Communication method, communication device, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a communication device, a storage medium and a program product, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: receiving, by a terminal device, a first reference signal sent by a network device, the first reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the first reference signal being used for communication measurement; or sending, to the network device, a second reference signal, the second reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the second reference signal being used for communication measurement. The method of the present disclosure defines the relationship between the first reference signal or the second reference signal and the sensing reference signal, achieves the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement, and improves the measurement accuracy, reduces the processing energy consumption, and reuses the communication reference signal.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, communication devices, storage media, and program products. Background Technology

[0002] ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) technology aims to integrate sensing capabilities into the design of communication systems, enabling these systems to provide sensing as a service alongside communication. The design of an ISAC system requires consideration of both communication and sensing requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, storage medium, and program product that can be used in the field of communication technology.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a terminal device, comprising: receiving a first reference signal sent by a network device, the first reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the first reference signal being used for communication measurement; or, sending a second reference signal to the network device, the second reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the second reference signal being used for communication measurement.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a network device, comprising: sending a first reference signal to a terminal device, the first reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the first reference signal being used for communication measurement; or receiving a second reference signal sent by the terminal device, the second reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the second reference signal being used for communication measurement.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, which are respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, and configured to control the transmission and reception of wireless signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and to implement the method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a network device and a terminal device, wherein the terminal device is configured to implement the method described in any one of the first aspects of the present disclosure, and the network device is configured to implement the method described in any one of the second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer storage medium is provided that stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0010] According to the communication method proposed in this disclosure, the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement is realized, thereby improving measurement accuracy, reducing processing power consumption, and reusing the communication reference signal. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the scene;

[0014] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0016] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of the first reference signal or the second reference signal;

[0017] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, storage medium, and program product.

[0023] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal device, comprising: receiving a first reference signal sent by a network device, the first reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the first reference signal being used for communication measurement; or, sending a second reference signal to the network device, the second reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the second reference signal being used for communication measurement.

[0024] In the above embodiments, the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement is achieved, thereby improving measurement accuracy, reducing processing power consumption, and reusing the communication reference signal.

[0025] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the first reference signal and the second reference signal is all or part of the sensing reference signal, or is a coupled signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal.

[0026] In the above embodiments, by defining the relationship between at least one of the first reference signal and the second reference signal and the sensing reference signal, the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement is achieved.

[0027] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, a first reference signal or a second reference signal is determined according to a protocol predefined or configuration information sent by a network device. The configuration information is used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement in the sensing reference signal.

[0028] In the above embodiments, the specific position in the reference signal used for communication measurement is defined by means of protocol predefinition or network device configuration.

[0029] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining a first reference signal or a second reference signal based on a protocol predefined or configuration information sent by a network device includes any one of the following: determining the first reference signal or the second reference signal as all or part of a sensing reference signal based on a protocol predefined; or determining the first reference signal or the second reference signal as all or part of a sensing reference signal based on configuration information sent by a network device.

[0030] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining a first reference signal or a second reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device includes any one of the following: according to a protocol predefined definition, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, discarding the communication reference signal, and determining the first reference signal or the second reference signal as the entirety of the sensing reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device; according to a protocol predefined definition, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, discarding the communication reference signal, and determining the first reference signal or the second reference signal as the entirety of the sensing reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device. The configuration information sent by the network device determines that either the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a portion of the sensing reference signal, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource; according to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and according to the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be a portion of the sensing reference signal, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource.

[0031] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining a first reference signal or a second reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device includes any one of the following: according to a protocol predefined definition, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured, and according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be a combined signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal; according to a protocol predefined definition, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured, and according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be a combined signal formed by the portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal.

[0032] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining a first reference signal or a second reference signal according to a protocol predefined or configuration information sent by a network device includes: according to a protocol predefined, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, discarding the sensing reference signal and determining that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is all or part of the communication reference signal.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining a first reference signal or a second reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device includes any one of the following: according to a protocol predefined definition, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured, and according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be a combined signal formed by a communication reference signal and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal; according to a protocol predefined definition, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured, and according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be a combined signal formed by a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can determine the reference signal for communication measurement based on the protocol predefined or the network device configuration, so as to replace the communication measurement signal with the sensing reference signal and perform the communication measurement.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving signaling sent by a network device, the signaling including configuration information.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can receive configuration information sent by the network device through signaling, so as to determine the reference signal for communication measurement based on the configuration of the network device, and realize the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the resource location includes at least one of the following: a time-domain resource location, which includes at least one of the following: a time-domain start unit carrying a first reference signal or a second reference signal; a time-domain resource length carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a time-domain termination unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a frequency-domain resource location, which includes at least one of the following: a frequency-domain start unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a frequency-domain resource length carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a frequency-domain termination unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; and a spatial-domain resource location, which includes a port number for receiving or transmitting the first reference signal or the second reference signal.

[0038] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can determine the resource location for communication measurement based on the protocol predefined or the network device configuration, so as to achieve the purpose of using the sensed reference signal for communication measurement.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the communication reference signal includes at least one of the following: primary synchronization signal PSS; secondary synchronization signal SSS; demodulation reference signal DMRS; channel state information reference signal CSI-RS; phase tracking reference signal PT-RS; and detection reference signal SRS.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the measurement quantities of the communication measurement include at least one of the following: Layer 1 reference signal received power L1-RSRP; Layer 1 signal-to-noise ratio L1-SINR; reference signal received power RSRP; and reference signal received quality RSRQ.

[0041] In the above embodiments, by defining the terminal device to use the first reference signal or the second reference signal for communication measurement, the purpose of replacing the communication measurement signal with the sensing reference signal and performing communication measurement is achieved, thereby improving measurement accuracy, reducing processing power consumption, and reusing the communication reference signal.

[0042] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, comprising: sending a first reference signal to a terminal device, the first reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the first reference signal being used for communication measurement; or receiving a second reference signal sent by the terminal device, the second reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the second reference signal being used for communication measurement.

[0043] In the above embodiments, by defining a first reference signal sent by the network device to the terminal device or a second reference signal received from the terminal device for communication measurement, the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement is achieved, thereby improving measurement accuracy, reducing processing power consumption, and reusing the communication reference signal.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal are all or part of the sensing reference signal, or are a coupled signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal.

[0045] In the above embodiments, by defining the relationship between at least one of the first reference signal and the second reference signal and the sensing reference signal, the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement is achieved.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending configuration information to a terminal device, the configuration information being used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement in the sensing reference signal, the configuration information being used by the terminal device to determine a first reference signal or a second reference signal.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the network device can send configuration information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can determine the reference signal for communication measurement, thereby achieving the purpose of using the sensed reference signal for communication measurement.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining, according to a protocol predefined, all or part of the first reference signal or the second reference signal as a sensing reference signal.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes any one of the following: according to a protocol predefined definition, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, discarding the communication reference signal and determining that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is the entirety of the sensing reference signal; according to a protocol predefined definition, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, discarding the communication reference signal and determining that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a portion of the sensing reference signal, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource; according to a protocol predefined definition, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, discarding the communication reference signal and determining that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a portion of the sensing reference signal, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes any one of the following: according to a protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, determining that a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured, and determining that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combined signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal; according to a protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, determining that a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured, and determining that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combined signal formed by the partial sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes any one of the following: according to a protocol predefined, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, discarding the sensing reference signal and determining that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is all or part of the communication reference signal.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes any one of the following: according to a protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, determining that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punctured, and determining that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combined signal formed by the communication reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal; according to a protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, determining that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punctured, and determining that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combined signal formed by the partial communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource and the unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the network device can determine, based on a predefined protocol, that the reference signal used for communication measurement is all or part of the sensing reference signal, thereby achieving the purpose of replacing the communication measurement signal with the sensing reference signal and performing communication measurement.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending signaling to a terminal device, the signaling including configuration information.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device via signaling, so that the terminal device can determine the reference signal for communication measurement based on the configuration information.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the resource location includes at least one of the following: a time-domain resource location, which includes at least one of the following: a time-domain start unit carrying a first reference signal or a second reference signal; a time-domain resource length carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a time-domain termination unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a frequency-domain resource location, which includes at least one of the following: a frequency-domain start unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a frequency-domain resource length carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a frequency-domain termination unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; and a spatial-domain resource location, which includes a port number for receiving or transmitting the first reference signal or the second reference signal.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the network device can determine the resource location for communication measurement based on the protocol predefined in order to achieve the purpose of using the sensed reference signal for communication measurement.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the communication reference signal includes at least one of the following: primary synchronization signal PSS; secondary synchronization signal SSS; demodulation reference signal DMRS; channel state information reference signal CSI-RS; phase tracking reference signal PT-RS; and detection reference signal SRS.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the measurement quantities of the communication measurement include at least one of the following: Layer 1 reference signal received power L1-RSRP; Layer 1 signal-to-noise ratio L1-SINR; reference signal received power RSRP; and reference signal received quality RSRQ.

[0060] In the above embodiments, by defining the network device to use the first reference signal or the second reference signal for communication measurement, the purpose of replacing the communication measurement signal with the sensing reference signal and performing communication measurement is achieved, thereby improving measurement accuracy, reducing processing power consumption, and reusing the communication reference signal.

[0061] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal device, including a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to receive a first reference signal sent by a network device, wherein the first reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the first reference signal is used for communication measurement; or, to send a second reference signal to the network device, wherein the second reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the second reference signal is used for communication measurement.

[0062] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to send a first reference signal to a terminal device, wherein the first reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the first reference signal is used for communication measurement; or, to receive a second reference signal sent by the terminal device, wherein the second reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the second reference signal is used for communication measurement.

[0063] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, configured to control the transmission and reception of wireless signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, so that the communication device performs the method described in any one of the embodiments of the first and second aspects of this disclosure.

[0064] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to implement the method described in any embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure; and the network device is configured to implement the method described in any embodiment of the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0065] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the embodiments of the first or second aspect of this disclosure.

[0066] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0067] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0068] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first and second aspects above.

[0069] It is understood that the aforementioned communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, etc., are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0070] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" can be used interchangeably.

[0071] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the 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.

[0072] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0073] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0074] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0075] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0076] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0078] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0079] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0080] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0081] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0082] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0083] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0084] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0085] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0086] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0087] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0088] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0089] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0090] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0091] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0092] The method proposed in this disclosure is applicable to various communication systems, including but not limited to 4G, 5G, 5G-advance and subsequent communication technologies (such as 6G).

[0093] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal device 101 and a network device 102.

[0095] In some embodiments, terminal device 101 may send a second reference signal to network device.

[0096] In some embodiments, terminal device 101 may receive a first reference signal sent by network device.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terminal device 101 may determine a first reference signal.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terminal device 101 may determine a second reference signal.

[0099] In some embodiments, the terminal device 101 may use the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal for communication measurements.

[0100] In some embodiments, terminal device 101 may receive signaling sent by network device.

[0101] In some embodiments, terminal device 101 may be an intermediate node. The intermediate node includes a terminal and a UE.

[0102] In some embodiments, the name of the terminal device 101 is not limited, and may be, for example, "device for receiving a first reference signal", "device for transmitting a second reference signal", "device for determining a first reference signal", "device for determining a second reference signal", etc., and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0103] In some embodiments, network device 102 may send a first reference signal to terminal device.

[0104] In some embodiments, network device 102 may send configuration information.

[0105] In some embodiments, network device 102 may receive a second reference signal sent by terminal device.

[0106] In some embodiments, network device 102 may determine a first reference signal or a second reference signal based on a protocol predefined.

[0107] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a base station or gNB.

[0108] In some embodiments, the name of the network device 102 is not limited, and may be, for example, "a device for transmitting a first reference signal", "a device for receiving a second reference signal", "a device for transmitting configuration information", etc., and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0109] In some embodiments, the terminal device includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0110] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0111] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0112] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0113] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0114] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0115] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0116] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0117] The following are definitions of the technical terms used in this disclosure:

[0118] 1. L1: Layer 1, physical layer.

[0119] 2. RSRP: Reference Signal Received Power.

[0120] 3. L1-RSRP: Layer 1-Reference Signal Received Power.

[0121] 4. TRP: Transmission and Receiving Point.

[0122] 5. RS: Reference Signal, sensing RS is the sensing reference signal.

[0123] 6. PSS: Primary Synchronization Signal.

[0124] 7. SSS: Secondary Synchronization Signal.

[0125] 8. DMRS: Demodulation Reference Signal.

[0126] 9. CSI-RS: Channel State Information-Reference Signal.

[0127] 10. PT-RS: Phase-tracking reference signals.

[0128] 11. SRS: Sounding Reference Signal, one of the uplink physical signals of NR.

[0129] 12. OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM).

[0130] Currently, ISAC technology mainly focuses on scenarios such as TRP-TRP bistatic (dual TRP), TRP monostatic (single static TRP), TRP-UE bistatic, UE-TRP bistatic, UE-UE bistatic, and UE monostatic (single static UE), as shown in Figure 1B. The above six scenarios will be introduced below:

[0131] 1. Base station self-transmission and self-reception (or gNB self-transmission and self-reception, i.e., TRP monostatic). The base station transmits a sensing reference signal, which passes through the environment or objects in the environment, and the same base station receives and measures the reflected / reflected waves.

[0132] 2. Base station A transmits and B receives (or gNB A transmits and gNB B receives, i.e., TRP-TRP bistatic). Base station A transmits a sensing reference signal. After the sensing reference signal passes through the environment or objects in the environment, base station B receives and measures the reflected / reflected wave.

[0133] 3. Terminal transmits and base station receives (or UE transmits and gNB receives, i.e., UE-TRP bistatic). The terminal sends a sensing reference signal, which, after passing through the environment or objects in the environment, is received by the base station to measure the reflected / scattered waves.

[0134] 4. Base station transmits, terminal receives (gNB transmits, UE receives, i.e., TRP-UE bistatic). The base station transmits a sensing reference signal, which is reflected by the object under test, and the terminal receives and measures the reflected / scattered wave.

[0135] 5. Terminal self-transmission and self-reception (or UE self-transmission and self-reception, i.e., UE monostatic). The terminal sends a sensing reference signal, which passes through the environment or objects in the environment, and the same terminal receives and measures the reflected / scattered waves.

[0136] 6. Terminal A transmits and B receives (or UE A transmits and UE B receives, i.e., UE-UE bistatic). Terminal A transmits a sensing reference signal. After the sensing reference signal passes through the environment or objects in the environment, Terminal B receives and measures the reflected / scattered waves.

[0137] Based on the different scenarios described above, the sensing RS can be transmitted to the UE as an uplink signal or to the base station as a downlink signal. Sensing RS is generally configured with a large bandwidth and a significant number of OFDM symbols in terms of timing, enabling the UE to perform other communication functions based on the sensing RS, such as RRM (Radio Resource Management). In these scenarios, whether and how the sensing RS can be used for communication measurement are technical issues that need to be addressed.

[0138] Sensing measurements include at least one of time delay, Doppler shift, path angle, and power. Communication measurements include at least one of L1-RSRP, RSRP, and RSRQ of the receive beam for the optimal transmit beam.

[0139] The protocol predefined approach can be based on some predefined rules, such as replacing all or part of the communication measurement signals when there is a conflict with the configuration of communication measurement signals (such as PSS, SSS, DMRS, CSI-RS, PT-RS, SRS). When the sensing reference signal is used for communication measurement, the base station configuration can confirm that all or part of the sensing RS is used for communication measurement.

[0140] Among them, configuration conflicts include three situations: all conflicts, no conflicts, and any conflict in the time and frequency domains. All conflicts refer to the complete overlap of the time and frequency domain resources of one signal with another signal. In this case, the base station will only transmit one signal or both signals. Two signals can be transmitted through code division. For example, the communication reference signal is transmitted in the range of 0-20, and the sensing reference signal is also transmitted in the range of 0-20.

[0141] Partial collision refers to the partial overlap of time-frequency domain resources between two signals. In this case, the base station only transmits one signal in the overlapping region, but the terminal still receives two signals. For example, if the communication reference signal is transmitted in the 0-20 range and the sensing reference signal is transmitted in the 10-30 range, with the overlapping region being the 10-20 range, only the sensing reference signal is transmitted in the overlapping region, and the communication reference signal in the overlapping region is not transmitted. Communication measurements are performed using the sensing reference signal, that is, using the 20-30 range for measurement, and the measurement result is used as the communication measurement result. Alternatively, measurements can be performed using the 0-20 range of the communication reference signal, with the sensing reference signal in the 10-20 range coupled with the communication reference signal for communication measurement.

[0142] Any conflict in the time and frequency domains refers to a conflict in the time domain but not in the frequency domain, or a conflict in the frequency domain but not in the time domain. In this case, the base station can send both signals, but the terminal can choose one of them for communication measurement.

[0143] Specifically, when configuring the RS for communication measurements, either a normal RS or a multiplexed sensing RS can be configured. For the latter, it is necessary to configure which part of the sensing RS is used for communication measurements, and at least a sequence fragment of that part is also required.

[0144] Specifically, the RSs configured for communication measurements are all normal RSs. When the UE detects an overlap between a normal RS and a sensing RS, the UE discards the communication RS and uses the sensing RS for communication measurements. Here, it can be a portion of the sensing RS corresponding to the normal RS.

[0145] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product, which defines the relationship between a first reference signal or a second reference signal and a sensing reference signal between a terminal device and a network device, and uses the first reference signal or the second reference signal for communication measurement, so as to achieve the purpose of replacing the communication measurement signal with the sensing reference signal for communication measurement.

[0146] In this disclosure, communication measurement refers to the measurement of relevant information of the channel, measurement feedback, and the specific relevant information and uses are not limited in this disclosure; sensing measurement refers to the measurement of information such as distance, angle, and Doppler frequency offset of the communication object (target), and the position can be obtained through distance, and the specific measurement information and uses are not limited in this disclosure.

[0147] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0148] In step S2101, the network device determines the resource location or sequence segment of the first reference signal.

[0149] In some embodiments, the network device determines the first reference signal based on a predefined protocol. In other words, determining the first reference signal means determining the resource location or sequence segment of the first reference signal.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the first reference signal is used for communication measurements. It is understood that the transmission beam of the sensing reference signal may be used only for sensing services, or only for communication services, or for both sensing and communication services.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the first reference signal is used for communication measurement.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first reference signal is all or part of a sensing reference signal, or a combined signal formed by a sensing reference signal and a communication reference signal. In some embodiments, the network device determines the first reference signal in any of the following ways: determining the first reference signal as all or part of a sensing reference signal according to a protocol predefined method; discarding the communication reference signal and determining the first reference signal as all of a sensing reference signal when it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, according to a protocol predefined method; discarding the communication reference signal and determining the first reference signal as part of a sensing reference signal when it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, according to a protocol predefined method, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first and second resources, or the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping portion of the first and second resources; determining the overlapping portion of the first and second resources when it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, according to a protocol predefined method. A portion of the communication reference signal carried is punctured, and the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by a sensing reference signal and an unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal, or the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource and an unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal; according to a predefined protocol, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the sensing reference signal is discarded, and the first reference signal is determined to be all or part of the communication reference signal; according to a predefined protocol, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punctured, and the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by a communication reference signal and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal, or the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal.

[0153] In some embodiments, the communication reference signal includes at least one of the following: primary synchronization signal PSS; secondary synchronization signal SSS; demodulation reference signal DMRS; channel state information reference signal CSI-RS; phase tracking reference signal PT-RS; and probe reference signal SRS.

[0154] Specifically, network devices can determine the first reference signal in the following ways:

[0155] Option 1:

[0156] According to the predefined protocol, the first reference signal is determined to be all or part of the sensing reference signal.

[0157] For example, a network device configures a first RS for communication measurement. The first RS can be either a normal communication measurement RS or a sensing RS used for sensing services. That is, some or all of the sensing RSs predefined by the protocol can be used for communication measurement. The network device can determine that some or all of the sensing RSs are the first RS based on the protocol predefined definitions.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first reference signal may be a transmit beam carrying a sensing reference signal, which may carry only the sensing reference signal, only the communication reference signal, or both the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first reference signal may be a collection of PSS, SSS, DMRS, CSI-RS, PT-RS, SRS+sensing RS.

[0160] In some embodiments, the network device may, according to a predefined protocol, use the overlapping portion for communication measurement when there is resource overlap between the sensed reference signal and the communication reference signal, that is, use the overlapping portion as the first reference signal.

[0161] In some embodiments, the network device may, according to a predefined protocol, use all of the sensing reference signal for communication measurements. In other words, regardless of whether there is overlap, as long as the sensing reference signal is transmitted, it is used for communication measurements.

[0162] For example, the sensing reference signal used for communication measurements is determined based on predefined rules of the protocol. Specifically, the portion of the sensing reference signal that overlaps with the communication measurement signal in terms of resources is used for communication measurements.

[0163] For example, the sensing reference signal used for communication measurements is determined based on predefined rules of the protocol. Specifically, all sensing reference signals are used for communication measurements.

[0164] In some embodiments, when the first RS is a sensing RS, the network device may configure part or all of the sensing RS for communication measurements, and the sequence segments of the signal are determined by the base station configuration or protocol predefined.

[0165] For example, the sensing reference signal can have its length and width predefined by the protocol, i.e., how many RBs (resource blocks) it occupies in the frequency domain and how many symbols it occupies in the time domain. For instance, when the sensing reference signal is an SSB, it occupies 4 symbols. The network device can configure the first symbol for communication measurement, or the second symbol for communication measurement, or configure symbols 1-3 for communication measurement, and so on. Through symbol mapping, it can be ensured that the SSB remains intact. The sensing RS used for communication measurement can be a sequence segment configured by the base station or predefined by the protocol. For example, the entire sensing RS sequence is sequence #0 to #n, and the base station configures #0 to #m for communication measurement, where m < n.

[0166] In some embodiments, the network device may determine that the first reference signal is all or part of the communication reference signal according to a protocol predefined, and when the first reference signal is determined to be part of the communication reference signal, the network device may send the resource location or sequence fragment of the communication reference signal to the terminal device in the form of configuration information.

[0167] Option 2:

[0168] According to the protocol's predefined rules, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and the first reference signal is determined to be all or part of the sensing reference signal.

[0169] In some embodiments, the network device, according to a predefined protocol, discards the communication reference signal and determines the first reference signal as all or part of the sensing reference signal when a predefined triggering condition is met, i.e., when the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal overlaps with the second resource carrying the communication reference signal. As shown in Figure (1) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is the entire sensing reference signal, or a portion of the sensing reference signal is taken as the first reference signal.

[0170] In some embodiments, the overlap can be partial overlap, that is, partial overlap between the first resource and the second resource. In this case, the network device can determine part or all of the sensing reference signals in the second resource carrying the sensing reference signals for communication measurement based on protocol predefined.

[0171] For example, based on protocol predefined rules, when a first RS and a sensing RS overlap (overlap is the trigger condition), the network device discards the communication RS and uses the sensing RS for communication measurements. The sequence of this signal segment is determined by the protocol predefined rules.

[0172] Option 3:

[0173] According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and the first reference signal is determined to be a portion of the sensing reference signal. The portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first and second resources, or the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping portion of the first and second resources.

[0174] In some embodiments, the network device, based on a predefined protocol, discards the communication reference signal when the first resource and the second resource overlap, and uses the sensing reference signal of the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource for communication measurement. As shown in Figure (2) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is the sensing reference signal of the overlapping portion of the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal.

[0175] In some embodiments, the network device, based on a predefined protocol, discards the communication reference signal when the first resource and the second resource overlap, and uses the sensing reference signal carried by the resource location other than the overlapping part of the first resource and the second resource in the sensing reference signal for communication measurement. As shown in Figure (3) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is the sensing reference signal of the part of the sensing reference signal that does not overlap with the communication reference signal.

[0176] In some embodiments, the overlap can be partial overlap. When the first resource and the second resource overlap, the network device uses the sensing reference signal of the overlapping part for communication measurement based on a protocol predefined method, or uses the sensing reference signal of the non-overlapping part for communication measurement.

[0177] For example, based on protocol predefined rules, when a first RS and a sensing RS overlap, the communication RS is discarded, and a portion of the sensing RS is used for communication measurements. This portion of the sensing RS can be either the overlapping portion or the non-overlapping portion. In other words, determining overlap can be either a triggering condition for determining which sensing RS is used for communication measurements, or a selection condition for determining which part of the sensing RS is used for communication measurements.

[0178] Option 4:

[0179] According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured, and the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal, or the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by the partial sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal.

[0180] In some embodiments, puncturing can involve discarding a portion of the reference signal, i.e., not transmitting that portion of the reference signal or setting the power of that portion of the reference signal to zero. The purpose of puncturing is to ensure that the unpunctured reference signal can be transmitted normally.

[0181] For example, during the downlink of a communication RS, the base station controls one of the RS signals to not be transmitted, which is called "punching". For instance, the base station maps according to the frequency domain 1-10 RBs, where the second RB does not transmit the communication reference signal and its power is set to zero.

[0182] In some embodiments, discarding means discarding all reference signals, that is, the discarded portion of the reference signals is not used at all.

[0183] In some embodiments, the combined signal may be referred to as a coupled signal, an overall signal, a single signal, etc., which means that all or part of two signals are combined to form a single signal.

[0184] In some embodiments, the network device can, based on a predefined protocol, punch holes in the overlapping portion of the communication reference signal when a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, and combine the unpunched communication reference signal with the sensing reference signal to form a combined signal for communication measurement. As shown in Figure (4) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is a combined signal of the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal, wherein the portion of the communication reference signal that overlaps with the sensing reference signal is punched.

[0185] In some embodiments, the network device can, based on a predefined protocol, punch holes in the communication reference signal of the overlapping portion when a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, and combine the sensing reference signal of the overlapping portion with the communication reference signal that has not been punched to form a combined signal for communication measurement. As shown in Figure (5) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is a combined signal of the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal of the non-overlapping portion, wherein the portion of the communication reference signal that overlaps with the sensing reference signal is punched.

[0186] For example, the network device configures a first RS for communication measurements. This first RS is the RS used for normal communication measurements. Furthermore, the protocol predefines that when an overlap is found between a first RS and a sensing RS, the overlapping portion of the communication RS and the sensing RS is punched. The unpunched portion of the communication RS is combined with the sensing RS to perform communication measurements. The sequence segment of this signal is determined by the protocol predefinement.

[0187] In the above embodiments, Scheme 4 can firstly realize the combination of communication reference signal and sensing reference signal. The bandwidth or sequence design of the sensing reference signal is more aggressive than that of the communication reference signal, that is, the accuracy is higher. Using the sensing reference signal instead of the communication reference signal will result in better measurement effect. Secondly, it can reduce the number of signals processed by the terminal device and achieve the purpose of energy saving. Thirdly, the communication reference signal that originally needed to be discarded can be reused, that is, the functions of the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal can be retained at the same time.

[0188] Option 5:

[0189] According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the sensing reference signal is discarded, and the first reference signal is determined to be all or part of the communication reference signal. As shown in Figure (6) in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is all of the communication reference signal, or a part of the communication reference signal can be further used as the first reference signal.

[0190] For example, the network device configures a first sensing RS for communication measurements. This first sensing RS is the RS used for normal communication measurements. Furthermore, the protocol predefines that when an overlap is found between a first sensing RS and a sensing RS, the sensing RS is dropped. Here, "drop" means discarding all sensing RSs, ceasing all measurements of the sensing RSs, and using all or part of the communication reference signal for communication measurements.

[0191] Option Six:

[0192] According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured, and the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by the communication reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal, or the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and the unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal.

[0193] In some embodiments, according to a protocol predefined condition, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is perforated, and the first reference signal is determined to be a combined signal formed by the communication reference signal and the unperforated portion of the sensing reference signal. As shown in Figure (7) of Figure 2C, the first reference signal is a combined signal of the communication reference signal and the sensing reference signal, wherein the sensing reference signal is the portion that overlaps with the communication reference signal that is perforated.

[0194] In some embodiments, according to a protocol predefined condition, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punched, and the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by the portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and the portion of the sensing reference signal that is not punched. As shown in Figure (8) in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is a combination signal of the communication reference signal and the sensing reference signal, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal that overlaps with the communication reference signal is punched, and the portion of the communication reference signal that does not overlap with the sensing reference signal is discarded.

[0195] For example, a network device configures a first RS for communication measurements. This first RS is the RS used for normal communication measurements. Further, the protocol predefines that when an overlap is found between a first RS and a sensing RS, the sensing RS is punched. Punching involves discarding a portion of the sensing RS. The unpunched sensing RS is then used to form a coupled signal with the first RS for communication measurements, or the unpunched sensing RS is combined with the overlapping portion of the first RS to form a combined signal for communication measurements.

[0196] In step S2102, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device.

[0197] In some embodiments, the network device sends signaling to the terminal device, the signaling including configuration information.

[0198] For example, the network device configures a sensing reference signal to be used for resource location in communication measurements via a second signaling, which includes at least one of DCI, MAC CE, and RRC.

[0199] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement in the sensing reference signal, and the configuration information is used by the terminal device to determine the first reference signal.

[0200] In some embodiments, the configuration information sent by the network device may also configure the resource location or sequence fragment of a portion of the communication reference signal in the communication reference signal, so as to use only a portion of the communication reference signal for communication measurement.

[0201] In some embodiments, the resource location includes at least one of the following: a time-domain resource location, which includes at least one of the following: a time-domain start unit carrying the first reference signal; a time-domain resource length carrying the first reference signal; and a time-domain termination unit carrying the first reference signal; a frequency-domain resource location, which includes at least one of the following: a frequency-domain start unit carrying the first reference signal; a frequency-domain resource length carrying the first reference signal; and a frequency-domain termination unit carrying the first reference signal; and a spatial-domain resource location, which includes a port number for receiving or transmitting the first reference signal.

[0202] In some embodiments, the network device may configure the location of time-domain resources, which may be at least one of a time-domain start unit carrying a first reference signal, a time-domain resource length, and a time-domain end unit.

[0203] In some embodiments, the start unit and the end unit may be symbol numbers or time slot numbers, etc., or numbers of basic units corresponding to the time domain or frequency domain in different schemes, which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0204] In some embodiments, the network device may configure the frequency domain resource location, which may be at least one of a frequency domain start unit carrying a first reference signal, a frequency domain resource length, and a frequency domain end unit.

[0205] For example, the frequency domain resource location can be a location identifier corresponding to an RB (Resource Block) or a location identifier corresponding to a PRB (Physical Resource Block).

[0206] In some embodiments, the network device may be configured with airspace resource locations, such as port numbers for receiving or transmitting first reference signals.

[0207] For example, the network device configures the sensing reference signal to be used for resource locations in communication measurements via a second signaling configuration. These resource locations include at least one of time-domain resource locations, frequency-domain resource locations, and spatial resource locations. Further, optionally, the time-domain resource location includes at least one of the following: the start point of the communication measurement section, the time-domain length of the communication measurement section, and the end point of the communication measurement section. Further, optionally, the frequency-domain resource location includes at least one of the following: the start point of the communication measurement section, the frequency-domain length of the communication measurement section, and the end point of the communication measurement section. Further, optionally, the spatial resource location may include at least one of the following: a port number, etc.

[0208] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0209] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0210] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0211] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0212] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0213] In step S2103, the terminal device determines the resource location or sequence segment of the first reference signal.

[0214] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines a first reference signal based on predefined protocol information or configuration information sent by a network device. The configuration information is used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement. In other words, determining the first reference signal by the terminal device means determining the resource location or sequence segment of the first reference signal.

[0215] In some embodiments, the configuration information can also be used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the communication reference signal used for communication measurement in the communication reference signal.

[0216] In some embodiments, determining a first reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device includes any one of the following: determining the first reference signal as all or part of a sensing reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition; determining the first reference signal as all or part of a sensing reference signal according to configuration information sent by a network device; according to a protocol predefined definition, discarding a communication reference signal when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, and determining the first reference signal as all of a sensing reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device; according to a protocol predefined definition, discarding a communication reference signal when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, and determining the first reference signal as part of a sensing reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource, or the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource; according to a protocol predefined definition, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, discarding the communication reference signal, and determining the first reference signal as all of a sensing reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition or configuration information sent by a network device. In the case of overlapping resources, it is determined that a portion of the communication reference signal carried by the overlapping part of the first and second resources is punctured. Based on a predefined protocol or configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by a sensing reference signal and an unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal, or a combination signal formed by a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping part of the first and second resources and an unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal. Based on a predefined protocol, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the sensing reference signal is discarded, and the first reference signal is determined to be all or part of the communication reference signal. Based on a predefined protocol, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping part of the first and second resources is punctured. Based on a predefined protocol or configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by a communication reference signal and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal, or a combination signal formed by a portion of the communication reference signal carried by the overlapping part of the first and second resources and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal.

[0217] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines a first reference signal for communication measurement based on configuration information or protocol predefined by the network device.

[0218] Specifically, the terminal device determines the first reference signal in any of the following ways:

[0219] Option 1:

[0220] According to the predefined protocol, the first reference signal is determined to be all or part of the sensing reference signal.

[0221] In some embodiments, the specific implementation of the terminal device determining that the first reference signal is all or part of the sensing reference signal can be found in the specific implementation of the network device determining the first reference signal in Scheme 1 of step S2101, which will not be repeated here.

[0222] Option 2:

[0223] Based on the configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal is determined to be all or part of the sensing reference signal.

[0224] In some embodiments, the terminal device may determine all or part of the sensing reference signal as the first reference signal based on the configuration information sent by the network device.

[0225] For example, the network device configures a first RS for communication measurement. The first RS can be either a normal communication measurement RS or a sensing RS for sensing services. That is, the network device can use part or all of the sensing RS predefined by the protocol for communication measurement and send the configuration information of the first RS determined by the protocol predefined to the terminal device. The terminal device determines the first RS based on the configuration information of the network device.

[0226] In some embodiments, the terminal device may determine all or part of the communication reference signal as the first reference signal based on the configuration information sent by the network device.

[0227] Option 3:

[0228] According to the protocol predefined rules, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and the first reference signal is determined to be all or part of the sensing reference signal according to the protocol predefined rules or the configuration information sent by the network device.

[0229] In some embodiments, the terminal device, according to a predefined protocol, discards the communication reference signal when a predefined triggering condition is met, i.e., when the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap. Based on the predefined protocol or the network device's configuration information, the terminal device determines that the first reference signal is all or part of the sensing reference signal. As shown in Figure (1) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is the entire sensing reference signal, or a portion of the sensing reference signal is used as the first reference signal.

[0230] In some embodiments, the overlap can be partial overlap, that is, partial overlap between the first resource and the second resource. In this case, the terminal device can determine part or all of the sensing reference signals in the second resource carrying the sensing reference signals for communication measurement based on the protocol predefined or the configuration information of the network device.

[0231] For example, based on a predefined protocol, when a first RS and a sensing RS overlap (overlap is the trigger condition), the terminal device discards the communication RS and uses part or all of the sensing RS for communication measurements. The sequence of partial signals from the sensing RS is determined by the predefined protocol or the network device configuration.

[0232] Option 4:

[0233] According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and according to the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal is determined to be a part of the sensing reference signal. The part of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a part of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping part of the first resource and the second resource, or the part of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a part of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping part of the first resource and the second resource.

[0234] In some embodiments, the terminal device, based on a predefined protocol, discards the communication reference signal when the first resource and the second resource overlap, and uses the sensing reference signal of the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource for communication measurement according to the predefined protocol or the configuration information of the network device. As shown in Figure (2) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is the sensing reference signal of the overlapping portion of the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal.

[0235] In some embodiments, the terminal device, based on a predefined protocol, discards the communication reference signal when the first resource and the second resource overlap, and uses the sensing reference signal carried by the resource location other than the overlapping part of the first resource and the second resource in the sensing reference signal for communication measurement according to the predefined protocol or the configuration information of the network device. As shown in Figure (3) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is the sensing reference signal of the part of the sensing reference signal that does not overlap with the communication reference signal.

[0236] In some embodiments, the overlap may be partial overlap. When the first resource and the second resource overlap, the terminal device uses the sensing reference signal of the overlapping part for communication measurement based on the protocol predefined or the network device configuration information, or uses the sensing reference signal of the non-overlapping part for communication measurement.

[0237] For example, based on protocol predefined rules, when a first RS and a sensing RS overlap, the terminal device discards the communication RS and uses a portion of the sensing RS for communication measurements. The terminal device can determine whether the portion of the sensing RS is overlapping or non-overlapping based on protocol predefined rules or network device configuration information. In other words, determining overlap can be either a triggering condition for determining the sensing RS used for communication measurements or a selection condition for determining which portion of the sensing RS is used for communication measurements.

[0238] Option 5:

[0239] According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured. Based on the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, it is determined that the first reference signal is a combination signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal, or it is determined that the first reference signal is a combination signal formed by the portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal.

[0240] In some embodiments, puncturing can involve discarding a portion of the reference signal, i.e., not transmitting that portion of the reference signal or setting the power of that portion of the reference signal to zero. The purpose of puncturing is to ensure that the unpunctured reference signal can be transmitted normally.

[0241] In some embodiments, discarding means discarding all reference signals, that is, the discarded portion of the reference signals is not used at all.

[0242] In some embodiments, the terminal device can, based on a predefined protocol, punch holes in the overlapping portion of the communication reference signal when the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap. Then, according to the predefined protocol or the configuration information of the network device, the unpunched communication reference signal and the sensing reference signal are combined to form a combined signal for communication measurement. As shown in Figure (4) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is a combined signal of the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal, wherein the portion of the communication reference signal overlapping with the sensing reference signal is punched.

[0243] In some embodiments, the terminal device can, based on a predefined protocol, punch holes in the communication reference signal in the case where a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, and form a combined signal using the overlapping sensing reference signal and the unpunched communication reference signal according to the predefined protocol or the configuration information of the network device for communication measurement. As shown in Figure (5) of the schematic diagram in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is a combined signal of the unoverlapping sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal, wherein the portion of the communication reference signal that overlaps with the sensing reference signal is punched.

[0244] For example, the network device configures a first RS for communication measurements. This first RS is the RS used for normal communication measurements. Further, the protocol predefines that when an overlap is found between a first RS and a sensing RS, the overlapping portion of the communication RS and the sensing RS is punched. The unpunched portion of the communication RS is combined with the sensing RS to perform communication measurements. The sequence of this signal segment is determined by the protocol predefinement or the base station configuration.

[0245] In the above embodiments, Scheme 5 can firstly achieve the coupling of communication reference signal and sensing reference signal. The bandwidth or sequence design of the sensing reference signal is more aggressive than that of the communication reference signal, that is, the accuracy is higher. Using the sensing reference signal instead of the communication reference signal will result in better measurement effect. Secondly, it can reduce the number of signals processed by the terminal device and achieve the purpose of energy saving. Thirdly, the communication reference signal that originally needed to be discarded can be reused, that is, the functions of the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal can be retained at the same time.

[0246] Option Six:

[0247] According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the sensing reference signal is discarded, and the first reference signal is determined to be all or part of the communication reference signal. As shown in Figure (6) in Figure 2C, the first reference signal is all of the communication reference signal, or a part of the communication reference signal can be further used as the first reference signal.

[0248] For example, the protocol predefines that when a first RS and a sensing RS are found to overlap, the sensing RS is dropped. Dropping means discarding all sensing RSs, ceasing all measurements of the sensing RSs, and using all or part of the communication reference signal for communication measurements.

[0249] Option Seven:

[0250] According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured. Based on the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, it is determined that the first reference signal is a combination signal formed by the communication reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal, or it is determined that the first reference signal is a combination signal formed by the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and the unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal.

[0251] In some embodiments, according to a protocol predefined condition, if a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured. Based on the protocol predefined condition or configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal is determined to be a combined signal formed by the communication reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal. As shown in Figure 2C (7), the first reference signal is a combined signal of the communication reference signal and the sensing reference signal, wherein the sensing reference signal is formed by puncturing the portion overlapping with the communication reference signal.

[0252] In some embodiments, according to a protocol predefined condition, if it is determined that a first resource carrying a sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying a communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured. Based on the protocol predefined condition or configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal is determined to be a combined signal formed by a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and a portion of the sensing reference signal that is not punctured. As shown in Figure (8) of Figure 2C, the first reference signal is a combined signal of the communication reference signal and the sensing reference signal, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal that overlaps with the communication reference signal is punctured, and the portion of the communication reference signal that does not overlap with the sensing reference signal is discarded.

[0253] For example, the protocol predefines that when an overlap is found between a first RS and a sensing RS, the sensing RS is punched. Punching involves discarding a portion of the sensing RS. Based on the protocol predefinement or network device configuration information, either an unpunched sensing RS is coupled to the first RS for communication measurements, or an unpunched sensing RS is coupled to the overlapping portion of the first RS for communication measurements.

[0254] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can determine a first reference signal for communication measurement based on the predefined protocol or the configuration information sent by the network device, so as to replace the communication reference signal with the sensing reference signal for the purpose of communication measurement.

[0255] In step S2104, the network device sends a first reference signal to the terminal device.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the first reference signal is used for communication measurement.

[0257] In some embodiments, the network device sends a first reference signal to the terminal device through the resource location or sequence segment of the first reference signal determined in step S2101, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first reference signal sent by the network device through the resource location or sequence segment of the first reference signal determined in step S2103.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first reference signal is all or part of the sensing reference signal, or a combination signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal.

[0259] In some embodiments, the network device sends a first reference signal to the terminal device for the terminal device to perform communication measurements.

[0260] In some embodiments, the terminal uses the first reference signal for communication measurement to obtain the measurement quantity of the communication measurement.

[0261] In some embodiments, the measurement quantities for communication measurements include at least one of the following: Layer 1 reference signal received power L1-RSRP; Layer 1 signal-to-noise ratio L1-SINR; reference signal received power RSRP; and reference signal received quality RSRQ.

[0262] In the above embodiments, the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement is achieved. Compared with the communication reference signal, the bandwidth or sequence design of the sensing reference signal is more aggressive, that is, the accuracy is higher. Using the sensing reference signal instead of the communication reference signal results in better measurement performance. Secondly, it can reduce the number of signals processed by the terminal device, thus achieving energy saving. Thirdly, the communication reference signal that would otherwise be discarded can be reused, that is, the functions of both the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal can be retained simultaneously.

[0263] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2104. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, steps S2101+S2102 and S2101+S2103 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and steps S2101+S2102+S2103, S2101+S2103+S2104 and S2101+S2102+S2103+S2104 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0264] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0265] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0266] In step S2201, the network device determines the resource location or sequence segment of the second reference signal.

[0267] In some embodiments, the network device determines the second reference signal according to a protocol predefined definition. In other words, determining the second reference signal means determining the resource location or sequence segment of the second reference signal.

[0268] In some embodiments, the second reference signal is all or part of the sensing reference signal, or a combined signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal. It is understood that the transmission beam of the sensing reference signal may be used solely for sensing services, or solely for communication services, or for both sensing and communication services.

[0269] In some embodiments, the network device determines the second reference signal in any of the following ways: determining the second reference signal as all or part of a sensing reference signal according to a protocol predefined method; discarding the communication reference signal and determining the second reference signal as all of the sensing reference signal when a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, according to a protocol predefined method; discarding the communication reference signal and determining the second reference signal as part of the sensing reference signal when a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, according to a protocol predefined method; discarding the communication reference signal and determining the second reference signal as part of the sensing reference signal when a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first and second resources, or the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping portion of the first and second resources, according to a protocol predefined method; determining the overlapping portion of the first and second resources when a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, according to a protocol predefined method. A portion of the communication reference signal carried is punctured, and the second reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by a sensing reference signal and an unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal, or a combination signal formed by a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and an unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal; according to a predefined protocol, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the sensing reference signal is discarded, and the second reference signal is determined to be all or part of the communication reference signal; according to a predefined protocol, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured, and the second reference signal is determined to be a combination signal formed by a communication reference signal and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal, or a combination signal formed by a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal.

[0270] In some embodiments, the communication reference signal includes at least one of the following: primary synchronization signal PSS; secondary synchronization signal SSS; demodulation reference signal DMRS; channel state information reference signal CSI-RS; phase tracking reference signal PT-RS; and probe reference signal SRS.

[0271] In some embodiments, the specific implementation of the network device determining the second reference signal can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] In step S2202, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device.

[0273] In some embodiments, the network device sends signaling to the terminal device, the signaling including configuration information.

[0274] For example, the network device configures a sensing reference signal to be used for resource location in communication measurements via a second signaling, which includes at least one of DCI, MAC CE, and RRC.

[0275] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement in the sensing reference signal, and the configuration information is used by the terminal device to determine the second reference signal.

[0276] In some embodiments, the configuration information sent by the network device may also configure the resource location or sequence fragment of a portion of the communication reference signal in the communication reference signal, so that only a portion of the communication reference signal is used for communication measurement.

[0277] In some embodiments, the resource location includes at least one of the following: a time-domain resource location, which includes at least one of the following: a time-domain start unit carrying the second reference signal; a time-domain resource length carrying the second reference signal; and a time-domain termination unit carrying the second reference signal; a frequency-domain resource location, which includes at least one of the following: a frequency-domain start unit carrying the second reference signal; a frequency-domain resource length carrying the second reference signal; and a frequency-domain termination unit carrying the second reference signal; and a spatial-domain resource location, which includes a port number for receiving or transmitting the second reference signal.

[0278] In some embodiments, the network device may configure the location of time-domain resources, which may be at least one of a time-domain start unit carrying a second reference signal, a time-domain resource length, and a time-domain end unit.

[0279] In some embodiments, the start unit and the end unit may be symbol numbers or time slot numbers, etc., or numbers of basic units corresponding to the time domain or frequency domain in different schemes, which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0280] In some embodiments, the network device may configure the frequency domain resource location, which may be at least one of the frequency domain start unit carrying the second reference signal, the frequency domain resource length, and the frequency domain end unit.

[0281] For example, the frequency domain resource location can be a location identifier corresponding to an RB (Resource Block) or a location identifier corresponding to a PRB (Physical Resource Block).

[0282] In some embodiments, the network device may be configured with airspace resource locations, such as port numbers for receiving or transmitting first reference signals.

[0283] For example, the network device configures the sensing reference signal to be used for resource locations in communication measurements via a second signaling configuration. These resource locations include at least one of time-domain resource locations, frequency-domain resource locations, and spatial resource locations. Further, optionally, the time-domain resource location includes at least one of the following: the start point of the communication measurement section, the time-domain length of the communication measurement section, and the end point of the communication measurement section. Further, optionally, the frequency-domain resource location includes at least one of the following: the start point of the communication measurement section, the frequency-domain length of the communication measurement section, and the end point of the communication measurement section. Further, optionally, the spatial resource location may include at least one of the following: a port number, etc.

[0284] In some embodiments, step S2202 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0285] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0286] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0287] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0288] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0289] In step S2203, the terminal device determines the resource location or sequence segment of the second reference signal.

[0290] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines the second reference signal based on predefined protocol information or configuration information sent by the network device. The configuration information is used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement. In other words, determining the second reference signal by the terminal device means determining the resource location or sequence segment of the second reference signal.

[0291] In some embodiments, the configuration information is also used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the communication reference signal used for communication measurement in the communication reference signal.

[0292] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the second reference signal in any of the following ways: determining the second reference signal as all or part of a sensing reference signal according to a protocol predefined method; determining the second reference signal as all or part of a sensing reference signal according to configuration information sent by a network device; discarding the communication reference signal and determining the second reference signal as all of the sensing reference signal according to the protocol predefined method or the configuration information sent by the network device when it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap; discarding the communication reference signal and determining the second reference signal as part of the sensing reference signal according to the protocol predefined method or the configuration information sent by the network device when it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap; wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first and second resources, or the portion of the sensing reference signal used for communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping portion of the first and second resources; and determining the second reference signal as all of the sensing reference signal according to the protocol predefined method when it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap. The system determines that a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured. Based on a predefined protocol or configuration information sent by the network device, it determines that the second reference signal is a combination of a sensing reference signal and an unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal, or a combination of a sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and an unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal. Based on a predefined protocol, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the sensing reference signal is discarded, and the second reference signal is determined to be all or part of the communication reference signal. Based on a predefined protocol, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it determines that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources is punctured. Based on a predefined protocol or configuration information sent by the network device, it determines that the second reference signal is a combination of a communication reference signal and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal, or a combination of a communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first and second resources and an unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal.

[0293] In some embodiments, the second reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, used for communication measurements.

[0294] In some embodiments, the specific implementation of the terminal device determining the second reference signal can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG2A, which will not be described again here.

[0295] In step S2204, the terminal device sends a second reference signal to the network device.

[0296] In some embodiments, the second reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the second reference signal is used for communication measurement.

[0297] In some embodiments, the terminal device sends a second reference signal to the network device through the resource location or sequence segment of the first reference signal determined in step S2203, and correspondingly, the network device receives the second reference signal sent by the terminal device through the resource location or sequence segment of the second reference signal determined in step S2201.

[0298] In some embodiments, the second reference signal is all or part of the sensing reference signal, or a combination signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal.

[0299] In some embodiments, the terminal device sends a second reference signal to the network device for communication measurement to obtain the measurement quantity of the communication measurement.

[0300] In some embodiments, the measurement quantities for communication measurements include at least one of the following: Layer 1 reference signal received power L1-RSRP; Layer 1 signal-to-noise ratio L1-SINR; reference signal received power RSRP; and reference signal received quality RSRQ.

[0301] In the above embodiments, the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement is achieved. Compared with the communication reference signal, the bandwidth or sequence design of the sensing reference signal is more aggressive, that is, the accuracy is higher. Using the sensing reference signal instead of the communication reference signal results in better measurement performance. Secondly, it can reduce the number of signals processed by the terminal device, thus achieving energy saving. Thirdly, the communication reference signal that would otherwise be discarded can be reused, that is, the functions of both the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal can be retained simultaneously.

[0302] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2204. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S2201+S2202, S2201+S2202+S2203, S2201+S2203, S2201+S2203+S2204, and S2201+S2202+S2203+S2204 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0303] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0304] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0305] Step S3101: The network device sends a first reference signal to the terminal device.

[0306] The first reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the first reference signal is used for communication measurement.

[0307] Optionally, the alternative implementation of step S3101 can be found in the alternative implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other alternative implementations involved in Figure 2A, which will not be elaborated here.

[0308] In step S3102, the terminal device sends a second reference signal to the network device.

[0309] The second reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the second reference signal is used for communication measurement.

[0310] Optionally, the alternative implementations of step S3102 can be found in the alternative implementations of step S2204 in Figure 2B, as well as other alternative implementations involved in Figure 2B, which will not be elaborated here.

[0311] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0312] In the above embodiments, by defining the relationship between the first reference signal or the second reference signal and the sensing reference signal, the purpose of using the sensing reference signal for communication measurement is achieved.

[0313] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S3101+S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0314] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0315] The following are specific solutions proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure:

[0316] Example 1

[0317] In a network, the types of services that network devices and terminal devices interact with include sensing services and communication services.

[0318] For sensing services, network devices and terminal devices jointly complete the transmission and reception of sensing reference signals; alternatively, the network device configures resources for the terminal device, and the terminal device completes the transmission and reception of sensing reference signals independently; or, the network device configures resources for the terminal device, and multiple terminal devices communicate with each other to complete the transmission and reception of sensing reference signals. For communication services, network devices and terminal devices jointly complete the transmission and reception of communication reference signals. (Background 1)

[0319] The sensing reference signal can be transmitted by a network device, in which case it is configured as a downlink signal. The sensing reference signal can also be transmitted by a terminal device, in which case it is configured as an uplink signal. Furthermore, the transmission beam of the sensing reference signal can be used solely for sensing services, or solely for communication services, or for both sensing and communication services. (The transmission beam carrying the sensing reference signal can carry only the sensing reference signal, only the communication reference signal, or both.)

[0320] In the aforementioned communication network, the network device configures a first RS for communication measurements. These communication measurements include, but are not limited to, at least one of: L1-RSRP, RSRP, and RSRQ of the best Rx beam for a Tx beam. Furthermore, the network device configures the first RS in at least one of the following ways:

[0321] Method 1:

[0322] The network device configures a first RS for communication measurement. This first RS can be either a normal communication measurement RS or a sensing RS used for sensing services. That is, the protocol allows / defines that some or all of the sensing RS can be used for communication measurement. The first RS can be a combination of PSS, SSS, DMRS, CSI-RS, PT-RS, or SRS + sensing RS.

[0323] When the first RS is a sensing RS, the network device can configure part or all of the sensing RS for communication measurements. The sequence segments of this signal are determined by the base station configuration or protocol predefined.

[0324] Method 2:

[0325] The network device configures a first RS for communication measurements. This configured first RS is the RS used for normal communication measurements. Furthermore, the protocol predefines that when the UE detects overlap between a certain first RS and a certain sensing RS, the UE discards the communication RS and uses the sensing RS for communication measurements. The sequence segment of this signal is determined by the base station configuration or the protocol predefinement.

[0326] Method 3:

[0327] The network device configures a first RS for communication measurements. This first RS is the RS used for normal communication measurements. Further, the protocol predefines that when the UE detects overlap between a first RS and a sensing RS, the overlapping portion of the communication RS and sensing RS is punched, and the unpunched portion of the communication RS is combined with the sensing RS for communication measurements. The sequence segment of this signal is determined by the base station configuration or the protocol predefinement. After discarding the overlapping portion, some communication measurement signals become unusable, so the sensing RS is used to supplement this portion.

[0328] Method 4:

[0329] The network device configures a first RS for communication measurements. This first RS is the RS used for normal communication measurements. Furthermore, the protocol predefines that when the UE detects overlap between a first RS and a sensing RS, it drops / punches the sensing RS. Dropping means discarding all sensing RSs and ceasing all sensing RS measurements; punching means discarding the overlapping portion.

[0330] Example 2

[0331] In a network, the types of services that network devices and terminal devices interact with include sensing services and communication services.

[0332] For sensing services, network devices and terminal devices jointly complete the transmission and reception of sensing reference signals; alternatively, the network device configures resources for the terminal device, and the terminal device completes the transmission and reception of sensing reference signals independently; or, the network device configures resources for the terminal device, and multiple terminal devices communicate with each other to complete the transmission and reception of sensing reference signals. For communication services, network devices and terminal devices jointly complete the transmission and reception of communication reference signals. (Background 1)

[0333] The sensing reference signal can be transmitted by a network device, in which case it is configured as a downlink signal. The sensing reference signal can also be transmitted by a terminal device, in which case it is configured as an uplink signal. Furthermore, the transmission beam of the sensing reference signal can be used solely for sensing services, or solely for communication services, or for both sensing and communication services.

[0334] When a sensed reference signal is used in communication measurements, it can be used partially or entirely. The determination that a sensed reference signal is used in communication measurements includes at least one of the following:

[0335] Method 1:

[0336] This is determined based on predefined rules in the protocol. Specifically, the portion of the sensing reference signal and the communication measurement signal that overlaps in resources is used for communication measurement.

[0337] Method 2:

[0338] Determined based on predefined rules of the protocol. Specifically, all sensing reference signals are used for communication measurements.

[0339] Method 3:

[0340] Determined based on network device configuration. Specifically, the network device uses a second signaling configuration to sense the resource location used for communication measurement via a reference signal, whereby the resource location includes at least one of time-domain resource location, frequency-domain resource location, and spatial-domain resource location.

[0341] Further, optionally, the time-domain resource location includes at least one of the following: the starting point of the communication measurement section, the time-domain length of the communication measurement section, and the ending point of the communication measurement section.

[0342] Furthermore, optionally, the frequency domain resource location includes at least one of the following: the starting point of the communication measurement section, the frequency domain length of the communication measurement section, and the ending point of the communication measurement section.

[0343] Furthermore, optionally, the location of airspace resources includes at least one of the following: port number, etc.

[0344] The second signaling includes at least one of DCI, MAC CE, and RRC.

[0345] In summary, the above-mentioned scheme proposed in this disclosure can determine whether and how a sensing RS can be used for communication measurement through protocol predefinition or base station configuration.

[0346] In the above embodiments, the steps in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3, as well as the different methods in Embodiments 1 and 2, can be executed individually or in combination. For example, step S2101 in Figure 2A and step S2203 in Figure 2B can be executed in combination; step S2103 in Figure 2A and step S3101 in Figure 3 can be executed in combination; step S2203 in Figure 2B and step S3102 in Figure 3 can be executed in combination; steps S2101-2104 in Figure 2A and steps S2201-S2204 in Figure 2B can be executed in combination; each step in Figure 2A or Figure 2B can be executed in combination with Embodiment 1, and each step in Figure 2A or Figure 2B can be executed in combination with Embodiment 2, but not limited thereto.

[0347] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0348] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0349] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0350] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The terminal device 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4A, the terminal device 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101, a processing module 4102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive a first reference signal sent by a network device, the first reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the first reference signal being used for communication measurement; or, to send a second reference signal to the network device, the second reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the second reference signal being used for communication measurement. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2104, S2202, S2204, S3101, S3102, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated further here. Optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2103, step S2203, but not limited thereto) executed by the terminal device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0351] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The network device 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4B, the network device 4200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4201, a processing module 4202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to send a first reference signal to a terminal device, the first reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the first reference signal being used for communication measurement; or, to receive a second reference signal sent by the terminal device, the second reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the second reference signal being used for communication measurement. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2104, S2202, S2204, S3101, S3102, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated further here. Optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2101, step S2201, but not limited thereto) executed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0352] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0353] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0354] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0355] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0356] As shown in Figure 5A, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0357] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2102, S2104, S2202, S2204, S3101, S3102, but not limited thereto), and the processor 5101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2103, S2201, S2203, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0358] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5103 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5103 may also be located outside the communication device 5100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected to the memory 5102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 5102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5101.

[0359] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal device, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 5A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0360] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of chip 5200 shown in Figure 5B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0361] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0362] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, the interface circuit 5202 is connected to the memories 5203, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 5203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5201.

[0363] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2102, S2104, S2202, S2204, S3101, S3102, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 5202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2103, S2201, S2203, but not limited thereto).

[0364] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0365] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0366] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0367] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal device, and the method includes: Receive a first reference signal sent by a network device, wherein the first reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the first reference signal is used for communication measurement; or... A second reference signal is sent to the network device. The second reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the second reference signal is used for communication measurement.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first reference signal and the second reference signal is all or part of the sensing reference signal, or is a combined signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on a predefined protocol or configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined. The configuration information is used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the sensing reference signal used for the communication measurement.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the first reference signal or the second reference signal based on a predefined protocol or configuration information sent by the network device includes any one of the following: According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and according to the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be the entirety of the sensing reference signal; According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and according to the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be a part of the sensing reference signal, wherein the part of the sensing reference signal used for the communication measurement is the part of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping part of the first resource and the second resource. According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and according to the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be a part of the sensing reference signal, wherein the part of the sensing reference signal used for the communication measurement is the part of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping parts of the first resource and the second resource.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the first reference signal or the second reference signal based on a predefined protocol or configuration information sent by the network device includes any one of the following: According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that the portion of the communication reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punctured, and according to the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, it is determined that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combination signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal. According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that the part of the communication reference signal carried by the overlapping part of the first resource and the second resource is punctured, and according to the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, it is determined that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combination signal formed by the part of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping part of the first resource and the second resource and the part of the communication reference signal that is not punctured. According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that the portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punctured, and according to the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, it is determined that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combination signal formed by the communication reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the sensing reference signal. According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punctured. According to the protocol predefined or the configuration information sent by the network device, it is determined that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combination signal formed by a portion of the communication reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource and a portion of the sensing reference signal that has not been punctured.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the first reference signal or the second reference signal based on a predefined protocol or configuration information sent by the network device includes: According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the sensing reference signal is discarded, and the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be all or part of the communication reference signal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive signaling sent by the network device, the signaling including the configuration information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The resource location includes at least one of the following: The time-domain resource location includes at least one of the following: a time-domain start unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a time-domain resource length carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; and a time-domain end unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal. The frequency domain resource location includes at least one of the following: a frequency domain start unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a frequency domain resource length carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; and a frequency domain end unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal. The airspace resource location includes the port number for receiving or transmitting the first reference signal or the second reference signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The communication reference signal includes at least one of the following: Master synchronization signal PSS; Auxiliary synchronization signal SSS; Demodulation reference signal DMRS; Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS); Phase tracking reference signal PT-RS; Detection reference signal SRS.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The measurement quantity of the communication measurement includes at least one of the following: Layer 1 reference signal received power L1-RSRP; Layer 1 signal-to-noise ratio (L1-SINR); Reference signal received power RSRP; Reference signal reception quality (RSRQ).

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: Send a first reference signal to the terminal device, wherein the first reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the first reference signal is used for communication measurement; or... The terminal device receives a second reference signal, which is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the second reference signal is used for communication measurement.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, At least one of the first reference signal and the second reference signal is all or part of the sensing reference signal, or is a combined signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the communication reference signal.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device is sent configuration information, which is used to configure the resource location or sequence segment of the sensing reference signal used for the communication measurement in the sensing reference signal. The configuration information is used by the terminal device to determine the first reference signal or the second reference signal.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: According to the protocol predefined, the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be all or part of the sensing reference signal.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes any one of the following: According to the protocol predefined rules, if it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and either the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be the entirety of the sensing reference signal; according to the protocol predefined rules, if it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and either the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be a portion of the sensing reference signal, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for the communication measurement is the portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource; According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the communication reference signal is discarded, and either the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be a portion of the sensing reference signal, wherein the portion of the sensing reference signal used for the communication measurement is a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the non-overlapping portions of the first resource and the second resource.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes any one of the following: According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that the first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and the second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that the portion of the communication reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punctured, and it is determined that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combined signal formed by the sensing reference signal and the unpunctured portion of the communication reference signal. According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punctured, and it is determined that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combination signal formed by the portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource and the portion of the communication reference signal that is not punctured. According to the protocol predefined, when it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried by the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punched, and it is determined that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combined signal formed by the communication reference signal and the unpunched portion of the sensing reference signal. According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, it is determined that a portion of the sensing reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource is punched, and it is determined that the first reference signal or the second reference signal is a combination signal formed by the portion of the communication reference signal carried in the overlapping portion of the first resource and the second resource and the portion of the sensing reference signal that is not punched.

17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: According to the protocol predefined, if it is determined that a first resource carrying the sensing reference signal and a second resource carrying the communication reference signal overlap, the sensing reference signal is discarded, and the first reference signal or the second reference signal is determined to be all or part of the communication reference signal.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send signaling to the terminal device, the signaling including the configuration information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that, The resource location includes at least one of the following: The time-domain resource location includes at least one of the following: a time-domain start unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a time-domain resource length carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; and a time-domain end unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal. The frequency domain resource location includes at least one of the following: a frequency domain start unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; a frequency domain resource length carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal; and a frequency domain end unit carrying the first reference signal or the second reference signal. The airspace resource location includes the port number for receiving or transmitting the first reference signal or the second reference signal.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that, The communication reference signal includes at least one of the following: Master synchronization signal PSS; Auxiliary synchronization signal SSS; Demodulation reference signal DMRS; Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS); Phase tracking reference signal PT-RS; Detection reference signal SRS.

21. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that, The measurement quantity of the communication measurement includes at least one of the following: Layer 1 reference signal received power L1-RSRP; Layer 1 signal-to-noise ratio (L1-SINR); Reference signal received power RSRP; Reference signal reception quality (RSRQ).

22. A communication method for a communication system, the communication system comprising a terminal device and a network device, characterized in that, The method includes: The network device sends a first reference signal to the terminal device, the first reference signal being at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, the first reference signal being used for communication measurement; or... The terminal device sends a second reference signal to the network device. The second reference signal is at least one of a communication reference signal and a sensing reference signal, and the second reference signal is used for communication measurement.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-10 or 11-21.

24. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A network device and a terminal device, wherein the terminal device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1-10, and the network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 11-21.

25. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10 or 11-21.

26. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-10 or 11-21.

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