A communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium

Abstract

This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium. The method includes: determining a PUCCH format; the PUCCH format occupies M symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, the M symbols include a plurality of first symbols and at least one second symbol, each first symbol is used to transmit uplink control information (UCI), and each second symbol is used to transmit a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequence; transmitting the UCI and the DMRS sequence on N consecutive symbols among the M symbols; wherein N is an integer less than M and greater than or equal to 2, the N symbols include some symbols among the plurality of first symbols and the at least one second symbol, and transmission on the remaining symbols of the plurality of first symbols, excluding the aforementioned first symbols, is disabled. Embodiments of this application can reduce UE power consumption and improve user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus and readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology and the improvement of people's living standards, user equipment (UEs) such as personal computers, mobile phones, and tablets are ubiquitous in people's daily work and entertainment, becoming an indispensable part of their lives. To meet increasingly complex needs, the applications that can run on various UEs are becoming more abundant and powerful, leading to increased power consumption. Therefore, people have higher and higher requirements for the battery life of various UEs. Given the limitations of device size and battery capacity, UEs need to have lower power consumption. Furthermore, while plugged-in UEs may not have the same concerns about power outages, reducing UE power consumption is still a significant optimization direction driven by factors such as energy conservation, emission reduction, and lowering operation and maintenance power costs.

[0003] Therefore, the industry is exploring solutions to reduce UE power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium that can reduce UE power consumption, improve product battery life, and thus improve user experience.

[0005] The present application is described below from different aspects. It should be understood that the different implementation methods and beneficial effects described below can be referenced from each other.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method, characterized in that it is applied to a first communication device, the method comprising: determining a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) format; wherein the PUCCH format occupies M symbols, M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, the M symbols include a plurality of first symbols and at least one second symbol, each first symbol is used to transmit uplink control information (UCI), and each second symbol is used to transmit a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequence;

[0007] The UCI and DMRS sequences are transmitted on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols; wherein N is an integer less than M and greater than or equal to 2, and the N symbols include some symbols among the plurality of first symbols and at least one second symbol; transmission on other partial symbols among the plurality of first symbols, excluding the partial symbols, is disabled.

[0008] In this embodiment, when the UE transmits UCI information via PUCCH, it can only use some symbols in the PUCCH format configuration symbols to provide UCI information feedback, thus reducing the amount of UCI information sent. During the other symbol times when no UCI feedback is performed, the UE can power down and go into sleep mode, thereby reducing the on-time of RF and PA and achieving the goal of reducing power consumption.

[0009] In one possible implementation, transmitting the UCI and DMRS sequences on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols comprises: transmitting the UCI and DMRS sequences on the N consecutive symbols when one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0010] During a first preset time period, the first communication device did not receive the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0011] The first communication device satisfies the stationary condition;

[0012] The moving speed of the first communication device is less than or equal to a preset speed threshold;

[0013] The downlink channel quality of the first communication device is greater than or equal to a preset quality threshold; or,

[0014] The first communication device receives the instruction information and continues for a second preset time; the instruction information is used to instruct the first communication device to raise or maintain the transmission power of the PUCCH.

[0015] In this embodiment of the application, when the UE provides UCI information feedback through some symbols in the PUCCH format configuration symbols, it needs to meet certain preset conditions in order to ensure the performance of UE data transmission.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the UCI includes one or more of Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback, Schedule Request (SR), or Channel State Information (CSI).

[0017] In one possible implementation, the partial symbols include at least one of the following: symbols for transmitting the HARQ feedback, or symbols for transmitting the SR;

[0018] The other symbolic components include symbols used for transmitting the CSI.

[0019] In this embodiment of the application, when the UE reports UCI information using only some symbols, it can prioritize reporting important information such as HARQ feedback and SR requests, and discard some or all of the CSI information.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the PUCCH format is format 1, format 3, or format 4 in the new wireless NR system.

[0021] Secondly, this application provides a first communication device, the device comprising:

[0022] A processing unit is used to determine the PUCCH format; the PUCCH format occupies M symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, the M symbols include multiple first symbols and at least one second symbol, each first symbol is used to transmit uplink control information UCI, and each second symbol is used to transmit demodulation reference signal DMRS sequence;

[0023] A transmitting unit is configured to transmit the UCI and the DMRS sequence on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols; wherein N is an integer less than M and greater than or equal to 2, the N symbols include some symbols among the plurality of first symbols and the at least one second symbol, and transmission on the other partial symbols among the plurality of first symbols, excluding the partial symbols, is disabled.

[0024] In one possible implementation, transmitting the UCI and DMRS sequences on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols comprises: transmitting the UCI and DMRS sequences on the N consecutive symbols when one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0025] During a first preset time period, the first communication device did not receive the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0026] The first communication device satisfies the stationary condition;

[0027] The moving speed of the first communication device is less than or equal to a preset speed threshold;

[0028] The downlink channel quality of the first communication device is greater than or equal to a preset quality threshold; the downlink channel quality is measured by one or more of bit error rate, signal strength, or signal-to-noise ratio; or,

[0029] After the first communication device receives the instruction information and continues for a second preset time, the instruction information is used to instruct the first communication device to raise or maintain the transmission power of the PUCCH.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the UCI includes one or more of Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback, Schedule Request (SR), or Channel State Information (CSI).

[0031] In one possible implementation, the partial symbols include at least one of the following: symbols for transmitting the HARQ feedback, or symbols for transmitting the SR;

[0032] The other symbolic components include symbols used for transmitting the CSI.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the PUCCH format is format 1, format 3, or format 4 in the new wireless NR system.

[0034] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that may include a processor, a transceiver, and a memory. The memory stores a computer program, and the transceiver sends and receives various messages. The computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect. The transceiver may be a radio frequency module in the communication device, or a combination of a radio frequency module and an antenna, or an input / output interface of a chip or circuit.

[0035] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect above.

[0036] Fifthly, this application provides a program product containing program instructions that, when run, cause the method described in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect to be executed.

[0037] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be implemented as a chip, a device, or a component within a device, etc. The device includes a processor. The processor is used to read and execute a program stored in a memory to perform the communication method provided by any of the possible implementations of the first aspect described above. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory connected to the processor via a circuit. Further optionally, the communication device includes a communication interface to which the processor is connected. The communication interface is used to receive data packets and / or information to be processed. The processor obtains the data packets and / or information from the communication interface, processes the data packets and / or information, and outputs the processing result through the communication interface. The communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0038] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a device in implementing the functions involved in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect, such as generating or processing information involved in the communication method described above. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data for the device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0039] Alternatively, the processor and memory can be physically independent units, or the memory can be integrated with the processor.

[0040] It should be noted that the technical effects achieved in the above aspects can be referred to each other or to the beneficial effects in the method embodiments shown below, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0042] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of a Sidelink UE-to-Network Relay scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 1c This is a schematic diagram of a Sidelink UE-to-UE Relay scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the location of a DMRS provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a CDF schematic diagram of the field PUCCH transmit power provided in an embodiment of this application;

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

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a PUCCH resource and a PUCCH resource set provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a PUCCH format resource mapping and reporting method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another PUCCH format resource mapping and reporting method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another PUCCH format resource mapping and reporting method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] In the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish different objects and do not limit the quantity or order of execution, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. For example, "first resource" and "second resource," etc., are merely used to distinguish different information and do not limit their order. Furthermore, 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 limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0058] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one item", "one or more of the following", or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0059] In the description of this application, the words "exemplary," "exemplarily," or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or illustrative purposes. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary," "for example," or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the words "exemplary," "for example," or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0060] In this application, "simultaneously" can be understood as at the same point in time, within a period of time, or within the same cycle; the specific meaning can be determined by considering the context.

[0061] In this application, the use of singular designations for elements is intended to represent "one or more" rather than "one and only one," unless otherwise specified.

[0062] It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, "A and B correspond" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0063] For ease of understanding, the technical solution provided in this application will be described below with reference to more accompanying drawings.

[0064] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), also known as third-generation (3G) systems; Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, also known as fourth-generation (4G) systems; Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems; fifth-generation (5G) systems, such as new radio (NR) technologies; networks integrating multiple systems; Internet of Things (IoT) systems; vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems; and future communication systems, such as sixth-generation (6G) systems and even seventh-generation (7G) systems. The technical solutions of this application can also be applied to open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), cloud radio access networks (CRAN), or communication networks including two or more of the above. The technical solutions of this application can also be applied to sidelink communication systems, or to other communication systems operating in unlicensed spectrum. It is understood that the "communication system operating in unlicensed spectrum" mentioned in this application means that the communication system operates in unlicensed spectrum under some circumstances, and of course, the communication system can also operate in licensed spectrum under other circumstances.

[0065] It should be understood that the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0066] See Figure 1a , Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1a As shown, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one wireless access network device (such as...). Figure 1a 110a and 110b in the above), may also include at least one terminal device (such as Figure 1a(120a-120j in the original text). Terminal devices can connect to wireless access network devices wirelessly, and terminal devices and wireless access network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Understandably, Figure 1a This is just an illustration; the communication system may also include other network devices, such as core network equipment, wireless relay equipment, and wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1a It is not shown in the middle.

[0067] Wireless access network equipment, often simply referred to as network equipment, is the access device that enables terminals to wirelessly access a communication system. Wireless access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in 5G mobile communication systems, a next-generation base station in 6G mobile communication systems, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system; it can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station, for example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The CU here performs the functions of the radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The radio access network equipment can be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 1a 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1a 110b) in the text can also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the wireless access network equipment. For ease of description, the following description uses a base station as an example of a wireless access network device.

[0068] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminal devices can also be referred to as terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminals.

[0069] Optionally, the base station and terminal can be fixed or mobile. The base station and terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base station and terminal.

[0070] Alternatively, the roles of the base station and the terminal can be relative, for example, Figure 1a The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1a The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1a The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0071] Optionally, communication can be conducted between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals through licensed spectrum, through unlicensed spectrum, or simultaneously through both licensed and unlicensed spectrum; communication can be conducted through spectrum below 6 GHz, through spectrum above 6 GHz, or simultaneously using both spectrum below 6 GHz and spectrum above 6 GHz.

[0072] It is understood that the interface between terminals is a PC5 interface, and the interface between a terminal and a base station is a Uu interface. Terminals can use unlicensed spectrum to communicate with other terminals via sidelink. Communication between terminals can be unicast, multicast, or broadcast. In sidelink communication, a terminal can be configured with one or more antennas for sending and receiving messages / information / data, etc. It is understood that the terminal may also include multiple components related to message / information / data transmission and reception (e.g., processor, modulator, multiplexer, demodulator, or demultiplexer, etc.).

[0073] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal's functions can be a terminal itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, a communication module, or a modem, etc., which can be installed in the terminal. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal's functions is a terminal, and the terminal is a UE (User Equipment) as an example, to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form adopted by the terminal device.

[0074] In some scenarios, the UE can also be used as a base station. For example, the UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in vehicle-to-everything (V2X), device-to-device (D2D), or peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.

[0075] In some scenarios, the UE can also be used as a relay node. For example, the UE can act as a relay device or an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node to provide wireless backhaul services to terminal devices.

[0076] Optionally, a typical application scenario for sidelink communication is vehicle-to-everything (V2X). The method provided in this application can be applied not only to V2X scenarios (as mentioned above) Figure 1aIn scenarios involving communication between 120a and 120b, it can also be applied to sidelink UE-to-Network Relay and sidelink UE-to-UE Relay scenarios. See also Figure 1b , Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of a Sidelink UE-to-NetworkRelay scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1b As shown, the Sidelink UE-to-Network Relay scenario includes a Remote UE and a Relay UE, as well as a base station; the method provided in this application can be applied to communication between the Remote UE and the Relay UE. See also Figure 1c , Figure 1c This is a schematic diagram of a Sidelink UE-to-UE Relay scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1c As shown, the Sidelink UE-to-UE Relay scenario includes a Source UE, a Relay UE, and a target UE; the method provided in this application can be applied to communication between the Source UE and the Relay UE and / or communication between the Relay UE and the target UE.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be abbreviated as "communication", and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission" or "transmission".

[0078] To better understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, several terms or nouns related to this application are briefly introduced below so that those skilled in the art can understand them.

[0079] I. Uplink Control Information (UCI)

[0080] UCI refers to the control signals carried on the uplink from the User Equipment (UE) to the network side (such as the eNodeB or gNodeB). These control signals are used to transmit uplink-related control information, including ACK / NACK feedback for Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), scheduling request (SR), and channel state information (CSI). HARQ feedback can be used to acknowledge or deny the reception of downlink data packets, ensuring the reliability of data transmission; SR can be used by the UE to request uplink resources from the base station to transmit uplink data; CSI can include channel quality indication (CQI), pre-coding matrix indication (PMI), and rank indication (RI), which can help the base station optimize resource allocation and modulation / coding schemes.

[0081] II. Physical Uplink Control Channel and Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0082] UCI can be transmitted via the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). PUCCH is typically used to transmit HARQ feedback, SR, and CSI; PUSCH is generally used when both UCI and service data need to be transmitted simultaneously. Generally, if the UE is allocated a PUSCH, the UCI is transmitted on the PUSCH; when the UE is not allocated a PUSCH, the UCI is transmitted on the PUCCH. That is, when there is PUSCH transmission during PUCCH transmission, the UCI can be transmitted along with the data via the PUSCH, instead of being transmitted separately via the PUCCH. Of course, if the UE is capable of transmitting both PUCCH and PUSCH simultaneously, it can also transmit the UCI via both PUCCH and PUSCH.

[0083] For example, taking the UE feeding back UCI via PUCCH in an NR system as an example, as shown in Table 1, to adapt to different service scenarios, the protocol defines five PUCCH formats, including format0-format4. Among them, short formats (such as format0 and format2) are mainly used for ultra-low latency scenarios, while long formats (such as format1, format3, and format4) are used for coverage scenarios. Log analysis shows that the typical field configuration of PUCCH is format1 and format3. Format1 can be used for UCI (including HARQ / SR) information transmission of less than or equal to 2 bits; format3 can be used for UCI (including HARQ / SR / CSI) information transmission of more than 2 bits.

[0084] Table 1. PUCCH format

[0085]

[0086] III. Demodulation Reference Signal

[0087] The demodulation reference signal (DMRS) is used for channel estimation to facilitate demodulation of the physical channel. As an accompanying signal, the DMRS needs to be transmitted along with the physical channel (such as PUCCH or PUSCH). Therefore, some space in the PUCCH needs to be reserved for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols to carry the DMRS. Taking the format3 PUCCH as an example, it can occupy 4-14 symbols in the time domain and up to 16 resource blocks (RBs) in the frequency domain, supporting frequency hopping. The encoding method can be RM encoding (for data transmission of 3-11 bits) or polar encoding (for data transmission greater than 11 bits), and the modulation method can be QPSK or pi / 2BPSK. The position of the DMRS in format3 can be configured according to the number of symbols occupied by the PUCCH, for example, the reference... Figure 2 The configuration shown includes one DMRS symbol (with FH) and a corresponding non-frequency hopping DMRS (without FH) for each frequency hopping, and two DMRS symbols (with FH) and a corresponding non-frequency hopping DMRS (without FH) for each frequency hopping.

[0088] First, this paper analyzes and proposes the specific technical problem to be solved in this application. Currently, the process of UE reporting UCI includes: after determining the PUCCH format, the UE can map the UCI to the resource corresponding to the PUCCH format and send the UCI information on all symbols of the PUCCH resource.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, according to big data statistics, the proportion of scenarios with PUCCH transmission power above 20dBm in the field exceeds 30%. The higher the PUCCH transmission power, the higher the power consumption of the radio frequency (RF) and power amplifier (PA) when transmitting PUCCH. The power consumption of PA under high PUCCH transmission power may be between 3 and 4W, and the power consumption of UE transmitting PUCCH is also relatively high.

[0090] To this end, this application proposes a communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium. When transmitting PUCCH, the UE can autonomously select the PUCCH transmission symbols according to the PUCCH format, the configured symbol length, and the content carried. The number of PUCCH transmission symbols autonomously selected by the UE can be less than the number of symbols configured in the PUCCH format. The UE can reduce the on-time of RF and PA by transmitting only part of the PUCCH symbols, thereby reducing the PUCCH transmission power consumption, achieving the goal of reducing the overall power consumption of the UE, improving the product's battery life, and enhancing the user experience.

[0091] To better understand the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the technical solution of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to more accompanying drawings.

[0092] To clearly describe the technical solution of this application, multiple embodiments will be used to illustrate the technical solution of this application, as detailed below. In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between various embodiments or implementations can be referenced mutually. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0093] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method can be applied to a first communication device and may also involve a second communication device. For ease of understanding, the first communication device is exemplified as a terminal device (such as a UE), and the second communication device as an access network device (such as a base station). The terminal device can be one of the aforementioned... Figure 1a Any terminal or module applied to that terminal; or, the terminal device can be any of the aforementioned. Figure 1b Any UE in the above, such as a Relay UE or a Remote UE; or, the terminal device can be one of the aforementioned Figure 1c Any UE in the list, such as Source UE, Relay UE, or Target UE. That is to say, the above... Figure 1a , Figure 1b as well as Figure 1c The terminal devices in the middle can be used to support and execute Figure 4 The method flow shown includes steps S401-S402. Steps S401-S402 include the following:

[0094] S401: UE determines PUCCH format.

[0095] The UE can determine the appropriate PUCCH format from various PUCCH formats defined by the protocol based on the UCI type and the number of UCI bits to be transmitted. This PUCCH format can be configured with M symbols (i.e., occupying M symbols), where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3. The M symbols include multiple first symbols and at least one second symbol. Each first symbol is used to transmit uplink control information (UCI), and each second symbol is used to transmit a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequence. Optionally, when determining the PUCCH format, the UE can consider transmission delay requirements, coverage requirements, and multi-user multiplexing requirements, in addition to load type and load size.

[0096] For example, referring to Table 1, the protocol defines five PUCCH formats. When the payload size is less than or equal to 2 bits, the UE preferentially selects the PUCCH format of format 0 or format 1; otherwise, it selects the PUCCH format of format 2, format 3, or format 4. When low transmission latency is required, the PUCCH format of format 0 or format 2 can be preferentially selected. When enhanced coverage is required, the PUCCH format of format 1, format 3, or format 4 can be preferentially selected. For multi-user scenarios, when multiplexing requirements need to be considered, the PUCCH format of format 0, format 1, or format 4 can be preferentially selected. For ease of understanding, this application embodiment will use the selected PUCCH format of format 3 as an example for explanation, and should not constitute a specific limitation on this application.

[0097] S402: Transmit UCI and DMRS on N consecutive symbols out of M symbols.

[0098] The N symbols include a subset of the plurality of first symbols and at least one second symbol. Transmission on the remaining subset of the plurality of first symbols (excluding the subset of first symbols) is disabled, and N is an integer less than M and greater than or equal to 2. In other words, for the PUCCH format selected by the UE, which occupies M symbols, the UE can provide UCI information feedback only through N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols, without providing UCI information feedback on the remaining (MN) symbols. This is equivalent to discarding the UCI information mapped (carried) on the remaining (MN) symbols.

[0099] In this embodiment, when the UE transmits UCI information via PUCCH, it can only use a portion of the symbols in the PUCCH format configuration symbols for UCI information feedback, thus reducing the amount of UCI information sent. During the remaining symbol time when no UCI feedback is performed, the UE can power down and go into sleep mode, thereby reducing the on-time of the RF and PA, and achieving the goal of reducing power consumption. Since the PUCCH transmission code rate is low, some identical information may be repeatedly mapped to different symbols of the PUCCH. Therefore, even if the UE sends less UCI data to the base station, the base station may still be able to correctly decode the complete information based on the received partial data, which can ensure transmission performance to a certain extent.

[0100] Optionally, before the UE executes step S402 to send the UCI and DMRS sequences (collectively referred to as uplink information), the UE can first obtain the PUCCH resource configuration. This allows the UE to determine the time-frequency resources corresponding to the M symbols occupied by the selected PUCCH format based on the PUCCH resource configuration, and then map the uplink information onto the aforementioned M symbols. This ensures that the UE can subsequently send PUCCH to the base station to report UCI information using these time-frequency resources. The resources used for sending and receiving PUCCH may include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code-domain resources, or spatial-domain resources.

[0101] Optionally, the resource configuration of the PUCCH can be configured by the base station for the UE through a semi-static configuration method. For example, the UE can receive a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message sent by the base station, which may include the PUCCH resource configuration. The PUCCH resource configuration may include period, slot offset, starting PRB, and symbol position, etc. That is, the base station can directly allocate a set of PUCCH resources to the UE through a semi-static configuration method. Optionally, if the PUCCH supports frequency hopping, the PRB positions of the first hop and the second hop can be indicated separately.

[0102] Alternatively, the resource configuration of the aforementioned PUCCH can be dynamically configured for the UE by the base station. For example, the base station can configure 1-4 PUCCH resource sets for the UE via RRC messages. A PUCCH resource set can contain at least 4 PUCCH resources, and each PUCCH resource can correspond to a PUCCH format and all necessary parameters of that format, such as time-domain resource information, frequency-domain resource information, code-domain resource information, encoding information, frequency hopping information, etc. Figure 5As shown, taking the configuration of four resource sets as an example, including resource set 0 to resource set 3, resource set 0 can include up to 32 resources, supporting the transmission of 1-2 bits of UCI. Each resource set in resource sets 1-3 can include up to 8 resources, supporting the transmission of more than 2 bits of UCI. The maximum load can be defined by higher-layer parameters (e.g., it can be set to 1706 bits by default). Optionally, the base station can indicate the index of a specific resource in the resource set through downlink control information (DCI), for example, through the PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) field in the DCI. After obtaining the multiple resource sets configured by the base station, the UE can select the appropriate resource set according to the number of UCI bits. For example, when the UCI is less than or equal to 2 bits, the UE can use the resources of resource set 0; when the UCI is greater than 2 bits and less than or equal to 454 bits (i.e., N2), the UE can use resource set 1; when the UCI is greater than 454 bits (i.e., N2) and less than or equal to 828 bits (i.e., N3), the UE can use resource set 2; when the UCI is greater than 828 bits (i.e., N3) and less than or equal to 1272 bits, the UE can use resource set 3.

[0103] Alternatively, PUCCH resource configuration can be indicated by activating / deactivating resources via MAC CE; or, PUCCH resource configuration can be configured through protocol predefined methods. Besides the above configuration methods, PUCCH resource configuration can also be configured in other ways, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit the specific configuration method for PUCCH resource configuration.

[0104] Optionally, after determining the selected PUCCH format, the UE can map the UCI and associated DMRS signals to the M symbol resources corresponding to the PUCCH format. For example, when mapping uplink information (including UCI and DMRS sequences) to the time-frequency resources of the PUCCH, the UE can perform the mapping according to a frequency-domain-first, time-domain-later mapping rule. For instance, the UE can fill the uplink information onto the time-frequency resources of the PUCCH according to the subcarrier and symbol order. Optionally, the base station and the UE can agree on a specific resource mapping method in advance. For example, the base station can send the resource mapping configuration to the UE in advance, or the protocol can pre-define the resource mapping method used between the base station and the UE; no specific limitations are made here.

[0105] Optionally, the PUCCH format selected by the UE can be format 1, format 3 or format 4 in the NR system.

[0106] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the UE selects PUCCH format 3, which occupies 14 symbols (e.g., symbols 0-13). Taking the configuration of one DMRS symbol (with FH) and the corresponding non-frequency hopping DMRS (without FH) per frequency hopping as an example, two symbols are reserved in the PUCCH (e.g., symbols 3 and 10, corresponding to at least one second symbol) to carry the DMRS sequence (i.e., two columns of DMRS, shown in dark in the figure), and the UCI information is mapped to other symbols (corresponding to multiple first symbols). Among them, T0 represents the data symbols before the first column of DMRS (i.e., symbols 0-2), T1 represents the two columns of DMRS and the data symbols in the middle (i.e., symbols 3-10), and T2 represents the data symbols after the second column of DMRS (i.e., symbols 11-13). The symbols included in T0 and T2 are the symbols corresponding to the CSI information. At this point, the UE can choose to send only the information corresponding to T1 instead of sending all the information corresponding to T0+T1+T2. The RF and PA activation time is reduced from 14 symbols to 8 symbols, a reduction of 43% (6 / 14), thus saving UE power consumption. Optionally, the UE can also choose to send only the information corresponding to T0+T1 or T1+T2 instead of sending all the information corresponding to T0+T1+T2; or, the UE can choose to send only the uplink information corresponding to symbols 3-9, while the uplink information corresponding to symbols 0-2 and 10-13 can be discarded.

[0107] For example, such as Figure 7As shown, the UE selects PUCCH format 3, which occupies 10 symbols (e.g., symbols 0-9). Taking the configuration of one DMRS symbol (with FH) and the corresponding non-frequency hopping DMRS (without FH) per frequency hopping as an example, two symbols are reserved in the PUCCH (e.g., symbols 2 and 7, corresponding to at least one second symbol) to carry the DMRS sequence (i.e., two columns of DMRS), and the UCI information is mapped to other symbols (corresponding to multiple first symbols). Among them, T0 represents the data symbols before the first column of DMRS (i.e., symbols 0-1), T1 represents the two columns of DMRS and the data symbols in the middle (i.e., symbols 3-7), and T2 represents the data symbols after the second column of DMRS (i.e., symbols 8-9). The symbols included in T0 and T2 are the symbols corresponding to the CSI information. At this point, the UE can choose to send only the information corresponding to T1 instead of sending all the information corresponding to T0+T1+T2, reducing the RF and PA activation time from 10 symbols to 6 symbols, a reduction of 40% (4 / 10). Optionally, the UE can also choose to send only the information corresponding to T0+T1 or T1+T2 instead of sending all the information corresponding to T0+T1+T2; or, the UE can choose to send only the uplink information corresponding to symbols 2-6, while the uplink information corresponding to symbols 0-1 and 7-9 can be discarded.

[0108] For example, such as Figure 8As shown, the UE selects PUCCH format 3, which occupies 14 symbols (e.g., symbols 0-13). Taking the configuration of 2 DMRS symbols (with FH) and corresponding non-frequency hopping DMRS (without FH) per frequency hopping as an example, 4 symbols are reserved in the PUCCH (e.g., symbols 1, 5, 8, and 12, corresponding to at least one second symbol) to carry the DMRS sequence (i.e., 4 columns of DMRS), and the UCI information is mapped to other symbols (corresponding to multiple first symbols). Among them, T0 represents the first column of DMRS and the second column of DMRS, as well as the data symbols between them (i.e., symbols 1-5), T1 represents the data symbols between the second column of DMRS and the third column of DMRS (i.e., symbols 6-7), T2 represents the third column of DMRS and the fourth column of DMRS, as well as the data symbols between them (i.e., symbols 8-12), and symbols 0 and 13 are the symbols corresponding to CSI information. At this point, the UE can choose to send only the information corresponding to T0+T1+T2 instead of sending all the information corresponding to all symbols (i.e., symbols 0-13), and the RF and PA activation duration will be reduced from 14 symbol times to 12 symbol times. Optionally, the UE can also choose to send only the information corresponding to T0+T1 or T1+T2 instead of sending all the information corresponding to all symbols (i.e., symbols 0-13); or, the UE can choose to send only the uplink information corresponding to symbols 1-9, while the uplink information corresponding to symbols 0 and symbols 10-13 can be discarded.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned UCI information may include one or more of the following: Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback, Schedule Request (SR), or Channel State Information (CSI).

[0110] Optionally, some of the aforementioned first symbols may include symbols for transmitting HARQ feedback and / or symbols for transmitting SR; the remaining symbols in the aforementioned first symbols, excluding the aforementioned partial symbols, include symbols for transmitting CSI. That is, when the UE reports UCI not through all symbols but only through a portion of them, it can preferentially select the symbols corresponding to HARQ feedback and / or SR for feedback, while transmission on the symbols corresponding to CSI is disabled, reducing the reporting of CSI information. Taking the PUCCH carrying CSI feedback, with the PUCCH format occupying 14 symbols and the CSI feedback period (i.e., the PUCCH period) being 40ms as an example, if the UE only transmits UCI and DMRS on 8 of the 14 symbols, then 6 symbols can be saved every 40ms. The formula for calculating the gain is Gain(transPower) = 6 / 14 * 0.5ms / 40ms * Energy(transPower) / 3.8V. Based on the power distribution of the external PUCCH, the gain is calculated to be 2.3mA@3.8V.

[0111] In one possible implementation, when the UE meets preset conditions, the UE can transmit UCI and DMRS on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols. Optionally, the preset conditions may include one or more of the following conditions:

[0112] (1) During a first preset time period, the first communication device does not receive the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH);

[0113] (2) The first communication device satisfies the static condition;

[0114] (3) The moving speed of the first communication device is less than or equal to a preset speed threshold;

[0115] (4) The downlink channel quality of the first communication device is greater than or equal to a preset quality threshold; the downlink channel quality is measured by one or more of bit error rate, signal strength, or signal-to-noise ratio; or,

[0116] (5) After the first communication device receives the instruction information and continues for a second preset time, the instruction information is used to instruct the first communication device to raise or maintain the transmission power of the PUCCH.

[0117] Regarding condition (1), if the UE does not receive a PDSCH within a certain period of time (e.g., T ms), it is considered that the base station has no downlink data scheduling. The CSI information reported by the UE to the base station is used to help the base station optimize the resource configuration and modulation and coding scheme of downlink scheduling. Therefore, when the base station has no downlink data scheduling, the UE can send less CSI information or even no CSI information. Optionally, no downlink data scheduling can refer to the absence of PDSCHs for scheduling such as cell-radionetworktemporaryidentifier (C-RNTI), modulation and coding scheme control radio network temporary identifier (MCS-C-RNTI), semi-persistent scheduling radio network temporary identifier (SPS-C-RNTI), or configured scheduling radio network temporary identifier (CS-RNTI) within a continuous Tms.

[0118] Regarding condition (2), when the UE meets the stationary condition, it is assumed that the downlink quality between the UE and the base station does not change significantly. When the UE reports UCI information to the base station, it can send less CSI information or even no CSI information. Optionally, whether the UE meets the stationary condition can be determined based on the parameters of mobility state detection or changes in signal strength.

[0119] For example, taking the determination of whether a UE meets the stationary condition based on mobility state detection parameters as an example, the parameters that may be involved include TCRmax (the periodic window time for counting cell reselection counts, in seconds), NCR_M (the threshold for medium mobility state, i.e., the lower limit of the number of cell reselections per unit time), and NCR_H (the threshold for high mobility state, i.e., the upper limit of the number of cell reselections per unit time). When the number of cell reselections by the UE within the TCRmax time is ≤ NCR_M, the UE is determined to meet the stationary condition; when the number of cell reselections is between NCR_M and NCR_H, the UE is determined to be in a medium mobility state; when the number of cell reselections is > NCR_H, the UE is determined to be in a high mobility state. Optionally, to avoid misjudgment due to short-term signal fluctuations, if the UE continuously reselects the same cell within a short period of time (e.g., due to signal jitter), it can be excluded from the mobility state statistics to ensure the accuracy of the judgment.

[0120] As another example, taking the judgment of whether a UE meets the static condition based on the signal strength variation as an example, the parameters involved may include Srxlev (current signal reception level of the serving cell, unit: dB), SrxlevRefStationary (reference signal reception level, the initial value is the Srxlev value when the UE enters the static state), and SSearchDeltaP-Stationary (allowable threshold for signal strength variation, unit: dB). When (SrxlevRefStationary - Srxlev) < SSearchDeltaP-Stationary, it is determined that the UE meets the static condition.

[0121] For condition (3), when the movement speed of the UE is less than or equal to a preset speed threshold, it can be considered that the downlink link quality between the UE and the base station does not change much. When the UE reports UCI information to the base station, it can transmit a reduced amount of CSI information or even no CSI information. Optionally, the movement speed of the UE may refer to the relative speed of the UE with respect to the base station. For example, when both the base station and the UE are mobile devices, if the UE and the base station move in opposite directions, the movement speed of the UE mentioned above should be understood as the sum of the speed of the UE and the speed of the base station; if the UE and the base station move in the same direction, the movement speed of the UE mentioned above should be understood as the difference between the speed of the UE and the speed of the base station.

[0122] For condition (4), when the downlink channel quality of the UE is greater than or equal to a preset quality threshold, it can be considered that the downlink link quality between the UE and the base station can meet the requirements of data transmission. When the UE reports UCI information to the base station, it can transmit a reduced amount of CSI information or even no CSI information. Optionally, the downlink channel quality may be measured by one or more of bit error rate, signal strength or signal-to-noise ratio. Wherein, the downlink signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) may be one or more of the signal-to-noise ratio of a downlink control channel (PDC SNR), the signal-to-noise ratio of a downlink shared channel (PDS SNR), the signal-to-noise ratio of a synchronization signal block (SSB SNR), or the signal-to-noise ratio of a tracking reference signal (TRS SNR); the signal strength may be one or more of reference signal received quality (RSRQ), reference signal received power (RSRP), or received signal strength indicator (RSSI).

[0123] For condition (5), after receiving an indication message to raise or maintain the PUCCH transmit power, the UE can wait for a period of time. After waiting for a second preset time, the UE can report UCI to the base station only on a portion of the symbols in the selected PUCCH format. Optionally, the base station can indicate the PUCCH transmit power through the transmission power control (TPC) field in the DCI. For example, when the UE detects that the base station raises or maintains the PUCCH transmit power through TPC, it can start / restart a timer (which can be called a performance protection timer, PUCCHprotecttimer). Before the timer expires, the UE needs to send UCI information through all symbols in the selected PUCCH format to ensure transmission performance; after the timer expires, the UE can send UCI information only on a portion of the symbols in the selected PUCCH format to reduce power consumption.

[0124] It should be noted that when the UE reports UCI using only some symbols in the selected PUCCH format, the UE meeting the preset conditions can mean that the UE meets only one of the above conditions (1)-(5), such as only meeting conditions (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5); or, the UE can meet multiple or all of the above conditions simultaneously, such as meeting conditions (1), (3), and (5) simultaneously, or meeting conditions (2) and (5) simultaneously. Optionally, when the UE does not meet the preset conditions (such as not meeting any of the above conditions (1)-(5)), the UE needs to report UCI information using all symbols in the selected PUCCH format. Taking the UE needing to meet conditions (2) and (5) simultaneously as an example, refer to Figure 9 First, determine whether the UE meets the stationary condition, and then determine whether the UE's performance protection timer has expired. When the UE meets the stationary condition and the performance protection timer has expired, the UE can report UCI information through only some symbols; otherwise, the UE needs to report UCI information through all symbols.

[0125] Optionally, when the UCI includes HARQ feedback and / or SR, to ensure performance, during channel coding, the HARQ feedback and / or SR can be mapped to symbols that are close to the OFDM symbols corresponding to the DMRS sequence, such as... Figure 6 The symbol 4 or the symbol 9.

[0126] The foregoing describes the method provided in this application. In order to facilitate the implementation of the above-described solutions in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide corresponding devices or equipment.

[0127] This application divides the device into functional modules according to the above method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The device of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0128] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 10 can be used to implement the function of the first communication device involved in any of the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0129] like Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 10 may include a processing unit 100 and a transmitting unit 101; optionally, the device may further include a receiving unit for receiving messages from other communication devices. In one possible design, when the communication device 10 is used to implement the functions of the first communication device described above, the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0130] Processing unit 100 is used to determine the PUCCH format; the PUCCH format occupies M symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, the M symbols include multiple first symbols and at least one second symbol, each first symbol is used to transmit uplink control information UCI, and each second symbol is used to transmit demodulation reference signal DMRS sequence;

[0131] The transmitting unit 101 is configured to transmit the UCI and the DMRS sequence on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols; wherein N is an integer less than M and greater than or equal to 2, the N symbols include some symbols among the plurality of first symbols and the at least one second symbol, and the transmission on the other partial symbols among the plurality of first symbols, excluding the partial symbols, is disabled.

[0132] In one possible implementation, transmitting the UCI and DMRS sequences on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols comprises: transmitting the UCI and DMRS sequences on the N consecutive symbols when one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0133] During a first preset time period, the first communication device did not receive the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0134] The first communication device satisfies the stationary condition;

[0135] The moving speed of the first communication device is less than or equal to a preset speed threshold;

[0136] The downlink channel quality of the first communication device is greater than or equal to a preset quality threshold; the downlink channel quality is measured by one or more of bit error rate, signal strength, or signal-to-noise ratio; or,

[0137] After the first communication device receives the instruction information and continues for a second preset time, the instruction information is used to instruct the first communication device to raise or maintain the transmission power of the PUCCH.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the UCI includes one or more of the following: Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback, Schedule Request (SR), or Channel State Information (CSI).

[0139] In one possible implementation, the partial symbols include at least one of the following: symbols for transmitting the HARQ feedback, or symbols for transmitting the SR;

[0140] The other symbolic components include symbols used for transmitting the CSI.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the PUCCH format is format 1, format 3, or format 4 in the new wireless NR system.

[0142] It should be noted that the functions of each functional unit / module in the communication device 10 described in the embodiments of this application can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0143] Understandably, the specific descriptions of the receiving unit and the transmitting unit shown in the above device embodiments are merely examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the receiving unit and the transmitting unit, please refer to the description of any of the above method embodiments, which will not be detailed here.

[0144] The communication device according to embodiments of this application has been described above. The following describes possible product forms of the communication device. It should be understood that any device possessing the above-described features... Figure 10 Any form of the communication device described herein falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. It should also be understood that the following description is merely illustrative and does not limit the form of the communication device in the embodiments of this application to this specific example.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the above Figure 10In the communication device shown, the processing unit 100 can be one or more processors; the receiving unit and the transmitting unit 101 can be transceivers; or, the receiving unit can be a receiver and the transmitting unit 101 can be a transmitter. In this embodiment, the processor and the transceiver can be coupled, etc., and the connection method between the processor and the transceiver is not limited in this embodiment. During the execution of the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After the above information is output by the processor, it may need to undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor receiving the input information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to undergo other processing before being input into the processor.

[0146] See Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 20 can be the communication device 10, or a chip therein. Figure 11 Only the main components of the communication device 20 are shown. In addition to the processor 1001, the communication device 20 may optionally further include a transceiver 1002, a memory 1003, or an input / output device (not shown in the figure).

[0147] The processor 1001 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. The memory 1003 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1002 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0148] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1001 can read the software program in the memory 1003, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1001 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1001. The processor 1001 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0149] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0150] Transceiver 1002 may include a receiver for performing a receiving function (or operation) and a transmitter for performing a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is also used for communicating with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium.

[0151] The processor 1001, transceiver 1002, and memory 1003 can be connected via a communication bus.

[0152] For example, when the communication device 20 is used to perform the steps, methods, or functions involved in the first communication device described above, the processor 1001 can be used to determine the PUCCH format; the PUCCH format occupies M symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, the M symbols include a plurality of first symbols and at least one second symbol, each first symbol is used to transmit uplink control information (UCI), and each second symbol is used to transmit a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequence; the transceiver 1002 can be used to transmit the UCI and the DMRS sequence on N consecutive symbols among the M symbols; wherein, N is an integer less than M and greater than or equal to 2, the N symbols include some symbols among the plurality of first symbols and the at least one second symbol, and transmission on other partial symbols among the plurality of first symbols except for the partial symbols is turned off.

[0153] Understandably, further details regarding the processor and transceiver can be found above. Figure 10 The descriptions of the processing unit, receiving unit, and transmitting unit in the device embodiments involved will not be repeated here.

[0154] Optionally, the processor 1001 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0155] Optionally, the processor 1001 may store instructions, which may be a computer program. The computer program, running on the processor 1001, causes the communication device 20 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer program may be embedded in the processor 1001; in this case, the processor 1001 may be implemented in hardware.

[0156] In one implementation, the communication device 20 may include circuitry capable of performing the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal-oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), p-type metal-oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon-germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0157] Understandably, the communication device shown in the embodiments of this application may also have more than Figure 11 This application does not limit the use of other components or other related elements. The methods performed by the processor and transceiver described above are merely examples; for the specific steps performed by the processor and transceiver, please refer to the description of the method embodiments above.

[0158] In another possible implementation Figure 10 In the communication device involved, the processing unit 100 may be one or more logic circuits; the receiving unit and the transmitting unit 101 may be input / output interfaces, or communication interfaces, or interface circuits, or interfaces, etc. See also Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 30 includes a logic circuit 901 and an interface 902. That is, the processing unit 100 can be implemented using the logic circuit 901, and the receiving unit and transmitting unit 101 can be implemented using the interface 902. The logic circuit 901 can be a chip, processing circuit, integrated circuit, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 902 can be a communication interface, input / output interface, pins, etc. For example, Figure 12 The above-mentioned communication device 30 is used as an example of a chip, which includes a logic circuit 901 and an interface 902.

[0159] In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment.

[0160] For example, when the communication device 30 is used to perform the method, function, or step involved in the first communication device described above, the logic circuit 901 can be used to determine the PUCCH format; the PUCCH format occupies M symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, the M symbols include a plurality of first symbols and at least one second symbol, each first symbol is used to transmit uplink control information (UCI), and each second symbol is used to transmit a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequence; the interface 902 can be used to transmit the UCI and the DMRS sequence on N consecutive symbols in the M symbols; wherein, N is an integer less than M and greater than or equal to 2, the N symbols include some symbols in the plurality of first symbols and the at least one second symbol, and transmission on other partial symbols in the plurality of first symbols, except for the partial symbols, is turned off.

[0161] Understandably, the specific descriptions of logic circuit 901 and interface 902 can also be found above. Figure 10 The descriptions of the processing unit, receiving unit, and transmitting unit involved in the device embodiments are not repeated here.

[0162] It is understood that the communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in hardware form or in software form, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it in this way.

[0163] for Figure 12 For specific implementations of the various embodiments shown, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0164] In addition, this application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by the communication device 10, communication device 20, and communication device 30 in the method provided in this application.

[0165] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by the communication device 10, communication device 20, and communication device 30 in the method provided in this application.

[0166] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by communication device 10, communication device 20, and communication device 30 in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0167] This application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting the device in implementing the functions involved in any of the above embodiments, such as generating or processing information involved in the above communication methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data for the device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0168] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0169] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0170] In the several embodiments provided in this application, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, or it may be an electrical, mechanical or other form of connection.

[0171] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device; the method includes: Determine the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) format; wherein the PUCCH format occupies M symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, and the M symbols include multiple first symbols and at least one second symbol, each first symbol being used to transmit uplink control information (UCI), and each second symbol being used to transmit a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequence; The UCI and DMRS sequences are transmitted on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols; wherein N is an integer less than M and greater than or equal to 2, and the N symbols include some symbols among the plurality of first symbols and at least one second symbol; transmission on other partial symbols among the plurality of first symbols, excluding the partial symbols, is disabled.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission of the UCI and DMRS sequences on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols includes: transmitting the UCI and DMRS sequences on the N consecutive symbols when one or more of the following conditions are met: During a first preset time period, the first communication device did not receive the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). The first communication device satisfies the stationary condition; The moving speed of the first communication device is less than or equal to a preset speed threshold; The downlink channel quality of the first communication device is greater than or equal to a preset quality threshold; or, The first communication device receives the instruction information and continues for a second preset time; the instruction information is used to instruct the first communication device to raise or maintain the transmission power of the PUCCH.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The UCI includes one or more of the following: Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback, Schedule Request (SR), or Channel State Information (CSI).

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The partial symbols include at least one of the following: symbols for transmitting the HARQ feedback, or symbols for transmitting the SR; The other symbolic components include symbols used for transmitting the CSI.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The PUCCH format is format 1, format 3, or format 4 in the new wireless NR system.

6. A first communication device, characterized in that, include: A processing unit is used to determine the PUCCH format; the PUCCH format occupies M symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 3, the M symbols include multiple first symbols and at least one second symbol, each first symbol is used to transmit uplink control information UCI, and each second symbol is used to transmit demodulation reference signal DMRS sequence; A transmitting unit is configured to transmit the UCI and the DMRS sequence on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols; wherein N is an integer less than M and greater than or equal to 2, the N symbols include some symbols among the plurality of first symbols and the at least one second symbol, and transmission on the other partial symbols among the plurality of first symbols, excluding the partial symbols, is disabled.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission of the UCI and DMRS sequences on N consecutive symbols out of the M symbols includes: transmitting the UCI and DMRS sequences on the N consecutive symbols when one or more of the following conditions are met: During a first preset time period, the first communication device did not receive the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). The first communication device satisfies the stationary condition; The moving speed of the first communication device is less than or equal to a preset speed threshold; The downlink channel quality of the first communication device is greater than or equal to a preset quality threshold; the downlink channel quality is measured by one or more of bit error rate, signal strength, or signal-to-noise ratio; or, After the first communication device receives the instruction information and continues for a second preset time, the instruction information is used to instruct the first communication device to raise or maintain the transmission power of the PUCCH.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The UCI includes one or more of the following: Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback, Schedule Request (SR), or Channel State Information (CSI).

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The partial symbols include at least one of the following: symbols for transmitting the HARQ feedback, or symbols for transmitting the SR; The other symbolic components include symbols used for transmitting the CSI.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, The PUCCH format is format 1, format 3, or format 4 in the new wireless NR system.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5 through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

13. A computer program, characterized in that, The computer program includes instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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