Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and device can improve system spectrum efficiency. The method comprises: generating a first sensing signal, the first sensing signal being transmitted in a first time unit, the first time unit being composed of at least one sub-time unit, the at least one sub-time unit including at least one sub-time unit for sending and at least one sub-time unit for receiving, the first time unit being a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and the sub-time unit being an OFDM sub-symbol; and sending the first sensing signal on the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for sending. Whether a sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for sending or a sub-time unit for receiving is related to the number of the sub-time unit. In this way, the duty cycle can be improved, and thus the system spectrum efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Communication and sensing integration is a key technology in future wireless communication networks. It aims to integrate wireless communication and sensing functions into the same system, and use the various propagation characteristics of wireless signals to achieve sensing functions such as target localization, detection, imaging and identification, so as to obtain information about the surrounding physical environment, explore communication capabilities and enhance user experience.

[0003] In a sensing scenario, the transmitting end sends sensing signals to the surrounding environment, and the receiving end receives the echo signals, using the echo signals to perceive or image targets in the environment. How to improve performance in transmitting sensing signals in a sensing scenario is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve system spectrum efficiency.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component of the terminal device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: generating a first sensing signal, which is transmitted within a first time unit. The first time unit comprises at least one sub-time unit, including at least one sub-time unit for transmission and at least one sub-time unit for reception.

[0006] Here, the definitions of first time unit and sub-time unit are used to clearly describe the inclusion and association relationships between two time-domain resources. The names of these two time-domain resources are not limited in this application. For example, in this application, all sub-time units can be replaced with second time units. That is, the first sensing signal is transmitted within the first time unit, and the first time unit consists of at least one second time unit, which includes at least one second time unit for transmission and at least one second time unit for reception.

[0007] Optionally, the first time unit is a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and the sub-time unit is an OFDM sub-symbol; the first sensing signal is transmitted on the at least one OFDM sub-symbol used for transmission.

[0008] Based on the above possible designs, a new concept of OFDM sub-symbols is introduced for sensing signals, and the relationship between OFDM symbols and OFDM sub-symbols is defined, which makes the frame structure configuration of sensing signals more flexible.

[0009] In one possible design, the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of N, and the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are not multiples of M and not multiples of N, wherein M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers.

[0010] In one possible design, M is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol, and N is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol.

[0011] Based on the above possible designs, using the OFDM sub-symbol number to indicate whether the OFDM sub-symbol is used for transmission or reception effectively improves the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal, thereby improving the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal.

[0012] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending first information indicating that each OFDM sub-symbol in the at least one OFDM sub-symbol is either the OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception.

[0013] In one possible design, the first information indicates a first bitmap comprising K bits, the first OFDM symbol comprising K OFDM sub-symbols, and the i-th bit of the K bits indicating that the i-th OFDM sub-symbol among the K OFDM sub-symbols is the OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception, where 1≤i≤K.

[0014] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, the terminal device can obtain whether each OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol is used for transmission or reception by the indication of the bit map, thereby improving the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal and thus improving the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal.

[0015] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a second message indicating a first set of bitmaps, the first set of bitmaps including at least one bitmap, the first bitmap being one of the bitmaps in the first set of bitmaps.

[0016] Based on the above possible designs, the first bitmap can be configured with multiple candidate values, which can improve the flexibility of bitmap configuration.

[0017] In one possible design, the first information indicates M and N.

[0018] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a third message indicating at least one set of M and N, wherein M and N are one of the at least one set of M and N.

[0019] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, introducing multiple sets of values ​​for M and N can improve the flexibility of network devices in indicating M and N.

[0020] In one possible design, the first OFDM symbol includes a first OFDM sub-symbol, which is an OFDM sub-symbol for transmission within the first OFDM symbol. This includes: the preceding and following adjacent OFDM sub-symbols of the first OFDM sub-symbol being OFDM sub-symbols for reception; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the first OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the last OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception. The number of the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission is greater than or equal to two.

[0021] Based on the above possible designs, the minimum value of the number of one or more consecutively transmitted OFDM sub-symbols included in an OFDM symbol is guaranteed to be 1, ensuring that the scheme increases the sensing blind zone by almost no amount of time while increasing the duty cycle.

[0022] In one possible design, M is 3 and N is 5.

[0023] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving the echo signal of the first sensing signal on the at least one OFDM sub-symbol used for receiving.

[0024] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a network device, or by a component of the network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The method includes: determining a first time unit, which comprises at least one sub-time unit, the at least one sub-time unit including at least one sub-time unit for receiving, the first time unit being a first orthogonal multiplexed OFDM symbol, and the sub-time unit being an OFDM sub-symbol; and receiving a first sensing signal on the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for receiving.

[0025] Based on the above possible designs, a new concept of OFDM sub-symbols is introduced for sensing signals, and the relationship between OFDM symbols and OFDM sub-symbols is defined, which makes the frame structure configuration of sensing signals more flexible.

[0026] In one possible design, the at least one sub-time unit also includes a sub-time unit for network device reception.

[0027] In one possible design, the at least one sub-time unit may further include a sub-time unit for network device reception, or alternatively, the at least one sub-time unit may further include a sub-time unit for transmission (a sub-time unit for terminal device transmission).

[0028] In one possible design, the at least one sub-time unit may further include a sub-time unit for network device reception, or the at least one sub-time unit may further include sub-time units that are not used for transmission and reception.

[0029] In the above three possible designs, the terminal device’s transmission or reception behavior on OFDM sub-symbols other than those used for reception in the first time unit is not constrained.

[0030] In one possible design, the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for receiving includes OFDM sub-symbols numbered as multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols numbered as multiples of N, where M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers.

[0031] Based on the above possible designs, using the OFDM sub-symbol number to indicate whether the OFDM sub-symbol is used for transmission or reception effectively improves the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal, thereby improving the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal.

[0032] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving first information indicating that each OFDM sub-symbol in the at least one OFDM sub-symbol is the OFDM sub-symbol for reception or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception by the network device.

[0033] In one possible design, the first information indicates a first bitmap, which includes K bits, and the first OFDM symbol includes K OFDM sub-symbols. The i-th bit among the K bits indicates that the i-th OFDM sub-symbol among the K OFDM sub-symbols is the OFDM sub-symbol for reception or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception by the network device, where 1≤i≤K.

[0034] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, network devices can use bitmaps to indicate whether each OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol is used for transmission or reception, thereby increasing the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal and thus improving the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal.

[0035] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving second information indicating a first set of bitmaps, the first set of bitmaps including at least one bitmap, the first bitmap being one of the bitmaps in the first set of bitmaps.

[0036] Based on the above possible designs, the first bitmap can be configured with multiple candidate values, which can improve the flexibility of bitmap configuration.

[0037] In one possible design, the first information indicates M and N.

[0038] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving third information indicating at least one set of M and N, wherein M and N are one of the at least one set of M and N.

[0039] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, introducing multiple sets of values ​​for M and N can improve the flexibility of network devices in indicating M and N.

[0040] In one possible design, the first OFDM sub-symbol is an OFDM sub-symbol for reception within the first OFDM symbol, including: the preceding and following adjacent OFDM sub-symbols of the first OFDM sub-symbol being OFDM sub-symbols for reception by the network device; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the first OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception by the network device; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the last OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception by the network device, wherein the number of the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception is greater than or equal to 2.

[0041] Based on the above possible designs, the minimum value of the number of one or more consecutively transmitted OFDM sub-symbols included in an OFDM symbol is guaranteed to be 1, ensuring that the scheme increases the sensing blind zone by almost no amount of time while increasing the duty cycle.

[0042] In one possible design, M is 3 and N is 5.

[0043] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which can be a terminal device, or can be used in a terminal device, or can be a module inside a terminal device. The communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit generates a first sensing signal, which is transmitted within a first time unit. The first time unit consists of at least one sub-time unit, which includes at least one sub-time unit for transmission and at least one sub-time unit for reception. The first time unit is a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and the sub-time unit is an OFDM sub-symbol. The transceiver unit transmits the first sensing signal on the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission.

[0044] Based on the above possible designs, a new concept of OFDM sub-symbols is introduced for sensing signals, and the relationship between OFDM symbols and OFDM sub-symbols is defined, which makes the frame structure configuration of sensing signals more flexible.

[0045] In one possible design, the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of N, and the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are not multiples of M and not multiples of N, wherein M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers.

[0046] In one possible design, M is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol, and N is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol.

[0047] Based on the above possible designs, using the OFDM sub-symbol number to indicate whether the OFDM sub-symbol is used for transmission or reception effectively improves the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal, thereby improving the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal.

[0048] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver unit sending first information indicating that each OFDM sub-symbol in the at least one OFDM sub-symbol is either the OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception.

[0049] In one possible design, the first information indicates a first bitmap comprising K bits, the first OFDM symbol comprising K OFDM sub-symbols, and the i-th bit of the K bits indicating that the i-th OFDM sub-symbol among the K OFDM sub-symbols is the OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception, where 1≤i≤K.

[0050] Through the two possible designs described above, the terminal device can obtain whether each OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol is used for transmission or reception by the indication of the bitmap, thereby improving the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal and thus improving the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal.

[0051] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver unit sending second information indicating a first bitmap set, the first bitmap set including at least one bitmap, the first bitmap being one of the bitmaps in the first bitmap set.

[0052] Through the above possible designs, the first bitmap can be configured with multiple candidate values, which can improve the flexibility of bitmap configuration.

[0053] In one possible design, the first information indicates M and N.

[0054] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver unit sending third information indicating at least one set of M and N, wherein M and N are one of the at least one set of M and N.

[0055] By introducing multiple sets of values ​​for M and N through the two possible designs described above, the flexibility of network devices in indicating M and N can be improved.

[0056] In one possible design, the first OFDM symbol includes a first OFDM sub-symbol, which is an OFDM sub-symbol for transmission within the first OFDM symbol. This includes: the preceding and following adjacent OFDM sub-symbols of the first OFDM sub-symbol being OFDM sub-symbols for reception; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the first OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the last OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception. The number of the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission is greater than or equal to two.

[0057] Through the above possible designs, the minimum value of the number of one or more consecutively transmitted OFDM sub-symbols included in an OFDM symbol is guaranteed to be 1, ensuring that the scheme increases the sensing blind zone by almost no means while increasing the duty cycle.

[0058] In one possible design, M is 3 and N is 5.

[0059] In one possible design, the transceiver unit receives the echo signal of the first sensing signal on at least one OFDM sub-symbol used for receiving.

[0060] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which can be a network device, or can be used in a network device, or is a module inside a network device. The communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit determines a first time unit, which consists of at least one sub-time unit, including at least one sub-time unit for receiving. The first time unit is a first orthogonal multiplexed OFDM symbol, and the sub-time unit is an OFDM sub-symbol. The transceiver unit receives a first sensing signal on the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for receiving.

[0061] Based on the above possible designs, a new concept of OFDM sub-symbols is introduced for sensing signals, and the relationship between OFDM symbols and OFDM sub-symbols is defined, which makes the frame structure configuration of sensing signals more flexible.

[0062] In one possible design, the at least one sub-time unit also includes a sub-time unit for network device reception.

[0063] In one possible design, the at least one sub-time unit may further include a sub-time unit for network device reception, or alternatively, the at least one sub-time unit may further include a sub-time unit for transmission (a sub-time unit for terminal device transmission).

[0064] In one possible design, the at least one sub-time unit may further include a sub-time unit for network device reception, or the at least one sub-time unit may further include sub-time units that are not used for transmission and reception.

[0065] In the above three possible designs, the terminal device’s transmission or reception behavior on OFDM sub-symbols other than those used for reception in the first time unit is not constrained.

[0066] In one possible design, the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for receiving includes OFDM sub-symbols numbered as multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols numbered as multiples of N, where M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers.

[0067] Based on the above possible designs, using the OFDM sub-symbol number to indicate whether the OFDM sub-symbol is used for transmission or reception effectively improves the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal, thereby improving the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal.

[0068] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver unit receiving first information indicating that each OFDM sub-symbol in the at least one OFDM sub-symbol is the OFDM sub-symbol for reception or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception by the network device.

[0069] In one possible design, the first information indicates a first bitmap, which includes K bits, and the first OFDM symbol includes K OFDM sub-symbols. The i-th bit among the K bits indicates that the i-th OFDM sub-symbol among the K OFDM sub-symbols is the OFDM sub-symbol for reception or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception by the network device, where 1≤i≤K.

[0070] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, network devices can use bitmaps to indicate whether each OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol is used for transmission or reception, thereby increasing the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal and thus improving the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal.

[0071] In one possible design, the transceiver unit receives second information indicating a first set of bitmaps, which includes at least one bitmap, and the first bitmap is one of the bitmaps in the first set of bitmaps.

[0072] Based on the above possible designs, the first bitmap can be configured with multiple candidate values, which can improve the flexibility of bitmap configuration.

[0073] In one possible design, the first information indicates M and N.

[0074] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver unit receiving third information indicating at least one set of M and N, wherein M and N are one of the at least one set of M and N.

[0075] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, introducing multiple sets of values ​​for M and N can improve the flexibility of network devices in indicating M and N.

[0076] In one possible design, the first OFDM sub-symbol is an OFDM sub-symbol for reception within the first OFDM symbol, including: the preceding and following adjacent OFDM sub-symbols of the first OFDM sub-symbol being OFDM sub-symbols for reception by the network device; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the first OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception by the network device; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the last OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception by the network device, wherein the number of the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception is greater than or equal to 2.

[0077] Based on the above possible designs, the minimum value of the number of one or more consecutively transmitted OFDM sub-symbols included in an OFDM symbol is guaranteed to be 1, ensuring that the scheme increases the sensing blind zone by almost no amount of time while increasing the duty cycle.

[0078] In one possible design, M is 3 and N is 5.

[0079] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for implementing various methods. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the methods, wherein the modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0080] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may include a receiving module and a transmitting module, respectively used to implement the receiving function and the transmitting function in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0081] In some possible designs, the transceiver module can consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver unit, a transceiver interface, or a communication interface.

[0082] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the above aspects and any possible design thereof.

[0083] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the above aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0084] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; said processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects and any possible designs thereof. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or may be independent of the processor.

[0085] In a ninth aspect, a communication device (e.g., a chip or chip system) is provided, the communication device including a processor for implementing the functions involved in any of the above aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0086] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0087] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or contain chips and other discrete components.

[0088] The communication device described in the fifth to ninth aspects may be the terminal device in the first aspect, or a device contained in the terminal device, such as a chip or chip system; or the communication device may be the network device in the second aspect, or a device contained in the network device, such as a chip or chip system.

[0089] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. This communication device may be a terminal device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the terminal device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device; or, the communication device may be a network device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the network device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the network device.

[0090] It is understandable that when the communication device provided in any of the fifth to tenth aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0091] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0092] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible design thereof.

[0093] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device can be used to implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible design thereof, and the network device can be used to implement the method described in the second aspect and any possible design thereof.

[0094] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through thirteen can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one or two, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0095] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an integrated communication and sensing scenario provided in this application;

[0096] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a sensing mode provided for this application;

[0097] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a terminal device and a network device provided in this application;

[0098] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an open RAN architecture provided in this application;

[0099] Figure 5 This application provides a schematic diagram of a RAN chip architecture.

[0100] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a hardware implementation of a baseband provided in this application;

[0101] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an OFDM symbol provided in this application;

[0102] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of OFDM symbols with different subcarrier spacings provided in this application;

[0104] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a syn-inductive pulse signal provided in this application;

[0105] Figure 11A This is a schematic diagram of another syn-inductive pulse signal provided in this application;

[0106] Figure 11B A schematic diagram of a simulation result provided for this application;

[0107] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0108] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application;

[0109] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0110] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0111] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0112] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0113] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0114] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process 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.

[0115] It is understood that in this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require a judgment action to be performed during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0116] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0117] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0118] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, and also to fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, such as 5G new radio (NR) systems, or to various communication systems evolving after 5G, such as future communication systems. The method provided in this application can also be applied to Bluetooth systems, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, long-range radio (LoRa) systems, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems. The method provided in this application can also be applied to satellite communication systems, wherein the satellite communication system can be integrated with the aforementioned communication systems.

[0119] The application scenario of this application is an integrated communication and sensing scenario, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a possible, non-limiting system diagram is presented, in which network devices and terminal devices in a communication network can sense objects that do not have communication capabilities while communicating.

[0120] Communication-sensing integration is a key technology in next-generation wireless communication networks. It aims to merge wireless communication and sensing functions into a single system, utilizing the various propagation characteristics of wireless signals to achieve sensing functions such as target localization, detection, imaging, and identification. This allows for the acquisition of information about the surrounding physical environment, the enhancement of communication capabilities, and a better user experience. For example, a first device transmits a sensing signal, and a second device (or the first device) receives the echo signal reflected from a target in the environment. The time delay of the echo signal relative to the transmitted sensing signal reflects the target's distance; the Doppler shift of the echo signal relative to the transmitted sensing signal reflects the target's velocity. Depending on the sender and receiver of the sensing signal, sensing modes can be divided into monostation sensing and bistation sensing. Monostation sensing refers to the same device transmitting the sensing signal and receiving the echo signal reflected from the target; bistation sensing refers to different devices transmitting the sensing signal and receiving the echo signal reflected from the target. Typical single-site sensing scenarios include base station self-transmitting and self-receiving sensing mode and terminal device self-transmitting and self-receiving sensing mode; typical dual-site sensing scenarios include base station A transmitting and base station B receiving, base station A transmitting and terminal device B receiving, and terminal device A transmitting and base station B receiving, etc.

[0121] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, perception scenarios (1) and (4) are single-site perception modes. Perception scenario (1) is transmitted and received by the base station, and perception scenario (4) is transmitted and received by the terminal. Perception scenarios (2), (3), (5), and (6) are dual-site perception modes. Perception scenario (2) is transmitted by base station A and received by base station B, perception scenario (3) is transmitted by the base station and received by the terminal, perception scenario (5) is transmitted by the terminal and received by the base station, and perception scenario (6) is transmitted by terminal A and received by terminal B. Among them, perception scenarios (3)-(6) can also be called UE-assisted perception scenarios. As a possible application scenario of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown in (1), the base station sends a fusion signal, the UE receives the fusion signal, demodulates it to obtain communication data, and the base station also receives the echo signal reflected / scattered by the UE (target) from the fusion signal. After sensing processing, the UE (target) obtains sensing parameters such as position and speed, that is, the UE and the target are the same object.

[0122] like Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a connection relationship between a terminal device and a network device.

[0123] The network elements involved in this application may include: network equipment, terminal equipment, relay, and other communication equipment containing signal transmission and reception modules, such as transmitting network elements and receiving network elements.

[0124] Terminal equipment: A terminal device is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals. It sends uplink signals to network equipment, receives downlink signals from network equipment, sends signals to another terminal device, receives signals from another terminal device, or receives echo signals from its own transmitted signals. It can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, virtual reality terminal device, augmented reality terminal device, wearable device, in-vehicle equipment, wireless terminal in industrial control, or a mobile object with communication capabilities such as a vehicle or drone, or a wireless device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip system) built into the aforementioned devices. Terminal equipment is sometimes referred to as user equipment (UE), user terminal, user device, user unit, user station, terminal, access terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, mobile device, or wireless communication device, etc. A terminal device is a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be a fixed device, mobile device, handheld device (e.g., mobile phone), wearable device, in-vehicle equipment, or a wireless device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip system) built into the aforementioned devices. Terminal devices are used to connect people, things, and machines, and can be widely used in various scenarios, such as: cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, V2X communication, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) communication, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical care, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, etc. For example, terminal devices can be handheld terminals in cellular communication, communication devices in D2D, IoT devices in MTC, cameras in smart transportation and smart cities, or communication devices on drones, etc. Terminal equipment may sometimes be referred to as user equipment (UE), user terminal, user device, user unit, user station, terminal, access terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, mobile device, or wireless communication device, etc.

[0125] Network equipment: Used to receive uplink signals from terminal equipment, send downlink signals to terminal equipment, or receive echo signals of signals it has sent; it can be LTE and / or NR network equipment, and can be a base station (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), a 3GPP subsequent evolution base station, a base station in a future evolution communication system, an access node in a WiFi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, etc. A network equipment can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission reception points. For example, a network equipment can include a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or both CU and DU. This allows multiple network functional entities to implement some of the functions of the wireless access network equipment. These network functional entities can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the network device can be a roadside unit (RSU). Multiple network devices in the communication system can be the same type of base station or different types of base stations. Base stations can communicate with terminal devices, or they can communicate with terminal devices through relay stations. The network device in this application can also be a device with sensing capabilities, capable of emitting sensing signals and receiving and processing reflected signals from targets in the environment. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device used to implement the network device's functions can be a network device, a network device with some base station functions, or a device that supports the network device in implementing these functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed within the network device.

[0126] like Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, this application provides a schematic of an open RAN architecture. The functions of network elements / modules in the open RAN architecture are described below:

[0127] RAN100 can be an open access network (O-RAN, or ORAN) system. RAN node 110 can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0128] Access network equipment includes one or more CUs, one or more DUs, and one or more radio units (RUs). For clarity, Figure 3 Only one CU, DU, and RU are shown. The CU is used to connect to the core network and one or more DUs. Optionally, the CU may have some of the core network's functions. The CU may include CU-CP and CU-UP.

[0129] like Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, this application presents a common RAN chip architecture, which is divided into a Centralized Unit (CU), a Distributed Unit (DU), and a Radio Unit (RU). The CU is a platform that performs upper-layer L2 and L3 functions. Midhaul and backhaul interfaces are used to carry traffic between the CU and DU, as well as between the CU and the core network. The DU performs L1 and some L2 functions, while the RU performs L1 computation and RF digital functions. Fronthaul and backhaul interfaces are used to carry traffic between the RU and DU, as well as between the CU and DU. An integrated DU includes the functions of the aforementioned DU and RU.

[0130] The CU / DU hardware includes a chassis platform, motherboard, peripherals, and cooling system. The motherboard contains processing units, memory, internal I / O interfaces, and external connection ports. Its hardware accelerator is designed with interfaces, and hardware functional components include: storage for software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, and a single-board management controller.

[0131] DU systems are typically implemented using multi-core processors and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the multi-core processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerators; alternatively, all L1 functions can be offloaded to FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerators, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. Hardware accelerators support interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. Similarly, accelerators have multi-channel PCIe interfaces pointing to the CPU and external connections via GbE.

[0132] The RU comprises three parts: the O-RAN Processing Unit (OPU), which receives Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and performs fronthaul interface operations, the lowest level L1 (coding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be implemented as a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC. The O-RU's Digital Processing Unit (DPU) performs synchronization, DDC (digital downconversion in UL), DUC (digital upconversion in DL), CFR, and DPD, improving power amplifier efficiency by reducing PAPR / ACLR at the RF front-end; the DPU can be implemented as an FPGA or ASIC. The O-RU's RF processing unit includes a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PA), low-noise amplifiers (LNA), and Tx / Rx filters. All conversions between the analog and digital domains (DAC and ADC) (e.g., RF sampling, frequency conversion using RF, IF, and LO mixing during up-conversion and down-conversion) are performed within the transceiver module. Note that physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries.

[0133] like Figure 6As shown, this application provides a block diagram illustrating an example of a baseband hardware implementation, which can be implemented using a processing system comprising one or more processors. Processors include microprocessors (e.g., x86, ARM), microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), GPUs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, and other suitable hardware configured to various functions. That is, the processors used in the baseband can be used to implement any one or more of the processes described below. The processing system can be implemented using a bus architecture, typically represented by a bus. The bus can include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system. The bus couples various circuits together, including one or more processors (typically represented by processors), memory, and computer-readable media (typically represented by computer-readable media). The bus can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further. The bus interface provides the interface between the bus and transceivers, and between the bus and the interface. A transceiver provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices via a wireless transmission medium. The transceiver may be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array may be used together for communication with a corresponding network type. At least one interface (e.g., a network interface and / or a user interface) provides a communication interface or means for communication via an internal bus or via an external transmission medium. A transceiver module is capable of implementing both transmitting and receiving functions; when implementing the transmitting function, it may be referred to as a transmitting module (sometimes also called a transmitting unit), and when implementing the receiving function, it may be referred to as a receiving module (sometimes also called a receiving unit). The transmitting module and the receiving module may be the same functional module, referred to as the transceiver module, which implements both transmitting and receiving functions; or the transmitting module and the receiving module may be different functional modules, and the term transceiver module is a collective term for these functional modules. The processor is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, including executing software stored on a computer-readable medium. When executed by the processor, the software causes the processing system to perform the various functions described below for any particular device. The functions that can be implemented by the processor, memory, and computer-readable medium may include: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate dematching, scrambling, descrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, FFT, IFFT, IDFT, precoding, RE mapping, channel equalization, RE mapping, digital BF, adding CP, removing CP, etc.

[0134] This application describes a communication signal generation formula: a time-continuous signal of an OFDM symbol numbered l on port p with subcarrier configured as μ. The formula is

[0135]

[0136] in, This refers to the value on a resource element (RE) with frequency domain number k, time domain number l, antenna port p, and subcarrier spacing configured as μ. It carries communication data or a reference signal. It's worth noting that the value on the k-th RE / subcarrier of this communication signal is... Indicates the size of the resource grid; The number of REs contained in each resource block is represented by Δf; the subcarrier spacing is represented by j; the imaginary unit is represented by t; and the mathematical constant e is represented by e.

[0137] All or part of the functions of the terminal device or network device 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), or through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules. The terminal device / network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device / network device, or a device having part of the terminal device / network device, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device / network device.

[0138] It should be noted that the system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does 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 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.

[0139] Considering the half-duplex nature of the hardware, the antenna panel does not support simultaneously transmitting the fusion signal and receiving the echo signal of the fusion signal. Therefore, a pulse signal sensing system is required, such as... Figure 7 As shown, a 480kHz OFDM symbol is transmitted within the time period occupied by the 30kHz OFDM symbol on the subcarrier, and no signal is transmitted for the rest of the time. The echo signal is received for sensing. Limited by the dead zone distance, which is determined by the time period occupied by the pulse signal, the duty cycle of the current pulse sensing signal cannot be too large. A pulse signal duty cycle of 1 / 16 is a typical configuration. At this time, the communication rate will not exceed 1 / 16 of the original communication symbol's communication rate, thus limiting the communication spectral efficiency. Based on this, this application provides a solution to the problem of limited communication spectral efficiency caused by the low duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal.

[0140] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. For example... Figure 8As shown, the communication method may include the following steps: 801: The network device generates a first sensing signal.

[0141] The first sensing signal is transmitted within a first time unit, which consists of at least one sub-time unit, including at least one sub-time unit for transmission and at least one sub-time unit for reception.

[0142] In other words, the at least one sub-time unit includes at least one sub-time unit for transmitting and at least one sub-time unit for receiving. It can also be understood that at least one sub-time unit for transmitting and at least one sub-time unit for receiving constitute the at least one sub-time unit.

[0143] Here, the definitions of first time unit and sub-time unit are used to clearly describe the inclusion and association relationships between two time-domain resources. The names of these two time-domain resources are not limited in this application. For example, in this application, all sub-time units can be replaced with second time units. That is, the first sensing signal is transmitted within the first time unit, and the first time unit consists of at least one second time unit, which includes at least one second time unit for transmission and at least one second time unit for reception.

[0144] In this way, the concept of a sub-time unit is introduced to the sensing signal based on the first time unit, and the relationship between the first time unit and the sub-time unit is defined, which makes the frame structure configuration of the sensing signal more flexible.

[0145] In this application, the purpose of a time unit is used to describe the transmission direction within that time unit, which can also be understood as the direction of transmission used by the network device and the terminal device within the time unit. For example, when a network device sends a sensing signal, the resources used by the network device when sending the sensing signal are the resources used by the network device for transmission. Correspondingly, when a terminal device receives a sensing signal, the resources used by the terminal device when receiving the sensing signal are the resources used by the terminal device for reception. That is, the resources used by the network device when sending the sensing signal are the same resources used by the terminal device when receiving the sensing signal. Based on the characteristics of the sensing signal, in a scenario where the network device transmits and receives its own signal, the network device sends the sensing signal and then receives the corresponding echo signal. The echo signal is not sent by the terminal device; therefore, the terminal device neither transmits nor receives on the resources used by the network device for reception. Therefore, the network device first sends the sensing signal within the first time unit and then receives the corresponding echo signal. The terminal device receives the sensing signal on a portion of the time domain resources within the first time unit.

[0146] From the perspective of the network device, the sub-time unit used for transmission is the sub-time unit used by the network device for transmission, or it can be understood as the sub-time unit carrying downlink data, or it can be understood as the sub-time unit carrying downlink reference signals, or it can be understood as the sub-time unit carrying the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), or a transmission sub-time unit. Correspondingly, from the perspective of the terminal device, the sub-time unit used by the network device for transmission is the same sub-time unit used by the terminal device for reception. From the perspective of the network device, the sub-time unit used for reception is the sub-time unit used by the network device for reception, or it can be understood as a sub-time unit not used for carrying downlink data, or it can be understood as a sub-time unit not used for carrying the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), or a reception sub-time unit, or a reception echo signal sub-time unit. Correspondingly, from the perspective of the terminal device, the behavior of the terminal device in the sub-time unit used by the network device for reception is not limited in this application. As an example, in the sub-time unit used by the network device for reception, the terminal device neither transmits nor receives. For ease of description, in this application, OFDM sub-symbols are used for transmission or reception from the perspective of a network device. This application can also be implemented from the perspective of a terminal device. For example, when an OFDM sub-symbol is used for transmission by a network device, it means that the OFDM sub-symbol is used for reception by a terminal device. When an OFDM sub-symbol is used for reception by a network device, it means that the OFDM sub-symbol is used for either transmission or reception by the terminal device. This application can also combine the perspectives of both the terminal device and the network device to describe the transmission direction of OFDM sub-symbols. For example, some OFDM sub-symbols in an OFDM symbol may be used for reception by the terminal device, and some OFDM sub-symbols may be used for reception by the network device. Or, for example, some OFDM sub-symbols in an OFDM symbol may be used for transmission by the terminal device, and some OFDM sub-symbols may be used for transmission by the network device. No such constraints are imposed in this application.

[0147] In this application, the example of an OFDM symbol as the first time unit and an OFDM sub-symbol as the sub-time unit is used for illustration. This example is optional; this application does not limit the first time unit to an OFDM symbol and the sub-time units to OFDM sub-symbols. They can also be the names of other time-domain resources. For example, a time unit can also be a time slot or frame, and the corresponding sub-time units can be other time-domain resources such as sub-time slots or sub-frames. This application does not limit this. Furthermore, this application does not limit the symbols to OFDM symbols; they can also be other waveforms or modulation schemes, such as single-carrier symbols, pulse-shaped symbols, spread spectrum symbols, frequency-hooking symbols, space-time codes, reference / pilot symbols, and control / signaling symbols. This application does not limit these.

[0148] In this application, an OFDM symbol is referred to as the first OFDM symbol. An OFDM symbol includes at least one OFDM sub-symbol. The time length T occupied by an OFDM symbol is related to its subcarrier spacing Δf, and T and Δf satisfy the following relationship: T = 1 / Δf. Based on the relationship between T and Δf, OFDM symbols with different subcarrier spacings have different time lengths. For example, the subcarrier spacing of the OFDM symbol in a communication system is 2. μ ×15kHz, where μ is any integer, and this invention does not limit it.

[0149] As an example, such as Figure 9As shown, the time length occupied by an OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 30kHz is 1 / 30000 of a second, while the time length occupied by an OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz is 1 / 480000 of a second. Therefore, the time length occupied by an OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 30kHz is 16 times the time length occupied by an OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz, and an OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 30kHz can include 16 OFDM symbols with a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz. Alternatively, it can be understood that an OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 30kHz is composed of 16 OFDM symbols with a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz. Here, the OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 30kHz is the first OFDM symbol, and the OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz is the OFDM subsymbol. In this example, one OFDM symbol includes 16 OFDM subsymbols. In this application, no constraints are imposed on the subcarrier spacing of the first OFDM and the subcarrier spacing of the OFDM sub-symbol, as long as the time domain length occupied by the first OFDM is greater than or equal to the time domain length occupied by the OFDM sub-symbol.

[0150] The first OFDM symbol consists of at least one OFDM sub-symbol, which includes at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission and at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception. For example... Figure 10 As shown, an OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz can include 16 OFDM symbols with a subcarrier spacing of 480 kHz. Among them, the eight OFDM sub-symbols numbered 0 / 3 / 5 / 6 / 9 / 10 / 12 / 15 are OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission, and the remaining OFDM sub-symbols are OFDM sub-symbols used for reception. In this application, the number can also be understood as an index.

[0151] The first OFDM symbol consists of at least one OFDM sub-symbol, and each OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol has a corresponding number, which can also be understood as an index. The first OFDM symbol has at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission and at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception. The OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission or reception are associated with the OFDM sub-symbol number.

[0152] At least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of N, where M and N are positive integers and M and N are relatively prime numbers. Correspondingly, at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are not multiples of M and N, where M and N are positive integers and M and N are relatively prime numbers.

[0153] As one possible implementation, M is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol, and N is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol.

[0154] As an example, when the subcarrier spacing of an OFDM symbol is 30 kHz and the subcarrier spacing of an OFDM sub-symbol is 480 kHz, one OFDM symbol includes 16 OFDM sub-symbols, numbered 0-15. For example... Figure 11A As shown, taking M=3 and N=5 as an example, the multiples of 3 and 5 in the range of 0-15 include: 0, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 15. Therefore, the sub-symbols numbered 0, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 15 are the sub-symbols used for transmission, and the sub-symbols numbered 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14 are the sub-symbols used for reception. Figure 8 OFDM sub-symbols marked with T are used for transmission, and OFDM sub-symbols marked with R are used for reception. The number of OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission is 8, which is greater than 1.

[0155] The following example illustrates how to improve utilization:

[0156] Taking an OFDM symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 30kHz and an OFDM sub-symbol with a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz as an example, there are multiple combinations of M and N that satisfy the condition that "M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers, M is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol, and N is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol." These combinations of M and N are denoted as (M, N). At least one of the following (M, N) combinations can be considered as candidate combinations of (M, N): (2, 3), (2, 5), (2, 7), (2, 9), (2, 11), (2, 13), (2, 15), (3, 4), (3, 5), (3, 7), (3, 8), (3, 10), (3, 11), (3, 13), (3, 14), (4, 5), (4, 7), (4, 9), (4, 11), (4, 13), (4, 15), (5, 6), (5, 7), (5, 8), (5, 9), (5, 11), (5, 12), (5, 13), (5, 14), (6, 7), (6, 11), (6, 13), (7, 8), (7, 9), (7, 10), (7, 11), (7, 12), (7, 13), (7, 15), (8, 9), (8, 11), (8, 13), (8, 15), (9, 10), (9, 11), (9, 13), (9, 14), (10, 11), (10, 13), (11, 12), (11, 13), (11, 14), (11, 15), (12, 13), (13, 14), (13, 15), (14, 15). In any of the above combinations, when at least one OFDM sub-symbol used for transmission includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of N, the number of OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and N is greater than or equal to 3. For example, in (14, 15), the number of OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and N are 0, 14, and 15, respectively, meaning there are 3 OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission. Similarly, in (5, 11), the number of OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and N are 0, 5, 10, 11, and 15, respectively, meaning there are 5 OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission. Further details are omitted. Therefore, when using one of the above combinations of M and N, the number of OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission is also greater than or equal to 3. It can be seen that using this method can effectively increase the number of OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission, thereby effectively increasing the duty cycle and ultimately improving spectral efficiency.

[0157] By using the above method, the OFDM sub-symbol number is used to implicitly indicate whether the OFDM sub-symbol is used for transmission or reception, which effectively improves the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal. The duty cycle is the proportion of the sub-symbol used for transmission to the total number of OFDM sub-symbols in the first OFDM symbol, thereby improving the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the network device sends first information, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information. The first information indicates that each OFDM sub-symbol in at least one OFDM sub-symbol (the first OFDM symbol) is either an OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or an OFDM sub-symbol for reception. In other words, the first information indicates which OFDM sub-symbols in the first OFDM symbol are for transmission and which are for reception. Alternatively, the first information indicates which OFDM sub-symbols (the OFDM sub-symbols for transmission) carry the communication data (PDSCH). Here, the first information is configuration information.

[0159] The first OFDM symbol includes K OFDM sub-symbols, and the K OFDM symbols include K T OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission and K R Taking an OFDM sub-symbol used for reception as an example, a specific implementation method is given:

[0160] The first information indicates the first bitmap, which consists of K bits (or K characters).

[0161] As an example, the i-th bit of the K bits indicates whether the i-th OFDM sub-symbol is for transmission or for reception, where 1 ≤ i ≤ K. For instance, each bit has two values, a first value and a second value. If the i-th bit has the first value, then the corresponding i-th OFDM sub-symbol is for transmission; if the i-th bit has the second value, then the corresponding i-th OFDM sub-symbol is for reception. For example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1, or the first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0.

[0162] In another example, each of the K bits is numbered 0, ..., K-1. Each of the K bits corresponds to one of the K OFDM sub-symbols. The bit numbered j indicates whether the OFDM sub-symbol numbered j is for transmission or reception, where 0 ≤ j ≤ K-1. For example, each bit has two values, a first value and a second value. If the bit numbered j has the first value, then the corresponding OFDM sub-symbol numbered j is for transmission; if the bit numbered j has the second value, then the corresponding OFDM sub-symbol numbered j is for reception. For example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1, or the first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0.

[0163] The K OFDM sub-symbols indicated by the first bitmap satisfy the following rule: K T The OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission include OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of N.

[0164] K R The OFDM sub-symbols used for reception include OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are not multiples of M and N, where M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers.

[0165] In one possible implementation, the network device sends second information indicating a first bitmap set, which includes at least one bitmap, and the first bitmap is one of the bitmaps in the first bitmap set. That is, the first information indicates a first bitmap, which has one or more candidate bitmaps, referred to as the first bitmap set, and this first bitmap set is indicated by the second information. In other words, the first information instructs the terminal device to use the first bitmap in the first bitmap set indicated by the second information; for example, the first information instructs the terminal device which bitmap to use to indicate at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception in the first OFDM symbols.

[0166] By instructing the terminal device with the first information, it can determine whether each OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol is for transmission or reception based on the bitmap indication. This improves the duty cycle of the sensing pulse signal and consequently enhances the communication spectrum efficiency of the pulse sensing signal. Furthermore, by introducing a first bitmap set and configuring multiple candidate values ​​for the first bitmap, the flexibility of bitmap configuration can be improved.

[0167] As one possible implementation, the first information indicates M and N. Further, the network device sends third information indicating at least one set of M and N, where M and N are one of at least one set of M and N. For example, the third information indicates two sets of M and N: the first set is M1 and N1, and the second set is M2 and N2. The first information indicates one of these two sets of M and N, i.e., the first information indicates "M1 and N1" or "M2 and N2". The first information instructs the terminal device to use one of the sets of M and N indicated by the third information. For example, the first information instructs the terminal device to use which set of M and N to indicate at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission and at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception in the first OFDM symbols.

[0168] By introducing multiple sets of values ​​for M and N, the flexibility of network devices in indicating M and N can be improved.

[0169] As one possible implementation, the minimum number of consecutive OFDM sub-symbols for transmission in at least one OFDM sub-symbol included in the first OFDM symbol is 1. Another description is that the first OFDM symbol includes K OFDM sub-symbols, and the K OFDM symbols include K... T OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission and K R K OFDM sub-symbols for reception T The minimum value for the number of consecutive OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission is 1. Understandably, the number of consecutive OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission can have one or more values. If there is one value, the minimum value is that single value; if there are multiple values, the minimum value is one of those multiple values.

[0170] Another way to describe it is that the OFDM sub-symbols preceding and following the first OFDM sub-symbol are OFDM sub-symbols used for reception, or the first OFDM sub-symbol is the first OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and the adjacent OFDM sub-symbols are OFDM sub-symbols used for reception, or the first OFDM sub-symbol is the last OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and the adjacent OFDM sub-symbols are OFDM sub-symbols used for reception.

[0171] Optionally, in the above implementation, K T The number of OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission is greater than or equal to 2.

[0172] like Figure 11AAs shown, taking M=3 and N=5 as an example, the symbol labeled T is the OFDM sub-symbol used for transmission, denoted as T symbol, and the symbol labeled R is the OFDM sub-symbol used for reception, denoted as R symbol. Consecutive T symbols include numbers 0, 3, 5 and 6, 9 and 10, 12, and 15, corresponding to consecutive T symbol counts of 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, and 1, respectively. Among these six values, the minimum value is 1. Furthermore, the number of T symbols is 8, which is greater than 2. This satisfies the requirements of the above implementation method.

[0173] In this way, on the one hand, it ensures that the number of consecutive OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission is greater than 1, increasing the duty cycle and thus improving spectral efficiency. On the other hand, it ensures that the minimum value of the number of one or more consecutive OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission within an OFDM symbol is 1, guaranteeing that this scheme increases the sensing blind zone almost without increasing the duty cycle. In other words, it ensures that the minimum number of consecutive OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission is 1, and the blind zone distance is determined based on this minimum value; therefore, a minimum value of 1 does not increase the blind zone distance. Figure 11A In the example below, after system simulation, the following results are obtained: Figure 11B The simulation results shown indicate that the blind zone distance corresponds to 1 / 16 of the OFDM symbol duration. Figure 7 In the example, the blind zone distance also corresponds to 1 / 16 of the OFDM symbol duration. Therefore, based on the system results, it was further determined that the minimum number of consecutive OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission is 1, which will not increase the blind zone distance.

[0174] 802: The network device sends a first sensing signal, and the corresponding terminal device receives the first sensing signal.

[0175] The first OFDM includes K OFDM symbols, and these K OFDM symbols include K T OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission and K R One OFDM sub-symbol for reception. Network devices in K... T The first sensing signal is transmitted on one OFDM sub-symbol used for transmission, in K R The echo signal of the first sensing signal is received on an OFDM sub-symbol used for receiving. The first sensing signal can also be understood as a sensing pulse signal. After receiving the echo signal, the network device senses targets in the environment based on the echo signal.

[0176] From the terminal's perspective, K T K OFDM sub-symbols are used for transmission. T Each terminal device is used to receive OFDM sub-symbols, and the terminal device is in K T The first sensing signal is received on an OFDM sub-symbol used for receiving.

[0177] In K R On the OFDM sub-symbols used by the network devices for receiving, the terminal devices neither transmit nor receive.

[0178] Based on the scheme in this application, the first sensing signal occupies K OFDM sub-symbols, and the K OFDM sub-symbols include K T OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission and K R OFDM sub-symbols are used for reception. OFDM sub-symbols numbered as multiples of M and N are used for transmission. The remaining OFDM sub-symbols are used for reception, where M and N are coprime. This increases the duty cycle of the first sensing signal (the proportion of OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission out of the total number of OFDM sub-symbols), thereby improving the communication spectral efficiency of the first sensing signal, while barely increasing the sensing dead zone. Furthermore, the network device sends configuration information of the first sensing signal to the terminal device, indicating which OFDM sub-symbols in the first sensing signal are used for transmission (carrying PDSCH) and which are used for reception (not carrying PDSCH), so that the terminal device can demodulate PDSCH on the OFDM sub-symbols used for transmission.

[0179] The method provided in this application has been described above. In addition, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the functions described in the above method embodiments.

[0180] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware 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.

[0181] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0182] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a communication device 120 is shown. The communication device 120 includes a processing module 1201 and a transceiver module 1202. This communication device 120 can be used to implement the functions of the aforementioned terminal equipment or network equipment.

[0183] In some embodiments, the communication device 120 may further include a storage module. Figure 12 (Not shown in the image) is used to store program instructions and data.

[0184] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1202, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement sending and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 1202 may consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0185] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1202 may include a receiving module and a sending module, respectively configured to perform the receiving and sending steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 1201 may be configured to perform the processing steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein.

[0186] When the communication device 120 is used to implement the functions of a terminal device:

[0187] Processing module 1201 generates a first sensing signal, which is transmitted within a first time unit. The first time unit consists of at least one sub-time unit, which includes at least one sub-time unit for transmission and at least one sub-time unit for reception. The first time unit is a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and the sub-time unit is an OFDM sub-symbol. Transceiver module 1202 transmits the first sensing signal on the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission.

[0188] In one possible design, the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of N, and the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are not multiples of M and not multiples of N, wherein M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers.

[0189] In one possible design, M is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol, and N is greater than 1 and less than the number of OFDM sub-symbols included in the first OFDM symbol.

[0190] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver module 1202 sending first information indicating that each OFDM sub-symbol in the at least one OFDM sub-symbol is an OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or an OFDM sub-symbol for reception.

[0191] In one possible design, the first information indicates a first bitmap comprising K bits, the first OFDM symbol comprising K OFDM sub-symbols, and the i-th bit of the K bits indicating that the i-th OFDM sub-symbol among the K OFDM sub-symbols is an OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or an OFDM sub-symbol for reception, where 1≤i≤K.

[0192] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver module 1202 sending second information indicating a first bitmap set, the first bitmap set including at least one bitmap, the first bitmap being one of the bitmaps in the first bitmap set.

[0193] In one possible design, the first information indicates M and N.

[0194] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver module 1202 sending third information indicating at least one set of M and N, wherein M and N are one of the at least one set of M and N.

[0195] In one possible design, the first OFDM symbol includes a first OFDM sub-symbol, which is an OFDM sub-symbol for transmission within the first OFDM symbol. This includes: the preceding and following adjacent OFDM sub-symbols of the first OFDM sub-symbol being OFDM sub-symbols for reception; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the first OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the last OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception. The number of the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission is greater than or equal to two.

[0196] In one possible design, M is 3 and N is 5.

[0197] In one possible design, transceiver module 1202 receives the echo signal of the first sensing signal on at least one OFDM sub-symbol for receiving.

[0198] When the communication device 120 is used to implement the functions of a network device:

[0199] Processing module 1201 determines a first time unit, which consists of at least one sub-time unit, including at least one sub-time unit for receiving. The first time unit is a first orthogonal multiplexed OFDM symbol, and the sub-time unit is an OFDM sub-symbol. Transceiver module 1202 receives a first sensing signal on the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for receiving.

[0200] In one possible design, the at least one sub-time unit also includes a sub-time unit for network device reception.

[0201] In one possible design, the at least one sub-time unit may further include a sub-time unit for network device reception, or alternatively, the at least one sub-time unit may further include a sub-time unit for transmission (a sub-time unit for terminal device transmission).

[0202] In one possible design, the at least one sub-time unit may further include a sub-time unit for network device reception, or the at least one sub-time unit may further include sub-time units that are not used for transmission and reception.

[0203] In the above three possible designs, the terminal device’s transmission or reception behavior on OFDM sub-symbols other than those used for reception in the first time unit is not constrained.

[0204] In one possible design, the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for receiving includes OFDM sub-symbols numbered as multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols numbered as multiples of N, where M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers.

[0205] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver module 1202 receiving first information indicating that each OFDM sub-symbol in the at least one OFDM sub-symbol is the OFDM sub-symbol for reception or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception by the network device.

[0206] In one possible design, the first information indicates a first bitmap, which includes K bits, and the first OFDM symbol includes K OFDM sub-symbols. The i-th bit among the K bits indicates that the i-th OFDM sub-symbol among the K OFDM sub-symbols is the OFDM sub-symbol for reception or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception by the network device, where 1≤i≤K.

[0207] In one possible design, the transceiver module 1202 receives second information indicating a first bitmap set, which includes at least one bitmap, and the first bitmap is one of the bitmaps in the first bitmap set.

[0208] In one possible design, the first information indicates M and N.

[0209] In one possible design, the method further includes: the transceiver module 1202 receiving third information indicating at least one set of M and N, wherein M and N are one of the at least one set of M and N.

[0210] In one possible design, the first OFDM sub-symbol is an OFDM sub-symbol for reception within the first OFDM symbol, including: the preceding and following adjacent OFDM sub-symbols of the first OFDM sub-symbol being OFDM sub-symbols for reception by the network device; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the first OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception by the network device; or, the first OFDM sub-symbol being the last OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol and its adjacent OFDM sub-symbols being OFDM sub-symbols for reception by the network device, wherein the number of the at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception is greater than or equal to 2.

[0211] In one possible design, M is 3 and N is 5.

[0212] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0213] In this application, the communication device 120 can be presented in an integrated manner by dividing it into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0214] In some embodiments, when Figure 12 When the communication device 120 is a chip or chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1202 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 1201 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0215] Since the communication device 120 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0216] As a possible product form, the terminal device or network device described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using the following: one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0217] As another possible product form, the terminal device or network device described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, see [link to documentation]. Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 130 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 130 includes a processor 1301 and a transceiver 1302. The communication device 130 can be a terminal device, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 130 can be a network device, or a chip or module therein. Figure 13 Only the main components of the communication device 130 are shown. In addition to the processor 1301 and transceiver 1302, the communication device may further include a memory 1303 and input / output devices. Figure 13 (Not shown).

[0218] Optionally, the processor 1301 is mainly used for processing communication protocols and communication data, as well as controlling the entire communication device.

[0219] The software program is executed, and its data is processed to implement the method provided in the above embodiments. The memory 1303 is primarily used to store the software program and data. The transceiver 1302 may include a radio frequency (RF) circuit and an antenna. The RF circuit is primarily used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0220] Optionally, the processor 1301, transceiver 1302, and memory 1303 can be connected via a communication bus.

[0221] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1301 can read the software program in the memory 1303, execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1301 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then performs RF processing on 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 1301. The processor 1301 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0222] 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.

[0223] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-described communication device 160 can be implemented in hardware using... Figure 13 The communication device 130 shown is in the form of [example device].

[0224] As an example, Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1201 can be achieved through... Figure 13 The processor 1301 in the communication device 130 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1303 to implement the communication. Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1202 can be obtained through Figure 13 This is achieved through the transceiver 1302 in the communication device 130 shown.

[0225] As another possible product form, the terminal device or network device in this application can adopt... Figure 14 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 14 The components shown. Figure 14 This application provides a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 1400, which can be a terminal device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a terminal device; or, it can be a network device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a network device.

[0226] like Figure 14 As shown, the communication device 1400 includes at least one processor 1401 and at least one communication interface. Figure 14 (This is merely an example illustration, using a communication interface 1404 and a processor 1401 as examples.) Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include at least one of a communication bus 1402, a memory 1403, and a computer-readable storage medium 1407.

[0227] Processor 1401 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor (e.g., x86, ARM), a microcontroller, an FPGA, a GPU, a PLD, a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions, or any combination thereof. Processor 1401 may also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0228] Communication bus 1402 is used to connect different components in communication device 1400, enabling these components to communicate. For example, communication bus 1402 communicatively couples various circuits together. Communication bus 1402 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 14 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. For example, the communication bus 1402 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application of the communication device and overall design constraints. In addition, the communication bus 1402 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits.

[0229] As one possible implementation, communication interface 1404 is used for communicating with other devices or communication networks. Exemplarily, communication interface 1404 can be a transceiver module, interface, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of communication. The transceiver can be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array can be used together to communicate with the appropriate network type. The transceiver module is capable of both transmitting and receiving functions. When the transceiver module performs the transmitting function, it can be called a transmitting module (sometimes also called a transmitting unit), and when the transceiver module performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving module (sometimes also called a receiving unit). The transmitting module and the receiving module can be the same functional module, called the transceiver module, which performs both transmitting and receiving functions; or, the transmitting module and the receiving module can be different functional modules, with "transceiver module" being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0230] As another possible implementation, the communication interface 1404 can also be an input / output interface located within the processor 1401, used to implement signal input and signal output of the processor.

[0231] As another possible implementation, communication interface 1404 can also be understood as a bus interface. It provides an interface between the communication bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can provide an interface or device for communicating with various other devices via wireless / wired transmission media. The transceiver can be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array can be used together for communication with the appropriate type of network.

[0232] The memory 1403 may be a device with storage function for storing instructions and / or data. The instructions may be computer programs. For example, the memory 1403 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions; it may also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions; it may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0233] It should be noted that the memory 1403 can exist independently of the processor 1401, or it can be integrated with the processor 1401. The memory 1403 can be located inside or outside the communication device 1400, without limitation.

[0234] The processor 1401 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 1403, or to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium 1407, to implement the methods provided in the above embodiments of this application.

[0235] For example, the processor 1401 may also implement at least one of the following functions, or the processor 1401 executes instructions or computer programs stored in the memory 1403 or computer-readable storage medium 1407 to implement at least one of the following functions: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate matching de-scrambling, scrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, channel equalization, RE de-mapping, digital beamforming (BF), adding cyclic prefix (CP), removing CP, etc.

[0236] Optionally, the processor 1401 and / or memory 1403 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module, which is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio network intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0237] As an optional implementation, the communication device 1400 may also include an output device 1405 and an input device 1406. Figure 14 (Not shown in the image). Output device 1405 communicates with processor 1401 and can display information in various ways. For example, output device 1405 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. Input device 1406 communicates with processor 1401 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, input device 1406 can be a mouse, keyboard, touch screen device, or sensor device, etc.

[0238] In some embodiments, the hardware implementation will be apparent to those skilled in the art as described above. Figure 12 The communication device 120 shown can be adopted Figure 14 The communication device shown is in the form of 1400.

[0239] As an example, Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1201 can be achieved through... Figure 14 The processor 1401 in the communication device 1400 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1403 to implement the communication. Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1202 can be obtained through Figure 14 This is achieved through the communication interface 1404 in the communication device 1400 shown.

[0240] It should be noted that, Figure 14 The structures shown do not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal device or network device. For example, in other embodiments of this application, the terminal device or network device may include more or fewer components than those shown, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The components shown may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0241] In one possible implementation, the processor in this application embodiment may include communication and processing circuitry. The communication and processing circuitry may include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure that performs various processes related to wireless communication or sensing (such as signal reception and / or signal transmission). The communication and processing circuitry may include two or more transmit / receive chains. The functions implemented by the communication and processing circuitry may also be processed on a computer-readable medium.

[0242] In some embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments.

[0243] As one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. This memory stores necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, which a processor can invoke to instruct the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the memory may not be present in the communication device.

[0244] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, used to receive computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0245] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0246] It is understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0247] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above-described method embodiments.

[0248] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0249] Those skilled in the art will 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.

[0250] It is understood that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described in this application can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0251] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0252] In addition, 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.

[0253] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and 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 via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. 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 (e.g., solid-state drive (SSD)). In this embodiment, the computer may include the aforementioned apparatus.

[0254] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0255] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and combinations can be made therein without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are to be considered as covering any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application.

[0256] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for generating a signal, characterized in that, The method includes: A first sensing signal is generated and transmitted within a first time unit. The first time unit consists of at least one sub-time unit, which includes at least one sub-time unit for transmission and at least one sub-time unit for reception. The first time unit is a first orthogonal multiplexed OFDM symbol, and the sub-time unit is an OFDM sub-symbol. The first sensing signal is transmitted on at least one OFDM sub-symbol used for transmission.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one OFDM sub-symbol for transmission includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of N. The at least one OFDM sub-symbol for reception includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are neither multiples of M nor multiples of N, wherein M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message indicating that each of the at least one OFDM sub-symbols is either the OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first information indicates a first bitmap, which includes K bits. The first OFDM symbol includes K OFDM sub-symbols. The i-th bit among the K bits indicates that the i-th OFDM sub-symbol among the K OFDM sub-symbols is the OFDM sub-symbol for transmission or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception, where 1≤i≤K.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, the second message indicating a first bitmap set, the first bitmap set including at least one bitmap, the first bitmap being one of the bitmaps in the first bitmap set.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first information indicates M and N.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message indicating at least one set of M and N, wherein M and N are one of the at least one set of M and N.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first OFDM symbol includes a first OFDM sub-symbol, which is an OFDM sub-symbol used for transmission within the first OFDM symbol, including: The preceding and following adjacent OFDM sub-symbols of the first OFDM sub-symbol are OFDM sub-symbols used for reception, or, The first OFDM sub-symbol is the first OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbols and the adjacent OFDM sub-symbols are OFDM sub-symbols used for reception, or, The first OFDM sub-symbol is the last OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol set, and the adjacent OFDM sub-symbols are OFDM sub-symbols used for reception. The number of at least one OFDM sub-symbol used for transmission is greater than or equal to 2.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, M is 3, N is 5.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The echo signal of the first sensing signal is received on at least one OFDM sub-symbol for receiving.

11. A method for generating a signal, characterized in that, The method includes: A first time unit is determined, which is composed of at least one sub-time unit, the at least one sub-time unit including at least one sub-time unit for receiving, the first time unit is a first orthogonal multiplexed OFDM symbol, and the sub-time unit is an OFDM sub-symbol; A first sensing signal is received on at least one OFDM sub-symbol used for receiving.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one sub-time unit also includes a sub-time unit for network device reception.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The at least one OFDM sub-symbol for receiving includes OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of M and OFDM sub-symbols whose numbers are multiples of N, wherein M and N are positive integers and M and N are coprime numbers.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, the first information indicating that each OFDM sub-symbol in the at least one OFDM sub-symbol is the OFDM sub-symbol for reception or the OFDM sub-symbol for reception by the network device.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first information indicates a first bitmap, which includes K bits. The first OFDM symbol includes K OFDM sub-symbols. The i-th bit among the K bits indicates that the i-th OFDM sub-symbol among the K OFDM sub-symbols is the OFDM sub-symbol for reception or the OFDM sub-symbol for network device reception, where 1≤i≤K.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information indicating a first bitmap set, the first bitmap set including at least one bitmap, the first bitmap being one of the bitmaps in the first bitmap set.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first information indicates M and N.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, the third information indicating at least one set of M and N, wherein M and N are one of the at least one set of M and N.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that, The first OFDM sub-symbol is one of the first OFDM symbols used for receiving, including: The preceding and following adjacent OFDM sub-symbols of the first OFDM sub-symbol are OFDM sub-symbols for reception by network devices, or, The first OFDM sub-symbol is the first OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbols and the adjacent OFDM sub-symbols are OFDM sub-symbols used for reception by the network device, or, The first OFDM sub-symbol is the last OFDM sub-symbol in the first OFDM symbol set, and the adjacent OFDM sub-symbols are OFDM sub-symbols used for reception by network devices. The number of at least one OFDM sub-symbol used for receiving is greater than or equal to 2.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, M is 3, N is 5.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, or to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11-20.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in any one of claims 1-10 to be performed, or cause the method described in any one of claims 11-20 to be performed.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, they cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-10 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 11-20 to be performed.

Images