Communication method, terminal, network device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium. The communication method comprises: receiving first information, the first information being used for activating at least two target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states; receiving a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmitted by a transmission and reception point (TRP) corresponding to each target TCI state, wherein the first SSBs transmitted by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states have an overlap in time domain; and on the basis of the received SSBs transmitted by the TRPs corresponding to the target TCI states, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI states. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the first SSBs transmitted by at least two TRPs among mTRPs partially or completely overlap, a terminal can accurately determine the switching delay time of target TCI states.

Description

Communication method, terminal, network device and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the traditional Media Access Control Control Element (MAC CE)-based Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state switching requirements, one MAC CE signaling only activates one TCI state, and one TCI state applies to one Transmission and Receiving Point (TRP). In the case of multiple Transmission and Receiving Points (mTRP), a terminal can receive more than two TRP signals. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the time-frequency tracking of two TRP signals.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the problem of how to effectively and accurately track the time and frequency of TRP in the mTRP scenario, the embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method, a terminal, a network device and a storage medium.

[0005] According to the first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a terminal device, and the method includes: receiving first information, where the first information is used to activate at least two target transmission configuration indication TCI states; receiving a synchronization signal block SSB sent by a transmitting and receiving point TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, wherein the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the at least two target TCI states has time domain overlap; and determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the received SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0006] According to the second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a network device, and the method includes: sending first information, where the first information is used to activate at least two target TCI states; sending a synchronization signal block SSB through the TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, wherein the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the at least two target TCI states has time domain overlap; and determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0007] According to the third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal device is proposed, which includes: a first receiving module for receiving first information, wherein the first information is used to activate at least two target transmission configuration indication TCI states; a second receiving module for receiving a synchronization signal block SSB sent by a transmitting and receiving point TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, wherein the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the at least two target TCI states has a time domain overlap; and a time determination module for determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the received TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0008] According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is proposed, which includes: a first sending module for sending first information, wherein the first information is used to activate at least two target TCI states; a second sending module for sending a synchronization signal block SSB through a TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, wherein the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the at least two target TCI states has a time domain overlap; and a time determination module for determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0009] According to the fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, which includes: a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, and the storage medium includes: when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG2A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary interaction of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG2B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG2C is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG2D is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG2E is an exemplary schematic diagram of SSB time domain overlap provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG3A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG3B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG3C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG3D is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG3E is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG4A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG4B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG5A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG6A is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG7A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium.

[0031] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a terminal device. The method includes:

[0032] receiving first information, where the first information is used to activate at least two target transmission configuration indication (TCI) states;

[0033] Receiving a synchronization signal block SSB sent by a transmission reception point TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, wherein the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states overlap in time domain;

[0034] Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the received TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0035] In the above embodiment, at least two SSBs are activated based on the first information, and the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the SSB, so that when the first SSBs sent by at least two TRPs in the mTRP partially or completely overlap, the terminal can accurately determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0036] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the method further includes:

[0037] Based on the switching delay time, receive the physical downlink control channel PDCCH sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0038] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes:

[0039] Determining the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device;

[0040] Based on the receiving capability of the SSB and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0041] In the above embodiment, based on the ability of the terminal device to receive SSB, the terminal can accurately target the switching delay time of the TCI state according to different strategies, so that the switching delay time is more adapted to the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0042] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the SSB reception capability includes: the terminal device supports single SSB reception and the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs.

[0043] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes:

[0044] If the terminal device supports single SSB reception, determine the arrival time of the target SSB sent by each TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, where the target SSBs of different TRPs have different transmission timings;

[0045] determining a first latest arrival time from the arrival times of each of the target SSBs;

[0046] Based on the first latest arrival time, a switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0047] In the above embodiment, in the scenario of supporting reception of a single SSB, when there is an overlapping area of ​​the first SSB, the switching delay time of the target TCI state can be accurately determined by obtaining the arrival time of the target SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the first latest arrival time includes:

[0049] Get the shared SSB processing time of multiple TPRs;

[0050] Obtaining a sum of the first latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration as a first waiting time for time-frequency tracking;

[0051] Based on the first waiting time, a switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0052] In the above embodiment, in the scenario of supporting the reception of multiple SSBs, when there is an overlapping area of ​​the first SSB, the switching delay time of the target TCI state can be accurately determined by obtaining the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes a first TRP and a second TRP, and the method further includes:

[0054] Determining a first arrival time of a first SSB received from the first TRP;

[0055] Determining a second arrival time of a second SSB received from the second TRP;

[0056] The first latest arrival time is determined from the first arrival time and the second arrival time.

[0057] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes:

[0058] If the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, determining the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state;

[0059] Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs.

[0060] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each first SSB includes:

[0061] Obtain the SSB processing duration of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state;

[0062] For each TPR corresponding to the target TCI state, obtain the sum of the arrival time of the first SSB of the TRP and the SSB processing duration of the TPR as the second waiting time for time-frequency tracking;

[0063] A maximum waiting time is determined from the second waiting time of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and a switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the maximum waiting time.

[0064] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each first SSB includes:

[0065] determining a second latest arrival time from the arrival times of each of the first SSBs;

[0066] Obtaining the sum of the second latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration of the multiple TPRs as the third waiting time for time-frequency tracking;

[0067] Based on the third waiting time, a switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0069] In response to the terminal device supporting single SSB reception, serially processing the SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states; or,

[0070] In response to the terminal device supporting simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, the SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states are processed in parallel.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0072] Obtaining a time offset between first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states, and determining a maximum time offset from all the time offsets;

[0073] If the maximum time offset is less than the time length of the cyclic prefix CP, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, determine the third latest arrival time from the arrival time of each of the first SSBs, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the arrival time of each of the first SSBs;

[0074] If any of the time offsets is not less than the time length of the CP, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0075] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is performed by a network device. The method includes:

[0076] Sending first information, where the first information is used to activate at least two target TCI states;

[0077] Sending a synchronization signal block SSB through the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, wherein the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states overlap in time domain;

[0078] Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP, the method further includes:

[0080] Based on the switching delay time, the physical downlink control channel PDCCH is sent through the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes:

[0082] Determining the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device;

[0083] Based on the receiving capability of the SSB and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0084] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the SSB reception capability includes: the terminal device supports single SSB reception and the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs.

[0085] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes:

[0086] If the terminal device supports single SSB reception, determine the arrival time of the target SSB sent by each TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, wherein the target SSBs of different TRPs have different transmission timings;

[0087] determining a first latest arrival time from the arrival times of each of the target SSBs;

[0088] Based on the first latest arrival time, a switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the first latest arrival time includes:

[0090] Obtaining a shared SSB processing duration of the multiple TPRs;

[0091] Obtaining a sum of the first latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration as a first waiting time for time-frequency tracking;

[0092] Based on the first waiting time, a switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes a first TRP and a second TRP, and the method further includes:

[0094] Determining a first arrival time of a first SSB sent by the first TRP;

[0095] Determining a second arrival time of a second SSB sent by the second TRP;

[0096] The first latest arrival time is determined from the first arrival time and the second arrival time.

[0097] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes:

[0098] If the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, determining the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state;

[0099] Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs.

[0100] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs includes:

[0101] Obtain the SSB processing duration of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state;

[0102] For each TPR corresponding to the target TCI state, obtain the sum of the arrival time of the first SSB of the TRP and the SSB processing duration of the TPR as the second waiting time for time-frequency tracking;

[0103] A maximum waiting time is determined from the second waiting time of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and a switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the maximum waiting time.

[0104] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs includes:

[0105] determining a second latest arrival time from the arrival times of each of the first SSBs;

[0106] Obtaining the sum of the second latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration of the multiple TPRs as the third waiting time for time-frequency tracking;

[0107] Based on the third waiting time, a switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0109] Obtaining a time offset between first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states, and determining a maximum time offset from all the time offsets;

[0110] If the maximum time offset is less than the time length of the cyclic prefix CP, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, determine the third latest arrival time from the arrival time of each of the first SSBs, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the arrival time of each of the first SSBs;

[0111] If any of the time offsets is not less than the time length of the CP, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0112] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal device, wherein the terminal device includes:

[0113] A first receiving module is configured to receive first information, where the first information is used to activate at least two target transmission configuration indication (TCI) states;

[0114] A second receiving module is configured to receive a synchronization signal block SSB sent by a transmission reception point TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, wherein the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states overlap in time domain;

[0115] A time determination module is used to determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the received target TCI state.

[0116] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network device, wherein the network device includes:

[0117] A first sending module, configured to send first information, where the first information is used to activate at least two target TCI states;

[0118] A second sending module is configured to send a synchronization signal block SSB through a TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, wherein the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states overlap in time domain;

[0119] A time determination module is used to determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0120] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes: the communication system includes: a terminal and a network device; wherein the terminal is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0121] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0122] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0123] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0124] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, which includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects above.

[0125] It is understandable that the above-mentioned terminal devices, network devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0126] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, communication method, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0127] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0128] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0129] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0130] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0131] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0132] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0133] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0134] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0135] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0136] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0137] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0138] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0139] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0140] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0141] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0142] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0143] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0144] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0145] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0146] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a core network device 102 .

[0148] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0150] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0151] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0152] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0153] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0154] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0155] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0156] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0157] In the traditional TCI state switching delay requirement based on the Media Access Control Control Element (MAC CE), one MAC CE signaling only activates one target Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state, and the time and frequency track the synchronization signal block (SSB) sent by the transmission and receiving point (TRP) corresponding to each TCI state.

[0158] In multiple transmission and reception points (mTRPs), a terminal can receive information from more than two TRPs, meaning the terminal has two modes: single downlink control information (sDCI) and multiple downlink control information (mDCI). In the synchronous reception mDCI mode, a MAC CE signaling will activate multiple code points, with two TCI states in each code point, each applicable to a TRP. Therefore, a MAC CE signaling will activate at least two TCI states in one command, making it impossible to reuse the traditional time-frequency tracking of a single SSB. Time-frequency tracking must be performed on the SSBs corresponding to the two TCI states. Therefore, in the mTRT scenario, time-frequency tracking of TCI state switching is an urgent issue to be addressed.

[0159] FIG2A is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0160] Step S2101: The network device sends first information to the terminal device.

[0161] In some embodiments, the network device may be an access network device, or a centralized control unit CU in the access network device.

[0162] In some embodiments, the network device sends the first information to the terminal device via one TRP among a plurality of TRPs. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives the first information sent by the network device 102.

[0163] In some embodiments, terms such as "transmit-receive point TRP", "Transmit-Receive Point", "TRP", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0164] In some implementations, the first information is used to activate at least two target TCI states.

[0165] In some implementations, the first information is used to indicate at least two target TCI states.

[0166] In some implementations, the first information is used to configure at least two target TCI states.

[0167] In some implementations, the terminal device receives first information sent by the network device and determines at least two activated target TCI states.

[0168] In some implementations, the first information may be MAC CE signaling, which is used to activate at least two target TCI states. In some implementations, the naming of the first information is not limited. For example, the first information may be activation information of the TCI state. Optionally, in some implementations, the first information may include but is not limited to "downlink control information", "Downlink Control Information", "DCI", "Media Access Control Layer Control Element Command", "MAC CE Command", etc.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first information includes a field for indicating an activated target TCI state, and the field can be used to indicate an index value of the target TCI state.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first information includes a bitmap of TCI status, and the target TCI status is determined by the values ​​at different positions on the bitmap, that is, different positions correspond to different TCI states; for example, if the value at any position is 1, the TCI state corresponding to the position is determined to be activated, that is, the target TCI state.

[0171] In some embodiments, terms such as "transmission configuration indication TCI", "Transmission Configuration Indication", "TCI", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0172] Step S2102, the terminal device receives the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0173] In some implementations, information can be transmitted between a network device and a terminal device through multiple TRPs, where each TCI state corresponds to a TRP, and different TCI states correspond to different TRPs.

[0174] In some implementations, the network device may send an SSB to the terminal device through the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state. That is, the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state sends the SSB to the terminal device respectively. For example, when two target TCI states are included, the two target TCI states correspond to the first TRP (TRP#1) and the second TRP (TRP#2), respectively. TRP#1 can send the SSB to the terminal device, and TRP#2 can also send the SSB to the terminal device. Optionally, the terminal device can receive the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state. That is, the terminal device can receive the SSB sent by TRP#1 and TRP#2 respectively.

[0175] Among them, terms such as "SSB", "Synchronization Signal Block", and "Synchronization Signal Block" can be used interchangeably.

[0176] In some implementations, the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to at least two target TCI states overlap in time domain. Optionally, the time domain overlap can be a partial overlap or a complete overlap of the SSBs. As shown in Figure 2E, (a) shows a complete overlap of the SSBs, and (b) shows a partial overlap of the SSBs.

[0177] For example, the two target TCI states correspond to the time offset between the first SSBs sent by the two TRPs. In some embodiments, the name of the time offset is not limited, and it can be, for example, "timingoffset".

[0178] In some embodiments, the time offset is used to indicate the amount of overlap between the first SSBs sent by each of the two TRPs. That is, the time offset is the time interval between the completion moment of the earlier of the two first SSBs being received by the terminal and the start moment of the later SSB being received by the terminal 101. FIG2E is a schematic diagram of the time offset provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2E , the first SSB of TRP#1 is the first SSB sent by TRP#1, and the first SSB of TRP#1 is the first SSB sent by TRP#1. The time offset between the first SSB of TRP#1 and the first SSB of TRP#2 is the time offset between the two dotted lines in the figure.

[0179] Step S2103, when the terminal device supports single SSB reception, determines the arrival time of the target SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state received.

[0180] In some implementations, the SSB reception capability of the terminal device may be determined. Optionally, the SSB reception capability of the terminal device may include, but is not limited to, supporting single SSB reception or supporting multiple SSB reception.

[0181] In some implementations, when a terminal device supports single SSB reception, it can only receive an SSB from one TRP at a time. That is, if the first SSBs sent by two TRPs corresponding to the target TRP states overlap in time domain, since the terminal device only supports single SSB reception, the terminal device will only discard the later arriving SSB in the overlapping area.

[0182] In some implementations, the terminal device supports single SSB reception, which means that the terminal device can only receive one SSB in each time slot and needs to wait for the next time slot to receive another SSB.

[0183] In some embodiments, the target SSBs of different TRPs have different orders in the SSB sequences they send. For example, the target SSB of the i-th TRP is the k-th SSB in the SSB sequence sent by the i-th TRP, where i is a natural number less than n, n is the number of TRPs connected to the terminal, and k is a natural number. That is to say, if the order in which the first SSBs of TRP#1 to TRP#n are sent is 1 to n, then the target SSB of the i-th TRP is the i-th SSB in the SSB sequence sent by the i-th TRP. As shown in Figure 2E, the target SSB of TRP#1 is the first SSB in the SSB sequence sent by TRP#1. The target SSB of TRP#2 is the second SSB in the SSB sequence sent by TRP#2. For example, there are 3 TRPs, and the sending order of the first SSB of TRP#1 to TRP#3 is that the time of the first SSB sent by TRP#1 is the first, the time of the first SSB sent by TRP#2 is the third, and the time of the first SSB sent by TRP#3 is the second. Then the target SSB of TRP#1 is the first SSB in the SSB sequence sent by TRP#1, the target SSB of TRP#2 is the third SSB in the SSB sequence sent by TRP#2, and the target SSB of TRP#3 is the second SSB in the SSB sequence sent by TRP#3.

[0184] In some embodiments, the arrival time of the target SSB is the time when the target SSB of each TRP arrives at the terminal device, which can also be understood as the reception time when the terminal device receives the target SSB.

[0185] In some implementations, in response to the terminal device supporting single SSB reception, the SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to at least two target TCI states are processed serially.

[0186] Step S2104, determine the first latest arrival time from the arrival time of each target SSB.

[0187] In some implementations, when supporting single SSB reception, the terminal device determines a first latest arrival time from the arrival times of each target SSB. It is understood that the first latest arrival time is the maximum time among the arrival times of each target SSB.

[0188] Step S2105: Obtain the shared SSB processing duration of multiple TPRs.

[0189] In some implementations, if the terminal device supports single SSB reception, the shared SSB processing time for multiple TRPs is the processing time applicable to the SSB sent by each TRP. Optionally, the shared SSB processing time can be the maximum processing time among the processing times of the SSBs sent by all TRPs, that is, the processing time of the SSB sent by each TRP is determined, and the maximum processing time is determined as the shared SSB processing time.

[0190] In some implementations, the shared SSB processing duration may be 2 ms.

[0191] Step S2106: Obtain the sum of the first latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration as the first waiting time for time-frequency tracking.

[0192] In some implementations, if the terminal device supports single SSB reception, the first latest arrival time of the single SSB reception and the shared SSB processing duration are summed, and the sum result is the first waiting time for time-frequency tracking.

[0193] Step S2107: Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the first waiting time.

[0194] In some implementations, the switching delay time refers to the time between receiving the first information and receiving the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). In other words, the switching delay time can ensure that the terminal device can correctly receive and decode the PDCCH information.

[0195] In some implementations, the calculation for determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the first waiting time may be:

[0196] or,

[0197] Among them, T S1 Indicates the switching delay time of the target TCI state; n indicates the time slot; T HARQ Timing between downlink data transmission and acknowledgment; Indicates the decoding period; T first-SSB-TRP1 represents the arrival time of the first SSB of TRP1; T2nd-SSB-TRP2 Indicates the arrival time of the second SSB of TRP2; T SSB-proc Indicates the shared SSB processing time; NR slot length is expressed as the time slot length; If the target TCI state is not in the active TCI state list of the physical downlink shared channel (Physical Downlink Shared Channel, PDSCH), then TO k is 1, otherwise TO k is 0.

[0198] max(T first-SSB-TPR1 ,T 2nd-SSB-TRP2 ) is used to determine the first latest arrival time;

[0199] max((T first-SSB-TPR1 +T SSB-proc ),(T 2nd-SSB-TRP2 +T SSB-proc )),or,

[0200] max(T first-SSB-TPR1 ,T 2nd-SSB-TRP2 )+T SSB-proc ) represents the first waiting moment of time-frequency tracking.

[0201] Understandably, T 2nd-SSB-TRP2 Always later than T first-SSB-TPR1 , the formula for the switching delay time of the above target TCI state can be transformed into:

[0202] In step S2108, the network device and the terminal device transmit a PDCCH message based on the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0203] In some implementations, after determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state, the network device sends a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) determined by the target TCI state to the terminal device based on the switching delay time corresponding to the target TCI state. The terminal device receives the PDCCH message determined by the target TRP state sent by the network device through the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0204] In some implementations, the PDCCH is used to carry scheduling and other control information, such as transport format, resource allocation, and power control.

[0205] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2108. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2101+S2102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0206] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0207] FIG2B is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0208] Step S2201: The network device sends first information to the terminal device.

[0209] Step S2202, the terminal device receives the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0210] Optional implementations of steps S2201 and S2202 can be found in steps S2101 and S2102 of FIG. 2A , and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0211] Step S2203: If the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0212] In some implementations, if the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is determined, that is, the reception time of the first SSB by the terminal device.

[0213] In some implementations, when the terminal device supports multiple SSB reception, the first SSB sent by each TRP is the target SSB.

[0214] In some implementations, when the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, that is, the TRP corresponding to the instant target TCI state stores overlapping areas in the time domain, the terminal device can also receive the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state separately without discarding the SSBs sent subsequently.

[0215] In some implementations, the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, that is, the terminal device can simultaneously receive at least two SSBs in each time slot and can process at least two SSBs in parallel.

[0216] In some implementations, in response to the terminal device supporting multiple SSB reception, the SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to at least two target TCI states are processed in parallel.

[0217] Step S2204, obtain the SSB processing duration of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0218] In some implementations, the processing durations corresponding to the SSBs of the TRPs corresponding to different target TCI states may be different or the same.

[0219] Step S2205: For each TPR corresponding to the target TCI state, obtain the sum of the arrival time of the first SSB of the TRP and the SSB processing time of the TPR as the second waiting time for time-frequency tracking.

[0220] Step S2206: Determine the maximum waiting time from the second waiting time of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the maximum waiting time.

[0221] In some implementations, a second waiting time corresponding to each target TCI state is determined. Alternatively, a maximum waiting time may be determined from all second waiting times.

[0222] In some implementations, the target TCI state switching delay time is determined based on the maximum waiting time. Optionally, for example, if there are TRP1 and TRP2, the target TCI state switching delay time can be calculated as:

[0223] Among them, T S2 Indicates the switching delay time of the target TCI state; T first-SSB-TPR1 represents the arrival time of the first SSB of TRP1; T SSB-proc-TPR1 represents the SSB processing time of TRP1; T first-SSB-TPR1 +T SSB-proc-TPR1 represents the second waiting time of the time-frequency tracking of TRP1; T first-SSB-TRP2 Indicates the arrival time of the first SSB of TRP2; T SSB-proc-TPR2 Indicates the SSB processing time of TRP2; T first-SSB-TRP2 +T SSB-proc-TPR2 Indicates the second waiting time of time-frequency tracking of TRP2.

[0224] In step S2207, the network device and the terminal device transmit a PDCCH message based on the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0225] The optional implementation of step S2207 can be found in step S2108 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0226] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2207. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2201+S2202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0227] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0228] FIG2C is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0229] Step S2301: The network device sends first information to the terminal device.

[0230] Step S2302: The terminal device receives the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0231] Optional implementations of steps S2301 and S2302 can be found in steps S2101 and S2102 of FIG. 2A , and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0232] Step S2303: When the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, it determines the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0233] The optional implementation of step S2303 can be found in step S2203 of FIG. 2B and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0234] Step S2304: determine the second latest arrival time from the arrival time of each first SSB.

[0235] In some implementations, a maximum arrival time is determined from the arrival times of all first SSBs, and the maximum arrival time is the second latest arrival time.

[0236] Step S2305: Obtain the sum of the second latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing time of multiple TPRs as the third waiting time for time-frequency tracking.

[0237] Step S2306: Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the third waiting time.

[0238] In some implementations, based on the third waiting time, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined as:

[0239] Among them, T S3 Indicates the switching delay time of the target TCI state; max(T first-SSB-TPR1 ,T first-SSB-TRP2 ) represents the second latest arrival time; max(T first-SSB-TPR1 ,T first-SSB-TRP2 )+T SSB-proc Indicates the third waiting time of time-frequency tracking.

[0240] Step S2307: The network device and the terminal device transmit a PDCCH message based on the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0241] The optional implementation of step S2307 can be found in step S2108 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0242] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2307. For example, step S2301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2301+S2302 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0243] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0244] FIG2D is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2D , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0245] Step S2401: The network device sends first information to the terminal device.

[0246] Step S2402, the terminal device receives the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0247] Optional implementations of steps S2401 and S2402 can be found in steps S2101 and S2102 of FIG. 2A , and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0248] In step S2403, the terminal device determines the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0249] In some implementations, the terminal device's SSB reception capability may support single SSB reception or multiple SSB reception.

[0250] If the terminal device supports single SSB reception, the optional implementation method of step S2403 can be found in step S2103 of Figure 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0251] If the terminal device supports multiple SSB receptions, the optional implementation of step S2403 can be found in step S2203 of FIG. 2B and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2B , which will not be repeated here.

[0252] Step S2404: Obtain the time offset between the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to at least two target TCI states, and determine the maximum time offset from all the time offsets.

[0253] In some implementations, the time offset between the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to at least two target TCI states is obtained, and the maximum time offset is determined from all the time offsets.

[0254] In step S2405, if the maximum time offset is less than the time length of the cyclic prefix CP, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and determine the third latest arrival time from the arrival time of each first SSB, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the arrival time of each first SSB.

[0255] In some embodiments, terms such as "CP", "cyclic prefix", and "Cyclic Prefix" can be used interchangeably.

[0256] In some embodiments, when the time offset between the first SSBs respectively sent by at least two TRPs is less than the time length of the CP, it can be considered that the overlap between the first SSBs respectively sent by the at least two TRPs is small and does not affect the reliable transmission of valid information in the SSB. In this case, the first SSB of each TRP can be determined as the target SSB. Optional implementations of step S2405 can be found in step S2206 of Figure 2B and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, as well as in step S2306 of Figure 2C and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0257] Step S2406: If there is any time offset that is not less than the time length of the CP, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0258] In some embodiments, if there is any time offset that is not less than the time length of the CP, it can be considered that there is a large overlap between the first SSBs sent by the at least two TRPs, which may affect the reliable transmission of valid information in the SSB. At this time, based on the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0259] The optional implementation of step S2406 can be found in step S2107 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0260] Step S2407: The network device and the terminal device transmit a PDCCH message based on the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0261] The optional implementation of step S2407 can be found in step S2108 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0262] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2401 to S2407. For example, step S2401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2401+S2402 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0263] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0264] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0265] In some embodiments, terms such as "synchronization signal (SS)", "synchronization signal block (SSB)", "reference signal (RS)", "pilot", and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0266] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0267] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0268] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0269] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0270] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0271] FIG3A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the present disclosure implements a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device, and the method includes:

[0272] Step S3101, receiving first information.

[0273] Step S3102, receive the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0274] Step S3103, when supporting single SSB reception, determine the arrival time of the target SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state received.

[0275] Step S3104, determine the first latest arrival time from the arrival time of each target SSB.

[0276] Step S3105: Obtain the SSB processing duration shared by multiple TPRs.

[0277] Step S3106: Obtain the sum of the first latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration as the first waiting time for time-frequency tracking.

[0278] Step S3107: Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the first waiting time.

[0279] Step S3108: Receive PDCCH based on the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0280] The optional implementation of steps S3101 to S3108 can be found in the optional implementation of steps S2101 to S2108 in FIG2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0281] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3108. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S32101+S3102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0282] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0283] FIG3B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device, and the method includes:

[0284] Step S3201, receiving first information.

[0285] Step S3202, receive the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0286] Step S3203: If multiple SSBs are supported for simultaneous reception, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0287] Step S3204, obtain the SSB processing duration of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0288] Step S3205: For each TPR corresponding to the target TCI state, obtain the sum of the arrival time of the first SSB of the TRP and the SSB processing time of the TPR as the second waiting time for time-frequency tracking.

[0289] Step S3206: Determine the maximum waiting time from the second waiting time of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the maximum waiting time.

[0290] Step S3207: Receive PDCCH based on the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0291] The optional implementation of steps S3201 to S3207 can be found in the optional implementation of steps S2201 to S2207 in FIG2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG2B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0292] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3207. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3201+S3202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0293] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0294] FIG3C is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device, and the method includes:

[0295] Step S3301, receiving first information.

[0296] Step S3302, receive the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0297] Step S3303, when supporting simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0298] Step S3304: determine the second latest arrival time from the arrival time of each first SSB.

[0299] Step S3305: Obtain the sum of the second latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing time of multiple TPRs as the third waiting time for time-frequency tracking.

[0300] Step S3306: Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the third waiting time.

[0301] Step S3307: Receive PDCCH based on the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0302] The optional implementation of steps S3301 to S3307 can be found in the optional implementation of steps S2301 to S2307 in FIG2C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG2C , which will not be repeated here.

[0303] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3307. For example, step S3301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3301+S3302 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0304] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0305] FIG3D is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3D , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device, and the method includes:

[0306] Step S3401, receiving first information.

[0307] Step S3402, receive the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0308] Step S3403, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0309] Step S3404: Obtain the time offset between the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to at least two target TCI states, and determine the maximum time offset from all the time offsets.

[0310] In step S3405, if the maximum time offset is less than the time length of the cyclic prefix CP, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and determine the third latest arrival time from the arrival time of each first SSB, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the arrival time of each first SSB.

[0311] Step S3406: If there is any time offset that is not less than the time length of the CP, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0312] Step S3407: Receive a PDCCH message based on the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0313] The optional implementation of steps S3401 to S3407 can be found in the optional implementation of steps S2401 to S2407 in FIG2D and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG2D , which will not be repeated here.

[0314] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3401 to S3407. For example, step S3401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3401+S3402 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0315] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0316] FIG3E is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3E , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device, and the method includes:

[0317] Step S3501, receiving first information.

[0318] Step S3502, receive the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0319] The optional implementation of step S3501-step S3502 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101-step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0320] Step S3503: Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0321] In some implementations, when single SSB reception is supported, the arrival time of the target SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each received target TCI state is determined; and the first latest arrival time is determined from the arrival time of each target SSB.

[0322] In some implementations, the shared SSB processing duration of multiple TPRs is obtained; the sum of the first latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration is obtained as the first waiting time for time-frequency tracking; and based on the first waiting time, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0323] In some implementations, when supporting simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is determined; and the SSB processing duration of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is obtained.

[0324] In some implementations, for the TPR corresponding to each target TCI state, the sum of the arrival time of the first SSB of the TRP and the SSB processing time of the TPR is obtained as the second waiting time for time-frequency tracking; the maximum waiting time is determined from the second waiting time of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and based on the maximum waiting time, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0325] In some implementations, when supporting simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is determined; and the second latest arrival time is determined from the arrival time of each first SSB.

[0326] In some implementations, the sum of the second latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing time of multiple TPRs is obtained as the third waiting time for time-frequency tracking; based on the third waiting time, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0327] In some implementations, the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is determined; the time offset between the first SSBs sent by the TRP corresponding to at least two target TCI states is obtained, and the maximum time offset is determined from all the time offsets.

[0328] In some implementations, if the maximum time offset is less than the time length of the cyclic prefix CP, the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is determined, and the third latest arrival time is determined from the arrival time of each first SSB, and the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the arrival time of each first SSB.

[0329] In some implementations, if there is any time offset that is not less than the time length of the CP, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0330] The optional implementation method of step S3503 can be found in steps S2103-S2107 of Figure 2A, steps S2203-S2206 of Figure 2B, steps S2303-S2306 of Figure 2C, steps S2403-S2406 of Figure 2D, and other related parts of the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0331] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3501 to S3503. For example, step S3501 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3502 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3503 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3501+S3502 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0332] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0333] FIG4A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a network device. The method includes:

[0334] Step S4101, sending the first information.

[0335] Step S4102, send SSB through the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0336] Step S4103: Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0337] In some implementations, when the terminal device supports single SSB reception, the arrival time of the target SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state received by the terminal device is determined; and the first latest arrival time is determined from the arrival time of each target SSB.

[0338] In some implementations, the shared SSB processing duration of multiple TPRs is obtained; the sum of the first latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration is obtained as the first waiting time for time-frequency tracking; and based on the first waiting time, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0339] In some implementations, the calculation method for determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the first waiting moment can be referred to formula (2-1), (2-2) or (2-3) in step S2107, which will not be repeated here.

[0340] In some implementations, when the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is determined; and the SSB processing duration of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is obtained.

[0341] In some implementations, for the TPR corresponding to each target TCI state, the sum of the arrival time of the first SSB of the TRP and the SSB processing time of the TPR is obtained as the second waiting time for time-frequency tracking; the maximum waiting time is determined from the second waiting time of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and based on the maximum waiting time, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0342] In some implementations, the calculation method for determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the maximum waiting time can be referred to formula (2-4) in step S2206 and will not be repeated here.

[0343] In some implementations, when the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is determined; and the second latest arrival time is determined from the arrival time of each first SSB.

[0344] In some implementations, the sum of the second latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing time of multiple TPRs is obtained as the third waiting time for time-frequency tracking; based on the third waiting time, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

[0345] In some implementations, the calculation method for determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the third waiting time can be referred to formula (2-5) in step S2306, which will not be repeated here.

[0346] In some implementations, the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is determined; the time offset between the first SSBs sent by the TRP corresponding to at least two target TCI states is obtained, and the maximum time offset is determined from all the time offsets.

[0347] In some implementations, if the maximum time offset is less than the time length of the cyclic prefix CP, the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state is determined, and the third latest arrival time is determined from the arrival time of each first SSB, and the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the arrival time of each first SSB.

[0348] In some embodiments, when the time offset between the first SSBs sent by at least two TRPs is less than the time length of the CP, it can be considered that the overlapping part between the first SSBs sent by the at least two TRPs is very small, which does not affect the reliable transmission of valid information in the SSB. At this time, the first SSB of each TRP can be determined as the target SSB.

[0349] In some implementations, if there is any time offset that is not less than the time length of the CP, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0350] The optional implementation methods of step S4103 can be found in steps S2103-S2107 of Figure 2A, steps S2203-S2206 of Figure 2B, steps S2303-S2306 of Figure 2C, steps S2403-S2406 of Figure 2D, and other related parts of the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0351] Step S4104: Send a PDCCH message based on the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

[0352] Optional implementations of steps S4101-S4102 and step S4104 can be found in steps S2101, S2102, S2108 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be repeated here.

[0353] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4104. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S4101+S4102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0354] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0355] FIG4B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a network device, and the method includes:

[0356] Step S4201, sending the first information.

[0357] Step S4202, send SSB through the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

[0358] Step S4203: Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0359] Optional implementations of steps S4201 to S4203 may be found in steps S4101 to S4102 of FIG. 4A , and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0360] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4203. For example, step S4201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S4201+S4202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0361] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0362] FIG5A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0363] Step S5101: The terminal device can only process two SSBs in sequence.

[0364] In the multiple TRPmTRP scenario of sDCI, since two TCI states will be activated, some additional conditions need to be considered, namely the time / frequency tracking of the two TCI states.

[0365] In a single TRP, the time-frequency tracking is: T first-SSB +T SSB-proc ; where T first-SSB It is the time of the first SSB from a single TRP after receiving the MAC CE command.

[0366] For mTRP, T / F tracking will be performed for each TRP separately. T / F tracking will be based on the SSB corresponding to each TRP. However, the two SSBs may overlap with each other, as shown in Figure 2E.

[0367] Because there may be a time difference between two different TRPs, even when two SSBs are adjacent, the two SSBs may still partially overlap due to the timing offset, as shown in FIG2E .

[0368] If two SSBs overlap, the end device may not be able to process them in parallel. For example, the end device may only be able to perform T / F tracking on one SSB at a time. However, if the end device can process two SSBs in parallel, there is no dependency on the processing of the two SSBs, so the total latency requirement will be defined based on the end device's capabilities.

[0369] If the end device does not have two parallel processors to process overlapping SSBs, the end device can only perform T / F tracking on one SSB at a time. For example, if two SSBs completely or partially overlap at time slot 1, the end device can only process the SSB from TRP1 in time slot 1. The end device then needs to wait for the second SSB from TRP2 and then process it. The end device may discard SSBs from TRPs whose SSBs arrive later, so the switching delay time is:

[0370] Among them, T first-SSB-TRP1 represents the arrival time of the first SSB of TRP1; T 2nd-SSB-TRP2 Indicates the arrival time of the second SSB of TRP2.

[0371] If T 2nd-SSB-TRP2 Always later than T first-SSB-TRP1 , the switching delay time can be rewritten as:

[0372] Step S5102: The terminal device can process two SSBs in parallel.

[0373] If the terminal device is able to process two fully or partially overlapping SSBs using two processors, the terminal device can process each SSB independently. Since the end point of the delay requirement is that the terminal device completes the TCI state of both SSBs, the total delay will be determined by the maximum T / F tracking time between the two SSBs. This will depend on the position of the SSB relative to the MAC CE command, and the switching delay time is:

[0374] or,

[0375] Among them, T first-SSB-TRP1 represents the arrival time of the first SSB of TRP1; T 2nd-SSB-TRP2 Indicates the arrival time of the second SSB of TRP2.

[0376] Step S5103: Determine the switching delay time according to whether the time offset is less than the CP.

[0377] The timing offset also affects the end device's ability to process two SSBs. For example, if the timing offset is less than the CP, the SSB signals of the two TRPs will not be corrupted, and the end device can still receive and process the two SSBs in parallel. When the timing offset is less than the CP, there is no need to distinguish requirements from end device capabilities. The latency requirement will be similar to the case where the end device can process two SSBs in parallel.

[0378] The switching delay time is:

[0379] or,

[0380] Among them, T first-SSB-TRP1 represents the arrival time of the first SSB of TRP1; T 2nd-SSB-TRP2 Indicates the arrival time of the second SSB of TRP2.

[0381] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0382] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0383] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0384] FIG6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6A , the terminal device 6100 may include: at least one of a first receiving module 6101, a second receiving module 6102, and a time determination module 6103. In some embodiments, the first receiving module 6101 is used to receive first information, and the first information is used to activate at least two target transmission configuration indication TCI states; the second receiving module 6102 is used to receive the synchronization signal block SSB sent by the transmitting and receiving point TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, wherein the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to at least two target TCI states has time domain overlap; the time determination module 6103 is used to determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the received target TCI state.

[0385] FIG6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6B , the network device 6200 may include: at least one of a first sending module 6201, a second sending module 6202, and a time determination module 6203. In some embodiments, the first sending module 6201 is configured to send first information, where the first information is used to activate at least two target TCI states; the second sending module 6202 is configured to send a synchronization signal block SSB through a TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, wherein the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to at least two target TCI states has a time domain overlap; and the time determination module 6203 is configured to determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

[0386] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0387] As shown in FIG7A , the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control a communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 7100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0388] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0389] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceiver 7103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 7101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0390] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0391] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuit 7104 is connected to the memory 7102. The interface circuit 7104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7104 may read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0392] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0393] 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 7200 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 shown in FIG7B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0394] The chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201 , and the chip 7200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0395] In some embodiments, the chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, the interface circuit 7202 is connected to the memory 7203. The interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in the memory 7203 and send the instructions to the processor 7201.

[0396] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 7201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0397] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0398] In some embodiments, the chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside the chip 7200.

[0399] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 7100, the communication device 7100 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0400] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 7100, enables the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0401] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Executed by a terminal device, the method includes: receiving first information, wherein the first information is used to activate at least two target transmission configuration indication (TCI) states; Receiving a synchronization signal block SSB sent by a transmission receiving point TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, wherein the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states overlap in the time domain; Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the received TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the method further includes: Based on the switching delay time, receive the physical downlink control channel PDCCH sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining, according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state includes: Determining the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device; Based on the receiving capability of the SSB and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The SSB receiving capability includes: the terminal device supports single SSB reception and the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The determining, according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state includes: If the terminal device supports single SSB reception, determine the arrival time of the target SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each received target TCI state, wherein the target SSBs of different TRPs have different transmission timings; determining a first latest arrival time from the arrival times of each of the target SSBs; Based on the first latest arrival time, determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The determining, based on the first latest arrival time, a switching delay time of the target TCI state includes: Get the shared SSB processing time of multiple TPRs; Obtaining the sum of the first latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration as the first waiting time for time-frequency tracking; Based on the first waiting time, determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes a first TRP and a second TRP, and the method further includes: Determining a first arrival time of a first SSB received from the first TRP; Determining a second arrival time of a second SSB received from the second TRP; The first latest arrival time is determined from the first arrival time and the second arrival time.

8. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The determining, according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state includes: If the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state; According to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The step of determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs includes: Obtain the SSB processing duration of the TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states; For each TPR corresponding to the target TCI state, obtain the sum of the arrival time of the first SSB of the TRP and the SSB processing time of the TPR as the second waiting time for time-frequency tracking; Determine the maximum waiting time from the second waiting time of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the maximum waiting time.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The step of determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs includes: Determining a second latest arrival time from the arrival times of each of the first SSBs; Obtaining the sum of the second latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing time of the multiple TPRs as the third waiting time for time-frequency tracking; Based on the third waiting time, determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

11. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: In response to the terminal device supporting single SSB reception, serially processing the SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states; or, In response to the terminal device supporting simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, the SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states are processed in parallel.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtaining a time offset between first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states, and determining a maximum time offset from all the time offsets; If the maximum time offset is less than the time length of the cyclic prefix CP, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, and determine the third latest arrival time from the arrival time of each of the first SSBs, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs; If any of the time offsets is not less than the time length of the CP, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: Executed by a network device, the method includes: Sending first information, where the first information is used to activate at least two target TCI states; Sending a synchronization signal block SSB through the TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, wherein the first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states overlap in the time domain; Determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that After determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP, the method further includes: Based on the switching delay time, the physical downlink control channel PDCCH is sent through the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The determining, according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state includes: Determining the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device; Based on the receiving capability of the SSB and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The SSB receiving capability includes: the terminal device supports single SSB reception and the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The determining, according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state includes: If the terminal device supports single SSB reception, determine the arrival time of the target SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, wherein the target SSBs of different TRPs have different sending times; determining a first latest arrival time from the arrival times of each of the target SSBs; Based on the first latest arrival time, determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The determining, based on the first latest arrival time, a switching delay time of the target TCI state includes: Obtaining a common SSB processing duration of the multiple TPRs; Obtaining the sum of the first latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing duration as the first waiting time for time-frequency tracking; Based on the first waiting time, determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The TRP corresponding to the target TCI state includes a first TRP and a second TRP, and the method further includes: Determining a first arrival time of a first SSB sent by the first TRP; determining a second arrival time of a second SSB sent by the second TRP; The first latest arrival time is determined from the first arrival time and the second arrival time.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The determining, according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state, the switching delay time of the target TCI state includes: If the terminal device supports simultaneous reception of multiple SSBs, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state; According to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The step of determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs includes: Obtain the SSB processing duration of the TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states; For each TPR corresponding to the target TCI state, obtain the sum of the arrival time of the first SSB of the TRP and the SSB processing time of the TPR as the second waiting time for time-frequency tracking; Determine the maximum waiting time from the second waiting time of the TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state based on the maximum waiting time.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The step of determining the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs includes: Determining a second latest arrival time from the arrival times of each of the first SSBs; Obtaining the sum of the second latest arrival time and the shared SSB processing time of the multiple TPRs as the third waiting time for time-frequency tracking; Based on the third waiting time, determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state.

23. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtaining a time offset between first SSBs sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states, and determining a maximum time offset from all the time offsets; If the maximum time offset is less than the time length of the cyclic prefix CP, determine the arrival time of the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, and determine the third latest arrival time from the arrival time of each of the first SSBs, and determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the arrival time of each of the first SSBs; If any of the time offsets is not less than the time length of the CP, the switching delay time of the target TCI state is determined based on the SSB receiving capability of the terminal device and the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

24. A terminal device, characterized in that: include: A first receiving module, configured to receive first information, where the first information is used to activate at least two target transmission configuration indication TCI states; A second receiving module is used to receive a synchronization signal block SSB sent by a transmission receiving point TRP corresponding to each target TCI state, wherein the first SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the at least two target TCI states overlaps in the time domain; A time determination module is used to determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the received target TCI state.

25. A network device, characterized in that: include: A first sending module, configured to send first information, wherein the first information is used to activate at least two target TCI states; A second sending module is used to send a synchronization signal block SSB through the TRP corresponding to each of the target TCI states, wherein the first SSB sent by the TRPs corresponding to the at least two target TCI states overlap in the time domain; A time determination module is used to determine the switching delay time of the target TCI state according to the SSB sent by the TRP corresponding to the target TCI state.

26. A communication system, characterized in that: include: A terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 12, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of claims 13 to 23.

27. A storage medium comprising: The storage medium stores instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-12 or 13-23.

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