifically, the first SCS is used to determine the duration of a symbol. When the unit of time domain offset is a time slot, the number of symbols included in a time slot in the first RAT is the same as the number of symbols included in a time slot in the second RAT. The access network device 110 does not need to indicate the number of symbols included in a time slot to the terminal device 120. The terminal device 120 determines the unit duration of the time slot based on the first SCS and the number of symbols included in a time slot based on the time slot definition in the protocol, and thus determines the time domain offset.

[0192] One possible example is that the first RAT predefines or configures a reference to the minimum SCS used by the second RAT, and the first SCS is the minimum SCS used by the second RAT.

[0193] One possible example is that the first RAT predefines or configures the minimum SCS used by the first RAT and the second RAT, where the first SCS is the minimum SCS used by the second RAT. The terminal device 120 determines the minimum SCS used by the first RAT and the second RAT based on the SCS configured or indicated by the first RAT and the first SCS. It can determine the unit duration of the time domain offset between the system frame M in the first RAT and the system frame M in the second RAT based on the SCS, and thus determine the time domain offset.

[0194] One possible example is that the first RAT is predefined or configured to reference the minimum SCS used by the first RAT and the SCS used by the second RAT. The first SCS is the minimum SCS used by the first RAT and the SCS used by the second RAT. The terminal device 120 determines the unit duration of the time domain offset between the system frame M in the first RAT and the system frame M in the second RAT based on the first SCS, and thus can determine the time domain offset.

[0195] Optionally, the unit of the time-domain offset is a time slot, and the method further includes:

[0196] S206b, Access network device 110 sends second instruction information to terminal device 120. Correspondingly, terminal device 120 receives the second instruction information.

[0197] The second indication information indicates the first time slot and the second SCS. The first time slot and the second SCS are used to determine the unit duration of the time domain offset between system frame M in the first RAT and system frame M in the second RAT. The number of symbols included in the first time slot is predefined by the protocol. The second subcarrier spacing is used to determine the duration of a symbol. Since the number of symbols included in the first time slot is predefined, the duration of the first time slot can be determined based on the number of symbols and the symbol duration. When the unit of this time domain offset is a time slot, the terminal equipment in the first RAT determines the duration of the first time slot based on the second SCS and the number of symbols included in the first time slot, thereby determining the time domain offset.

[0198] For example, the number of symbols included in the first time slot is predefined by the protocol in the second RAT, meaning the first time slot is a time slot in the second RAT. The number of symbols included in a time slot in the first RAT (or the duration of the first time slot) may differ from the number of symbols included in a time slot in the second RAT (or the duration of the first time slot). For example, the number of symbols included in the first time slot (or the duration of the first time slot) is predefined by the protocol in the first RAT, meaning the first time slot is a time slot in the first RAT. A time slot in the second RAT includes 14 symbols, and a time slot in the first RAT includes 14 × μ symbols, where μ is related to the SCS (Symptom Classification), as shown in Table 5. The content in Table 5 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0199] Table 5 shows the supported transmission parameter sets.

[0200]

[0201]

[0202] As shown in Table 5, different μ corresponds to different SCS.

[0203] Therefore, the access network device 110 indicates the first time slot and the second SCS to the terminal device 120. The terminal device 120 determines the duration of a symbol based on the first SCS and the number of symbols contained in a time slot based on the time slot definition in the protocol, thereby determining the unit duration of the time slot and thus determining the time domain offset.

[0204] Optionally, the unit of the time-domain offset is a time slot, and the method further includes:

[0205] S206c, Access network device 110 sends third instruction information to terminal device 120. Correspondingly, terminal device 120 receives the third instruction information.

[0206] The second indication information indicates a second timeslot, which is used to determine the unit duration of the time-domain offset. The duration of the second timeslot is predefined by the protocol; for example, the duration of the second timeslot is predefined by the protocol in the first RAT, or the duration of the second timeslot is predefined by the protocol in the second RAT. This allows the terminal device in the first RAT to determine the unit duration of the time-domain offset between system frame M in the first RAT and system frame M in the second RAT, and thus determine the time-domain offset.

[0207] In summary, when the first RAT and the second RAT share a carrier group (including one or more carriers), for example, the second RAT uses a 2.5G carrier and the first RAT uses a 4.9G carrier, frame boundary misalignment may occur between the first RAT and the second RAT. The above scheme can support frame boundary alignment between the first RAT and the second RAT, thereby improving the accuracy of resource scheduling.

[0208] The communication apparatus of the present application embodiment is described below.

[0209] To implement the functions of the methods provided in this application, the access network device 110 or the terminal device 120 may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0210] Figure 5This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processing circuit 510 and a transceiver circuit 520, which can be interconnected or coupled, for example, interconnected via a bus 530. The communication device can be an access network device 110 or a terminal device 120.

[0211] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 540. The memory 540 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), which is used for related instructions and data.

[0212] The processing circuit 510 can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or it can be one or more processors. The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU). If the processing circuit 510 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The processing circuit 510 can be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the methods of this application, or a portion of the circuitry within the aforementioned processor, chip, or integrated circuit that performs processing functions. Additionally, the transceiver circuit 520 can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. An input / output interface is used for inputting or outputting signals or data and can also be referred to as an input / output circuit.

[0213] When the communication device is an access network device 110, for example, the processing circuit 510 is used to perform the following operations: determine first information; send the first information, etc.

[0214] When the communication device is terminal device 120, for example, the processing circuit 510 is used to perform the following operations: receive first information; determine time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal based on the first information, etc.

[0215] When the communication device is an access network device 110 or a terminal device 120, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the access network device 110 or the terminal device 120 in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0216] When the communication device is an access network device 110 or a terminal device 120, the transceiver circuit 520 can be a transceiver.

[0217] When the communication device is a chip used for access network equipment 110 or terminal equipment 120, the transceiver circuit 520 can be an input / output circuit.

[0218] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the content shown in the above method embodiments.

[0219] Figure 5 The implementation of each operation can also be found by referring to... Figure 2 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown.

[0220] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be an access network device 110 or a terminal device 120, used to implement the methods involved in the above embodiments.

[0221] The communication device includes a transceiver unit 610 and a processing unit 620. The transceiver unit 610 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the sending unit and the receiving unit are combined into one transceiver unit in this embodiment. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated later.

[0222] When the communication device is an access network device 110, for example, the transceiver unit 610 is used to send first information; the processing unit 620 is used to determine the first information.

[0223] When the communication device is a terminal device 120, for example, the transceiver unit 610 is configured to: receive first information; and the processing unit 620 is configured to determine time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal based on the first information.

[0224] When the communication device is an access network device 110 or a terminal device 120, it will be responsible for executing one or more of the methods or steps related to the access network device 110 or the terminal device 120 in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0225] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 630 for storing programs or code for executing the aforementioned methods.

[0226] Figure 6 The transceiver unit in the middle can correspond to Figure 5 The transceiver circuit in the middle, Figure 6 The processing unit in can correspond to Figure 5 The processing circuitry within.

[0227] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The illustrated device embodiment is used to implement Figure 2 The content described. Figure 5and Figure 6 The specific execution steps and methods of the device shown can be found in the content described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0228] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods described in the examples above. The memory may be integrated within the chip or located externally.

[0229] This application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processing circuit. The input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected via an internal connection path. The processing circuit is used to execute code in a memory. When the code is executed, the processing circuit is used to execute the methods in the examples described above. Optionally, the chip also includes a memory for storing computer programs or code. The input interface and the output interface can be independent of each other, or they can be integrated into a single input / output interface.

[0230] The processing circuitry can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or one or more processors.

[0231] This application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory for performing the methods and functions of a network device or terminal device involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0232] In another embodiment of this application, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods of the foregoing embodiments.

[0233] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0234] In another embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0235] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0236] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0237] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0238] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0239] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. 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. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0240] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. If the above functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or 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, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0241] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first wireless access technology, wherein the first wireless access technology is superior to the second wireless access technology, including: Receive first information, the first information indicating time-domain resources for transmitting a first signal, the first signal being a signal in the second wireless access technology, the first signal including at least one of a common signal and a reference signal, and the time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal being in a non-dormant state. Based on the first information, the time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal are determined.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information indicating time-domain resources in a dormant state in a first time-domain resource set, the first time-domain resource set not including the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: A first bitmap, indicating time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set that are in a dormant state, wherein the length of the first bitmap is the same as the number of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set; or... The first start and length indication values ​​indicate the first time domain resource in the first time domain resource set that is in a dormant state and the number of time domain resources in the first time domain resource set that are in a dormant state.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, which indicates the time-domain offset between system frame M in the second radio access technology and system frame M in the first radio access technology, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The unit of the time-domain offset is a symbol or a time slot, and the method further includes: Receive first indication information, the first indication information indicating a first subcarrier interval, the first subcarrier interval being used to determine the unit duration of the time domain offset.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The unit of the time-domain offset is a time slot, and the method further includes: Receive second indication information, the second indication information indicating a first time slot and a second subcarrier interval, the first time slot and the second subcarrier interval being used to determine the unit duration of the time domain offset, the number of symbols included in the first time slot being predefined by the protocol.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first signal includes at least one of a common signal and a reference signal, and the type of the first signal includes at least one of the following: Synchronization signal block, control resource set 0 and system information block 1, channel state information - reference signal, or, tracking reference signal.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first signal is of the type of the synchronization signal block, used to transmit the association between the candidate time-domain resources of the synchronization signal block and the subcarrier spacing. The first information indicates time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal, including: The first information indicates the used subcarrier interval or the unused subcarrier interval; or, The first information indicates the third subcarrier interval and the unused or used candidate synchronization signal blocks among the plurality of candidate synchronization signal blocks associated with the third subcarrier interval, wherein the third subcarrier interval is the used subcarrier interval.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first signal is of type 0 of the control resource set and 1 of the system information block, and the first information indicates at least one of the following: The transmission period of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1, The reuse mode of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1, The repetition cycle of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1, The time domain lengths of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1, The time-domain start position of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1. The offset between the time-domain starting position of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1 and the time-domain starting position of the synchronization signal block, or, The offset between the time-domain start position of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1 and the time-domain end position of the synchronization signal block.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first signal is of the type of channel state information-reference signal, and the first information indicates the time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal, including: The first information indicates the identification information of the time-domain resources used to transmit the channel state information-reference signal.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first wireless access technology, wherein the first wireless access technology is superior to the second wireless access technology, including: Send first information to a terminal device, the terminal device being a device using the first wireless access technology, the first information indicating time-domain resources for transmitting a first signal, the first signal being a signal in the second wireless access technology, the first signal including at least one of a common signal and a reference signal, and the time-domain resources for transmitting the first signal being in a non-dormant state.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message to the terminal device, the second message indicating time-domain resources in a dormant state in a first time-domain resource set, the first time-domain resource set not including the time-domain resources used to transmit the first signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: A first bitmap, indicating time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set that are in a dormant state, wherein the length of the first bitmap is the same as the number of time-domain resources in the first time-domain resource set; or... The first start and length indication values ​​indicate the first time domain resource in the first time domain resource set that is in a dormant state and the number of time domain resources in the first time domain resource set that are in a dormant state.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third message is sent to the terminal device, the third message indicating the time-domain offset between system frame M in the second wireless access technology and system frame M in the first wireless access technology, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The unit of the time-domain offset is a symbol or a time slot, and the method further includes: Send a first indication message to the terminal device. The first indication message indicates a first subcarrier interval, which is used to determine the unit duration of the time domain offset.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The unit of the time-domain offset is a time slot, and the method further includes: A second indication message is sent to the terminal device, the second indication message indicating a first time slot and a second subcarrier interval, the first time slot and the second subcarrier interval being used to determine the unit duration of the time domain offset, and the number of symbols included in the first time slot being predefined by the protocol.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The first signal includes at least one of a common signal and a reference signal, and the type of the first signal includes at least one of the following: Synchronization signal block, control resource set 0 and system information block 1, channel state information - reference signal, or, tracking reference signal.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first signal is of the type of the synchronization signal block, used to transmit the association between the candidate time-domain resources of the synchronization signal block and the subcarrier spacing. The first information indicates time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal, including: The first information indicates the used subcarrier interval or the unused subcarrier interval; or, The first information indicates the third subcarrier interval and the unused or used candidate synchronization signal blocks among the plurality of candidate synchronization signal blocks associated with the third subcarrier interval.

19. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first signal is of type 0 of the control resource set and 1 of the system information block, and the first information indicates at least one of the following: The transmission period of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1, The reuse mode of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1, The repetition cycle of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1, The time domain lengths of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1, The time-domain start position of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1. The offset between the time-domain starting position of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1 and the time-domain starting position of the synchronization signal block, or, The offset between the time-domain start position of the control resource set 0 and system information block 1 and the time-domain end position of the synchronization signal block.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first signal is of the type of channel state information-reference signal, and the first information indicates the time-domain resources used for transmitting the first signal, including: The first information indicates the identification information of the time-domain resources used to transmit the channel state information-reference signal.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 20 by executing a computer program or instructions, or by using logic circuitry.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 20 to be performed.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 20 to be performed.

24. A chip, characterized in that, include: One or more processors, the processors being configured to execute computer programs or instructions in memory, causing the chip to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 20.

25. A chip system, characterized in that, include: One or more processors, the processors being configured to execute computer programs or instructions in memory, causing the chip system to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 20.

26. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is installed in a communication device. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions and runs them through the communication interface, causing the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 20.

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