Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus, for use in enabling a network device to know the use condition of a resource for a sidelink (SL) reference signal configured or scheduled for a terminal device. A first terminal device receives first indication information, the first indication information being used for indicating M first time-domain resources, and any one of the first time-domain resources being used for the first terminal device to send an SL reference signal once to a second terminal device; and the first terminal device sends second indication information, the second indication information being used for indicating the condition of sending the SL reference signal on the M first time-domain resources by the first terminal device. The first terminal device reports to the network device the use condition of a time-domain resource for sending the SL reference signal, and when knowing the use condition of the resource, the network device can reasonably configure or schedule for the first terminal device a resource for sending the SL reference signal.

Description

A communication method and device thereof

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on November 3, 2023, with application number 202311462622.1 and application name "A communication method and device thereof", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus thereof. Background Art

[0004] In the sidelink (SL) communication system, the transmission of SL data supports feedback of the reception status to the network device, which is introduced as follows: the network device configures or schedules resources for UE1 to send SL data; UE1 sends SL data to UE2 on the corresponding resources; UE2 feeds back the reception status of SL data to UE1; UE1 feeds back the reception status of UE2 for SL data to the network device.

[0005] However, when sending reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) on the sidelink, feedback on the reception of SL reference signals between terminal devices is not supported, and terminal devices do not provide feedback on the reception of SL reference signals to network devices. Therefore, network devices cannot learn about the usage of SL reference signal resources configured or scheduled for terminal devices.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and apparatus thereof, for enabling a network device to know the usage of SL reference signal resources configured or scheduled for a terminal device.

[0008] In the first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first communication device, or by other devices including the functions of the first communication device, or by a chip system (or, chip) or other functional module, which can realize the functions of the first communication device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, set in the first communication device. Take the method as an example in which the first communication device is executed by the first communication device, and the first communication device is a first terminal device: the first terminal device receives first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate M first time domain resources, any of which is used by the first terminal device to send a side link reference signal to the second terminal device, and M is an integer greater than 1; the first terminal device sends second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the situation in which the first terminal device sends a side link reference signal on the M first time domain resources.

[0009] In this embodiment, the first terminal device reports the usage of time domain resources for sending sidelink reference signals to the network device. After the network device learns about the resource usage, it can then reasonably configure or schedule resources for sending sidelink reference signals for the first terminal device.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the second indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to send N sidelink reference signals on the M first time domain resources, where N is less than or equal to M.

[0011] In this implementation, the first terminal device feeds back the number of times the sidelink reference signal is sent to the network device. The network device has a very detailed understanding of resource usage, which can facilitate the subsequent reasonable configuration or scheduling of resources for sending the sidelink reference signal for the first terminal device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate whether N meets the requirements or does not meet the requirements, where N is the number of times the first terminal device sends a sidelink reference signal on the M first time domain resources, and N is less than or equal to M.

[0013] In one example, when the requirement is met, the second indication information includes positive acknowledgment (ACK) information; when the requirement is not met, the second indication information includes negative acknowledgment (NACK) information.

[0014] In one example, when the requirements are met, the second indication information includes ACK information; when the requirements are not met, the first terminal device does not send the second indication information to the network device, that is, not feeding back the second indication information means that the requirements are not met, which can save signaling overhead.

[0015] In another example, when the requirements are met, the first terminal device does not send the second indication information to the network device, that is, does not feed back the second indication information, which meets the requirements and can save signaling overhead; when the requirements are not met, the second indication information includes NACK information.

[0016] In another example, the second indication information occupies 1 bit. When the 1 bit is 0, it indicates that N does not meet the requirement; when the 1 bit is 1, it indicates that N meets the requirement. Only 1 bit is required, which can save signaling overhead.

[0017] In one possible implementation, when N is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when N is less than the first threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement. Alternatively, when N is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when N is less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement.

[0018] In this implementation, N is compared with a first threshold. When N is greater than the first threshold, it indicates that the first terminal device is utilizing the first time domain resources indicated by the network device relatively well, and it can be determined that N meets the requirements. When N is less than the first threshold, it indicates that the first terminal device is utilizing the first time domain resources indicated by the network device poorly, and it can be determined that N does not meet the requirements.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first threshold is pre-configured; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the first threshold; or, before sending the second indication information, the first terminal device also receives third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate the first threshold.

[0020] In this implementation, pre-configuration can save signaling overhead. The first threshold is notified to the first terminal device via the first indication information or the third indication information. The first threshold notified for different scenarios or services can be flexibly changed, enabling flexible adaptation to services with different requirements and enabling the network device to flexibly learn of the first terminal device's utilization of the first time domain resources. Furthermore, notifying the first terminal device of the first threshold via the first indication information can also save signaling overhead.

[0021] In one possible implementation, when the ratio of the N to the M is greater than or equal to a second threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirements; when the ratio of the N to the M is less than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirements; or, when the difference between the N and the M is less than or equal to a third threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirements; when the difference between the N and the M is greater than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirements.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second threshold is pre-configured; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the second threshold; or, before sending the second indication information, the first terminal device also receives fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the second threshold.

[0023] In this implementation, pre-configuration can save signaling overhead. The second threshold is notified to the first terminal device via the first indication information or the fourth indication information. The second threshold notified for different scenarios or services can be flexibly changed, enabling flexible adaptation to services with different requirements and enabling the network device to flexibly learn of the first terminal device's utilization of the first time domain resources. Furthermore, notifying the first terminal device of the second threshold via the first indication information can also save signaling overhead.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the third threshold is pre-configured; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the third threshold; or, before sending the second indication information, the first terminal device also receives fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate the third threshold.

[0025] In this implementation, pre-configuration can save signaling overhead. The third threshold is notified to the first terminal device via the first indication information or the fifth indication information. The third threshold notified for different scenarios or services can be flexibly changed, enabling flexible adaptation to services with different requirements and enabling the network device to flexibly learn of the first terminal device's utilization of the first time domain resources. Furthermore, notifying the first terminal device of the third threshold via the first indication information can also save signaling overhead.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period and the M; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources; or, the first indication information is used to indicate the M; before sending the second indication information, the first terminal device also receives sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes: information about M; or, the first indication information includes: information about S, where S is the number of cycles, and S and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle are used to determine M, where S is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also indicates a first time interval; or, before sending the second indication information, the first terminal device also receives seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate the first time interval; wherein, the first time interval is the time domain interval between the last time domain resource of the M first time domain resources and the second time domain resource for sending the second indication information; before sending the second indication information, the first terminal device also determines the second time domain resource based on the first time interval and the M first time domain resources; and then the first terminal device sends the second indication information on the second time domain resource.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also indicates a second time interval; or, before sending the second indication information, the first terminal device also receives an eighth indication information, and the eighth indication information is used to indicate the second time interval; wherein the second time interval is the time domain interval between the third time domain resource that receives the deactivation (or release) instruction and the second time domain resource that sends the second indication information; after the M first time domain resources and before sending the second indication information, the first terminal device receives a deactivation instruction on the third time domain resource; the first terminal device determines the second time domain resource based on the second time interval and the third time domain resource, and then sends the second indication information on the second time domain resource.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the M first time domain resources include time domain resources of the first type and / or the second type; and the time domain resources included in each period include time domain resources of the first type and / or the second type for each period.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the M first time domain resources are indicated for any one of the following: an identifier of a first type of time domain resource and / or an identifier of a second type of time domain resource, a resource pool index, or a periodic time domain resource; wherein the resource pool includes the first type and / or the second type of time domain resource, and the periodic time domain resource includes the first type and / or the second type of time domain resource.

[0032] On the second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a second communication device, or by other devices including the functions of the second communication device, or by a chip system (or, chip) or other functional module, which can realize the functions of the second communication device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, set in the second communication device. Take the method as an example in which the second communication device is executed by the second communication device, and the second communication device is a network device: the network device sends a first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate M first time domain resources, any of which is used by the first terminal device to send a side link reference signal to the second terminal device, and M is an integer greater than 1; the network device receives a second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the situation in which the first terminal device sends a side link reference signal on the M first time domain resources.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device sends N sidelink reference signals on the M first time domain resources, and N is less than or equal to M; or, the second indication information is used to indicate that N meets the requirements or does not meet the requirements, and N is the number of times the first terminal device sends sidelink reference signals on the M first time domain resources, and N is less than or equal to M.

[0034] In a possible implementation, when N is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when N is less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the first threshold; or, the network device also sends third indication information before receiving the second indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate the first threshold.

[0036] In one possible implementation, when the ratio of the N to the M is greater than or equal to a second threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirements; when the ratio of the N to the M is less than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirements; or, when the difference between the N and the M is less than or equal to a third threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirements; when the difference between the N and the M is greater than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirements.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the second threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the second threshold; or, the network device also sends fourth indication information before receiving the second indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the second threshold.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the third threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the third threshold; or, the network device also sends fifth indication information before receiving the second indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate the third threshold.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period and the M; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources; or, the first indication information is used to indicate the M, and the network device further sends sixth indication information before receiving the second indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes: information about M; or, the first indication information includes: information about S, where S is the number of cycles, and S and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle are used to determine M, where S is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also indicates a first time interval; or, before receiving the second indication information, the network device also sends seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate the first time interval; wherein the first time interval is the time domain interval between the last time domain resource of the M first time domain resources and the second time domain resource for sending the second indication information.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also indicates a second time interval; or, before receiving the second indication information, the network device also sends an eighth indication information, and the eighth indication information is used to indicate the second time interval; wherein the second time interval is the time domain interval between the third time domain resource that receives the deactivation instruction and the second time domain resource that sends the second indication information; after the M first time domain resources, before sending the second indication information, the network device also sends a deactivation instruction on the third time domain resource.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the M first time domain resources include time domain resources of the first type and / or the second type; and the time domain resources included in each period include time domain resources of the first type and / or the second type for each period.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the M first time domain resources are indicated for any one of the following: an identifier of a first type of time domain resource and / or an identifier of a second type of time domain resource, a resource pool index, or a periodic time domain resource; wherein the resource pool includes the first type and / or the second type of time domain resource, and the periodic time domain resource includes the first type and / or the second type of time domain resource.

[0045] The technical effects of the second aspect and its various possible implementation methods can refer to the technical effects of the first aspect and its various possible implementation methods, and will not be repeated.

[0046] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the first terminal device described in the first aspect. The communication device has the functions of the first terminal device. The communication device may be, for example, the first terminal device, or a larger device including the first terminal device, or a functional module within the first terminal device, such as a baseband device or a chip system. In one optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also referred to as a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also referred to as a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of performing both transmitting and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the transmitting function, it may be referred to as a transmitting unit (sometimes also referred to as a transmitting module); when the transceiver unit performs the receiving function, it may be referred to as a receiving unit (sometimes also referred to as a receiving module). The transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be the same functional module, referred to as a transceiver unit, which is capable of both transmitting and receiving functions. Alternatively, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be different functional modules, with the transceiver unit being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also referred to as a storage module), and the processing unit is used to couple with the storage unit and execute the program or instructions in the storage unit, enabling the communication device to perform the function of the first terminal device described in the first aspect above.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to receive first indication information and send second indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate M first time domain resources, any of which is used by the first terminal device to send a side link reference signal to the second terminal device, and M is an integer greater than 1; the second indication information is used to indicate the situation where the first terminal device sends a side link reference signal on the M first time domain resources.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device sends N sidelink reference signals on the M first time domain resources, and N is less than or equal to M; or, the second indication information is used to indicate that N meets the requirements or does not meet the requirements, and N is the number of times the first terminal device sends sidelink reference signals on the M first time domain resources, and N is less than or equal to M.

[0050] In a possible implementation, when N is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when N is less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the first threshold is pre-configured; the first indication information is also used to indicate the first threshold; or, the transceiver unit is further used to receive third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate the first threshold.

[0052] In one possible implementation, when the ratio of the N to the M is greater than or equal to a second threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirements; when the ratio of the N to the M is less than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirements; or, when the difference between the N and the M is less than or equal to a third threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirements; when the difference between the N and the M is greater than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirements.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the second threshold is pre-configured; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the second threshold; or, the transceiver unit is further used to receive fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the second threshold.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the third threshold is pre-configured; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the third threshold; or, the transceiver unit is further used to receive fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate the third threshold.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period and the M; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources; or, the first indication information is used to indicate the M; the transceiver unit is further used to receive sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes: information about M; or, the first indication information includes: information about S, where S is the number of cycles, and S and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle are used to determine M, where S is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also indicates a first time interval; or, the transceiver unit is further used to receive seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate the first time interval; wherein, the first time interval is the time domain interval between the last time domain resource of the M first time domain resources and the second time domain resource for sending the second indication information; the processing unit is used to determine the second time domain resource based on the first time interval and the M first time domain resources; the transceiver unit is specifically used to send the second indication information on the second time domain resource.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also indicates a second time interval; or, the transceiver unit is further used to receive an eighth indication information, and the eighth indication information is used to indicate a second time interval; wherein, the second time interval is the time domain interval between the third time domain resource that receives the deactivation instruction and the second time domain resource that sends the second indication information; the transceiver unit is also used to receive the deactivation instruction on the third time domain resource; the processing unit is used to determine the second time domain resource based on the second time interval and the third time domain resource; the transceiver unit is specifically used to send the second indication information on the second time domain resource.

[0059] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the network device described in the second aspect. The communication device has the functions of the network device described above. The communication device is, for example, a network device, or a larger device including a network device, or a functional module in a network device, such as a baseband device or a chip system. In an optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also referred to as a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also referred to as a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of implementing both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit implements the sending function, it may be referred to as a sending unit (sometimes also referred to as a sending module); when the transceiver unit implements the receiving function, it may be referred to as a receiving unit (sometimes also referred to as a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit may be the same functional module, which is referred to as a transceiver unit, and which is capable of both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit may be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a general term for these functional modules.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also referred to as a storage module), and the processing unit is used to couple with the storage unit and execute the program or instructions in the storage unit, enabling the communication device to perform the functions of the network device described in the second aspect above.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to send first indication information and receive second indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate M first time domain resources, any of which is used by a first terminal device to send a side link reference signal to a second terminal device, where M is an integer greater than 1; and the second indication information is used to indicate a situation in which the first terminal device sends a side link reference signal on the M first time domain resources.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device sends N sidelink reference signals on the M first time domain resources, and N is less than or equal to M; or, the second indication information is used to indicate that N meets the requirements or does not meet the requirements, and N is the number of times the first terminal device sends sidelink reference signals on the M first time domain resources, and N is less than or equal to M.

[0063] In a possible implementation, when N is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when N is less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the first threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the first threshold; or, the transceiver unit is also used to send third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate the first threshold.

[0065] In one possible implementation, when the ratio of the N to the M is greater than or equal to a second threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirements; when the ratio of the N to the M is less than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirements; or, when the difference between the N and the M is less than or equal to a third threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirements; when the difference between the N and the M is greater than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirements.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the second threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the second threshold; or, the transceiver unit is also used to send fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the second threshold.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the third threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device; or, the first indication information is also used to indicate the third threshold; or, the transceiver unit is also used to send fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate the third threshold.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period and the M; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources; or, the first indication information is used to indicate the M; the transceiver unit is further used to send sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes: information about M; or, the first indication information includes: information about S, where S is the number of cycles, and S and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle are used to determine M, where S is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also indicates a first time interval; or, the transceiver unit is further used to send seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate the first time interval; wherein, the first time interval is the time domain interval between the last time domain resource of the M first time domain resources and the second time domain resource for sending the second indication information.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also indicates a second time interval; or, the transceiver unit is further used to send an eighth indication information, and the eighth indication information is used to indicate a second time interval; wherein, the second time interval is the time domain interval between the third time domain resource that receives the deactivation instruction and the second time domain resource that sends the second indication information; the transceiver unit is also used to send a deactivation instruction on the third time domain resource.

[0072] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a first terminal device, or a chip or chip system used in the first terminal device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally, a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads the computer program or instructions, the communication device executes the method performed by the first terminal device in the above aspects.

[0073] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a network device, or a chip or chip system used in a network device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally, a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads the computer program or instructions, the communication device executes the method performed by the network device in the above aspects.

[0074] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and, optionally, a memory; the processor and the memory are coupled; the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; the processor is used to execute part or all of the computer programs or instructions in the memory, and when the part or all of the computer programs or instructions are executed, it is used to implement the functions of the first terminal device in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the apparatus may further include a transceiver configured to transmit a signal processed by the processor or receive a signal input to the processor. The transceiver may perform the transmitting action or receiving action performed by the first terminal device in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0076] In a possible implementation, the processing unit in the third aspect may be implemented by the processor, the storage unit in the third aspect may be implemented by the memory, and the transceiver unit in the third aspect may be implemented by the transceiver.

[0077] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and, optionally, a memory; the processor and the memory are coupled; the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; the processor is used to execute part or all of the computer programs or instructions in the memory, and when the part or all of the computer programs or instructions are executed, it is used to implement the functions of the network device in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the apparatus may further include a transceiver configured to transmit a signal processed by the processor or receive a signal input to the processor. The transceiver may perform the transmitting action or receiving action performed by the network device in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the processing unit in the fourth aspect may be implemented by the processor, the storage unit in the fourth aspect may be implemented by the memory, and the transceiver unit in the fourth aspect may be implemented by the transceiver.

[0080] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a network device and a first terminal device, wherein the first terminal device is configured to execute the method described in the above aspects. For example, the first terminal device may be implemented using the communication apparatus described in the third aspect, and the network device may be implemented using the communication apparatus described in the fourth aspect.

[0081] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is used to store computer programs or instructions, which, when executed, enable the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented.

[0082] According to an eleventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which enables the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented when the computer program product is run on the computer.

[0083] In the twelfth aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising a processor and an interface, wherein the processor is used to call and execute instructions from the interface so that the chip system implements the above-mentioned methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by the present application;

[0085] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by the present application;

[0086] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0087] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided by this application;

[0088] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided by this application;

[0089] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided by this application;

[0090] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided by this application;

[0091] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided by this application;

[0092] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided by this application;

[0093] FIG10 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided by the present application;

[0094] FIG11 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system used in an embodiment of the present application. The communication system shown in Figure 1 includes: a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system also includes the Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one network device (such as 110a and 110b in Figure 1) and may also include at least one terminal device (such as 120a-120j in Figure 1). The terminal device is connected to the network device wirelessly, and the network device is connected to the core network wirelessly or by wired means. The core network device and the network device may be independent and distinct physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the network device may be integrated into the same physical device, or a single physical device may integrate some of the functions of the core network device and some of the functions of the network device. Terminal devices and network devices may be connected to each other via wired or wireless means. Figure 1 is merely a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0096] The radio access network 100 may be a cellular system related to the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G, or an evolved system after 5G (e.g., a 6G mobile communication system). The radio access network 100 may also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. The radio access network 100 may also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0097] A network device is a node in a radio access network (RAN). It can also be called an access network device or a RAN node (or device). It helps terminal devices achieve wireless access. Multiple network devices in a communication system can be of the same type or different types.

[0098] In one possible scenario, a network device can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a mobile switching center, or a network device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, i.e., it can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or satellite. The network device can be a macro base station (such as 110a in Figure 1), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in Figure 1), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. The network device can also be a device that functions as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, drone communication, or machine communication. Optionally, the network device may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an onboard device, etc. For example, the access network device in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology may be a road side unit (RSU).

[0099] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist the terminal device in achieving wireless access, and different network devices respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the network device can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). It can be understood that the network device can be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU can be divided into a network device in the access network RAN, or the CU can be divided into a network device in the core network CN, which is not limited here.

[0100] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0101] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can send signals to or receive signals from a network device. Terminal devices include but are not limited to terminal devices, terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal device can specifically be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, aircraft, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal device.

[0102] Network devices and terminal devices can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; they can also be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of network devices and terminal devices.

[0103] The roles of network devices and terminal devices can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile network device. To terminal devices 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a network device. However, to network device 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that communication between 110a and 120i occurs via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, communication between 110a and 120i can also occur via an interface protocol between network devices. In this case, 120i is also a network device relative to 110a. Therefore, both network devices and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be referred to as communication devices with network device functionality, while 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be referred to as communication devices with terminal device functionality.

[0104] Network devices and terminal devices, network devices and network devices, and terminal devices and terminal devices can communicate through authorized spectrum, unauthorized spectrum, or both; can communicate through spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), spectrum above 6 GHz, or spectrum below 6 GHz and spectrum above 6 GHz simultaneously. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communications.

[0105] In the embodiments of the present application, the functions of the network device may also be performed by a module (such as a chip) in the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the network device functions. The control subsystem that includes the network device functions here may be a control center in the above-mentioned application scenarios such as smart grid, industrial control, smart transportation, and smart city. The functions of the terminal device may also be performed by a module (such as a chip or a modem) in the terminal device, or by a device that includes the terminal device functions.

[0106] In this application, a network device sends downlink signals or downlink information to a terminal device, and the downlink information is carried on a downlink channel. A terminal device sends uplink signals or uplink information to a network device, and the uplink information is carried on an uplink channel. To communicate with a network device, a terminal device needs to establish a wireless connection with a cell controlled by the network device. The cell with which a terminal device has established a wireless connection is called the serving cell of the terminal device.

[0107] As shown in Figure 2 (a), a schematic diagram of the architecture of an in-coverage communication system is introduced. Coverage means that both terminal devices are within the coverage of the cellular network and can communicate with the network device. The terminal device and the network device communicate via the cellular network communication interface Uu port, and the communication link between the terminal device and the network device includes an uplink or a downlink. Terminal devices communicate with each other via the direct communication interface PC5 port, and the communication link between the terminal devices includes a sidelink (SL).

[0108] Figure 2(b) shows the architecture of a partial coverage communication system. Partial coverage refers to a situation where one terminal device is within the cellular network coverage area, while another terminal device is outside the coverage area. Specifically, one terminal device communicates with the network device through the Uu port, while the other terminal device cannot. Terminal devices communicate with each other through the direct communication interface PC5 port.

[0109] For the transmission of SL data, the terminal device is supported to feedback the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) to the network device. The following is an introduction to the process: the network device configures or schedules resources for UE1 to send SL data. UE1 sends SL data to UE2 through the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) on the corresponding resources. UE2 feeds back the reception status of SL data to UE1 through the physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH). For example, if UE2 successfully decodes the corresponding transport block (TB), HARQ-ACK information is fed back; if the decoding fails, HARQ-NACK information is fed back. Based on the feedback from UE2, UE1 sends the reception status of UE2 for SL data to the network device through the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0110] Regarding the transmission of SL reference signals (such as positioning reference signals PRS), the receiving end UE2 usually uses the SL reference signals to measure the channel. There is no problem of whether the reference signals are decoded correctly, so the receiving end UE2 will not feedback the reception status of the SL reference signals to UE1.

[0111] The network device configures or schedules resources for transmitting SL reference signals for UE1. UE1 may delay transmitting SL reference signals due to service priority or other reasons. For example, UE1 may have a service with a higher priority than transmitting SL reference signals. UE1 will then prioritize transmitting the higher-priority service on the configured or scheduled resources. The network device wants to know how UE1 is utilizing these configured or scheduled resources.

[0112] Based on this, this application proposes a communication method: the originating UE provides feedback to the network device on the status of sending SL reference signals on the configured or scheduled resources. In this way, the network device knows the resource usage and can further reasonably configure or schedule resources for the originating UE.

[0113] The technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to any application scenario in which a network device allocates or schedules resources for a terminal device. For example, the method can be applied to the fourth generation mobile communication technology (the 4th generation, 4G) system (also known as the long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) system), the 5G system (also known as the new radio (new radio, NR) system), or can also be applied to the next generation mobile communication system or other similar communication systems (such as the sixth generation mobile communication technology (the 6th generation, 6G) system), etc., without specific limitation. In addition, the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) scenarios, such as NR-D2D scenarios, etc., or can be applied to V2X scenarios, such as NR-V2X scenarios, etc. For example, it can be used in the fields of intelligent driving, assisted driving, or intelligent connected vehicles. For another example, the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to factory manufacturing scenarios, etc.

[0114] In order to better describe the embodiments of the present application, the following describes the methods provided by the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the steps indicated by dotted lines in the accompanying drawings corresponding to the various embodiments of the present application are all optional steps.

[0115] The methods provided in each embodiment of the present application can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figures 1 and 2 or other network architectures. Taking the application to Figure 1 as an example, for example, the first terminal device involved in each embodiment of the present application can be 120i, the second terminal device can be 120j, and the network device can be 110a; for another example, the first terminal device involved in each embodiment of the present application can be 120a, the second terminal device can be 120e, and the network device can be 110a; for another example, the first terminal device involved in each embodiment of the present application can be 120f, the second terminal device can be 120g or 120h, and the network device can be 110b. Taking the application to (a) in Figure 2 as an example, for example, the first terminal device involved in each embodiment of the present application can be any terminal device within the coverage area, and the second terminal device can be another terminal device within the coverage area. Taking the application to (b) in Figure 2 as an example, for example, the first terminal device involved in each embodiment of the present application can be a terminal device within the coverage area, and the second terminal device can be a terminal device outside the coverage area.

[0116] The communication method of the present application is applicable to resource allocation scenarios of dynamic grant (DG), and can also be applied to resource allocation scenarios of Configured grant type 1 and Configured grant type 2. Among them, DG is resource scheduling through downlink control information (DCI); Configured grant type 1 is to configure and schedule resources through radio resource control (RRC), generally used for periodic transmission; Configured Grant Type 2 is to use DCI to activate / deactivate configured resources after configuring resources through RRC.

[0117] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0118] Step 301: The network device sends first indication information, and correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0119] The first indication information is used to indicate M first time domain resources, any of which is used by the first terminal device to send a side link reference signal to the second terminal device, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0120] The reference signal may be a positioning reference signal PRS, a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS).

[0121] A time domain resource may be a time slot, or multiple consecutive time slots, or a symbol, or multiple consecutive symbols, or a subframe, or multiple consecutive subarrays, or a system frame, etc.

[0122] The first indication information may be carried in RRC signaling or in DCI. For example, in a resource allocation scenario of DG and Configured Grant Type 2, the first indication information is carried in DCI; for example, in a resource allocation scenario of Configured Grant Type 1, the first indication information is carried in RRC.

[0123] The M first time domain resources may be periodic resources or non-periodic resources.

[0124] The following describes multiple possible implementations in which the network device may indicate M first time domain resources to the first terminal device:

[0125] In a possible implementation, the network device may indicate to the first terminal device the locations corresponding to the M first time domain resources. For example, the first indication information includes M location information, and the M location information corresponds one-to-one to the M first time domain resources.

[0126] In another possible implementation, the network device may indicate the time domain resources and M included in each cycle to the first terminal device.

[0127] The meaning of M includes but is not limited to any of the following: the number of time domain resources used to send SL reference signals within the time period between two consecutive feedback resource utilization situations, or the number of SL reference signals allowed to be transmitted within the time period between two consecutive feedback resource utilization situations, or the maximum number of SL reference signals allowed to be transmitted, or the number of time domain resources allowed to be used to send SL reference signals.

[0128] The time domain resources included in each cycle and M are used to determine the M first time domain resources. For example, according to the order of the cycles and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle, the first M time domain resources are counted, which are the M first time domain resources. The number of time domain resources included in each cycle can be the same or different. For example, each cycle includes 2 time domain resources and M is 10, then the time domain resources in the first 5 cycles constitute M first time domain resources. For another example, the first cycle includes 2 time domain resources, the second cycle includes 1 time domain resource, and the third cycle and subsequent cycles include 2 time domain resources, then the time domain resources in the first 5 cycles and the first time domain resource in the sixth cycle constitute M first time domain resources.

[0129] In one example, the time domain resources included in each period and the M are indicated to the first terminal device in the same message. For example, the first indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources and the M included in each period.

[0130] In another example, the time domain resources included in each cycle and the M are indicated to the first terminal device in different messages. For example, the first indication information is used to indicate the M. The network device also sends sixth indication information to the first terminal device, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each cycle. Accordingly, the first terminal device also receives the sixth indication information before sending the second indication information.

[0131] When used to indicate M, the first indication information includes the following multiple possible examples: In one example, the first indication information includes: information about M. In another example, the first indication information includes: information about S, where S is the number of periods, and S and the number of time domain resources included in each period are used to determine M, where S is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the product of S and the number of time domain resources included in each period is M, which requires that the number of time domain resources included in each period is the same. For example, if S is 5 and the number of time domain resources included in each period is 2, then M is 10.

[0132] Step 302: The first terminal device sends a sidelink reference signal to the second terminal device on N first time domain resources among the M first time domain resources.

[0133] Step 302 is an optional step.

[0134] The meaning of N includes, but is not limited to, any of the following: the number of times the first terminal device transmits (or has transmitted, or successfully transmitted) a sidelink reference signal, and the number of first time domain resources occupied by the first terminal device in transmitting the sidelink reference signal. N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 0, and N is less than or equal to M. The following description takes N as an example of the number of times the first terminal device transmits a sidelink reference signal.

[0135] Step 303: The first terminal device sends the second indication information, and correspondingly, the network device receives the second indication information.

[0136] The second indication information is used to indicate the situation in which the first terminal device sends a sidelink reference signal on the M first time domain resources.

[0137] It can be understood that the first terminal device sends the second indication information after the M first time domain resources.

[0138] The case where the first terminal device sends a sidelink reference signal on the M first time domain resources can be replaced by a case where the first terminal device has sent or actually sends a sidelink reference signal on the M first time domain resources.

[0139] The second indication information may be carried in a physical uplink control channel PUCCH or a physical uplink shared channel PUSCH.

[0140] The first terminal device reports the usage of time domain resources for sending sidelink reference signals to the network device. After the network device learns about the resource usage, it can then reasonably configure or schedule resources for sending sidelink reference signals for the first terminal device.

[0141] It is assumed that time domain resources include two types, namely type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is a non-reserved time domain resource, and type 2 is a reserved time domain resource. Each cycle must include a time domain resource of type 1, that is, the time domain resource of type 1 is a periodic time domain resource. In a certain cycle, there may or may not be a time domain resource of type 2. The number and location of the time domain resources of type 2 included in different cycles are also uncertain, that is, the time domain resource of type 2 may or may not be a periodic time domain resource.

[0142] In one example, the network device may indicate M first time domain resources to the first terminal device for the first type of time domain resources, that is, the M first time domain resources are all first type of time domain resources. Correspondingly, the time domain resources included in each period indicated by the first indication information or the sixth indication information are also all first type of time domain resources.

[0143] In another example, the network device may indicate M first time domain resources to the first terminal device for the second type of time domain resources, that is, the M first time domain resources are all time domain resources of the second type. Accordingly, the time domain resources included in each period indicated by the first indication information or the sixth indication information are also all time domain resources of the second type.

[0144] In another example, the network device may indicate M first time domain resources to the first terminal device for the first type of time domain resources and the second type of time domain resources, that is, the M first time domain resources include the first type of time domain resources and the second type of time domain resources. Accordingly, the time domain resources included in each period indicated by the first indication information or the sixth indication information also include the first type of time domain resources and the second type of time domain resources.

[0145] In another example, the network device may indicate M first time domain resources to the first terminal device for the first type of time domain resources and the second type of time domain resources, respectively. The M corresponding to the first type and the M corresponding to the second type may be the same or different. The first terminal device separately feeds back resource usage for each of the two types of first time domain resources (i.e., the first terminal device sends an SL reference signal on the corresponding type of time domain resources).

[0146] The M first time domain resources are indicated for any one of the following items: a first identifier of a first type of time domain resource, a second identifier of a second type of time domain resource, a first identifier of a first type of time domain resource and a second identifier of a second type of time domain resource, a resource pool index, and a periodic time domain resource.

[0147] Optionally, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: a first identifier of a first type of time domain resource, a second identifier of a second type of time domain resource, a resource pool index (resource pool index), and a periodic identifier.

[0148] If the M first time domain resources are indicated for the first identifier of the first type of time domain resources, the M first time domain resources are all the first type of time domain resources.

[0149] If the M first time domain resources indicate the second identifier of the second type of time domain resources, the M first time domain resources are all the second type of time domain resources.

[0150] If the M first time domain resources are indicated for the first identifier of the first type of time domain resource and the first identifier of the second type of time domain resource, the M first time domain resources include the first type of time domain resource and the second type of time domain resource.

[0151] If the M first time domain resources are configured for the resource pool index, the M first time domain resources include time domain resources of the first type and, optionally, time domain resources of the second type. This is because the resource pool includes time domain resources of the first type and, optionally, time domain resources of the second type.

[0152] If the M first time domain resources are configured for periodic time domain resources, the M first time domain resources include time domain resources of the first type and, optionally, time domain resources of the second type. This is because the periodic time domain resources include time domain resources of the first type and, optionally, time domain resources of the second type.

[0153] The foregoing describes that each period must include a time domain resource of the first type, and optionally, at least one time domain resource of the second type. It can be concluded that the number of time domain resources included in each period can be the same or different. When the number of time domain resources included in each period is the same, the positions of the time domain resources included in different periods in the period can be the same or different. When the first indication information or the sixth indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period, it includes the following examples:

[0154] In one example, the first indication information or the sixth indication information includes: location information of time domain resources included in multiple periods in each period, and duration of the period (duration can also be replaced by size or length).

[0155] As shown in (a) in Figure 4, the length of the cycle is 6 time slots, the location information of the time domain resources included in the first cycle in the first cycle is the 1st time slot, the location information of the time domain resources included in the second cycle in the second cycle is the 1st time slot, and the location information of the time domain resources included in the third cycle in the third cycle is the 1st time slot.

[0156] As shown in (b) of Figure 4 , the duration of a cycle is 6 time slots. If the first and second types are not distinguished, the location information of the time domain resources included in the first cycle in the first cycle is the 1st and 4th time slots, the location information of the time domain resources included in the second cycle in the second cycle is the 1st and 4th time slots, and the location information of the time domain resources included in the third cycle in the third cycle is the 1st and 4th time slots. If the first and second types are distinguished, the location information of the time domain resources of the first type included in the first cycle in the first cycle is the 1st time slot, the location information of the time domain resources of the first type included in the second cycle in the second cycle is the 1st time slot, and the location information of the time domain resources of the first type included in the third cycle in the third cycle is the 1st time slot; the location information of the time domain resources of the second type included in the first cycle in the first cycle is the 4th time slot, the location information of the time domain resources of the second type included in the second cycle in the second cycle is the 4th time slot, and the location information of the time domain resources of the second type included in the third cycle in the third cycle is the 4th time slot.

[0157] In another example, the first indication information or the sixth indication information includes: location information of the time domain resources included in the first cycle in the first cycle, and the duration of the cycle. Based on this, the location of the time domain resources included in each cycle can be determined, and the time domain resources are periodic time domain resources.

[0158] As shown in (a) in Figure 4, the length of the cycle is 6 time slots, and the position information of the time domain resources included in the first cycle in the first cycle is the 1st time slot. From this, it can be inferred that the positions of the periodic time domain resources are: the 1st time slot, the 7th time slot, the 13th time slot, etc.

[0159] As shown in (b) of Figure 4 , the duration of a cycle is 6 time slots. If the first and second types are not distinguished, the location information of the time domain resources included in the first cycle in the first cycle is the 1st and 4th time slots. From this, it can be inferred that the locations of the periodic time domain resources are, in sequence, the 1st time slot, the 4th time slot, the 7th time slot, the 10th time slot, the 13th time slot, the 16th time slot, etc. If the first and second types are distinguished, the location information of the time domain resources of the first type included in the first cycle in the first cycle is the 1st time slot. From this, it can be inferred that the locations of the periodic time domain resources of the first type are, in sequence, the 1st time slot, the 7th time slot, the 13th time slot, etc. The location information of the time domain resources of the second type included in the first cycle in the first cycle is the 4th time slot. From this, it can be inferred that the locations of the periodic time domain resources of the second type are, in sequence, the 4th time slot, the 10th time slot, the 16th time slot, etc.

[0160] In another example, the first indication information or the sixth indication information includes the following multiple items of information: periodicity information, a system frame number (SFN) used for determining the slot offset, a slot offset relative to a reference slot defined, and time resource assignment for SL-PRS reservation(s). The periodicity information indicates the duration / size / length of the period, such as 5 slots, 6 slots, etc. The SFN used for determining the slot offset indicates a reference slot, which is used to determine the slot for transmitting the first sidelink reference signal. Typically, the first slot in the SFN (i.e., slot 0) is the reference slot. The slot offset relative to the reference slot indicates the slot offset of the slot used to transmit the first sidelink reference signal relative to the reference slot, such as 3 slots, 4 slots, etc. The slot offset can be understood as the difference between slot indices. As shown in (a), (b) and (c) of FIG5 , the duration of the cycle is 6 time slots, the reference time slot is the first time slot, and the time slot offset is 3 time slots.

[0161] Optionally, the first indication information or the sixth indication information also includes: SL-PRS resource ID for 1 or 2 SL PRS transmissions reserved in the future (SL-PRS resource ID(s)for the future 1 or 2reservations), SL-PRS resource ID for the first SL-PRS transmission (SL-PRS resource ID(s)for the first SL-PRS transmission). The SL-PRS resource ID for the first SL-PRS transmission corresponds to the first type of time domain resources, and the SL-PRS resource ID for 1 or 2 SL PRS transmissions reserved in the future corresponds to the second type of time domain resources. It can also be understood that the SL-PRS resource ID for the first SL-PRS transmission is the first identifier of the first type of time domain resources, and the SL-PRS resource ID for 1 or 2 SL PRS transmissions reserved in the future is the second identifier of the second type of time domain resources.

[0162] In another example, the first indication information or the sixth indication information includes: period information. By default, the first time slot in each period is the first time domain resource included in the period. As shown in FIG7 , the period information is 6 time slots.

[0163] In another example, the first indication information or the sixth indication information includes: information about the period, and also includes resource allocation information in the period. For example, the resource allocation information in the period is used to indicate the position of the first time domain resource in the period. For example, the first time slot in the period is the first time domain resource included in the period, and for another example, the first time slot and the fourth time slot in the period are the first time domain resources included in the period. For example, the resource allocation information in the period is used to indicate the position of the first time domain resource of the first type in the period, and optionally, also includes the position of the first time domain resource of the second type. For example, the first time slot in the period is the first time domain resource of the first type included in the period, and for another example, the first time slot in the period is the first time domain resource of the first type included in the period, and the fourth time slot in the period is the first time domain resource of the second type included in the period.

[0164] The following describes several possible implementations of the second indication information in step 303:

[0165] In one possible implementation, the second indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to send a sidelink reference signal N times on the M first time domain resources. In this implementation, the first terminal device provides feedback to the network device on the number of times the sidelink reference signal is sent. The network device has a very detailed understanding of resource usage, which can facilitate the subsequent reasonable configuration or scheduling of resources for sending the sidelink reference signal for the first terminal device.

[0166] For example, the second indication information includes information about N, or the second indication information includes information about F. F is the number of cycles, and F is an integer greater than or equal to 0. F and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle are used to determine N. For example, the product of F and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle is N, which requires that the number of time domain resources included in each cycle is the same. For example, if F is 2 and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle is 2, then N is 4.

[0167] In a possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate whether N meets the requirement or does not meet the requirement.

[0168] In one example, the second indication information includes ACK information or NACK information, where ACK information indicates that the requirement is met and NACK information indicates that the requirement is not met. That is, when the requirement is met, the second indication information includes ACK information, and when the requirement is not met, the second indication information includes NACK information.

[0169] In one example, when the requirements are met, the second indication information includes ACK information; when the requirements are not met, the first terminal device does not send the second indication information to the network device, that is, not feeding back the second indication information means that the requirements are not met, which can save signaling overhead.

[0170] In another example, when the requirements are met, the first terminal device does not send the second indication information to the network device, that is, does not feed back the second indication information, which meets the requirements and can save signaling overhead; when the requirements are not met, the second indication information includes NACK information.

[0171] In another example, the second indication information occupies at least one bit, and the bit value is used to indicate whether N meets the requirement or not. For example, the second indication information occupies one bit. When the bit is 0, it indicates that N does not meet the requirement. When the bit is 1, it indicates that N meets the requirement. Only one bit is required, which can save signaling overhead.

[0172] The following are several possible examples of determining whether N meets or does not meet the requirements:

[0173] In one example, when N is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirements; when N is less than the first threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirements. Alternatively, when N is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirements; when N is less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirements. Compare N with the first threshold. When N is greater than the first threshold, it indicates that the first terminal device is utilizing the first time domain resources indicated by the network device relatively well, and it can be determined that N meets the requirements. When N is less than the first threshold, it indicates that the first terminal device is utilizing the first time domain resources indicated by the network device poorly, and it can be determined that N does not meet the requirements.

[0174] For example, the first threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device. For example, before the first terminal device leaves the factory, an operator configures the first threshold in the first terminal device.

[0175] For example, the first indication information is also used to indicate the first threshold. By notifying the first terminal device of the first threshold through the first indication information, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0176] For another example, the network device notifies the first terminal device of the first threshold value through other indication information different from the first indication information. Exemplarily, the network device sends third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate the first threshold value; accordingly, the first terminal device also receives the third indication information before sending the second indication information.

[0177] In addition, the first threshold is notified to the first terminal device through the first indication information or the third indication information. The first threshold notified for different scenarios or different services can be flexibly changed, can be flexibly adapted to services with different needs, and can also enable the network device to flexibly know the utilization of the first time domain resources by the first terminal device.

[0178] In another example, when the ratio of N to M is greater than or equal to a second threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when the ratio of N to M is less than the second threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement. Alternatively, when the ratio of N to M is greater than a second threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when the ratio of N to M is less than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement.

[0179] For example, the second threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device. For example, before the first terminal device leaves the factory, an operator configures the second threshold in the first terminal device.

[0180] For example, the first indication information is also used to indicate the second threshold. By notifying the first terminal device of the second threshold through the first indication information, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0181] For another example, the network device notifies the first terminal device of the second threshold value through other indication information different from the first indication information. Exemplarily, the network device sends fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate the second threshold value; accordingly, the first terminal device also receives the fourth indication information before sending the second indication information.

[0182] In addition, the second threshold is notified to the first terminal device through the first indication information or the fourth indication information. The second threshold notified for different scenarios or different services can be flexibly changed, which can flexibly adapt to services with different needs and enable the network device to flexibly know the utilization of the first time domain resources by the first terminal device.

[0183] In another example, when the difference between N and M is less than or equal to a third threshold, N is determined to meet the requirement; when the difference between N and M is greater than the third threshold, N is determined to not meet the requirement. Alternatively, when the difference between N and M is less than a third threshold, N is determined to meet the requirement; when the difference between N and M is greater than or equal to the third threshold, N is determined to not meet the requirement.

[0184] For example, the third threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device. For example, before the first terminal device leaves the factory, an operator configures the third threshold in the first terminal device.

[0185] For example, the first indication information is also used to indicate the third threshold. By notifying the first terminal device of the first threshold through the first indication information, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0186] For another example, the network device notifies the first terminal device of the third threshold value through other indication information different from the first indication information. Exemplarily, the network device sends fifth indication information, where the fifth indication information is used to indicate the third threshold value; accordingly, the first terminal device also receives the fifth indication information before sending the second indication information.

[0187] In addition, the third threshold is notified to the first terminal device through the first indication information or the fifth indication information. The third threshold notified for different scenarios or different services can be flexibly changed, can be flexibly adapted to services with different needs, and can also enable the network device to flexibly know the utilization of the first time domain resources by the first terminal device.

[0188] The network device indicates M first time domain resources to the first terminal device. The first terminal device sends second indication information to the network device after the M first time domain resources. The time domain resource for which the first terminal device sends the second indication information is referred to as the second time domain resource. The following describes multiple possible implementation methods for the first terminal device to determine the second time domain resource:

[0189] In one possible implementation, the network device indicates a first time interval to the first terminal device, where the first time interval is the time domain interval between the last time domain resource of the M first time domain resources and the second time domain resource for sending the second indication information. The first terminal device determines the second time domain resource based on the first time interval and the M first time domain resources, and then sends the second indication information on the second time domain resource. The first terminal device determines the second time domain resource based on the first time interval and the M first time domain resources, specifically by offsetting the first time interval on the basis of the last first time domain resource among the M first time domain resources to obtain the second time domain resource. It is assumed that one time domain resource is one time slot, the first time interval is K time slots, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Then, based on the basis of the last first time domain resource among the M first time domain resources, the second time domain resource is offset by K time slots. The first time interval can be understood as: the difference between the index of the time slot corresponding to the second time domain resource and the index of the time slot corresponding to the last first time domain resource.

[0190] For example, the network device notifies the first terminal device of the first time interval through the first indication information, that is, the first indication information also indicates the first time interval. Notifying the first terminal device of the first time interval through the first indication information can save signaling overhead.

[0191] For another example, the network device notifies the first terminal device of the first time interval through other indication information different from the first indication information. Exemplarily, the network device sends seventh indication information to the first terminal device, where the seventh indication information is used to indicate the first time interval; accordingly, the first terminal device also receives the seventh indication information before sending the second indication information.

[0192] As shown in (a) in Figure 5, the network device configures periodic resources for sending SL reference signals for the first terminal device. Each period includes one resource for sending SL reference signals. One resource is one time slot. M is 2. The first time interval is 5 time slots. The first terminal device offsets the second time slot for sending SL reference signals by another 5 time slots and sends a second indication information to the network device.

[0193] As shown in (b) in Figure 5, the network device configures periodic resources for sending SL reference signals for the first terminal device, without distinguishing between the first type and the second type. Each period includes 2 resources for sending SL reference signals, one resource is one time slot, M is 4, and the first time interval is 2 time slots. The first terminal device offsets the 4th time slot for sending the SL reference signal by 2 time slots and sends the second indication information to the network device.

[0194] As shown in (c) in Figure 5, the network device configures periodic resources for sending SL reference signals for the first terminal device, distinguishing between the first type and the second type. Each period includes 1 first type resource for sending SL reference signals and 1 second type resource for sending SL reference signals, and one resource is one time slot. The network device configures M and the first time interval for the two types of resources respectively. The M configured for the first type of time domain resources is 2, and the first time interval is 5 time slots. The M configured for the second type of time domain resources is 2, and the first time interval is 4 time slots. The first terminal device offsets the second first type of time slot for sending SL reference signals by 5 time slots and sends the second indication information for the first type of time domain resources to the network device. The first terminal device offsets the second second type of time slot for sending SL reference signals by 4 time slots and sends the second indication information for the second type of time domain resources to the network device.

[0195] As shown in (a) of Figure 7 , the network device configures periodic resources for transmitting SL reference signals for the first terminal device. Each period includes one resource for transmitting SL reference signals, and one resource is one time slot. M is 2, and the first time interval is four time slots. The first terminal device shifts the second time slot for transmitting SL reference signals by four time slots and sends a second indication to the network device.

[0196] In one possible implementation, the network device indicates a second time interval to the first terminal device, where the second time interval is the time domain interval between the third time domain resource that receives the deactivation (release) instruction and the second time domain resource that sends the second indication information. The deactivation instruction can be used to deactivate the first indication information. The first terminal device receives the deactivation instruction on the third time domain resource after the M first time domain resources and before sending the second indication information. The first terminal device determines the second time domain resource based on the second time interval and the third time domain resource, and then sends the second indication information on the second time domain resource. The first terminal device determines the second time domain resource based on the second time interval and the third time domain resource, specifically by offsetting the second time interval from the third time domain resource to obtain the second time domain resource. Assuming that one time domain resource is one time slot, the second time interval is L time slots, and L is an integer greater than or equal to 1, then offsetting the third time domain resource by L time slots to obtain the second time domain resource. The second time interval can be understood as the difference between the index of the time slot corresponding to the second time domain resource and the index of the time slot corresponding to the third time domain resource.

[0197] For example, the first indication information further indicates the second time interval. By notifying the first terminal device of the second time interval through the first indication information, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0198] For another example, the network device notifies the first terminal device of the second time interval through other indication information different from the first indication information. Exemplarily, the network device sends eighth indication information to the first terminal device, where the eighth indication information is used to indicate the second time interval; accordingly, the first terminal device also receives the eighth indication information before sending the second indication information.

[0199] As shown in (b) of Figure 7 , the network device configures a periodic resource for sending an SL reference signal for the first terminal device. One period includes one resource for sending an SL reference signal, one resource is one time slot, M is 2, and the second time interval is four time slots. The first terminal device shifts four time slots from the time slot in which the deactivation instruction was received and sends the second indication information to the network device.

[0200] A specific example is introduced with reference to the Configured grant type 1 resource allocation scenario shown in Figure 5.

[0201] Step 1: The network device sends first indication information to the first terminal device through RRC signaling, where the first indication information is used to indicate M SL PRS resources for sending the SL PRS. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0202] For example, the first indication information includes the following information: info-1: periodicity information, info-2: the slot offset relative to a reference slot defined by info-3, info-3: SFN used for determining the slot offset, info-4: resource pool index, info-5: time resource assignment for SL-PRS reservation(s), info-6: SL-PRS resource ID(s) for the future 1 or 2 reservations, info-7: SL-PRS resource ID(s) for the first SL-PRS transmission, info-8: maximum number of SL PRS transmissions (Max Trans Num) (i.e., M), info-9: time offset between feedback and the last SL PRS. last SL PRS).

[0203] It is understandable that the numbering of each information (ie, info-1, info-2, etc.) is only for the convenience of subsequent description and does not represent the order and priority of the information. The numbering should not limit the solution.

[0204] The SL-PRS resource ID (i.e., info-6) for 1 or 2 SL PRS transmissions reserved for the future and the SL-PRS resource ID (i.e., info-7) for the first SL-PRS transmission, the IDs in these two information may be the same or different. Among them, the SL-PRS resource ID (i.e., info-7) for the first SL-PRS transmission can be understood as the first identifier of the first type of time domain resource, and the SL-PRS resource ID (i.e., info-6) for 1 or 2 SL PRS transmissions reserved for the future can be understood as the second identifier of the second type of time domain resource. The period information is used to indicate the duration / size / length of the period, such as 5 time slots, 6 time slots, etc. The SFN used to determine the time slot offset is used to indicate the reference time slot, which is used to determine the time slot for sending the first sidelink reference signal. Usually, the first time slot in the SFN (i.e., slot 0) is the reference time slot. The time slot offset relative to the reference time slot indicates the time slot offset of the time slot used to send the first sidelink reference signal relative to the reference time slot, for example, 3 time slots, 4 time slots, etc. The time slot offset can be understood as the difference between the time slot indices.

[0205] As shown in (a) of Figure 5 , the period (i.e., info-1) is 6 time slots, the time slot offset (i.e., info-2) is 3 time slots, the maximum number of transmissions (i.e., info-8) is 2, and the time offset between the feedback and the last SL PRS (i.e., info-9) is 5 time slots.

[0206] As shown in (b) of FIG5 , the period is 6 time slots, the time slot offset is 3 time slots, the maximum number of transmissions is 4, and the time offset between the feedback and the last SL PRS is 2 time slots.

[0207] As shown in (c) in Figure 5, the period is 6 time slots, the time slot offset is 3 time slots, the maximum number of transmissions corresponding to the first type of time domain resources is 2, the maximum number of transmissions corresponding to the second type of time domain resources is 2, the time offset between the feedback corresponding to the first type of time domain resources and the last SL PRS is 5 time slots, and the time offset between the feedback corresponding to the second type of time domain resources and the last SL PRS is 4 time slots.

[0208] Further optionally, the first indication information also includes a transmission number threshold for determining ACK / NACK (ie, the first threshold described above), which can be understood as the minimum transmission number corresponding to feedback ACK or the maximum transmission number corresponding to feedback NACK.

[0209] The following describes the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions (i.e., info-8):

[0210] a) The maximum number of SL PRS transmissions can be configured for each SL PRS resource ID. Each SL PRS resource ID includes 1 or 2 SL-PRS resource IDs (i.e., info-6) for future reservation and an SL-PRS resource ID (i.e., info-7) for the first SL-PRS transmission. These two IDs can be the same or different.

[0211] If the two IDs are the same, the maximum number of transmissions is configured for both the resources corresponding to info-7 and the resources corresponding to info-6. The first type of time domain resources and the second type of time domain resources are considered as a whole, and resource usage is fed back, as shown in (b) of Figure 5.

[0212] If the two IDs are different, the maximum number of transmissions is configured separately for the resources corresponding to info-7 (i.e., the first type of time domain resources) and info-6 (i.e., the second type of time domain resources). Resource usage is reported separately for each type of resource, as shown in Figure 5(c). The maximum number of transmissions configured for the resources corresponding to info-7 and info-6 can be the same or different.

[0213] When configuring the maximum number of transmissions for each SL PRS resource ID, for example, a list is configured, and each item in the list includes: the SL PRS resource ID and the maximum number of transmissions corresponding to the SL PRS.

[0214] Optionally, the transmission count threshold for determining ACK / NACK is also configured for each SL PRS resource ID. For example, a list is configured, where each item includes: an SL PRS resource ID and a transmission count threshold for determining ACK / NACK.

[0215] b) The maximum number of SL PRS transmissions can be configured for info-7 but not for info-6.

[0216] Optionally, the transmission times threshold for determining ACK / NACK is also configured for the SL-PRS resource ID (ie, info-7) of the first SL-PRS transmission.

[0217] As shown in (a) of FIG5 , the maximum number of transmissions is configured only for the first type of time domain resources used for sending SL PRS, and thus the resource usage is fed back only for the first type of time domain resources used for sending SL PRS.

[0218] c) The maximum number of transmissions of SL PRS can be configured for the resource pool index, that is, a maximum number of transmissions is configured for the resource pool. The resource pool includes the resources corresponding to info-7 (that is, the first type of resources), and optionally, also includes the resources corresponding to info-6. For example, the maximum number of transmissions of SL PRS can be the maximum number of transmissions of SL PRS corresponding to all SL PRS resource IDs in the first indication information. In other words, the maximum number of transmissions of SL PRS is the maximum number of transmissions on the resources corresponding to info-7. Accordingly, as shown in (a) of FIG5 , the resource usage is fed back only for the first type of time domain resources used to send SL PRS. Alternatively, the maximum number of transmissions of SL PRS is the total number of transmissions on the resources corresponding to info-7 and the resources corresponding to info-6. Accordingly, as shown in (b) of FIG5 , the first type of time domain resources and the second type of time domain resources are regarded as a whole, and the resource usage is fed back.

[0219] Optionally, a threshold for determining the number of transmission times of ACK / NACK is also configured for a resource pool index.

[0220] d) The maximum number of SL PRS transmissions may be configured for periodic SL PRS resources.

[0221] The periodic SL PRS resources include at least the resources corresponding to info-7, and optionally also include the resources corresponding to info-6, because the resources corresponding to info-6 can be periodic or non-periodic.

[0222] As shown in (a) of FIG5 , the resource usage is fed back only for the first type of time domain resources used to send SL PRS. In this case, it can be understood that the periodic SL PRS resources include the resources corresponding to info-7.

[0223] As shown in (b) of FIG5 , the first type of time domain resources and the second type of time domain resources are regarded as a whole, and resource usage is fed back. In this case, it can be understood that the periodic SL PRS resources include the resources corresponding to info-6 and the resources corresponding to info-7.

[0224] Optionally, the threshold for determining the number of transmission times of ACK / NACK is also configured for periodic SL PRS resources.

[0225] Step 2: The first terminal device sends N SL PRSs on M SL PRS resources according to the first indication information, where N is less than or equal to M.

[0226] a) If the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions is configured for each SL PRS resource ID, there is an N for each SL PRS resource ID, where N represents the number of times the SL PRS is sent on the resource corresponding to the SL PRS resource ID.

[0227] b) If the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions is configured for info-7, N represents the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to info-7.

[0228] c) If the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions is configured for the resource pool index. If the resource pool includes the resources corresponding to info-7 but not the resources corresponding to info-6, N represents the number of SL PRS transmissions for the resources corresponding to info-7. If the resource pool includes the resources corresponding to info-7 and info-6, N represents the total number of SL PRS transmissions for the resources corresponding to info-7 and info-6.

[0229] d) If the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions is configured for periodic SL PRS resources. If the periodic SL PRS resources include the resources corresponding to info-7 but do not include the resources corresponding to info-6, N represents the number of SL PRS transmissions on the resources corresponding to info-7. If the periodic SL PRS resources include the resources corresponding to info-7 and also include the resources corresponding to info-6, N represents the total number of SL PRS transmissions on the resources corresponding to info-7 and info-6.

[0230] Step 3: The first terminal device sends a second indication message to the network device after the last SL PRS resource corresponding to the configured maximum number of transmissions.

[0231] For example, the first terminal device determines the time domain resource for sending the second indication information based on info-9 (the time offset between the feedback and the last SL PRS). The time offset corresponding to info-9 is offset on the basis of the last first time domain resource among the M first time domain resources to obtain the time domain resource for sending the second indication information. As shown in (a) of Figure 5, info-9 is 5 time slots. As shown in (b) of Figure 5, info-9 is 2 time slots. As shown in (c) of Figure 5, the info-9 corresponding to the first type of time domain resource is 5 time slots, and the info-9 corresponding to the second type of time domain resource is 4 time slots.

[0232] The second indication information may include the number of times the SL PRS is sent, N. Alternatively, the second indication information includes ACK information or NACK information.

[0233] Exemplarily, the first terminal device is configured with a rule for feeding back ACK information or NACK information. For example, if the number of times N that SL PRS is sent is greater than the preset value of the configured maximum transmission number M, ACK information is fed back; otherwise, NACK information is fed back. For example, if the number of times N that SL PRS is sent is greater than the preset value of the configured maximum transmission number M, ACK information is fed back; otherwise, no feedback is given; that is, the second indication information will only include ACK information and will not include NACK information. For example, if the number of times N that SL PRS is sent is greater than the preset value of the configured maximum transmission number M, no feedback is given; otherwise, NACK information is fed back; that is, the second indication information will only include NACK information and will not include ACK information. For example, the preset values ​​are 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 5, etc.

[0234] Exemplarily, the first terminal device compares the number of times the SL PRS is sent with the transmission number threshold in the first indication information to decide whether to feedback ACK information or NACK information. For example, if the number of times the SL PRS is sent is greater than the transmission number threshold (that is, greater than the minimum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback ACK), ACK is fed back; otherwise, NACK is fed back or no feedback is given. For another example, if the number of times the SL PRS is sent is less than the transmission number threshold (that is, less than the maximum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback NACK), NACK is fed back; otherwise, ACK is fed back or no feedback is given.

[0235] a) If the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions is configured for each SL PRS resource ID, then:

[0236] For each SL PRS resource ID, there is a last SL PRS resource, that is, the last SL PRS resource refers to the last SL PRS resource corresponding to each SL PRS resource ID. The number of times SL PRS is sent fed back to the network device refers to: the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to each SL PRS resource ID. The ACK information or NACK information fed back to the network device refers to: the ACK information or NACK information determined based on the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to each SL PRS resource ID. Optionally, the ACK information or NACK information fed back to the network device refers to: the ACK information or NACK information determined based on the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to each SL PRS resource ID and the transmission number threshold configured for each SL PRS resource ID.

[0237] b) If the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions is configured for info-7, then:

[0238] The last SL PRS resource refers to the last SL PRS resource in the resources corresponding to info-7. The number of times SL PRS is sent that is fed back to the network device refers to the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to info-7. The ACK information or NACK information fed back to the network device refers to the ACK information or NACK information determined based on the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to info-7. Optionally, the ACK information or NACK information fed back to the network device refers to the ACK information or NACK information determined based on the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to info-7 and the transmission number threshold configured for info-7.

[0239] c) If the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions is configured for the resource pool index, then:

[0240] If the maximum number of transmissions is the maximum number of transmissions on the resources corresponding to info-7, then: the last SL PRS resource refers to: the last SL PRS resource in the resources corresponding to info-7. The number of times SL PRS is sent that is fed back to the network device refers to: the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to info-7. The ACK information or NACK information fed back to the network device refers to: the ACK information or NACK information determined based on the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to info-7. Optionally, the ACK information or NACK information fed back to the network device refers to: the ACK information or NACK information determined based on: the number of times SL PRS is sent on the resources corresponding to info-7 and the transmission number threshold configured for info-7.

[0241] If the maximum number of transmissions is the total number of transmissions on the resources corresponding to info-7 and the resources corresponding to info-6, then: the last SL PRS resource refers to: the last SL PRS resource among the resources corresponding to info-7 and the resources corresponding to info-6. The number of SL PRS transmissions fed back to the network device refers to: the total number of SL PRS transmissions on the resources corresponding to info-7 and the resources corresponding to info-6. The ACK information or NACK information fed back to the network device refers to: the ACK information or NACK information determined based on the total number of SL PRS transmissions on the resources corresponding to info-7 and the resources corresponding to info-6. Optionally, the ACK information or NACK information fed back to the network device refers to: the ACK information or NACK information determined based on: the total number of SL PRS transmissions on the resources corresponding to info-7 and the resources corresponding to info-6 and the transmission number threshold configured for the resource pool index.

[0242] d) If the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions is configured for periodic SL PRS resources, then:

[0243] The periodic SL PRS resources include at least the resources corresponding to info-7, and optionally also include the resources corresponding to info-6, because the resources corresponding to info-6 can be periodic or non-periodic.

[0244] The last SL PRS resource refers to: the last SL PRS resource in the periodic SL PRS resources. The number of times SL PRS is sent fed back to the network device refers to: the total number of times SL PRS is sent on the periodic SL PRS resources. The ACK information or NACK information of SL PRS fed back to the network device refers to: the ACK information or NACK information determined based on the total number of times SL PRS is sent on the periodic SL PRS resources. Optionally, the ACK information or NACK information fed back to the network device refers to: the ACK information or NACK information determined based on the total number of times SL PRS is sent on the periodic SL PRS resources and the transmission number threshold configured for the periodic time domain resources.

[0245] The resources for sending SL PRS in (a) of Figure 6 are a repetition of the resources for sending SL PRS in (a) of Figure 5, the resources for sending SL PRS in (b) of Figure 6 are a repetition of the resources for sending SL PRS in (b) of Figure 5, and the resources for sending SL PRS in (c) of Figure 6 are a repetition of the resources for sending SL PRS in (c) of Figure 5. Figure 6 can be understood as that the second indication information is fed back once every M consecutive resources for sending SL PRS. That is, M means: the number of time domain resources used to send SL reference signals in the time period between two consecutive feedbacks on resource utilization, or the number of SL reference signals allowed to be transmitted in the time period between two consecutive feedbacks on resource utilization. For other technical details, please refer to the example introduced based on Figure 5.

[0246] A specific example is introduced with reference to the Configured grant type 2 resource allocation scenario shown in Figure 7.

[0247] Step 1) The network device configures SL PRS resource-related information to the first terminal device through RRC signaling, including the SL PRS period. As shown in Figure 7, the period is 6 time slots.

[0248] The network device activates the configured granted resources through DCI to realize SL PRS transmission. DCI can be carried in PDCCH.

[0249] Further optionally, the network device may indicate the maximum number of SL PRS transmissions and the resources used for feedback on resource utilization (or feedback on SL PRS transmission) to the first terminal device through RRC signaling or DCI.

[0250] Further optionally, the network device may also send a message to the first terminal device via RRC signaling or DCI: a threshold value for determining the number of transmissions of ACK / NACK (i.e., the first threshold value introduced above), which may be understood as the minimum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback ACK or the maximum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback NACK.

[0251] Step 2) After receiving the DCI, the first terminal device periodically sends SL PRS based on the SL PRS period configured by RRC signaling at a time window interval (time GAP). The time window can be one time slot or multiple time slots. In Figure 7, the time window is one time slot.

[0252] If the maximum number of transmission times of SL PRS is configured, the number of times the first terminal device sends SL PRS is less than or equal to the configured maximum number of transmission times of SL PRS.

[0253] If the maximum number of transmissions is not configured, the first terminal device determines the number of times the SL PRS is sent during this period after receiving the deactivation instruction.

[0254] Step 3) After the last SL PRS resource corresponding to the configured maximum number of transmissions, or after the first terminal device receives the deactivation instruction, the first terminal device feeds back the second indication information to the network device. The deactivation instruction is used to indicate the deactivation of SL PRS transmission, and the deactivation instruction is carried in the DCI.

[0255] The second indication information may include the number of times the SL PRS is sent, N. Alternatively, the second indication information includes ACK information or NACK information.

[0256] Exemplarily, the first terminal device is configured with a rule for feeding back ACK information or NACK information. For example, if the number of times N that SL PRS is sent is greater than the preset value of the configured maximum transmission number M (for example, 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 5, etc.), ACK information is fed back; otherwise, NACK information is fed back. For example, if the number of times N that SL PRS is sent is greater than the preset value of the configured maximum transmission number M, ACK information is fed back; otherwise, no feedback is given; that is, the second indication information will only include ACK information and will not include NACK information. For example, if the number of times N that SL PRS is sent is greater than the preset value of the configured maximum transmission number M, no feedback is given; otherwise, NACK information is fed back; that is, the second indication information will only include NACK information and will not include ACK information. For example, the preset value is 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 5, etc.

[0257] Exemplarily, the first terminal device compares the number of times the SL PRS is sent with the configured transmission number threshold to decide whether to feedback ACK information or NACK information. For example, if the number of times the SL PRS is sent is greater than the transmission number threshold (that is, greater than the minimum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback ACK), ACK is fed back; otherwise, NACK is fed back or no feedback is given. For another example, if the number of times the SL PRS is sent is less than the transmission number threshold (that is, less than the maximum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback NACK), NACK is fed back; otherwise, ACK is fed back or no feedback is given.

[0258] In one example, the resource configured by the network device to the first terminal device for feedback of resource utilization (or feedback of SL PRS transmission) may be a first time interval, and the first time interval is the time domain interval between the last time domain resource of the M first time domain resources and the time domain resource for sending the second indication information. The first terminal device offsets the first time interval based on the last first time domain resource of the M first time domain resources to obtain the time domain resource for sending the second indication information. The first time interval can be understood as: the difference between the index of the time slot corresponding to the time domain resource for sending the second indication information and the index of the time slot corresponding to the last first time domain resource. As shown in (a) of Figure 7, one time domain resource is one time slot, M is 2, and the first time interval is 3 time slots.

[0259] In one example, the resource configured by the network device to the first terminal device for feedback of resource utilization (or feedback of SL PRS transmission) may be a second time interval, where the second time interval is the time domain interval between the time domain resource for receiving the deactivation instruction and the time domain resource for sending the second indication information. The first terminal device offsets the second time interval based on the time domain resource for receiving the deactivation instruction to obtain the time domain resource for generating the second indication information. As shown in (b) of Figure 7, one time domain resource is one time slot, and the second time interval is 4 time slots.

[0260] The resources for sending SL PRS in Figure 8 are a repetition of the resources for sending SL PRS in (b) of Figure 7. Before receiving the deactivation instruction, the first terminal device feeds back the second indication information once every M consecutive resources for sending SL PRS. That is, the meaning of M is: the number of time domain resources used to send SL reference signals in the time period between two consecutive feedbacks on resource utilization, or the number of SL reference signals allowed to be transmitted in the time period between two consecutive feedbacks on resource utilization. For other technical details, please refer to the example introduced in (a) of Figure 7.

[0261] A specific example is introduced with reference to the resource allocation scenario shown in FIG9 .

[0262] Step 1) The network device configures SL PRS resource-related information to the first terminal device through RRC signaling, including the period of SL PRS and resource allocation information in the period. The period is 6 time slots. The resource allocation information in the period is used to indicate that the first time slot in the period is the first time domain resource of the first type included in the period, and the third time slot in the period is the first time domain resource of the second type included in the period.

[0263] The network device activates the configured authorized resources through DCI to realize SL PRS transmission. DCI can be carried in PDCCH.

[0264] Furthermore, the network device may indicate to the first terminal device through RRC signaling or DCI the M corresponding to the first type of resources and the second type of resources, respectively, and the resources used to feedback resource utilization (or feedback SL PRS transmission). M is the number of time domain resources used to send SL reference signals in the time period between two consecutive feedback resource utilizations, or the number of SL reference signals allowed to be transmitted in the time period between two consecutive feedback resource utilizations.

[0265] Further optionally, the network device may also send a message to the first terminal device via RRC signaling or DCI: a threshold value for determining the number of transmissions of ACK / NACK (i.e., the first threshold value introduced above), which may be understood as the minimum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback ACK or the maximum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback NACK.

[0266] Step 2) After receiving the DCI, the first terminal device sends the SL PRS at a time interval (time GAP) based on the SL PRS period configured by RRC signaling and the resource allocation information in the period. The time window can be one time slot or multiple time slots. In Figure 9, the time window is one time slot.

[0267] Step 3) After the last SL PRS resource corresponding to M, the first terminal device feeds back the second indication information to the network device.

[0268] After receiving the deactivation instruction, the SL PRS is stopped from being sent. The deactivation instruction is used to instruct to deactivate the SL PRS transmission, and the deactivation instruction is carried in the DCI.

[0269] The second indication information may include the number N of times the SL PRS is sent on the first type of resources. Alternatively, the second indication information includes ACK information or NACK information corresponding to the first type of resources.

[0270] Exemplarily, the first terminal device is configured with a rule for feeding back ACK information or NACK information. For example, if the number of times N that SL PRS is sent on any type of resource is greater than the preset value of the configured M (for example, 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 5, etc.), ACK information is fed back; otherwise, NACK information is fed back. For example, if the number of times N that SL PRS is sent on any type of resource is greater than the preset value of the configured M, ACK information is fed back; otherwise, no feedback is given; that is, the second indication information will only include ACK information and will not include NACK information. For example, if the number of times N that SL PRS is sent on any type of resource is greater than the preset value of the configured M, no feedback is given; otherwise, NACK information is fed back; that is, the second indication information will only include NACK information and will not include ACK information. For example, the preset value is 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 5, etc.

[0271] Exemplarily, the first terminal device compares the number of times the SL PRS is sent on any type of resource with the transmission number threshold configured for that type of resource to decide whether to feedback ACK information or NACK information. For example, if the number of times the SL PRS is sent is greater than the transmission number threshold (that is, greater than the minimum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback ACK), ACK is fed back; otherwise, NACK is fed back or no feedback is given. For another example, if the number of times the SL PRS is sent is less than the transmission number threshold (that is, less than the maximum number of transmissions corresponding to feedback NACK), NACK is fed back; otherwise, ACK is fed back or no feedback is given.

[0272] In one example, the resource configured by the network device to the first terminal device for feedback of resource utilization (or feedback of SL PRS transmission) may be a first time interval, and the first time interval is: for each type of resource, the time domain interval between the last time domain resource of the M first time domain resources and the time domain resource for sending the second indication information. The first terminal device offsets the first time interval based on the last first time domain resource of the M first time domain resources to obtain the time domain resource for sending the second indication information. The first time interval can be understood as: the difference between the index of the time slot corresponding to the time domain resource for sending the second indication information and the index of the time slot corresponding to the last first time domain resource. As shown in Figure 9, one time domain resource is one time slot, M is 2, and the first time interval is 3 time slots.

[0273] It is understood that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal devices and network devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily appreciate that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or in a manner driven by computer software depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0274] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of the structures of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the network device or the first terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiments, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects possessed by the above-mentioned method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be one of the terminals 120a-120j shown in Figure 1, or it can be the base station 110a or 110b shown in Figure 1, or it can be a module (such as a chip) applied to the network device or terminal device.

[0275] As shown in FIG. 10 , the communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1010 and a transceiver unit 1020 .

[0276] For example, the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the network device or the first terminal device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3. The transceiver unit 1020 can perform the receiving and sending actions performed by each network element / device in the method embodiment. The processing unit 1010 can perform other actions, except for the sending and receiving actions, among the actions performed by each network element / device in the method embodiment.

[0277] Exemplarily, when the communication device 1000 is used to implement the function of the first terminal device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3: the transceiver unit 1020 is used to receive the first indication information, send a side link reference signal to the second terminal device on one or more first time resources among the M first time domain resources indicated by the first indication information, and send the second indication information; the processing unit 1010 is used to parse the first indication information and generate the second indication information.

[0278] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3 , the transceiver unit 1020 can perform the receiving and sending actions performed by the network device in the method embodiment. The processing unit 1010 can perform the actions performed by the network device in the method embodiment, except for the sending and receiving actions.

[0279] Exemplarily, when the communication device 1000 is used to implement the function of the network device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3: the transceiver unit 1020 is used to send the first indication information and receive the second indication information; the processing unit 1010 is used to generate the first indication information and parse the second indication information.

[0280] A more detailed description of the processing unit 1010 and the transceiver unit 1020 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 3, and is not repeated here. The processing unit 1010 can be implemented by a processor, and the transceiver unit 1020 can be implemented by a transceiver.

[0281] As shown in Figure 11, communication device 1100 includes a processor 1110 and an interface circuit 1120. Processor 1110 and interface circuit 1120 are coupled to each other. It will be appreciated that interface circuit 1120 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1130 for storing instructions executed by processor 1110, input data required by processor 1110 to execute instructions, or data generated by processor 1110 after executing instructions.

[0282] For example, the communication device 1100 is used to implement the functions of the first terminal device and the network device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3. For example, the processor 1110 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1010, and the interface circuit 1120 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1020.

[0283] When the communication device is a chip used in a network device, the network device chip implements the network device functions of the above method embodiments. The network device chip receives information from other modules in the network device (such as a radio frequency module or antenna), and the information is sent by the terminal device to the network device; or the network device chip sends information to other modules in the network device (such as a radio frequency module or antenna), and the information is sent by the network device to the terminal device.

[0284] When the above-mentioned communication device is a module applied to a terminal device, the terminal device module implements the functions of the terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The terminal device module receives information from other modules in the terminal device (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the network device to the terminal device; or, the terminal device module sends information to other modules in the terminal device (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the terminal device to the network device. The terminal device module here can be a baseband chip of the terminal device, or it can be a DU or other module. The DU here can be a DU under the open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0285] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0286] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to perform the above-mentioned communication method. In other words, the computer program includes instructions for implementing the above-mentioned communication.

[0287] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, including: computer program code, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the communication method provided above.

[0288] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes: a network device and a first terminal device that execute the above-mentioned communication method, and optionally, also includes a second terminal device.

[0289] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a base station or a terminal. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist in a base station or a terminal as discrete components.

[0290] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0291] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0292] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the number of nouns means "singular noun or plural noun", that is, "one or more". "At least one" means one or more, and "plural" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A or B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following items" or "one or more of them" and other similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c, or one or more of a, b, or c, means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c. Each of a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0293] The ordinal numbers "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of multiple objects. Moreover, such names do not indicate differences in the content, sender / receiver, transmission order, size, application scenario, priority, or importance of the two pieces of information. In addition, the numbering of the steps in the various embodiments introduced in this application is only for distinguishing different steps and is not used to define the order of the steps.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the first terminal device, including: Receive first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate M first time domain resources, any of which is used by the first terminal device to send a primary sidelink reference signal to a second terminal device, where M is an integer greater than 1; Send second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the situation in which the first terminal device sends a side link reference signal on the M first time domain resources.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to send N sidelink reference signals on the M first time domain resources, where N is less than or equal to M; or, The second indication information is used to indicate whether N meets the requirement or does not meet the requirement, where N is the number of times the first terminal device sends a sidelink reference signal on the M first time domain resources, and N is less than or equal to M.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that When N is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when N is less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first threshold is pre-configured; The first indication information is also used to indicate the first threshold; or, Before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: receiving third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate the first threshold.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that When the ratio of N to M is greater than or equal to a second threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when the ratio of N to M is less than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement; or, When the difference between the N and the M is less than or equal to a third threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirement; when the difference between the N and the M is greater than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirement.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The second threshold is pre-configured; The first indication information is further used to indicate the second threshold; or, Before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: receiving fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate the second threshold.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The third threshold is pre-configured; The first indication information is further used to indicate the third threshold; or, Before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: receiving fifth indication information, where the fifth indication information is used to indicate the third threshold.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period and the M; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources; or, The first indication information is used to indicate the M; Before sending the second indication information, it also includes: receiving sixth indication information, where the sixth indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and M are used to determine the M first time domain resources.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first indication information includes: information of the M; or, The first indication information includes: information of S, where S is the number of cycles, and S and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle are used to determine M, where S is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first indication information further indicates a first time interval; or, Before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: receiving seventh indication information, where the seventh indication information is used to indicate the first time interval; The first time interval is a time domain interval between the last time domain resource of the M first time domain resources and the second time domain resource for sending the second indication information; Before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: Determine the second time domain resource based on the first time interval and the M first time domain resources; Sending the second indication information includes: Send second indication information on the second time domain resource.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first indication information further indicates a second time interval; or, Before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: receiving eighth indication information, where the eighth indication information is used to indicate the second time interval; The second time interval is a time domain interval between a third time domain resource receiving a deactivation instruction and a second time domain resource sending the second indication information; After the M first time domain resources and before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: receiving a deactivation instruction on the third time domain resource; Determine the second time domain resource based on the second time interval and the third time domain resource; Sending the second indication information includes: Send second indication information on the second time domain resource.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that: The M first time domain resources include first type and / or second type of time domain resources; The time domain resources included in each period include the first type and / or the second type of time domain resources in each period.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The M first time domain resources are indicated for any of the following items: An identifier of a first type of time domain resource and / or an identifier of a second type of time domain resource, a resource pool index, and periodic time domain resources; wherein the resource pool includes the first type and / or the second type of time domain resources, and the periodic time domain resources include the first type and / or the second type of time domain resources.

14. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to network equipment, including: Sending first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate M first time domain resources, any of which is used by the first terminal device to send a sidelink reference signal to the second terminal device, where M is an integer greater than 1; Receive second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a situation in which the first terminal device sends a sidelink reference signal on the M first time domain resources.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The second indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to send N sidelink reference signals on the M first time domain resources, where N is less than or equal to M; or, The second indication information is used to indicate whether N meets the requirement or does not meet the requirement, where N is the number of times the first terminal device sends a sidelink reference signal on the M first time domain resources, and N is less than or equal to M.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that When N is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when N is less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The first threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device; or, The first indication information is also used to indicate the first threshold; or, Before receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: sending third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate the first threshold.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that When the ratio of N to M is greater than or equal to a second threshold, it is determined that N meets the requirement; when the ratio of N to M is less than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that N does not meet the requirement; or, When the difference between the N and the M is less than or equal to a third threshold, it is determined that the N meets the requirement; when the difference between the N and the M is greater than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the N does not meet the requirement.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The second threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device; or, The first indication information is further used to indicate the second threshold; or, Before receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: sending fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate the second threshold.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein: The third threshold is pre-configured in the first terminal device; or, The first indication information is further used to indicate the third threshold; or, Before receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: sending fifth indication information, where the fifth indication information is used to indicate the third threshold.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that: The first indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period and the M; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources; or, The first indication information is used to indicate the M; before receiving the second indication information, it also includes: sending sixth indication information, the sixth indication information is used to indicate the time domain resources included in each period; wherein the time domain resources included in each period and the M are used to determine the M first time domain resources.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The first indication information includes: information of the M; or, The first indication information includes: information of S, where S is the number of cycles, and S and the number of time domain resources included in each cycle are used to determine M, where S is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that: The first indication information further indicates a first time interval; or, Before receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: sending seventh indication information, where the seventh indication information is used to indicate the first time interval; The first time interval is a time domain interval between the last time domain resource of the M first time domain resources and the second time domain resource for sending the second indication information.

24. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that The first indication information further indicates a second time interval; or, Before receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: sending eighth indication information, where the eighth indication information is used to indicate the second time interval; The second time interval is a time domain interval between a third time domain resource receiving a deactivation instruction and a second time domain resource sending the second indication information; After the M first time domain resources and before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: A deactivation instruction is sent on the third time domain resource.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that The M first time domain resources include first type and / or second type of time domain resources; The time domain resources included in each period include the first type and / or the second type of time domain resources in each period.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: The M first time domain resources are indicated for any of the following items: An identifier of a first type of time domain resource and / or an identifier of a second type of time domain resource, a resource pool index, and periodic time domain resources; wherein the resource pool includes the first type and / or the second type of time domain resources, and the periodic time domain resources include the first type and / or the second type of time domain resources.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising modules for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a processor coupled to a memory; The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; The processor is used to execute part or all of the computer programs or instructions in the memory, and when the part or all of the computer programs or instructions are executed, it is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: including a processor and a memory; The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; The processor is used to execute part or all of the computer programs or instructions in the memory, and when the part or all of the computer programs or instructions are executed, it is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

30. A communication device, characterized in that: It includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26 through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

31. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system comprises: a first terminal device executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a network device executing the method according to any one of claims 14 to 26.

32. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores a computer program or an instruction, and when the computer program or the instruction is executed by the communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26 is implemented.

33. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises: computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26 is implemented.

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