Communication method and apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method comprises: sending time domain channel information, the time domain channel information being used for indicating time information of a first path group. By using the embodiments of the present application, the time domain channel information is sent on the basis of the path group, which can reduce feedback overhead compared to separately sending time domain channel information on the basis of each path.

Description

Communication method, device and storage medium

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on April 1, 2024, with application number 202410399054.3 and application name “Communication Method, Device and Storage Medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] Time-domain channel information typically includes time, power, and / or phase information for each of the multiple paths. For example, the time-domain channel information that a terminal device needs to feedback includes time, power, and / or phase information for each of the multiple paths. The more paths reported, the greater the overhead of feeding back the time-domain channel information. Therefore, reducing the feedback overhead of time-domain channel information is a technical problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application disclose a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium, which can save feedback overhead by sending time domain channel information based on a path group.

[0005] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a communication method, which can be executed by a first device, or by a component in the first device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first device. The first device can be a terminal device or an access network device, suitable for a scenario in which a network device locates a terminal device, or suitable for a scenario in which a network element in a core network device (such as a location management function (LMF) network element) locates a terminal device based on time domain channel information measured by an access network device, or suitable for a scenario in which one terminal device locates another terminal device. The method includes: sending time domain channel information, where the time domain channel information is used to indicate time information of a first path group. In this way, sending the time domain channel information based on the path group can save feedback overhead compared to sending the time domain channel information based on each path separately.

[0006] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes the first reference time of the first path group, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time; the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time.

[0007] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes a first reference time of the first path group and an offset time of the first reference time; the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time and the offset time of the first reference time.

[0008] Alternatively, the offset time may be expressed in terms of distance, in which case it may be referred to as an offset distance or distance offset. Alternatively, the offset time may be referred to as a time offset. In the distance form of the offset time, the distance may be equal to the product of the offset time and the speed of light.

[0009] In some feasible examples, the first path group includes a first path, and the first reference time is the time of the first path.

[0010] In some feasible examples, a maximum value of the first offset time of the first reference time and the second offset time of the first reference time is N times of a time unit.

[0011] N may be predefined or preconfigured, or may be dynamically configured by the second device or the network device. The time unit is the time interval between two adjacent paths. Optionally, N is determined based on the time unit. For example, the smaller the time unit, the larger N.

[0012] It can be understood that by limiting the maximum values ​​of the first offset time and the second offset time of the first reference time according to N times the time unit, the time range of the first path group can be limited, thereby avoiding reporting too many paths in a path group and saving feedback overhead.

[0013] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is also used to indicate the time information of the second path group, and the time domain channel information also includes the second reference time of the second path group, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time; the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time.

[0014] The number of second path groups can be a predefined or preconfigured value, or can be dynamically configured by the network device or the second device, or can be determined based on the capabilities of the terminal device or the first device. Furthermore, the first device sends multiple supported values ​​to the second device or the network device. The second device or the network device selects one of the multiple values ​​as the number M of second path groups and sends indication information to the first device, instructing the first device to feed back time-domain channel information for the M second path groups.

[0015] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes a bit sequence and a third reference time; and the time information of the first path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

[0016] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a value corresponding to each of a plurality of bits, and the sequence number of the bit is used to determine the time of the path corresponding to the bit. In this way, the time of each path is determined by the bit sequence.

[0017] This application does not limit the number of bits in the bit sequence. The number of bits Q in the bit sequence can be a predefined or preconfigured value. Optionally, Q is determined based on a time unit. For example, the smaller the time unit, the larger Q. Q can be dynamically configured by the network device or the second device, or can be determined based on the capabilities of the terminal device or the first device. For example, the first device sends multiple supported Q values ​​to the second device or the network device, and the second device or the network device selects a Q value from the multiple Q values.

[0018] In some feasible examples, the value corresponding to the bit is used to indicate whether the path group corresponding to the bit meets the power condition of the path group.

[0019] In some feasible examples, the first path group includes a first path, and the third reference time is the time of the first path in the first path group or the time of the first path.

[0020] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a first bit string corresponding to the first path group, the first bit string includes L bits; L is an odd number, and the first path is the first bit string in the first bit string. bits corresponding to the path; or L is an even number, the first path is the first bit string or The path corresponding to the bits.

[0021] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is further used to indicate time information of the second path group; the time information of the second path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

[0022] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information also includes the power and / or phase of the first path.

[0023] In some feasible examples, the first path group is the first path group that meets the power condition.

[0024] In some feasible examples, the power condition satisfied by the first path group is that the power of each path in the first path group is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0025] In some feasible examples, the method further includes: sending a power condition of the path group.

[0026] Furthermore, the method further includes: sending a power threshold adjustment value of the path group.

[0027] In some feasible examples, the method further includes: receiving a plurality of power conditions; and determining the power condition of the path group from the plurality of power conditions.

[0028] Furthermore, the method further includes: receiving a plurality of power threshold adjustment values; and determining a power threshold adjustment value of a path group from the plurality of power threshold adjustment values.

[0029] Each path group may meet the same power condition, or may meet different power conditions, i.e., each path group meets the power condition of the path group. Each path group may meet the same power threshold or power threshold adjustment, or may meet different power thresholds or power threshold adjustment, i.e., each path group meets the power threshold of the path group. The power condition or power threshold adjustment may be predefined or preconfigured, or may be a threshold supported by the terminal device or the first device, or may be dynamically configured by the network device or the second device.

[0030] Optionally, the power of each path in the first path group is not less than a power threshold. The power threshold may be P max -YdB. Among them, P max is the path with the highest power in the first path group or the path with the highest power among all paths, and Y is the power threshold adjustment amount.

[0031] Optionally, the number of power thresholds may be one or more, and the number of power threshold adjustment amounts may be one or more. Exemplarily, the power threshold is a first threshold, and the power condition may be satisfied when the power of each path in the first path group is greater than or equal to the first threshold; or the power threshold is a first threshold or a second threshold, and the power condition may be satisfied when the power of each path in the first path group is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0032] It is understood that selecting a path group with power greater than the first threshold can avoid feeding back paths with lower power, thereby improving feedback efficiency. Selecting a path group with power less than the second threshold can limit the power range of the feedback path, thereby improving feedback accuracy.

[0033] Optionally, the method further includes: sending a time unit. In this way, the time of other paths in the first path group can be determined according to the time unit and the reference time of the first path group.

[0034] Optionally, the time unit may be reported as distance information, wherein the distance information may be equal to the product of the time unit Δt and the speed of light.

[0035] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses another communication method, which can be executed by a second device, or by a component in the second device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can be executed by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second device. The second device can be a network device, which is suitable for scenarios where the network device locates the terminal device. Or the second device is a network element in a core network device (such as an LMF network element), which is suitable for scenarios where the network element in the core network device locates the terminal device based on the time domain channel information measured by the access network device. Or the second device is a terminal device, which is suitable for scenarios where one terminal device locates another terminal device.

[0036] The method includes: receiving time domain channel information, wherein the time domain channel information is used to indicate time information of a first path group. Thus, sending the time domain channel information based on the path group can save feedback overhead compared to sending the time domain channel information based on each path separately.

[0037] Optionally, the method further includes: determining the location of the terminal device based on the time domain channel information.

[0038] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes the first reference time of the first path group, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time.

[0039] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes a first reference time of the first path group and an offset time of the first reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time and the offset time of the first reference time.

[0040] In some feasible examples, the first path group includes a first path, and the first reference time is the time of the first path.

[0041] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes a bit sequence and a third reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

[0042] In some feasible examples, the first path group includes a first path, and the third reference time is the time of the first path in the first path group or the time of the first path.

[0043] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a numerical value corresponding to each bit in a plurality of bits, and the sequence number of the bit is used to determine the time of the path corresponding to the bit.

[0044] In some feasible examples, the value corresponding to the bit is used to indicate whether the path group corresponding to the bit meets the power condition of the path group.

[0045] In some feasible examples, the method further includes: receiving a power condition of the path group.

[0046] In some possible examples, the method further includes: sending multiple power conditions.

[0047] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a first bit string corresponding to the first path group, the first bit string includes L bits; L is an odd number, and the first path is the first bit string in the first bit string. bits corresponding to the path; or L is an even number, the first path is the first bit string or The path corresponding to the bits.

[0048] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information also includes the power and / or phase of the first path.

[0049] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is also used to indicate the time information of the second path group; the time domain channel information also includes the second reference time of the second path group, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time, and the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time.

[0050] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is also used to indicate the time information of the second path group; the time domain channel information also includes the second reference time of the second path group and the offset time of the second reference time, and the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, the first offset time of the second reference time and the offset time of the second reference time.

[0051] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is also used to indicate time information of the second path group; the time domain channel information is also used to indicate time information of the second path group, and the time information of the second path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

[0052] In some feasible examples, the first path group is the first path group that meets the power condition.

[0053] In some feasible examples, the power condition satisfied by the first path group is that the power of each path in the first path group is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0054] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a communication device, which includes a unit, module, or means for executing each step in the above-mentioned first aspect, second aspect, or any aspect.

[0055] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses another communication device, which may be a terminal device or a network device, or may include a device in these devices, such as a chip, a chip system, a circuit, or a device capable of implementing related functions. The communication device includes a processor, which is configured to execute instructions stored in a memory. When the instructions are executed, the communication method in the feasible example of the first aspect, the second aspect, or either aspect is implemented.

[0056] In some feasible examples, the communication device further includes one or more of a memory and a transceiver, where the transceiver is configured to transmit and receive data and / or signaling.

[0057] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by one or more processors, the communication method in the feasible example of the first aspect or the second aspect or any aspect is implemented.

[0058] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present application disclose a computer program product, which is used to store a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer executes the communication method in the feasible example of the first aspect, the second aspect, or either aspect.

[0059] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a first chip, including a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is used to call and execute instructions stored in the memory from the memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes the communication method in the feasible examples of the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect or any aspect.

[0060] In the eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a second chip, including: an input interface, an output interface and a processing circuit, the input interface, the output interface and the processing circuit are connected through an internal connection path, and the processing circuit is used to execute the communication method in the feasible examples of the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect or any aspect.

[0061] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a third chip, comprising: an input interface, an output interface, a processor, and optionally, a memory. The input interface, the output interface, the processor and the memory are connected through an internal connection path. The processor is used to execute the code in the memory. When the code is executed, the processor is used to execute the communication method in the feasible example of the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect or any aspect.

[0062] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a chip system comprising at least one processor, a memory and an interface circuit, wherein the memory, the transceiver and the at least one processor are interconnected through lines, and a computer program is stored in the at least one memory; the computer program is executed by the processor according to the communication method in the feasible examples of the first aspect or the second aspect or any aspect.

[0063] It should be understood that the implementation and beneficial effects of the above-mentioned aspects of the present application can be referenced to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The following is an introduction to the drawings used in the embodiments of this application.

[0065] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG3 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] 4A to 4D are power delay profiles of a channel in the time domain provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] 5A to 5C are power delay profiles of another channel in the time domain provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) system, new radio (NR) system, advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) system, universal mobile telecommunications system, device-to-device (D2D) communication system, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication system, machine to machine (M2M) communication system, Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), perception and communication integrated system, frequency division duplex (FDD) system, time division duplex (TDD) system, non-terrestrial communication (NTN) system, wireless projection communication system, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) communication system, public land mobile network (PLMN), non-public network (Non-Public) network, NPN), and communication systems evolved after the 5G communication system (for example, 6G communication system), or non-3GPP (3rd generation partnership project, 3GPP) communication systems, etc., are not restricted.

[0074] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application are described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system may include terminal devices, (radio) access network (R)AN) devices, core network devices (CN), and data network devices (DN). Optionally, different terminal devices can communicate with each other.

[0076] The terminal device involved in this application is an entity on the user side for receiving or transmitting signals, which can provide voice and / or data to the user. The terminal device may include a terminal, user equipment (UE), access terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile device, mobile station, mobile station, mobile terminal, mobile client, mobile unit, remote station, remote terminal, remote unit, wireless unit, wireless communication device, user agent or user device, etc. Among them, the access terminal can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal in the future 5G or a terminal in the future evolved PLMN, or a terminal in the future NPN, etc. In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can be simply referred to as a terminal, and the chip used in the above-mentioned device can also be referred to as a terminal.

[0077] In the embodiments of the present application, the access network device is a node or device that connects (or accesses) a terminal device to a network, and may support wired access or wireless access. The access network device may be referred to as an access network for short, and the access network may include but is not limited to: an access point (AP), an enhanced base station (enhance nodeB, eNB), a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a next generation base station (NR nodeB, gNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), or some other access node, such as a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, etc. The AN / RAN node may be one or more antenna panels, or may be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a BBU or a distributed unit (DU), etc., or may be a device that performs RAN functions in communication systems such as D2D, V2X, M2M, and U2U. The AN / RAN node may be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or may be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), or may be an access network in a communication system evolved after the 5G communication system, for example, an xNodeB in a 6G communication system, or may be an access network in a PLMN network evolved after the 5G communication system, etc., without limitation herein.

[0078] The 5G communication system can also be called the next generation mobile communication system or 5G system, which can be abbreviated as NextGen or 5GS in English. In the 5G communication system, the (radio) access network (R)AN) equipment (can be called NextGen(R)AN, or abbreviated as NG-RAN)). The terminal will use the new air interface technology to establish signal connections and data connections with the access network, thereby transmitting control signals and service data to the data network. The access network is similar to the base station in the traditional network. It is deployed close to the terminal and provides network access functions for authorized users in a specific area. It can also determine transmission tunnels of different qualities to transmit user data based on the user level and service requirements. The access network can manage its own resources, make rational use of them, provide access services to the terminal on demand, and is responsible for forwarding control signals and user data between the terminal and the core network.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present application, the core network device can be connected to one or more access network devices. The core network device is responsible for maintaining the subscription data of the mobile network, managing the network elements of the mobile network, and providing session management, mobility management, policy management, security authentication and other functions for the terminal device. For example, when the terminal device is attached, the network access authentication is provided for the terminal device; when the terminal device has a service request, network resources are allocated to the terminal device; when the terminal device moves, the network resources are updated for the terminal device; when the terminal device is idle, a fast recovery mechanism is provided for the terminal device; when the terminal device is detached, network resources are released for the terminal device; when the terminal device has service data, a data routing function is provided for the terminal device, such as in a 5G communication system, forwarding uplink data to a data network device; or forwarding downlink data received from a data network device to an access network device, so that the access network device sends the downlink data to the terminal device.

[0080] Data network equipment is used to provide business services to users. Typically, the client is the terminal device, and the server is the data network equipment. The data network provided by the data network equipment can include private networks, such as local area networks (LANs). Alternatively, the data network can include external networks not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet. Alternatively, the data network can include proprietary networks jointly deployed by operators, such as those providing IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services.

[0081] In the following description, the core network can be understood as core network equipment, or the network provided by the core network equipment. The data network can be understood as data network equipment, or the network provided by the data network equipment.

[0082] To provide specific network functions and features, network slicing technology can be used to achieve network function separation, that is, to separate the control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) functions to meet widely varying business needs. A network slice includes a control plane function (CPF) network element and a user plane function network element. The CPF network element mainly performs functions such as access authentication, security encryption, and location registration for terminal devices, and completes functions such as establishing, releasing, and changing user plane transmission paths; the user plane function network element mainly performs functions such as routing and forwarding of user plane data. The NG2 reference point shown in Figure 1 can be located between the control plane of the access network device and the control plane of the core network device, the NG3 reference point can be located between the user plane of the access network device and the user plane of the core network device, and the NG6 reference point can be located between the user plane of the core network device and the user plane of the data network.

[0083] The control plane of the core network adopts a service-oriented architecture, and the interaction between control plane network elements adopts the service call method to replace the point-to-point communication method in the traditional architecture. In the service-oriented architecture, the control plane network elements will open services to other control plane network elements for other control plane network elements to call; in point-to-point communication, there will be a set of specific messages on the communication interface between control plane network elements, which can only be used by the control plane network elements at both ends of the interface during communication. Among them, the control plane network elements can include the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management, as well as the location management function (LMF) network element responsible for managing and controlling the positioning service requests of the target terminal and processing positioning-related information.

[0084] It should be noted that the references to AMF, LMF, etc. as network elements in the embodiments of this application are merely illustrative. In practice, a network element may be a network component implemented on dedicated hardware, a software instance running on dedicated hardware, or an instance of a virtualized function on an appropriate platform. For example, the virtualization platform may be a cloud platform. In future communication systems, the above network elements may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0085] In some possible examples, the positioning management network element may be the above-mentioned LMF network element, or may be a positioning management unit (LMU), a positioning management component (LMC), an LMC integrated on the RAN side, a local location management function (LLMF) network element located in the NG-RAN device, an enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC), a secure user plane location platform (SLP), a positioning server, or a navigation server, etc., or may be a chip (system) that can be set in an LMF network element, E-SMLC, SLP, positioning server, or navigation server, or other components with positioning management network element functions.

[0086] This application does not limit the location of the positioning management network element. The positioning management network element can be located in the core network, or in an access network with positioning capabilities, or in an independent device for positioning. For example, the LMF is deployed in the 5G core network (5G core, 5GC), and the LMC in the LMF network element can be integrated into the gNB of the NG-RAN device.

[0087] In some embodiments, access network equipment, core network equipment, and data network equipment may all be referred to as network equipment. Network equipment and terminal equipment may also be referred to as communication devices, which may be general-purpose equipment or dedicated equipment, and are not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0088] It should be noted that the network architecture shown in Figure 1 is merely an example. In practice, a communication system may include, but is not limited to, the communication devices shown in Figure 1 , and may also include, for example, devices for carrying virtualized network functions. These are readily apparent to those skilled in the art and are not detailed here. The types of communication devices in a communication system vary in different application scenarios.

[0089] For example, please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication system is specifically 5GS, and is applicable to an architecture for UE positioning with NR or E-UTRA access, which also supports the NR PC5 interface. In Figure 2, the terminal is UE as an example, and the access network is NG-RAN. Sidelink positioning can be supported when the UE is within the coverage of the NG-RAN (such as UE_A and UE_B in Figure 2) and when it is outside the coverage of the NG-RAN (such as UE_C and UE_D in Figure 2).

[0090] As shown in Figure 2, the UE is connected to the NG-RAN equipment via the ng-eNB and gNB through the LTE-Uu and / or NR-Uu interfaces. The UE can measure downlink signals from the NG-RAN, sidelink signals from other UEs, and other sources such as the evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), different global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and terrestrial beacon systems (TBS) systems, wireless local area network (WLAN) access points, UE pressure and motion sensors, etc. The UE can also include independent positioning capabilities (such as global positioning system (GPS), so that it can report its position independently of the NG-RAN transmission. UEs with independent positioning capabilities can also make use of assistance information obtained from the network.

[0091] NG-RAN equipment is connected to 5GC via the NG-C interface. Among them, NG-RAN equipment includes LTE base stations (ng-eNB) of 5GC, and NG-RAN equipment may include 5G base stations (gNB) of 5GC. ng-eNB and gNB can provide measurement information for the target UE and communicate this information to LMF. ng-eNB performs measurements based on the request of LMF (on demand or periodically). ng-eNB can provide services for multiple transmission points (TPs), including, for example, remote radio heads and PRS-only TPs of E-UTRAN for TBS positioning based on positioning reference signals (PRS). ng-eNB can broadcast the auxiliary data information received from LMF in the positioning system information message.

[0092] To support NR RAT-dependent positioning, the gNB can measure the radio signals of the target UE and provide the measurement results for position estimation. The gNB can serve multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs), including, for example, a remote radio head, a receive point (RP) for uplink sounding reference signal (UL-SRS) only, and a transmission point (TP) for downlink position reference signal (DL-PRS) only. For NTN systems, the TRP may be located on a satellite. The gNB can broadcast assistance data information received from the LMF in the Positioning System Information message.

[0093] As shown in Figure 2, the 5GC also includes an E-SMLC and SLP connected to the LMF network element. The E-SMLC and SLP can provide the LMF network element with the assistance data required to locate the terminal device for positioning purposes. The LMF manages support for location services for different target UEs, including UE positioning and the provision of assistance data to the UE. The LMF can interact with the gNB or ng-eNB serving the target UE to obtain UE location measurements, including uplink measurements performed by the NG-RAN and downlink measurements performed by the UE. These measurements are provided to the NG-RAN as part of other functions (such as handover support). If specific location services are required, the LMF can interact with the target UE to provide assistance data or, upon request, obtain a position estimate. The LMF can interact with multiple NG-RAN nodes to provide assistance data information for broadcast. The assistance data information for broadcast can optionally be segmented and / or encrypted by the LMF. As shown in Figure 2, the LMF and the AMF are connected via the NL1 interface. Optionally, the LMF provides encryption key data information to the AMF.

[0094] For positioning of the target UE, the LMF decides the positioning method to be used based on factors that may include the location service (LCS) client type, the required quality of service (QoS), the UE positioning capabilities, the gNB positioning capabilities, and the ng-eNB positioning capabilities. The LMF then invokes these positioning methods in the UE, serving gNB, and / or serving ng-eNB. The positioning methods may produce a position estimate for UE-based positioning methods and / or positioning measurements for UE-assisted and network-based positioning methods. The LMF may combine all received results and determine a single position estimate for the target UE (hybrid positioning). Other information such as the accuracy and speed of the position estimate may also be determined. Optionally, the LMF provides (updated) UE positioning capabilities to the AMF and receives stored UE positioning capabilities from the AMF.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present application, the positioning method may include but is not limited to downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) based on time difference of arrival (TDOA) or reference signal time difference (RSTD), observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA), uplink RTOA or downlink TDOA based on relative time of arrival (RTOA), downlink angle of departure (AOD) based on angle, UL-AOA, round trip time positioning method (RTT) based on receive transmission time difference (Rx-Tx time difference), enhanced cell ID (ECID) based on RSRP, and the like.

[0096] The positioning method may include a positioning method based on artificial intelligence (AI). AI includes machine learning (ML), deep learning, reinforcement learning, transfer learning, deep reinforcement learning, etc. In some embodiments, artificial intelligence is implemented by a neural network, which includes at least an input layer, an output layer, and at least one hidden layer, wherein each layer of the neural network includes but is not limited to using at least one of a fully connected layer, a dense layer, a convolutional layer, a transposed convolutional layer, a direct connection layer, an activation function, a normalization layer, a pooling layer, etc. In some embodiments, each layer of the neural network may include a sub-neural network, such as a residual network, a dense network, a recurrent network, etc.

[0097] It should be noted that the number and type of communication devices included in the network architecture shown in Figures 1 and 2 are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. For example, the NG-RAN equipment includes multiple ng-eNBs and multiple gNBs. For the sake of simplicity, they are not described one by one in the accompanying drawings. The network architecture and service 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. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0098] The time domain channel information measured by the reference signal includes the time, power information and / or phase information of each path in multiple paths. At present, the overhead of reporting the time domain channel information of 9 paths is 156bit~189bit, supporting the measurement of reference signals of up to 256 TRPs, and the channel information of up to 4 reference signals for each TRP. The more paths reported, the greater the overhead of feedback time domain channel information. Based on this, the present application proposes a communication method for sending time domain channel information based on path groups, saving feedback overhead.

[0099] The following describes the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0100] Please refer to Figure 3, which is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device involved in the communication method includes a first device and a second device. In the first case, the first device can be a terminal device, and the second device can be a network device, that is, the communication method is for the network device to locate the terminal device. In the second case, the first device can be an access network device, and the second device can be a network element in a core network device, such as an LMF network element, that is, the communication method is for the network element in the core network device to locate the terminal device according to the time domain channel information measured by the access network device. In the third case, the first device and the second device can be different terminal devices, that is, the communication method is for one terminal device to locate another terminal device. The above communication device can refer to the description of Figures 1 and 2, which will not be repeated here. As shown in Figure 3, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0101] S101. A first device sends time domain channel information to a second device, where the time domain channel information is used to indicate time information of a first path group.

[0102] Accordingly, the second device receives the time domain channel information from the first device.

[0103] The present application does not limit the first path group, and it can be any path group, or can be the first path group obtained by measurement. Furthermore, the first path group is the first path group that meets the power condition.

[0104] The power condition can be satisfied by a power threshold. This application does not limit the size and number of the power thresholds, and the number of power thresholds can be one or more.

[0105] For example, if the power threshold is a first threshold, the power condition may be satisfied if the power of each path in the first path group is greater than or equal to the first threshold. For another example, if the power threshold is a first threshold or a second threshold, the power condition may be satisfied if the power of each path in the first path group is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0106] It is understood that selecting a path group with power greater than the first threshold can avoid feeding back paths with lower power, thereby improving feedback efficiency. Selecting a path group with power less than the second threshold can limit the power range of the feedback path, thereby improving feedback accuracy.

[0107] Optionally, the power of each path in the first path group is not less than a power threshold.

[0108] For example, the power threshold may be P max -YdB. Among them, P max is the path with the highest power in the first path group or the path with the highest power among all paths, and Y is the power threshold adjustment amount.

[0109] Optionally, the number of power threshold adjustment amounts may be multiple, for example, Y1, Y2, etc., then when the power threshold adjustment amount is Y1, the power threshold may be P max -Y1dB. When the power threshold adjustment amount is Y2, the power threshold is P max -Y2dB.

[0110] Exemplarily, Y1 is 3dB and Y2 is 6dB.

[0111] In the embodiment of the present application, the power threshold adjustment amount may be predefined or preconfigured, or may be a power threshold adjustment amount supported by the terminal device or the first device. For example, the power of each path of the first path group in the time domain channel information reported by the terminal device is greater than or equal to P max -3dB, the power threshold adjustment amount is 3dB.

[0112] The power threshold adjustment value may be dynamically configured for the network device or the second device. For example, the communication method may optionally further include: the first device reporting X supported power threshold adjustment values ​​to the second device; the second device determining at least one of the X power threshold adjustment values ​​and notifying the first device of the selected power threshold adjustment value. Accordingly, the second device receives the X supported power threshold adjustment values ​​from the first device and transmits the selected at least one power threshold adjustment value to the first device.

[0113] Alternatively, the terminal device reports the X supported power threshold adjustment values ​​to the network device. The network device determines at least one of the X power threshold adjustment values ​​and notifies the terminal device of the selected power threshold adjustment value. Accordingly, the network device receives the X supported power threshold adjustment values ​​from the terminal device and sends the selected at least one power threshold adjustment value to the terminal device.

[0114] Where X can be a positive integer, and the number of selected power threshold adjustment amounts can range from 1 to X. When X is 1, the power threshold adjustment amount can be used to determine the threshold reported by the first device. When X is greater than 1, the first device can select one or more of the power threshold adjustment amounts and notify the second device of the selected power threshold adjustment amount, depending on the actual situation.

[0115] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is also used to indicate time information of the second path group.

[0116] The second path group may be any path group other than the first path group, or may be a path group subsequent to the first path group. The number of second path groups may be M. That is, when M is 0, the time-domain channel information does not indicate time information of the second path group; when M is greater than or equal to 1, the time-domain channel information is used to indicate time information of M second path groups.

[0117] M can be a predefined or preconfigured value, or can be dynamically configured by the network device or the second device, or can be determined based on the capabilities of the terminal device or the first device. For example, the communication method may optionally further include: the first device sending multiple supported M values ​​to the second device, the second device selecting an M value from the multiple M values, and instructing the first device to feedback the time domain channel information of the M second path groups based on the M value. Accordingly, the second device receives the multiple supported M values ​​from the first device and sends instruction information to the first device, instructing the first device to feedback the time domain channel information of the M second path groups.

[0118] Alternatively, the terminal device sends multiple supported M values ​​to the network device, and the network device selects an M value from the multiple M values ​​and, based on the M value, instructs the terminal device to feedback the time domain channel information of the M second path groups. Accordingly, the network device receives multiple supported M values ​​from the terminal device and sends instruction information to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to feedback the time domain channel information of the M second path groups. In an embodiment of the present application, each path group can meet the same power condition, for example, each path group has the same power threshold or each path group uses the same power threshold adjustment amount to determine the power threshold.

[0119] Alternatively, each path group can meet different power conditions, that is, each path group meets the power conditions of that path group. For example, the power of the first path group is greater than the power threshold of the first path group, the power of the second path group is greater than the power threshold of the second path group, or the power of the second path group is greater than the first power threshold of the second path group and less than the second power threshold of the second path group. In other words, the power threshold or power threshold adjustment amount for each path group can be the same or different. Different power thresholds can be determined based on the power range of the path group reported by the first device, or can be selected from multiple thresholds configured on the network side.

[0120] It should be noted that the above power thresholds are exemplified by being greater than or less than, and being equal to may satisfy the power condition or not, depending on the actual situation.

[0121] The present application does not limit the power condition of each path group, which may be predefined or preconfigured, or dynamically configured by the network device or the second device, or reported by the terminal device or the first device.

[0122] For example, in some feasible examples, the communication method further includes: the first device sending the power condition of the path group to the second device. Accordingly, the second device receives the power condition of the path group from the first device. In this manner, the second device can directly determine the power condition of the path group based on the power condition of the path group reported by the first device.

[0123] Alternatively, the terminal device sends the power condition of the path group to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the power condition of the path group from the terminal device. In this way, the network device can directly determine the power condition of the path group based on the power condition of the path group reported by the terminal device.

[0124] Furthermore, the communication method further includes: the first device sending a power threshold adjustment value for the path group to the second device. Accordingly, the second device receives the power threshold adjustment value for the path group from the first device. In this manner, the second device can determine the power threshold adjustment value for the path group directly based on the power threshold adjustment value for the path group reported by the first device.

[0125] Alternatively, the terminal device sends the power threshold adjustment value for the path group to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the power threshold adjustment value for the path group from the terminal device. In this manner, the network device can determine the power threshold adjustment value for the path group directly based on the power threshold adjustment value for the path group reported by the terminal device.

[0126] Alternatively, the power condition is determined by the terminal device or the first device. For example, in some feasible examples, the communication method further includes: the first device receiving multiple power conditions from the second device; and the first device determining the power condition for the path group from the multiple power conditions. Accordingly, the second device sends the multiple power conditions to the first device. In this way, the first device can select the power condition for each path group from the multiple power conditions configured by the second device.

[0127] Alternatively, the terminal device receives multiple power conditions from the network device; the terminal device determines the power conditions for the path group from the multiple power conditions. Accordingly, the network device sends the multiple power conditions to the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can select the power conditions for each path group from the multiple power conditions configured by the network device.

[0128] Furthermore, the communication method further includes: the first device receiving multiple power threshold adjustment values ​​from the second device; and the first device determining a power threshold adjustment value for a path group from the multiple power threshold values. Accordingly, the second device sends the multiple power threshold adjustment values ​​to the first device. In this manner, the first device can select a power threshold adjustment value for each path group from the multiple power threshold adjustment values ​​configured by the second device.

[0129] Alternatively, the terminal device receives multiple power threshold adjustment values ​​from the network device; the terminal device determines a power threshold adjustment value for the path group from the multiple power threshold adjustment values. Accordingly, the network device sends the multiple power threshold adjustment values ​​to the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can select a power threshold adjustment value for each path group from the multiple power threshold adjustment values ​​configured by the network device.

[0130] The following uses time domain channel information to determine the time information of the first path group as an example. For the relevant content of the second path group, refer to the description of the first path group.

[0131] In the embodiment of the present application, the first path group includes L paths, where L is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The time domain channel information may include the time of at least one path in the first path group, and the time domain channel information may also include the power and / or phase of the path.

[0132] The at least one path may be referred to as a first path. In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information may further include power and / or phase of the first path. The first path in the first path group may be the path with the highest power in the first path group.

[0133] Or when L is an odd number, the first path can be the first path in the first path group. If the first path group includes 5 paths, the first path in the first path group is the third path. When L is an even number, the first path can be the or paths.

[0134] For example, please refer to Figure 4A, which shows a power delay profile of a channel in the time domain, provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4A, the horizontal axis of the power delay profile is time, and the vertical axis is power. Each vertical line represents a path, where the time interval between any two adjacent paths is the time unit Δt. The arrow represents the first path. The first path group includes six paths, and the first path in the first path group is the third path.

[0135] In some other examples, the first path group includes 6 paths, and the first path in the first path group is the 4th path.

[0136] In the embodiments of the present application, the time intervals between two adjacent paths are equal, and the time intervals can be referred to as time units. The time unit is the time accuracy measured by the first device. Different first devices can use different time units. The time unit can be predefined or preconfigured, dynamically configured by the network device or the second device, or determined by the terminal device or the first device based on the time range of the reported path group.

[0137] In some feasible examples, the communication method further includes: the first device sending a time unit to the second device. In response, the second device receives the time unit from the first device. Alternatively, the terminal device sends a time unit to the network device. In response, the network device receives the time unit from the terminal device. In this manner, the times of other paths in the first path group can be determined based on the time unit and the reference time of the first path group.

[0138] Optionally, the time unit may be reported as distance information, wherein the distance information may be equal to the product of the time unit Δt and the speed of light.

[0139] When a path group reports only the first path, the other paths in the path group can meet the power condition, for example, the power of the other paths in the path group is no less than the difference between the power of the first path in the path group and the power threshold adjustment value for the path group. For example, assuming the power of the first path in the first path group is P1 and the power threshold adjustment value for the first path group is 3 dB, the power of the other paths in the first path group is no less than P1 minus 3 dB.

[0140] A path group can report the times of paths other than the first path, such as the first and / or last paths in the path group. When reporting the times of the first, first, and last paths in a path group, the time range of the path group can be determined. If there are other unreported paths in the path group, the times of these unreported paths can also be estimated.

[0141] A path group can report the power and / or phase of paths other than the first path, such as the power and / or phase of the first and / or last paths, or the phases of all paths included in the first path group. When the power of the first, first, and last paths of a path group is reported, the power range of the first path group can be determined. If there are other unreported paths in the path group, the power of these unreported paths can also be estimated. When the phase of the first, first, and last paths of a path group is reported, the phase range of the first path group can be determined. If there are other unreported paths in the path group, the phase of these unreported paths can also be estimated.

[0142] Next, we analyze how to determine the time information of the first path group in combination with the content of the time domain channel information.

[0143] In a first possible example, the time domain channel information includes: a first reference time of a first path group, a first offset time of the first reference time, and a second offset time of the first reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time.

[0144] The first reference time may be the time of the first path. The first offset time and the second offset time are relative to the first reference time. The first offset time may be before the first reference time, and the second offset time may be after the first reference time. The first offset time of the first reference time may also be referred to as the first offset time of the first path group, and the second offset time of the first reference time may also be referred to as the second offset time of the first path group. The first offset time of the first reference time may also be referred to as the first offset time of the first path group. Similarly, the second offset time of the first reference time may also be referred to as the second offset time of the first path group.

[0145] Alternatively, the offset time may be expressed as a distance, in which case it may be referred to as an offset distance or a distance offset. The offset time may also be referred to as a time offset. For example, the first offset time may also be referred to as a first time offset, a first offset distance, or a first distance offset. In the distance form of the offset time, the distance may be equal to the product of the offset time and the speed of light.

[0146] Optionally, the first offset time may be the time of the first path in the first path group, and the second offset time may be the time of the last path in the first path group. It should be noted that since the interval between two paths is a time unit, and the first offset time and the second offset time are integer multiples of the time unit, the corresponding paths may not be at the ends of the first path group.

[0147] For example, please continue to refer to FIG4A , the power delay profile also indicates a first offset time Δt of the first reference time T1. 11 and the second offset time Δt of the first reference time 12 Wherein, the first offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 11 and the second offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 12 Neither of them is the time corresponding to the endpoint of the first path group.

[0148] In some feasible examples, a maximum value of the first offset time of the first reference time and the second offset time of the first reference time is N times of the time unit.

[0149] Wherein, N may be predefined or preconfigured, or may be dynamically configured. Optionally, N may be determined based on a time unit, for example, the smaller the time unit, the larger N.

[0150] It can be understood that by limiting the maximum values ​​of the first offset time and the second offset time of the first reference time according to N times the time unit, the time range of the first path group can be limited, thereby avoiding reporting too many paths in a path group and saving feedback overhead.

[0151] In this example, when the time domain channel information includes the first reference time of the first path group, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time, a time range can be determined by the first reference time and the first offset time of the first reference time, and another time range can be determined by the first reference time and the second offset time of the first reference time, thereby determining the time information of the first path group.

[0152] For example, please refer to Figure 4B. In this power delay profile, the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is power. Each vertical line represents a path, where the time interval between any two adjacent paths is the time unit Δt. The arrow represents the first path. This power delay profile includes time information and power information for the first path group, where the first reference time of the first path in the first path group is T1, and the first offset time of the first reference time T1 is Δt. 11 , the second offset time of the first reference time T1 is Δt 12 In this way, the first reference time T1 and the first offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 can be used to calculate the time difference between the first reference time T1 and the first offset time Δt of the first reference time T1. 11 Determine the time range [T1-Δt 11 , T1], and by the first reference time T1 and the second offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 12 Determine the time range [T1, T1+Δt 12 The first path group is included in the interval [T1-Δt 11 ,T1+Δt 12 ], such as T1-Δt, T1-2Δt, T1, T1+Δt and T1+2Δt, a total of 5 paths.

[0153] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information also includes the second reference time of the second path group, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time, and the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time.

[0154] The first offset time of the second reference time may also be referred to as the first offset time of the second path group. Similarly, the second offset time of the second reference time may also be referred to as the second offset time of the second path group.

[0155] It can be understood that when the time domain channel information includes the second reference time of the second path group, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time, a time range can be determined by the second reference time and the first offset time of the second reference time, and another time range can be determined by the second reference time and the second offset time of the second reference time, thereby determining the time information of the second path group.

[0156] For example, please continue to refer to FIG4B , the power delay profile also includes time information and power information of the second path group. The reference time of the first path in the second path group is T2, and the first offset time of the second reference time is Δt 21 , the second offset time of the second reference time is Δt 22 In this way, the time range [T2-Δt 21 , T2], and determine the time range [T2, T2+Δt 22 The second path group is included in the interval [T2-Δt 21 ,T2+Δt 22 ], such as T2-Δt, T2 and T2+Δt, a total of 3 paths.

[0157] It should be noted that the first possible example may have its variations, such as:

[0158] In one possible example, the time-domain channel information includes a first reference time of a first path group and an offset from the first reference time. The time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time and the offset from the first reference time. It can be understood that the first offset from the first reference time and the second offset from the first reference time are equal. In this way, only one offset can be fed back, further reducing feedback overhead.

[0159] Accordingly, the maximum value of the offset time of the first reference time is N times the time unit.

[0160] Correspondingly, the time domain channel information further includes: a second reference time of the second path group and an offset time of the second reference time, and the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time and the offset time of the second reference time.

[0161] In another possible example, the time-domain channel information includes: a first reference time of the first path group, a first offset time of the first reference time, a second offset time of the first reference time, a third offset time of the first reference time, and a fourth offset time of the first reference time. The time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time of the first reference time, the second offset time of the first reference time, the third offset time of the first reference time, and the fourth offset time of the first reference time.

[0162] The first reference time may be the time of the first path. The first offset time and the second offset time are relative to the first reference time. The first offset time may be before the first reference time, and the second offset time may be after the first reference time. The third offset time and the fourth offset time are relative to the first reference time. The third offset time may be before the first reference time, and the fourth offset time may be after the first reference time.

[0163] The power condition satisfied by the first path group includes two power thresholds or power threshold adjustments, such as including multiple paths within a time range determined by a first reference time, a first offset time of the first reference time, and a second offset time of the first reference time of the first path group, and the power of the multiple paths is not less than a power threshold, such as the power of the multiple paths is not less than P1-3dB.

[0164] A time range determined by the first reference time, the third offset time of the first reference time, and the fourth offset time of the first reference time of the first path group includes multiple paths, and power of the multiple paths is not less than another power threshold, such as power of the multiple paths is not less than P1-6dB.

[0165] As previously described, the ends of the first path group may not be paths in the first path group. Therefore, the third offset time can be equal to the first offset time, and the fourth offset time can be equal to the second offset time. In this example, when the third offset time is equal to the first offset time, the fourth offset time is not equal to the second offset time. When the fourth offset time is equal to the second offset time, the third offset time is not equal to the first offset time.

[0166] For example, please continue to refer to FIG4A , the power delay profile also indicates a third offset time Δt of the first reference time T1. 13 and the fourth offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 14 When the power of the first path in the first path group is P1, the third offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 is 13 and the fourth offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 14 The power of each path within the corresponding time range is not less than P1-6dB, and the first offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 is 11 and the second offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 12 The power of each path within the time range is not less than P1-3dB. Through the first reference time T1, the first offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 11 , the second offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 12 , a third offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 13 and the fourth offset time Δt of the first reference time T114 Determine the time information of the first path group, that is, the time range included in the first path group is [T1-Δt 13 , T1] or [T1-Δt 11 , T1], [T1, T1+Δt 12 ]、[T1+Δt 12 , T1+Δt 14 ].

[0167] In another possible example, the time-domain channel information includes a first reference time, a first offset time, a second offset time, a third offset time, and a fourth offset time for the first path group. The time information for the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time, the second offset time, the third offset time, and the fourth offset time.

[0168] The first reference time may be the time of the first path. The first offset time and the second offset time are relative to the first reference time. The first offset time may be before the first reference time, while the second offset time may be after the first reference time. The third offset time is relative to the first offset time. The third offset time may be before the first offset time. The fourth offset time is relative to the second offset time. The fourth offset time may be after the second offset time.

[0169] The power condition satisfied by the first path group includes two power thresholds or power threshold adjustments. For example, the first path group includes multiple paths within a time range determined by the first reference time, the first offset time, and the second offset time, and the power of the multiple paths is not less than a power threshold, such as the power of the multiple paths is not less than P1-3dB.

[0170] A time range determined by the first reference time, the first offset time, the second offset time, the third offset time, and the fourth offset time of the first path group includes multiple paths, and power of the multiple paths is not less than another power threshold, such as power of the multiple paths is not less than P1-6dB.

[0171] For example, please refer to Figure 4C. In the power delay profile, the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is power. Each vertical line represents a path, where the time interval between any two adjacent paths is the time unit Δt. The arrow represents the first path. The power delay profile indicates the first reference time T1, the first offset time Δt 11 , second offset time Δt 12 , the third offset time Δt 13 and the fourth offset time Δt 14 The first offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 11 and the second offset time Δt of the first reference time T1 12Within the time range (i.e., the interval [T1-Δt 11 ,T1+Δt 12 ]) The power of each path is not less than P1-3dB. When the power of the first path in the first path group is P1, within the time range corresponding to the first reference time, the first offset time, the second offset time, the third offset time and the fourth offset time of the first path group (i.e., the interval [T1-Δt 11 -Δt 13 ,T1+Δt 12 +Δt 14 ] That is, the power of each path in the interval is not less than P1-6dB. For example, Δt 13 ≥0,Δt 14 ≥0, in Figure 4B, Δt 13 =0,Δt 14 =1.

[0172] In another possible example, the time domain channel information includes: the first reference time of the first path group, the first offset time of the first reference time, the first offset adjustment amount of the first reference time, the second offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset adjustment amount of the first reference time. The time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time of the first reference time, the first offset adjustment amount of the first reference time, the second offset time and the second offset adjustment amount of the first reference time.

[0173] The first reference time may be the time of the first path. The first offset time and the second offset time are relative to the first reference time. The first offset time may be before the first reference time, while the second offset time may be after the first reference time. The first offset adjustment value is relative to the first offset time. The first offset adjustment value is before the first offset time. The second offset adjustment value is relative to the second offset time. The second offset adjustment value is after the second offset time.

[0174] Optionally, the times at both ends of a path group are fractional multiples of a time unit.

[0175] For example, please refer to Figure 4D. In this power delay profile, the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is power. Each vertical line represents a path, where the time interval between any two adjacent paths is the time unit Δt. The arrow represents the first path. This power delay profile includes time information and power information for the first path group, where the first reference time of the first path in the first path group is T1, and the first offset time of the first reference time T1 is Δt. 11 , the second offset time of the first reference time T1 is Δt 12, the first offset adjustment amount of the first reference time T1 is Δt111, and the second offset adjustment amount of the first reference time T1 is Δt112. The first offset time and the second offset time are integer multiples of the time unit. The first offset adjustment amount and the second offset adjustment amount are fractional multiples of the time unit. For example, if the time unit is divided into 8 equal parts, the size of each equal part is If the first device reports the first offset adjustment value and the second offset adjustment value as 1 and 3, the actual first offset adjustment value and the second offset adjustment value are and Reporting the first offset adjustment amount and the second offset adjustment amount helps to further improve the time accuracy of the first path group.

[0176] The above example uses the first path group as an example. The same method can be used to determine the time information for other path groups (such as the second path group). For example, the time-domain channel information also includes the offset between the first reference time and the second reference time of the second path group. The time information for the second path group is determined using the offset between the second reference time and the second reference time. It can be understood that the first offset and the second offset of the second reference time are equal. In this way, a single offset can be fed back, further reducing feedback overhead.

[0177] In a second possible example, the time domain channel information includes: a bit sequence and a third reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

[0178] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a value corresponding to each of the multiple bits, and the sequence number of the bit is used to determine the time of the path corresponding to the bit. In this way, the time of each path is determined by the bit sequence.

[0179] This application does not limit the number of bits in a bit sequence, and the number of bits in the bit sequence is denoted as Q. Q can be a predefined or preconfigured value. Optionally, Q is determined based on a time unit. For example, the smaller the time unit, the larger Q.

[0180] Q can be dynamically configured by the network device or the second device, or can be determined based on the capabilities of the terminal device or the first device. Furthermore, the method further includes: the first device sending multiple supported Q values ​​to the second device; the second device selecting a Q value from the multiple Q values ​​and notifying the first device of the selected Q value. Accordingly, the second device receives the supported Q values ​​from the first device and sends the selected Q value to the first device.

[0181] Alternatively, the terminal device sends multiple supported Q values ​​to the network device, and the network device selects a Q value from the multiple Q values ​​and notifies the terminal device of its selected Q value. Accordingly, the network device receives the Q values ​​supported by the terminal device and sends the selected Q value to the terminal device.

[0182] In some feasible examples, the value corresponding to a bit indicates whether the path group corresponding to the bit meets the power condition for that path group. The power condition is described above and is not further described here. Thus, the value corresponding to the bit can be used to quickly identify the path group that meets the power condition. For example, a value of 1 corresponding to a bit indicates that the path group to which the path corresponding to the bit belongs meets the power condition for the path group, or indicates that the path corresponding to the bit exceeds a power threshold.

[0183] This application does not limit the third reference time. The third reference time may be an initially measured time, and the path corresponding to the time may not meet the power threshold. Alternatively, in some feasible examples, the third reference time may be the time of the first path in the first path group or the time of the first path.

[0184] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a first bit string corresponding to the first path group, the first bit string includes L bits; L is an odd number, and the first path is the first bit string in the first bit string. bits in the first bit string; or L is an even number, the first path is the or The path corresponding to the bits.

[0185] For example, please refer to Figures 5A to 5C respectively. Figures 5A to 5C are another power delay spectrum of a channel in the time domain provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5A, the time interval between any two adjacent paths in the power delay spectrum is the time unit Δt. The power delay spectrum contains time information and power information of the first path group. The third reference time T3 is the time initially measured, the length of the bit sequence is 19, and the bit sequence is 0111110000000000111. When 1 indicates that the corresponding path group meets the power condition of the path group, it can be determined that the bit string corresponding to the 2nd bit to the 6th bit is the bit string corresponding to the first path group, and the first path group meets the power condition of the first path group. The first path group includes 5 paths, and the times of these 5 paths are T0+Δt, T0+2Δt, T0+3Δt, T0+4Δt and T0+5Δt respectively. The first path of the first path group is the path corresponding to the third bit in the first bit string corresponding to the first path group, that is, the time of the first path in the first path group is T0+3Δt.

[0186] As shown in Figure 5B, the time interval between any two adjacent paths in the power delay profile is a time unit Δt. The power delay profile contains the time information and power information of the first path group. The length of the bit sequence is 18, and the bit sequence is 11111000000000111. The third reference time T0 is the time of the first path in the first path group. When 1 indicates that the corresponding path group meets the power condition of the path group, it can be determined that the bit string corresponding to the 1st bit to the 5th bit is the bit string corresponding to the first path group, and the first path group meets the power condition of the path group. The first path group includes 5 paths, and the times of these 5 paths are T0, T0+Δt, T0+2Δt, T0+3Δt and T0+4Δt respectively. The first path of the first path group is the path corresponding to the 3rd bit in the first bit string corresponding to the first path group, that is, the time of the first path in the first path group is T0+2Δt.

[0187] As shown in Figure 5C, the time interval between any two adjacent paths in the power delay profile is a time unit Δt. The power delay profile includes time and power information for the first path group. The length of the bit sequence is 18, and the bit sequence is 11111000000000111. The third reference time T0 is the time of the first path in the first path group. When 1 indicates that the corresponding path group meets the power condition of the path group, it can be determined that the bit string corresponding to the first to fifth bits is the bit string corresponding to the first path group, and the first path group meets the power condition of the path group. The first path group includes five paths, and the times of these five paths are T0-2Δt, T0-Δt, T0, T0+Δt, and T0+2Δt, respectively. The first path of the first path group is the path corresponding to the third bit in the first bit string corresponding to the first path group, that is, the time of the first path in the first path group is T0. In this case, the first path of the first path group is the path corresponding to the third reference time.

[0188] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is further used to indicate time information of the second path group; the time information of the second path group is determined by a bit sequence and a third reference time.

[0189] For example, referring to Figures 5A to 5C , the power delay profile also includes time and power information for the second path group. Based on Figure 5A , it can be determined that the bit string corresponding to bits 17 to 19 corresponds to the second path group, and that the second path group meets the power condition for the second path group. Based on Figures 5B to 5C , it can be determined that the bit string corresponding to bits 16 to 18 corresponds to the second path group, and that the second path group meets the power condition for the second path group.

[0190] The second path group includes three paths. In Figure 5A , the times of these three paths are T0+16Δt, T0+17Δt, and T0+18Δt, respectively. The first path of the second path group is the path corresponding to the second bit in the bit string corresponding to the second path group, that is, the time of the first path in the second path group is T0+17Δt. In Figure 5B , the times of these three paths are T0+15Δt, T0+16Δt, and T0+17Δt, respectively. The first path of the second path group is the path corresponding to the second bit in the bit string corresponding to the second path group, that is, the time of the first path in the second path group is T0+16Δt. In Figure 5C , the times of the three paths in the second path group are T0+13Δt, T0+14Δt, and T0+15Δt, respectively. The first path of the second path group is the path corresponding to the second bit in the bit string corresponding to the second path group, that is, the time of the first path in the second path group is T0+14Δt.

[0191] Furthermore, the power of the paths included in any path group or the power of the first path included in any path group cannot be less than the maximum path power (i.e., the path with the highest power) minus a predefined threshold. This approach can prevent the feedback of path information with relatively low measurement accuracy.

[0192] Furthermore, a path group may contain only one path.

[0193] It should be noted that the above only uses two examples to describe how to determine the time information of a path group based on the time domain channel information. In fact, there may be other solutions.

[0194] In the method shown in FIG3 , time domain channel information is sent based on a path group, which can save feedback overhead compared to sending time domain channel information based on each path separately.

[0195] Optionally, the method also includes: the second device determines the location information of the terminal device based on the time domain channel information.

[0196] This application does not limit the method by which the second device determines the location information of the terminal device, and the above-mentioned positioning method can be used for determination.

[0197] The above describes in detail the method of the embodiment of the present application. The following describes the device of the embodiment of the present application.

[0198] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may include a transceiver unit 101 and a processing unit 102. Among them, the transceiver unit 101 may be a device with signal input (reception) or output (transmission), used to transmit signals with other network devices or other devices in the device. The processing unit 102 may be a device with a processing function, which can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the device (such as a host node, a relay node or a chip, etc.), execute software programs, and process software program data. The transceiver unit 101 may include one or more transceivers, and the processing unit 102 may include one or more processors for executing instructions (or codes or programs), for example, processing communication protocols and communication data.

[0199] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication apparatus includes a first device or a second device.

[0200] In one implementation scenario, the communication apparatus is a first device, wherein:

[0201] The transceiver unit 101 is configured to send time domain channel information, where the time domain channel information is used to indicate time information of the first path group.

[0202] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes the first reference time of the first path group, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time; the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time.

[0203] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes a first reference time of the first path group and an offset time of the first reference time; the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time and the offset time of the first reference time.

[0204] In some feasible examples, the first path group includes a first path, and the first reference time is the time of the first path.

[0205] In some feasible examples, a maximum value of the first offset time of the first reference time and the second offset time of the second reference time is N times of a time unit.

[0206] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is also used to indicate the time information of the second path group, and the time domain channel information also includes the second reference time of the second path group, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time; the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time.

[0207] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes a bit sequence and a third reference time; and the time information of the first path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

[0208] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a numerical value corresponding to each bit in a plurality of bits, and the sequence number of the bit is used to determine the time of the path corresponding to the bit.

[0209] In some feasible examples, the value corresponding to the bit is used to indicate whether the path group corresponding to the bit meets the power condition of the path group.

[0210] In some feasible examples, the transceiver unit 101 is further configured to send the power condition of the path group.

[0211] In some feasible examples, the transceiver unit 101 is further configured to receive multiple power conditions; and the processing unit 102 is configured to determine the power condition of the path group from the multiple power conditions.

[0212] In some feasible examples, the first path group includes a first path, and the third reference time is the time of the first path in the first path group or the time of the first path.

[0213] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a first bit string corresponding to the first path group, the first bit string includes L bits; L is an odd number, and the first path is the first bit string in the first bit string. bits corresponding to the path; or L is an even number, the first path is the first bit string or The path corresponding to the bits.

[0214] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is further used to indicate time information of the second path group; the time information of the second path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

[0215] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information also includes the power and / or phase of the first path.

[0216] In some feasible examples, the first path group is the first path group that meets the power condition.

[0217] In some feasible examples, the power condition satisfied by the first path group is that the power of each path in the first path group is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0218] Optionally, the transceiver unit 101 is further configured to send a time unit.

[0219] In another implementation scenario, the communication device is a second device, wherein:

[0220] The transceiver unit 101 is configured to receive time domain channel information, where the time domain channel information is used to indicate time information of a first path group.

[0221] Optionally, the processing unit 102 is configured to determine the location of the terminal device based on the time domain channel information.

[0222] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes the first reference time of the first path group, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time.

[0223] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes a first reference time of the first path group and an offset time of the first reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time and the offset time of the first reference time.

[0224] In some feasible examples, the first path group includes a first path, and the first reference time is the time of the first path.

[0225] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information includes a bit sequence and a third reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

[0226] In some feasible examples, the first path group includes a first path, and the third reference time is the time of the first path in the first path group or the time of the first path.

[0227] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a numerical value corresponding to each bit in a plurality of bits, and the sequence number of the bit is used to determine the time of the path corresponding to the bit.

[0228] In some feasible examples, the value corresponding to the bit is used to indicate whether the path group corresponding to the bit meets the power condition of the path group.

[0229] In some feasible examples, the transceiver unit 101 is further configured to receive a power condition of the path group.

[0230] In some feasible examples, the transceiver unit 101 is further configured to send multiple power conditions.

[0231] In some feasible examples, the bit sequence includes a first bit string corresponding to the first path group, the first bit string includes L bits; L is an odd number, and the first path is the first bit string in the first bit string. bits corresponding to the path; or L is an even number, the first path is the first bit string or The path corresponding to the bits.

[0232] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information also includes the power and / or phase of the first path.

[0233] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is also used to indicate the time information of the second path group; the time domain channel information also includes the second reference time of the second path group, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time, and the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time.

[0234] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is also used to indicate the time information of the second path group; the time domain channel information also includes the second reference time of the second path group and the offset time of the second reference time, and the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, the first offset time of the second reference time and the offset time of the second reference time.

[0235] In some feasible examples, the time domain channel information is also used to indicate time information of the second path group; the time domain channel information is also used to indicate time information of the second path group, and the time information of the second path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

[0236] In some feasible examples, the first path group is the first path group that meets the power condition.

[0237] In some feasible examples, the power condition satisfied by the first path group is that the power of each path in the first path group is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0238] Optionally, the transceiver unit 101 is further configured to receive a time unit.

[0239] It should be noted that the implementation of each unit may also correspond to the corresponding description of at least one example in FIG. 3 .

[0240] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device may include a processor 111 and a storage medium 112. Processor 111, which may also be referred to as a processing unit, may implement certain control functions. Storage medium 112, which may also be referred to as a storage unit or memory. Storage medium 112 stores instructions 114. Instructions 114 may be executed on processor 111, causing the communication device to perform any of the methods described in Figure 3 in the embodiment of the present application.

[0241] Optionally, the processor 111 may include an instruction 113, which may be executed on the processor 111 to enable the communication device to execute the method described in FIG. 3 in the embodiment of the present application.

[0242] The communication device may be a terminal device or a device in a terminal device, used to implement the method described in the method embodiment. The communication device may also be a network device or a device in a network device, used to implement the method described in the method embodiment. The network device may include an access network device, a network element in a core network device (such as an LMF network element), etc. The scope of the device described in this application is not limited to this, and the communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0243] (1) An independent integrated circuit (IC), or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0244] (2) having a set of one or more ICs, which may optionally include a storage component for storing data and / or instructions;

[0245] (3) ASICs, such as modems;

[0246] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0247] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a structural diagram of a terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application. For ease of explanation, Figure 8 only shows the main components of the terminal. As shown in Figure 8, the terminal includes a processor, a memory, a control circuit, an antenna, and input and output devices. The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, as well as to control the entire terminal, execute software programs, and process data of software programs. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuit is mainly used for conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and for processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as touch screens, display screens, keyboards, etc., are mainly used to receive data input by users and output data to users.

[0248] When the terminal is powered on, the processor reads the software program from the storage unit, parses and executes the instructions of the software program, and processes the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal to obtain an RF signal and transmits the RF signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves via the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal, the RF circuit receives the RF signal via the antenna, which is further converted into a baseband signal and output to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0249] For ease of explanation, FIG8 shows only one memory and processor. In an actual terminal, there may be multiple processors and memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or storage device, etc., which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0250] In one embodiment, the antenna is configured to perform the operations performed by the transceiver unit 101 in the above embodiment. The processor is configured to perform the operations performed by the processing unit 102 in the above embodiment. The terminal may also be configured to perform the method performed by the first device or the second device in the method embodiment of FIG. 3 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0251] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the process related to the network device or terminal device in the communication method provided in the above method embodiment. The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which is used to store a computer program, and when the computer program is run on a computer (or processor), causes the computer to execute one or more steps in any of the above communication methods. If the various component modules of the above-mentioned devices are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0252] An embodiment of the present application provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the above method.

[0253] An embodiment of the present application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface and a processing circuit, the input interface, the output interface and the circuit are connected through an internal connection path, and the processing circuit is used to execute the above method.

[0254] Optionally, the chip further includes a memory. The input interface, the output interface, the processor, and the memory are connected via an internal connection path. The processor is configured to execute the code in the memory. When the code is executed, the processor is configured to execute the above method.

[0255] The present application also provides a chip system, comprising at least one processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface and the at least one processor are interconnected via a circuit, and the at least one processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction to perform any of the aforementioned methods. The chip system may be composed of a chip alone, or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0256] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes a first device and a second device. For a specific description, reference may be made to the communication method shown in FIG3 .

[0257] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments provided herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0258] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0259] Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0260] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The steps in the method of the embodiment of the present application can be adjusted, merged and deleted in sequence according to actual needs. The steps of each embodiment can be partially executed (for example, the terminal may not execute the steps performed by the terminal in the above embodiment). The execution order of different steps can be changed. The embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments, different embodiments can be combined with each other, and different steps of different embodiments of this document can be combined.

[0261] The modules / units in the device of the embodiment of the present application can be merged, divided and deleted according to actual needs.

[0262] Reference herein to an "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

[0263] In this application, it may refer to a communication protocol or specification, such as the 3GPP communication protocol.

[0264] It should be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiment of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Wherein, the non-volatile memory can be a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), a ROM, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a RAM, which is used as an external cache. The memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store a desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer, 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.

[0265] It should also be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0266] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated into the processor.

[0267] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0268] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0269] In the embodiments of the present application, "include" can be an inclusion relationship or an equality relationship. For example, A includes B, which means that A includes B and can also include other content, or A and B are the same content.

[0270] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0271] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Time domain channel information is sent, where the time domain channel information is used to indicate time information of the first path group.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The time domain channel information includes a first reference time of the first path group, a first offset time of the first reference time, and a second offset time of the first reference time, wherein the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time; or The time domain channel information includes a first reference time of the first path group and an offset time of the first reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time and the offset time of the first reference time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first path group includes a first path, and the first reference time is a time of the first path.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that A maximum value of the first offset time of the first reference time and the second offset time of the first reference time is N times of a time unit.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The time domain channel information is further used to indicate time information of the second path group, and the time domain channel information further includes a second reference time of the second path group, a first offset time of the second reference time, and a second offset time of the second reference time; The time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, a first offset time of the second reference time, and a second offset time of the second reference time.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The time domain channel information includes a bit sequence and a third reference time; The time information of the first path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The bit sequence includes a numerical value corresponding to each bit in a plurality of bits, and the sequence number of the bit is used to determine the time of the path corresponding to the bit.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The value corresponding to the bit is used to indicate whether the path group corresponding to the bit meets the power condition of the path group.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Also includes: The power condition of the path group is sent.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that Also includes: receiving multiple power conditions; A power condition for the path group is determined from the plurality of power conditions.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that The first path group includes a first path, and the third reference time is the time of the first path in the first path group or the time of the first path.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The bit sequence includes a first bit string corresponding to the first path group, and the first bit string includes L bits; L is an odd number, and the first path is the first bit string. The path corresponding to the bits; or L is an even number, and the first path is the first bit string. or The path corresponding to the bits.

13. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that The time domain channel information is further used to indicate time information of the second path group; The time information of the second path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

14. The method according to claim 3, 11 or 12, characterized in that The time domain channel information also includes the power and / or phase of the first path.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The first path group is a first path group that meets the power condition.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The power condition satisfied by the first path group is that the power of each path in the first path group is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

17. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Time domain channel information is received, where the time domain channel information is used to indicate time information of a first path group.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The time domain channel information includes a first reference time of the first path group, a first offset time of the first reference time, and a second offset time of the first reference time, wherein the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time, the first offset time of the first reference time, and the second offset time of the first reference time; or The time domain channel information includes a first reference time of the first path group and an offset time of the first reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the first reference time and the offset time of the first reference time; or The time domain channel information includes a bit sequence and a third reference time, and the time information of the first path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The first path group includes a first path, the first reference time is the time of the first path, and the third reference time is the time of the first path in the first path group or the time of the first path.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein The bit sequence includes a numerical value corresponding to each bit in a plurality of bits, and the sequence number of the bit is used to determine the time of the path corresponding to the bit.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The value corresponding to the bit is used to indicate whether the path group corresponding to the bit meets the power condition of the path group.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that Also includes: A power condition of the path group is received.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that Also includes: Send multiple power conditions.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein The bit sequence includes a first bit string corresponding to the first path group, and the first bit string includes L bits; L is an odd number, and the first path is the first bit string. The path corresponding to the bits; or L is an even number, and the first path is the first bit string. or The path corresponding to the bits.

25. The method according to claim 19 or 24, characterized in that The time domain channel information also includes the power and / or phase of the first path.

26. The method according to claim 18, wherein The time domain channel information is further used to indicate time information of the second path group; The time domain channel information further includes a second reference time of the second path group, a first offset time of the second reference time, and a second offset time of the second reference time, wherein the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the second offset time of the second reference time; or The time domain channel information further includes a second reference time of the second path group and an offset time of the second reference time, and the time information of the second path group is determined by the second reference time, the first offset time of the second reference time, and the offset time of the second reference time; or The time information of the second path group is determined by the bit sequence and the third reference time.

27. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that The first path group is a first path group that meets the power condition.

28. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 27, characterized in that The power condition satisfied by the first path group is that the power of each path in the first path group is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: include: The method comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium comprises instructions, which, when executed by a processor, enable the method according to any one of claims 1 to 28 to be implemented.

Images