Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: a network device sends a first signal and, on the basis of a first time-frequency resource set, sends a PDCCH; and correspondingly, a terminal device monitors for the first signal, and, upon detecting the first signal, detects the PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set. A time-frequency resource occupied by the first signal is associated with the first time-frequency resource set. By means of the embodiments of the present application, the complexity of PDCCH detection can be reduced.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on March 29, 2024, with application number 202410390661.3, and priority to the Chinese patent application with the invention name “Communication Method and Communication Device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] In a wireless communication system, the terminal device needs to perform blind detection of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to obtain downlink control information (DCI). The location where DCI transmission may exist is called a PDCCH candidate, and the process of the terminal device decoding the PDCCH candidate is called PDCCH blind detection. The terminal device uses different parameter configurations (including control channel element (CCE) index, aggregation level, scrambling information, etc.) to perform a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) check in the range that may carry PDCCH. If the CRC check is successful, the terminal device can obtain the corresponding DCI content. If unsuccessful, the terminal device continues to blindly detect PDCCH until the PDCCH is successfully detected or the maximum number of blind detections ends.

[0004] However, in the above method, the terminal device performs blind detection on each PDCCH candidate, and each blind detection will go through processes such as descrambling, rate matching, decoding, and CRC checking, resulting in high blind detection complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication device, which can reduce the complexity of PDCCH blind detection.

[0006] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal device or a communication module in the terminal device, or a circuit or chip responsible for the communication function in the terminal device (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or system in package (SIP chip) containing a modem core). Taking the application of this method to a terminal device as an example, in this method, the terminal device detects a first signal, and when the first signal is detected, detects PDCCH on a first time-frequency resource set associated with the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present application, the time-frequency resources of the first signal are associated with the first time-frequency resource set, and the first signal is used to indicate that there is a PDCCH transmission on the first time-frequency resource set. When the terminal device detects the first signal, it detects the PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set. When the terminal device does not detect the first signal, it does not detect the PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set. Through the association relationship between the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal and the first time-frequency resource set, on-demand blind detection of the PDCCH can be achieved, avoiding PDCCH blind detection on the time-frequency resource set without PDCCH transmission, thereby effectively reducing the blind detection complexity of the PDCCH and improving the blind detection efficiency.

[0008] Exemplarily, the first time-frequency resource set may be one or more time-frequency resource sets. Preferably, the first time-frequency resource set is one time-frequency resource set.

[0009] It is understandable that the above-mentioned “detection” can be replaced by “reception”. For example, the above-mentioned “the terminal device detects the first signal” can also be replaced by “the terminal device receives the first signal”.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the above method also includes: receiving configuration information, where the configuration information is used to configure the type of the first signal, and the type of the first signal corresponds to the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, the time domain resource ranges of the first time-frequency resource sets associated with different types of first signals are different. For example, when the type of the first signal is the first type, the first time-frequency resource set is a control resource set, that is, the first signal of the first type is associated with the control resource set. For another example, when the type of the first signal is the second type, the first time-frequency resource set is a search space, that is, the first signal of the second type is associated with the search space. Alternatively, the configuration information is used to configure (or indicate) the type of the first time-frequency resource set associated with the first signal. Through this configuration information, the terminal device can determine the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set and detect PDCCH within the time-frequency resource range.

[0012] On the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to the network side, such as a network device or a component in the network device (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.). Taking the application of this method to a network device as an example, in this method, the network device sends a first signal and sends a PDCCH based on a first time-frequency resource set. The time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal are associated with the first time-frequency resource set.

[0013] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending configuration information, where the configuration information is used to configure the type of the first signal, and the type of the first signal corresponds to the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the time domain resources occupied by the first signal are the same as the time domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource set, or the time domain resources occupied by the first signal are the same as part of the time domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource set.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, the time domain resources occupied by the first signal are the time domain resources included in the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal, and the time domain resources occupied by the first signal can be referred to as first time domain resources. The time domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource set can be referred to as second time domain resources. The first time domain resources can be the same as the second time domain resources, that is, the time domain symbols contained in the first time domain resources are the same as the time domain symbols contained in the second time domain resources, or in other words, the starting position of the first time domain resources is the same as the starting position of the second time domain resources, and the ending position of the first time domain resources is the same as the ending position of the second time domain resources. The first time domain resources are partially identical to the second time domain resources, which can be understood as the first time domain resources being included in the second time domain resources, that is, the time domain symbols contained in the first time domain resources are included in the second time domain resources. The time domain resources occupied by the first signal are the same or partially identical to the time domain resources in the first time-frequency resource set, so that the first signal and the PDCCH can use the same beam.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, a starting position of the first time domain resource is the same as a starting position of the second time domain resource.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present application, the starting position of the first time domain resource is the same as the starting position of the second time domain resource, so that the terminal device can detect the PDCCH in a timely manner after detecting the first signal.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the number of frequency domain units between the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal and the frequency domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource set is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present application, the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal are the frequency domain resources included in the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal, and the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal can be referred to as first frequency domain resources. The frequency domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource set can be referred to as second frequency domain resources. The number of frequency domain units spaced between the starting frequency domain unit of the first frequency domain resource and the ending frequency domain unit of the second frequency domain resource is less than or equal to the first threshold, or the number of frequency domain units spaced between the ending frequency domain unit of the first frequency domain resource and the starting frequency domain unit of the second frequency domain resource is less than or equal to the first threshold. It can be understood that the number of frequency domain units spaced between the first frequency domain resource and the second frequency domain resource is less than or equal to the first threshold, which can avoid the first signal and the PDCCH from being dispersed in the frequency domain, so that the terminal device can better detect the PDCCH after detecting the first signal, and at the same time facilitate the allocation of other resources such as scheduling.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the number of frequency domain units included in the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal is related to the length of the first signal.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present application, the length of the first signal is the number of bits occupied by the first signal, or the first signal may be a predefined sequence, and the length of the first signal is the length of the sequence. Exemplarily, the number of frequency domain units included in the first frequency domain resource is positively correlated with the length of the first signal. The number of frequency domain units occupied by the first frequency domain resource is determined by the length of the first signal, and the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal can be reasonably allocated to avoid waste of resources.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the number of frequency domain units included in the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal is related to the length of the first signal and the number of time domain units included in the time domain resources occupied by the first signal.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present application, the number of frequency domain units contained in the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal (i.e., the first frequency domain resources) is negatively correlated with the number of time domain units contained in the time domain resources occupied by the first signal (i.e., the first time domain resources). That is, the more time domain units the first time domain resources contain, the fewer frequency domain units the first frequency domain resources contain. The number of frequency domain units occupied by the first frequency domain resource is determined by the length of the first signal and the number of time domain units contained in the first time domain resource. The frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal can be reasonably allocated to avoid waste of resources.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the number of frequency domain units included in the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal satisfies the following formula: N RB =N / (12*N OS )

[0025] Among them, N RB represents the number of frequency domain units included in the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal, N represents the length of the first signal, N OS Indicates the number of time domain units included in the time domain resources occupied by the first signal.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first time-frequency resource set includes any one of the following items: a control resource set, a search space, a listening opportunity, and a PDCCH candidate.

[0027] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the above-mentioned first aspect. For example, the communication device includes a module or unit or means corresponding to the operation involved in the above-mentioned first aspect. The module or unit or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the above-mentioned second aspect. For example, the communication device includes a module or unit or means corresponding to the operation involved in the above-mentioned second aspect. The module or unit or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0029] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions of the first aspect. The one or more processors can execute the computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0030] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0031] In one possible design, the communication device may further include the memory.

[0032] The communication device may be a terminal device, or a communication module in the terminal device, or a chip in the terminal device responsible for communication functions such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0033] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions of the second aspect. The one or more processors can execute the computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0034] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising: one or more processors for executing a computer program or instruction to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect above. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory for storing the computer program or instruction, and accordingly, the one or more processors are used to execute the computer program or instruction in the memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, which is coupled to the processor and can be used to input the computer program or instruction into the processor, or output information in the processor.

[0035] In one implementation, the apparatus is a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device).

[0036] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system, a circuit, or a communication module for a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device).

[0037] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a processor for executing the method provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0038] For the operations such as sending and acquiring / receiving involved in the processor, unless otherwise specified, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be understood as processor output, reception, input and other operations, and can also be understood as sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna. This application does not limit this.

[0039] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device, the terminal device is used to execute the method shown in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the network device is used to execute the method shown in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0040] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-readable instructions. When a computer reads and executes the computer-readable instructions, the computer executes the method in any possible implementation of the first to second aspects above.

[0041] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product. When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer executes the method in any possible implementation of the first to second aspects above.

[0042] In the twelfth aspect, the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions on the memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided by any of the above-mentioned implementation methods of any of the above-mentioned first or second aspects.

[0043] Optionally, the chip is a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or a system in package (SIP) chip including a modem core.

[0044] Optionally, as an implementation method, the chip also includes a memory, in which a computer program or instruction is stored, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instruction on the memory. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided in any one of the above implementation methods of any aspect of the first or second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The following is an introduction to the drawings related to the embodiments of this application.

[0046] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG1B is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG1C is a schematic structural diagram of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG1D is a schematic structural diagram of an O-RAN device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG2 is an example of a PDCCH configuration provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG4A is an example of time-frequency resources occupied by a first signal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG4B is another example of time-frequency resources occupied by a first signal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are only used to distinguish different objects, and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects. In the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" refers to two or more. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally also includes steps or units that are not listed, or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. In addition, the character " / ", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0059] References to "embodiments" herein mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it refer to independent or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It will be understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0060] It should be understood that in the present application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" 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, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0061] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, such as long term evolution (LTE) system, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, such as new radio (NR) system, and future evolved communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system.

[0062] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in the context of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0063] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplarily" and "such as" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete way. In the embodiments of the present application, "of", "corresponding, relevant" and "corresponding" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent.

[0064] The communication system and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0065] Before introducing the present application, some of the terms used in the embodiments of the present application are briefly explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0066] 1. Physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)

[0067] PDCCH can be used to transmit downlink control information (DCI), which is used to indicate: (1) downlink scheduling information, which is used by terminal devices to receive the physical downlink sharing channel (PDSCH); (2) uplink scheduling information (or uplink grants), which is used by terminal devices to send the physical uplink sharing channel (PUSCH); (3) other physical layer control information, such as slot format indicator (SFI), pre-emption indicator (PI), power control commands and other control signaling, to assist terminal devices in receiving and sending data.

[0068] A network device can schedule multiple terminal devices simultaneously in both uplink and downlink. This means that a network device can send multiple scheduling messages in each time slot. Each scheduling message is transmitted on a separate PDCCH. This means that a network device can send multiple PDCCHs simultaneously in a time slot.

[0069] 2. Control resource set (CORESET)

[0070] CORESET is used to configure parameters related to the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The terminal device determines the parameters related to the PDCCH based on the parameters configured in the CORESET. The PDCCH-related parameters can also be configured by the search space (SS). CORESET can include frequency domain resource information (such as occupied RBs) and time domain resource information (number of occupied symbols) of the PDCCH. The network device can configure one or more CORESETs for the terminal device, and the one or more CORESETs can be used for different purposes. A CORESET can be associated with one or more search spaces. The search space includes the time domain parameters of the PDCCH, such as occupied time domain symbols and time domain periods. In combination with the CORESET and its associated search space, the time-frequency resource position of the PDCCH can be determined, and the terminal device can perform blind detection of the PDCCH at the time-frequency resource position of the PDCCH.

[0071] 3. Search Space

[0072] The search space includes parameters related to the blind detection of PDCCH, such as the blind detection period (i.e., how many time slots the search space appears once), the monitoring occasion (MO) within a time slot (indicating which symbols the PDCCH is located on within a time slot), the aggregation level of the PDCCH (indicating how many frequency domain resources are used to carry the PDCCH), and the number of potential PDCCHs (or PDCCH candidates) for each aggregation level. A search space can include one or more monitoring opportunities, which are specifically indicated by the monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter. The monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter is a 14-bit bitmap, and each bit corresponds to an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol. A bit value of 1 indicates that the OFDM symbol corresponding to the bit is the first OFDM symbol of a monitoring opportunity, that is, X consecutive OFDM symbols starting from this OFDM symbol correspond to one monitoring opportunity. X is indicated by the duration parameter in the CORESET, which indicates the number of time-domain symbols occupied by the PDCCH. For example, if the value of the monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter is 10000100000000, and the value of duration in the associated CORESET is 3, then the search space has two listening opportunities, the first one is located in the 1st to 3rd OFDM symbols, and the second one is located in the 6th to 8th OFDM symbols. PDCCH candidates are potential PDCCHs that the terminal device needs to attempt to detect. PDCCH candidates are configured based on the aggregation level. For example, the network device can configure 2 PDCCH candidates with an aggregation level of 4 and 4 PDCCH candidates with an aggregation level of 8 for the terminal device. The terminal device then performs blind detection on the 2 PDCCH candidates with an aggregation level of 4 and the 4 PDCCH candidates with an aggregation level of 8. The network device configures PDCCH candidates to control the number of blind detections for each aggregation level, thereby controlling the complexity of PDCCH blind detection. The time-frequency position of the PDCCH candidate of each specific aggregation level is calculated according to a specific formula. The terminal device can determine the time-frequency position of the PDCCH candidate of each specific aggregation level, and thus perform PDCCH reception at the time-frequency position.

[0073] It should be understood that the terms control resource set, search space, listening opportunity, PDCCH candidate, etc. in this application are for the convenience of description and are not limited to the literal meaning. For example, the control resource set can refer to the configuration parameters of the PDCCH frequency domain information, and can be replaced by any other term that characterizes the PDCCH frequency domain information. For example, the search space can refer to the configuration parameters of the PDCCH time domain information or the PDCCH blind detection information, and can be replaced by any other term that characterizes the PDCCH time domain information or the PDCCH blind detection information. For example, the listening opportunity can refer to the configuration parameters of the time domain position of the PDCCH in a time slot, and can be replaced by any other term that characterizes the time domain position of the PDCCH in a time slot (such as "monitoring opportunity", "listening opportunity", "monitoring opportunity", etc.). For example, the alternative PDCCH can refer to the configuration parameters of the time-frequency resource position where the PDCCH may exist, and can be replaced by any other term that characterizes the time-frequency resource position where the PDCCH may exist (such as "PDCCH alternative", "PDCCH candidate position").

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B , the communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device.

[0075] The introductions to network devices and terminal devices are as follows:

[0076] Exemplarily, the network device may be a device or module located on the network side of the aforementioned communication system and having corresponding communication functions. The network device typically includes a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The network device may also include program instructions configured to perform the corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions.

[0077] For example, the network device in the embodiments of the present application may be a radio access network (RAN) device or network element deployed in a RAN. For example, the network device may be a RAN device or a device capable of supporting the RAN device to implement the function, such as a chip system or a combination device or component that can implement the function of an access network device, and the device may be installed in the RAN device. For example, a network device may be an access point (AP) in a Wi-Fi system, such as a home gateway, router, server, switch, or bridge; a base station, base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station, baseband unit (BBU), wireless relay node, or wireless backhaul node. It may also be an evolved node B (eNB) in a 4G system, a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB) during the transition from 4G to 5G systems, a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G system, or a RAN node that implements (partial) gNB functionality. A RAN node may be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU may be separate or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Alternatively, the network device may be a satellite or various future base stations. Furthermore, the network device may be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, or a donor node.

[0078] In some possible deployments, the network equipment may also be an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture. FIG1C shows an example diagram of an O-RAN system. The O-RAN system may include components other than those shown in FIG1C .

[0079] As shown in Figure 1C, the network equipment, which may also be referred to as access network equipment (RAN, for example, eNB or gNB or next-generation access network equipment), communicates with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and communicates with the user equipment (UE) via an air interface. For example, the baseband unit (BBU) in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, and the radio unit (RU) in the access network equipment communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link, and the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located.

[0080] Exemplarily, the BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0081] Figure 1D shows the network element functional division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN device. In some examples, the CU is a logical node that carries the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network device. The CU is connected to network nodes such as the core network through some interfaces, which can be interfaces such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU can have some functions of the core network. The CU (such as the PDCP layer and higher layers) is connected to the DU (such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and lower layers) through some interfaces, which can be interfaces such as F1 interfaces. In some examples, these interfaces (such as the F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (such as interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is an application protocol for the F1 interface, which defines the F1 signaling process in some examples. The F1 interface supports the control plane F1-C and the user plane F1-U.

[0082] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP (Control Unit-Control Plane) and CU-UP (Control Unit-User Plane), where the CU-CP is a logical node that carries the RRC layer and the PDCP-C (Control plane part of PDCP) layer, and is used to implement the control plane function of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with the network elements in the core network that are used to implement the control plane function. The network elements in the core network that are used to implement the control plane function can be access and mobility function network elements, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as location update of terminal devices, registration network of terminal devices, switching of terminal devices, etc. The CU-UP is a logical node that carries the SDAP layer and the PDCP-U (User plane part of PDCP) layer, and is used to implement the user plane function of the CU. The CU-UP can interact with the network elements in the core network that are used to implement the user plane function. The network elements used to implement user plane functions in the core network, for example, the user plane function (UPF) in the 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in the terminal device. The above configuration of CU and DU is only an example, and the functions of CU and DU can also be configured as needed. For example, the CU or DU can be configured to have functions of more protocol layers, or the CU or DU can be configured to have partial processing functions of the protocol layer. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU. For another example, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to the service type or other system requirements, such as by delay, and the functions that need to meet the smaller delay requirements for processing time are set in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet the delay requirements are set in the CU.

[0083] In some examples, the DU is a logical node that carries the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, the Higher Physical Layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU. The DU is connected to the RU through some interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes parts of the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, and other processing functions.

[0084] In some examples, the RU is a logical node that carries the lower physical layer (Lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP) or a remote radio head (RRH) or other entity with similar functions. In some examples, Low-PHY includes part of the PHY processing, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming and filtering, and other processing functions. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a wireless link.

[0085] The DU and RU may or may not be co-located. The DU and RU exchange control plane information and user plane information via the Lower-Layer Split CUS-Plane (LLS-CUS) interface over the fronthaul link. The LLS-CUS may include an LLS-C interface and an LLS-U interface that provide a control plane (C-Plane) and a user plane (U-Plane), respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via the LLS-M interface of the fronthaul link, and the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0086] The DU and RU can work together to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and RU can be configured in various ways according to the design. For example, the DU is configured to implement the baseband function, and the RU is configured to implement the mid-RF function. For another example, the DU is configured to implement the high-layer functions in the PHY layer, and the RU is configured to implement the low-layer functions in the PHY layer or to implement the low-layer functions and the RF functions. The high-layer functions in the physical layer may include a part of the functions of the physical layer, which is closer to the MAC layer, and the low-layer functions in the physical layer may include another part of the functions of the physical layer, which is closer to the mid-RF side.

[0087] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples for description.

[0088] Exemplarily, a terminal device may be a device or module that accesses the above-mentioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal device, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device is typically provided with a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0089] For example, the terminal device in the embodiment of the present application can be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a drone, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, 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 (such as a game console, a smart TV, a smart speaker, a smart refrigerator, and fitness equipment, etc.), a transport vehicle with wireless communication function, a communication module, and a roadside unit (RSU) with a terminal function.

[0090] The communication system shown in Figure 1A includes a network device and multiple terminal devices (such as UE1 and UE2). In this communication system, the network device can send downlink signals such as configuration information or downlink control information (DCI) to UE1 and UE2, and UE1 and UE2 can send uplink signals such as sounding reference signals (SRS) or physical uplink shared channels (PUSCH) to the network device.

[0091] The communication system shown in Figure 1B includes a terminal device and multiple network devices (such as base station 1, base station 2 and base station 3 in Figure 1B). In this communication system, base station 1, base station 2 and base station 3 can simultaneously transmit data and control signaling for the UE.

[0092] Each of the aforementioned communication devices, such as the base station and UE in Figure 1A or Figure 1B, may be configured with multiple antennas. These multiple antennas may include at least one transmit antenna for sending signals and at least one receive antenna for receiving signals. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific structure of each communication device. Optionally, the communication system may also include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0093] It is understood that Figures 1A and 1B are simplified schematic diagrams for ease of understanding. The communication system may also include other possible devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices. Each device may also include different functional units, which are not shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The communication between different devices involved in the embodiments of the present application may refer to direct communication between different devices (i.e., without the need for other devices to transfer or forward), or it may refer to communication between different devices through other devices (i.e., requiring other devices to transfer or forward), or it may refer to a functional unit within a device communicating with another device through another functional unit. In other words, in this application, "sending information to... (terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. It can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal. "Receiving information from... (terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal. The information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination of the information transmission, such as format change, digital-to-analog conversion, amplification, filtering, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0094] In the above communication system, the terminal device needs to perform PDCCH blind detection to obtain DCI. The location where DCI transmission may exist is called a PDCCH candidate, and the process of the terminal device decoding the PDCCH candidate is called PDCCH blind detection. In order to decode the PDCCH, the terminal device must know the control channel transmission unit (control channel element, CCE) index, aggregation level and scrambling information where the PDCCH is located. However, this information will not be notified to the terminal device in advance. The terminal device can only perform a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) check with different parameter configurations, including CCE index, aggregation level, scrambling information, etc., within the range that may carry PDCCH. If the CRC check is successful, the terminal device can obtain the corresponding DCI content. If unsuccessful, the terminal device continues to blindly detect the PDCCH until the PDCCH is successfully detected or the maximum number of blind detections ends.

[0095] The terminal device needs to perform PDCCH blind detection on each PDCCH candidate. As shown in Figure 2, a CORESET may correspond to multiple search spaces (such as SS1 and SS2), and a search space can have multiple listening opportunities in a time slot (such as MO1, MO2, and MO3 in SS1). There may be multiple PDCCH candidates in each listening opportunity (Figure 2 uses two PDCCH candidates per listening opportunity as an example). The terminal device performs blind detection at each location where a PDCCH candidate may exist. Each blind detection will go through processes such as descrambling, rate matching, decoding, and CRC checking, resulting in high blind detection complexity.

[0096] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication device that can reduce blind detection complexity and improve blind detection efficiency. The method provided in embodiments of the present application can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG1A or FIG1B .

[0097] It is understood that the interaction diagrams in this application use network devices and terminal devices as examples of the execution entities of the interaction diagrams to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution entities of the interaction diagrams. For example, the network device in the interaction diagram can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device to implement the method, or a logical node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device functions; the terminal device in the interaction diagram can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal to implement the method.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0099] 301. A network device sends a first signal, and correspondingly, a terminal device detects the first signal.

[0100] It can be understood that when the network device is implemented through multiple RAN nodes, for example, when the network device is a network device in the ORAN system, the network device sends a first signal, specifically, one of the O-CU, O-DU and O-RU sends the first signal, or multiple of the O-CU, O-DU and O-RU jointly send the first signal.

[0101] The time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal are associated with the first time-frequency resource set, and the first signal is used to determine (or indicate) that a PDCCH is sent on the first time-frequency resource set, or the first signal is used by the terminal device to determine (or judge) that the network device has sent a PDCCH to the terminal device on the first time-frequency resource set, or the first signal is used to indicate whether the terminal device needs to perform PDCCH detection on the first time-frequency resource set, or the first signal is used to indicate that the terminal device needs to perform PDCCH detection on the first time-frequency resource set, or the first signal is used by the terminal device to discover the PDCCH sent to the terminal device, and so on. The network device sends the first signal when it determines that a PDCCH is actually transmitted. The terminal device can detect the first signal, and thereby determine that a PDCCH is actually transmitted based on the first signal. Alternatively, the terminal device determines to perform PDCCH detection on the first time-frequency resource set based on the first signal.

[0102] It is understood that the above-mentioned time-frequency resource set is for convenience of description and is not limited to the literal meaning. The time-frequency resource set can be used to generally refer to the time-frequency resources associated with the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal, and can be replaced by any other term representing the time-frequency resources. For example, the time-frequency resource set can also be replaced by descriptions such as "time-frequency resource location" and "time-frequency resource range."

[0103] Exemplarily, the name of the first signal may be a control discovery signal (CDS), indicating that it can be used for the terminal device to discover the PDCCH. The name of the first signal may be a control detection signal (CDS), indicating that it can be used for the terminal device to check the PDCCH. It should be understood that the control discovery signal CDS indicates that for the sake of convenience of description, this application does not limit the specific name of the first signal, and CDS can also be replaced by any other term representing a similar function.

[0104] As an example, the first signal may be a reference signal sent on the PDCCH, such as a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). In this way, there is no need to design a new signal type, which can save system resources.

[0105] As another example, the first signal may be a user-level (or terminal device-level) signal. For example, the first signal may be a sequence (e.g., a CDS sequence). One user may correspond to one sequence or multiple different sequences. Optionally, different users correspond to different sequences. Optionally, different users may also correspond to the same sequence. For example, multiple terminal devices belong to the same user group, and all users in the user group may correspond to the same sequence. Optionally, the sequence may be generated in the same manner as a primary synchronization signal (PSS). Optionally, the terminal device may save the first signal of the user corresponding to the terminal device.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the terminal device detects the first signal within a first time-frequency resource range, where the first time-frequency resource range is determined by a second time-frequency resource range, where the second time-frequency resource range is a time-frequency resource range for PDCCH blind detection configured by the network device for the terminal device, or in other words, the second time-frequency resource range is a time-frequency resource range in which PDCCH transmission may exist. For example, the second time-frequency resource range includes one or more CORESETs and / or one or more search spaces configured by the network device for the terminal device.

[0107] Exemplarily, the time domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource range and the second time-frequency resource range are the same. The number of RBs spaced between the starting RB of the frequency domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource range and the ending resource block (RB) of the frequency domain resources included in the second time-frequency resource range is less than or equal to the first threshold. Alternatively, the number of RBs spaced between the ending RB of the frequency domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource range and the starting RB of the frequency domain resources included in the second time-frequency resource range is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0108] It is understandable that the first threshold may be predefined by a protocol or configured by a network device.

[0109] Exemplarily, the first time domain resource range includes multiple time-frequency resource positions where the first signal may exist, and the second time-frequency resource range includes multiple time-frequency resource sets, and the multiple time-frequency resource positions correspond one-to-one to the multiple time-frequency resource sets. The terminal device detects the first signal at the multiple time-frequency resource positions; if the first signal is detected at any time-frequency resource position, the first signal and the first signal corresponding to the terminal device (such as the first signal stored by the terminal device) are subjected to correlation matching (or correlation detection); based on the correlation matching result, it is determined whether the received first signal is the first signal corresponding to the terminal device. If the correlation matching is successful, such as the correlation value exceeds the threshold, it means that the received first signal corresponds to the terminal device and the terminal device has successfully received the first signal; if the correlation matching fails, such as the correlation value does not exceed the threshold, it means that the received first signal does not correspond to the terminal device and the terminal device has failed to receive the first signal.

[0110] 302. The network device sends a PDCCH based on a first time-frequency resource set. Correspondingly, when the terminal device detects a first signal, it detects the PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set.

[0111] The time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal are associated with the first time-frequency resource set. Exemplarily, the first time-frequency resource set is included in the second time-frequency resource range. For example, the second time-frequency resource range includes one or more time-frequency resource sets, and the one or more time-frequency resource sets include the first time-frequency resource set. The terminal device can determine the first time-frequency resource set from the second time-frequency resource range based on the time-frequency resources of the first signal.

[0112] Exemplarily, each of the one or more time-frequency resource sets can be associated with a first signal, and the terminal device detects the first signal associated with each time-frequency resource set. When the terminal device detects the first signal corresponding to the first time-frequency resource set, it determines that the network device has transmitted the PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set, and performs a PDCCH blind detection on the first time-frequency resource set. When the terminal device does not detect the first signal corresponding to the first time-frequency resource set, it determines that the network device has not transmitted the PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set, and there is no need to perform a PDCCH blind detection on the first time-frequency resource set, or the terminal device skips the first time-frequency resource set when performing the PDCCH blind detection.

[0113] Exemplarily, the first time-frequency resource set may be any one of a CORESET, a search space, a listening opportunity, and a PDCCH candidate.

[0114] Exemplarily, the first time-frequency resource set may include one or more PDCCH candidates, and the terminal device performs a CRC check on the one or more PDCCH candidates. If the CRC check succeeds, it is determined that the PDCCH is detected.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal include first time domain resources, the first time-frequency resource set includes second time domain resources, the first time domain resources are the same as the second time domain resources, or the first time domain resources are partially the same as the second time domain resources.

[0116] Exemplarily, the starting position of the first time domain resource is the same as the starting position of the second time domain resource.

[0117] As an example, the first time domain resource is the same as the second time domain resource, that is, the starting position of the first time domain resource is the same as the starting position of the second time domain resource, the ending position of the first time domain resource is the same as the ending position of the second time domain resource, or the time domain symbols included in the first time domain resource are the same as the time domain symbols included in the second time domain resource, or the time domain position of the first time domain resource is aligned with the time domain position of the second time domain resource. For example, as shown in FIG4A , the first time-frequency resource set is SS, and the first time-frequency resource is aligned with the time domain position of the SS.

[0118] As another example, the first time domain resource is partially identical to the second time domain resource, or the first time domain resource is included in the second time domain resource, or the first time domain resource is aligned with part of the time domain resources in the second time domain resource. For example, the second time domain resource includes multiple MOs, and the first time domain resource includes part of the MOs among the multiple MOs. Optionally, the first time domain resource includes the first MO among the multiple MOs. For example, as shown in Figure 4B, the first time-frequency resource set is SS, and the SS may include three MOs (namely MO1, MO2, and MO3), and the first time-frequency resource is aligned with the time domain position of the first MO (i.e., MO1) in SS1.

[0119] In a possible implementation, the number of frequency domain units between the frequency domain resources in the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal and the frequency domain resources in the first time-frequency resource set is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, the frequency domain resources in the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal may be referred to as first frequency domain resources, and the frequency domain resources in the first time-frequency resource set may be referred to as second frequency domain resources.

[0121] Exemplarily, the frequency domain unit can be an RB or a physical resource block (PRB), and the number of RBs between the starting RB of the first frequency domain resource and the ending RB of the second frequency domain resource is less than or equal to the first threshold, or the number of RBs between the ending RB of the first frequency domain resource and the starting RB of the second frequency domain resource is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0122] As an example, the starting RB of the first frequency domain resource is adjacent to the ending RB of the second frequency domain resource, that is, the number of RBs between the starting RB of the first frequency domain resource and the ending RB of the second frequency domain resource is 0. The starting RB of the first frequency domain resource can be expressed as N Last +1, N Last It is the last RB (ie, the ending RB) of the second frequency domain resource, that is, the first frequency domain resource is entirely located behind the second frequency domain resource in the frequency domain.

[0123] As another example, the ending RB of the first frequency domain resource is adjacent to the starting RB of the second frequency domain resource, that is, the number of RBs between the ending RB of the first frequency domain resource and the starting RB of the second frequency domain resource is 0. The starting RB of the first frequency domain resource can be expressed as N first -N RB , N first is the first RB of the second frequency domain resource, N RB is the number of RBs included in the first frequency domain resources, that is, the first frequency domain resources are entirely located in front of the second frequency domain resources in the frequency domain.

[0124] In a possible implementation manner, the number of frequency domain units included in the first frequency domain resource is related to the length of the first signal.

[0125] Exemplarily, the length of the first signal can be understood as the number of bits occupied by the first signal, or the length of the sequence in the first signal. The number of frequency domain units contained in the first frequency domain resource is positively correlated with the length of the first signal. That is, the longer the length of the first signal, the more frequency domain resources are required to transmit the first signal, and therefore the more frequency domain units contained in the first frequency domain resource. The number of frequency domain units occupied by the first frequency domain resource is determined by the length of the first signal, and the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal can be reasonably allocated to avoid waste of resources.

[0126] Exemplarily, the number of frequency domain units contained in the first frequency domain resource is related to the length of the first signal and the number of time domain units contained in the first time domain resource. The time domain unit may also be a time domain symbol or an OFDM symbol. The more time domain units the first time domain resource contains, the fewer resources the first signal occupies in the frequency domain, and the fewer frequency domain units the first frequency domain resource contains. That is, the number of frequency domain units contained in the first frequency domain resource is negatively correlated with the number of time domain units contained in the first time domain resource.

[0127] For example, the number of frequency domain units included in the first frequency domain resource satisfies the following formula: N RB =N / (12*N OS )

[0128] Among them, N RB represents the number of frequency domain units included in the first frequency domain resource, N represents the length of the first signal, N OS Indicates the number of time domain units included in the first time domain resource. In this way, the first signal can be completely transmitted on the first frequency domain resource and the first time domain resource while avoiding resource waste.

[0129] In this implementation, the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal can be flexibly adjusted according to the length of the first signal and the number of time domain units occupied by the first signal, thereby avoiding waste of resources.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present application, the time-frequency resources of the first signal are associated with the first time-frequency resource set, and the first signal is used to indicate that there is actual transmission of PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set. When the terminal device detects the first signal, it detects PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set. When the terminal device does not detect the first signal, it does not detect PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set. Through the association relationship between the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal and the first time-frequency resource set, on-demand blind detection of PDCCH can be achieved, avoiding PDCCH blind detection on the time-frequency resource set without PDCCH transmission, thereby effectively reducing the blind detection complexity of PDCCH and improving the blind detection efficiency.

[0131] It should be noted that the word "detection" in the embodiments of the present application can also be replaced by "reception", for example, "the terminal device detects the first signal" can be replaced by "the terminal device receives the first signal".

[0132] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0133] 501. The network device sends configuration information, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the configuration information.

[0134] The configuration information is used to configure (or indicate) the type of the first signal, and the type of the first signal corresponds to the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set.

[0135] It can be understood that when the network device is implemented through multiple RAN nodes, for example, when the network device is a network device in the ORAN system, the network device sends configuration information, specifically, one of the O-CU, O-DU and O-RU sends the configuration information, or multiple of the O-CU, O-DU and O-RU jointly send the configuration information.

[0136] Exemplarily, the type of the first signal is different, and the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set is different. For example, when the type of the first signal is the first type, the first time-frequency resource set includes a control resource set, and the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set includes the time-frequency resource range of the control resource set, that is, the first signal of the first type is associated with the control resource set. For another example, when the type of the first signal is the second type, the first time-frequency resource set includes a search space, and the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set includes the time-frequency resource range of the search space, that is, the first signal of the second type is associated with the search space. For another example, when the type of the first signal is the third type, the first time-frequency resource set includes a listening opportunity, and the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set includes the time-frequency resource range of the listening opportunity, that is, the first signal of the third type is associated with the listening opportunity. For another example, when the type of the first signal is the fourth type, the first time-frequency resource set includes a PDCCH candidate, and the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set includes the time-frequency resource range of the PDCCH candidate, that is, the first signal of the fourth type is associated with the PDCCH candidate. It can be seen from this that the type of the first signal is different, and the type of the first time-frequency resource set is also different. In some possible implementations, the above-mentioned configuration information is used to configure the type of the first signal, and can also be replaced by the description: the configuration information is used to configure (or indicate) the type of the first time-frequency resource set associated with the first signal, or the configuration information is used to configure (or indicate) the type of the first time-frequency resource set.

[0137] The network device may configure (or indicate) the type of the first signal through the configuration information. For example, when a standard, protocol, system, or network specifies multiple types of first signals, or when a terminal device supports multiple types of first signals, the network device may configure one of the multiple types for the terminal device through the configuration information.

[0138] In one possible example, a standard, protocol, system, or network specifies a type of first signal, and the network device may indicate in the configuration information whether to use the type of first signal specified by the standard, protocol, system, or network. Alternatively, the terminal device supports one type of first signal, and the network device may indicate in the configuration information whether to use the type of first signal supported by the terminal device. For example, if the standard specifies that the type of first signal is a first type, and the first signal of the first type is associated with a control resource set, the terminal device may include a bit in the configuration information to indicate whether to use the first signal of the first type. For example, when the bit is 0, it indicates that the first signal of the first type is used, and when the bit is 1, it indicates that the first signal of the first type is not used. Alternatively, when the bit is 1, it indicates that the first signal of the first type is used, and when the bit is 0, it indicates that the first signal of the first type is not used. Alternatively, when the bit is included in the configuration information, it indicates that the first signal of the first type is used, and when the bit is not included in the configuration information, it indicates that the first signal of the first type is not used. Alternatively, when the bit is included in the configuration information, it indicates that the first signal of the first type is used, and when the bit is included in the configuration information, it indicates that the first signal of the first type is not used. It can be understood that when the type of the first signal is the second type, the third type or the fourth type, the implementation of the configuration information can refer to the implementation of the configuration information when the type of the first signal is the first type, and will not be described in detail here.

[0139] In another possible example, the network device carries an identifier of the type of the adopted first signal in the configuration information, for example, per CORESET CDS, per Search Space CDS, per Monitoring occasion CDS, and per PDCCH candidate CDS represent the first type, second type, third type, and fourth type, respectively.

[0140] In another possible example, the network device carries a bitmap in the configuration information, where each bit of the bitmap corresponds to a type of the first signal, and the value of each bit is used to indicate whether the type of the first signal corresponding to the bit is adopted. The bitmap includes a total of 4 bits, with bits 1 to 4 corresponding to the first type, the second type, the third type, and the fourth type, respectively. For example, a bit value of 1 indicates adoption and a value of 0 indicates non-adoption. For example, a bitmap of "1100" indicates that the types of the first signal adopted are the first type and the second type.

[0141] As an example, the terminal device can report the type of first signal supported by the terminal device to the network device, and the network device sends the configuration information based on the type of first signal supported by the terminal device. The configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to adopt or not adopt this type of first signal.

[0142] Exemplarily, the first signal includes a predefined sequence, and different types of first signals may include the same sequence. The terminal device may determine the type of the first signal through configuration information, thereby determining the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set. Alternatively, different types of first signals include different sequences, and the terminal device may determine the type of the first signal based on the sequence in the received first signal, thereby determining the time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set.

[0143] As an example, the configuration information is further used to configure (or indicate) the length of the first signal. For example, the configuration information configures (or indicates) the number of bits occupied by the first signal. For another example, the first signal includes a sequence, and the configuration information indicates the length of the sequence.

[0144] As an example, the configuration information is also used to configure the frequency domain resources (frequency domain position) occupied by the first signal. Exemplarily, the configuration information is also used to configure (or indicate) the association relationship between the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal (i.e., the first frequency domain resources) and the frequency domain resources in the first time-frequency resource set associated with the first signal (i.e., the second frequency domain resources). For example, the configuration information configures (or indicates) the number of frequency domain units spaced between the first frequency domain resources and the second frequency domain resources (i.e., the first threshold shown above). For another example, the configuration information configures (or indicates) that the first frequency domain resource is located in front of the second frequency domain resource in the frequency domain, or, the configuration information configures (or indicates) that the first frequency domain resource is located behind the second frequency domain resource in the frequency domain.

[0145] As an example, the configuration information is also used to configure the time domain resources (time domain position) occupied by the first signal. Exemplarily, the configuration signal is also used to configure (or indicate) the association relationship between the time domain resources occupied by the first signal (i.e., the first time domain resources) and the time domain resources in the first time-frequency resource set (i.e., the second time domain resources). For example, the configuration information configures (or indicates) that the first time domain resources are the same as the second time domain resources. For another example, the configuration information configures (or indicates) that part of the first time domain resources is the same as the second time domain resources. For another example, the configuration information configures (or indicates) that the time domain position of the first time domain resource is the same as the time domain position of the first listening opportunity in the second time domain resource.

[0146] Exemplarily, the configuration information may also be used to indicate the use of a PDCCH reception mechanism based on the first signal, or the configuration information may also be used to indicate whether the terminal device detects the first signal. The terminal device may detect the first signal based on the configuration information. It is understandable that when the configuration information indicates that the PDCCH reception mechanism based on the first signal is not used or the configuration information indicates that the terminal device does not detect the first signal, the terminal device may not detect the first signal and may directly perform PDCCH blind detection.

[0147] Exemplarily, the configuration information also includes an association relationship between the first signal and the time-frequency resource set. For example, the configuration information configures (or indicates) which time-frequency resource sets the first signal can be associated with, that is, the configuration information configures (or indicates) the time-frequency resource set associated with the first signal. The first signal can be associated with one or more time-frequency resource sets, and the configuration information may include the number of time-frequency resource sets associated with the first signal. Optionally, in the case where the first signal can be associated with multiple time-frequency resource sets, the multiple time-frequency resource sets include a time-frequency resource set that overlaps with the time domain position of the first signal, and a time-frequency resource set whose time domain position is located behind the first signal. The multiple time-frequency resource sets can be multiple continuous time-frequency resource sets within the second time-frequency resource range. For example, the first signal is associated with multiple search spaces, and the multiple search spaces can be multiple continuous search spaces in a CORESET.

[0148] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned configuration signal can be carried in radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The RRC signal can also include configuration information of the PDCCH. For example, the PDCCH is used to configure the CORESET, search space, listening opportunity, PDCCH candidates, etc. The network device can configure one or more CORESETs and / or one or more search spaces for the terminal device through the configuration information of the PDCCH. Each CORESET is associated with one or more search spaces. Each search space may include one or more listening opportunities. Each search space may also include one or more PDCCH candidates. The one or more PDCCH candidates included in the search space exist in each listening opportunity included in the search space.

[0149] 502. The network device sends a first signal, and correspondingly, the terminal device detects the first signal.

[0150] For example, regarding the association between the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal and the first time-frequency resource set, the embodiments of the present application provide the following examples:

[0151] Example 1: The terminal device supports a first signal of a first type, and the network device configures the first signal to be of type 1. The first signal of the first type is associated with a COERSET, and the time domain position of the first signal is the same as the time domain position of the first MO of the COERSET, or the time domain position of the first signal is the same as the time domain position of all MOs of the COERSET.

[0152] The starting RB of the frequency domain resource occupied by the first signal satisfies N Last +1, N Lastis the last RB of CORESET, that is, the first signal is located entirely behind CORESET in the frequency domain. Alternatively, the starting RB of the frequency domain resource occupied by the first signal satisfies N first -N RB , N first The first RB of CORESET, N RB The number of RBs occupied by the first signal ， That is, the first signal is entirely located behind the CORESET in the frequency domain.

[0153] Example 2: The terminal device supports the first signal of the second type, and the type of the first signal configured by the network device is the second type. The first signal of the second type is associated with a search space, and the time domain position of the first signal is the same as the time domain position of the first MO in the search space, or the time domain position of the first signal is the same as the time domain position of all MOs in the search space.

[0154] The starting RB of the frequency domain resource occupied by the first signal satisfies N Last +1, N Last is the last RB of the search space, that is, the first signal is located entirely behind the search space in the frequency domain. Alternatively, the starting RB of the frequency domain resource occupied by the first signal satisfies N first -N RB , N first is the first RB in the search space, N RB The number of RBs occupied by the first signal ， That is, the first signal is entirely located behind the search space in the frequency domain.

[0155] Example 3: The terminal device supports the third type of first signal, and the network device configures the first signal to be of the third type. The third type of first signal is associated with a listening opportunity, and the time domain position of the first signal is the same as the time domain position of the MO.

[0156] The starting RB of the frequency domain resource occupied by the first signal satisfies N Last +1, N Last is the last RB of MO, that is, the first signal is located entirely behind MO in the frequency domain. Alternatively, the starting RB of the frequency domain resource occupied by the first signal satisfies N first -N RB , N first The first RB of MO, N RB is the number of RBs occupied by the first signal, that is, the first signal is entirely located behind the MO in the frequency domain.

[0157] Example 4: The terminal device supports the fourth type of first signal, and the network device configures the first signal to be of type 4. The fourth type of first signal is associated with a PDCCH candidate, and the time domain position of the first signal is the same as the time domain position of the PDCCH candidate.

[0158] The starting RB of the frequency domain resource occupied by the first signal satisfies N Last +1, N Last The first signal is located behind the PDCCH candidate in the frequency domain. Alternatively, the starting RB of the frequency domain resource occupied by the first signal satisfies N first -N RB , N first The first RB of the PDCCH candidate, N RB is the number of RBs occupied by the first signal, that is, the first signal is entirely located behind the PDCCH candidate in the frequency domain.

[0159] 503. The network device sends a PDCCH based on the first time-frequency resource set. Correspondingly, when the terminal device detects the first signal, it detects the PDCCH on the first time-frequency resource set.

[0160] It is understandable that the specific implementation of step 502 and step 503 can also refer to the specific implementation of step 301 and step 302 in Figure 3, which will not be described in detail here.

[0161] In an embodiment of the present application, through the association relationship between the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal and the first time-frequency resource set, on-demand blind detection of PDCCH can be achieved, avoiding PDCCH blind detection on a time-frequency resource set without PDCCH transmission, thereby effectively reducing the blind detection complexity of PDCCH and improving the blind detection efficiency.

[0162] The method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the device provided by the embodiment of the present application is described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0163] Figure 6 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of a communication device involved in embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 6, communication device 600 may include modules or units corresponding to the above-mentioned method embodiments. In one possible design, communication device 600 includes: a processing unit 602 and a communication unit 603. Optionally, communication device 600 may also include a storage unit 601 for storing device program code and / or data.

[0164] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication device 600 may be a terminal-side device in the above embodiments, for example, a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip in the terminal device responsible for the communication function.

[0165] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the processing unit 602 is configured to: detect a first signal, and when the first signal is detected, detect a PDCCH on a first set of time-frequency resources associated with the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal.

[0166] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is used to receive configuration information.

[0167] It can be understood that for specific descriptions of the first signal, the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal, the first time-frequency resource set, configuration information, etc., please refer to the method embodiments shown above (such as the methods shown in Figures 3 and 5), and will not be described in detail here.

[0168] In one possible design, when the communication device 600 is a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, the functions of the processing unit 602 may be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or SIP chip containing a modem core. The functions of the communication unit 603 may be implemented by a transceiver circuit.

[0169] In one possible design, when the communication device 600 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal, such as a modem chip or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the functions of the processing unit 602 can be implemented by a circuit system including one or more processors or processor cores in the aforementioned chip. The functions of the communication unit 603 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0170] In other embodiments of the present application, the communication device 600 may be the network device in the above embodiments, for example, a network device or a communication module in the network device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the network device.

[0171] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 603 is configured to send a first signal; and the processing unit 602 is configured to send a PDCCH through the communication unit 603 based on a first set of time-frequency resources.

[0172] In one possible design, the communication unit 603 is also used to send configuration information.

[0173] It can be understood that for specific descriptions of the first signal, the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal, the first time-frequency resource set, configuration information, etc., please refer to the method embodiments shown above (such as the methods shown in Figures 3 and 5), and will not be described in detail here.

[0174] It is understandable that the division of units in the above-mentioned device is merely a division of logical functions, and each function may correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions may be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or part of the units may be integrated into one physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. In addition, the above-mentioned functional units may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0175] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as: one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0176] In an example, the storage unit 601 may include a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory and / or a register.

[0177] In one possible implementation, in the communication device shown in FIG6 , the processing unit 602 may be one or more processors, the communication unit 603 may be a transceiver, or the communication unit 603 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, and may include a transmitting unit and / or a receiving unit, the transmitting unit may be a transmitter, the receiving unit may be a receiver, and the transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be integrated into a single device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiment of the present application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the connection method between the processor and the transceiver. During the execution of the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After being output by the processor, the above information may also need to undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor receiving the input information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to be processed further before being received by the processor.

[0178] As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 includes one or more processors 720 and a transceiver 710. The transceiver 710 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transmitter is configured to execute the transmitting step performed by the transceiver 710, and the receiver is configured to execute the receiving step performed by the transceiver 710. Optionally, when the communication device 700 is a chip, the transceiver 710 is an input / output interface, where transmitting corresponds to output and receiving corresponds to input.

[0179] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the steps or functions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0180] Exemplarily, the processor 720 is configured to detect a first signal, and when the first signal is detected, detect a PDCCH on a first set of time-frequency resources associated with the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal.

[0181] Optionally, the transceiver 710 is further configured to receive configuration information.

[0182] In other embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the steps or functions performed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0183] Exemplarily, the transceiver 710 is configured to send a first signal; and the processor 720 is configured to send a PDCCH through the transceiver 710 based on a first set of time-frequency resources.

[0184] It will be understood that the specific descriptions of the transceiver and processor shown in the embodiments of the present application are merely examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver and processor, reference may be made to the above-mentioned method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0185] In the above embodiments, the description of the first signal, the time-frequency resource set occupied by the first signal, the first time-frequency resource set and the configuration information can also be referred to the introduction in the above method embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0186] In various implementations of the communication device shown in FIG7 , the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, wherein the receiver is configured to perform a receiving function (or operation) and the transmitter is configured to perform a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is configured to communicate with other devices / devices via a transmission medium.

[0187] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include one or more memories 730 for storing program instructions and / or data, etc. The memory 730 is coupled to the processor 720. The coupling in the embodiment of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules. The processor 720 may operate in conjunction with the memory 730. The processor 720 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 730. Optionally, at least one of the one or more memories may be included in the processor.

[0188] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 710, processor 720, and memory 730 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In Figure 7, the memory 730, processor 720, and transceiver 710 are connected via a bus 740. The bus is represented by a bold line in Figure 7. The connection methods between other components are merely schematic and are not limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 7 only uses a single bold line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0189] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc., and may implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly implemented as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor, etc.

[0190] In the embodiment of the present application, memory may include but is not limited to non-volatile memories such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM) or portable read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and can be read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in the present application), but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiment of the present application can also be a circuit or other arbitrarily capable of realizing a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0191] Illustratively, the processor 720 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. The memory 730 is primarily used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 710 may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as a touch screen, display, and keyboard, are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user.

[0192] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 720 can read the software program in the memory 730, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 720 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 720. The processor 720 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0193] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be provided independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be remotely arranged independent of the communication device.

[0194] It is understood that the communication device shown in the embodiment of the present application may also have more components than those in FIG7 , and the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. The method performed by the processor and transceiver shown above is only an example, and the specific steps performed by the processor and transceiver can refer to the method described above.

[0195] 8 , which is a schematic diagram of a chip system 800 according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the chip system 800 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 810 and an input / output interface 820 .

[0196] The logic circuit 810 may be a processing circuit in the chip system 800. The logic circuit 810 may be coupled to a storage unit and call instructions in the storage unit so that the chip system 800 can implement the methods and functions of the various embodiments of the present application. The input / output interface 820 may be an input / output circuit in the chip system 800, outputting information processed by the chip system 800 or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 800 for processing.

[0197] Alternatively, the logic circuit 810 may be implemented by one or more processors, including the one or more processors or a processing portion in the one or more processors.

[0198] Optionally, the input / output interface 820 may include a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, an input / output circuit, or a communication interface.

[0199] As a solution, the chip system 800 is used to implement the operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the above various method embodiments.

[0200] For example, the logic circuit 810 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the communication device (such as a terminal device, or a network device) in the above method embodiments; the input / output interface 820 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the communication device (such as a terminal device, or a network device) in the above method embodiments.

[0201] In addition, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device, and the terminal device and the network device are used to execute the method in any of the aforementioned embodiments (such as the method shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5).

[0202] The present application also provides a computer program, which is used to implement the operations and / or processing performed by the terminal device or the operations and / or processing performed by the network device in the method provided by the present application.

[0203] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer code. When the computer code runs on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the operations and / or processing performed by the terminal device or the operations and / or processing performed by the network device in the method provided by the present application.

[0204] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer code or computer program. When the computer code or computer program runs on a computer, the operations and / or processing performed by the terminal device in the method provided by the present application are executed, or the operations and / or processing performed by the network device are executed.

[0205] The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application may be used interchangeably.

[0206] 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 only schematic. For example, the division of the 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. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, or can be electrical, mechanical or other forms of connection.

[0207] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the 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 the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0208] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0209] If the integrated unit 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 is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0210] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0211] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the flow chart and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow charts and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0212] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0213] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0214] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: detecting a first signal; In case the first signal is detected, a physical downlink control channel PDCCH is detected on a first time-frequency resource set associated with the time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Configuration information is received, where the configuration information is used to configure a type of the first signal, and the type of the first signal corresponds to a time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set.

3. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending a first signal, where time-frequency resources occupied by the first signal are associated with a first time-frequency resource set; A physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is sent based on the first time-frequency resource set.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Configuration information is sent, where the configuration information is used to configure a type of the first signal, and the type of the first signal corresponds to a time-frequency resource range of the first time-frequency resource set.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The time domain resources occupied by the first signal are the same as the time domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource set, or the time domain resources occupied by the first signal are the same as part of the time domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource set.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The starting position of the time domain resources occupied by the first signal is the same as the starting position of the time domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource set.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The number of frequency domain units between the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal and the frequency domain resources included in the first time-frequency resource set is less than or equal to a first threshold.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The number of frequency domain units included in the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal is related to the length of the first signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The number of frequency domain units included in the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal is related to the length of the first signal and the number of time domain units included in the time domain resources occupied by the first signal.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The number of frequency domain units included in the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal satisfies the following formula: N RB =N / (12*N OS ) Among them, the N RB represents the number of frequency domain units included in the frequency domain resources occupied by the first signal, wherein N represents the length of the first signal, and N OS Indicates the number of time domain units included in the time domain resources occupied by the first signal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The first time-frequency resource set includes any one of the following items: a control resource set, a search space, a listening opportunity, and a PDCCH candidate.

12. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises modules or units for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a memory and one or more processors, wherein the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; the one or more processors are used to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute computer programs or instructions so as to enable the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is implemented.

16. A computer program product, characterized in that When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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