Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The communication method includes: A network device determines N opportunities, where the N opportunities are in a first time range, N is a positive integer equal to or greater than 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, and an i-th opportunity window in the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities of the N opportunities, Ni is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, and i=1,2,...,M. The network device performs data transmission in two or more of the N opportunities. It can be understood that the network device performs data transmission in multiple opportunities in the first time range. This helps to perform the transmission of large data packets in a centralized manner in the first time range, and reduces data transmission delay. In addition, when data arrives earlier or later than expected, the network device performs data transmission in the forward or backward opportunities of the multiple opportunities in the time domain, thereby solving the data transmission delay problem caused by the jitter of the XR service.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application was filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 13, 2021, and claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202110931542.0 entitled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and more particularly, to communication methods and apparatuses.

Background Art

[0003] Extended reality (XR) refers to all real and virtual composite environments generated by computer technologies and wearable devices, and related human-machine interactions. XR services include XR video services, and video frames of XR video services have large data packets. The transmission of video frames of XR video services is carried out between network devices and terminal devices to provide users with services corresponding to XR video services.

[0004] For example, downlink data transmission is performed between a network device and a terminal device. The media server transmits video frames to the network device, and the network device transmits the received video frames to the terminal device. In this case, the terminal device can provide a service corresponding to the XR video service to the user based on the received video frames. In addition, in an ideal case, the media server periodically transmits video frames of the XR video service to the network device, and the video frames of the XR video service periodically arrive at the network device. That is, the video frames can arrive at the network device at the expected time. However, due to factors such as rendering, source coding, and routing path selection, the time when the video frames actually arrive at the network device may have jitter compared to the expected time. In other words, the time when the video frames actually arrive at the network device may be exactly the expected time, earlier than the expected time, or later than the expected time.

[0005] Using a semi-persistent scheduling mechanism, in an opportunity periodically configured by the network device for the terminal device, the transmission of large data packets and data packets with jitter may need to be performed in an opportunity in the next period instead of in the opportunity in the current period, which may cause a large data transmission delay between the network device and the terminal device. Therefore, how to reduce the data transmission delay between the network device and the terminal device has become an urgent problem to be solved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus for helping to reduce the data transmission delay between a network device and a terminal device.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the present application provides a communication method implemented by a terminal device or a module within the terminal device. The method includes the following. The terminal device determines N opportunities, where the N opportunities are within the first time range, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, and the i-th opportunity window among the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities out of the N opportunities, where N i is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, and i = 1, 2,..., M. The terminal device can perform data transmission in two or more of the N opportunities.

[0008] The terminal device being able to perform data transmission in two or more of the N opportunities includes the following. In downlink transmission, the terminal device may receive data in two or more of the N opportunities, and in uplink transmission, the terminal device may transmit data in two or more of the N opportunities.

[0009] Compared with the method where data transmission is performed only within one opportunity, it can be understood that the communication method in which the terminal device performs data transmission in multiple opportunities within the first time range helps to implement the transmission of large data packets in a centralized manner within the first time range and reduces data transmission delay.

[0010] In addition, when the data arrives earlier than the expected time point, the terminal device can perform data transmission in the earlier opportunities among the multiple opportunities in the time domain, or when the data arrives later than the expected time point, the terminal device can perform data transmission in the later opportunities among the multiple opportunities in the time domain. This solves the problem of data transmission delay caused by jitter within a specific range based on the periodic arrival characteristics of XR services.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the method further includes the following. That is, the terminal device receives first information, and the first information indicates the length of the first time range. This implementation helps the terminal device know the length of the first time range, thereby enabling data transmission to be carried out within the first time range.

[0012] In an optional implementation, M < N, M opportunity windows include X opportunity windows, and each of the X opportunity windows includes two or more of the N opportunities, where X is a positive integer less than or equal to M. In this implementation, it can be understood that the M opportunity windows include opportunity windows that contain multiple opportunities.

[0013] In an optional implementation, when X is equal to 1, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in the X opportunity windows is T1 time units, where T1 is 0 or a positive number, or when X is greater than or equal to 2, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each of the X opportunity windows is T2 time units, where T2 is 0 or a positive number. When T1 or T2 is 0, in this implementation, the network device can implement the transmission of large data packets in a timely and centralized manner, thereby further reducing the data transmission delay. Alternatively, when T1 or T2 is a positive number, this implementation can better solve the data transmission delay problem caused by jitter in the data packet, thereby enabling the transmission of data in the data packet to be completed within the Packet Delay Budget (PDB) threshold. This avoids the waste of resources and energy consumption caused by retransmission of data packets when the transmission of data in the data packet is carried out beyond the PDB threshold, and improves the energy efficiency of data transmission.

[0014] In an optional implementation, when M is 2 or more, the interval between any two adjacent opportunity windows among the M opportunity windows is T3 time units, and T3 is 0 or a positive number. When T3 is 0, in this implementation, the network device can implement the transmission of large data packets in a timely centralized manner, thereby further reducing the data transmission delay. Alternatively, when T3 is a positive number, in this implementation, the problem of data transmission delay caused by jitter in the data packet can be better solved, so that the transmission of data in the data packet can be completed within the PDB threshold. This avoids the waste of resources and energy consumption caused by the retransmission of data packets when the transmission of data in the data packet is carried out beyond the PDB threshold, and improves the energy efficiency of data transmission.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the method further includes the following. That is, the terminal device receives second information, the second information indicates N opportunities, and determining the N opportunities includes determining the N opportunities based on the second information. In this implementation, the terminal device can determine the N opportunities included in the first time range, so that the data transmission can be carried out within the N opportunities.

[0016] In an optional implementation, two or more of the N opportunities for data transmission are opportunities in one or more of the M opportunity windows.

[0017] In an optional implementation, the method further includes performing retransmission data transmission at an opportunity in one or more of the M opportunity windows, and the interval between the end position of the last time unit of the opportunity for data transmission and the start position of the first time unit of the opportunity for retransmission data transmission is T4 time units, where T4 is a positive number. The opportunity for data transmission is before the opportunity for retransmission data transmission, and the retransmission data is the retransmission data corresponding to the data. In this implementation, when an error occurs in data transmission, the network device can perform retransmission data transmission within the opportunity included in the first time range, thereby helping to improve resource utilization.

[0018] Optionally, after the retransmission data transmission is performed at an opportunity in one or more of the M opportunity windows, the opportunities after the opportunity for retransmission data transmission within the first time range are deactivated. This implementation helps to reduce the waste of resources of the opportunities after the opportunity for retransmission data transmission within the first time range. In addition, this implementation further helps to reduce the waste of energy caused by the need for the terminal device to continue waiting for data transmission within the first time range after the retransmission data transmission is performed within the first time range, and reduces the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method implemented by a network device or a module in the network device. The method includes the following. The network device determines N opportunities, where the N opportunities are within the first time range, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, and the i-th opportunity window among the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities among the N opportunities, where N i is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, and i = 1, 2,..., M. The network device can perform data transmission in two or more of the N opportunities.

[0020] The fact that a network device can perform data transmission in two or more of N opportunities includes the following. In downlink transmission, the network device may transmit data in two or more of the N opportunities, and in uplink transmission, the network device may receive data in two or more of the N opportunities.

[0021] Compared with a method in which data transmission is performed only within one opportunity, a communication method in which a network device performs data transmission in multiple opportunities within the first time range can help to centralize the transmission of large data packets within the first time range, and it can be understood that the data transmission delay is reduced.

[0022] In addition, when data arrives earlier than the expected time, the network device can perform data transmission in the earlier opportunities among the multiple opportunities in the time domain, or when data arrives later than the expected time, the network device can perform data transmission in the later opportunities among the multiple opportunities in the time domain. This solves the problem of data transmission delay caused by jitter within a specific range based on the characteristics of the periodic arrival of XR services.

[0023] In an optional implementation, the method further includes a step of transmitting first information, and the first information indicates the length of the first time range. This implementation helps the terminal device to know the length of the first time range, thereby enabling data transmission to be performed within the first time range.

[0024] In an optional implementation, M < N, M opportunity windows include X opportunity windows, each of the X opportunity windows includes two or more of the N opportunities, and X is a positive integer not exceeding M. In this implementation, it can be understood that the M opportunity windows include opportunity windows that include two or more opportunities.

[0025] In an optional implementation, when X is equal to 1, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in the X opportunity windows is T1 time units, where T1 is 0 or a positive number. Or, when X is greater than or equal to 2, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each of the X opportunity windows is T2 time units, where T2 is 0 or a positive number. When T1 or T2 is 0, in this implementation, the network device can implement the transmission of large data packets in a timely centralized manner, thereby further reducing the data transmission delay. Alternatively, when T1 or T2 is a positive number, this implementation can better solve the data transmission delay problem caused by jitter in the data packet, so that the transmission of data in the data packet can be completed within the PDB threshold. This avoids the waste of resources and energy consumption caused by the retransmission of data packets when the transmission of data in the data packet is carried out beyond the PDB threshold, and improves the energy efficiency of data transmission.

[0026] In an optional implementation, when M is greater than or equal to 2, the interval between any two adjacent opportunity windows in the M opportunity windows is T3 time units, where T3 is 0 or a positive number. When T3 is 0, in this implementation, the network device can implement the transmission of large data packets in a timely centralized manner, thereby further reducing the data transmission delay. Alternatively, when T3 is a positive number, this implementation can be flexibly applied to better solve the data transmission delay problem caused by jitter in the data packet, so that the transmission of data in the data packet can be completed within the PDB threshold. This avoids the waste of resources and energy consumption caused by the retransmission of data packets when the transmission of data in the data packet is carried out beyond the PDB threshold, and improves the energy efficiency of data transmission.

[0027] In an optional implementation, the method further includes the step of transmitting second information, where the second information indicates N opportunities. This implementation helps the terminal device know the N opportunities included in the first time range, thereby enabling data transmission to be carried out at the N opportunities.

[0028] In an optional implementation, two or more of the N opportunities for data transmission are opportunities in one or more of the M opportunity windows.

[0029] In an optional implementation, the method further includes the step of performing retransmission data transmission at opportunities in one or more of the M opportunity windows. The interval between the end position of the last time unit of the opportunity for data transmission and the start position of the first time unit of the opportunity for retransmission data transmission is T4 time units, and T4 is a positive number. The opportunity for data transmission is before the opportunity for retransmission data transmission, and the retransmission data is the retransmission data corresponding to the data. In this implementation, when an error occurs in data transmission, the network device can perform retransmission data transmission within the opportunities included in the first time range, thereby helping to improve resource utilization.

[0030] Optionally, after the retransmission data transmission is performed at opportunities in one or more of the M opportunity windows, the opportunities after the opportunity for retransmission data transmission within the first time range are deactivated. This implementation helps reduce the waste of resources of the opportunities after the opportunity for retransmission data transmission within the first time range. In addition, this implementation also helps reduce the waste of energy caused by the need for the network device to continue waiting for data transmission within the first time range after the retransmission data transmission is performed within the first time range, reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method implemented by a terminal device or a module within the terminal device. The method includes receiving third information, where the third information indicates the length of each of a plurality of time ranges, and at least two of the plurality of time ranges have different lengths, and performing data transmission within the plurality of time ranges.

[0032] The terminal device performing data transmission within a plurality of time ranges includes the following. In downlink transmission, the terminal device receives data within a plurality of time ranges, and in uplink transmission, the terminal device transmits data within a plurality of time ranges.

[0033] The communication method helps to match the plurality of time ranges with the period in which the data of the XR service is in decimal form, so that it can be understood that the transmission of data within each period can be performed within a time range that matches the period. This reduces the data transmission delay caused by the mismatch between the period of the resource and the period of the XR service data, that is, reduces the communication delay. The communication method helps the transmission of data within a data packet implemented within the PDB threshold, and avoids the case where the data packet needs to be discarded when the data within the data packet is transmitted beyond the PDB threshold, that is, further reduces the communication packet loss rate, increases the probability of data transmission in a plurality of time ranges, and reduces the power consumption of the terminal.

[0034] In an optional implementation, there is a correspondence between the length of each time range and the data. Optionally, there may be a correspondence between the length of each time range and the period of the data.

[0035] In an optional implementation, the length of the nth time range in a plurality of time ranges satisfies the following formula.

[0036] The length of the n-th time range = fun(T×n) - fun[T×(n - 1)], where T is the period of the data, fun represents a rounding function, and n is a positive integer. Optionally, the third information is determined by the network device based on the aforementioned formula, channel state, signal quality, etc. In this implementation, the length of each determined time range is further applicable to the actual communication environment. Optionally, the third information is determined by the network device based on the fourth information, channel state, signal quality, etc. The fourth information indicates the length of each time range preset by the terminal device. The length of each time range preset by the terminal device is determined by the terminal device based on the aforementioned formula, channel state, and signal quality. In this implementation, the length of each time range determined by the network device is further applicable to the actual communication environment, applicable to data transmission between the network device and a specific terminal device, thereby further reducing the data transmission delay and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0037] In an optional implementation, the length of each of the plurality of time ranges includes at least the length of the first period and an offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges. In this implementation, the terminal device determines the length of each of the plurality of time ranges based on the length of the first period and the offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges, thereby reducing the computational amount of the terminal device and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. Optionally, the offset corresponding to each time range may be a length offset or a position offset.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method implemented by a network device or a module within the network device. The method includes a step of transmitting third information, where the third information indicates the length of each of a plurality of time ranges, and at least two of the plurality of time ranges have different lengths, and a step of performing data transmission within the plurality of time ranges.

[0039] For a network device to perform data transmission within multiple time ranges includes the following. In downlink transmission, the network device transmits data within multiple time ranges, and in uplink transmission, the network device receives data within multiple time ranges.

[0040] The communication method helps to align the multiple time ranges with the period in which the data of the XR service is in decimal form, so that it can be understood that the data transmission within each period can be carried out using the resources within the time range that matches the period. This reduces the data transmission delay caused by the mismatch between the period of the resources and the period of the data of the XR service, that is, reduces the communication delay. The communication method helps the transmission of data within the data packet implemented within the PDB threshold, and avoids the case where the data packet needs to be discarded when the data transmission within the data packet is carried out beyond the PDB threshold, that is, further reduces the communication packet loss rate, increases the probability of data transmission within multiple time ranges, and reduces the power consumption of the terminal.

[0041] In an optional implementation, there is a correspondence between the length of each time range and the data. Optionally, there may be a correspondence between the length of each time range and the period of the data.

[0042] In an optional implementation, the length of the nth time range within multiple time ranges satisfies the following formula.

[0043] The length of the nth time range = fun(T×n) - fun[T×(n - 1)], where T is the period of the data, fun represents the rounding function, and n is a positive integer.

[0044] Optionally, the third information is determined by the network device based on the aforementioned formula, channel state, signal quality, etc. In this implementation, the length of each determined time range is further applicable to the actual communication environment. Optionally, the third information is determined by the network device based on the fourth information, channel state, signal quality, etc. The fourth information indicates the length of each time range preset by the terminal device. The length of each time range preset by the terminal device is determined by the terminal device based on the aforementioned formula, channel state, and signal quality. In this implementation, the length of each time range determined by the network device is further applicable to the actual communication environment, applicable to data transmission between the network device and a specific terminal device, whereby the data transmission delay is further reduced and the power consumption of the terminal device is reduced.

[0045] In an optional implementation, the length of each of the plurality of time ranges includes at least the length of the first period and an offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges. In this implementation, the terminal device determines the length of each of the plurality of time ranges based on the length of the first period and the offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges, whereby the computational load of the terminal device can be reduced and the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced. Optionally, the offset corresponding to each time range may be a length offset or a position offset.

[0046] According to a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. For the beneficial effects, reference may be made to the description in the first aspect. Details are not described again here. The communication device has a function of implementing the behavior in the method instance of the first aspect. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0047] In a possible design, the communication device is a processing module configured to determine N opportunities, where the N opportunities are within a first time range, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, the i-th opportunity window among the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities among the N opportunities, N i is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, and i = 1, 2,..., M, and a communication module configured to perform data transmission in two or more of the N opportunities.

[0048] The module can implement the corresponding functions in the method example of the first aspect. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method example. Details will not be described again here.

[0049] According to the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. For the beneficial effects, please refer to the description in the second aspect. Details will not be described again here. The communication device has a function of implementing the behavior in the method instance of the second aspect. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware that executes the corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0050] In a possible design, the communication device is a processing module configured to determine N opportunities, where the N opportunities are within a first time range, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, the i-th opportunity window among the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities among the N opportunities, N i is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, and i = 1, 2,..., M, and a communication module configured to perform data transmission in two or more of the N opportunities.

[0051] The module can implement the corresponding functions in the method example of the second aspect. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method example. Details will not be described again here.

[0052] According to the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. For the beneficial effects, please refer to the description in the third aspect. Details will not be described again here. The communication device has a function of implementing the behavior in the method instance of the third aspect. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware that executes the corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0053] In a possible design, the communication device includes a transceiver module configured to receive third information, the third information indicating the length of each of a plurality of time ranges, at least two of the plurality of time ranges having different lengths, and the transceiver module being further configured to perform data transmission within the plurality of time ranges. The module can implement the corresponding functions in the method example of the third aspect. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method example. Details will not be described again here.

[0054] According to the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. For the beneficial effects, please refer to the description in the fourth aspect. Details will not be described again here. The communication device has a function of implementing the behavior in the method instance of the fourth aspect. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware that executes the corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0055] In a possible design, the communication device includes a transceiver module configured to transmit third information, where the third information indicates the length of each of a plurality of time ranges, at least two of the plurality of time ranges have different lengths, and the transceiver module is configured to perform data transmission within the plurality of time ranges. The module may perform the corresponding functions in the method example in the fourth aspect. For details, refer to the detailed description in the method example. Details will not be described again here.

[0056] According to a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiment, or may be a chip disposed within the terminal device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program or instructions. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions, the communication device is enabled to perform the method implemented by the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiment.

[0057] According to a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the network device in the foregoing method embodiment, or may be a chip disposed within the network device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program or instructions. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions, the communication device is enabled to perform the method implemented by the network device in the foregoing method embodiment.

[0058] According to the 11th aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code. When the computer program code is executed, the method implemented by the terminal device in the foregoing aspect is implemented.

[0059] According to the 12th aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code. When the computer program code is executed, the method implemented by the network device in the foregoing aspect is implemented.

[0060] According to the 13th aspect, the present application provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor configured to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method in the foregoing aspect. In a possible design, the chip system further includes a memory configured to store program instructions and / or data. The chip system may include a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0061] According to the 14th aspect, the present application provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor configured to implement the functions of the network device in the method in the foregoing aspect. In a possible design, the chip system further includes a memory configured to store program instructions and / or data. The chip system may include a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0062] According to the 15th aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method implemented by the terminal device in the foregoing aspect is implemented.

[0063] According to the 16th aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method implemented by the network device in the foregoing aspect is implemented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0065] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0066] To better understand the communication method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable will be first described.

[0067] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to various communication systems, such as the Global System for Mobile Communications for mobile communications, the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, or the 4th Generation (4G) mobile communication technology system. With the continuous development of communication technologies, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to subsequent evolved communication systems such as the New Radio (NR) system.

[0068] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, one network device and one terminal device. The communication system may further include a channel for data transmission between the network device and the terminal device, for example, a transmission medium such as an optical fiber, a cable, or the atmosphere. The quantity and form of the devices shown in FIG. 1a are used as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. In actual applications, two or more network devices and two or more terminal devices may be included. The communication system shown in FIG. 1a is described using one network device and one terminal device as an example. In FIG. 1a, for example, the network device is a base station and the terminal device is a mobile phone.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device may be a device having a wireless transceiver function or a chip that can be disposed on the device. The network device includes, but is not limited to, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a NodeB (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home network device (such as a Home evolved NodeB or Home NodeB, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an access point (AP) of a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission and reception point (TRP, or transmission point, TP), etc.; a device used in 4G, 5G, and even 6G systems, such as an evolved NodeB (NodeB, eNB, or e-NodeB, evolved NodeB) of LTE, a base station (gNodeB or gNB) of NR, a transceiver point, or a transmission and reception point (TRP or TP); or a network node forming a gNB or a transmission and reception point, for example, a baseband unit (BBU), a distributed unit (DU), a picocell network device, a femtocell network device, or a road side unit (RSU) in an intelligent driving scenario. The base station may be a macro base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, a small cell, a relay station, or a balloon station, etc.

[0070] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), a terminal, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile console, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a user agent, or a user device, and is applicable even to 4G, 5G, or 6G systems. The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application may be a coupling device that transmits and receives digital signals over a public switched telephone network, or may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with a wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, and an RSU of the aforementioned wireless terminal types, etc.

[0071] FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication system includes a new core (CN) and a radio access network (RAN). Network devices (e.g., base stations) within the RAN include a baseband device and a radio frequency device. The baseband device may be implemented by one or more nodes, and the radio frequency device may be remotely implemented separately from the baseband device, integrated with the baseband device, or a part of the radio frequency device may be remotely implemented from the baseband device and the remaining part may be integrated with the baseband device. Network devices within the RAN may include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), and a plurality of DUs may be controlled in a centralized manner by one CU. The CU and the DU may be divided based on the functions of the protocol layers of the wireless network. For example, the functions of the PDCP layer and the protocol layers above the PDCP layer are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer, such as the RLC layer and the MAC layer, are set in the DU. It should be noted that dividing the protocol layers is merely an example, and there may be other divisions of the protocol layers. The radio frequency device may be disposed remotely from the DU, integrated with the DU, or a part of the radio frequency device may be disposed remotely from the DU and the remaining part may be integrated with the DU. This is not limited in the present application.

[0072] Figure 1c is a schematic diagram of the structure of yet another communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. Compared with that of the architecture shown in Figure 1b, the control plane (CP) and the user plane (UP) of the CU may be separated and implemented using different entities. The different entities are a control plane CU entity (CU-CP entity) and a user plane CU entity (CU-UP entity), respectively. In this architecture, the signaling generated by the CU may be transmitted to the terminal device using the DU, or the signaling generated by the terminal device may be transmitted to the CU using the DU. The DU can transparently transmit the signaling to the terminal device or the CU without parsing the signaling by directly encapsulating the signaling at the protocol layer. In this architecture, the CU is classified as a network device on the RAN side. Additionally, the CU may alternatively be classified as a network device on the CN side. This is not limited in the present application.

[0073] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present application, the following two points are described.

[0074] (1) In the embodiments disclosed in the present application, the NR network scenario in the wireless communication network is used for illustrative purposes as an example of the scenario. It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments disclosed in the present application may be applied to another wireless communication network, and the corresponding names may be replaced with the names of the corresponding functions of another wireless communication network.

[0075] (2) Aspects, embodiments, or features of the present application are presented by describing systems including multiple devices, components, modules, etc. in the embodiments disclosed in the present application. It should be recognized and understood that each system may include other devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Additionally, combinations of these solutions may also be utilized.

[0076] Next, related concepts in the embodiments of the present application are briefly described.

[0077] 1. Extended Reality (XR) and XR Applications

[0078] XR refers to all composite environments of reality and virtuality generated by computer technology and wearable devices, and related human-machine interactions. Three-Dimensional (3D) interactions may be implemented using XR technology, and 3D interactions are more efficient than Two-Dimensional (2D) interactions. XR technology includes VR technology, AR technology, and Mixed Reality (MR) technology.

[0079] XR technology can be applied in multiple different fields. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the application fields of XR technology. It can be understood that XR technology can be applied in fields such as healthcare, education, military, emergency response, industrial and manufacturing, entertainment, engineering, marketing and advertising, and retail.

[0080] 2. Video Frame and Video Frame Rate

[0081] A video frame is a frame of a certain picture among multiple frames of pictures that form a video.

[0082] The video frame rate refers to the quantity of video frames contained in a video per second, and the unit is frames per second (fps). The higher the video frame rate, the larger the quantity of video frames contained in the video per unit time, and thus the video is played back more smoothly. Generally, the minimum video frame rate is 24 fps. When the video frame rate is lower than 24 fps, the user experiences obvious frame freezes when watching the video. For videos where the pictures change slowly, the video frame rate is set to 30 fps to provide the user with a good video viewing experience. For videos where the pictures change rapidly, the video frame rate is set to 60 fps or higher.

[0083] In addition, the video frame rate is proportional to the size of the video data packet. When the video period is fixed, the higher the video frame rate, the larger the quantity of video frames contained in the video, indicating that the video data packet is large, that is, the storage space required to save the video is large. For example, in Videos 1 and 2 with the same period, the video frame rate of Video 1 is 60 fps, and the video frame rate of Video 2 is 30 fps. In this case, the quantity of video frames contained in Video 1 is twice that of Video 2. It can be understood that in Videos 1 and 2 with the same period, the size of Video 1 is approximately twice that of Video 2.

[0084] 3. Video Frames of XR Video Services

[0085] The XR service includes an XR video service. The data packets of the video frames of the XR video service are large, and the size of the data packets of each video frame follows a probability distribution, which includes, but is not limited to, a truncated Gaussian distribution. The transmission of the video frames of the XR video service is carried out between a network device and a terminal device, whereby a service corresponding to the XR video service is provided to the user.

[0086] When the network device and the terminal device perform downlink data transmission, the media server transmits the video frame to the network device, and then the network device transmits the received video frame to the terminal device.

[0087] Ideally, the media server periodically transmits the video frames of the XR video service to the network device. In this case, the video frames of the XR video service arrive at the network device periodically, that is, the time when the video frames of the XR video service arrive at the network device is the expected time. The period of the video frame is the reciprocal of the video frame rate. In addition, common video frame rates in the XR video service include 30fps, 60fps, 90fps, and 120fps. For example, referring to FIG. 3a, when the video frame rate in the XR video service is 60fps, the period of the video frame is 1 / (60fps) ≈ 16.67ms. In this case, the video frames of the XR video service arrive at the network device at a period of 16.67ms.

[0088] In actual situations, due to factors such as rendering, source coding, and routing path selection, based on the characteristic that video frames of XR video services arrive at the network device periodically, jitter within a specific range exists between the actual arrival time of the video frame at the network device and the expected arrival time. In other words, the actual arrival time of the video frame at the network device may be exactly the expected arrival time, earlier than the expected arrival time, or later than the expected arrival time. The actual arrival time of the video frame at the network device is the time when the network device actually receives the video frame after the media server transmits the video frame to the network device.

[0089] The jitter range between the actual arrival time of the video frame at the network device and the expected arrival time follows a specific probability distribution in mathematical statistics. The probability distribution can be a statistical distribution such as a Gaussian distribution, a Rayleigh distribution, or a Rice distribution. For example, the probability distribution can be a truncated Gaussian distribution with a mean value of 0, a variance of 2 ms, and a jitter range between the actual arrival time of the video frame at the network device and the expected arrival time of [-4 ms, 4 ms].

[0090] Referring to FIG. 3b, for example, the video frame rate in the XR video service is 60 fps, and the jitter range is [-4 ms, 4 ms]. In FIG. 3b, the actual arrival time of video frame k-1 is earlier than the expected arrival time t1, the actual arrival time of video frame k is later than the expected arrival time t2, and the actual arrival time of video frame k+1 is exactly the expected arrival time t3.

[0091] In addition, to meet the user's requirements for extremely smooth video viewing, the transmission rate and delay of video frames of the XR video service are also required. For example, when the video frame rate is 60 fps and the average size of the data packet of each video frame is 750 kbit, the data rate of the application layer can reach 45 Mbps. In addition, for the VR or AR service type, the Packet Delay Budget (PDB) of the video frame of the VR or AR service type is 10 ms, that is, the time threshold from the time when the media server transmits the video frame to the time when the terminal device successfully receives the video frame is 10 ms.

[0092] When the network device and the terminal device perform uplink data transmission, the terminal device acquires a video frame. After acquiring the video frame, the terminal device transmits the video frame to the network device, and then the network device transmits the received video frame to the media server. The related description about the video frame of the XR video service is the same as the related description about the video frame in the downlink transmission data. The difference is that there may be jitter within a specific range between the time when the terminal device actually acquires the data packet and the expected time before the terminal device transmits the video frame.

[0093] In this application, for a data packet with jitter, in downlink transmission, it indicates that there is jitter within a specific range between the time when the data in the data packet actually arrives at the network device and the expected time, and in uplink transmission, it indicates that there is jitter within a specific range between the time when the terminal device actually acquires the data in the data packet and the expected time.

[0094] 4. Dynamic Scheduling Mechanism

[0095] In a dynamic scheduling mechanism, after a network device allocates resources to a terminal device at a transmission timing interval (TTI), the terminal device can perform data transmission once on the resources. If the terminal device needs to perform data transmission again, the network device needs to re-allocate resources to the terminal device. The resources allocated to the terminal device by the network device are specified using downlink control information (DCI) within a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The TTI can be a slot, a subframe, or a mini-slot, etc.

[0096] 5. Semi-persistent scheduling mechanism

[0097] In the semi-persistent scheduling mechanism, the network device may periodically allocate resources to a specific terminal device. The resources allocated to the terminal device by the network device are specified using the downlink control information (DCI) in the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) scrambled using the configured scheduling radio network temporary identifier (CS-RNTI). In other words, after configuring the resources, the network device may deliver the PDCCH for specifying the resources to the terminal device within one transmission time interval (TTI). Every period, the terminal device may perform data transmission on the resources within the period, and the network device does not need to re-deliver the PDCCH for specifying the resources within the period before the terminal device performs data transmission each time. It can be understood that the semi-persistent scheduling mechanism is characterized by "allocate once, use multiple times". When the data to be transmitted has periodic characteristics, compared with the dynamic scheduling mechanism, the semi-persistent scheduling mechanism reduces the overhead of the PDCCH, reduces the overhead of the PDCCH detection performed by the terminal device, and further reduces the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0098] When the resources of the semi-persistent scheduling mechanism are used to perform downlink data transmission, the semi-persistent scheduling mechanism may be called the semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) mechanism for downlink, and the period of the resources configured by the SPS mechanism may be called the SPS period.

[0099] In the SPS mechanism, after the network device configures the resources, the terminal device cannot directly use the configured resources to perform data transmission. The network device needs to further distribute the PDCCH for activating the resources. In addition, before releasing the resources, the network device may also distribute the PDCCH for deactivating (or releasing) the resources.

[0100] The PDCCH for activating or deactivating the resources meets the following conditions.

[0101] (1) The cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits of the PDCCH are scrambled using the CS-RNTI.

[0102] (2) The new data indicator (NDI) field is set to 0. For DCI format 2 / 2A / 2B / 2C, the NDI field is for the transport block (TB) that can be used.

[0103] After the resources are activated, the terminal device considers that the resources are allocated to the subframes (referred to as SPS subframes) that meet the following formula, that is, (numberOfSlotsPerFrame × SFN + the number of slots in the frame) = [(numberOfSlotsPerFrame × SFN start time + slot start time ) + n × period × numberOfSlotsPerFrame / 10] modulo (1024 × numberOfSlotsPerFrame) (in this case, it is not necessary to receive the PDCCH).

[0104] SFN start time and Slot start timeThey are the slot numbers at which the transmission of the first Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) is scheduled after the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) scrambled using the System Frame Number (SFN) and the CS-RNTI is activated. n > 0 (the initial value is 0, and the value increases by 1 each time the cycle ends).

[0105] When the resources in the semi-persistent scheduling mechanism are used to perform uplink data transmission, the semi-persistent scheduling mechanism may be called the configured grant (CG) mechanism, and the period of the resources configured in the CG mechanism may be called the CG period. In the CG mechanism, the network device may not need to distribute the PDCCH to activate the resources. After the network device configures the resources, the terminal device may directly use the resources to perform data transmission.

[0106] In addition, for a terminal device in which resources are configured using a semi-persistent scheduling mechanism, the network device may further configure resources for the terminal device using a dynamic scheduling mechanism. The value of the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) used to scramble the PDCCH may be used to identify whether the resources specified by the PDCCH are configured using a dynamic scheduling mechanism or a semi-persistent scheduling mechanism. When the PDCCH is scrambled using the Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), the resources specified by the PDCCH are configured using a dynamic mechanism. When the PDCCH is scrambled using the CS-RNTI, the resources specified by the PDCCH are configured using a semi-persistent scheduling mechanism.

[0107] 6. Time Unit and Opportunity

[0108] The time unit can be one or more radio frames, one or more subframes, one or more slots, one or more minislots, or one or more symbols, etc. The symbol can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, or a discrete fourier transform spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM) symbol, etc. In addition, the time unit can be at least one of millisecond (abbreviated as ms), second (abbreviated as s), subframe, minislot, and symbol. A minislot contains a plurality of symbols.

[0109] The opportunity in this application refers to one or more time units in which resources for data transmission are allocated. For example, in the SPS mechanism, one or more time units in which resources for downlink data transmission are allocated may be referred to as SPS opportunities, and in the CG mechanism, one or more time units in which resources for uplink data transmission are allocated may be referred to as CG opportunities. In addition, in this application, data transmission within an opportunity means data transmission on the resources within the opportunity.

[0110] 7. Opportunity configuration information

[0111] Opportunity configuration information is information about an opportunity determined by a network device. The information can be control information or upper layer signaling. For example, the control information can be DCI or uplink control information ( uplink control information, UCI). For example, the upper layer signaling can be Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or media access control element (MAC CE) signaling. Different types of signaling can be the same or different. For example, the information can be DCI or UCI, or RRC signaling, or MAC CE signaling.

[0112] In the following, an example where the opportunity configuration information of the SPS opportunity is RRC signaling is used to provide an explanation.

[0113] The opportunity configuration information of the SPS opportunity can be carried in the SPS-Config of the RRC signaling. The parameters of the SPS-Config include the SPS period (periodicity), the SPS hybrid automatic retransmission request (HARQ) process (nrofHARQ-Processes), the HARQ resource (n1PUCCH-AN) that carries the SPS HARQ feedback information in the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) table (mcs-Table) for data transmission, the SPS index (sps-ConfigIndex), the offset (harq-ProcID-Offset) for inferring the identification (ID) of the HARQ process, the parameter (periodicityExt) for calculating the SPS period, the HARQ-acknowledgment (ACK) codebook index (harq-CodebookID), and the SPS PDSCH repetition count (pdsch-AggregationFactor), etc. When the network device configures the periodicityExt in the SPS-Config, after receiving the RRC signaling, the terminal device may ignore the period in the SPS-Config.

[0114] 8. Feedback Information

[0115] In this application, the feedback information is Hybrid Automatic Retransmission Request (HARQ) feedback information. The feedback information includes positive acknowledgment (ACK) information and negative acknowledgment (NACK) information. Specifically, after receiving the PDSCH, the data receiving device determines whether the data carried by the PDSCH is correctly received. If the data carried by the PDSCH is correctly received, it is determined that the feedback information is ACK information, or if the data carried by the PDSCH is not correctly received, it is determined that the feedback information is NACK information. Next, the data receiving device transmits the feedback information to the data transmitting device, whereby the data transmitting device can quickly retransmit the lost data or error data based on the feedback information.

[0116] In a plurality of services implemented by data transmission between a network device and a terminal device, data packets of some services, for example, data packets in an XR video service, have large and periodic transmission characteristics. In this type of service, the network device constructs opportunities by using a semi-persistent scheduling mechanism for data transmission.

[0117] For services with large data packets, the transmission of the service data packets needs to be carried out in multiple opportunities. In addition to one opportunity within the current period for transmission, opportunities within the next period also need to be utilized. As a result, the data transmission delay between the network device and the terminal device can increase.

[0118] In addition, the transmission of data packets with jitter cannot be carried out within the opportunity within the current period and needs to be carried out in the opportunity within the next period. As a result, the data transmission delay between the network device and the terminal device can increase.

[0119] For example, as shown in FIG. 4a, when the network device constructs an opportunity at the expected time of each data packet and it can be seen from FIG. 4a that data packet 1 arrives after the expected time, the transmission of data packet 1 cannot be carried out in opportunity 1 within the current period and needs to be carried out in opportunity 2 within the next period. It can be understood that the data transmission delay of the transmission of data packet 1 between the network device and the terminal device is large.

[0120] In the present application, a communication method 100 for downlink transmission between a network device and a terminal device is provided. In communication method 100, the network device can transmit data within a plurality of opportunities within the first time range. This helps to transmit large data packets in a concentrated manner within the first time range, reducing the data transmission delay. In addition, when the data arrives earlier or later than expected, the network device can transmit the data in an opportunity in front of or behind among the plurality of opportunities in the time domain, thereby solving the data transmission delay problem caused by the jitter of the XR service.

[0121] In the present application, a communication method 200 for uplink transmission between a network device and a terminal device is provided. In communication method 200, the terminal device can transmit data within a plurality of opportunities within the first time range. This helps to transmit large data packets in a concentrated manner within the first time range, reducing the data transmission delay. In addition, when the data arrives earlier (is acquired earlier) or later (is acquired later) than expected, the terminal device can transmit the data in an opportunity in front of or behind among the plurality of opportunities in the time domain, thereby solving the data transmission delay problem caused by the jitter of the XR service.

[0122] In addition, when the minimum unit of a resource period (for example, an SPS period or a CG period) configured using a semi-persistent scheduling mechanism is 1 ms, that is, when the resource period is an integer multiple of 1 ms, for data whose period is in decimal format in the XR service, the resource period configured using the semi-persistent scheduling mechanism does not match the period of the data. As a result, data transmission cannot be performed on the corresponding resources, which may cause large data transmission delays and significant resource waste.

[0123] For example, as shown in FIG. 4b, when the video frame rate in the XR video service is 60 fps, the period of the corresponding data is approximately 16.67 ms, the resource period of the resources configured by the network device is 16 ms, and the start position of the data and the start position of the resources are both at time point t1 in the time domain. In FIG. 4b, the transmission of data 3 cannot be performed on the corresponding resource 3 and needs to be performed on resource 4 corresponding to data 4. It can be understood that the data transmission delay corresponding to data 3 is large, that is, 14.66 ms. As a result, resource 3 is wasted and the transmission of data 4 cannot be performed on the corresponding resource 4.

[0124] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method 300. The communication method 300 helps to match a plurality of time ranges with the period of data in decimal format in the XR service, so that the transmission of data within each period is performed on resources within a time range that matches the period, thereby reducing the data transmission delay caused by the mismatch between the resource period and the data period in the XR service.

[0125] Embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0126] Embodiment 1: Communication method 100

[0127] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 100 according to this embodiment of the present application. The communication method 100 is described from the perspective of the interaction between a network device and a terminal device. The communication method 100 includes the following steps.

[0128] S101: The network device determines N opportunities.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 6a, the N opportunities are within the first time range [t1, t2], and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. In addition, the first time range [t1, t2] includes M opportunity windows, and the i-th opportunity window includes Ni opportunities out of the N opportunities. N i is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, and i = 1, 2,..., M. In addition, the first time unit within the first time range is the first time unit at the first opportunity among the N opportunities in the time domain. In the present application, the i-th opportunity window among the M opportunity windows refers to the i-th opportunity window among the M opportunity windows in the time domain.

[0130] For example, as shown in FIG. 6b, N = 6 and M = 3. The six opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, Opportunity 4, Opportunity 5, and Opportunity 6. The three opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2] are Opportunity Window 1, Opportunity Window 2, and Opportunity Window 3. Opportunity Window 1 includes Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, and Opportunity 3, Opportunity Window 2 includes Opportunity 4 and Opportunity 5, and Opportunity Window 3 includes Opportunity 6.

[0131] Optionally, each opportunity may carry different transport blocks (TBs) instead of different redundant versions of one TB. This implementation helps to transmit large data packets between the network device and the terminal device within the first time range.

[0132] Optionally, N may be determined by a network device based on the average transmission period of data packets. The average transmission period of data packets may be determined by the network device based on, for example, the size of the data packets, the current channel state, and the available transmission resources, whereby the transmission of large data packets or data packets with jitter can be carried out within N opportunities between the network device and the terminal device, thereby reducing data transmission delay.

[0133] Optionally, the opportunity in communication method 100 may be an opportunity for downlink transmission, such as an SPS opportunity. This is not limited here. When the opportunity in communication method 100 is an SPS opportunity, the first time unit within the first opportunity among the N opportunities in the time domain is the time unit used when the resource in the first opportunity is activated on the PDCCH.

[0134] Optionally, the N opportunities may include both opportunities for downlink transmission and opportunities for uplink transmission. The number of opportunities for downlink transmission needs to be 2 or more. Correspondingly, in communication method 100, when transmitting data, the network device transmits data in two or more of the opportunities for downlink transmission.

[0135] In an optional implementation, as shown in FIG. 7a, M = N, and each of the M opportunity windows includes one of the N opportunities. For example, as shown in FIG. 7b, M = N = 4, and the four opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, and Opportunity 4. The four opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2] are Opportunity Window 1, Opportunity Window 2, Opportunity Window 3, and Opportunity Window 4. Opportunity Window 1 includes Opportunity 1, Opportunity Window 2 includes Opportunity 2, Opportunity Window 3 includes Opportunity 3, and Opportunity Window 4 includes Opportunity 4.

[0136] In another optional implementation, M < N, the M opportunity windows include X opportunity windows, and each of the X opportunity windows includes two or more of the N opportunities. X is a positive integer less than or equal to M. In other words, when X = M, each of the M opportunity windows includes two or more of the N opportunities. When X < M, each of the X opportunity windows includes two or more of the N opportunities, and each of the (M - X) opportunity windows excluding the X opportunity windows out of the M opportunity windows includes one of the N opportunities.

[0137] Optionally, when X is equal to 1, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in the X opportunity windows is T1 time units, and T1 is 0 or a positive number. Optionally, the method may further include the network device sending the value of T1 to the terminal device. It can be understood that when the intervals between any two adjacent opportunities in the X opportunity windows are the same, the amount of signaling information sent by the network device to the terminal device and indicating the value of T1 is small. This helps to save communication resources.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 8a, when 1 = X = M < N, the first time range [t1, t2] includes one opportunity window, the opportunity window includes N opportunities, and the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in the N opportunities is T1 time units. In this application, the interval between two adjacent opportunities may be, in the time domain, the interval between the end position of the last time unit of the previous opportunity of the two opportunities and the start position of the first time unit of the next opportunity of the two opportunities.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 8b, when 1 = X < M < N, in the M opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2], one opportunity window includes two or more of the N opportunities, and the interval between any two adjacent opportunities among the two or more opportunities included in the opportunity window is the T1 time unit. In addition, in the M opportunity windows, each of the (M - 1) opportunity windows excluding the aforementioned opportunity window includes one of the N opportunities.

[0140] In addition, when 1 = X < M < N, the X opportunity windows may be any one of the M opportunity windows. For example, referring to FIGS. 8c and 8d, when X = 1, M = 2, and N = 4, the four opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, and Opportunity 4, and the two opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2] are Opportunity Window 1 and Opportunity Window 2, and the X opportunity windows include three of the N opportunities. As shown in FIG. 8c, the X opportunity windows are the first opportunity window among the two opportunity windows, that is, Opportunity Window 1. Opportunity Window 1 includes Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, and Opportunity 3. The interval between Opportunity 1 and Opportunity 2 is the T1 time unit, and the interval between Opportunity 2 and Opportunity 3 is the T1 time unit. Opportunity Window 2 includes Opportunity 4. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8d, the X opportunity windows are the second opportunity window among the two opportunity windows, that is, Opportunity Window 2. Opportunity Window 2 includes Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, and Opportunity 4. The interval between Opportunity 2 and Opportunity 3 is the T1 time unit, and the interval between Opportunity 3 and Opportunity 4 is the T1 time unit. Opportunity Window 1 includes Opportunity 1.

[0141] In addition, in the present application, the value of T1 may be customized by the user or determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device. For example, the value of T1 may be determined based on actual situations such as the requirements of the communication system for data transmission delay, resource utilization rate, or the jitter range in data packets.

[0142] Hereinafter, the value of T1 will be described using an example where 1 = X = M < N.

[0143] When the communication system has high requirements regarding data transmission delay, T1 can be set to 0. For example, referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, X = M = 1, and N = 6. The six opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, Opportunity 4, Opportunity 5, and Opportunity 6, and the six opportunities are within the first time range [t1, t2]. The data packet scheduled for transmission is before time point t1, and three opportunities need to be used for transmission. As shown in FIG. 9a, when T1 is 0, the network device may perform the transmission of the data in the data packet among Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, and Opportunity 3, that is, the transmission of the data packet is performed before time point t3. As shown in FIG. 9b, when T1 is a positive number, the network device may perform the transmission of the data in the data packet among Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, and Opportunity 3, that is, the transmission of the data packet is performed before time point t4. Time point t4 is after time point t3. It can be understood that when T1 is 0, the network device can perform the transmission of large data packets in a timely and centralized manner, thereby further reducing the data transmission delay.

[0144] When the communication system has high requirements regarding resource utilization, T1 can be set to a positive number. For example, for data packets that arrive at the network device later than the expected time, the waste of resources that can occur when T1 is a positive number is smaller than the waste of resources that can occur when T1 is 0. For example, referring to FIGS. 9c and 9d, X = M = 1, N = 6, and the six opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, Opportunity 4, Opportunity 5, and Opportunity 6, and the six opportunities are within the first time range [t1, t2]. In addition, the data packet scheduled for transmission is before time t5. Time t5 is after time t1. As shown in FIG. 9c, when T1 is 0, the network device may start to perform the transmission of the data in the data packet during Opportunity 3, and Opportunities 1 and 2 may be wasted. As shown in FIG. 9d, when T1 is a positive number, the network device may start to perform the transmission of the data in the data packet in Opportunity 2, and Opportunity 1 may be wasted. It can be understood that the waste of resources that can occur when T1 is a positive number is smaller than the waste of resources that can occur when T1 is 0. In other words, when T1 is a positive number, the resource utilization can be improved.

[0145] In an actual situation, when the jitter range in a data packet is large, T1 may be a positive number. For example, referring to FIGS. 9c and 9d, the data packet to be transmitted needs to be transmitted within three opportunities. As shown in FIG. 9c, when T1 is 0, the network device can transmit the data packet at time point t6 and the data packet before time point t6 within the first time range. As shown in FIG. 9d, when T1 is a positive number, the network device can transmit the data packet at time point t7 and the data packet before time point t7 within the first time range. Time point t7 is after time point t6. When the network device needs to transmit the data packet at time point t7 and the data packet before time point t7 within the first time range, the number of opportunities determined when T1 is 0 needs to be larger than the number of opportunities determined when T1 is a positive number. When T1 is a positive number, this implementation can better solve the data transmission delay problem caused by jitter in the data, so that it can be understood that the transmission of the data in the data packet can be completed within the PDB threshold. This avoids the waste of resources and energy consumption caused by the retransmission of the data packet when the transmission of the data in the data packet is carried out beyond the PDB threshold, and improves the energy efficiency of data transmission.

[0146] Optionally, when X is 2 or more, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each of the X opportunity windows is T2 time units, and T2 is 0 or a positive number. In addition, the number of opportunities included in each of the X opportunity windows may be the same or different. Optionally, the method may further include the network device transmitting the value of T2 to the terminal device. It can be understood that when the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each of the X opportunity windows is the same, the amount of signaling information transmitted by the network device to the terminal device and indicating the value of T2 is small. This helps to save communication resources.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 10a, when 2≤X = M<N, in the M opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2], each opportunity window includes two or more of the N opportunities, and the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each opportunity window is a T2 time unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 10b, X = M = 2, and N = 5. The five opportunities determined by the network device are opportunity 1, opportunity 2, opportunity 3, opportunity 4, and opportunity 5, and the two opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2] are opportunity window 1 and opportunity window 2. Opportunity window 1 includes opportunity 1 and opportunity 2, and the interval between opportunity 1 and opportunity 2 is a T2 time unit. Opportunity window 2 includes opportunity 3, opportunity 4, and opportunity 5, the interval between opportunity 3 and opportunity 4 is a T2 time unit, and the interval between opportunity 4 and opportunity 5 is a T2 time unit.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 10c, when 2≤X<M<N, in the M opportunity windows, each of the X opportunity windows includes two or more of the N opportunities, and the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each of the X opportunity windows is a T2 time unit. In addition, each of the (M - X) opportunity windows excluding the X opportunity windows among the M opportunity windows includes one of the N opportunities. For example, as shown in FIG. 10d, X = 2, M = 3, and N = 5. The five opportunities determined by the network device are opportunity 1, opportunity 2, opportunity 3, opportunity 4, and opportunity 5, and the three opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2] are opportunity window 1, opportunity window 2, and opportunity window 3. Opportunity window 1 includes opportunity 1 and opportunity 2, and the interval between opportunity 1 and opportunity 2 is a T2 time unit. Opportunity window 2 includes opportunity 3 and opportunity 4, and the interval between opportunity 3 and opportunity 4 is a T2 time unit. Opportunity window 3 includes opportunity 5.

[0149] In addition, when 2 ≤ X < M < N, the X opportunity windows can be X consecutive opportunity windows among the M opportunity windows, or X non - consecutive opportunity windows among the M opportunity windows.

[0150] In addition, in the present application, the value of T2 may be customized by the user or determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device. For example, the value of T2 may be determined based on actual situations such as the requirements of the communication system for data transmission delay, resource utilization rate, or the jitter range in data packets. Similar to the value of T1, when the communication system has high requirements for data transmission delay, T2 can be set to 0. When the communication system has high requirements for resource utilization rate, T2 can be set to a positive number. When the jitter range in data packets is large in the actual situation, T2 may be set to a positive number, so that the transmission of data within the data packet can be completed within the PDB threshold. This avoids waste of resources and energy consumption caused by re - transmission of data packets when the transmission of data within the data packet is carried out beyond the PDB threshold, and improves the energy efficiency of data transmission.

[0151] Optionally, when X is 2 or more, the intervals between any two adjacent opportunities in different opportunity windows among the X opportunity windows may be different. Since there is jitter within a specific range between the actual arrival time and the expected arrival time of data, and the jitter follows a specific probability distribution in mathematical statistics, the value of the interval between two adjacent opportunities in the opportunities configured by the network device can be small near the time points where the arrival probability of data packets is high at multiple time points within the jitter range. Thereby, the data transmission delay can be reduced, and the transmission of the data within the data packet can be completed within the PDB threshold. This avoids waste of resources and energy consumption caused by retransmission of data packets when the transmission of the data within the data packet is performed beyond the PDB threshold, and improves the energy efficiency of data transmission. The value of the interval between two adjacent opportunities in the opportunities configured by the network device can be large near the time points where the arrival probability of data packets is low at multiple time points within the jitter range. This helps to reduce waste of resources.

[0152] In addition, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each opportunity window may be customized by the user or determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device. For example, as shown in FIG. 11a, X = 3, and the first time range [t1, t2] includes opportunity window 1, opportunity window 2, and opportunity window 3. Opportunity window 1 includes opportunity 1 and opportunity 2, and the interval between opportunity 1 and opportunity 2 is interval 1. Opportunity window 2 includes opportunity 3 and opportunity 4, and the interval between opportunity 3 and opportunity 4 is interval 2. Opportunity window 3 includes opportunity 5 and opportunity 6, and the interval between opportunity 5 and opportunity 6 is interval 3. Interval 1, interval 2, and interval 3 may have different values.

[0153] Optionally, when the number of opportunities included in an opportunity window among X opportunity windows is 3 or more, the intervals between any two adjacent opportunities in that opportunity window may be different. Since there is jitter within a specific range between the actual arrival time and the expected arrival time of data, and the jitter follows a specific probability distribution in mathematical statistics, the value of the interval between two adjacent opportunities in the opportunities configured by the network device can become smaller near the time points with a high arrival probability of data packets at multiple time points within the jitter range. This can reduce data transmission delay and help improve the energy efficiency of data transmission. The value of the interval between two adjacent opportunities in the opportunities configured by the network device can become larger near the time points with a low arrival probability of data packets at multiple time points within the jitter range. This helps reduce waste of resources.

[0154] In addition, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities may be customized by the user or determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device. For example, as shown in FIG. 11b, opportunity window 1 among X opportunity windows includes 4 opportunities. The 4 opportunities are opportunity 1, opportunity 2, opportunity 3, and opportunity 4. The interval between opportunity 1 and opportunity 2 is interval 1, the interval between opportunity 2 and opportunity 3 is interval 2, and the interval between opportunity 3 and opportunity 4 is interval 3. Interval 1, interval 2, and interval 3 may have different values.

[0155] In an optional implementation, when M is 2 or more, the interval between any two adjacent opportunity windows among M opportunity windows is T3 time units, and T3 is 0 or a positive number. Optionally, the method may further include the network device sending the value of T3 to the terminal device. It can be understood that when the intervals between any two adjacent opportunity windows among M opportunity windows are the same, the amount of signaling information sent by the network device to the terminal device and indicating the value of T3 is small. This helps save communication resources.

[0156] For example, M = 3, the interval between the first opportunity window and the second opportunity window is T3 time units, and the interval between the second opportunity window and the third opportunity window is T3 time units. In the present application, the interval between two adjacent opportunity windows can be, in the time domain, the interval between the end position of the last time unit of the opportunity included in the previous opportunity window of the two opportunity windows and the start position of the first time unit of the opportunity included in the next opportunity window of the two opportunity windows.

[0157] In addition, in the present application, the value of T3 may be customized by the user or determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device. For example, the value of T3 may be determined based on actual situations such as subcarrier spacing, requirements of the communication system for data transmission delay and / or resource utilization, or the jitter range in the data packet. Similar to the value of T1, when the communication system has high requirements for data transmission delay, T3 can be set to 0. When the communication system has high requirements for resource utilization, T3 can be set to a positive number. When the jitter range in the data packet is large in the actual situation, T3 may be set to a positive number, so that the transmission of data in the data packet can be completed within the packet delay budget PDB threshold. This avoids waste of resources and energy consumption caused by retransmission of the data packet when the transmission of data in the data packet is carried out beyond the PDB threshold, and improves the energy efficiency of data transmission.

[0158] In an optional implementation, when M is greater than or equal to 2, the intervals between any two adjacent opportunity windows among the M opportunity windows may be different. Since there is jitter within a specific range between the actual arrival time and the expected arrival time of data, and the jitter follows a specific probability distribution in mathematical statistics, the value of the interval between two adjacent opportunity windows in the opportunity windows configured by the network device may become smaller near the time points where the arrival probability of data packets is high at multiple time points within the jitter range. This can reduce data transmission delay and help improve the energy efficiency of data transmission. The value of the interval between two adjacent opportunity windows in the opportunity windows configured by the network device may become larger near the time points where the arrival probability of data packets is low at multiple time points within the jitter range. This helps reduce waste of resources.

[0159] In addition, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each opportunity window may be customized by the user or determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device. Preferably, the interval between the first opportunity window and the second opportunity window among the M opportunity windows is half of the jitter range of the data. For example, when M = 4, the interval between the first opportunity window and the second opportunity window is interval 1, the interval between the second opportunity window and the third opportunity window is interval 2, and the interval between the third opportunity window and the fourth opportunity window is interval 1. Interval 1, interval 2, and interval 3 may have different values.

[0160] In an optional implementation, the method may further include the network device transmitting first information, where the first information indicates the length of the first time range. This implementation helps notify the terminal device of the length of the first time range, so that the terminal device can receive data within the first time range. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information. Optionally, the first information may be opportunity configuration information.

[0161] In an optional implementation, the method may further include the following, i.e., the network device transmits second information, where the second information indicates N opportunities. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information, determines N opportunities based on the second information, such that the terminal device can receive data at the N opportunities.

[0162] Optionally, the second information may be one piece of opportunity configuration information. When the opportunity configuration information is carried by SPS-Config of RRC signaling, the network device may add an information element (IE) to SPS-Config, for example, to SPS-Company. The network device may set SPS-Company to true to indicate that the network device determines N opportunities. Alternatively, the network device may add a new SPS configuration, for example, SPS-Config-XR, to the RRC signaling. The parameter content of SPS-Config-XR is the same as the parameter content of SPS-Config. When the opportunity configuration information is carried by SPS-Config-XR of RRC signaling, the terminal device may know that the network device determines N opportunities. In addition, the network device may further add an IE indicating the value of N to SPS-Config or SPS-Config-XR. In this implementation, it can be understood that N opportunities can be indicated by one piece of opportunity configuration information, and the terminal device can determine N opportunities based on the opportunity configuration information. This helps to reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0163] Optionally, when M is 2 or more, the second information may include M pieces of opportunity configuration information. Each of the opportunity configuration information may indicate an opportunity included in one of the M opportunity windows. Each of the opportunity configuration information may be carried by different SPS-Configs during RRC signaling, and each of the opportunity configuration information corresponds to different SPS-ConfigIndex parameters in the SPS-Config. In addition, the network device may further add the quantity of the opportunity included in one of the M opportunity windows to the SPS-Config corresponding to each of the opportunity configuration information. In this implementation, it can be understood that the opportunities within each opportunity window are indicated by different opportunity configuration information. This helps to avoid the case where the terminal device cannot obtain information about all opportunities due to a transmission error in the second information.

[0164] S102: The network device transmits data in two or more of the N opportunities, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives data in two or more opportunities.

[0165] In an optional implementation, two or more of the N opportunities for data transmission are opportunities in one or more of the M opportunity windows. This application provides several optional methods as follows.

[0166] Method 1: When M = 1, the first time range includes one opportunity window, and that opportunity window includes N opportunities. In this case, two or more opportunities for data transmission are opportunities within that opportunity window.

[0167] Method 2: M ≥ 2, and two or more opportunities for data transmission are opportunities within one of the M opportunity windows, where an opportunity window contains two or more of the N opportunities. For example, as shown in FIG. 12a, M = 2, N = 5, there is a data packet scheduled for transmission at time t1, and three opportunities need to be utilized for transmission. The five opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, Opportunity 4, and Opportunity 5. The opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2] are Opportunity Window 1 and Opportunity Window 2. Opportunity Window 1 includes Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, and Opportunity 4, and Opportunity Window 2 includes Opportunity 5. From FIG. 12a, it can be understood that the opportunities for data transmission are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, and Opportunity 3 within Opportunity Window 1.

[0168] Method 3: M ≥ 2, and two or more opportunities for data transmission are opportunities in a plurality of M opportunity windows, where each of the plurality of opportunity windows contains one of the N opportunities. For example, as shown in FIG. 12b, M = 4, N = 5, there is a data packet scheduled for transmission before time t1, and three opportunities need to be utilized for transmission. The five opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, Opportunity 4, and Opportunity 5. The opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2] are Opportunity Window 1, Opportunity Window 2, Opportunity Window 3, and Opportunity Window 4. Opportunity Window 1 includes Opportunity 1, Opportunity Window 2 includes Opportunity 2, Opportunity Window 3 includes Opportunity 3, and Opportunity Window 4 includes Opportunity 4 and Opportunity 5. From FIG. 12b, it can be understood that the opportunities for data transmission are Opportunity 1 within Opportunity Window 1, Opportunity 2 within Opportunity Window 2, and Opportunity 3 within Opportunity Window 3.

[0169] Method 4: M ≥ 2, and two or more opportunities for data transmission are opportunities in a plurality of M opportunity windows, and each of the plurality of opportunity windows includes two or more of the N opportunities. For example, as shown in FIG. 12c, M = 3, N = 5, there is a data packet scheduled to be transmitted before time point t1, and three opportunities need to be used for transmission. The five opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, Opportunity 4, and Opportunity 5. The opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2] are Opportunity Window 1, Opportunity Window 2, and Opportunity Window 3. Opportunity Window 1 includes Opportunity 1 and Opportunity 2, Opportunity Window 2 includes Opportunity 3 and Opportunity 4, and Opportunity Window 3 includes Opportunity 5. From FIG. 12c, it can be understood that the opportunities for data transmission are Opportunity 1 and Opportunity 2 within Opportunity Window 1 and Opportunity 3 within Opportunity Window 2.

[0170] Method 5: M ≥ 2, and two or more opportunities for data transmission are opportunities within a plurality of opportunity windows among the M opportunity windows. Among the plurality of opportunity windows, each of some opportunity windows includes one of the N opportunities, and each of the opportunity windows other than that opportunity window includes two or more of the N opportunities. For example, as shown in FIG. 12d, M = 3, N = 5, there is a data packet scheduled to be transmitted before time point t1, and three opportunities need to be used for transmission. The five opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, Opportunity 4, and Opportunity 5. The opportunity windows included in the first time range [t1, t2] are Opportunity Window 1, Opportunity Window 2, and Opportunity Window 3. Opportunity Window 1 includes Opportunity 1, Opportunity Window 2 includes Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, and Opportunity 4, and Opportunity Window 3 includes Opportunity 5. From FIG. 12d, it can be understood that the opportunities for data transmission are Opportunity 1 within Opportunity Window 1 and Opportunity 2 and Opportunity 3 within Opportunity Window 2.

[0171] In an optional implementation, the method may further include the following. That is, when there is no data scheduled for transmission before the first time unit of the first opportunity within the opportunity window, the network device deactivates the opportunities within that opportunity window and determines whether there is data scheduled for transmission before the first time unit of the first opportunity within the next opportunity window until there is data scheduled for transmission before the first time unit of the first opportunity within that opportunity window, and may transmit that data to the terminal device within the opportunities within that opportunity window. In other words, the network device may pre-determine whether the data will arrive before the first time unit of the first opportunity within the opportunity window, and if the data does not arrive, may deactivate the opportunities within the opportunity window. This implementation helps to reduce the power consumption that occurs when the terminal device waits to receive data within each opportunity window and saves the energy of the terminal device. In this application, the first opportunity within each opportunity window refers to the first opportunity in the time domain among the opportunities included in the opportunity window.

[0172] For example, referring to FIG. 13a, the first time range [t1, t2] includes two opportunity windows. The first opportunity window includes Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, and Opportunity 3, and the second opportunity window includes Opportunity 4 and Opportunity 5. A data packet arrives at the network device at time point t8. It can be understood from FIG. 13a that the network device may deactivate Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, and Opportunity 3 when there is no data scheduled for transmission before the first time unit of Opportunity 1 within the first opportunity window (i.e., t1). When the network device has data scheduled for transmission before the first time unit of Opportunity 4 within the second opportunity window, the network device may transmit that data to the terminal device within the opportunities within the second opportunity window.

[0173] In another optional implementation, the method may further include the following. That is, when there is no data scheduled for transmission before the last time unit of the j-th opportunity within the opportunity window, the network device deactivates opportunities other than the first j opportunities within the opportunity window, and determines whether there is data scheduled for transmission before the last time unit of the j-th opportunity within the next opportunity window until there is data scheduled for transmission before the last time unit of the j-th opportunity within the opportunity window, and the data can be transmitted to the terminal device within the opportunity within the opportunity window. Here, j is a positive integer. This implementation helps reduce the power consumption caused by the network device making a determination at each opportunity within the opportunity window, and saves the energy of the network device. In this application, the j-th opportunity within each opportunity window indicates the j-th opportunity in the time domain among the opportunities included in the opportunity window.

[0174] For example, referring to FIG. 13b, the first time range [t1, t2] includes three opportunity windows. The first opportunity window includes opportunity 1, opportunity 2, and opportunity 3, the second opportunity window includes opportunity 4 and opportunity 5, and the third opportunity window includes opportunity 6 and opportunity 7. There is data scheduled for transmission from time point t9. When j is 1, it can be understood from FIG. 13b that there is no data scheduled for transmission before the last time unit of opportunity 1 within the first opportunity window, and opportunity 2 and opportunity 3 are deactivated. If there is no data scheduled for transmission before the last time unit of opportunity 4 within the second opportunity window, opportunity 5 is deactivated. If there is data scheduled for transmission before the last time unit of opportunity 6 within the third opportunity window, the data is transmitted to the terminal device within the opportunity within the third opportunity window.

[0175] In yet another optional implementation, the method may further include the following. That is, when the terminal device does not receive data in the first k consecutive opportunities within the opportunity window, the terminal device deactivates opportunities other than the first k opportunities within the opportunity window and determines whether the data will be received in the first k consecutive opportunities within the next opportunity window until the data is received in the first k consecutive opportunities within the opportunity window. Here, k is a positive integer. The terminal device receiving data means that the terminal device correctly receives the TB carried on the PDSCH. This implementation helps reduce the power consumption caused by the terminal device making a determination at each opportunity within the opportunity window and saves the energy of the terminal device. Optionally, the decision condition for the terminal device to deactivate an opportunity may be pre-agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device. In this application, the first k consecutive opportunities within each opportunity window are the first k consecutive opportunities in the time domain among the opportunities included in that opportunity window.

[0176] In this application, j and / or k may be customized by the user or determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device. For example, j and / or k may be determined based on the acceptable error detection probability of the communication system. When the acceptable error detection probability of the communication system is high, j and / or k may be set to a small value, that is, the number of opportunities that need to be determined is small, thereby making the network device or the terminal device more energy-efficient. When the acceptable error detection probability of the communication system is low, j and / or k may be set to a large value.

[0177] In addition, alternatively for the terminal device, k may be set by the network device or determined by the terminal device based on, for example, power consumption or the current channel state.

[0178] In an optional implementation, the method may further include the following. That is, in addition to two or more opportunities for data transmission, if there are unused opportunities among the N opportunities within the first time range, the network device may deactivate the unused opportunities. This implementation helps reduce the waste of opportunity resources after the opportunities for data transmission within the first time range. In addition, this implementation further helps reduce the waste of energy caused by the need for the terminal device to continue waiting for data transmission within the first time range after retransmission data transmission is performed within the first time range, and reduces the power consumption of the terminal device. For example, referring to FIG. 12d, Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, and Opportunity 3 among the five opportunities are for data transmission, and the network device may deactivate Opportunity 4 and Opportunity 5.

[0179] In another optional implementation, the method may further include the following. That is, in addition to two or more opportunities for data transmission, if there are unused opportunities among the N opportunities within the first time range, the terminal device may deactivate the unused opportunities. This implementation helps reduce the waste of opportunity resources after the opportunities for data transmission within the first time range. In addition, this implementation further helps reduce the waste of energy caused by the need for the terminal device to continue waiting for data transmission within the first time range after retransmission data transmission is performed within the first time range, and reduces the power consumption of the terminal device. Optionally, the decision condition for the terminal device to deactivate the opportunity may be pre-agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device.

[0180] In conclusion, in communication method 100, the network device determines N opportunities, the N opportunities are within the first time range, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, the i-th opportunity window in the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities among the N opportunities, N iis a positive integer, M is a positive integer, and i = 1, 2,..., M. Then, the network device transmits data in two or more of the N opportunities. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives data in two or more of the N opportunities. Compared with the method in which data transmission is carried out only within one opportunity, the communication method 100 in which the network device carries out data transmission in multiple opportunities within the first time range helps to carry out the transmission of large data packets in a centralized manner within the first time range, and it can be understood that the data transmission delay is reduced. In addition, when the data arrives earlier than the expected time point, the network device can carry out data transmission in the previous opportunity among the multiple opportunities in the time domain, or when the data arrives later than the expected time point, the network device can carry out data transmission in the subsequent opportunity among the multiple opportunities in the time domain. This solves the problem of data transmission delay caused by jitter within a specific range based on the characteristics of periodic arrival in the XR service. The opportunity determined by the network device in the communication method may be used for the transmission of small data packets (for example, the data packet transmission carried out in the opportunity), or the transmission of data packets without jitter.

[0181] Embodiment 2: Communication method 200

[0182] FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 200 according to this embodiment of the present application. The communication method 200 is described from the perspective of the interaction between the network device and the terminal device. The communication method 200 includes the following steps.

[0183] S201: The network device determines N opportunities.

[0184] For the description related to step S201, please refer to the description related to step S101 in communication method 100. Details will not be described again here. The difference from communication method 100 is that the opportunity in communication method 200 can be an opportunity for uplink transmission, for example, a CG opportunity. This is not limited here. When the opportunity in communication method 200 is a CG opportunity, the first time unit within the first opportunity among the N opportunities in the time domain is the time unit used when the resource in the first opportunity is activated on the PDCCH.

[0185] Optionally, the N opportunities can include both opportunities for downlink transmission and opportunities for uplink transmission. The quantity of opportunities for uplink transmission needs to be 2 or more. Correspondingly, in communication method 200, when transmitting data, the network device transmits data within 2 or more of the opportunities for uplink transmission.

[0186] S202: The terminal device transmits data within 2 or more of the N opportunities, and correspondingly, the network device receives data in 2 or more opportunities.

[0187] In an optional implementation, 2 or more of the N opportunities for data transmission are opportunities within one or more of the M opportunity windows. For a specific description, please refer to the related description in communication method 100. Details will not be described again here.

[0188] In an optional implementation, the method may further include the following. That is, when there is no data scheduled for transmission before the first time unit of the first opportunity in the opportunity window, the terminal device deactivates the opportunity in that opportunity window and determines whether there is data scheduled for transmission before the first time unit of the first opportunity in the next opportunity window until there is data scheduled for transmission before the first time unit of the first opportunity in that opportunity window, and may transmit that data to the network device in the opportunity in that opportunity window. In other words, the terminal device may pre-determine whether data can be obtained before the first time unit of the first opportunity in the opportunity window, and if the data cannot be obtained, may deactivate the opportunity in that opportunity window. This implementation helps to reduce waste of resources and further helps to reduce the power consumption generated when the network device waits to receive data in each opportunity window, saving the energy of the network device. Optionally, the decision condition for the terminal device to deactivate the opportunity may be pre-agreed by the network device and the terminal device.

[0189] In another optional implementation, the method may further include the following. That is, when there is no data scheduled for transmission before the last time unit of the p-th opportunity in the opportunity window, the terminal device deactivates the opportunities other than the first p opportunities in the opportunity window and determines whether there is data scheduled for transmission before the last time unit of the p-th opportunity in the next opportunity window until there is data scheduled for transmission before the last time unit of the p-th opportunity in that opportunity window, and may transmit that data to the network device in the opportunity in that opportunity window, and p is a positive integer. Optionally, the decision condition for the terminal device to deactivate the opportunity may be pre-agreed by the network device and the terminal device.

[0190] In yet another optional implementation, the method may further include the following. That is, when the network device does not receive data from the terminal device in the first q consecutive opportunities within the opportunity window, the network device deactivates opportunities other than the first q opportunities in the opportunity window, and determines whether the data will be received in the first q consecutive opportunities in the next opportunity window until the data is received in the first k consecutive opportunities in the opportunity window, where q is a positive integer. The network device receiving the data means that the network device correctly receives the TB carried on the PUSCH. This implementation helps reduce waste of resources, and further helps reduce the power consumption caused by the network device performing the determination at each opportunity in the opportunity window, saving the energy of the network device.

[0191] In this application, p and / or q can be customized by the user or determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device. For example, p and / or q can be determined based on the acceptable error detection probability by the communication system. When the acceptable error detection probability by the communication system is high, p and / or q can be set to small values, that is, the number of opportunities that need to be determined is small, whereby the network device or the terminal device becomes more energy-efficient. When the acceptable error detection probability by the communication system is low, p and / or q can be set to large values.

[0192] In addition, q can alternatively be configured by the terminal device for the network device or determined by the network device based on, for example, power consumption or current channel conditions.

[0193] In an optional implementation, the method may further include: That is, in addition to two or more opportunities for data transmission, if there are unused opportunities among the N opportunities within the first time range, the terminal device may deactivate the unused opportunities. This helps reduce waste of resources. This implementation also helps reduce the power consumption caused by the network device determining at each opportunity in the opportunity window, saving the energy of the network device. Optionally, the decision conditions for the terminal device to deactivate an opportunity may be pre-agreed by the network device and the terminal device.

[0194] In another optional implementation, the method may further include: That is, in addition to two or more opportunities for data transmission, if there are unused opportunities among the N opportunities within the first time range, the network device may deactivate the unused opportunities. This implementation helps reduce waste of the opportunity resources after the opportunities for data transmission within the first time range. In addition, this implementation also helps reduce the waste of energy caused by the terminal device having to continue waiting for data transmission within the first time range after retransmission data transmission is performed within the first time range, reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0195] As a result, compared with a method in which data transmission is performed within only one opportunity, the communication method 200 in which the terminal device can perform data transmission in a plurality of opportunities within the first time range helps to perform the transmission of large data packets in a centralized manner in the first time range, and reduces the data transmission delay. In addition, when the data arrives earlier than the predicted time, the terminal device can perform data transmission in an opportunity ahead of the plurality of opportunities in the time domain, or when the data arrives later than the predicted time, the terminal device can perform data transmission in an opportunity behind the plurality of opportunities in the time domain. This solves the data transmission delay problem caused by jitter within a specific range based on the periodic arrival characteristics of the XR service. In addition, the communication method further helps to reduce the power consumption of the network device and the terminal device. In addition, the opportunity determined by the network device in the communication method can also be used for the transmission of small data packets (for example, the transmission of data packets performed in the opportunity) or data packets without jitter.

[0196] In communication method 100, after receiving transport blocks (TBs) on two or more occasions within the first time range, the terminal device may further perform a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) feedback process. The HARQ feedback process may include the following. That is, the terminal device determines whether the data carried by the TB is correctly received on each occasion, determines the feedback information corresponding to the TB on each occasion, and transmits the feedback information corresponding to the TB on each occasion to the network device. Similarly, in communication method 200, after receiving transport block TBs on two or more occasions within the first time range, the network device may further perform a HARQ feedback process. The HARQ feedback process may include the following. That is, the network device determines whether the data carried by the TB is correctly received on each occasion, determines the feedback information corresponding to the TB on each occasion, and transmits the feedback information corresponding to the TB on each occasion to the network device.

[0197] Hereinafter, the HARQ feedback process will be described by taking communication method 100 as an example.

[0198] In an optional implementation, the feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted on two or more occasions is reported in the same HARQ process. In other words, the feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs is reported by using one HARQ process number. This helps to save HARQ process numbers, has a small feedback redundancy, and avoids the problem of HARQ process number resources that become insufficient when the HARQ round-trip time (RTT) is large.

[0199] In addition, the interval between the first time unit where feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs is located and the last time unit of two or more opportunities is the T5 time unit. T5 is a positive number, and T5 is sufficient for the receiving device to determine feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs after two or more TBs are received.

[0200] For example, as shown in FIG. 15a, the terminal device receives TB1 from the network device at opportunity 1, receives TB2 at opportunity 2, and receives TB3 at opportunity 3. In addition, the interval between the start time unit where the feedback information corresponding to TB1, TB2, and TB3 is located and the last time unit of opportunity 3 is the T5 time unit.

[0201] Optionally, T5 can be indicated by the network device in the PDCCH to activate resources.

[0202] Optionally, the network device can separately allocate independent HARQ ACK / NACK feedback bits to two or more TBs corresponding to the HARQ process number. In this case, the network device can determine whether the data in the TB corresponding to the HARQ ACK / NACK feedback bit is correctly received by the terminal device based on the information in each HARQ ACK / NACK feedback bit. Therefore, when retransmitting, the network device performs the transmission of data that has not been correctly received by the terminal device. This helps to avoid waste of resources caused when it is necessary that data in some of the two or more TBs is not correctly received by the terminal device and the transmission of all data in the two or more TBs is performed. In addition, when the terminal device indicates that an error has occurred in data transmission in at least one of the HARQ ACK / NACK feedback bits corresponding to two or more TBs, the feedback information transmitted by the terminal device to the network device is NACK information.

[0203] Optionally, when the value of the HARQ ACK / NACK feedback bit is 1, it indicates that the data in the TB corresponding to the HARQ ACK / NACK feedback bit has been correctly received by the terminal device, or when the value of the HARQ ACK / NACK feedback bit is 0, it indicates that the data in the TB corresponding to the HARQ ACK / NACK feedback bit has not been correctly received by the terminal device, that is, an error has occurred in the data transmission in the TB.

[0204] For example, the HARQ ACK / NACK feedback bits assigned by the network device to three TBs (including TB1, TB2, and TB3) corresponding to one HARQ process number include bit 1 assigned to TB1, bit 2 assigned to TB2, and bit 3 assigned to TB3. When the values of bit 1 and bit 3 are 1, it indicates that the terminal device has correctly received the data in TB1 and TB2. When the value of bit 2 is 0, it indicates that the terminal device has not correctly received the data in TB3, that is, an error has occurred in the data transmission in TB3. In this case, the feedback information transmitted by the terminal device is NACK information.

[0205] In another optional implementation, the feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted in two or more opportunities is reported separately in different HARQ processes. In other words, the feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs is reported by using different HARQ process numbers. In this way, after receiving the TB in each opportunity, the terminal device can determine the feedback information corresponding to the TB and transmit the feedback information. The terminal device can transmit the feedback information before receiving two or more TBs together, thereby reducing the feedback delay.

[0206] Optionally, the method may further include the following. That is, the network device transmits fifth information to the terminal device, and the fifth information indicates the interval between the first time unit where the feedback information corresponding to the TB in each of two or more opportunities is located and the last time unit of that opportunity. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fifth information. The interval between the first time unit where the feedback information corresponding to the TB in each opportunity is located and the last time unit of that opportunity may be the same or different. Optionally, the fifth information may be carried in upper layer signaling.

[0207] For example, as shown in FIG. 15b, the fifth information includes interval 1, interval 2, and interval 3. Interval 1 is the interval between the last time unit of the opportunity for the transmission of TB1 and the first time unit where the feedback information 1 corresponding to TB1 is located. Interval 2 is the interval between the last time unit of the opportunity for the transmission of TB2 and the first time unit where the feedback information 2 corresponding to TB2 is located. Interval 3 is the interval between the last time unit of the opportunity for the transmission of TB3 and the first time unit where the feedback information 3 corresponding to TB3 is located.

[0208] In communication method 100, when the feedback information received by the network device from the terminal device is NACK information, the network device may further perform a retransmission process. The retransmission process may include the following, that is, the network device performs retransmission data transmission in the opportunity within the first time range. Similarly, in communication method 200, when the feedback information received by the terminal device from the network device is NACK information, the terminal device may further perform a retransmission process. The retransmission process may include the following, that is, the terminal device performs retransmission data transmission in the opportunity within the first time range.

[0209] The retransmission process will be described below by taking the communication method 100 as an example.

[0210] In an optional embodiment, for data not correctly received by the terminal device, the network device performs transmission of retransmission data corresponding to the data at an opportunity in one or more of the M opportunity windows. In addition, the interval between the end position of the last time unit of two or more opportunities for data transmission and the start position of the first time unit of the opportunity for retransmission data transmission is the T4 time unit. T4 is a positive number, and T4 is sufficient for the terminal device to determine feedback information and perform transmission of the feedback information between the terminal device and the network device. In this implementation, when an error occurs in data transmission, the network device can perform retransmission data transmission at an opportunity included in the first time range, thereby helping to improve resource utilization.

[0211] For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the five opportunities determined by the network device are Opportunity 1, Opportunity 2, Opportunity 3, Opportunity 4, and Opportunity 5, and the data packets scheduled for transmission include Data 1, Data 2, and Data 3. The network device transmits Data 1 within Opportunity 1, transmits Data 2 within Opportunity 2, and transmits Data 3 within Opportunity 3. The terminal device does not correctly receive Data 1 within Opportunity 1, correctly receives Data 2 within Opportunity 2, and does not correctly receive Data 3 within Opportunity 3. In this case, the network device can transmit retransmission data corresponding to Data 1 within Opportunity 4 and transmit retransmission data corresponding to Data 3 within Opportunity 5. The interval between the end position of the last time unit of Opportunity 3 and the start position of the first time unit of Opportunity 4 is the T4 time unit.

[0212] Optionally, when the feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs in the HARQ feedback process is reported by using one HARQ process, the network device may further transmit signaling indicating the TBs corresponding to the retransmission data in two or more TBs in the retransmission process. Optionally, this signaling may be the CBG transmission (transmission information) signaling of the code block group (CBG) to be reused.

[0213] Optionally, after the retransmission data transmission is performed at an opportunity in one or more of the M opportunity windows, the opportunity after the opportunity for the retransmission data transmission in the first time range is deactivated. This implementation helps reduce the waste of resources of the opportunity after the opportunity for the retransmission data transmission within the first time range. In addition, this implementation also helps reduce the waste of energy caused by the need for the network device to continue waiting for the data transmission within the first time range after the retransmission data transmission is performed within the first time range, and reduces the power consumption of the network device.

[0214] In another optional implementation, the network device performs retransmission data transmission on the resources configured by using a dynamic mechanism.

[0215] It can be understood that when an error occurs in data transmission, the network device can perform a retransmission process and perform retransmission data transmission in a timely manner. This helps reduce the data transmission delay caused by the terminal device not receiving the data correctly.

[0216] Embodiment 3: Communication method 300

[0217] FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 300 according to this embodiment of the present application. The communication method 300 is described from the perspective of the interaction between a network device and a terminal device. The communication method 300 includes the following steps.

[0218] S301: The network device transmits third information, where the third information indicates the length of each of a plurality of time ranges, at least two of the plurality of time ranges have different lengths, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third information.

[0219] In an optional implementation, before the network device transmits the third information, the method may further include the following. That is, the network device determines the length of each of the plurality of time ranges.

[0220] Optionally, the network device determining a plurality of time ranges may include the following. That is, the network device determines the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms, and based on the data included in the time corresponding to the least common multiple, determines the length of X time ranges included in the time corresponding to the least common multiple. Then, the network device determines the length of each of the plurality of time ranges based on the X time ranges. Specifically, for the nth time range in the plurality of time ranges determined by the network device, if n%X is a positive integer, the length of the nth time range is equal to the length of the (n%X)th time range in the X time ranges, or if n%X is 0, the length of the nth time range is equal to the length of the Xth time range in the X time ranges, where n%X is the remainder obtained by dividing n by X, n is a positive integer, and X is a positive integer of 2 or more.

[0221] It is the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms, and the least common multiple determined by the network device may be the least common multiple or a positive integer multiple of the least common multiple.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 18, regarding the operation in which the network device determines a plurality of time ranges, it is the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms, and the least common multiple determined by the network device is the least common multiple. The data period is 16.67 ms. The start position of the data and the start position of the resource in the time domain are both at time point t 10 This will be described below by using an example where (that is, the transmission of data 1 can be performed on the corresponding resource 1). A plurality of data with transmission schedules correspond one-to-one to a plurality of configured resources in sequence in the sequence of a plurality of data with transmission schedules with respect to the positions in the time domain. Specifically, the g-th data in the plurality of data with transmission schedules corresponds to the g-th resource in the plurality of configured resources, and g is a positive integer.

[0223] The network device determines that the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms is 50 ms. In the time domain, it means that the transmission of data separated by an integer multiple of 50 ms from time point t 10 (for example, time points t in FIG. 18 11 and time point t 12 ) can be performed on the corresponding resources. In FIG. 18, the transmission of data 4 can be performed on resource 4, and the transmission of data 7 can be performed on resource 7.

[0224] Next, the network device determines the length of each time range within the time based on the data within the time 50 ms away from time point t 10 , that is, based on the data within [t 10 , t 11 , based on the data within [t 10 , t 11Determine the length of the time range within. From FIG. 18, it can be understood that in order to enable the transmission of data 2 implemented on the corresponding resource 2, the start position of resource 2 in the time domain needs to be after the start position of data 2. In this case, the value 17 ms obtained by rounding 16.67 ms is used as the interval between the start position of resource 2 and the start position of resource 1. In other words, the length of the first time range is 17 ms. Similarly, in order to enable the transmission of data 3 implemented on the corresponding resource 3, the start position of resource 3 in the time domain needs to be after the start position of data 3. In this case, the value 34 ms (i.e., twice the period of the data) obtained by rounding 34.34 ms is used as the interval between the start position of resource 3 and the start position of resource 1. In other words, the length of the second time range is 17 ms. If the interval between the start position of resource 4 and the start position of resource 1 is the least common multiple 50 ms, the length of the third time range is 16 ms. In this case, the network device is at [t 10 ,t 11 determines that the lengths of the three time ranges are 17 ms, 17 ms, and 16 ms.

[0225] Next, the network device can determine the length of each of the plurality of time ranges based on the three time ranges within [t 10 ,t 11 . For the nth time range in the plurality of time ranges, if n%3 is a positive integer, the length of the nth time range is equal to the length of the (n%3)th time range in the three time ranges, or if n%3 is 0, the length of the nth time range is equal to the length of the third time range in the three time ranges.

[0226] In addition, for some common video frame rates in XR video services, based on the aforementioned method of determining the time range, when the common multiple of the data period and 1 ms, which is determined by the network device, is the least common multiple, the length of the time range included in that least common multiple time is obtained at the video frame rate, as shown in Table 1.

[0227]

Table 1

[0228] In an optional implementation, there is a correspondence relationship between the length of each time range in a plurality of time ranges and the data.

[0229] Optionally, there may be a correspondence relationship between the length of each of the plurality of time ranges and the data period.

[0230] Optionally, the length of the nth time range in a plurality of time ranges satisfies the following formula, that is, the length of the nth time range = fun(T×n) - fun[T×(n - 1)], where T is the data period, fun represents a rounding function, and n is a positive integer. Optionally, the rounding function may be a ceiling function.

[0231] In an optional implementation, the third information is determined by the network device based on the foregoing formula, channel state, signal quality, etc. In this implementation, the determined length of each time range is further applicable to the actual communication environment. In another optional implementation, the third information is determined by the network device based on the fourth information, channel state, signal quality, etc. The fourth information indicates the length of each time range preset by the terminal device. The length of each time range preset by the terminal device is determined by the terminal device based on the foregoing formula, channel situation, and signal quality. In this implementation, the length of each time range determined by the network device is further applicable to the actual communication environment, applicable to data transmission between the network device and a specific terminal device, thereby further reducing the data transmission delay and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0232] In addition, in this application, regarding how the third information indicates the length of each of the plurality of time ranges, this application provides several optional implementations as follows.

[0233] Method 1: The third information indicates the length of each of the plurality of time ranges in the form of a set or sequence. The plurality of lengths in the set or sequence may correspond one-to-one to the lengths of the plurality of time ranges in the sequence arranging the plurality of lengths in the set or sequence. In other words, the length of the nth time range in the plurality of time ranges is equal to the nth length in the plurality of lengths in the set or sequence, where n is a positive integer. This implementation helps the terminal device to directly know the length of each of the plurality of time ranges without obtaining the length of each time range through calculation, helps reduce the power consumption caused by the calculation performed by the terminal device, and reduces the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0234] For example, for data with a video frame rate of 60 fps in an XR video service, the third information includes the set [17 ms, 17 ms, 16 ms, 17 ms, 17 ms, 16 ms, 17 ms,...], and this set indicates the length of each of a plurality of time ranges. In this case, in the plurality of time ranges, the length of the first time range is 17 ms, the length of the second time range is 17 ms, the length of the third time range is 16 ms, and the length of the fourth time range is 17 ms. This is not enumerated here.

[0235] In addition, for some common video frame rates in the XR video service, this application provides the length of each of the plurality of time ranges indicated by the third information at each video frame rate, as shown in Table 2.

[0236]

Table 2

[0237] Method 2: The third information includes the length of each of X time ranges included in the time that is the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms. For the nth time range in the plurality of time ranges, if n%X is a positive integer, the length of the nth time range is equal to the length of the (n%X)th time range in the X time ranges, or if n%X is 0, the length of the nth time range is equal to the length of the Xth time range in the X time ranges, where n is a positive integer and X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. This implementation helps to reduce the amount of information of the third information and saves communication resources.

[0238] Optionally, the third information may indicate the length of each of the X time ranges included in the time that is the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms in the form of a set or a sequence.

[0239] Optionally, the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms may be the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms, or an integer multiple of the least common multiple.

[0240] For example, for data with a video frame rate of 60 fps in an XR video service, the third information includes the set [17 ms, 17 ms, 16 ms], and the set indicates the lengths of three time ranges respectively included in the time that is the least common multiple of the period (1 / 60) ms of the data and 1 ms. In this case, in the plurality of time ranges, the length of the first time range is 17 ms, the length of the second time range is 17 ms, the length of the third time range is 16 ms, and the length of the fourth time range is 17 ms. This is not enumerated here.

[0241] In addition, for some common video frame rates in the XR video service, this application provides, as shown in Table 3, the lengths of each time range included in the time that is the least common multiple of the period of the data and 1 ms in each video frame rate and included in the third information.

[0242]

Table 3

[0243] Method 3: The length of each of the plurality of time ranges indicated by the third information includes at least the length of the first period and an offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges. Method 3 specifically includes the following several optional implementations (Method 3.1 and Method 3.2).

[0244] Method 3.1: The third information includes the length of the first period and a length offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges. The length of each of the plurality of time ranges is the sum of the length of the first period and the length offset corresponding to the time range.

[0245] Optionally, the length of the first period can be a value obtained by truncating the period of the data.

[0246] Optionally, the third information may indicate, in the form of a set or sequence, length offsets corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges.

[0247] In Method 3.1, this application provides Method 3.1.1 and Method 3.1.2 regarding how the third information indicates length offsets corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges.

[0248] Method 3.1.1: The third information includes the length of the first period and length offsets corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges. In other words, the nth length offset among the plurality of length offsets indicated by the third information is the length offset corresponding to the nth time range among the plurality of time ranges. The length of the nth time range among the plurality of time ranges is the sum of the length of the first period and the nth length offset among the plurality of length offsets in the third information, where n is a positive integer. This implementation helps the terminal device directly know the length offsets corresponding to each time range without obtaining the length offsets corresponding to each time range through calculations, helps reduce the power consumption caused by the calculations performed by the terminal device, and can reduce the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0249] For example, for data with a video frame rate of 60fps in an XR video service, the third information includes the length of the first period of 16ms and the set [1ms, 1ms, 0, 1ms, 1ms, 0, 1ms,...], and the set indicates length offsets corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges. In this case, among the plurality of time ranges, the length of the first time range is 16ms + 1ms = 17ms, the length of the second time range is 16ms + 1ms = 17ms, the length of the third time range is 16ms + 0 = 16ms, and the length of the fourth time range is 16ms + 1ms = 17ms. This is not enumerated here.

[0250] In addition, for several common video frame rates in the XR video service, as shown in Table 4, this application provides a length offset corresponding to each of a plurality of time ranges indicated by the third information and the length of the first period at each video frame rate.

[0251]

Table 4

[0252] Method 3.1.2: The third information includes the length of the first period and the length offset corresponding to X time ranges included in the time that is the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms. For the nth time range among the plurality of time ranges, if n%X is a positive integer, the length offset corresponding to the nth time range is equal to the length offset corresponding to the (n%X)th time range among the X time ranges. Therefore, the length of the nth time range is equal to the sum of the length of the first period and the length offset corresponding to the (n%X)th time range among the X time ranges, or, if n%X is 0, the length offset corresponding to the nth time range is equal to the length offset corresponding to the Xth time range among the X time ranges. Therefore, the length of the nth time range is equal to the sum of the length of the first period and the length offset corresponding to the Xth time range among the X time ranges. This implementation helps to reduce the amount of information in the third information and saves communication resources.

[0253] The least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms can be the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms, or a positive integer multiple of the least common multiple.

[0254] For example, for data with a video frame rate of 60 fps in an XR video service, the third information includes the length of the first period, 16 ms, and the set [1 ms, 1 ms, 0], and the set indicates the length offset of each of the three time ranges included in the time that is the least common multiple of the period of the data and 1 ms. In this case, in the plurality of time ranges, the length of the first time range is 16 ms + 1 ms = 17 ms, the length of the second time range is 16 ms + 1 ms = 17 ms, the length of the third time range is 16 ms + 0 = 16 ms, and the length of the fourth time range is 16 ms + 1 ms = 17 ms. This is not enumerated here.

[0255] In addition, for some common video frame rates in the XR video service, as shown in Table 5, this application provides, for each video frame rate, the length offset corresponding to each time range included in the time that is the least common multiple of the period of the data and 1 ms and the length of the first period included in the third information.

[0256]

Table 5

[0257] Method 3.2: The third information includes the length of the first period and the position offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges.

[0258] Optionally, the length of the first period can be a common multiple of the period of the data and 1 ms, that is, it can be the least common multiple of the period of the data and 1 ms, or an integer multiple of the least common multiple.

[0259] Optionally, the third information can indicate the position offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges in the form of a set or a sequence.

[0260] In Method 3.2, regarding how the third information indicates the position offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges, this application provides Method 3.2.1 and Method 3.2.2.

[0261] Method 3.2.1: The third information includes the length of the first period and the position offsets corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges. The position offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges can be the interval between the start position of the first time unit in each time range and the start position of the first time unit in the first time range among the plurality of time ranges. That is, the position offset corresponding to the nth time range among the plurality of time ranges is the interval between the start position of the first time unit in the nth time range and the start position of the first time unit in the first time range.

[0262] In addition, the length of each of the plurality of time ranges is the absolute value of the difference between the position offset corresponding to the time range and the position offset corresponding to the next time range. That is, the length of the nth time range among the plurality of time ranges is the absolute value of the difference between the position offset corresponding to the nth time range and the position offset corresponding to the (n + 1)th time range, where n is a positive integer. This implementation helps the terminal device to directly know about the position offset corresponding to each time range without obtaining the position offset corresponding to each time range through calculation, helps to reduce the power consumption caused by the calculation performed by the terminal device, and can reduce the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0263] Optionally, the third information in Method 3.2.1 may further include only the position offsets corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges.

[0264] For example, for data with a video frame rate of 60 fps in an XR video service, the third information includes the length of the first period of 50 ms (i.e., the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms), and the set [0, 17 ms, 34 ms, 50 ms, 67 ms, 84 ms, 100 ms,...], and this set indicates the position offsets corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges. In this case, in the plurality of time ranges, the length of the first time range is |0 - 17| = 17 ms, the length of the second time range is |17 - 34| = 17 ms, the length of the third time range is |34 - 50| = 16 ms, and the length of the fourth time range is |50 - 67| = 17 ms. This is not enumerated here.

[0265] In addition, for some common video frame rates in an XR video service, as shown in Table 6, this application provides, for each video frame rate, the position offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges indicated by the third information, and the length of the first period.

[0266]

Table 6

[0267] Method 3.2.2: The third piece of information includes the length of the first period and the position offsets corresponding to X time ranges included in the time of the length of the first period. For the n-th time range among the multiple time ranges, if n%X is a positive integer, the position offset corresponding to the n-th time range is equal to the sum of the length of the first period * floor(n / X) and the position offset corresponding to the (n%X)-th time range among the X time ranges, or if n%X is 0, the position offset corresponding to the n-th time range is equal to the sum of the length of the first period * floor(n / X) and the position offset corresponding to the X-th time range among the X time ranges, where floor indicates rounding down, n is a positive integer, and * indicates multiplication. That is, the length of the n-th time range is the absolute value of the difference between the position offset corresponding to the n-th time range and the position offset corresponding to the (n + 1)-th time range. This implementation helps reduce the amount of information in the third piece of information and saves communication resources.

[0268] The length of the first period can be the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms, or a positive integer multiple of the least common multiple.

[0269] For example, for data with a video frame rate of 60 fps in an XR video service, the third information includes the length of the first period of 50 ms (i.e., the least common multiple of the data period and 1 ms) and the set [0, 17 ms, 34 ms], and the set indicates the position offsets corresponding to three time ranges included in the time of the length of the first period. In this case, in multiple time ranges, the position offset corresponding to the first time range is 0, the position offset corresponding to the second time range is 17 ms, the position offset corresponding to the third time range is 34 ms, the position offset corresponding to the fourth time range is 50 ms, and the position offset corresponding to the fifth time range is 67 ms. This is not enumerated here. It can be understood that the length of the first time range is 17 ms, the length of the second time range is 17 ms, the length of the third time range is 16 ms, and the length of the fourth time range is 17 ms. This is not enumerated here.

[0270] In addition, for some common video frame rates in the XR video service, as shown in Table 7, this application provides, for each video frame rate, the position offset corresponding to each time range included in the time of the length of the first period and the length of the first period included in the third information.

[0271]

Table 7

[0272] In the foregoing method 1, method 2, and method 3, the third information may be opportunity configuration information. In this case, the start position of the first time unit in the first time range in multiple time ranges is the time when the resource is activated by using the PDCCH.

[0273] Method 4: The third piece of information includes a plurality of sub-information, and each piece of sub-information can be opportunity configuration information corresponding to resources specified by different PDCCHs, that is, each piece of sub-information corresponds to different resources. Each piece of sub-information includes the length of the first period and the position offset corresponding to the sub-information. The length of the first period is the period of the resources corresponding to the sub-information. The position offset corresponding to each piece of sub-information is the interval between the time when the resources corresponding to the sub-information are activated and the time when the resources corresponding to the first piece of sub-information among the plurality of sub-information are activated. The length of the first period and the position offset corresponding to the sub-information included in each of the plurality of sub-information can be used to determine the length of each of the plurality of time ranges.

[0274] For example, for data with a video frame rate of 60 fps in an XR video service, the third piece of information includes three pieces of sub-information. The first piece of sub-information includes the length of the first period of 50 ms and the position offset of 0. The second piece of sub-information includes the length of the first period of 50 ms and the position offset of 17 ms. The third piece of sub-information includes the length of the first period of 50 ms and the position offset of 34 ms. The distribution of the resources corresponding to each piece of sub-information in the time domain can be determined based on the three pieces of sub-information as shown in FIG. 19. In FIG. 19, the period of the resources corresponding to the first piece of sub-information is 50 ms, and the resources are activated at time point t 10 and the resources corresponding to the first piece of sub-information include Resource 1, Resource 4, etc. The period of the resources corresponding to the second piece of sub-information is 50 ms, and the resources are activated at time point t 10 +17 ms, and the resources corresponding to the second piece of sub-information include Resource 2, Resource 5, etc. The period of the resources corresponding to the third piece of sub-information is 50 ms, and the resources are activated at time point t 10Activated at +34 ms, the resources corresponding to the third sub-information include Resource 3, Resource 6, etc. It can be understood that the length of each of the plurality of time ranges is the interval between the first time units of two adjacent resources, that is, the lengths of the plurality of time ranges are 17 ms, 17 ms, 16 ms, 17 ms, and 17 ms, etc.

[0275] In addition, for some common video frame rates in the XR video service, this application provides the length of the first period and the position offset corresponding to the sub-information in the third information for each video frame rate, as shown in Table 8.

[0276]

Table 8

[0277] S302: The network device and the terminal device perform data transmission within a plurality of time ranges.

[0278] For downlink transmission, the network device transmits data to the terminal device within a plurality of time ranges, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives data from the network device. For uplink transmission, the terminal device transmits data to the network device within a plurality of time ranges, and correspondingly, the network device receives data from the terminal device.

[0279] In addition, the first time range in Communication Method 100 and Communication Method 200 can be any one of the plurality of time ranges determined in Communication Method 300. In other words, the N opportunities determined by the network device can be within any one of the plurality of time ranges. In addition, the network device can determine N opportunities within each of the plurality of time ranges, and the network device and the terminal device can perform data transmission with the opportunities within each time range.

[0280] In conclusion, in communication method 300, the network device determines a plurality of time ranges, and at least two of the plurality of time ranges have different lengths. Then, the network device and the terminal device can perform data transmission within the plurality of time ranges. The communication method helps to make the plurality of time ranges coincide with the period in which the data in the XR service is in decimal form, so that the transmission of data in each period can be performed on the resources within the time range that coincides with that period. This reduces data transmission delay and resource waste caused by the mismatch between the period of the resources and the period of the data in the XR service, that is, reduces communication delay. The communication method helps to transmit the data in the data packet implemented within the PDB threshold, and avoids the case where the data packet needs to be discarded when the transmission of the data in the data packet is implemented beyond the PDB threshold, that is, further reduces the communication packet loss rate, increases the probability of data transmission in the plurality of time ranges, and reduces the power consumption of the terminal.

[0281] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are respectively schematic diagrams of possible structures of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can implement the functions of the terminal device or the network device in the foregoing method embodiments. Therefore, the beneficial effects of the foregoing method embodiments can also be realized. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be a network device in the communication system shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b, or FIG. 1c, or can be a terminal device in the communication system, or can be a module (for example, a chip) applied to the terminal device or the network device.

[0282] As shown in FIG. 20, the communication device 2000 includes a processing module 2001 and a transceiver module 2002. The communication device 2000 can be configured to implement the functions of the network device or the terminal device in the method embodiments shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 14, or FIG. 17.

[0283] When the communication device 2000 is configured to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment of FIG. 5, the processing module 2001 is configured to determine N opportunities, the N opportunities are within the first time range, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, the i-th opportunity window in the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities among the N opportunities, Ni is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, i = 1, 2,..., M, and the transceiver module 2002 is configured to transmit data within two or more of the N opportunities.

[0284] In an optional implementation, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to transmit first information, and the first information indicates the length of the first time range.

[0285] In an optional implementation, M < N, the M opportunity windows include X opportunity windows, each of the X opportunity windows includes two or more of the N opportunities, and X is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0286] In an optional implementation, when X is equal to 1, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in the X opportunity windows is T1 time units, T1 is 0 or a positive number, or when X is greater than or equal to 2, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each of the X opportunity windows is T2 time units, T2 is 0 or a positive number.

[0287] In an optional implementation, when M is greater than or equal to 2, the interval between any two adjacent opportunity windows in the M opportunity windows is T3 time units, T3 is 0 or a positive number.

[0288] In an optional implementation, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to transmit second information, and the second information indicates the N opportunities.

[0289] In an optional implementation, two or more of the N opportunities for data transmission are opportunities within one or more of the M opportunity windows.

[0290] In an optional implementation, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to perform retransmission data transmission at an opportunity within one or more of the M opportunity windows, and the interval between the end position of the last time unit of the opportunity for data transmission and the start position of the first time unit of the opportunity for retransmission data transmission is a T4 time unit, and T4 is a positive number.

[0291] When the communication device 2000 is configured to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment of FIG. 5, the processing module 2001 is configured to determine N opportunities, the N opportunities are within the first time range, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, the i-th opportunity window among the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities among the N opportunities, Ni is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, i = 1, 2,..., M, and the transceiver module 2002 is configured to perform data transmission within two or more of the N opportunities.

[0292] In an optional implementation, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to receive first information, and the first information indicates the length of the first time range.

[0293] In an optional implementation, M < N, the M opportunity windows include X opportunity windows, each of the X opportunity windows includes two or more of the N opportunities, and X is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0294] In an optional implementation, when X is equal to 1, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in the X opportunity windows is T1 time units, where T1 is 0 or a positive number, or when X is 2 or more, the interval between any two adjacent opportunities in each of the X opportunity windows is T2 time units, where T2 is 0 or a positive number.

[0295] In an optional implementation, when M is 2 or more, the interval between any two adjacent opportunity windows in the M opportunity windows is T3 time units, where T3 is 0 or a positive number.

[0296] In an optional implementation, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to receive second information, where the second information indicates N opportunities. When determining the N opportunities, the processing module 2001 is specifically configured to determine the N opportunities based on the second information.

[0297] In an optional implementation, two or more of the N opportunities for data transmission are opportunities in one or more of the M opportunity windows.

[0298] In an optional implementation, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to perform retransmission data transmission in opportunities in one or more of the M opportunity windows, and the interval between the end position of the last time unit of the opportunity for data transmission and the start position of the first time unit of the opportunity for retransmission data transmission is T4 time units, where T4 is a positive number.

[0299] When the communication device 2000 is configured to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment of FIG. 14, the processing module 2001 is configured to determine N opportunities, where the N opportunities are within the first time range, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, the i-th opportunity window among the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities out of the N opportunities, Ni is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, i = 1, 2,..., M, and the transceiver module 2002 is configured to receive data in two or more of the N opportunities.

[0300] When the communication device 2000 is configured to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment of FIG. 14, the processing module 2001 is configured to determine N opportunities, where the N opportunities are within the first time range, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, the first time range includes M opportunity windows, the i-th opportunity window among the M opportunity windows includes Ni opportunities out of the N opportunities, Ni is a positive integer, M is a positive integer, i = 1, 2,..., M, and the transceiver module 2002 is configured to transmit data in two or more of the N opportunities.

[0301] When the communication device 2000 is configured to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment of FIG. 17, the transceiver module 2002 is configured to transmit third information, where the third information indicates the length of each of a plurality of time ranges, at least two of the plurality of time ranges have different lengths, and the transceiver module 2002 is configured to perform data transmission within the plurality of time ranges.

[0302] In an optional implementation, there is a correspondence between the length of each time range and the data.

[0303] In an optional implementation, the length of the nth time range among a plurality of time ranges satisfies the following formula, that is, the length of the nth time range = fun(T×n) - fun[T×(n - 1)], where T is the period of the data, fun represents a rounding function, and n is a positive integer.

[0304] In an optional implementation, the length of each of the plurality of time ranges includes at least the length of the first period and an offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges.

[0305] When the communication device 2000 is configured to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment of FIG. 17, the transceiver module 2002 is configured to receive third information, where the third information indicates the length of each of the plurality of time ranges, at least two of the plurality of time ranges have different lengths, and the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to perform data transmission within the plurality of time ranges.

[0306] In an optional implementation, there is a correspondence between the length of each time range and the data.

[0307] In an optional implementation, the length of the nth time range among a plurality of time ranges satisfies the following formula, that is, the length of the nth time range = fun(T×n) - fun[T×(n - 1)], where T is the period of the data, fun represents a rounding function, and n is a positive integer.

[0308] In an optional implementation, the length of each of the plurality of time ranges includes at least the length of the first period and an offset corresponding to each of the plurality of time ranges.

[0309] For a more detailed description of the processing module 2001 and the transceiver module 2002, please refer to the relevant description in the foregoing method embodiment. Details are not described again here.

[0310] As shown in FIG. 21, the communication device 2100 includes a processor 2110 and an interface circuit 2120. The processor 2110 and the interface circuit 2120 are coupled to each other. It can be understood that the interface circuit 2120 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 2100 may further include a memory 2130 configured to store instructions executed by the processor 2110, or input data required by the processor 2110 to execute the instructions, or data generated after the processor 2110 executes the instructions.

[0311] When the communication device 2100 is configured to implement the method in the foregoing method embodiments, the processor 2110 may be configured to implement the functions of the processing module 2001, and the interface circuit 2120 may be configured to implement the functions of the transceiver module 2002.

[0312] When the communication device is a chip used in a terminal device, the chip in the terminal device implements the functions of the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments. The chip in the terminal device receives information from another module (e.g., a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the terminal device, and the information is transmitted to the terminal device by a network device. Alternatively, the chip in the terminal device transmits information to another module (e.g., a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the terminal device, and the information is transmitted to the network device by the terminal device.

[0313] When the communication device is a chip used in a network device, the chip in the network device implements the functions of the network device in the foregoing method embodiments. The chip in the network device receives information from another module (for example, a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the network device, and the information is transmitted to the network device by the terminal device. Alternatively, the chip in the network device transmits information to another module (for example, a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the network device, and the information is transmitted to the terminal device by the network device.

[0314] It can be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or another general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or another programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any ordinary processor, etc.

[0315] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in a hardware manner or in a manner of executing software instructions by a processor. The software instructions can include corresponding software modules. The software modules can be stored in a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable hard disk, a CDROM, or any other form of storage medium well-known in the art. For example, the storage medium can be coupled to the processor, whereby the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be disposed within an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be disposed in an access network device or a terminal device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can exist in the access network device or the terminal device as discrete components.

[0316] All or part of the foregoing embodiments can be implemented by using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement an embodiment, all or part of the embodiment can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs and instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processing or functions in the embodiments of the present application are executed. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted through a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device such as a server integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape, an optical medium, such as a DVD, or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state disk (SSD).

[0317] In various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise stated or there is no logical contradiction, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined based on their internal logical relationships to form new embodiments.

[0318] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality of" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can indicate the following three cases, namely, only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. Here, A and B may be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the symbol " / " indicates an "or" relationship between related objects. In the formulas in this application, the symbol " / " indicates a "division" relationship between related objects.

[0319] It should be understood that the various numbers in the embodiments of this application are only used for distinction to facilitate the description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The foregoing sequence numbers of the processes do not mean the execution order, and the execution order of the processes should be determined based on the internal logic of the functions and processes.

Claims

1. A communication method executed by a terminal device or a module within the terminal device, the method comprising: determining N opportunities, the N opportunities being within a first time range, and N being a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; when there is one or more unused opportunities among the N opportunities, deactivating the one or more unused opportunities; transmitting data in two or more of the N opportunities; and a communication method.

2. The method further comprises receiving first information, the first information indicating the length of the first time range, the method according to claim 1. The method according to claim 1.

3. The determination condition for the terminal device to deactivate the one or more unused opportunities is pre-agreed by a network device and the terminal device, the method according to claim 1.

4. The interval between any two adjacent opportunities among the N opportunities is a T1 time unit, and T1 is 0 or a positive number, the method according to claim 1. The method according to claim 1.

5. The N opportunities include both opportunities for downlink transmission and opportunities for uplink transmission, the method according to claim 1.

6. Each opportunity among the two or more of the N opportunities is used to transmit a different TB, the method according to claim 1. The method according to claim 1.

7. The method further comprises receiving second information, the second information indicating the N opportunities, and the step of determining the N opportunities includes determining the N opportunities based on the second information, the method according to claim 1. The method according to claim 1.

8. The feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted in two or more of the N opportunities is reported by using different hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, process numbers, or The feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted in two or more of the N opportunities is reported by using one HARQ process number, The method according to claim 1.

9. Each of the two or more of the N opportunities is a configured grant (CG) opportunity, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A communication method executed by a network device or a module in the network device, the method comprising: determining N opportunities, the N opportunities being within a first time range, and N being a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; receiving data in two or more of the N opportunities, and if there is one or more unused opportunities among the N opportunities, deactivating the one or more unused opportunities by a terminal device; A communication method comprising:

11. The method further comprises transmitting first information, the first information indicating the length of the first time range. The method according to claim 10.

12. The determination condition for the terminal device to deactivate the one or more unused opportunities is pre-agreed by the network device and the terminal device. The method according to claim 10.

13. The interval between any two adjacent opportunities among the N opportunities is T1 time units, and T1 is 0 or a positive number. The method according to claim 10.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the N opportunities include both opportunities for downlink transmission and opportunities for uplink transmission.

15. Each opportunity among the two or more of the N opportunities is used to transmit a different TB. The method according to claim 10.

16. The method further includes a step of transmitting second information, wherein the second information indicates the N opportunities. The step of determining the N opportunities includes determining the N opportunities based on the second information. The method according to claim 10.

17. The feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted in two or more of the N opportunities is reported by using different hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process numbers, or The feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted in two or more of the N opportunities is reported by using one HARQ process number. The method according to claim 10.

18. Each opportunity among the two or more of the N opportunities is a configured grant (CG) opportunity. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

19. A communication device including one or more processors and at least one memory, wherein the communication device is a terminal device or a module within the terminal device, and the at least one memory stores instructions. When executing the instructions stored in the memory, the one or more processors determine N opportunities, wherein the N opportunities are within a first time range, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. If there is one or more unused opportunities among the N opportunities, deactivate the one or more unused opportunities, Transmit data in two or more of the N opportunities, A communication device that executes an operation including the above.

20. The operation further includes receiving first information, and the first information indicates the length of the first time range. The communication device according to claim 19.

21. The determination condition for the terminal device to deactivate the one or more unused opportunities is pre-agreed by the network device and the terminal device. The communication device according to claim 19.

22. The interval between any two adjacent opportunities among the N opportunities is T1 time units, and T1 is 0 or a positive number. The communication device according to claim 19.

23. The N opportunities include both opportunities for downlink transmission and opportunities for uplink transmission. The communication device according to claim 19.

24. Each of the two or more opportunities among the N opportunities is used to transmit a different TB. The communication device according to claim 19.

25. The operation further includes receiving second information, and the second information indicates the N opportunities. Determining the N opportunities includes determining the N opportunities based on the second information. The communication device according to claim 19.

26. The feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted in two or more of the N opportunities is reported by using different hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, process numbers, or The feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted in two or more of the N opportunities is reported by using one HARQ process number, The communication device according to claim 19.

27. Each of the two or more opportunities among the N opportunities is a configured grant (CG) opportunity, The communication device according to any one of claims 19 to 26.

28. A communication device including one or more processors and at least one memory, wherein the communication device is a network device or a module within the network device, and the at least one memory stores instructions, When executing the instructions stored in the memory, the one or more processors Determining N opportunities, wherein the N opportunities are within a first time range, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, and Receiving data in two or more of the N opportunities, and when there is one or more unused opportunities among the N opportunities, the one or more unused opportunities are deactivated by a terminal device, and A communication device that performs operations including.

29. The operation further includes transmitting first information, wherein the first information indicates the length of the first time range, The communication device according to claim 28.

30. The determination condition for the terminal device to deactivate the one or more unused opportunities is pre-agreed by the network device and the terminal device, The communication device according to claim 28.

31. The interval between any two adjacent opportunities among the N opportunities is a T1 time unit, and T1 is 0 or a positive number. The communication device according to claim 28.

32. The communication device according to claim 28, wherein the N opportunities include both opportunities for downlink transmission and opportunities for uplink transmission.

33. Each opportunity among the two or more of the N opportunities is used to transmit a different TB. The communication device according to claim 28.

34. The operation further includes transmitting second information, and the second information indicates the N opportunities. Determining the N opportunities includes determining the N opportunities based on the second information. The communication device according to claim 28.

35. The feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted in two or more of the N opportunities is reported by using different hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process numbers, or The feedback information corresponding to two or more TBs transmitted in two or more of the N opportunities is reported by using one HARQ process number. The communication device according to claim 28.

36. Each opportunity among the two or more of the N opportunities is a configured grant (CG) opportunity. The communication device according to any one of claims 28 to 35.

37. A communication device configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

38. A communication device configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

39. A communication device including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a signal from a communication device other than the communication device and transmit the signal to the processor, or transmit a signal from the processor to a communication device other than the communication device, and the processor is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 by using a logic circuit or by executing code instructions.

40. A communication device including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a signal from a communication device other than the communication device and transmit the signal to the processor, or transmit a signal from the processor to a communication device other than the communication device, and the processor is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 10 to 17 by using a logic circuit or by executing code instructions.

41. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

42. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 10 to 17 is implemented.

43. A computer program including computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

44. A computer program, wherein the computer program includes computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed, the method according to any one of claims 10 to 17 is implemented.

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