Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. In the method, a first apparatus can receive first indication information, and obtain N downlink reference signal ports and N sensing reference signal ports associated with the N downlink reference signal ports in one-to-one correspondence. The first apparatus can determine ports (such as the N sensing reference signal ports) for sending uplink reference signals (such as sensing reference signals), and sends N sensing reference signals by means of the N sensing reference signal ports, and this is beneficial to estimating the phases of the N sensing reference signals, thereby facilitating coherent combination of a plurality of uplink reference signals, and facilitating the improvement of the sensing capability.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410509395.1, filed on April 25, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Currently, integrated communication and sensing technology is considered one of the key technologies for expanding the service capabilities of mobile communication networks. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to mobile communication networks, building the ability to detect, track, and image targets, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network and improving network performance. In one possible implementation, uplink reference signals can be used for sensing. For example, the terminal can send multiple uplink reference signals, which arrive at the base station after being reflected / scattered by the sensed target. The base station receives the echo signals corresponding to the multiple uplink signals and can estimate the channel coefficients of the reflected / scattered paths of the sensed target. However, the phases of the multiple uplink reference signals may jump, causing them to be unable to coherently combine, thus leading to a decrease in sensing capability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, which is beneficial for improving sensing capabilities.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a first device. For example, the method can be executed by the first device, which may be a terminal, a communication module within the terminal, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) responsible for communication functions within the terminal. The first device receives first indication information, which indicates N downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The first device sends N sensing reference signals, each corresponding to one of the N sensing reference signal ports, and each of the N sensing reference signal ports is associated with one of the N downlink reference signal ports.

[0006] In this method, the first device can receive first indication information and acquire N downlink reference signal ports and N sensing reference signal ports associated with each of the N downlink reference signal ports. The first device can determine the ports (such as the N sensing reference signal ports) for transmitting uplink reference signals (such as sensing reference signals), and transmit the N sensing reference signals through the N sensing reference signal ports. This is beneficial for estimating the phase of the N sensing reference signals, thereby facilitating coherent combining of multiple uplink reference signals and improving sensing capabilities.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first device transmits N sensing reference signals over M time-domain symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0008] In this embodiment, the first device can transmit N sensing reference signals on multiple time-domain symbols. Even if the N sensing reference signals may experience phase transitions on multiple time-domain symbols, since the N sensing reference signal ports are associated with the N downlink reference signal ports one-to-one, it is beneficial for the receiver of the N sensing reference signals to estimate the phase transitions of the N sensing reference signals on multiple time-domain symbols. This facilitates coherent combining of multiple uplink reference signals and improves sensing capabilities.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the N sensing reference signal ports include a first sensing reference signal port and a second sensing reference signal port; the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port is used to estimate the phase transition; and the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port is used for sensing.

[0010] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the N sensing reference signal ports specifically include a first sensing reference signal port and a second sensing reference signal port, and the first device defines the first sensing reference signal as being used to estimate phase transitions (e.g., to estimate phase transitions caused by non-ideal terminal devices), and the second sensing reference signal as being used for sensing. This is beneficial for the base station to perform coherent combining based on the first sensing reference signal and the second sensing reference signal before sensing, which is beneficial for improving the sensing performance of the base station.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a first device receives a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal; wherein the first downlink reference signal corresponds to a first downlink reference signal port, and the first downlink reference signal port is associated with a first sensing reference signal port; the second downlink reference signal corresponds to a second downlink reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with a second sensing reference signal port. Based on the first downlink reference signal, the first device determines the beam or precoding of the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port; based on the second downlink reference signal, the first device determines the beam or precoding of the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port.

[0012] In this embodiment, the first device can also receive a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal. Since the first downlink reference signal port is associated with a first sensing reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with a second sensing reference signal port, based on uplink and downlink channel reciprocity, the first device can determine the beam or precoding of the first sensing reference signal and the beam or precoding of the second sensing reference signal. The first device can transmit the corresponding first sensing reference signal and second sensing reference signal based on the above information.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the beam or precode of the first sensing reference signal corresponds to a path with a Doppler frequency shift less than a first threshold. The beam or precode of the second sensing reference signal corresponds to a sensing path.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the sensing path is the path from the transmitter to the receiver via reflection or scattering from the sensing target.

[0015] In the above embodiments, the first device configures the beam or pre-encoded beam of the first sensing reference signal to point to a path where the Doppler is zero or small, and configures the beam or pre-encoded beam of the second sensing reference signal to point to the sensing path, thereby enabling the first sensing reference signal to be used to calibrate the phase transition of different sounding reference signals (SRS), and the second sensing reference signal to be used for sensing (such as measuring speed or time accumulation to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)).

[0016] In one possible implementation, the downlink reference signal is a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0017] In one possible implementation, the sensing reference signal is an SRS.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to a first device. For example, the method can be executed by the first device, which can be a terminal, a communication module within the terminal, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the terminal. The first device receives N downlink reference signals, each corresponding to one of N downlink reference signal ports, and each of the N downlink reference signal ports is associated with one of N sensing reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The first device also transmits N sensing reference signals, each corresponding to one of the N sensing reference signal ports.

[0019] In this method, the first device can receive N downlink reference signals, thereby acquiring N downlink reference signal ports and N sensing reference signal ports associated with each of the N downlink reference signal ports. The first device can determine the ports (such as the N sensing reference signal ports) for transmitting uplink reference signals (such as sensing reference signals), and transmit the N sensing reference signals through the N sensing reference signal ports. This is beneficial for estimating the phase of the N sensing reference signals, which in turn facilitates coherent combining of multiple uplink reference signals and improves sensing capabilities.

[0020] Optionally, other possible implementations of the second aspect can be found in the description of other possible implementations of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0021] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method applied to a second device. For example, the method can be executed by a second device, which may be a network device (such as a satellite, base station, etc.), a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The second device sends first indication information, which indicates N downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The second device receives N sensing reference signals, each corresponding to one of the N sensing reference signal ports, and each of the N sensing reference signal ports is associated with one of the N downlink reference signal ports.

[0022] In this method, the second device can send first indication information, thereby indicating to the first device N downlink reference signal ports and N sensing reference signal ports associated with each of the N downlink reference signal ports. This facilitates the first device in sending N sensing reference signals through the N sensing reference signal ports. After receiving the N sensing reference signals, the second device can estimate the phase of the N sensing reference signals, which facilitates coherent combining of multiple uplink reference signals and improves sensing capabilities.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the second device receives N sensing reference signals over M time-domain symbols.

[0024] In this embodiment, the second device can receive N sensing reference signals on multiple time-domain symbols. Even if the N sensing reference signals may experience phase transitions on multiple time-domain symbols, since the N sensing reference signal ports are associated with the N downlink reference signal ports one-to-one, it is beneficial for the second device to estimate the phase transitions of the N sensing reference signals on multiple time-domain symbols. This facilitates coherent combining of multiple uplink reference signals and improves sensing capabilities.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the N sensing reference signal ports include a first sensing reference signal port and a second sensing reference signal port; the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port is used to estimate the phase transition; and the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port is used for sensing.

[0026] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the N sensing reference signal ports specifically include a first sensing reference signal port and a second sensing reference signal port. The first sensing reference signal is used to estimate phase transitions (e.g., to estimate phase transitions caused by non-ideal terminal devices), and the second sensing reference signal is used for sensing. This is beneficial for the second device to coherently combine the first and second sensing reference signals before sensing, which is beneficial to improving the sensing performance of the second device.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the second device transmits a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal; wherein the first downlink reference signal corresponds to a first downlink reference signal port, and the first downlink reference signal port is associated with a first sensing reference signal port; the second downlink reference signal corresponds to a second downlink reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with a second sensing reference signal port. The first downlink reference signal is used to determine the beam or precoding of the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port; the second downlink reference signal is used to determine the beam or precoding of the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second device can transmit a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal. Since the first downlink reference signal port is associated with the first sensing reference signal port and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with the second sensing reference signal port, based on the reciprocity of uplink and downlink channels, it is beneficial for the first device to determine the beam or precoding of the first sensing reference signal and the beam or precoding of the second sensing reference signal.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the beam or precode of the first sensing reference signal corresponds to a path with a Doppler frequency shift less than a first threshold. The beam or precode of the second sensing reference signal corresponds to a sensing path.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the sensing path is the path from the transmitter to the receiver via reflection or scattering from the sensing target.

[0031] In the above embodiments, the beam or pre-encoding of the first sensing reference signal is directed to a path where the Doppler is zero or small, and the beam or pre-encoding of the second sensing reference signal is directed to the sensing path, thereby enabling the first sensing reference signal to be used to calibrate the phase transition of different SRS, and the second sensing reference signal to be used for sensing (such as measuring speed or time accumulation to improve SNR).

[0032] In one possible implementation, the second device performs channel estimation based on the first sensing reference signal to obtain a first phase. The second device performs channel estimation based on the second sensing reference signal to obtain a second phase. The second device determines the movement rate of the sensed target based on the difference between the second phase and the first phase.

[0033] In this embodiment, the second device can calculate the phase change caused by the movement of the sensing target based on the channel estimation results of the two sensing reference signals, and then estimate the moving speed of the sensing target, thereby realizing the speed measurement capability.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the downlink reference signal is CSI-RS.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the sensing reference signal is an SRS.

[0036] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method applied to a second device. For example, the method can be executed by a second device, which may be a network device (such as a satellite, base station, etc.), a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. Specifically, the second device transmits N downlink reference signals, each corresponding to one of N downlink reference signal ports, and each of the N downlink reference signal ports is associated with one of N sensing reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The second device also receives N sensing reference signals, each corresponding to one of the N sensing reference signal ports.

[0037] In this method, the second device can send N downlink reference signals, thereby indicating to the first device N downlink reference signal ports and N sensing reference signal ports associated with each of the N downlink reference signal ports. This facilitates the first device in sending N sensing reference signals through the N sensing reference signal ports. After receiving the N sensing reference signals, the second device can estimate the phase of the N sensing reference signals, which facilitates coherent combining of multiple uplink reference signals and improves sensing capabilities.

[0038] Optionally, other possible implementations of the fourth aspect can be found in the description of other possible implementations in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0039] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement at least one of the following through logic circuits or executing code instructions: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0040] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device including a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores part or all of the necessary computer program or instructions for implementing the functions involved in at least one of the first or second aspects described above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. Optionally, the memory and processor are decoupled.

[0041] In one possible design, the communication device may also include interface circuitry, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components via the interface circuitry.

[0042] In one possible design, the communication device may also include a memory.

[0043] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication system comprising at least one of the means or apparatuses of the third to sixth aspects described above, such that the at least one means or apparatus performs at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0044] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0045] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0046] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor (or logic circuit). Optionally, the chip may further include a communication interface (or interface) for implementing at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. In one possible implementation, if the chip is the smallest processing unit in a complete machine, the chip may be a processor, or may include a processor and a memory, or may include a processor, a memory, and a transceiver for implementing at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0047] Eleventhly, this application provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor and an interface. Optionally, it may also include memory for implementing at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include chips and other discrete devices. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication and sensing integrated scenario;

[0049] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a UE transmitting an uplink reference signal and reaching the base station through reflection / scattering of the sensing target;

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the phase change of a channel coefficient;

[0051] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application;

[0052] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application;

[0053] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the association between a downlink reference signal port and a sensing reference signal port provided in this application;

[0054] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of phase change caused by non-ideal terminal devices;

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of phase changes caused by non-ideal terminal devices and movement of the sensing target;

[0056] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] I. For ease of understanding, the definitions of relevant terms used in this application are provided in detail below:

[0060] 1. Network architecture:

[0061] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to the network scenario shown in Figure 1. For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an integrated communication and sensing scenario, in which network devices and terminals in the communication network can sense objects (which can be called sensing targets) that do not have communication functions while communicating. For example, sensing targets include, but are not limited to, moving targets such as vehicles, low-altitude drones, and pedestrians, as well as stationary objects in the environment such as buildings and the ground.

[0062] The communication system described in this application may include, but is not limited to, various radio access technologies (RATs), such as 5G (or new radio, NR) communication systems, transitional systems between LTE and 5G communication systems (also known as 4.5G communication systems), and future communication systems. The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that with the evolution of communication network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0063] In this context, a terminal, also known as a terminal device (terminal), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT), refers to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity and in-vehicle devices. Currently, some examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, drones, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, self-driving, remote medical surgery, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, 5G networks, future network evolution, and terminals in future communication systems.

[0064] Among them, network devices can be, for example, radio access network (RAN) devices used to implement wireless-related functions, including connecting terminals to RAN nodes (or devices) of the wireless network. Network devices can also be called base stations. Examples of RAN nodes include: the next-generation Node B (gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), satellites in satellite communication systems, radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, wearable devices, drones, or devices in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, or communication devices in device-to-device (D2D) communication, etc. Optionally, RAN nodes may include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment comprising both CU and DU nodes. RAN equipment including CU and DU nodes separates the protocol layers of the eNB in ​​a long-term evolution (LTE) system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. In some network equipment deployments, the CU can also be divided into CU-control plane (CP) and CU-user plane (UP), etc. In another possible implementation, the network equipment can also be a radio unit (RU), etc.In another possible implementation, the network device can also be an open radio access network (ORAN) architecture, etc. This application does not limit the specific type of network device. For example, when the network device is an ORAN architecture, the network device shown in the embodiments of this application can be an access network device in ORAN, or a module within an access network device, etc. In an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), CU-DU can also be called an open centralized unit-distributed unit (O-CU-DU), CU-UP can also be called an open centralized unit-control plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open antenna unit (O-RU).

[0065] 2. Integration of communication and sensing:

[0066] Sensing technology is based on air interface resources such as radar and millimeter waves. It involves collecting reflected sensing signals (i.e., sensing information) and further processing this information to obtain the desired data. Sensing technology can be combined with communication technology (i.e., integrated communication and sensing), primarily for the following reasons:

[0067] (1) The coverage of communication equipment can meet the needs of sensing business scenarios, such as highways and airport airspace;

[0068] (2) The main sensing scenarios all have communication requirements at the same time. For example, in the UAV scenario, the UAV device needs to communicate and interact with other network elements at the same time; in the V2X scenario, the V2X user needs to interact with the V2X application server to obtain content such as service parameters and business information.

[0069] All of these factors make the integration of communication and sensing possible. Communication-sensing integration technology is considered one of the key technologies for expanding the service capabilities of mobile communication networks. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to the mobile communication network, building the ability to detect, track, and image targets, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network, achieving harmonious coexistence and even mutual benefit.

[0070] The technical principles of sensing differ somewhat from those of communication. In communication, the transmitting end modulates information onto radio waves and sends it to the receiving end, which then demodulates the signal to obtain the information. Sensing, however, requires the transmitting end to send radio waves in a specific direction. When these radio waves strike a target surface, they are reflected, and the receiving end receives and processes these reflected waves to obtain information such as the target's position, speed, and type.

[0071] Sensing can generally be divided into two modes: single-site sensing and dual-site sensing. In single-site sensing, the transmitting and receiving ends of the sensing signal are the same device. From the signal flow perspective, the sensing station both transmits and receives the signal reflected from the target surface; therefore, single-site sensing is also called the self-transmitting and self-receiving mode. In dual-site sensing, the transmitting and receiving ends of the sensing signal are two different devices. From the signal flow perspective, after sensing station A transmits the sensing signal, the signal reflected from the target surface is received by sensing station B; therefore, dual-site sensing is also called the A-transmitting and B-receiving mode. This application mainly involves the A-transmitting and B-receiving sensing mode. Specifically, this application mainly involves the UE transmitting and B (such as another terminal or network device) receiving mode.

[0072] 3. Transmission of uplink reference signal:

[0073] The uplink reference signal defined in existing NR protocols is primarily the SRS. The SRS can be used for uplink channel quality estimation and channel selection, calculating the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the uplink channel, and obtaining uplink channel coefficients. For example, in time-division duplex (TDD) scenarios, where uplink and downlink channels are reciprocal, the SRS can also be used to obtain downlink channel coefficients. Based on the uplink / downlink channel coefficients estimated by the base station using the SRS, the uplink / downlink precoding matrices can be determined, improving uplink / downlink transmission rates and increasing system capacity.

[0074] When the system bandwidth is large, due to the limited transmit power of the UE, the UE often cannot transmit the full bandwidth SRS within a single symbol. It needs to transmit the SRS on multiple symbols using frequency hopping to obtain the full bandwidth channel information. Currently, the NR protocol already supports transmitting SRS using frequency hopping on multiple consecutive symbols. For example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a UE transmitting an uplink reference signal, which reaches the base station through reflection / scattering from a sensing target. The UE can transmit the uplink reference signal on multiple symbols. After the reference signal is reflected / scattered by the sensing target, it reaches the base station. The base station receives the echo signal on each symbol and can estimate the channel coefficients of the sensing target's reflection / scattering path. Since the sensing target is movable, its movement causes changes in the phase of the channel coefficients on different symbols. For example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the phase change of the channel coefficients, where H0 represents the reflection / scattering channel, α represents the phase, and the horizontal axis of Figure 3 represents the time domain, and the vertical axis represents the frequency domain. As can be seen from Figure 3, if the moving speed of the sensing target is constant, the phase of the channel coefficients will change linearly with time. However, the phase of the uplink reference signal may jump and not change according to the pattern shown in Figure 3, which will cause the uplink reference signal to be unable to be coherently combined, resulting in a decrease in sensing capability.

[0075] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a communication method in which N downlink reference signal ports and N sensing reference signal ports associated with each of the N downlink reference signal ports are indicated by a first indication information. This enables a first device to transmit N sensing reference signals through the N reference signal ports, which is beneficial for estimating the phase of the N sensing reference signals. This, in turn, facilitates coherent merging of multiple uplink reference signals and improves sensing capabilities.

[0076] For example, Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application. This method is implemented through interaction between a first device and a second device, wherein the first device can be a terminal, and the second device can be a network device (such as a base station). The method includes the following steps:

[0077] S101, the second device sends the first instruction information; correspondingly, the first device receives the first instruction information.

[0078] The first indication information is used to indicate N downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the second device can instruct the first device to send N sensing reference signals. Specifically, the second device instructs the first device to send N downlink reference signal ports, and the N downlink reference signal ports are associated with N sensing reference signal ports, thereby instructing the first device to send N sensing reference signals.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the sensing reference signal is an uplink reference signal, and this uplink reference signal is used for sensing. For example, the sensing reference signal is an SRS.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the downlink reference signal is CSI-RS.

[0081] In one possible implementation, N downlink reference signal ports are associated one-to-one with N sensing reference signal ports. Specifically, each downlink reference signal port can be associated with one sensing reference signal port, and different downlink reference signal ports can be associated with different sensing reference signal ports. For example, when N=2, it indicates that the first indication information is used to indicate two downlink reference signal ports (such as the first downlink reference signal port and the second downlink reference signal port), and these two downlink reference signal ports are respectively associated with two different sensing reference signal ports (such as the first sensing reference signal port and the second sensing reference signal port). That is, the two downlink reference signal ports and the two sensing reference ports are associated one-to-one. For example, the first downlink reference signal port is associated with the first sensing reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with the second sensing reference signal port.

[0082] Optionally, the value of N is greater than or equal to 2. For example, when the value of N is larger (e.g., N=4), the first indication information is used to indicate four downlink reference signal ports (e.g., the first downlink reference signal port, the second downlink reference signal port, the third downlink reference signal port, and the fourth downlink reference signal port). These four downlink reference signal ports are respectively associated with four different sensing reference signal ports (e.g., the first sensing reference signal port, the second sensing reference signal port, the third sensing reference signal port, and the fourth sensing reference signal port). That is, the four downlink reference signal ports and the four sensing reference signal ports are associated one-to-one. For example, the first downlink reference signal port is associated with the first sensing reference signal port, the second downlink reference signal port is associated with the second sensing reference signal port, the third downlink reference signal port is associated with the third sensing reference port, and the fourth downlink reference signal port is associated with the fourth sensing reference port. Optionally, for ease of description, the following text uses N=2 as an example to specifically describe the downlink reference signal port, downlink reference signal, sensing reference signal port, and sensing reference signal, etc., but this application does not limit the specific number.

[0083] S102, the first device sends N sensing reference signals; correspondingly, the second device receives N sensing reference signals.

[0084] In this configuration, each of the N sensing reference signals corresponds to one of the N sensing reference signal ports. For example, the first device transmits N sensing reference signals through N antenna ports, and these N antenna ports can be considered as N sensing reference signal ports. That is, the N sensing reference signals and the N sensing reference signal ports are associated one-to-one.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the first device transmits N sensing reference signals, which can be transmitted over M time-domain symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, when M=4 and N=2, it means that the first device transmits 2 sensing reference signals over 4 time-domain symbols respectively; wherein, each sensing reference signal can be transmitted over 4 time-domain symbols, for example, the first sensing reference signal can be transmitted over 4 time-domain symbols, and the second sensing reference signal can also be transmitted over 4 time-domain symbols.

[0086] Optionally, when the first device transmits N=2 sensing reference signals, it is assumed that the two sensing reference signals pass through different channels, and that these different channels have different characteristics. For example, assuming the first sensing reference signal passes through a direct path (such as a LOS path), when the Doppler is zero or small, the phase change of the channel coefficient of this first channel can be considered zero or small. The base station can then estimate the phase change of the terminal due to device non-ideals based on the first channel through which the first sensing reference signal passes. As another example, assuming the second sensing reference signal passes through a reflection / scattering path, this second channel is reflected / scattered by the sensing target before finally reaching the base station. The base station can then estimate the phase change of the sensing reference signal transmitted by the terminal after passing through the sensing target based on the second channel through which the second sensing reference signal passes. Therefore, based on these two types of phase changes, the base station can deduce the phase change caused by the sensing target, thereby achieving coherent combining between uplink reference signals and improving the base station's sensing capability.

[0087] Optionally, when the first device transmits N=2 sensing reference signals and transmits these two sensing reference signals over M=4 time-domain symbols, for example, the first sensing reference signal can be transmitted over 2 time-domain symbols, and the second sensing reference signal can be transmitted over 2 time-domain symbols. Combining this with the UE's ability to transmit uplink reference signals over multiple symbols as described above, and considering the characteristics of the first channel through which the first sensing reference signal passes and the characteristics of the second sensing reference signal through the second channel described in the previous paragraph, for each sensing reference signal, the base station can achieve coherent combining of the same uplink reference signal transmitted on different symbols, which is beneficial for improving the base station's sensing capability.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first device can receive first indication information and acquire N downlink reference signal ports and N sensing reference signal ports associated with each of the N downlink reference signal ports. The first device can determine the ports for transmitting sensing reference signals (such as the N sensing reference signal ports) and transmit the N sensing reference signals through the N sensing reference signal ports. This is beneficial for estimating the phase of the N sensing reference signals, which in turn facilitates coherent combining of multiple uplink reference signals and improves sensing capabilities.

[0089] For example, Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application. This method is implemented through interaction between a first device and a second device, wherein the first device can be a terminal, and the second device can be a network device (such as a base station). The method includes the following steps:

[0090] S201, the second device sends the first instruction information; correspondingly, the first device receives the first instruction information.

[0091] The first indication information is used to indicate N downlink reference signal ports, and each of the N downlink reference signal ports is associated with one of the N sensing reference signal ports.

[0092] In one possible implementation, assuming N=2, the N sensing reference signal ports include a first sensing reference signal port and a second sensing reference signal port. Furthermore, assuming the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port is used to estimate phase transitions, and the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port is used for sensing. For example, the first sensing reference signal is used to estimate phase transitions caused by device non-ideals. If the first channel through which the first sensing reference signal passes is a direct path, and the Doppler coefficient is zero or small, the phase change of the channel coefficient of this first channel can be considered zero or small. Therefore, the base station can estimate the phase change of the terminal due to device non-ideals based on the first channel through which the first sensing reference signal passes. For example, the second sensing reference signal is used for sensing, indicating that the second channel through which the second sensing reference signal passes is a reflection / scattering path. This second channel is reflected / scattered by the sensing target and finally reaches the base station. Therefore, the base station can estimate the phase change of the sensing reference signal emitted by the terminal after passing through the sensing target based on the second channel through which the second sensing reference signal passes.

[0093] Optionally, N=2 is only one example. For example, when N=4, the N sensing reference signal ports include not only the first and second sensing reference signal ports, but also the third and fourth sensing reference signal ports. The third sensing reference signal corresponding to the third sensing reference signal port is used for sensing, and the fourth sensing reference signal corresponding to the fourth sensing reference signal port is used for sensing. That is, the second, third, and fourth sensing reference signals are all used for sensing. However, these three sensing reference signals may pass through different channels, thereby reflecting different phase changes caused by different sensing targets, and thus reflecting the movement of different sensing targets.

[0094] Optionally, other possible implementations of S201 can be found in the description of other possible implementations in S101, which will not be repeated here.

[0095] S202, the second device sends N downlink reference signals; correspondingly, the first device receives N downlink reference signals.

[0096] In this configuration, each of the N downlink reference signals corresponds to one of the N downlink reference signal ports. For example, if the second device transmits N downlink reference signals through N antenna ports, these N antenna ports can be considered as N downlink reference signal ports. That is, each of the N sensing reference signals and the N sensing reference signal ports is associated with one another.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the N downlink reference signals include a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal; wherein, the first downlink reference signal corresponds to a first downlink reference signal port, and the first downlink reference signal port is associated with a first sensing reference signal port; the second downlink reference signal corresponds to a second downlink reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with a second sensing reference signal port. Therefore, the first downlink reference signal is associated with the first sensing reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal is associated with the second sensing reference signal port.

[0098] S203, the first device determines the beam or precoding of the N sensing reference signals of the N sensing reference signal ports corresponding to the N downlink reference signals based on the N downlink reference signals.

[0099] Specifically, the first device, for each of the N downlink reference signals, can determine the beam or precoding of the sensing reference signal associated with each downlink reference signal port. For example, since uplink and downlink transmissions in a TDD system operate on the same frequency, when the transmission time interval between uplink and downlink is sufficiently short, the fading of the uplink and downlink channels can be considered essentially the same; that is, the uplink and downlink channels in a TDD system are reciprocal. Therefore, based on the principle of uplink and downlink channel reciprocity, the first device can determine the beam or precoding of the corresponding uplink reference signal (sensing reference signal) based on the downlink reference signal.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the N downlink reference signals include a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal. The first device, based on the N downlink reference signals, determines the beams or precodes of the N sensing reference signals at the N sensing reference signal ports corresponding to the N downlink reference signals. Specifically, this includes: the first device determining the beam or precode of the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port based on the first downlink reference signal; and the first device determining the beam or precode of the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port based on the second downlink reference signal. For example, after receiving CSI-RS, the first device can transmit multiple SRSs through the corresponding sensing reference signal ports; correspondingly, the second device receives multiple SRSs. For each sensing reference signal port, assuming the beam of the SRS with the strongest received signal strength is the beam of the sensing reference signal, and the precode of the SRS with the strongest received signal strength is the precode of the sensing reference signal, the first device can determine the beam or precode of the first sensing reference signal and determine the beam or precode of the second sensing reference signal. Optionally, the beam of the sensing reference signal can refer to the beam direction, and the precode of the sensing reference signal can refer to the precode method.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the beam or precoding of the first sensing reference signal corresponds to a path with a Doppler frequency shift less than a first threshold; the beam or precoding of the second sensing reference signal corresponds to a sensing path. A sensing path is the path from the transmitting end, through reflection or scattering from the sensing target, to the receiving end. For example, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the association between a downlink reference signal port and a sensing reference signal port provided in this application. Figure 6 describes an example of a one-to-one association between two downlink reference signal ports and two sensing reference signal ports. For instance, on the network side, the base station transmits a first downlink reference signal through the first downlink reference signal port and a second downlink reference signal through the second downlink reference signal port. Furthermore, the first downlink reference signal port is associated with the first sensing reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with the second sensing reference signal port. On the terminal side, the terminal transmits a first sensing reference signal through the first sensing reference signal port, and the beam or precoding of the first sensing reference signal corresponds to a path with a Doppler frequency shift less than a first threshold (as shown in Figure 6, the path pointing to the base station; this path can be considered a path with zero or small Doppler shift, i.e., a path with a Doppler frequency shift less than the first threshold). The terminal transmits a second sensing reference signal through the second sensing reference signal port, and the beam or pre-coding of the second sensing reference signal corresponds to the sensing path; wherein, the sensing path is the path from the transmitting end through the sensing target reflection or scattering to the receiving end, such as the path pointing to the sensing target as shown in Figure 6 and the reflection / scattering path of the sensing target.

[0102] S204, the first device sends N sensing reference signals; correspondingly, the second device receives N sensing reference signals.

[0103] In this configuration, N sensing reference signals correspond to N sensing reference signal ports. For example, the first sensing reference signal corresponds to the first sensing reference signal port, meaning the first sensing reference signal port is used to transmit the first sensing reference signal; the second sensing reference signal corresponds to the second sensing reference signal port, meaning the second sensing reference signal port is used to transmit the second sensing reference signal. Optionally, if the first device transmits more sensing reference signals (such as transmitting a third sensing reference signal and a fourth sensing reference signal), the principle is similar; for example, the third sensing reference signal corresponds to the third sensing reference signal port, meaning the third sensing reference signal port is used to transmit the third sensing reference signal, and the third sensing reference signal port is associated with the third downlink reference signal port; the fourth sensing reference signal corresponds to the fourth sensing reference signal port, meaning the fourth sensing reference signal port is used to transmit the fourth sensing reference signal, and the fourth sensing reference signal port is associated with the fourth downlink reference signal port.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the sensing reference signal port used for sensing among the N sensing reference signal ports (such as the second sensing reference signal port, etc.) is mainly used to measure the moving speed of the sensing target or to improve the SNR through time accumulation; the port used for estimating the phase jump among the N sensing reference signal ports (such as the first sensing reference signal port) is mainly used to estimate the phase jump caused by the non-ideal nature of the terminal device, and the phase jump value can be used to calibrate the phase jump of other sensing reference signals.

[0105] Optionally, other possible implementations of S204 can be found in the description of other possible implementations in S102, which will not be repeated here.

[0106] Optionally, after receiving N sensing reference signals, the second device can also determine the moving speed of the sensing target based on the N sensing reference signals. One possible implementation, taking two sensing reference signals as an example, involves the second device determining the moving speed of the sensing target based on the two sensing reference signals, which may include the following process:

[0107] The second device performs channel estimation based on the first sensing reference signal to obtain the first phase;

[0108] The second device performs channel estimation based on the second sensing reference signal to obtain the second phase;

[0109] The second device determines the moving speed of the perceived target based on the difference between the second phase and the first phase.

[0110] For example, after the second device receives two sensing reference signals, since the beam or pre-coded Doppler frequency shift of the first sensing reference signal is less than the first threshold, the second device can estimate the first phase β caused by the non-ideal nature of the terminal device using the first sensing reference signal. i ,i=1,2,3,…. For example, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of phase change caused by non-ideal terminal devices. Where H0 represents the reflection / scattering channel, β i The phase is represented by the horizontal axis in Figure 7, which represents the time domain, and the vertical axis represents the frequency domain. As can be seen from Figure 7, if the moving speed of the sensed target is constant, the phase of the channel coefficient will change linearly with time. For example, the phase changes from 0 to β1, then from β1 to β2, and so on.

[0111] Since the beam or pre-coding of the second sensing reference signal corresponds to the sensing path, the second device can estimate the second phase of the sensing path using the second sensing reference signal. The second phase of the sensing path includes the first phase β caused by the non-ideality of the terminal device. iAnd the phase change value iα, i=1,2,3,… due to the movement of the sensed target. For example, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the phase change caused by the non-ideal nature of the terminal device and the movement of the sensed target. Wherein, H1 represents the reflection / scattering channel of the sensed target, β i Let iα represent the phase, and in Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents the time domain and the vertical axis represents the frequency domain. Since β... i The value of iα can be estimated based on the first sensing reference signal. Therefore, iα, the difference between the second phase and the first phase, can also be calculated. Since iα represents the phase change caused by the movement of the sensing target, the second device can estimate the moving speed of the sensing target based on this difference. For example, there is a certain functional relationship between phase change and moving speed, thus the moving speed of the sensing target can be calculated. Therefore, the second device can achieve uplink speed measurement capability.

[0112] In this embodiment, the second device can determine the beam or precoding of the corresponding N sensing reference signals based on the N downlink reference signals, thereby calculating the phase change caused by the movement of the sensing target based on the channel estimation results of the N sensing reference signals, and then estimating the moving speed of the sensing target, thereby realizing the speed measurement capability.

[0113] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions described in the above embodiments of the device, the base station and the terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0114] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of the communication devices provided in this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first device (such as a terminal) or the second device (such as a network device) in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0115] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a processing unit 910 and a transceiver unit 920. The communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the terminal or network device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6. Optionally, the transceiver unit 920 includes a sending unit and a receiving unit; the transceiver unit 920 may also be referred to as a communication unit.

[0116] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4: the transceiver unit 920 is used to receive first indication information, which indicates N downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The transceiver unit 920 is also used to send N sensing reference signals, each of which corresponds to one of the N sensing reference signal ports, and the N sensing reference signal ports are associated one-to-one with the N downlink reference signal ports.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 920 is used to transmit N sensing reference signals over M time-domain symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the N sensing reference signal ports include a first sensing reference signal port and a second sensing reference signal port; the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port is used to estimate the phase transition; and the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port is used for sensing.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 920 is configured to receive a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal; wherein the first downlink reference signal corresponds to a first downlink reference signal port, and the first downlink reference signal port is associated with a first sensing reference signal port; the second downlink reference signal corresponds to a second downlink reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with a second sensing reference signal port. The processing unit 910 is configured to determine, based on the first downlink reference signal, the beam or precoding of the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port. The processing unit 910 is further configured to determine, based on the second downlink reference signal, the beam or precoding of the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the beam or precode of the first sensing reference signal corresponds to a path with a Doppler frequency shift less than a first threshold. The beam or precode of the second sensing reference signal corresponds to a sensing path.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the sensing path is the path from the transmitter to the receiver via reflection or scattering from the sensing target.

[0122] As can be seen, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4, the communication device 900 can receive the first indication information and acquire N downlink reference signal ports and N sensing reference signal ports associated with the N downlink reference signal ports. The first device can determine the port for transmitting uplink reference signals (such as the N sensing reference signal ports) and transmit the N sensing reference signals through the N sensing reference signal ports, which is beneficial for estimating the phase of the N sensing reference signals, thereby facilitating the coherent combining of multiple uplink reference signals and improving sensing capabilities.

[0123] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4: the transceiver unit 920 is used to send first indication information, which is used to indicate N downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The transceiver unit 920 is also used to receive N sensing reference signals, each of which corresponds to one of the N sensing reference signal ports, and each of the N sensing reference signal ports is associated with one of the N downlink reference signal ports.

[0124] As can be seen, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4, the communication device 900 can send first indication information, thereby indicating to the first device N downlink reference signal ports and N sensing reference signal ports associated with each of the N downlink reference signal ports. This facilitates the first device to send N sensing reference signals through the N sensing reference signal ports. After receiving the N sensing reference signals, the second device can estimate the phase of the N sensing reference signals, which is beneficial for coherently combining multiple uplink reference signals and improving sensing capabilities.

[0125] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG5: the transceiver unit 920 is used to receive N downlink reference signals, the N downlink reference signals corresponding to N downlink reference signal ports, and the N downlink reference signal ports being associated one-to-one with N sensing reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The transceiver unit 920 is also used to transmit N sensing reference signals, the N sensing reference signals respectively corresponding to N sensing reference signal ports.

[0126] Alternatively, other possible implementations can be found in the description of the communication device 900 used to implement the function of the first device, which will not be repeated here.

[0127] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG5: the transceiver unit 920 is used to transmit N downlink reference signals, the N downlink reference signals corresponding to N downlink reference signal ports, and the N downlink reference signal ports being associated one-to-one with N sensing reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The transceiver unit 920 is also used to receive N sensing reference signals, the N sensing reference signals respectively corresponding to N sensing reference signal ports.

[0128] Alternatively, other possible implementations can be found in the description of the communication device 900 used to implement the function of the second device, which will not be repeated here.

[0129] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 910 and the transceiver unit 920, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0130] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a processor 1010 and an interface circuit 1020. The processor 1010 and the interface circuit 1020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1010, or storing input data required by the processor 1010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1010 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1020 can also be understood as part of the processor 1010, in which case the communication device 1000 includes the processor 1010. Optionally, the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0131] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6, the processor 1010 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 910, and the interface circuit 1020 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 920.

[0132] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0133] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0134] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0135] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0136] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first device and a second device. The first device is used to perform all or part of the steps performed by the first device in the preceding embodiments. The second device is used to perform all or part of the steps performed by the second device in the preceding embodiments.

[0137] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer performs the communication method shown in the embodiments of Figures 4 to 6.

[0138] This application provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes instructions. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer performs the communication method shown in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 to 6.

[0139] This application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor and an interface, the interface and at least one processor being interconnected via a circuit, and the at least one processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to perform the communication methods shown in the embodiments of FIG4 to FIG6.

[0140] The interfaces in the chip can be input / output interfaces, pins, or circuits, etc.

[0141] The aforementioned chip system can be a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) or a baseband chip, etc. The baseband chip can include a processor, channel encoder, digital signal processor, modem, and interface module, etc.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the chip or chip system described above in this application further includes at least one memory storing instructions. The memory can be an internal storage unit of the chip, such as a register or cache, or it can be a storage unit of the chip itself (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0143] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0144] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0145] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0146] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0147] In this application, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features that are functionally identical or similar. These terms do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. The use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0148] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction can be implemented by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0149] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first indication information, which is used to indicate N downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; N sensing reference signals are sent, each of which corresponds to one of the N sensing reference signal ports, and each of the N sensing reference signal ports is associated with one of the N downlink reference signal ports.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission of N sensing reference signals includes: The N sensing reference signals are transmitted over M time-domain symbols, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The N sensing reference signal ports include a first sensing reference signal port and a second sensing reference signal port; The first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port is used to estimate the phase jump; The second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port is used for sensing.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal; wherein, the first downlink reference signal corresponds to a first downlink reference signal port, and the first downlink reference signal port is associated with a first sensing reference signal port; the second downlink reference signal corresponds to a second downlink reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with a second sensing reference signal port. Based on the first downlink reference signal, determine the beam or precoding of the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port; Based on the second downlink reference signal, determine the beam or precoding of the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The beam or pre-coded path of the first sensing reference signal has a Doppler frequency shift less than a first threshold. The beam or pre-coded sensing path of the second sensing reference signal.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensing path is the path that starts from the transmitting end, passes through the sensing target for reflection or scattering, and reaches the receiving end.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The downlink reference signal is the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing reference signal is the detection reference signal SRS.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send first indication information, which is used to indicate N downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; Receive N sensing reference signals, each of which corresponds to one of the N sensing reference signal ports, and each of the N sensing reference signal ports is associated with one of the N downlink reference signal ports.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The receiving of N sensing reference signals includes: Receive the N sensing reference signals over M time-domain symbols.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The N sensing reference signal ports include a first sensing reference signal port and a second sensing reference signal port; The first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port is used to estimate the phase jump; The second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port is used for sensing.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal; wherein, the first downlink reference signal corresponds to a first downlink reference signal port, and the first downlink reference signal port is associated with a first sensing reference signal port; the second downlink reference signal corresponds to a second downlink reference signal port, and the second downlink reference signal port is associated with a second sensing reference signal port. The first downlink reference signal is used to determine the beam or precoding of the first sensing reference signal corresponding to the first sensing reference signal port; The second downlink reference signal is used to determine the beam or precoding of the second sensing reference signal corresponding to the second sensing reference signal port.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The beam or pre-coded path of the first sensing reference signal has a Doppler frequency shift less than a first threshold. The beam or pre-coded sensing path of the second sensing reference signal.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The sensing path is the path that starts from the transmitting end, passes through the sensing target for reflection or scattering, and reaches the receiving end.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Channel estimation is performed based on the first sensing reference signal to obtain the first phase; Channel estimation is performed based on the second sensing reference signal to obtain the second phase; The movement rate of the perceived target is determined based on the difference between the second phase and the first phase.

16. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The downlink reference signal is the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

17. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sensing reference signal is the detection reference signal SRS.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a memory and one or more processors, the memory being used to store a computer program; the one or more processors being used to execute the computer program in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or 9 to 17.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or 9 to 17.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or 9 to 17.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first means for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a second means for performing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

23. The system according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first device is a terminal and the second device is a network device; or, both the first device and the second device are terminals.

24. A chip or chip system, characterized in that, Includes a processor for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or 9 to 17.

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