Communication method and apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method comprises: sending first indication information to at least two terminal devices, wherein the first indication information indicates a first time frequency resource for a terminal device group to send a reference signal, the reference signal is used for determining channel quality, and the at least two terminal devices belong to the terminal device group; and on the first time frequency resource, receiving reference signals from the at least two terminal devices. Since the at least two terminal devices send the reference signals on the same first time frequency resource, the time frequency resource occupied by the reference signals is reduced, the problem in the prior art of excessive time frequency resources occupied by the reference signal is solved, and more time frequency resources can be used for data transmission, thereby improving the data transmission speed and the quality of service.

Description

Communication method, device and computer-readable storage medium

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on January 5, 2024, with application number 202410026760.3 and application name “A communication method, device and computer-readable storage medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a communication method, device, and computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0003] Measuring channel quality is a critical task in wireless communication systems. It involves evaluating and optimizing wireless channel performance to ensure reliable data transmission and a positive user experience. Measuring and evaluating channel quality is essential to ensure the stability and reliability of wireless communication systems. Channel quality measurements provide insights into channel transmission characteristics, interference, and signal attenuation, providing a basis for system design and optimization. Currently, reducing the time and frequency resources used to determine channel quality is a pressing issue.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium, which can reduce the time-frequency resources used when determining channel quality.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising sending first indication information to at least two terminal devices, wherein the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource for sending a reference signal for a terminal device group, the reference signal is used to determine channel quality, and at least two terminal devices belong to the terminal device group; and receiving reference signals from at least two terminal devices on the first time-frequency resource.

[0007] The number of terminal device groups may be at least one. The at least two terminal devices may belong to the same terminal device group. The distances between multiple terminal devices in the same terminal device group may be similar, or their channel qualities may be similar, or their path loss values ​​may be less than a certain threshold. The at least two terminal devices may be all or some of the terminal devices in the same terminal device group.

[0008] Exemplarily, the number of the at least two terminal devices may be two, namely a first terminal device and a second terminal device. The communication method provided in the first aspect may be applied to a network device, such as a base station; or the communication method provided in the first aspect may be applied to a terminal device that does not belong to a terminal device group.

[0009] According to the communication method provided in the present application, the same first time-frequency resources can be configured for at least two terminal devices in the same terminal device group, and at least two terminal devices can send reference signals on the same first time-frequency resources, thereby reducing the resources (time-frequency resources) occupied when transmitting the reference signal and improving resource utilization.

[0010] The sending of the first indication information to the at least two terminal devices may be implemented in any of the following four ways:

[0011] The first method: Send a first radio resource control (RRC) signaling to at least two terminal devices. The first RRC signaling includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period. The frequency domain resources in the first time-frequency resource for sending a reference signal in each period can be the same or different. The first method is a periodic resource indication method.

[0012] The first RRC signaling includes first indication information, which indicates the starting position and period value of the time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource. The period value refers to the time interval between two adjacent transmissions of the reference signal.

[0013] Exemplarily, the first indication information includes two parameters, namely periodicityAndOffset-p and periodicity. Among them, periodicityAndOffset-p is used to indicate the time slot offset, and its value range is [1,32]. Based on the time slot offset, the starting position of the time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource can be determined. Periodicity is used to indicate the period value, and the period value is expressed in T SRS Indicates that its value range is [1,2560], which means that the minimum period is 1 time slot and the maximum period is 2560 time slots.

[0014] Based on the above solution, at least two terminal devices can periodically send reference signals on the first time-frequency resource, reducing the resources (time-frequency resources) occupied when transmitting the reference signal and improving resource utilization.

[0015] The second method is to send first downlink control information DCI to at least two terminal devices, where the first DCI includes first indication information. The first indication information may instruct the at least two terminal devices to send a reference signal once on a first time-frequency resource.

[0016] The first DCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource. The second method is a non-periodic or fully dynamic resource indication method.

[0017] Exemplarily, the first indication information may be information of a Group-SRS-request field newly added in DCI0_1 and DCI 1_1 in the first DCI; the Group-SRS-request field is used to indicate the time offset value and frequency domain resources of the time domain resources in the first time-frequency resources.

[0018] Based on the above solution, through the first DCI, at least two terminal devices in the same terminal device group can send a reference signal once on the first time-frequency resource.

[0019] A third method is to send a second DCI to at least two terminal devices, where the second DCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resource, wherein the second DCI is different from the first DCI.

[0020] The fourth method is to send a media access control element (MAC-CE) signaling to at least two terminal devices, where the MAC-CE signaling includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resource. The third and fourth methods are semi-static resource indication methods.

[0021] Among them, the first time-frequency resources in the third method and the fourth method can be configured in the following way: sending a second RRC signaling to at least two terminal devices, and the second RRC signaling is used to configure the first time-frequency resources.

[0022] Based on the above solution, any one of the four methods can be used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send reference signals on the first time-frequency resource, thereby reducing the resources occupied when sending the reference signal and improving resource utilization.

[0023] It should be noted that any of the four methods of sending the first indication information to at least two terminal devices can be triggered according to the first feedback situation of the at least two terminal devices regarding the first data information. Specifically, it can be: sending the first data information to at least two terminal devices; when the first feedback information received from at least two terminal devices regarding the first data information meets the first feedback condition, sending the first indication information to the at least two terminal devices.

[0024] In a feasible implementation, the first feedback condition may be: the number of first confirmation information (acknowledgement, ACK) in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold, and / or the proportion of first ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first proportion threshold.

[0025] The fact that the number of first ACKs in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to the first number threshold means that within the time window, the number of first ACKs in the multiple first feedback information received is greater than the first number threshold.

[0026] The proportion of the first ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to the first proportion threshold, which means that the ratio of the number of first ACKs received within the time window to the number of multiple first feedback information received within the time window (that is, the number of all first feedback information received within the time window) is greater than the first proportion threshold.

[0027] In another feasible implementation, the first feedback condition may also be that the number of first negative acknowledgment (NACK) in the first feedback information is less than a second number threshold, and / or the proportion of first NACK in the first feedback information is less than a second proportion threshold.

[0028] The fact that the number of first NACKs in the first feedback information is less than the second number threshold means that the number of first NACKs in multiple pieces of first feedback information received within the time window is less than the second number threshold.

[0029] The proportion of first NACKs in the first feedback information being less than the second proportion threshold means that the ratio of the number of first NACKs received in the time window to the number of multiple first feedback information received in the time window is less than the second number threshold.

[0030] Based on the above solution, taking into account the current channel quality, whether to send the first indication information can be determined based on the feedback of at least two terminal devices regarding the first data information. When the first feedback information meets the first feedback condition, the first indication information is sent, thereby improving the timeliness and reliability of sending the first indication information.

[0031] In a feasible implementation, after receiving reference signals from at least two terminal devices on the first time-frequency resource, it also includes: sending second data information to the at least two terminal devices; receiving second feedback information from the at least two terminal devices for the second data information; sending second indication information to the at least two terminal devices when the second feedback information meets the second feedback condition; the second indication information indicates the second time-frequency resource for the terminal device group to send the reference signal; and receiving reference signals from the at least two terminal devices on the second time-frequency resource.

[0032] In one feasible implementation, when the second feedback information satisfies the second feedback condition, a third RRC signaling is sent to at least two terminal devices, where the third RRC signaling includes second indication information. The second indication information indicates that a periodicity value of a time domain resource in the second time-frequency resource is less than a periodicity value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0033] In a feasible implementation, after receiving reference signals from at least two terminal devices on the first time-frequency resource, it also includes: sending second data information to at least two terminal devices; receiving second feedback information from at least two terminal devices for the second data information; sending third indication information to at least two terminal devices when the second feedback information meets the second feedback condition; receiving reference signals sent by at least two terminal devices on the first time-frequency resource and the third time-frequency resource; wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to send the reference signal on the corresponding third time-frequency resource, and the third time-frequency resources used by at least two terminal devices when sending the reference signal are different.

[0034] In a feasible implementation, when the second feedback information satisfies the second feedback condition, a third DCI is sent to at least two terminal devices, wherein the third DCI includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to activate the configured third time-frequency resource.

[0035] It should be noted that the different time-frequency resources used by different terminal devices when sending reference signals (SRS) are per-UE SRS resources; the same time-frequency resources used by a group of terminal devices (i.e., a terminal device group) or multiple terminal devices when sending reference signals are group SRS resources. Therefore, the first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource involved above are different group SRS resources; the third time-frequency resource is a per-UE SRS resource.

[0036] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by any one of the at least two terminal devices described above. The second aspect is explained with one of the terminal devices being specifically a first terminal device. The method can also be performed by a component of the first terminal device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or can be implemented by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device functions. The method includes: receiving first indication information from a network device, the first indication information indicating a first time-frequency resource for a terminal device group to transmit a reference signal, the reference signal being used to determine channel quality, and the first terminal device belonging to the terminal device group; and transmitting the reference signal on the first time-frequency resource.

[0037] In a feasible implementation, receiving the first indication information from the network device can be achieved by the following steps: receiving the first radio resource control RRC signaling from the network device, the first RRC signaling including the first indication information, and the first indication information indicating the first time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period.

[0038] In a feasible implementation, the first RRC signaling includes first indication information, where the first indication information indicates a starting position and a period value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0039] In a feasible implementation manner, receiving the first indication information from the network device may be implemented by the following steps: receiving first downlink control information DCI from the network device, where the first DCI includes the first indication information.

[0040] In a feasible implementation, the first DCI includes first indication information, where the first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0041] In a feasible implementation, receiving the first indication information from the network device can be achieved by the following steps: receiving the second DCI from the network device, the second DCI including the first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resource.

[0042] In a feasible implementation, the first time-frequency resource may be configured through the following steps:

[0043] A second RRC instruction is received from the network device, where the second RRC instruction is used to configure the first time-frequency resource.

[0044] In a feasible implementation, receiving the first indication information from the network device can be achieved through the following steps: receiving the first data information from the network device; sending the first feedback information for the first data information to the network device; receiving the first indication information from the network device, the first indication information is sent when the first feedback information meets the first feedback condition.

[0045] In a feasible implementation, the quantity of first confirmation information ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold, and / or the proportion of first ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first proportion threshold.

[0046] In a feasible implementation, the method also includes: receiving second data information from the network device; sending second feedback information for the second data information to the network device; receiving second indication information from the network device, the second indication information is sent when the second feedback information meets the second feedback condition; the second indication information indicates a second time-frequency resource for the terminal device group to send a reference signal; and sending a reference signal to the network device on the second time-frequency resource.

[0047] In a feasible implementation, the method also includes: receiving second data information from the network device; sending second feedback information for the second data information to the network device; receiving third indication information from the network device, sending a reference signal on the first time-frequency resource and the third time-frequency resource, the third indication information being sent when the second feedback information meets the second feedback condition; the third indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to send a reference signal on the corresponding third time-frequency resource, and the third time-frequency resources used by at least two terminal devices when sending the reference signal are different.

[0048] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising the following steps: sending third data information to at least two terminal devices; receiving third feedback information from a network device regarding the third data information; sending indication information to at least two terminal devices based on the third feedback information, the indication information being used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send reference signals on corresponding time-frequency resources; receiving reference signals sent by at least two terminal devices; and at least two terminal devices belonging to a terminal device group.

[0049] In a feasible implementation, based on the third feedback information, sending indication information to at least two terminal devices is achieved in the following manner: when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, sending fourth indication information to at least two terminal devices, and the fourth indication information indicates the fourth time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period.

[0050] In a feasible implementation, sending the fourth indication information to at least two terminal devices may be implemented in the following manner: sending a fourth RRC signaling to the at least two terminal devices, where the fourth RRC signaling includes the fourth indication information.

[0051] In a feasible implementation method, based on the third feedback information, sending indication information to at least two terminal devices is achieved in the following manner: when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, sending fifth indication information to at least two terminal devices, and the fifth indication information is used to instruct the terminal devices in the terminal device group to send reference signals on the corresponding sixth time-frequency resources.

[0052] In a feasible implementation method, sending the fifth indication information to at least two terminal devices can be achieved in the following way: when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, sending the fourth DCI to at least two terminal devices, the fourth DCI includes the fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to activate the configured sixth time-frequency resource.

[0053] In a feasible implementation method, based on the third feedback information, sending indication information to at least two terminal devices is achieved in the following manner: when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, sending sixth indication information to at least two terminal devices, and the sixth indication information is used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send reference signals on the seventh time-frequency resource.

[0054] In a feasible implementation method, sending the sixth indication information to at least two terminal devices can be achieved in the following way: when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, the fifth DCI can be sent to at least two terminal devices, and the fifth DCI includes the sixth indication information. The sixth indication information can be a pattern field added in the fifth DCI.

[0055] Exemplarily, the number of the at least two terminal devices may be two, namely a first terminal device and a second terminal device. The communication method provided in the third aspect may be applied to a network device, such as a base station; or the communication method provided in the third aspect may be applied to a terminal device that does not belong to a terminal device group.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by any one of the at least two terminal devices described above. The fourth aspect is explained using one of the terminal devices as an example, specifically the first terminal device. Alternatively, the method can be executed by a component of the first terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: receiving third data information from a network device; sending third feedback information regarding the third data information to the network device (or a terminal device that does not belong to a terminal device group); receiving instruction information from the network device, the instruction information being used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send reference signals on corresponding time-frequency resources; and sending reference signals to the network device on the corresponding time-frequency resources.

[0057] In a feasible implementation, receiving indication information from the network device is implemented in the following manner: receiving fourth indication information from the network device, the fourth indication information indicating a fourth time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period; the fourth indication information is sent by the network device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition.

[0058] In a feasible implementation manner, receiving the fourth indication information from the network device is implemented in the following manner: receiving a fourth RRC signaling from the network device, where the fourth RRC signaling includes the fourth indication information.

[0059] In a feasible implementation method, receiving the indication information from the network device is achieved in the following manner: receiving the fifth indication information from the network device, the fifth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device in the terminal device group to send a reference signal on the corresponding sixth time-frequency resource; the fifth indication information is sent by the network device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition.

[0060] In a feasible implementation, receiving the fifth indication information from the network device is implemented in the following manner: receiving a fourth DCI from the network device, where the fourth DCI includes the fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to activate the configured sixth time-frequency resource.

[0061] In a feasible implementation, receiving indication information from a network device is implemented in the following manner: receiving sixth indication information from the network device, the sixth indication information being used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send a reference signal on a seventh time-frequency resource; the sixth indication information is sent by the network device when the third feedback information satisfies a third feedback condition.

[0062] In a feasible implementation, receiving the sixth indication information from the network device is implemented in the following manner: receiving the fifth DCI from the network device, the fifth DCI including the sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is a pattern field added in the fifth DCI.

[0063] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a sending unit for sending first indication information to at least two terminal devices, wherein the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource for sending a reference signal for a terminal device group, the reference signal is used to determine channel quality, and at least two terminal devices belong to the terminal device group; and a receiving unit for receiving reference signals from at least two terminal devices on the first time-frequency resource.

[0064] In a feasible implementation, the sending unit is specifically configured to send a first radio resource control RRC signaling to at least two terminal devices, where the first RRC signaling includes first indication information indicating a first time-frequency resource for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period.

[0065] In a feasible implementation manner, the first indication information indicates the starting position and period value of the time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0066] In a feasible implementation, the sending unit is specifically configured to send first downlink control information DCI to at least two terminal devices, where the first DCI includes first indication information.

[0067] In a feasible implementation manner, the first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0068] In a feasible implementation, the sending unit is specifically used to send a second DCI to at least two terminal devices, where the second DCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate a configured first time-frequency resource.

[0069] In a feasible implementation, the sending unit is further used to send a second RRC signaling to at least two terminal devices, where the second RRC signaling is used to configure the first time-frequency resource.

[0070] In a feasible implementation method, the sending unit is specifically used to send first data information to at least two terminal devices; the sending unit is specifically used to send first indication information to at least two terminal devices when the first feedback information received from the at least two terminal devices for the first data information meets the first feedback condition.

[0071] In a feasible implementation, the first feedback condition is: the number of first confirmation information ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first number threshold, and / or the proportion of first ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first proportion threshold.

[0072] Optionally, the communication device provided in the fifth aspect may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the receiving unit and the sending unit can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the communication method of the first aspect.

[0073] In a feasible implementation, the communication device may be a network device, or a module or chip applied to the network device, or a terminal device, or a module or chip applied to the terminal device, which does not belong to the terminal device group.

[0074] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device of the fifth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0075] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a receiving unit for receiving first indication information from a network device, the first indication information indicating a first time-frequency resource for a terminal device group to send a reference signal, the reference signal is used to determine channel quality, and the first terminal device belongs to the terminal device group; a sending unit for sending a reference signal on the first time-frequency resource.

[0076] In a feasible implementation, the receiving unit is specifically used to receive a first radio resource control RRC signaling from a network device, where the first RRC signaling includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period.

[0077] In a feasible implementation manner, the first indication information indicates the starting position and period value of the time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0078] In a feasible implementation manner, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive first downlink control information DCI from a network device, where the first DCI includes first indication information.

[0079] In a feasible implementation manner, the first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0080] In a feasible implementation, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive a second DCI from a network device, where the second DCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate a configured first time-frequency resource.

[0081] In a feasible implementation, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second RRC instruction from the network device, where the second RRC instruction is used to configure the first time-frequency resource.

[0082] In a feasible implementation, the receiving unit is further used to receive first data information from the network device; the sending unit is further used to send first feedback information for the first data information to the network device; the receiving unit is specifically used to receive first indication information from the network device, and the first indication information is sent when the first feedback information meets the first feedback condition.

[0083] In a feasible implementation, the first feedback condition is: the number of first confirmation information ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first number threshold, and / or the proportion of first ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first proportion threshold.

[0084] Optionally, the communication device provided in the sixth aspect may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the receiving unit and the sending unit may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the communication method of the second aspect.

[0085] In a feasible implementation, the communication device may be any one of at least two terminal devices, or may be a module or chip applied to the terminal device, and the terminal device may be, for example, the first terminal device.

[0086] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device of the sixth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a sending unit for sending third data information to at least two terminal devices; a receiving unit for receiving third feedback information from a network device for the third data information; the sending unit is also used to send indication information to at least two terminal devices based on the third feedback information, and the indication information is used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send reference signals on corresponding time-frequency resources; the receiving unit is also used to receive reference signals sent by at least two terminal devices; and the at least two terminal devices belong to a terminal device group.

[0088] In a feasible implementation, the sending unit is specifically used to send fourth indication information to at least two terminal devices when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, and the fourth indication information indicates a fourth time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period.

[0089] In a feasible implementation, the sending unit is specifically used to send a fourth RRC signaling to at least two terminal devices, where the fourth RRC signaling includes fourth indication information.

[0090] In a feasible implementation method, the sending unit is specifically used to send fifth indication information to at least two terminal devices when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, and the fifth indication information is used to instruct the terminal devices in the terminal device group to send reference signals on the corresponding sixth time-frequency resources.

[0091] In a feasible implementation, the sending unit is specifically used to send a fourth DCI to at least two terminal devices when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, and the fourth DCI includes fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to activate the configured sixth time-frequency resource.

[0092] In a feasible implementation, the sending unit is specifically used to send sixth indication information to at least two terminal devices when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, and the sixth indication information is used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send a reference signal on the seventh time-frequency resource.

[0093] In a feasible implementation, the sending unit is specifically used to send a fifth DCI to at least two terminal devices when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, and the fifth DCI includes sixth indication information, which is a pattern field added in the fifth DCI.

[0094] Optionally, the communication device provided in the seventh aspect may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the receiving unit and the sending unit may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the communication method of the third aspect.

[0095] In a feasible implementation, the communication device may be a network device, or a module or chip applied to the network device. The communication device may also be a terminal device, or a module or chip applied to the terminal device; the terminal device does not belong to the terminal device group.

[0096] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device of the seventh aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method of the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0097] In the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a receiving unit for receiving third data information from a network device (or a terminal device, which does not belong to a terminal device group); a sending unit for sending third feedback information for the third data information to the network device; the receiving unit is also used to receive indication information from the network device, the indication information is used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send reference signals on corresponding time-frequency resources; the sending unit is also used to send reference signals to the network device on the corresponding time-frequency resources.

[0098] In a feasible implementation, the receiving unit is specifically used to receive fourth indication information from the network device, where the fourth indication information indicates a fourth time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period; the fourth indication information is sent by the network device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition.

[0099] In a feasible implementation manner, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive a fourth RRC signaling from the network device, where the fourth RRC signaling includes fourth indication information.

[0100] In a feasible implementation, the receiving unit is specifically used to receive fifth indication information from the network device, where the fifth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device in the terminal device group to send a reference signal on the corresponding sixth time-frequency resource; the fifth indication information is sent by the network device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition.

[0101] In a feasible implementation, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive a fourth DCI from the network device, where the fourth DCI includes fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to activate a configured sixth time-frequency resource.

[0102] In a feasible implementation, the receiving unit is specifically used to receive sixth indication information from a network device, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send a reference signal on a seventh time-frequency resource; the sixth indication information is sent by the network device when the third feedback information meets a third feedback condition.

[0103] In a feasible implementation, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive a fifth DCI from the network device, where the fifth DCI includes sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is a pattern field added in the fifth DCI.

[0104] Optionally, the communication device provided in the eighth aspect may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the receiving unit and the sending unit may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the communication method of the fourth aspect.

[0105] In a feasible implementation, the communication device may be any one of at least two terminal devices, or may be a module or chip applied to the terminal device, and the terminal device may be, for example, the first terminal device.

[0106] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device of the eighth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method of the fourth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0107] In the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor being used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or to implement the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes a memory coupled to the processor.

[0109] In a possible implementation, there are one or more processors and / or one or more memories.

[0110] In a possible implementation, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0111] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0112] In one implementation, the apparatus is a network device. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0113] In another implementation, the device is a chip in the first communication device. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0114] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor being used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or to implement the method in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes a memory coupled to the processor.

[0116] In a possible implementation, there are one or more processors and / or one or more memories.

[0117] In a possible implementation, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0118] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0119] In one implementation, the apparatus is a terminal device. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0120] In another implementation, the device is a chip in the second communication device. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0121] In an eleventh aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor executes the method of any of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0122] In a specific implementation, the processor may be a chip, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, or various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which functions as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0123] In the twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising an apparatus for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and / or an apparatus for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect; or, comprising an apparatus for executing the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, and / or an apparatus for executing the method in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0124] In the thirteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes: a computer program (also called code, or instruction), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute a method in any one of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any one of the aspects.

[0125] In the fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions). When the computer program runs on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the method in any one of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any one of the aspects.

[0126] In the fifteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes a method in any one of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any one of the aspects.

[0127] In the sixteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes an interface and a processor, wherein the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the method in any one of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any one of the aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0128] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a mobile communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0129] FIG2 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0130] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0131] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0132] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of indicating time-frequency resources in a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0133] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of indicating time-frequency resources in another communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0134] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a time window in a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0135] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of time-frequency resource configuration in a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0136] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0137] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0138] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0139] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device provided in another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0140] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0141] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit them to be different.

[0142] In the various method embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial number does not mean the order of execution. The order of execution should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0143] It is understood that, in this application, expressions such as "under...", "if...", "when...", "if...", and similar expressions may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, these expressions all imply that corresponding actions will be taken under certain objective circumstances, and do not limit the timeframe, require no judgment in implementation, or imply any other limitations.

[0144] It can be understood that in the present application, “greater than or equal to” can be replaced by “greater than”, and correspondingly, “less than” can be replaced by “less than or equal to”.

[0145] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application may, in certain scenarios, be implemented independently of other features, such as the solution on which they are currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. They may also be combined with other features in certain scenarios as needed. Accordingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0146] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can refer to each other. In the various embodiments in this application, and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, implementation methods, or implementation methods according to their inherent logical relationships. The following implementation methods of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0147] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (LTE) system, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, new radio (NR) and other mobile communication systems that may appear in the future.

[0148] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a mobile communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes at least two terminal devices (for example, the first terminal device 110 and the second terminal device 120 shown in Figure 1) and at least one communication device (for example, the communication device can be a terminal device or a network device, and Figure 1 is shown as an example of the communication device being a network device 130). The first terminal device 110 and the second terminal device 120 can communicate with the network device 130 via a wireless connection. It should be understood that the system shown in Figure 1 can also include more terminal devices and network devices.

[0149] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application, also referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), terminal device, wireless device, etc., refers to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. For example, the terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a tactile terminal device, an in-vehicle terminal device, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc. The terminal device in the embodiment of the present application can be a whole vehicle, or it can be a vehicle-mounted module, an on-board unit (OBU), a vehicle-mounted chip, a vehicle-machine module, a telematics box (T-box), a roadside unit (RSU), etc.

[0150] The network device in the embodiment of the present application, such as the network device 130, refers to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network, and can also be referred to as a base station or access network device. For example, the network device can be an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system or an access node (AP) in a WiFi system, a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device in other communication systems that will evolve in the future, etc.

[0151] In one possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node (i.e., a network device in this application) 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), etc. 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). 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 an open radio access network (ORAN) system, CU may also be referred to as O-CU (open CU), DU may also be referred to as O-DU, CU-CP may also be referred to as O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and RU may also be referred to as O-RU. Any unit in the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module. It should be understood that this application does not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network device.

[0152] The following first briefly introduces some terms or concepts involved in this application.

[0153] Beamforming, also known as beamforming or spatial filtering, is a signal processing technology that uses a sensor array to transmit and receive signals in a directional manner. By adjusting the directionality of the antenna array, beamforming focuses wireless signals for transmission or reception in a specific direction, thereby improving signal strength and reliability.

[0154] LBT (Listen Before Talk) is a radio communication technology used to avoid channel access conflicts. In LBT, the sender first listens to its radio environment to detect whether the channel is idle. If the channel is busy, the sender waits until it is idle before transmitting, thus avoiding channel access conflicts and enabling channel spectrum sharing.

[0155] Unicast is a traditional point-to-point communication method, where one sender corresponds to one receiver. In this method, the sender sends a data packet to a single receiving device on the network.

[0156] Multicast is a one-to-many communication method, where one sender corresponds to multiple receivers. Multicast allows a piece of data to be sent simultaneously to multiple users, even if they are located in different geographical locations.

[0157] Compared with the traditional uplink and downlink between a base station and user equipment, sidelink refers to direct communication between devices.

[0158] In current technology, in the system 100 shown in FIG1 , each of at least two terminal devices can send a reference signal to a network device, and the network device can perform beamforming and estimate (measure) channel quality based on these reference signals to improve the quality of communication with the terminal devices. However, as the number of terminal devices increases, the number of antennas of the network device will also increase, which will result in more reference signals needing to be sent and received, thereby occupying a large amount of wireless resources, i.e., time-frequency resources. When too many resources are occupied by reference signals, the resources available for data transmission will be reduced, which may result in slower data transmission speeds or reduced service quality, thereby affecting the performance and efficiency of the entire system. Therefore, how to reduce the time-frequency resources occupied by reference signals is a problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0159] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method, in which a network device can send a first indication information to at least two terminal devices, the first indication information indicating a first time-frequency resource for a terminal device group to send a reference signal, at least two terminal devices belonging to the terminal device group, and at least two terminal devices can send a reference signal to the network device on the first time-frequency resource based on the first indication information, and the network device can receive the reference signal on the first time-frequency resource so as to perform beamforming and channel quality estimation based on the reference signal. Since at least two terminal devices send reference signals on the same first time-frequency resource, the time-frequency resources occupied by the reference signal are reduced, solving the problem of excessive time-frequency resources occupied by the reference signal in the current technology, and more time-frequency resources can be used for data transmission, thereby improving data transmission speed and service quality.

[0160] The method provided in the present application can be applied to a scenario where a network device communicates directly with at least two terminal devices, such as a vehicle networking scenario; it can also be applied to a scenario where a terminal device communicates directly with at least two terminal devices, such as a sidelink scenario in the vehicle networking, a terminal device and a relay of a terminal device, and other scenarios. In a vehicle networking scenario, for example, a network device may send a reference signal to at least two terminal devices (i.e., an on-board terminal on a vehicle); the reference signal may be a channel sounding reference signal (SRS); then the communication device in the present application may be a device that receives a reference signal, i.e., a network device. In a sidelink scenario in the vehicle networking, for example, a terminal device (i.e., an on-board terminal on a vehicle) may send a reference signal to at least two terminal devices (on-board terminals on a vehicle), and the reference signal may be a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) or a demodulation reference signal (DMRS); then the communication device in the present application may be a device that receives a reference signal, i.e., a terminal device.

[0161] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication method may include S201 and S202. The following describes the steps of the communication method, taking a device (such as a network device or a terminal device) receiving a reference signal as a communication device and at least two terminal devices transmitting a reference signal, namely, a first terminal device and a second terminal device, as an example.

[0162] S201: A communication device sends first indication information to a first terminal device and a second terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first indication information from the communication device. The second terminal device receives the first indication information from the communication device.

[0163] Among them, the first indication information indicates the first time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal; the reference signal is used to determine the channel quality and can also be used for beamforming; the terminal device group includes multiple terminal devices, and the first terminal device and the second terminal device belong to the terminal device group.

[0164] In an embodiment of the present application, the number of terminal device groups may be at least one; the distances between multiple terminal devices in the same terminal device group may be similar, or the channel qualities may be similar, or the path loss value may be less than a certain threshold. The first terminal device and the second terminal device belonging to the terminal device group means that the first terminal device and the second terminal device belong to the same terminal device group, that is, the first terminal device and the second terminal device receive the same information on the same time-frequency resource; the first terminal device and the second terminal device may be all terminal devices in the same terminal device group; the first terminal device and the second terminal device may also be some terminal devices in the same terminal device group.

[0165] The terminal device group may be determined by the communication apparatus.

[0166] Exemplarily, the communication device can obtain the location information of multiple terminal devices in the area covered by its own signal through technologies such as the global positioning system (GPS), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), and Bluetooth, calculate the distance between the multiple terminal devices based on the location information, and divide the terminal devices with similar locations into the same group according to the distance and a preset distance threshold, to obtain at least one group of terminal devices, and regard each group of terminal devices as a terminal device group.

[0167] In an embodiment of the present application, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can be instructed to periodically send a reference signal on the corresponding first time-frequency resource by sending a first indication information; of course, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can also be instructed to send a reference signal once on the first time-frequency resource by sending the first indication information. The first indication information can be carried in radio resource control (RRC) signaling and sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device; the first indication information can also be carried in downlink control information (DCI). Among them, the first indication information carried in the RRC signaling and the first indication information carried in the DCI are different, but both can indicate the first time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal.

[0168] Exemplarily, if the reference signal is an SRS, the first indication information may be understood as indicating a Group-SRS time-frequency resource used for a terminal device group to send an SRS, referred to as a Group-SRS resource.

[0169] In an embodiment of the present application, the first time-frequency resource may be an unlicensed frequency band, an authorized frequency band and / or a dedicated frequency band. Before using an unlicensed frequency band for transmission, it is necessary to meet regional regulatory requirements and perform channel access, such as LBT. The first time-frequency resource includes time domain resources and frequency domain resources. Among them, the time domain resources may include at least one frame, at least one sub-frame, at least one time slot, at least one mini-slot, at least one time unit, or at least one time domain symbol, etc. The frequency domain resources may include at least one carrier, at least one component carrier (CC), at least one bandwidth part (BWP), at least one resource block group (RBG), at least one physical resource block (PPG), at least one resource block (RB), or at least one sub-carrier (SC), etc.

[0170] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication device may send the first indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device in a unicast or multicast manner. The sending of the first indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device may be achieved in the following manner:

[0171] The first method is to send a first radio resource control (RRC) signaling to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device and the second terminal device receive the first RRC signaling from the communication device.

[0172] The first RRC signaling includes first indication information, which indicates a first time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period. The frequency domain resources in the first time-frequency resource for sending a reference signal in each period can be the same or different.

[0173] In an embodiment of the present application, the first indication information is carried in the first RRC signaling, and the first indication information can be used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on the first time-frequency resource corresponding to each period. The first indication information indicates the starting position and period value of the time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource. The period value refers to the time interval between two adjacent transmissions of the reference signal.

[0174] In a feasible implementation, the time domain resources in the first time-frequency resource can be configured in units of time slots, and the first indication information includes two parameters, namely periodicityAndOffset-p and periodicity. Among them, periodicityAndOffset-p is used to indicate the time slot offset, and its value range is [1,32]. The starting position of the time domain resources in the first time-frequency resource can be determined based on the time slot offset. Periodicity is used to indicate the period value, and the period value is expressed in T SRS The value range is [1, 2560], indicating that the minimum period is 1 time slot and the maximum period is 2560 time slots. The time slot used to send the reference signal in the configured first time domain resource needs to satisfy the following formula (1).

[0175] in, Refers to the time slot number in a frame; n f is the frame number; Refers to how many time slots there are in a frame.

[0176] Second mode: First downlink control information DCI is sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first DCI from the communication device. The second terminal device receives the first DCI from the communication device.

[0177] The first DCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal once on the first time-frequency resource.

[0178] In an embodiment of the present application, the first DCI carries first indication information, which can instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device in the terminal device group to send a reference signal once on the first time-frequency resource. The first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource. The time offset value refers to a time offset value based on the moment of receiving the first DCI.

[0179] In a feasible implementation, the reference signal may be an SRS, the time domain resources in the first time-frequency resources may be configured in units of time slots, and the first indication information may be information of a Group-SRS-request field newly added in DCI0_1 and DCI 1_1 in the first DCI. The Group-SRS-request field is used to indicate the time offset value of the time domain resources and the frequency domain resources. The moment when the first terminal device and the second terminal device in the terminal device group receive the first DCI is moment n, and the time offset value is represented by Offset, then the time when the first terminal device and the second terminal device send the SRS is n+Offset.

[0180] The third method is to send the second DCI to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and accordingly, the first terminal device receives the second DCI from the communication device, and the second terminal device receives the second DCI from the communication device.

[0181] The second DCI includes the first indication information, and the second DCI is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resource. The second DCI is different from the first DCI.

[0182] Exemplarily, the reference signal may be an SRS, and the time domain resources in the first time-frequency resources may be configured in units of time slots.

[0183] Fourth mode: MAC-CE signaling is sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the MAC-CE signaling from the communication device. The second terminal device receives the MAC-CE signaling from the communication device.

[0184] The MAC-CE signaling includes first indication information, and the MAC-CE signaling is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resource.

[0185] In an embodiment of the present application, the first time-frequency resources configured by the first terminal device and the second terminal device in the third and fourth modes may be configured through the second RRC signaling.

[0186] Specifically, a second RRC signaling may be sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and at least one time-frequency resource of the first terminal device and the second terminal device may be configured through the second RRC signaling, where the at least one time-frequency resource includes the first time-frequency resource.

[0187] The above scheme can adopt any one of the four methods to indicate the first time-frequency resource used by the first terminal device and the second terminal device in the terminal device group when sending the reference signal, so that the first terminal device and the second terminal device can send the reference signal on the same first time-frequency resource, reducing the resources occupied when sending the reference signal and improving resource utilization.

[0188] It should be noted that there can be multiple terminal device groups, and the first time-frequency resources corresponding to different terminal device groups are different; the more terminal device groups there are, the sparser the corresponding comb resources in the frequency domain, and the fewer terminal device groups there are, the denser the comb resources.

[0189] S202: A communication device receives reference signals from a first terminal device and a second terminal device on a first time-frequency resource. Accordingly, the first terminal device sends a reference signal to the communication device on the first time-frequency resource. The second terminal device sends a reference signal to the communication device on the first time-frequency resource.

[0190] In the embodiment of the present application, the first terminal device and the second terminal device send a reference signal on the same first time-frequency resource, which has the following advantages:

[0191] 1) Resource Sharing and Efficiency Improvement: Sharing the first time-frequency resource between the first and second terminal devices allows for more efficient use of the wireless spectrum. Through proper allocation and scheduling, the first and second terminal devices can transmit reference signals on the same resource (i.e., the first time-frequency resource), thereby improving spectrum utilization and system efficiency.

[0192] 2) Increase signal coverage and reliability: When the first terminal device and the second terminal device both send reference signals on the first time-frequency resource, the signal coverage and reception reliability are enhanced, which helps to resist signal fading and interference and improves the stability of communication.

[0193] 3) Diversity gain and performance improvement: When both the first and second terminal devices transmit reference signals on the first time-frequency resource, diversity gain can be provided. Diversity gain helps mitigate the effects of signal fading, reduces bit error rates, and improves communication stability.

[0194] In a feasible implementation, the communication device may be a network device, such as a base station, and the reference signal may be an SRS signal. After receiving the reference signal, the network device may perform at least one of the following operations:

[0195] 1) Beamforming: The network device analyzes a reference signal to understand the signal's propagation direction and the amount of interference in the environment. Based on this information, the network device adjusts the weights of its antenna array to form a beam directed toward the first and second devices. This allows the network device to transmit signals in a targeted manner, reducing signal scattering and interference, thereby improving communication quality.

[0196] 2) Channel quality estimation: Based on the reference signal, the network device can estimate the wireless channel characteristics of the environment where the first terminal device and the second terminal device are located, such as multipath propagation, channel attenuation, and Doppler shift. This helps to understand the attenuation, delay, and distortion of the signal during transmission.

[0197] 3) Uplink channel detection: By receiving and analyzing the reference signals sent from the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the uplink channel status can be understood, so that corresponding link adaptation and scheduling can be performed.

[0198] 4) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Technology Implementation: Reference signals, such as SRS signals, support the application of MIMO technology. By transmitting and receiving SRS signals on multiple antennas, network devices, first and second terminal devices can implement advanced communication technologies such as spatial multiplexing and beamforming, thereby improving system transmission rates and spectral efficiency.

[0199] 5) Dynamic resource allocation: Based on understanding the channel state, network devices can dynamically allocate resources. For example, in the uplink, network devices can dynamically allocate time and frequency resources to the first and second terminal devices based on the channel state, thereby maximizing system throughput and user experience.

[0200] 6) Interference coordination: By analyzing the reference signal, the network device can understand the interference situation in the area where the first terminal device and the second terminal device are located, and adopt corresponding interference coordination strategies, such as power control and frequency planning, to reduce interference and improve communication performance.

[0201] 7) Closed-loop spatial multiplexing: Based on the analysis of reference signals, network devices can perform closed-loop spatial multiplexing operations to optimize the allocation and utilization of wireless resources. This helps improve spectrum efficiency and system capacity.

[0202] In one feasible implementation, the communication device may be a terminal device, and the reference signal may be a CSI-RS. After receiving the reference signals from the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the terminal device may perform at least one of the following operations:

[0203] 1) Channel State Estimation and Feedback: By receiving reference signals, terminal devices can obtain channel state information for both the first and second terminal devices. This helps estimate the channel state of the entire communication link, including channel response, multipath effects, and interference. Based on this information, the terminal devices can provide accurate channel state feedback for further link adaptation and optimization.

[0204] 2) Hierarchical gain and channel enhancement: Because the signals from the first and second terminal devices may experience different fading and interference, their reference signals (such as CSI-RS) may have diversity in space, time, or frequency. By jointly processing these reference signals, the terminal devices can obtain more comprehensive channel information, thereby more accurately estimating the channel state and improving channel quality.

[0205] 3) Resource Allocation and Scheduling Optimization: Based on the received reference signal, terminal devices can more accurately understand the channel status and requirements of each terminal device. This helps to implement dynamic resource allocation and scheduling optimization, such as adaptive modulation and coding, power control, and rate matching, thereby improving system throughput and user experience.

[0206] 4) Assisted beamforming and signal processing: Based on the received reference signal, the terminal device can obtain channel state information in different directions. This facilitates beamforming and signal processing operations such as interference suppression and multi-user detection, thereby improving communication performance and reliability.

[0207] 5) Positioning assistance: Based on the received reference signal, the terminal device can perform relative positioning operations. This helps achieve more accurate location awareness and mobility management, improving service quality and user experience.

[0208] 6) Assisted beamforming and signal directional transmission: By analyzing the CSI-RS signals received from other terminal devices, the current terminal device can understand the signal direction or beam information of other terminal devices. This helps optimize beamforming and signal directional transmission, improving signal transmission quality and coverage.

[0209] The present application provides a communication method, in which a communication device can send first indication information to at least two terminal devices, the first indication information indicating a first time-frequency resource for a terminal device group to send a reference signal, at least two terminal devices belonging to the terminal device group, and at least two terminal devices can send a reference signal to the communication device on the first time-frequency resource based on the first indication information, and the communication device can receive the reference signal on the first time-frequency resource so as to perform beamforming and channel quality estimation based on the reference signal. Since at least two terminal devices send reference signals on the same first time-frequency resource, the time-frequency resources occupied by the reference signal are reduced, solving the problem of excessive resources occupied by the reference signal in the current technology, and more time-frequency resources can be used for data transmission, thereby improving data transmission speed and service quality.

[0210] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication method may include one or more steps from S301 to S308. Below, each step in the communication method is explained using an example in which a device (such as a network device or a terminal device) receiving a reference signal is used as a communication device, and the number of at least two terminal devices transmitting a reference signal is two, where the two terminal devices are a first terminal device and a second terminal device.

[0211] S301: A communication device sends first data information to a first terminal device and a second terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can receive the first data information from the communication device.

[0212] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication device may send the first data information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device in a multicast or unicast manner.

[0213] Exemplarily, the communication device may be a network device, such as a base station, and the first terminal device and the second terminal device may be vehicle-mounted terminals. In the case of vehicle networking for L4 autonomous driving, since the vehicle can only rely on its own sensor perception, it cannot obtain information in blind spots. For example, in the case of ghost heads and extreme weather (such as heavy rain, haze and other bad weather), the vehicle cannot obtain sufficient information through road test perception to achieve autonomous driving. Based on this, it can be considered that the base station directly sends road test perception information to the vehicle-mounted terminal on the vehicle to improve the reliability of single-vehicle perception. The first data information includes road test perception information.

[0214] Among them, considering that the requests for roadside perception information by vehicles in the same physical area are consistent, the base station can use multicast to send the same roadside perception information to the on-board terminals of all vehicles in the same physical area, that is, use multicast to serve multiple vehicles at the same time and improve resource utilization efficiency.

[0215] S302: The communication apparatus receives first feedback information from a first terminal device and a second terminal device regarding first data information. Accordingly, the first terminal device sends the first feedback information, and the second terminal device sends the first feedback information.

[0216] The first feedback information may be a first ACK or a first NACK.

[0217] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first terminal device or the second terminal device receives the first data information, it sends a first ACK to the communication device, and the first ACK is used to notify the communication device that the first data information has been received. When the first terminal device or the second terminal device does not receive the first data information, it sends a first NACK to the communication device, and the first NACK is used to notify the communication device that the first data information has not been received.

[0218] S303: If the first feedback information received from the first terminal device and the second terminal device regarding the first data information meets the first feedback condition, the communication device sends first indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first indication information from the communication device. The second terminal device also receives the first indication information from the communication device.

[0219] In a feasible implementation, the first feedback condition may be that the number of first ACKs is greater than or equal to a first number threshold, and / or the proportion of first ACKs in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first proportion threshold.

[0220] In an embodiment of the present application, the number of first ACKs in multiple pieces of first feedback information may be counted. When the number of first ACKs is greater than or equal to a first number threshold, it is determined that the first feedback information for the first data information meets the first feedback condition. Alternatively, the ratio of first ACKs in multiple pieces of first feedback information may be counted. When the ratio of first ACKs is greater than or equal to a first ratio threshold, it is determined that the first feedback information for the first data information meets the first feedback condition. Alternatively, when the number of first ACKs in multiple pieces of first feedback information is greater than or equal to the first number threshold, and the ratio of first ACKs in the multiple pieces of first feedback information is greater than or equal to the first ratio threshold, it is determined that the first feedback information for the first data information meets the first feedback condition.

[0221] The first ACK ratio is the ratio of the number of first ACKs to the number of the received first feedback information.

[0222] Optionally, the number of the multiple first feedback information received refers to the number of the multiple first feedback information received within a time window, and the time window is configured or preconfigured.

[0223] In a feasible implementation, the first feedback condition may also be that the number of first NACKs in the first feedback information is less than a second number threshold, and / or the proportion of first NACKs is less than a second proportion threshold.

[0224] In an embodiment of the present application, the number of first NACKs in multiple pieces of first feedback information may be counted, and when the number of first NACKs is less than a second number threshold, it is determined that the first feedback information meets the first feedback condition; or the ratio of first NACKs in multiple pieces of first feedback information may be counted, and when the ratio of first NACKs is less than a second ratio threshold, it is determined that the first feedback information meets the first feedback condition; or the number of first NACKs in multiple pieces of first feedback information is less than the second number threshold, and the ratio of first NACKs in multiple pieces of first feedback information is less than the second ratio threshold, it is determined that the first feedback information meets the first feedback condition. The ratio of first NACKs is the ratio of the number of first NACKs to the number of multiple pieces of first feedback information received.

[0225] When the first feedback information meets the first feedback condition, it is determined that the resources currently occupied by sending the reference signal may be too many. Based on the accuracy of measuring channel quality and considering resource conservation, a first indication information can be sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send the reference signal on the same first time-frequency resource, thereby reducing the resources occupied by sending the reference signal and further reducing the resources consumed by measuring channel quality.

[0226] It should be noted that the implementation process of the communication device sending the first indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device in S303 is the same as the implementation process of S201. The specific implementation process of the communication device sending the first indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device in S303 can refer to the specific implementation process of S201, and the embodiments of this application will not go into details about it.

[0227] S304: The communication device receives reference signals from the first terminal device and the second terminal device on the first time-frequency resource. Accordingly, the first terminal device sends the reference signal to the communication device on the first time-frequency resource. The second terminal device sends the reference signal to the communication device on the first time-frequency resource.

[0228] It should be noted that the implementation process of S304 is the same as the implementation process of S202. The specific implementation process of S304 can refer to the specific implementation process of S202 in the aforementioned embodiment, and will not be repeated here in the embodiment of this application.

[0229] S305: Send second data information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0230] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication device may send the second data information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device in a multicast or unicast manner.

[0231] Exemplarily, the second data information may be perception drive test information.

[0232] S306: Receive second feedback information from the first terminal device and the second terminal device regarding the second data information.

[0233] The second feedback information may be a second ACK or a second NACK.

[0234] Optionally, the second feedback information is received within a time window, and the time window is configured or preconfigured.

[0235] It should be noted that S307 and S308 may be executed after S306. Alternatively, S309 and S310 may also be executed after S306. FIG3 only shows that S307 and S308 are executed after S306.

[0236] S307: If the second feedback information satisfies the second feedback condition, send second indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the second indication information; and the second terminal device receives the second indication information.

[0237] The second indication information indicates a second time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal.

[0238] In a feasible implementation, the second feedback condition includes: the number of second ACKs in the second feedback information is less than a third number threshold, and / or the proportion of second ACKs in the second feedback information is less than a third proportion threshold.

[0239] In an embodiment of the present application, the number of second ACKs in the plurality of second feedback information may be counted, and when the number of second ACKs is less than a third number threshold, it is determined that the second feedback information for the second data information meets the second feedback condition; or the ratio of second ACKs in the plurality of second feedback information may be counted, and when the ratio of second ACKs is less than a third ratio threshold, it is determined that the second feedback information for the second data information meets the second feedback condition; or, when the number of second ACKs in the plurality of second feedback information is less than the third number threshold and the ratio of second ACKs in the plurality of second feedback information is less than the third ratio threshold, it is determined that the second feedback information meets the second feedback condition. The ratio of second ACKs is the ratio of the number of second ACKs to the number of the plurality of second feedback information received.

[0240] Exemplarily, the ratio of the number of second ACKs to the number of multiple second feedback information received may be: the ratio of the number of second ACKs received within a time window to the total number of second feedback information received within the time window.

[0241] In another feasible implementation, the second feedback condition includes: the number of second NACKs in the second feedback information is greater than or equal to a fourth number threshold, and / or the proportion of second NACKs in the second feedback information is greater than or equal to a fourth proportion threshold.

[0242] In an embodiment of the present application, the number of second NACKs in multiple pieces of second feedback information may be counted, and when the number of second NACKs is greater than or equal to a fourth number threshold, it is determined that the second feedback information meets the second feedback condition; or the ratio of second NACKs in multiple pieces of second feedback information may be counted, and when the ratio of second NACKs is greater than or equal to a fourth ratio threshold, it is determined that the second feedback information meets the second feedback condition; or, when the number of second NACKs in multiple pieces of second feedback information is greater than or equal to the fourth number threshold, and the ratio of second NACKs in multiple pieces of second feedback information is greater than or equal to the fourth ratio threshold, it is determined that the second feedback information meets the second feedback condition. The ratio of second NACKs is the ratio of the number of second NACKs to the number of multiple pieces of second feedback information received.

[0243] Exemplarily, the ratio of the number of second NACKs to the number of multiple pieces of second feedback information received may be: the ratio of the number of second NACKs received within a time window to the total number of second feedback information received within the time window.

[0244] In the case where the second feedback information satisfies the second feedback condition, sending the second indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device may be implemented in the following manner:

[0245] In a feasible implementation, when the second feedback information satisfies the second feedback condition, it indicates that the time-frequency resources used to send the reference signal may be too few, and a third RRC signaling may be sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and the third RRC signaling includes the second indication information. Among them, the period value of the time domain resource in the second time-frequency resource indicated by the second indication information is smaller than the period value of the time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource. That is to say, the time interval between two adjacent transmissions of the reference signal under the second time-frequency resource is smaller than the time interval between two adjacent transmissions of the reference signal under the first time-frequency resource. It can also be understood that the second time-frequency resource configuration is denser than the first time-frequency resource configuration.

[0246] Based on the above scheme, in order to ensure the accuracy of channel quality measurement, when the second feedback information meets the second feedback condition, by sending a third RRC signaling to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can send a reference signal on the same second time-frequency resource, thereby reducing the resources occupied by the reference signal and ensuring the accuracy of the channel estimation.

[0247] S308. Receive reference signals from the first terminal device and the second terminal device on the second time-frequency resource.

[0248] In an embodiment of the present application, on the second time-frequency resource, a reference signal sent by the first terminal device and the second terminal device on the same second time-frequency resource is received.

[0249] S309: When the second feedback information satisfies a second feedback condition, send third indication information to at least two terminal devices.

[0250] The third indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to send a reference signal on a corresponding third time-frequency resource, and the third time-frequency resources used by at least two terminal devices to send the reference signal are different.

[0251] In one feasible implementation, when the second feedback information satisfies the second feedback condition, it indicates that the time-frequency resources used for sending the reference signal may be too few, and a third DCI may be sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The third DCI includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to activate the configured third time-frequency resources.

[0252] When the first terminal device receives the third DCI, the first terminal device may send a reference signal on both the indicated first time-frequency resource and the third time-frequency resource corresponding to the first terminal device; when the second terminal device receives the third DCI, the second terminal device may send a reference signal on both the indicated first time-frequency resource and the third time-frequency resource corresponding to the second terminal device. The third time-frequency resource corresponding to the first terminal device is different from the third time-frequency resource corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0253] Based on the above scheme, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can send reference signals on the common first time-frequency resources, and can also send reference signals on their respective third time-frequency resources. Since the time-frequency resources used by the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send reference signals have a common part, the accuracy of the channel measurement is guaranteed while saving resources.

[0254] S310. Receive reference signals sent by the first terminal device and the second terminal device on the first time-frequency resources and the third time-frequency resources.

[0255] It should be noted that the different time-frequency resources used by different terminal devices when sending reference signals (SRS) are per-UE SRS resources, also known as UE-specific SRS. The same time-frequency resources used by a group of terminal devices (i.e., a terminal device group) or multiple terminal devices when sending reference signals are called Group SRS resources. Therefore, the first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource mentioned above are different Group SRS resources; the third time-frequency resource is a per-UE SRS resource.

[0256] The present application provides a communication method in which a first terminal device and a second terminal device transmit reference signals on the same first time-frequency resources. This reduces the time-frequency resources occupied by the reference signals, resolving the problem of excessive resource occupation by reference signals in current technologies. This allows more time-frequency resources to be used for data transmission, thereby improving data transmission speed and service quality. Furthermore, when second feedback information satisfies a second feedback condition, the time-frequency resources occupied by the first and second terminal devices when transmitting the reference signals are adjusted, thereby ensuring channel measurement accuracy while conserving the time-frequency resources occupied by the reference signals.

[0257] For the time-frequency resources of the terminal device group, fixed time-frequency resources indicated by a fixed period are used. If the channel quality of the terminal devices in the terminal device group is very stable, then the time-frequency resources indicated by the fixed period may be wasted. In order to flexibly indicate reasonable time-frequency resources, avoid resource waste, and improve the accuracy of determining channel quality, the present application also provides a communication method. Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication method may include S401 to S404. The following takes a device (such as a network device or a terminal device) that receives a reference signal as a communication device, and the number of at least two terminal devices that send a reference signal is two, and the two terminal devices are respectively a first terminal device and a second terminal device as an example to explain each step in the communication method.

[0258] S401. The communication device sends third data information to a first terminal device and a second terminal device.

[0259] In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device may send the third data information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device in a multicast or unicast manner. The third data information may be service data information.

[0260] Exemplarily, the third data information may be perception drive test information.

[0261] S402: Receive third feedback information regarding the third data information from the first terminal device and the second terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device sends the third feedback information to the communication apparatus. The second terminal device sends the third feedback information to the communication apparatus.

[0262] The third feedback information may be a third ACK or a third NACK.

[0263] S403: Send instruction information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the third feedback information, where the instruction information is used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on corresponding time-frequency resources;

[0264] S404. Receive reference signals sent by the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0265] The reference signal may be an SRS or a CSI-RS.

[0266] In an embodiment of the present application, the configured time-frequency resources can be activated or deactivated through DCI based on the third feedback information, and the time-frequency resources can be per UE SRS resources. Or, based on the third feedback information, the Group SRS resources can be indicated through RRC, and the periodic value of the time domain resources in the Group SRS resources can be greater than the periodic value of the Group SRS resources that sent the reference signal most recently before the current time. Of course, the periodic value of the time domain resources in the Group SRS resources can also be less than the periodic value of the Group SRS resources that sent the reference signal most recently before the current time. Or, based on the third feedback information, the time-frequency resources used to send the reference signal are indicated through the pattern field in the DCI, thereby indicating how the terminal device uses the time-frequency resources.

[0267] The time-frequency resources used for sending the reference signal are indicated by the pattern field in the DCI, which may indicate all or part of the time-frequency resources for sending the reference signal.

[0268] In one feasible implementation, the pattern field in the DCI can be used to indicate the portion of the time-frequency resources used to send the reference signal. As shown in Figure 5, per-UE SRS resources can be pre-configured for the terminal device through RRC. In addition, there is also DCI to dynamically indicate time-frequency resources. Specifically, multiple patterns can be pre-defined, such as pattern #1, which is a frequency-divided resource usage method for different groups (terminal device groups), and pattern #2 is a frequency-divided resource usage method for UEs within a group (terminal device group). The specific pattern carried in the DCI is used to determine the time-frequency resources (i.e., portion of the time-frequency resources) corresponding to the reference signal for the terminal device.

[0269] In another feasible implementation, the pattern field in the DCI can be used to indicate all time-frequency resources used to send the reference signal. As shown in Figure 6, compared to Figure 5, there are no pre-configured per-UE SRS resources. All time-frequency resources used by the terminal device to send the reference signal can be dynamically indicated through the DCI.

[0270] Based on the above scheme, the time-frequency resources used by the first terminal device and the second terminal device when sending the reference signal can be indicated according to the third feedback information, so as to reasonably allocate wireless resources, avoid resource waste and excessive occupation, and improve the resource utilization and overall performance of the wireless communication system.

[0271] Among them, S403 and S404 can be implemented in the following ways:

[0272] Method 1: When the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, fourth indication information is sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and the fourth indication information indicates a fourth time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period.

[0273] The third feedback condition may be that the number of third ACKs in the third feedback information is less than a fifth number threshold, and / or the ratio of third ACKs in the third feedback information is less than a fifth ratio threshold. Alternatively, the third feedback condition may be that the number of third NACKs in the third feedback information is greater than or equal to a sixth number threshold, and / or the ratio of third NACKs in the third feedback information is greater than or equal to a sixth ratio threshold.

[0274] In this embodiment of the present application, when the third feedback information satisfies the third feedback condition, it indicates that the resources currently used for sending the reference signal may be too few. To further improve the accuracy of the channel measurement, fourth indication information may be sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The fourth indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send the reference signal on a fourth time-frequency resource. After receiving the fourth indication information, the first terminal device and the second terminal device may both send the reference signal only on the fourth time-frequency resource.

[0275] Specifically, when the third feedback information satisfies the third feedback condition, fourth RRC signaling is sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to periodically send a reference signal on a fourth time-frequency resource; the fourth RRC signaling includes fourth indication information. For example, if the first terminal device and the second terminal device previously sent a reference signal on a fifth time-frequency resource, then after the first terminal device and the second terminal device receive the fourth RRC signaling, the first terminal device and the second terminal device may both send the reference signal only on the fourth time-frequency resource.

[0276] The fourth time-frequency resource and the fifth time-domain resource can both be Group SRS resources. The fourth RRC signaling can be understood as being used to update the time-frequency resources, specifically updating the fifth time-frequency resource to the fourth time-frequency resource. The periodicity of the time-domain resources in the fourth time-frequency resource is less than the periodicity of the time-domain resources in the fifth time-frequency resource. In other words, the fourth time-frequency resource is configured at a higher density than the fifth time-frequency resource.

[0277] Exemplarily, the fourth RRC may be the same as the third RRC signaling in the aforementioned embodiment, the fifth time-frequency resource may be the same as the first time-frequency resource in the aforementioned embodiment, and the fourth time-frequency resource may be the same as the second time-frequency resource in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0278] Based on the above scheme, the periodic value of the time domain resources in the fourth time-frequency resource indicated by the fourth indication information is smaller than the periodic value of the time domain resources in the fifth time-frequency resource, thereby increasing the frequency of sending reference signals, thereby increasing the number of reference signals received by the communication device, and improving the accuracy of determining the channel quality based on the reference signal.

[0279] Method 2: When the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, fifth indication information is sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and the fifth indication information is used to instruct the terminal devices in the terminal device group to send reference signals on the corresponding sixth time-frequency resources.

[0280] In an embodiment of the present application, when the third feedback information satisfies the third feedback condition, it indicates that the resources currently used to send the reference signal may be too few. In order to further improve the accuracy of the channel measurement, fifth indication information can be sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The fifth indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on the corresponding sixth time-frequency resource.

[0281] Specifically, when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, the fourth DCI is sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and the sixth time-frequency resource corresponding to the first terminal device and the second terminal device can be activated through the fourth DCI. For example, the first terminal device and the second terminal device previously sent reference signals on the fifth time-frequency resource, then when the first terminal device and the second terminal device receive the fourth DCI, the first terminal device can send a reference signal on the fifth time-frequency resource and the sixth time-frequency resource corresponding to the first terminal device; the second terminal device can send a reference signal on the fifth time-frequency resource and the sixth time-frequency resource corresponding to the second terminal device. Among them, the fifth time domain resource is a Group SRS resource, and the sixth time-frequency resource can be a per UE SRS resource.

[0282] Exemplarily, the fourth DCI may be the same as the third DCI in the aforementioned embodiment, the fifth time-frequency resource may be the same as the first time-frequency resource in the aforementioned embodiment, and the sixth time-frequency resource may be the same as the third time-frequency resource in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0283] Based on the above scheme, when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can send reference signals on both the Group SRS resources and their respective corresponding per UE SRS resources, so as to determine the channel quality based on the reference signal, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the channel quality and saving the resources occupied by the reference signal.

[0284] Method three: when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, sixth indication information is sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and the sixth indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on the seventh time-frequency resource.

[0285] In an embodiment of the present application, when the third feedback information satisfies the third feedback condition, it indicates that the resources currently used to send the reference signal may be too few. In order to further improve the accuracy of the channel measurement, sixth indication information can be sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The sixth indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on the seventh time-frequency resource.

[0286] Specifically, when the third feedback information satisfies the third feedback condition, a fifth DCI may be sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, where the fifth DCI includes sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information may be a pattern field added to the fifth DCI. After the first terminal device receives the fifth DCI, it may determine the corresponding seventh time-frequency resource based on the specific pattern carried in the pattern field, so as to send a reference signal on the seventh time-frequency resource. For example, the pattern index may indicate a Group SRS resource or a per UE SRS resource.

[0287] Exemplarily, the base station may pre-configure multiple patterns for the first terminal device and the second terminal device, respectively, through the fifth RRC signaling; for example, pattern #1 is a method of frequency-dividing resource usage by different groups, that is, using Group SRS resources; pattern #2 is a method of frequency-dividing resource usage by terminal devices within a group that has been divided into groups, that is, using per UE SRS resources. When the third feedback information satisfies the third feedback condition, a fifth DCI may be sent to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and the pattern field in the fifth DCI carries the target pattern. After receiving the fifth DCI, the first terminal device and the second terminal device may determine the seventh time-frequency resource corresponding to the target pattern based on the target pattern, and send a reference signal on the seventh time-frequency resource. For example, the first terminal device and the second terminal device previously sent reference signals on the fifth time-frequency resource. Then, after the first terminal device and the second terminal device receive the fifth DCI, the first terminal device can send reference signals on the fifth time-frequency resource and the time-frequency resource corresponding to the target pattern (i.e., the seventh time-frequency resource), and the second terminal device can send reference signals on the fifth time-frequency resource and the time-frequency resource corresponding to the target pattern (i.e., the seventh time-frequency resource).

[0288] It should be noted that the third feedback information mentioned above may be received within a predefined time window.

[0289] As shown in Figure 7, the base station has pre-configured periodic Group SRS resources and periodic per UE SRS resources for the first terminal device and the second terminal device; wherein the per UE SRS resources corresponding to the first terminal device and the per UE SRS resources corresponding to the second terminal device are different. For example, a reference signal can be periodically sent on the Group SRS resource, but whether the configured per UE SRS resource is used can be activated or deactivated through DCI. Group SRS resources are usually configured more densely than per UE SRS resources. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, there are two Group SRS resources between the two per UE SRS resources. The third feedback information may be received in the time window shown in Figure 7.

[0290] The starting position of the time window may be the starting position of the time domain resources of the first per UE SRS resource configured in Figure 7, and the ending position of the time window may be the Nth time slot or the ending position of the time domain resources of the i-th Group-SRS. Where i refers to the number of Group-SRS resources between the first per UE SRS resource and the second per UE SRS resource.

[0291] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG7 , third feedback information corresponding to the third data information sent can be counted within the predefined time window shown, and when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, a third DCI is sent to indicate activation of the next configured per UE SRS resource.

[0292] In the embodiment of the present application, Group-SRS resources and per UE SRS resources may also be configured together, but in actual applications, whether the Group-SRS resources are used may be activated or deactivated through DCI.

[0293] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the base station can configure periodic Group-SRS resources and per-UE SRS resources for both the first and second terminal devices. Reference signals can be periodically sent using the per-UE SRS resources. However, whether the configured Group-SRS resources are used can be activated or deactivated via DCI. As shown in Figure 8, the Group-SRS resources are more densely configured, so there will be multiple Group-SRS resources within the periodic per-UE SRS resources.

[0294] The present application provides a communication method that sends third data information to a first terminal device and a second terminal device; receives third feedback information from the first terminal device and the second terminal device regarding the third data information; based on the third feedback information, sends indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the indication information being used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on corresponding time-frequency resources; and receives the reference signals sent by the first terminal device and the second terminal device. In this way, based on the third feedback information, the first terminal device and the second terminal device can be instructed on the time-frequency resources used to send the reference signal, thereby improving flexibility in sending the reference signal and further improving flexibility and accuracy in determining channel quality.

[0295] With respect to the above embodiments, it can be understood that:

[0296] (1) “Predefined” in this application generally refers to information that is defined by a standard and does not require other device configurations, and is recorded / written in advance in the hardware and / or software of the device itself, or can be understood as information that cannot be changed by other devices.

[0297] For network devices: "configuration" in this application refers to the parameters or features configured by the operator for the network device. For terminal devices: "configuration" in this application refers to the network device or server sending certain parameter configuration information or parameter values ​​to the terminal device via messages or signaling, or other terminal devices sending certain parameter configuration information or parameter values ​​to the terminal device via messages or signaling, so that the terminal device can determine communication parameters or transmission resources based on these values ​​or information.

[0298] "Pre-configuration" in this application is similar to "configuration." It can be a method by which another device sends parameter information or values ​​to a network device or terminal device. It can also be a method by which the corresponding parameters or parameter values ​​are defined, or by pre-writing the relevant parameters or values ​​to the network device or terminal device. This application does not limit this. Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0299] (2) In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. For example, Example 2 can be combined with Example 1 to form a new embodiment, and Example 3 can be combined with Example 1 to form a new embodiment. In addition, different implementations or different examples in the same embodiment can also be referenced or referred to each other.

[0300] The above describes the method embodiments provided by this application, and the following describes the device embodiments provided by this application. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, reference can be made to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0301] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG9 , the communication device 5 may include at least one of a sending unit 51 and a receiving unit 52. The sending unit 51 and the receiving unit 52 may implement corresponding communication functions, and the communication may be internal communication of the communication device 5 or communication between the communication device 5 and other devices. Optionally, the communication device 5 may also include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The sending unit 51 and the receiving unit 52 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit, so that the communication device 5 implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0302] In one possible design, the communication device 5 may be the communication device in Figures 2 and 3 ; wherein the communication device may be a network device, or a module or chip applied to the network device; or the communication device may be a terminal device, or a module or chip applied to a terminal device that does not belong to the terminal device group. The communication device 5 may be used to execute the steps or processes of the communication device in the communication method in Figures 2 and 3 .

[0303] Specifically, the sending unit 51 is used to send a first indication information to at least two terminal devices, wherein the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource for the terminal device group to send a reference signal, the reference signal is used to determine the channel quality, and at least two terminal devices belong to the terminal device group; the receiving unit 52 is used to receive the reference signal from at least two terminal devices on the first time-frequency resource.

[0304] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send a first radio resource control RRC signaling to at least two terminal devices, where the first RRC signaling includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period.

[0305] Optionally, the first indication information indicates the starting position and period value of the time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0306] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send first downlink control information DCI to at least two terminal devices, where the first DCI includes first indication information.

[0307] Optionally, the first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0308] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send a second DCI to at least two terminal devices, where the second DCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resources.

[0309] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is further used to send a second RRC signaling to at least two terminal devices, where the second RRC signaling is used to configure the first time-frequency resource.

[0310] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send first data information to at least two terminal devices; when the first feedback information received from the at least two terminal devices for the first data information meets the first feedback condition, send first indication information to the at least two terminal devices.

[0311] Optionally, the quantity of first confirmation information ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold, and / or the proportion of first ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first proportion threshold.

[0312] In one possible design, the communication device 5 may be any one of the at least two terminal devices in Figures 2 and 3, such as the first terminal device, or may be a module or chip applied to the first terminal device. The communication device 5 may be used to execute the steps or processes executed by the first terminal device in the above-mentioned communication method.

[0313] Specifically, the receiving unit 52 is used to receive a first indication information from a network device, the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource used for a terminal device group to send a reference signal, the reference signal is used to determine the channel quality, and the first terminal device belongs to the terminal device group; the sending unit 51 is used to send a reference signal on the first time-frequency resource.

[0314] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically used to receive a first radio resource control RRC signaling from a network device, where the first RRC signaling includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period.

[0315] Optionally, the first indication information indicates the starting position and period value of the time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0316] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically configured to receive first downlink control information DCI from a network device, where the first DCI includes first indication information.

[0317] Optionally, the first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

[0318] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically configured to receive a second DCI from the network device, where the second DCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resource.

[0319] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically configured to receive a second RRC instruction from the network device, where the second RRC instruction is used to configure the first time-frequency resource.

[0320] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically used to receive first data information from the network device; the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send first feedback information for the first data information to the network device; the receiving unit 52 is specifically used to receive first indication information from the network device, and the first indication information is sent when the first feedback information meets the first feedback condition.

[0321] Optionally, the first feedback condition is: the number of first confirmation information ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first number threshold, and / or the proportion of first ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first proportion threshold.

[0322] In one possible design, the communication device 5 may be the communication device in FIG. 4 ; the communication device may be a network device, or a module or chip applied to the network device; or the communication device may be a terminal device, or a module or chip applied to a terminal device that does not belong to a terminal device group. The communication device 5 may be used to execute the steps or processes of the communication device in the communication method in FIG. 4 .

[0323] Specifically, the sending unit 51 is used to send third data information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device; the receiving unit 52 is used to receive third feedback information from the first terminal device and the second terminal device regarding the third data information; the sending unit 51 is used to send indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the third feedback information; the indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on the corresponding time-frequency resources; the receiving unit 52 is used to receive the reference signal sent by the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0324] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send fourth indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, and the fourth indication information indicates a fourth time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period.

[0325] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically configured to send fourth RRC signaling to the first terminal device and the second terminal device when the third feedback information satisfies a third feedback condition, where the fourth RRC signaling includes fourth indication information.

[0326] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send fifth indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, and the fifth indication information is used to instruct the terminal devices in the terminal device group to send reference signals on the corresponding sixth time-frequency resources.

[0327] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send a fourth DCI to the first terminal device and the second terminal device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, and the fourth DCI includes fifth indication information; the fifth indication information is used to activate the sixth time-frequency resource configured on the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0328] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send sixth indication information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition, and the sixth indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on the seventh time-frequency resource.

[0329] Optionally, the sending unit 51 is specifically used to send the fifth DCI to the first terminal device and the second terminal device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition; the fifth DCI includes sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is a pattern field added in the fifth DCI.

[0330] In one possible design, the communication device 5 may be any one of the at least two terminal devices in FIG4 , such as the first terminal device, or may be a module or chip applied to the first terminal device. The communication device 5 may be configured to execute the steps or processes executed by the first terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG4 .

[0331] Specifically, the receiving unit 52 is used to receive third data information from the network device (or terminal device, which does not belong to the terminal device group); and send third feedback information for the third data information to the network device; the receiving unit 52 is also used to receive indication information from the network device, and the indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on the corresponding time-frequency resources; the sending unit 51 is used to send a reference signal on the corresponding time-frequency resources.

[0332] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically used to receive fourth indication information from the network device, where the fourth indication information indicates a fourth time-frequency resource used for the terminal device group to send a reference signal in each period; the fourth indication information is sent by the network device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition.

[0333] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically configured to receive a fourth RRC signaling from the network device, where the fourth RRC signaling includes fourth indication information.

[0334] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically used to receive fifth indication information from the network device, where the fifth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device in the terminal device group to send a reference signal on the corresponding sixth time-frequency resource; the fifth indication information is sent by the network device when the third feedback information meets the third feedback condition.

[0335] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically configured to receive a fourth DCI from the network device, where the fourth DCI includes fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to activate a configured sixth time-frequency resource.

[0336] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically used to receive sixth indication information from the network device, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send a reference signal on a seventh time-frequency resource; the sixth indication information is sent by the network device when the third feedback information meets a third feedback condition.

[0337] Optionally, the receiving unit 52 is specifically configured to receive a fifth DCI from the network device, where the fifth DCI includes sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is a pattern field added in the fifth DCI.

[0338] Regarding the steps or processes executed by each unit in the communication device 5, please refer to the description in the corresponding method for details, which will not be described in detail here. It should be understood that the "unit" in the communication device 5 can be implemented by hardware, or by software, or the corresponding software implementation can be executed by hardware. For example, a "unit" can refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. For another example, the sending unit 51 and the receiving unit 52 can be replaced by a transceiver transceiver circuit (for example, a receiving circuit and a sending circuit).

[0339] Figure 10 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device 6 provided in an embodiment of the present application. This device 6 can be a network device or terminal device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device or terminal device to implement the above method. This device can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0340] The device 6 may include one or more processors 61, which may also be referred to as processing units, and may implement certain control functions. The processor 61 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit may be used to control a communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a user chip, a DU, or a CU), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0341] In an optional design, the processor 61 may also store instructions and / or data, and the instructions and / or data can be executed by the processor 61, so that the device 6 executes the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0342] In another optional design, the device 6 may include a communication interface 62 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 62 may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, an interface circuit, or a transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or the transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[0343] Optionally, the device 6 may include one or more memories 63, which may store instructions. The instructions may be executed on the processor 61, causing the device 6 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 63 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 61 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 61 and memory 63 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0344] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned communication device 5 or 6 can be configured in the terminal device 7. Alternatively, the communication device 5 or 6 itself can be the terminal device. Alternatively, the terminal device 7 can perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment. Optionally, for ease of illustration, Figure 11 only illustrates the main components of the terminal device.

[0345] In a feasible implementation, the terminal device is used to receive first indication information from a network device, the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource for a terminal device group to send a reference signal, the reference signal is used to determine channel quality, and the first terminal device belongs to the terminal device group; and the reference signal is sent on the first time-frequency resource.

[0346] In another feasible implementation, the terminal device 7 is used to receive third data information from the network device; send third feedback information for the third data information to the network device; receive indication information from the network device, the indication information being used to instruct the first terminal device and the second terminal device to send a reference signal on the corresponding time-frequency resources; the indication information is sent based on the third feedback information; and send a reference signal on the corresponding time-frequency resources.

[0347] As shown in FIG11 , the terminal device 7 includes a processor, a memory, a control circuit, an antenna, and input and output devices.

[0348] The processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, as well as control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process software program data, for example, to support the terminal device in performing the actions described in the above method embodiments. The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The control circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The control circuit and antenna together are also called a transceiver, which is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as touch screens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user.

[0349] When the terminal device is powered on, the processor reads the software program stored in the storage unit, interprets and executes the program's instructions, and processes the program's data. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit then performs RF processing on the baseband signal and transmits it via the antenna as electromagnetic waves. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal via the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor, which converts the baseband signal into data and processes it.

[0350] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, for ease of explanation, FIG11 shows only one memory and processor. In an actual terminal device, multiple processors and memories may exist. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or storage device, etc., which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0351] For example, a processor may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily responsible for processing communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily responsible for controlling the entire terminal device, executing software programs, and processing data from software programs. The processor in Figure 11 integrates the functions of both the baseband processor and the CPU. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the baseband processor and the CPU may also be independent processors interconnected via a bus or other technology. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to accommodate different network standards, multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities, and that the various components of the terminal device may be connected via various buses. The baseband processor may also be referred to as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU may also be referred to as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The functionality for processing communication protocols and communication data may be built into the processor or stored as a software program in a storage unit, with the processor executing the software program to implement the baseband processing functionality.

[0352] For example, in the embodiment of the present application, the antenna and control circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver unit 71 of the terminal device 7, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing unit 72 of the terminal device 7. As shown in Figure 11, the terminal device 7 includes a transceiver unit 71 and a processing unit 72. The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver, a transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device used to implement the receiving function in the transceiver unit 71 can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device used to implement the transmitting function in the transceiver unit 71 can be regarded as a transmitting unit, that is, the transceiver unit 71 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. For example, the receiving unit can also be referred to as a receiver, a receiver, a receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0353] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device 8 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned communication device 5 or communication device 6 may be configured in the network device 8. Alternatively, the communication device 5 or communication device 6 itself may be the network device 8. Alternatively, the network device 8 may perform the actions performed by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0354] In a feasible implementation, the network device 8 is used to: send a first indication information to at least two terminal devices, wherein the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource for the terminal device group to send a reference signal, the reference signal is used to determine channel quality, and at least two terminal devices belong to the terminal device group; receive reference signals from at least two terminal devices on the first time-frequency resource.

[0355] In another feasible implementation, the network device 8 is used to: send third data information to at least two terminal devices; receive third feedback information from the network device regarding the third data information; based on the third feedback information, send indication information to at least two terminal devices, where the indication information is used to instruct at least two terminal devices to send reference signals on corresponding time-frequency resources; receive reference signals sent by at least two terminal devices; and at least two terminal devices belong to a terminal device group.

[0356] As shown in Figure 12, the network device 8 may include one or more DUs 81 and one or more CUs 82. CU 82 can communicate with the NG core (Next Generation Core Network, NC). DU 81 may include at least one antenna 8101, at least one radio frequency unit 8102, at least one processor 8103, and at least one memory 8104. DU 81 is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals, and performing some baseband processing. CU 82 may include at least one processor 8202 and at least one memory 8203. CU 82 and DU 81 may communicate via interfaces, where the control plane (CP) interface may be an Fs-C, such as F1-C, and the user plane (UP) interface may be an Fs-U, such as F1-U.

[0357] The CU 82 is primarily responsible for baseband processing and controlling network device 8. The DU 81 and CU 82 can be physically located together or separately, i.e., as a distributed base station. The CU 82 is the control center of network device 8, also known as a processing unit, and is primarily responsible for performing baseband processing functions. For example, the CU 82 can be used to control network device 8 to execute the operational procedures for indicating time-frequency resources for transmitting reference signals in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0358] Specifically, baseband processing on the CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layers of the wireless network. For example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above are located in the CU, while the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP, such as the RLC layer and the MAC layer, are located in the DU. For another example, the CU implements the functions of the RRC layer and the PDCP layer, while the DU implements the functions of the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer.

[0359] In addition, the network device 8 may optionally include one or more radio frequency units (RUs), one or more DUs, and one or more CUs. The DU may include at least one processor 8103 and at least one memory 8104, the RU may include at least one antenna 8101 and at least one radio frequency unit 8102, and the CU may include at least one processor 8202 and at least one memory 8203.

[0360] In one example, CU 82 can be composed of one or more single boards, and multiple single boards can jointly support a wireless access network with a single access indication (such as a 5G network), or can separately support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as an LTE network, a 5G network, or other networks). The memory 8203 and the processor 8202 can serve one or more single boards. That is, a memory and a processor can be set separately on each single board. It is also possible that multiple single boards share the same memory and processor. In addition, necessary circuits can be set on each single board. DU 81 can be composed of one or more single boards, and multiple single boards can jointly support a wireless access network with a single access indication (such as a 5G network), or can separately support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as an LTE network, a 5G network, or other networks). The memory 8104 and the processor 8103 can serve one or more single boards. That is, a memory and a processor can be set separately on each single board. It is also possible that multiple single boards share the same memory and processor. In addition, necessary circuits can be set on each single board.

[0361] It should be understood that the network device 8 shown in FIG12 is capable of implementing each of the processes described in the aforementioned method embodiments involving actions performed by the communication device on behalf of the network device. The operations and / or functions of the various modules within network device 8 are intended to implement the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the aforementioned method embodiments; to avoid repetition, a detailed description will be omitted here.

[0362] It should be understood that the network device 8 shown in FIG12 is only one possible architecture of a network device and does not constitute any limitation to this application. The method provided in this application is applicable to network devices of other architectures. For example, network devices including CU, DU, and AAU, etc. This application does not limit the specific architecture of the network device.

[0363] It should be understood that, in one possible design, each step in the method embodiment provided in the present application can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0364] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0365] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0366] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the various steps or processes executed by the network device or terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0367] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores program code. When the program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the various steps or processes executed by the network device or terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0368] The present application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface, wherein the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the various steps or processes executed by the network device or terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0369] The present application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one of a network device and a terminal device.

[0370] The above-mentioned device embodiments and method embodiments are completely corresponding, and the corresponding steps are performed by the corresponding modules or units. For example, the communication unit or communication interface performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiment. Other steps except sending and receiving can be performed by the processing unit or processor.

[0371] In the embodiments of this application, each term and English abbreviation is provided for convenience of description and shall not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0372] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," and the like are used to represent computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and a computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and a component can be located on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0373] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0374] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can be based on the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0375] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0376] Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0377] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0378] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When software is used for implementation, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (program) are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function according to the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center by wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The available media may be magnetic media (eg, floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (eg, DVD), or semiconductor media (eg, solid state disk (SSD)).

[0379] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk, and other media that can store program code.

[0380] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Sending first indication information to at least two terminal devices, where the first indication information indicates first time-frequency resources for the terminal device group to send reference signals, the reference signals being used to determine channel quality, and the at least two terminal devices belong to the terminal device group; Receiving the reference signals from the at least two terminal devices on the first time-frequency resources.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending the first indication information to at least two terminal devices includes: Sending first Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling to the at least two terminal devices, where the first RRC signaling includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates the first time-frequency resources for the terminal device group to send the reference signals in each period.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The first indication information indicates the starting position and period value of the time-domain resources in the first time-frequency resources.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending the first indication information to at least two terminal devices includes: Sending first Downlink Control Information (DCI) to the at least two terminal devices, where the first DCI includes the first indication information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first indication information indicates the time offset value of the time-domain resources in the first time-frequency resources.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sending the first indication information to at least two terminal devices includes: Sending second DCI to the at least two terminal devices, where the second DCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resources.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein Before sending the second DCI to the at least two terminal devices, the method further includes: Sending second RRC signaling to the at least two terminal devices, where the second RRC signaling is used to configure the first time-frequency resources.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The sending the first indication information to at least two terminal devices includes: Sending first data information to the at least two terminal devices; When the first feedback information received from the at least two terminal devices for the first data information meets a first feedback condition, sending the first indication information to the at least two terminal devices.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first feedback condition is that the number of first determination information ACKs in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold, and / or the ratio of the first ACKs in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first ratio threshold.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first terminal device, the method includes: Receiving first indication information from a network device, where the first indication information indicates first time-frequency resources for the terminal device group to send reference signals, the reference signals being used to determine channel quality, and the first terminal device belongs to the terminal device group; Sending the reference signals on the first time-frequency resources.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The receiving the first indication information from a network device includes: Receiving first Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling from the network device, where the first RRC signaling includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates the first time-frequency resources for the terminal device group to send the reference signals in each period.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first indication information indicates the starting position and period value of the time-domain resources in the first time-frequency resources.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The receiving the first indication information from a network device includes: Receive first downlink control information DCI from the network device, where the first DCI includes the first indication information.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein The receiving the first indication information from the network device includes: Receive second DCI from the network device, where the second DCI includes the first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resource.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Before receiving the second DCI from the network device, the method includes: Receive a second RRC instruction from the network device, where the second RRC instruction is used to configure the first time-frequency resource.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, characterized in that The receiving the first indication information from the network device includes: Receive first data information from the network device; Send first feedback information for the first data information to the network device; Receive the first indication information from the network device, where the first indication information is sent when the first feedback information meets a first feedback condition.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The first feedback condition is that the number of first determination information ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold, and / or the ratio of the first ACK in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first ratio threshold.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: A sending unit, configured to send first indication information to at least two terminal devices, where the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource for the terminal device group to send a reference signal, and the reference signal is used to determine channel quality, and the at least two terminal devices belong to the terminal device group; A receiving unit, configured to receive the reference signal from the at least two terminal devices on the first time-frequency resource.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein The sending unit is specifically configured to: Send first radio resource control RRC signaling to the at least two terminal devices, where the first RRC signaling includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource for the terminal device group to send the reference signal in each period.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein The first indication information indicates a start position and a period value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

22. The device according to claim 19, wherein, The sending unit is specifically configured to: Send first downlink control information DCI to the at least two terminal devices, where the first DCI includes the first indication information.

23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

24. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that, The sending unit is specifically configured to: Send second DCI to the at least two terminal devices, where the second DCI includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resource.

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein The sending unit is further configured to send second RRC signaling to the at least two terminal devices, where the second RRC signaling is used to configure the first time-frequency resource.

26. The device according to any one of claims 19-25, characterized in that, The sending unit is specifically configured to: Send first data information to the at least two terminal devices; When the first feedback information received from the at least two terminal devices for the first data information satisfies the first feedback condition, send the first indication information to the at least two terminal devices.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein, The first feedback condition is that the number of first determination information ACKs in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold, and / or the ratio of the first ACKs in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first ratio threshold.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive a first indication information from a network device, where the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource for a terminal device group to send a reference signal, the reference signal being used to determine a channel quality, and the first terminal device belongs to the terminal device group; a sending unit, configured to send the reference signal on the first time-frequency resource.

29. The device according to claim 28, characterized in that, The receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive a first radio resource control (RRC) signaling from the network device, where the first RRC signaling includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a first time-frequency resource for the terminal device group to send the reference signal in each period.

30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates a start position of a time domain resource and a period value in the first time-frequency resource.

31. The device according to claim 28, wherein, The receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive a first downlink control information (DCI) from the network device, where the first DCI includes the first indication information.

32. The device according to claim 31, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates a time offset value of a time domain resource in the first time-frequency resource.

33. The device according to claim 28, characterized in that, The receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive a second DCI from the network device, where the second DCI includes the first indication information, and the first indication information is used to activate the configured first time-frequency resource.

34. The device according to claim 33, wherein, The receiving unit is further configured to: receive a second RRC instruction from the network device, where the second RRC instruction is used to configure the first time-frequency resource.

35. The device according to any one of claims 28 - 34, characterized in that, The receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive first data information from the network device; send a first feedback information for the first data information to the network device; receive the first indication information from the network device, where the first indication information is sent when the first feedback information satisfies the first feedback condition.

36. The device according to claim 35, characterized in that, The first feedback condition is that the number of first determination information ACKs in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold, and / or the ratio of the first ACKs in the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a first ratio threshold.

37. A communication device, characterized in that, including: a processor, where the processor is coupled to a memory, and the memory is used to store a program or instruction. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the communication apparatus is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-9 or 10-18.

38. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instruction is executed, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-9 or 10-18.

39. A computer program product, characterized in that, including computer program instructions, where the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-9 or 10-18.

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