Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A method for indicating time-domain resources and a communication apparatus. In the method, a first time-domain resource can be indicated by means of first information, and the first information is associated with a sub-carrier spacing of the first time-domain resource. Compared with using a slot as a scheduling unit under different subcarrier spacings, the solution enables the first information to be flexibly determined on the basis of a frame structure where the first time-domain resource is located, that is, having higher flexibility. In addition, the solution can avoid being limited by slot boundaries, and therefore has a wide range of application scenarios.

Description

A communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410696180.5, filed on May 30, 2024, entitled "A Method and Device for Communication", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In new radio (NR) systems, base stations can schedule terminals on a time-slot basis. However, limited by time-slot boundaries, this scheduling method is not flexible enough and cannot meet communication performance requirements in some scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and communication apparatus that can determine information indicating time-domain resources based on subcarrier spacing, thus offering greater flexibility.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core); or, the method can also be applied to the network side, such as a network-side device or a component in a network-side device (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system).

[0006] In one implementation, the method includes: determining first information, the first information being used to indicate a first time-domain resource, the subcarrier spacing of the first time-domain resource being the first subcarrier spacing, the first information being associated with the first subcarrier spacing, and the first time-domain resource being used to transmit or receive signals; and transmitting the first information.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, the first time domain resource can be indicated by the first information, and the first information is associated with the subcarrier spacing of the first time domain resource. Compared with using time slots as the scheduling unit under different subcarrier spacings, this scheme allows the first information to be flexibly determined according to the frame structure where the first time domain resource is located, which means it has higher flexibility.

[0008] In addition, this solution can avoid being limited by time slot boundaries and has a wider range of application scenarios.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval, including at least one of the following: the value range of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval; the number of bits of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval; and the bit meaning of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval.

[0010] For example, the first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource. The value range of the first information is related to the first subcarrier spacing, including: the value range of S is... The range of values ​​for L is Alternatively, the range of values ​​for S is... The range of values ​​for L is in, This indicates the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the value range of the first information can be determined according to the frame structure corresponding to the first subcarrier interval, which can avoid being limited by the time slot boundary and has a wider range of application scenarios.

[0012] Specifically, when the first subcarrier spacing is (15+x)·2 μ kHz, It can be 14.2 μ , where x is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 15, and μ is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource, wherein the start symbol S is determined based on the subframe offset and / or the symbol offset, the subframe offset is the offset between the subframe where the first information is located and the subframe where the start position of the first time-domain resource is located, and the symbol offset is related to the start position of the first time-domain resource.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, the starting symbol S is determined according to the subframe offset and / or symbol offset. Since the number of bits required for the subframe offset is small, the indication overhead can be reduced. Because the symbol offset can be various different offsets, the indication can be more flexible.

[0015] For example, the symbol offset includes at least one of the following: an offset between the starting position of the first temporal resource and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; an offset between the starting position of the first temporal resource and a reference position; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and a reference position; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the first temporal resource; and an offset between the middle position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located; wherein, the reference position is the position in the frame structure where the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located corresponds to the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located.

[0016] In one implementation, the index n2 of the reference position is:

[0017] Where n1 represents the index of the starting position of the time-domain resource where the first information is located, SCS1 represents the first subcarrier spacing, and SCS2 represents the subcarrier spacing of the time-domain resource where the first information is located. This indicates rounding down to the nearest integer.

[0018] Based on the above scheme, the subcarrier spacing of the time domain resource where the first information is located and the subcarrier spacing of the first time domain resource can be the same or different, thus avoiding the limitation of subcarrier spacing and having a wider range of application scenarios.

[0019] Optionally, the first information includes subframe offset and / or symbol offset.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the first information includes a start and length indication value (SLIV), wherein the relationship between the SLIV, the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource is as follows:

[0021] or,

[0022] in, This indicates the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, the start symbol S and symbol length L can be indicated by SLIV, which not only provides better compatibility with existing protocols but also saves resources for indication.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the first information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the second information is used to indicate the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, the start symbol S and symbol length L can be indicated separately, which allows for more flexible indication of time-domain resources.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate the value range of the starting symbol of the first time-domain resource, and / or the value range of the symbol length of the first time-domain resource.

[0027] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core); or, the method can also be applied to the network side, such as a network-side device or a component in a network-side device (such as a circuit, chip or chip system).

[0028] In one implementation, the method includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating a first time-domain resource, the subcarrier spacing of the first time-domain resource being the first subcarrier spacing, the first information being associated with the first subcarrier spacing, and the first time-domain resource being used to transmit or receive signals; and determining the first time-domain resource based on the first information.

[0029] Based on the above scheme, the first time domain resource can be indicated by the first information, and the first information is associated with the subcarrier spacing of the first time domain resource. Compared with using time slots as the scheduling unit under different subcarrier spacings, this scheme allows the first information to be flexibly determined according to the frame structure where the first time domain resource is located, which means it has higher flexibility.

[0030] In addition, this solution can avoid being limited by time slot boundaries and has a wider range of application scenarios.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval, including at least one of the following: the value range of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval; the number of bits of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval; and the bit meaning of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval.

[0032] For example, the first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource. The value range of the first information is related to the first subcarrier spacing, including: the value range of S is... The range of values ​​for L is Alternatively, the range of values ​​for S is... The range of values ​​for L is in, This indicates the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0033] Specifically, when the first subcarrier spacing is (15+x)·2 μ kHz, It can be 14.2 μ , where x is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 15, and μ is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, the first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource. The start symbol S is determined based on the subframe offset and / or the symbol offset. The subframe offset is the offset between the subframe where the first information is located and the subframe where the start position of the first time-domain resource is located. The symbol offset is related to the start position of the first time-domain resource.

[0035] For example, the symbol offset includes at least one of the following: an offset between the starting position of the first temporal resource and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; an offset between the starting position of the first temporal resource and a reference position; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and a reference position; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the first temporal resource; and an offset between the middle position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located.

[0036] The reference position is the position of the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located within the frame structure where the first temporal resource is located.

[0037] In one implementation, the index n2 of the reference position is:

[0038] Where n1 represents the index of the starting position of the time-domain resource where the first information is located, SCS1 represents the first subcarrier spacing, and SCS2 represents the subcarrier spacing of the time-domain resource where the first information is located. This indicates rounding down to the nearest integer.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, determining the first time-domain resource based on the first information includes: determining the index S0 of the starting position of the first time-domain resource based on the start symbol S, wherein S0 and S satisfy the following relationship:

[0040] S0 = S; or,

[0041] or,

[0042] S0 = n1 + S; or,

[0043] or,

[0044] or,

[0045] or,

[0046] S0 = n1 + O0 + S; or,

[0047] or,

[0048] or,

[0049] or,

[0050] S0=O0+S

[0051] Where O0 represents the sign offset, The expression indicates rounding down, while mod indicates the remainder operation.

[0052] Optionally, the first information includes subframe offset and / or symbol offset.

[0053] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, the first information includes a start and length indication value (SLIV), wherein the relationship between the SLIV, the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource is as follows:

[0054] or,

[0055] in, This indicates the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0056] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, the first information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the second information is used to indicate the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource.

[0057] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate the value range of the starting symbol of the first time-domain resource, and / or the value range of the symbol length of the first time-domain resource.

[0058] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which has the functions of the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect above. The modules, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0059] For example, the communication device may be a terminal-side device, a network-side device, or a functional module in the terminal-side device or network-side device that can call and execute a program, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system.

[0060] In one implementation, the apparatus includes: a processing unit configured to: determine first information, the first information indicating a first time-domain resource, the subcarrier spacing of the first time-domain resource being a first subcarrier spacing, the first information being associated with the first subcarrier spacing, and the first time-domain resource being used to transmit or receive signals; and a transceiver unit configured to transmit the first information.

[0061] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval, including at least one of the following: the value range of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval; the number of bits of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval; and the bit meaning of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval.

[0062] For example, the first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource. The value range of the first information is related to the first subcarrier spacing, including: the value range of S is... The range of values ​​for L is Alternatively, the range of values ​​for S is... The range of values ​​for L is in, This indicates the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0063] Specifically, when the first subcarrier spacing is (15+x)·2 μ kHz, It can be 14.2 μ , where x is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 15, and μ is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0064] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource. The start symbol S is determined based on the subframe offset and / or the symbol offset. The subframe offset is the offset between the subframe where the first information is located and the subframe where the start position of the first time-domain resource is located. The symbol offset is related to the start position of the first time-domain resource.

[0065] For example, the symbol offset includes at least one of the following: an offset between the starting position of the first temporal resource and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; an offset between the starting position of the first temporal resource and a reference position; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and a reference position; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the first temporal resource; and an offset between the middle position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located; wherein, the reference position is the position in the frame structure where the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located corresponds to the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located.

[0066] In one implementation, the index n2 of the reference position is:

[0067] Where n1 represents the index of the starting position of the time-domain resource where the first information is located, SCS1 represents the first subcarrier spacing, and SCS2 represents the subcarrier spacing of the time-domain resource where the first information is located. This indicates rounding down to the nearest integer.

[0068] Optionally, the first information includes subframe offset and / or symbol offset.

[0069] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the first information includes the SLIV, wherein the relationship between the SLIV, the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource is as follows:

[0070] or,

[0071] in, This indicates the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0072] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the first information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the second information is used to indicate the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource.

[0073] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: send second information, the second information being used to indicate the value range of the starting symbol of the first time-domain resource, and / or the value range of the symbol length of the first time-domain resource.

[0074] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which has the functions of the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect above. The modules, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0075] In one implementation, the apparatus includes: a transceiver unit, configured to: receive first information, the first information indicating a first time-domain resource, the subcarrier spacing of the first time-domain resource being a first subcarrier spacing, the first information being associated with the first subcarrier spacing, and the first time-domain resource being used to transmit or receive signals; and a processing unit, configured to determine the first time-domain resource based on the first information.

[0076] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval, including at least one of the following: the value range of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval; the number of bits of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval; and the bit meaning of the first information is associated with the first subcarrier interval.

[0077] For example, the first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource. The value range of the first information is related to the first subcarrier spacing, including: the value range of S is... The range of values ​​for L is Alternatively, the range of values ​​for S is... The range of values ​​for L is in, This indicates the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0078] Specifically, when the first subcarrier spacing is (15+x)·2 μ kHz, It can be 14.2 μ , where x is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 15, and μ is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0079] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource. The start symbol S is determined based on the subframe offset and / or symbol offset. The subframe offset is the offset between the subframe where the first information is located and the subframe where the start position of the first time-domain resource is located. The symbol offset is related to the start position of the first time-domain resource.

[0080] For example, the symbol offset includes at least one of the following: an offset between the starting position of the first temporal resource and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; an offset between the starting position of the first temporal resource and a reference position; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and a reference position; an offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the first temporal resource; and an offset between the middle position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located.

[0081] Here, the reference position is the position within the frame structure where the first information is located, corresponding to the starting position of the temporal resource. In one implementation, the index n2 of the reference position is:

[0082] Where n1 represents the index of the starting position of the time-domain resource where the first information is located, SCS1 represents the first subcarrier spacing, and SCS2 represents the subcarrier spacing of the time-domain resource where the first information is located. This indicates rounding down to the nearest integer.

[0083] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, determining the first time-domain resource based on the first information includes: determining the index S0 of the starting position of the first time-domain resource based on the start symbol S, wherein S0 and S satisfy the following relationship:

[0084] S0 = S; or,

[0085] or,

[0086] S0 = n1 + S; or,

[0087] or,

[0088] or,

[0089] or,

[0090] S0 = n1 + O0 + S; or,

[0091] or,

[0092] or,

[0093] or,

[0094] S0=O0+S

[0095] Where O0 represents the sign offset, The expression indicates rounding down, while mod indicates the remainder operation.

[0096] Optionally, the first information includes subframe offset and / or symbol offset.

[0097] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the first information includes a start and length indication value (SLIV), wherein the relationship between the SLIV, the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource is as follows:

[0098] or,

[0099] in, This indicates the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0100] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the first information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the second information is used to indicate the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource.

[0101] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: send second information, the second information being used to indicate the value range of the starting symbol of the first time-domain resource, and / or the value range of the symbol length of the first time-domain resource.

[0102] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first or second aspect. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer programs or instructions, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect. The interface circuit is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0103] In one possible design, the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0104] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0105] Sixthly, this application provides a processor for performing the methods provided in the foregoing aspects.

[0106] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the operations of the processor, such as sending and receiving, input, etc., can be the processor output and receiving operations, or the sending and receiving operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0107] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code for execution by a device, the program code including a method for performing any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0108] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method provided by any of the above aspects or their implementations.

[0109] Ninthly, this application provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided in any of the above aspects or their implementations.

[0110] Optionally, the processor can be a processing circuit or a logic circuit, and the communication interface can be an input or an input interface. The processing circuit or logic circuit is used for information processing, and the input or output interface is used for sending and receiving information or data.

[0111] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or instructions. The processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the methods provided by any of the above aspects or their implementations.

[0112] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of aspects two through nine and any of their implementations can be referenced from aspect one and any of its implementations. Attached Figure Description

[0113] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application.

[0114] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0115] Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of application scenarios applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0116] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in this application.

[0117] Figures 7 to 10 are schematic diagrams of the time-domain resource indication method provided in this application.

[0118] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic block diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0119] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0120] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 used in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include a core network 200 and an Internet 300.

[0121] RAN100 may include at least one RAN node (as shown in Figure 1, 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110), and at least one terminal (as shown in Figure 1, 120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120). RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating some or all of the logical functions of the core network equipment and some or all of the logical functions of the RAN node.

[0122] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, an NR system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0123] RAN nodes, also known as network devices, radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. RAN nodes can be macro base stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), relay nodes, or donor nodes.

[0124] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU performs the functions of the base station's radio resource control (RRC) protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's radio link control (RFC) layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as remote radio units (RRUs) or active antenna units (AAUs). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0125] In different systems, RAN nodes can have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). In this application, the RAN node can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, the RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN node. For ease of description, a network device or base station is used as an example of a RAN node below.

[0126] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0127] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0128] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0129] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0130] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0131] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection with a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also subject to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0132] In the embodiments of this application, the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), and physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) are merely examples of downlink data channels, uplink data channels, downlink control channels, uplink control channels, sidelink data channels, and sidelink control channels, respectively. In different systems and different scenarios, data channels and control channels may have different names, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0133] In the embodiments of this application, the time-domain symbol can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol or a discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol. Unless otherwise specified, the symbols in the embodiments of this application refer to time-domain symbols.

[0134] As an example, the RAN node can be a satellite base station or a satellite, as illustrated below with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0135] As shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), satellite base stations provide communication services to terminals. For example, a satellite base station transmits downlink data to a terminal, where the data is encoded using channel coding, and the channel-coded data is then transmitted to the terminal after constellation modulation. Similarly, a terminal transmits uplink data to a satellite base station, where the uplink data can also be encoded using channel coding, and the encoded data is then transmitted to the satellite base station after constellation modulation. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(b), a satellite base station can also communicate with a terrestrial base station; that is, a satellite can act as both a base station and a terminal.

[0136] In this application, "satellite" can refer to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, high-Earth orbit (HEO) satellites, etc. "Satellite" can also refer to non-terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial equipment, etc.

[0137] As one implementation method, this application can be applied to inter-satellite link communication systems. For example, communication between satellite #1 and satellite #2 as shown in Figure 3.

[0138] As shown in Figure 3, the inter-satellite link communication system can be divided into two main parts: an acquisition pointing and tracking (APT) subsystem (including the APT module and APT transmitter / receiver) and a communication subsystem (including the communication module and transceiver antennas). The communication subsystem is primarily responsible for the transmission of inter-satellite information and forms the core of the inter-satellite communication system. The APT system is mainly responsible for acquisition, alignment, and tracking between satellites. Acquisition involves determining the direction of the incoming incident signal, while alignment involves adjusting the transmitted wave to aim at the receiving direction. Tracking involves continuously adjusting the APT for alignment and acquisition throughout the communication process. To minimize attenuation and interference in the channel while maintaining high security and transmission rate, the APT must be adjusted in real time to continuously adapt to changes.

[0139] It should be understood that current APT systems are all optical systems, which have the disadvantage of being difficult to align and requiring mechanical adjustment of the pointing. Most existing communication subsystems are optical communication systems, with some microwave band systems, and most use a single high-gain antenna. Existing APT systems and communication subsystems are independent systems. The disadvantages are that optical communication is susceptible to vibration and other factors, resulting in unstable data rates; millimeter-wave frequencies are low, communication capacity is low, and the antenna requires mechanical adjustment of its pointing.

[0140] As another implementation, this application can be applied to scenarios where terminal devices communicate with each other, such as Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems.

[0141] Figure 4 illustrates a typical IoT wireless screen mirroring application scenario. A terminal device (e.g., a smartphone) establishes a network connection with a television. The smartphone transmits the content it wants to mirror to the television. Upon receiving the content, the television displays it on its screen. This scenario can also be seen as an example of communication between terminal devices, where both the smartphone and the television can be considered as a single terminal device.

[0142] As another implementation method, this application can be applied to integrated access and backhaul (IAB) systems.

[0143] Figure 5 illustrates an application scenario of an IAB system. As shown in Figure 5, an IAB can include an IAB donor, IAB nodes, and terminal devices. The link between the IAB donor and the IAB node is a backhaul link, and the link between the terminal device and the IAB node is an access link. This application can be applied to both parties communicating in a backhaul link or a access link. In this scenario, communication in the backhaul link can be viewed as communication between network devices, and communication in the access link can be viewed as communication between a network device and a terminal device.

[0144] It should be understood that the above system application scenarios are only examples, and this application can also be applied to other scenarios, which will not be listed here.

[0145] In NR systems, time-domain units include symbols, slots, subframes, half-frames, and frames. A frame lasts 10 ms and can be divided into 10 subframes, numbered 0-9. Subframes numbered 0-4 form a half-frame, and subframes numbered 5-9 form another half-frame. Each subframe lasts 1 ms. Each subframe can include one or more slots. Under a normal cyclic prefix (CP), each slot includes 14 symbols; under extended CP, each slot includes 12 symbols. Specifically, the number of slots in each subframe is related to the subcarrier spacing (SCS), as shown in Table 1.

[0146] Table 1

[0147] Taking downlink and downlink transmission as examples, when the base station needs to schedule the UE, the base station can allocate time domain resources to the UE in units of time slots. Specifically, the frame structure under each subcarrier interval is fixed, and the boundaries of subframes and frames under different subcarrier intervals are aligned. Communication channels (such as PDCCH, PUCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, etc.) cannot cross time slot boundaries.

[0148] However, due to time slot boundaries, this scheduling method is not flexible enough and cannot meet communication performance requirements in some scenarios.

[0149] For example, when a data packet arrives at the end of a time slot after a few symbols, it needs to wait for the next time slot to be scheduled, which increases communication latency. Also, larger data packets need to be scheduled multiple times across multiple time slots, resulting in low scheduling efficiency.

[0150] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and communication apparatus that can determine information indicating time-domain resources based on subcarrier spacing, which has greater flexibility and thus has a wider range of application scenarios.

[0151] It should be understood that the embodiments shown below do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application, as long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be a terminal-side device, such as a terminal device or a network-side device, such as a network device, or a functional module in the terminal-side device or network-side device that can call and execute a program.

[0152] It should also be understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to communication between network-side devices and terminal-side devices, as well as communication between terminal-side devices and between network-side devices, and this application does not limit them in this regard.

[0153] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in this application. As shown in Figure 6, the method 600 includes the following steps.

[0154] S610, the first communication device determines the first information.

[0155] The first information is used to indicate the first time-domain resource. For example, the first information may be control information for scheduling the first time-domain resource.

[0156] Specifically, the first information can be one or more of SLIV, subframe offset, symbol offset, etc. The first information can be used to determine the start position of the first time domain resource, the symbol length of the first time domain resource, and the end position of the first time domain resource.

[0157] It should be understood that in this application, the start position, end position, and other positions of the time-domain resource represent the index of the time-domain resource in the frame structure. The symbol length can be replaced by the time-domain length, the number of symbols, etc., which refers to the number of symbols that make up the time-domain resource.

[0158] For example, the first time-domain resource is a continuous time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first time-domain resource includes multiple continuous symbols.

[0159] The first time-domain resource is used to transmit or receive signals. For example, the first time-domain resource can be used to transmit data, transmit control information, transmit reference signals, or one or more of the following.

[0160] The first information is associated with the subcarrier spacing (denoted as the first subcarrier spacing) of the first time-domain resource. In other words, for two time-domain resources, the first information used to indicate that time-domain resource is related to the subcarrier spacing of that time-domain resource. For example, time-domain resource #1 (an example of the first time-domain resource) and time-domain resource #2 (another example of the first time-domain resource) are both symbols 0, 1, 2, and 3, but time-domain resource #1 is 16kHz and time-domain resource #2 is 30kHz. Therefore, the first information used to indicate time-domain resource #1 is determined according to the 16kHz frame structure, and the first information used to indicate time-domain resource #2 is determined according to the 30kHz frame structure.

[0161] Specifically, one or more of the values, number of bits, and meaning of the first information are related to the first subcarrier interval.

[0162] Among them, the value range refers to the set of values ​​that the first information can take, the number of bits is the length of the field carrying the first information, and the bit meaning refers to the meaning represented by the field carrying the first information.

[0163] For example, the first information is used to indicate the start symbol (start, S) and symbol length (length, L) of the first time-domain resource. The value range of the first information is related to the first subcarrier spacing, including: the value range of S is... The range of values ​​for L is Alternatively, the range of values ​​for S is... The range of values ​​for L is in, This indicates the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0164] It should be understood that the numerical range a to b in this application refers to all integers including a and b, as well as those between a and b. For example, 0 to 13 refers to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

[0165] Optionally, the range of values ​​for the start symbol can also be... N1 can be a predefined protocol or an instruction from the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0166] Optionally, the symbol length can take values ​​ranging from 1 to 2. N2 can be a predefined protocol or an instruction from the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0167] In this application, The relationship with the first subcarrier spacing is as follows: the first subcarrier spacing is expressed as (15+x)·2 μ At kHz, 14.2 μ , where x is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 15, and μ is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0168] It should be understood that in this article, "·" represents a multiplication sign, which can be replaced by "×" or "*".

[0169] It should also be understood that The 14 in the formula refers to the number of symbols included in a time slot under normal CP. Under extended CP, the number of symbols included in a time slot is 12, and the 14 in the formula can be replaced with 12.

[0170] For example, the value of μ is related to The relationship between the values ​​of is shown in Table 2.

[0171] Table 2

[0172] For example, the first subcarrier spacing is 30 = 15.2 1 In a 30kHz frame structure, a subframe can include 28 symbols, i.e. Therefore, the value of S can range from 0 to 27, and the value of L can range from 1 to (28-S), or from 1 to 28. For example, the first subcarrier spacing is 16 = (15+1)·2. 0 In a 16kHz frame structure, a subframe can include 14 symbols, i.e. Therefore, the value of S can be 0 to 13, and the value of L can be 1 to (14-S), or 1 to 14.

[0173] Optionally, the first time-domain resource in this application is a time-domain resource comprising at least two time slots, or the first time-domain resource is a time-domain resource spanning multiple time slots. Alternatively, the sum of the start position and symbol length of the first time-domain resource is greater than the number of symbols in one time slot; for example, under normal CP, the sum of the start position and symbol length is greater than 14, and under extended CP, the sum of the start position and symbol length is greater than 12.

[0174] In this application, the first communication device may be a terminal-side device, a network-side device, or a functional module in the terminal-side device or network-side device that can call and execute a program, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system.

[0175] S620, the first communication device sends the first information to the second communication device.

[0176] In this application, the second communication device can be a terminal-side device, a network-side device, or a functional module in the terminal-side device or network-side device that can call and execute a program, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system.

[0177] For example, the first information can also be carried on the Uu interface between the network-side device and the terminal-side device. Specifically, the first information can be carried on higher-layer signaling, such as RRC signaling or remaining minimum system information (RMSI) signaling. The first information can also be carried on layer 2 (L2) signaling, such as MAC control element (MAC CE). The first information can also be carried on physical layer signaling, such as downlink control information (DCI). The DCI can include uplink DCI for uplink data scheduling and downlink DCI for downlink data scheduling. The uplink DCI is used to schedule uplink data transmission, and the downlink DCI is used to schedule downlink data reception.

[0178] For example, the first information may also be carried on the proximity communication (PC) interface between the terminal devices, such as sidelink control information (SCI).

[0179] For example, the first information can also be carried on the Xn interface between network-side devices, for example, carried in Xn control plane (Xn-control, Xn-c) signaling.

[0180] Based on the above scheme, the first communication device can indicate the first time domain resource to the second communication device through the first information, and the first information is associated with the subcarrier spacing of the first time domain resource. Compared with using time slots as the scheduling unit under different subcarrier spacings, this scheme allows the first information to be flexibly determined according to the frame structure where the first time domain resource is located, avoiding being limited by the boundaries of the time slot, and has a wider range of application scenarios.

[0181] Optionally, the method 600 further includes: S630, whereby the second communication device determines the first time domain resource based on the first information.

[0182] Specifically, the second communication device can parse the first information to determine the first time-domain resource, for example, determining the position of the first time-domain resource in the time domain, including one or more of the start position, length, and end position. Furthermore, the first and second communication devices can transmit signals based on the first time-domain resource.

[0183] In this application, the first information can be used to indicate the start symbol S of the first temporal resource, wherein the start symbol S can be determined based on the subframe offset and / or symbol offset.

[0184] Specifically, the subframe offset is the offset between the subframe containing the first information (hereinafter referred to as subframe a for ease of explanation) and the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource (hereinafter referred to as subframe b for ease of explanation). For example, when subframe a and subframe b are the same subframe, the subframe offset is 0. When subframe a and subframe b are different subframes, the subframe offset is the subframe number of subframe b minus the subframe number of subframe a.

[0185] Specifically, the symbol offset is associated with the starting position of the first time-domain resource. For example, the symbol offset may include one or more of the following offsets a to f:

[0186] Offset a: The offset between the starting position of the first time-domain resource and the starting position of the time-domain resource where the first information is located.

[0187] Offset b: The offset between the starting position and the reference position of the first time domain resource.

[0188] Offset c: The offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located.

[0189] Offset d: The offset between the starting position of the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource and the reference position.

[0190] Offset e: The offset between the starting position of the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource and the starting position of the first temporal resource.

[0191] Offset f: The offset between any position in the subframe containing the start position of the first temporal resource and the start position of the subframe containing the start position of the first temporal resource. For example, this arbitrary position is the middle position. The middle position is any position in the subframe other than the start and end positions.

[0192] Wherein, the aforementioned reference position is the position within the frame structure where the first time-domain resource contains the starting position of the first information. Alternatively, the reference position is the position within the frame structure of the first subcarrier interval where the starting position of the first information contains the starting position of the time-domain resource.

[0193] It should be understood that when the subcarrier spacing (denoted as the second subcarrier spacing) of the time-domain resource containing the first information is the same as the first subcarrier spacing, the time-domain resource containing the first information is located in the frame structure containing the first time-domain resource. Therefore, the symbol offset can be represented by the time-domain resource containing the first information, as shown in offsets a and c above. When the second subcarrier spacing is different from the first subcarrier spacing, the time-domain resource containing the first information is not located in the frame structure containing the first time-domain resource. In this case, the reference position refers to the position obtained by converting the starting position of the time-domain resource containing the first information to the position in the frame structure containing the first time-domain resource. The symbol offset, the starting symbol S, etc., can be determined relative to the reference position, as shown in offsets b and d above.

[0194] For example, the conversion relationship between the reference location and the starting location of the time-domain resource where the first information is located can be shown in the following equation (1-1):

[0195] In the above formula, n2 represents the index of the reference position, n1 represents the index of the starting position of the time-domain resource where the first information is located, SCS1 represents the first subcarrier spacing, and SCS2 represents the second subcarrier spacing. This indicates rounding down to the nearest integer.

[0196] For example, n1 is 10, SCS1 is 30, SCS2 is 15, and n2 is 20.

[0197] For example, the conversion relationship between the reference location and the starting location of the time-domain resource where the first information is located can be shown in the following equation (1-2):

[0198] In the above formula, μ represents the parameter set (numerology) of the first subcarrier spacing, and u2 represents the parameter set of the second subcarrier spacing. That is, the second subcarrier spacing can be expressed as... Where x1 is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 15, and μ2 is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0199] For example, n1 is 10, SCS1 is 30, i.e., u = 2, SCS2 is 16, i.e., u2 = 1, and n2 is 20.

[0200] Optionally, the first information includes subframe offset and / or symbol offset. Thus, based on the subframe offset and / or symbol offset, the start symbol S, and the symbol length L, the second communication device can determine the first time-domain resource.

[0201] Optionally, in S630, the second communication device determines the first time-domain resource based on the first information, including: the second communication device determines the index S0 of the starting position of the first time-domain resource based on the start symbol S.

[0202] Specifically, in one implementation, S0 and S satisfy the following relationship: S0 = S (2)

[0203] For example, if the starting symbol S is offset e, then the relationship between S0 and S is given by equation (2).

[0204] Alternatively, in another implementation, S0 and S satisfy the following relationship:

[0205] Alternatively, S0 = n1 + S (3-2)

[0206] Here, mod represents the modulo operation.

[0207] For example, if the starting symbol S is offset a, then the relationship between S0 and S is equation (3-1) or equation (3-2).

[0208] Alternatively, in another implementation, S0 and S satisfy the following relationship:

[0209] or,

[0210] Alternatively, in another implementation, S0 and S satisfy the following relationship:

[0211] Alternatively, S0 = n1 + O0 + S (5-2)

[0212] Where O0 represents the sign offset.

[0213] Alternatively, in another implementation, S0 and S satisfy the following relationship:

[0214] or,

[0215] Alternatively, in another implementation, S0 and S satisfy the following relationship:

[0216] Alternatively, S0 = O0 + S (7-2)

[0217] For example, when the starting symbol S is determined based on the symbol offset O0, formulas (5-1), (5-2), (6-1), (6-2), (7-1), or (7-2) can be used. Formulas (5-1), (5-2), (6-1), and (6-2) can be applied to cases where the starting symbol S is not determined based on the symbol offset, and cases where the starting symbol S is determined based on the symbol offset and the subframe offset, and the subframe offset is 0. Formulas (7-1) and (7-2) can be applied to cases where the starting symbol S is determined based on the symbol offset and the subframe offset, and the subframe offset is not 0.

[0218] Formulas (3-1), (3-2), (5-1), and (5-2) apply when the first and second subcarrier intervals are the same, while formulas (4-1), (4-2), (6-1), and (6-2) apply when the first and second subcarrier intervals are different. Furthermore, formula (3-1) can be considered an expression where SCS1 and SCS2 are the same in formula (4-1), and formula (3-2) can be considered an expression where SCS1 and SCS2 are the same in formula (4-2). Formula (5-1) can be considered an expression where SCS1 and SCS2 are the same in formula (6-1), and formula (5-2) can be considered an expression where SCS1 and SCS2 are the same in formula (6-2).

[0219] Optionally, if the first information is carried on the PDCCH and the first time-domain resource is used to transmit the PDSCH, then SCS1 in the formula of this application can be replaced by the parameter set μ of the PDSCH. PDSCH SCS2 can be replaced with the parameter set μ of PDCCH. PDCCH .

[0220] Optionally, the floor operation in any formula of this application It can be replaced with rounding up. The formula used by the second communication device to determine S0 can be indicated by the first communication device to the second communication device, or it can be predefined by the protocol.

[0221] The following are several ways to determine the starting symbol S.

[0222] Method 1: The start symbol S is determined based on the subframe offset, or the reference point of the start symbol S is determined based on the subframe offset.

[0223] For example, when the subframe offset is 0, the reference point of the start symbol S is the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located, or the reference point of the start symbol S is the reference position. As another example, when the subframe offset is not 0, the reference point of the start symbol S is the starting position of the subframe where the first temporal resource is located.

[0224] Optionally, in mode 1, the first information may include subframe offset, start symbol S, and symbol length L, wherein the indication of start symbol S is determined according to the value of subframe offset.

[0225] The following explanation of Method 1 will be based on the example of downstream transmission, with reference to Figure 7.

[0226] As shown in Figure 7, a subframe with a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz includes 14 symbols, numbered 0 to 13. A subframe with a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz includes 28 symbols, numbered 0 to 27. The subcarrier spacing of DCI (an example of the first information) is 15 kHz (an example of SCS2), occupying symbols 7 and 8 in subframe 0. The subcarrier spacing of time domain resource #1 (an example of the first time domain resource) is 15 kHz, occupying symbols 9 in subframe 0 to symbol 1 in subframe 1. The subcarrier spacing of time domain resource #2 (another example of the first time domain resource) is 15 kHz, occupying symbols 9 in subframe 1 to symbol 1 in subframe 2. The subcarrier spacing of time domain resource #3 (another example of the first time domain resource) is 30 kHz, occupying symbols 18 in subframe 0 to symbol 3 in subframe 1. The subcarrier spacing of time domain resource #4 (another example of the first time domain resource) is 30 kHz, occupying symbols 18 in subframe 1 to symbol 3 in subframe 2.

[0227] As shown in Figure 7, the information indicated by the base station for time-domain resource #1 may include: subframe offset = 0, S = 2, L = 7. Specifically, the starting position of time-domain resource #1 (symbol 9 in subframe 0) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) are in the same subframe, therefore, the subframe offset = 0. Since the subcarrier spacing of time-domain resource #1 and DCI is the same, the value of the starting symbol S is taken as the reference point of the first symbol occupied by DCI (i.e., n1 = 7), i.e., S = 2. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #1, therefore, L = 7. Further, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #1 using formula (3-2): S0 = n1 + S = 9. With L = 7, it can be determined that this time-domain resource occupies a total of 7 symbols.

[0228] The base station indicates that the information for time-domain resource #2 may include: subframe offset = 1, S = 9, L = 7. Specifically, the starting position of time-domain resource #2 (symbol 9 in subframe 1) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) are not in the same subframe. Therefore, the subframe offset = 1. Since the subframes are different, the value of the starting symbol S is taken as the starting position of the subframe in which time-domain resource #2 is located (i.e., symbol 0 in subframe 1) as the reference point, i.e., S = 9. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #2, therefore, L = 7. Further, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #2 by formula (2) based on the above indication information: S0 = S = 9. By using L = 7, it can be determined that the time-domain resource occupies a total of 7 symbols.

[0229] The base station indicates that the information for time-domain resource #3 may include: subframe offset = 0, S = 4, L = 14. Specifically, the starting position of time-domain resource #3 (symbol 18 in subframe 0) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) are in the same subframe, therefore, the subframe offset = 0. Since the subcarrier spacing of time-domain resource #3 and DCI is different, the value of the starting symbol S is taken with reference position (n2 = 7 * 30 / 15 = 14, that is, symbol 7 at 15kHz corresponds to symbol 14 at 30kHz) as the reference point, i.e., S = 4. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #3, therefore, L = 14. Further, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #3 using formula (4-2): S0 = n2 + S = 18. With L = 14, it can be determined that this time-domain resource occupies a total of 14 symbols.

[0230] The base station indicates that the information for time-domain resource #4 may include: subframe offset = 1, S = 18, L = 14. Specifically, the starting position of time-domain resource #4 (symbol 18 in subframe 1) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) are not in the same subframe. Therefore, the subframe offset = 1. At this time, the value of the starting symbol S is taken as the starting position of the subframe in which time-domain resource #4 is located (i.e., symbol 0 in subframe 1) as the reference point (at this time, the starting symbol S is an example of offset e), that is, S = 18. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #4. Therefore, L = 14. Further, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #4 by formula (2) based on the above indication information: S0 = S = 18. By L = 14, it can be determined that the time-domain resource occupies a total of 14 symbols.

[0231] Based on the above scheme, the reference point of the start symbol S is determined according to the subframe offset. Since the number of bits required for the subframe offset is small, the indication overhead can be reduced.

[0232] Method 2: The starting symbol S is determined based on the symbol offset, or the reference point of the starting symbol S is determined based on the symbol offset.

[0233] For example, the reference point of the starting symbol S is the end point of the symbol offset. The starting point of the symbol offset can be the starting position of the time domain resource where the first information is located, or it can be a reference position. For example, in mode 2, the symbol offset can be offset a, offset b, offset c, or offset d.

[0234] Optionally, in mode 2, the first information may include symbol offset, starting symbol S, and symbol length L, wherein the value of the symbol offset is associated with the first subcarrier spacing.

[0235] Specifically, the value of the symbol offset is related to the number of symbols included in a subframe, and the number of symbols included in the next subframe varies depending on the subcarrier interval.

[0236] Optionally, the symbol offset can be set across subframes; for example, the symbol offset can be set to a value that is not specified. The maximum number of subframes between the subframe containing the first piece of information and the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource. This is an example of N1.

[0237] in, It can be predefined by the protocol, or it can be indicated by the first communication device to the second communication device via signaling.

[0238] Similarly, the symbol length L can also span across subframes; for example, the symbol length L can be set to a value that is not specified in the provided text. The maximum number of subframes that can take the value of the representative symbol length. This is an example of N2.

[0239] in, It can be predefined by the protocol, or it can be indicated by the first communication device to the second communication device via signaling.

[0240] For example, the second communication device is a terminal-side device, which can determine the value range of the symbol offset indication based on the value of the first subcarrier interval, thereby determining different indication overheads based on different subcarrier intervals, making the indication more flexible.

[0241] The following explanation of Method 2 will be based on the example of downstream transmission, with reference to Figure 8.

[0242] The meanings of time-domain resources #1, #2, #3, and #4 in Figure 8 are the same as those in Figure 7. The difference is that the indication method changes from method 1 to method 2.

[0243] As shown in Figure 8, the information indicated by the base station for time-domain resource #1 may include: symbol offset O0 = 2, S = 0, and L = 7. Specifically, the offset (an example of offset a) between the starting position of time-domain resource #1 (symbol 9 in subframe 0) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) is 2. Therefore, symbol offset O0 = 2. The value of the starting symbol S is taken as the reference point of the endpoint indicated by the symbol offset (i.e., symbol 9), i.e., S = 0. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #1, therefore, L = 7. Furthermore, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #1 using formula (5-1): S0 = (n1 + O0 + S) mod 14 = 9. With L = 7, it can be determined that this time-domain resource occupies a total of 7 symbols.

[0244] The base station indicates that the information for time-domain resource #2 may include: symbol offset O0 = 7, S = 9, and L = 7. Specifically, the offset (an example of offset c) between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of time-domain resource #2 is located (symbol 0 in subframe 1) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) is 7. Therefore, the symbol offset O0 = 7. The value of the starting symbol S is taken as the reference point of the endpoint indicated by the symbol offset (i.e., symbol 0 in subframe 1), i.e., S = 9. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #2, therefore, L = 7. Further, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #2 using formula (5-1): S0 = (n1 + O0 + S) mod 14 = 9. With L = 7, it can be determined that this time-domain resource occupies a total of 7 symbols.

[0245] The base station indicates that the information for time-domain resource #3 may include: symbol offset O0 = 4, S = 0, and L = 14. Specifically, the offset (an example of offset b) between the starting position (symbol 18 in subframe 0) and the reference position (n2 = 7 * 30 / 15 = 14) of time-domain resource #3 is 4. Therefore, the symbol offset O0 = 4. The value of the starting symbol S is taken as the reference point of the endpoint indicated by the symbol offset (i.e., symbol 18), i.e., S = 0. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #3, therefore, L = 14. Furthermore, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #3 using formula (6-1), i.e., S0 = (n2 + O0 + S) mod 28 = 18. With L = 14, it can be determined that this time-domain resource occupies a total of 14 symbols.

[0246] The base station indicates that the information for time-domain resource #4 may include: symbol offset O0 = 14, S = 18, and L = 14. Specifically, the offset (an example of offset d) between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of time-domain resource #4 is located (symbol 0 in subframe 1) and the reference position (n2 = 7 * 30 / 15 = 14) is 14. Therefore, the symbol offset O0 = 14. The value of the starting symbol S is taken as the reference point of the ending point indicated by the symbol offset (i.e., symbol 0 in subframe 1), i.e., S = 18. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #4, therefore, L = 14. Furthermore, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #4 using formula (6-1): S0 = (n2 + O0 + S) mod 28 = 18. With L = 14, it can be determined that this time-domain resource occupies a total of 14 symbols.

[0247] Based on the above scheme, the reference point of the starting symbol S is determined according to the symbol offset. Since the symbol offset can be various different offsets, the indication can be more flexible.

[0248] Method 3: The starting symbol S is determined based on the subframe offset and the symbol offset. Alternatively, the reference point for the symbol offset is determined based on the subframe offset, and the reference point for the starting symbol S is determined based on the symbol offset.

[0249] For example, when the subframe offset is 0, the reference point for the symbol offset is the starting position of the temporal resource containing the first information, or the reference point for the symbol offset is a reference position. Similarly, when the subframe offset is not 0, the reference point for the symbol offset is the starting position of the subframe containing the first temporal resource. Furthermore, the reference point for the starting symbol S can be the ending point indicated by the symbol offset. For example, in mode 3, the symbol offset can be offset f, and the ending point of the symbol offset is the middle position of the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource; the reference point for the starting symbol S is this middle position.

[0250] Optionally, in mode 3, the first information may include subframe offset, symbol offset, start symbol S, and symbol length L, wherein the indication of symbol offset is determined according to the value of subframe offset.

[0251] The following explanation of Method 3 is based on Figure 9, which uses downstream transmission as an example.

[0252] The meanings of time-domain resources #1, #2, #3, and #4 in Figure 9 are the same as those in Figure 7. The difference is that the indication method changes from method 1 to method 3.

[0253] As shown in Figure 9, the information indicated by the base station for time-domain resource #1 may include: subframe offset = 0, symbol offset O0 = 2, S = 0, and L = 7. Specifically, the starting position of time-domain resource #1 (symbol 9 in subframe 0) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) are in one subframe, therefore, the subframe offset = 0. The reference point for symbol offset O0 can be the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0), that is, symbol offset O0 is the offset between the starting position of DCI and the starting position of the first time-domain resource (an example of offset a) is 2, therefore, symbol offset O0 = 2. The value of the starting symbol S is taken as the reference point of the endpoint indicated by the symbol offset (i.e., symbol 9), that is, S = 0. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #1, therefore, L = 7. Further, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #1 using formula (5-1): S0 = (n1 + O0 + S) mod 14 = 9. With L = 7, it can be determined that this time-domain resource occupies a total of 7 symbols.

[0254] The information indicated by the base station for time-domain resource #2 may include: subframe offset = 1, symbol offset O0 = 5, S = 4, and L = 7. Specifically, the starting position of time-domain resource #2 (symbol 9 in subframe 1) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) are not in the same subframe. Therefore, the base station can choose any position in the subframe where the starting position of time-domain resource #2 is located (i.e., subframe 1) as the endpoint of the symbol offset. For example, if the base station determines the endpoint of the symbol offset to be symbol 5 in subframe 1, then the symbol offset can be the offset between the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of time-domain resource #2 is located (symbol 0 in subframe 1) and symbol 5 in subframe 1 (an example of offset f). Therefore, symbol offset O0 = 5, and the value of the starting symbol S is taken with the endpoint indicated by the symbol offset (i.e., symbol 5 in subframe 1) as the reference point, i.e., S = 4. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #2, therefore, L = 7. Furthermore, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time domain resource #2 using formula (7-2): S0 = O0 + S = 9. By using L = 7, it can be determined that this time domain resource occupies a total of 7 symbols.

[0255] The information indicated by the base station for time-domain resource #3 may include: subframe offset = 0, symbol offset O0 = 4, S = 0, and L = 14. Specifically, the starting position of time-domain resource #3 (symbol 18 in subframe 0) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) are in the same subframe, therefore, the subframe offset = 0. Since the subcarrier spacing of time-domain resource #3 and DCI is different, the value of symbol offset O0 is taken with reference position (n2 = 7 * 30 / 15 = 14, that is, symbol 7 at 15 kHz corresponds to symbol 14 at 30 kHz) as the reference point, therefore, symbol offset O0 = 4. The value of the starting symbol S is taken with reference point to the end point indicated by the symbol offset (i.e., symbol 18), that is, S = 0. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #3, therefore, L = 14. Furthermore, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time domain resource #3 using formula (6-1): S0 = (n2 + O0 + S) mod 28 = 18. With L = 14, it can be determined that this time domain resource occupies a total of 14 symbols.

[0256] The information indicated by the base station for time-domain resource #4 may include: subframe offset = 1, symbol offset O0 = 10, S = 8, and L = 14. Specifically, the starting position of time-domain resource #4 (symbol 18 in subframe 1) and the starting position of DCI (symbol 7 in subframe 0) are not in the same subframe. Therefore, the base station can choose any position in the subframe containing the starting position of time-domain resource #4 (i.e., subframe 1) as the endpoint of the symbol offset. For example, if the base station determines the endpoint of the symbol offset to be symbol 10 in subframe 1, then the symbol offset can be the offset between the starting position of the subframe containing the starting position of time-domain resource #4 (symbol 0 in subframe 1) and symbol 10 in subframe 1 (an example of offset f). Therefore, symbol offset O0 = 10, and the value of the starting symbol S is taken with the endpoint indicated by the symbol offset (i.e., symbol 10 in subframe 1) as the reference point, i.e., S = 8. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #4; therefore, L = 14. Furthermore, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time domain resource #4 using formula (7-2): S0 = O0 + S = 18. With L = 14, it can be determined that the time domain resource occupies a total of 14 symbols.

[0257] It should be understood that in this method, the endpoint of the symbol offset is determined by the first communication device itself and is transparent to the second communication device. The second communication device only needs to determine the index of the starting position of the first time domain resource according to the method indicated by the base station using the corresponding formula. For example, when the UE determines the index of the starting position of time domain resource #2 and time domain resource #4, it does not need to determine which symbol is the endpoint of the symbol offset indication. It only needs to add the symbol offset and S according to formula (7) to obtain S0.

[0258] Based on the above scheme, the reference point of the starting symbol S can be indicated by both subframe offset and symbol offset, which can reduce the indication overhead and make it more flexible.

[0259] Method 4: The starting symbol S is either offset a or offset b.

[0260] Optionally, in mode 4, the first information may include a start symbol S and a symbol length L, wherein the value of the start symbol S is associated with the subcarrier spacing, and when the start symbol S and the symbol length L are indicated by SLIV, the value of SLIV is associated with the subcarrier spacing.

[0261] Specifically, the value of the starting symbol S is associated with the number of symbols included in a subframe, and the number of symbols included in the next subframe varies depending on the subcarrier interval.

[0262] Optionally, the value of the start symbol S can span subframes; for example, the value of the start symbol S can be... The maximum number of subframes between the subframe containing the first piece of information and the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource. This is another example of N1.

[0263] in, It can be predefined by the protocol, or it can be indicated by the first communication device to the second communication device via signaling.

[0264] Similarly, the symbol length L can also span across subframes; for example, the symbol length L can be set to a value that is not specified in the provided text. The maximum number of subframes that can take the value of the representative symbol length. This is another example of N2.

[0265] in, It can be predefined by the protocol, or it can be indicated by the first communication device to the second communication device via signaling.

[0266] For example, the second communication device is a terminal-side device, which can determine the range of values ​​for the start symbol S based on the value of the first subcarrier interval, thereby determining different indication overheads based on different subcarrier intervals, making the indication more flexible.

[0267] The following explanation of Method 4 is based on Figure 10, which takes downstream transmission as an example.

[0268] The meanings of time-domain resources #1, #2, #3, and #4 in Figure 10 are the same as those in Figure 7. The difference is that the indication method changes from method 1 to method 4.

[0269] As shown in Figure 10, the base station's indication of time-domain resource #1 may include: S = 2, L = 7. Specifically, the value of the starting symbol S is taken as the reference point of the first symbol occupied by the DCI (i.e., n1 = 7) (at this time, the starting symbol S can be regarded as an example of offset a), i.e., S = 2. L is the number of symbols included in time-domain resource #1, therefore, L = 7. Further, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time-domain resource #1 using formula (3-1): S0 = (n1 + S) mod 14 = (7 + 2) mod 14 = 9. With L = 7, it can be determined that this time-domain resource occupies a total of 7 symbols.

[0270] The base station indicates that the information for time domain resource #2 may include: S = 16, L = 7. Specifically, the value of the starting symbol S is taken as the reference point of the first symbol occupied by the DCI (i.e., n1 = 7) (at this time, the starting symbol S can be regarded as an example of offset a), that is, S = 16, and L is the number of symbols included in time domain resource #2, therefore, L = 7. Further, based on the above indication information, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time domain resource #2 using formula (3-1): S0 = (n1 + S) mod 14 = (7 + 16) mod 14 = 9. With L = 7, it can be determined that this time domain resource occupies a total of 7 symbols.

[0271] The base station indicates that the information for time domain resource #3 may include: S = 4, L = 14. Specifically, the value of the starting symbol S is taken with reference position (n2 = 7 * 30 / 15 = 14, that is, symbol 7 at 15kHz corresponds to symbol 14 at 30kHz) as the reference point (at this time, the starting symbol S can be regarded as an example of offset b), that is, S = 4. L is the number of symbols included in time domain resource #3, therefore, L = 14. Further, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time domain resource #3 by formula (4-1): S0 = (n2 + S) mod 28 = (14 + 4) mod 28 = 18. With L = 14, it can be determined that this time domain resource occupies a total of 14 symbols.

[0272] The base station indicates that the information for time domain resource #4 may include: S = 32, L = 14. Specifically, the value of the starting symbol S is taken from the reference position (n2 = 7 * 30 / 15 = 14, that is, the symbol 7 at 15 kHz corresponds to symbol 14 at 30 kHz) as the reference point (at this time, the starting symbol S can be regarded as an example of offset b), that is, S = 32, and L is the number of symbols included in time domain resource #4, therefore, L = 14. Further, the UE can determine the index of the starting position of time domain resource #4 according to the above indication information through formula (4-1): S0 = (n2 + S) mod 28 = (14 + 32) mod 28 = 18, and L = 14 can be used to determine that this time domain resource occupies a total of 14 symbols.

[0273] Based on the above scheme, the starting position or reference position of the time domain resource where the first information is located is directly used as the reference point of the starting symbol S, making the indication method simpler and more flexible.

[0274] Method 5: The starting symbol S is determined based on at least two symbol offsets (denoted as symbol offset 1 and symbol offset 2).

[0275] Specifically, the reference point of symbol offset 2 can be indicated by symbol offset 1, and further, the reference point of the starting symbol S can be indicated by symbol offset 2.

[0276] For example, symbol offset 1 is offset c or offset d, and symbol offset 2 is offset f. Offset c or offset d can indicate the starting position of the subframe in which the starting position of the first time-domain resource is located, for example, as shown in Figure 8, indicating the slot offset of time-domain resource #2 or time-domain resource #4. Furthermore, offset f can indicate the middle position of the subframe in which the starting position of the first time-domain resource is located, and this middle position can be used as a reference point for the starting symbol S, for example, as shown in Figure 9, indicating the symbol offset of time-domain resource #2 or time-domain resource #4.

[0277] Based on the above scheme, the reference point of the starting symbol S is indicated by two symbol offsets, which makes the indication method more flexible and can also reduce the indication overhead.

[0278] As one implementation scenario, the starting symbol S and symbol length L of the first time-domain resource can be indicated by SLIV.

[0279] Specifically, SLIV is an encoded value. The first communication device can encode the SLIV based on the determined values ​​of S and L, and S and L can uniquely identify the SLIV. The first information may include the SLIV. After receiving the first information, the second communication device can determine the values ​​of S and L based on the SLIV, and a single SLIV can also uniquely identify S and L.

[0280] Optionally, the value of SLIV is associated with the first subcarrier interval, or there is a correlation between the value of SLIV and the first subcarrier interval. This correlation may include one or more of the following: a correlation between the range of SLIV values ​​and the first subcarrier interval; a correlation between the number of bits in SLIV and the first subcarrier interval; or a correlation between the bit meaning of SLIV and the first subcarrier interval.

[0281] As one implementation method for this scenario, the value of SLIV is determined based on the first subcarrier interval. For example, the relationship between SLIV, S, and L is as follows:

[0282] In this implementation, the range of values ​​for S is: The range of values ​​for L is In other words, First-time domain resources do not cross the boundaries of subframes.

[0283] Specifically, the value of SLIV is associated with the first subcarrier spacing. For example, when μ = 0, and the subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz or 16 kHz, the value of S can range from 0 to 13, and the value of L can range from 1 to (14-S). Therefore, the value of SLIV can range from 0 to 104, and can be represented by 7 bits, as shown in Table 3.

[0284] Table 3

[0285] For example, when μ = 1, such as when the subcarrier spacing is 30kHz or 32kHz, the value of S can range from 0 to 27, and the value of L can range from 1 to (28-S). Therefore, the value of SLIV can range from 0 to 378, which can be represented by 9 bits, as shown in Table 4.

[0286] Table 4

[0287] For example, when μ = 2, such as when the subcarrier spacing is 60kHz or 64kHz, the value of S can range from 0 to 55, and the value of L can range from 1 to (56-S). Therefore, the value of SLIV can range from 0 to 1540, which can be represented by 11 bits, as shown in Table 5.

[0288] Table 5

[0289] Based on the above scheme, the start symbol S and symbol length L can be indicated by SLIV, and the first temporal resource does not cross the subframe boundary, which can better accommodate existing protocols and is easy to implement.

[0290] As another implementation of this scenario, the value of SLIV is determined based on the first subcarrier interval. For example, the relationship between SLIV, S, and L is as follows:

[0291] In this implementation, the range of values ​​for S is: The range of values ​​for L is In other words, the first temporal domain resource can span the boundaries of a subframe.

[0292] Specifically, the value of SLIV is associated with the first subcarrier spacing. For example, when μ = 0, and the subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz or 16 kHz, the value of S can range from 0 to 13, and the value of L can range from 1 to 14. Therefore, the value of SLIV can range from 0 to 195, which can be represented by 8 bits, as shown in Table 6.

[0293] Table 6

[0294] For example, when μ = 1, such as when the subcarrier spacing is 30kHz or 32kHz, the value of S can range from 0 to 27, and the value of L can range from 1 to 28. Therefore, the value of SLIV can range from 0 to 783, which can be represented by 10 bits, as shown in Table 7.

[0295] Table 7

[0296] For example, when μ = 2, such as when the subcarrier spacing is 60kHz or 64kHz, the value of S can range from 0 to 55, and the value of L can range from 1 to 56. Therefore, the value of SLIV can range from 0 to 3047, which can be represented by 12 bits, as shown in Table 8.

[0297] Table 8

[0298] Based on the above scheme, the start symbol S and symbol length L can be indicated by SLIV, and the first temporal resource can span subframe boundaries, which allows for more flexible scheduling and has a wider range of application scenarios.

[0299] As another implementation scenario, the starting symbol S and symbol length L of the first time-domain resource can be indicated by the first indication information and the second indication information, respectively.

[0300] Specifically, the first information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time domain resource, and the second information is used to indicate the symbol length L of the first time domain resource.

[0301] Optionally, the value of S is associated with the first subcarrier spacing. That is, there is a correlation between the value of S and the first subcarrier spacing.

[0302] Optionally, the value of L is associated with the first subcarrier spacing. That is, there is a correlation between the value of L and the first subcarrier spacing.

[0303] As one implementation method for this scenario, the value of S is determined based on the first subcarrier interval, wherein the range of S is: The value of L is determined based on the first subcarrier interval, and the range of L is: In other words, First-time domain resources do not cross the boundaries of subframes.

[0304] As another implementation method for this scenario, the value of S is determined based on the first subcarrier interval, and the range of S is: The value of L is determined based on the first subcarrier interval, and the range of L is: In other words, the first temporal domain resource can span the boundaries of a subframe.

[0305] In any of the above implementations, the number of bits for S and L can be determined according to the following formula:

[0306] For example, when μ = 0, for instance, when the subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz or 16 kHz, At this point, the number of S bits is 4, and the number of L bits is 4.

[0307] For example, when μ = 1, such as when the subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz or 32 kHz, At this point, the number of S bits is 5, and the number of L bits is 5.

[0308] For example, when μ = 2, such as when the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz or 64 kHz, At this point, the number of S bits is 6, and the number of L bits is 6.

[0309] Based on the above scheme, the start symbol S and symbol length L can be indicated separately, and the first temporal resource can cross the subframe boundary or not cross the subframe boundary, thus allowing for more flexible indication of temporal resources.

[0310] Optionally, the method 600 further includes: S601, the first communication device sends second information to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the second information.

[0311] The second information is used to indicate the range of values ​​for the start symbol of the first time-domain resource, and / or the range of values ​​for the symbol length of the first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the second information is used to indicate the number of bits for the start symbol, and / or the number of bits for the symbol length.

[0312] For example, the range of values ​​for the start symbol is... N1 can be a predefined protocol or an instruction from the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0313] For example, the range of values ​​for the symbol length is... N2 can be a predefined protocol or an instruction from the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0314] Specifically, the range of values ​​for the starting symbol and / or symbol length, and the number of bits of the first time-domain resource can be predefined by the protocol, or it can be indicated by the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0315] Based on the above scheme, by indicating the range of values ​​for the start symbol and / or the symbol length, the number of bits, etc., to the second communication device, the second communication device can be assisted in decoding the first information faster, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0316] It should be understood that this application uses a single subframe as an example for illustrating the scheduling unit. However, in practical applications, the scheduling unit can also be multiple subframes, one or more symbols, one or more time slots, or one or more frames, etc., and this application does not impose any restrictions. This indicates the number of symbols included in the scheduling unit when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

[0317] It should also be understood that the size of the scheduling unit can be predefined by the protocol or indicated by the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0318] Furthermore, this application uses a symbol as the basic unit of scheduling for illustration. However, in practical applications, the basic unit of scheduling can also be a symbol block, and a symbol block includes one or more symbols. For example, if the symbol length of the first information indication is 2 symbol blocks, and each symbol block includes 2 symbols, then the symbol length of the first time-domain resource can include 2*2=4 symbols.

[0319] Optionally, taking the first communication device as the base station and the second communication device as the UE as an example, the implementation method of the first communication device instructing the second communication device on the first time domain resource in S620 will be explained.

[0320] Specifically, the time-domain resources of the data channel (an example of the first time-domain resources) can be configured in a semi-static manner and dynamically indicated by the PDCCH that schedules data transmission.

[0321] Optionally, the time-domain resources of the data channel (an example of the first time-domain resources) can be configured in a semi-static manner, such as through RRC signaling or MAC CE indication.

[0322] Optionally, the time-domain resources of the data channel (an example of the first time-domain resources) can be dynamically indicated by control information for scheduling data transmission (such as the DCI of the PDCCH).

[0323] Semi-static configuration can be the configuration performed by the base station for the UE via RRC signaling after the UE and the base station establish an RRC link.

[0324] Specifically, when the UE and the base station establish an RRC connection, the UE will first receive the Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI) required for accessing the system. Then, the UE will send an RRC link request to the base station. The base station will send an RRC link establishment message, and the UE will then send an RRC link establishment completion message. At this point, it indicates that the UE and the base station have confirmed that the RRC link is complete and enter the RRC link state.

[0325] Additionally, after the RRC link between the UE and the base station is lost, the UE can send an RRC link re-establishment request to the base station. The base station then sends an RRC link re-establishment request, and the UE sends an RRC link re-establishment completion request. This indicates that the UE and the base station have confirmed the RRC link re-establishment is complete and enter the RRC link state. After entering the RRC link state, the UE and the base station can transmit RRC signaling.

[0326] The UE first determines the time-domain allocation table, which indicates one or more rows of time-domain resource allocation information, i.e., indicates candidate time-domain resource allocations. Each row of the time-domain allocation table may include information such as subframe offset and / or symbol offset, SLIV (or S and L).

[0327] There are three ways to determine the time-domain resource allocation table for data:

[0328] 1. If a time-domain resource allocation table is configured in the RRC dedicated signaling, then the time-domain resource allocation table configured in the RRC dedicated signaling shall be used.

[0329] 2. If the time-domain resource allocation table is not configured in the RRC dedicated signaling, but is configured in the RMSI, then the time-domain resource allocation table configured in the RMSI shall be used.

[0330] 3. If the RRC dedicated signaling does not have a time domain resource allocation table configured, and the RMSI does not have a time domain resource allocation table configured either, then the predefined time domain resource allocation table will be used.

[0331] Furthermore, physical layer signaling, such as DCI, can be used. For example, the time domain resource assignment field in DCI indicates the index of a row, and the UE can then determine the time domain resources for the current data transmission based on this index and the time domain allocation table.

[0332] It should be understood that in some of the above embodiments, the examples are mainly based on devices in existing network architectures (such as network devices, terminal devices, etc.). It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application. In the above method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the device (such as network devices, terminal devices) can also be implemented by components of the device (such as chips or circuits).

[0333] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 10. The above-described communication method is mainly introduced from the perspective of the interaction between the first communication device and the second communication device. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the first and second communication devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of 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 certain function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0334] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic block diagrams of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be the terminal 120 shown in Figure 1, the RAN node 110 shown in Figure 1, the IAB parent node or IAB node shown in Figure 5, or a module (such as a chip or chip system) applied to the terminal, RAN node, IAB parent node or IAB node, etc.

[0335] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 2000 includes a processing unit 2010 and a transceiver unit 2020. The communication device 2000 is used to implement the functions of the first communication device or the second communication device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 6 above.

[0336] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the processing unit 2010 is used to determine the first information, the first information is used to indicate the first time domain resource, the subcarrier spacing of the first time domain resource is the first subcarrier spacing, the first information is associated with the first subcarrier spacing, and the first time domain resource is used to send or receive signals; the transceiver unit 2020 is used to send the first information.

[0337] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the second communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the transceiver unit 2020 is used to receive the first information; the processing unit 2010 is used to determine the first time domain resource according to the first information.

[0338] For a more detailed description and additional functions of the above-mentioned processing unit 2010 and transceiver unit 2020, please refer to the method embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0339] As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 3000 includes a processor 3010 and an interface circuit 3020. The processor 3010 and the interface circuit 3020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 3020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 3000 may also include a memory 3030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 3010, or storing input data required by the processor 3010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 3010 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 3020 may also be part of the processor 3010, in which case the communication device 3000 includes the processor 3010.

[0340] When the communication device 3000 is used to implement the method shown in FIG6, the processor 3010 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 2010, and the interface circuit 3020 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 2020.

[0341] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from the base station, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to the base station, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station by these modules.

[0342] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a base station, the base station chip implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station chip receives information from the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station chip by these modules. The base station chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0343] 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.

[0344] 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.

[0345] 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.

[0346] 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.

[0347] In the above embodiments, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0348] In this document, "at least one" means one or more. "More than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "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.

[0349] Furthermore, the numerical range a to b in this application refers to all integers including a and b, as well as those between a and b. For example, 0 to 13 refers to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

[0350] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above processes does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0351] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0352] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply 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 this application.

[0353] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0354] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0355] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art 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.

[0356] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0357] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0358] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0359] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0360] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0361] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of communication, comprising: include: First information is determined, the first information is used to indicate a first time domain resource, the subcarrier spacing of the first time domain resource is the first subcarrier spacing, the first information is associated with the first subcarrier spacing, and the first time domain resource is used to transmit or receive signals; Send the first message.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information is associated with the first subcarrier spacing and includes at least one of the following: The value range of the first information is related to the first subcarrier interval; The number of bits in the first information is correlated with the first subcarrier interval; The bit meaning of the first information is related to the first subcarrier interval.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information is used to indicate the start symbol S and symbol length L of the first time-domain resource. The value range of the first information is related to the first subcarrier spacing, including: S is in the range of The L has a value in the range of or, S is in the range of The L has a value in the range of wherein This represents the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing is (15+x) 2 μ kHz, the is 14 2 μ , Where x is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 15, and μ is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource, wherein, The starting symbol S is determined based on the subframe offset and / or symbol offset. The subframe offset is the offset between the subframe where the first information is located and the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located. The symbol offset is related to the starting position of the first temporal resource.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The symbol offset includes at least one of the following: The offset between the starting position of the first time-domain resource and the starting position of the time-domain resource where the first information is located; The offset between the starting position and the reference position of the first time-domain resource; The offset between the starting position of the subframe where the first temporal resource starts and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; The offset between the starting position of the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource and the reference position; The offset between the starting position of the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource and the starting position of the first temporal resource; The offset between the middle position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located; The reference position is the position in the frame structure where the first time domain resource is located, corresponding to the starting position of the first information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The index n2 of the reference position is: wherein n1 represents an index of a starting position of a time domain resource where the first information is located, SCS1 represents the first subcarrier spacing, SCS2 represents a subcarrier spacing of a time domain resource where the first information is located, This indicates rounding down to the nearest integer.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The first information includes the subframe offset and / or symbol offset.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first information includes SLIV, and a relationship among the SLIV, a starting symbol S of the first time domain resource, and a symbol length L of the first time domain resource is: Or, wherein This represents the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the second information is used to indicate the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which indicates the range of values ​​for the start symbol of the first time-domain resource and / or the range of values ​​for the symbol length of the first time-domain resource.

12. A method of communication, comprising: include: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first time-domain resource that is continuous in the time domain, the subcarrier spacing of the first time-domain resource being the first subcarrier spacing, and the first information being associated with the first subcarrier spacing; The first time-domain resource is determined based on the first information.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first information is associated with the first subcarrier spacing and includes at least one of the following: The value range of the first information is related to the first subcarrier interval; The number of bits in the first information is correlated with the first subcarrier interval; The bit meaning of the first information is related to the first subcarrier interval.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first information is used to indicate the start symbol S and symbol length L of the first time-domain resource. The value range of the first information is related to the first subcarrier spacing, including: S is in the range of The L has a value in the range of or, S is in the range of The L has a value in the range of wherein, This represents the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing is (15+x) 2 μ kHz, the is 14 2 μ , Where x is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 15, and μ is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource, wherein, The starting symbol S is determined based on the subframe offset and / or symbol offset. The subframe offset is the offset between the subframe where the first information is located and the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located. The symbol offset is related to the starting position of the first temporal resource.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The symbol offset includes at least one of the following: The offset between the starting position of the first time-domain resource and the starting position of the time-domain resource where the first information is located; The offset between the starting position and the reference position of the first time-domain resource; The offset between the starting position of the subframe where the first temporal resource starts and the starting position of the temporal resource where the first information is located; The offset between the starting position of the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource and the reference position; The offset between the starting position of the subframe containing the starting position of the first temporal resource and the starting position of the first temporal resource; The offset between the middle position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located and the starting position of the subframe where the starting position of the first temporal resource is located; The reference position is the position in the frame structure where the first time domain resource is located, corresponding to the starting position of the first information.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The index n2 of the reference position is: wherein n1 represents an index of a starting position of a time domain resource where the first information is located, SCS1 represents the first subcarrier spacing, SCS2 represents a subcarrier spacing of a time domain resource where the first information is located, This indicates rounding down to the nearest integer.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, Determining the first time-domain resource based on the first information includes: The index S0 of the starting position of the first time-domain resource is determined based on the starting symbol S, and S0 and S satisfy the following relationship: S0 = S; or, or, S0 = n1 + S; or, or, or, or, S0 = n1 + O0 + S; or, or, or, or, S0 = O0 + S; Wherein, n1 represents the index of the starting position of the time-domain resource where the first information is located, SCS1 represents the first subcarrier spacing, SCS2 represents the subcarrier spacing of the time-domain resource where the first information is located, and O0 represents the symbol offset. The expression indicates rounding down, while mod indicates the remainder operation.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that, The first information includes the subframe offset and / or symbol offset.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that, The first information includes a start and length indication value (SLIV), and the relationship between the SLIV, the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource is as follows: or, in, This represents the number of symbols included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is the first subcarrier spacing.

22. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the start symbol S of the first time-domain resource, and the second information is used to indicate the symbol length L of the first time-domain resource.

23. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, which indicates the range of values ​​for the start symbol of the first time-domain resource and / or the range of values ​​for the symbol length of the first time-domain resource.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes one or more processors, which are configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, causing the device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11, or to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 23.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or implement the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 23.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when run, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 23.

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