Resource configuration method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a resource configuration method and apparatus. In the method, a reference signal resource configured by a radio access network node comprises a plurality of sub-resources, and each sub-resource among the plurality of sub-resources comprises the same port. In addition, among the plurality of sub-resources, time-domain resources occupied by at least two sub-resources do not completely overlap, and / or, frequency-domain resources occupied by at least two sub-resources do not completely overlap. Therefore, the plurality of sub-resources can form a pattern that is non-uniform in the time domain, a pattern that is non-uniform in the frequency domain, or a pattern that is non-uniform in both the time domain and the frequency domain, thereby realizing the flexible configuration of the reference signal resource. The reference signal resource can be used for sending or receiving a reference signal, and the reference signal can be used for channel estimation, channel sounding, target sensing, etc.

Description

Resource configuration method and device

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202410697150.6, filed on May 30, 2024, and entitled "Resource Configuration Method and Device", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0003] In a communication system, a reference signal (RS) can be referred to as a "pilot" signal, which can be used for channel estimation, channel sounding, or target sensing. Generally, a radio access network (RAN) node can configure a reference signal resource for a terminal, so that the terminal transmits or receives a reference signal on the reference signal resource. However, the time domain pattern or frequency domain pattern of the reference signal resource configured by the RAN node for the terminal is relatively single, and cannot meet the service requirements. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a resource configuration method and device, which can flexibly configure a reference signal resource to meet service requirements.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a resource configuration method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal. Here, the terminal can refer to the terminal itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the terminal that implements the method.

[0007] The method includes receiving first information for configuring a reference signal resource, and transmitting or receiving a first reference signal on the reference signal resource. The first information is used to configure the reference signal resource, the reference signal resource includes a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource, the first sub-resource includes N ports, the first sub-resource occupies M time units and L frequency domain units, the second sub-resource includes N ports, the second sub-resource occupies P time units and Q frequency domain units, the M time units and the P time units do not completely overlap, and / or the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap, N, M, L, P, and Q are positive integers.

[0008] Based on the method provided in the first aspect, the terminal can be configured with reference signal resources by the first information, so as to send or receive the first reference signal on the reference signal resources. The reference signal resources include first sub-resources and second sub-resources, the first sub-resources and the second sub-resources include the same ports, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the first sub-resources and the time-frequency resources occupied by the second sub-resources do not completely overlap, so that the first sub-resources and the second sub-resources can form a non-uniform pattern in the time domain, or a non-uniform pattern in the frequency domain, or a non-uniform pattern in both the time domain and the frequency domain, thereby realizing flexible configuration of the reference signal resources to meet the service requirements. Taking the sensing service as an example, the reference signal is sent in a non-uniform pattern in the time domain and / or the frequency domain, which can reduce the overhead of the reference signal while meeting the sensing requirements.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the M time units and the P time units do not completely overlap, including at least one of the following: the first period associated with the M time units is different from the second period associated with the P time units; the first time domain offset is different from the second time domain offset, the first time domain offset being an offset of the M time units relative to a time domain reference position of the first period, and the second time domain offset being an offset of the P time units relative to a time domain reference position of the second period; M is different from P; and a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the M time units does not overlap with a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the P time units.

[0010] Based on the possible implementation, the M time units and the P time units can be implemented to not completely overlap.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first information includes first configuration information, and the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: information of the first period, information of the first time domain offset, information of M, or first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the M time units.

[0012] Based on the possible implementation, the terminal can determine the period associated with the M time units, i.e., the period of the first sub-resources, based on the information of the first period. The terminal can determine the first time domain offset based on the information of the first time domain offset, thereby determining the time slot in which the M time units are located in a period. The terminal can determine the number of time units occupied by the first sub-resources in a period based on M. The terminal can determine the time unit with the earliest time domain position in the M time units according to the first indication information, so as to further determine the pattern of the first sub-resources in each time slot.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the first information comprises second configuration information, and the second configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of a second period, information of a second time domain offset, information of P, or second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the P time units.

[0014] Based on the possible implementation, the terminal can determine the period associated with the P time units based on the information of the second period, that is, the period of the second sub-resource. The terminal can determine the second time domain offset based on the information of the second time domain offset, so as to determine the time slot in which the P time units are located in one period. The terminal can determine the number of time units occupied by the second sub-resource in one period based on P. The terminal can determine the time unit with the earliest time domain position in the P time units according to the second indication information, so as to further determine the pattern of the second sub-resource in each time slot.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap, and the implementation includes at least one of the following: the first frequency domain interval is different from the second frequency domain interval, the first frequency domain interval is a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain in the L frequency domain units, and the second frequency domain interval is a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain in the Q frequency domain units; the bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units is different from the bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units; L is different from Q; the first frequency domain offset is different from the second frequency domain offset, the first frequency domain offset is an offset of the L frequency domain units relative to a first frequency domain reference position, and the second frequency domain offset is an offset of the Q frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position.

[0016] Based on the possible implementation, the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units can be implemented to not completely overlap.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the first information comprises third configuration information, and the third configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of a first frequency domain interval, information of a first bandwidth, information of L, or information of a first frequency domain offset, where the first bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units.

[0018] Based on the possible implementation, the terminal can determine the frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain in the L frequency domain units based on the information of the first frequency domain interval, so as to determine the frequency domain pattern of the first sub-resource. The terminal can determine the bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units based on the information of the first bandwidth, so as to determine the frequency domain range of the L frequency domain units. The terminal can determine the number of frequency domain units occupied by the first sub-resource based on the information of L. The terminal can determine the offset of the L frequency domain units relative to a first frequency domain reference position based on the information of the first frequency domain offset, so as to determine the frequency domain position of the L frequency domain units.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the first information comprises fourth configuration information, and the fourth configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of the second frequency domain interval, information of a second bandwidth, information of Q, or information of a second frequency domain offset, where the second bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units.

[0020] Based on the possible implementation, the terminal can determine the frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain among the Q frequency domain units based on the information of the second frequency domain interval, so as to determine the frequency domain pattern of the second sub-resource. The terminal can determine the bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units based on the information of the second bandwidth, so as to determine the frequency domain range of the Q frequency domain units. The terminal can determine the number of frequency domain units occupied by the second sub-resource based on the information of Q. The terminal can determine the offset of the Q frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position based on the information of the second frequency domain offset, so as to determine the frequency domain position of the Q frequency domain units.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the first reference signal is used for sensing a target.

[0022] Based on the possible implementation, the first information can configure the reference signal resource used for sensing.

[0023] In a second aspect, a resource configuration method is provided, which can be executed by a RAN node. The RAN node here can refer to the RAN node itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the RAN node that implements the method.

[0024] The method comprises: determining first information, and sending the first information. The first information is used for configuring a reference signal resource, and the reference signal resource comprises a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource. The first sub-resource comprises N ports, and the first sub-resource occupies M time units and L frequency domain units. The second sub-resource comprises N ports, and the second sub-resource occupies P time units and Q frequency domain units. The M time units and the P time units do not completely overlap, and / or the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap. N, M, L, P, and Q are positive integers.

[0025] Based on the method provided in the second aspect, the RAN node can configure a reference signal resource for the terminal, so that the terminal transmits or receives the first reference signal on the reference signal resource. The reference signal resource includes a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource, the first sub-resource and the second sub-resource include the same port, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the first sub-resource and the time-frequency resources occupied by the second sub-resource do not completely overlap, so that the first sub-resource and the second sub-resource can form a non-uniform pattern in the time domain, or a non-uniform pattern in the frequency domain, or a non-uniform pattern in both the time domain and the frequency domain, thereby realizing flexible configuration of the reference signal resource to meet the service demand. Taking the sensing service as an example, transmitting the reference signal in a non-uniform pattern in the time domain and / or the frequency domain can reduce the overhead of the reference signal while meeting the sensing demand.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the M time units and the P time units do not completely overlap, including at least one of the following: the first period associated with the M time units is different from the second period associated with the P time units; the first time domain offset is different from the second time domain offset, the first time domain offset being an offset of the M time units relative to a time domain reference position of the first period, and the second time domain offset being an offset of the P time units relative to a time domain reference position of the second period; M is different from P; and a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the M time units does not overlap with a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the P time units.

[0027] Based on the possible implementation, the RAN node can configure the M time units and the P time units to not completely overlap.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first information includes first configuration information, and the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: information of the first period, information of the first time domain offset, information of M, or first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the M time units.

[0029] Based on the possible implementation, the RAN node can configure at least one of the following: a period associated with the M time units, that is, a period of the first sub-resource; the first time domain offset; a number of time units occupied by the first sub-resource in one period; and a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the M time units.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the first information includes second configuration information, and the second configuration information includes at least one of the following: information of the second period, information of the second time domain offset, information of P, or second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the P time units.

[0031] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the RAN node can configure at least one of the following: a period associated with the P time units, i.e., a period of the second sub-resource; a second time domain offset; a number of time units occupied by the second sub-resource within one period; a time unit with an earliest time domain position in the P time units.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap, including at least one of the following: the first frequency domain interval is different from the second frequency domain interval, the first frequency domain interval being a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain among the L frequency domain units, the second frequency domain interval being a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain among the Q frequency domain units; a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units is different from a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units; L and Q are different; the first frequency domain offset and the second frequency domain offset are different, the first frequency domain offset being an offset of the L frequency domain units relative to a first frequency domain reference position, the second frequency domain offset being an offset of the Q frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position.

[0033] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the RAN node can configure the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units to not completely overlap.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the first information includes third configuration information, and the third configuration information includes at least one of the following: information of the first frequency domain interval, information of a first bandwidth, information of L, or information of the first frequency domain offset, wherein the first bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units.

[0035] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the RAN node can configure at least one of the following: a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain among the L frequency domain units; a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units; a number of frequency domain units occupied by the first sub-resource; an offset of the L frequency domain units relative to a first frequency domain reference position.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the first information includes fourth configuration information, and the fourth configuration information includes at least one of the following: information of the second frequency domain interval, information of a second bandwidth, information of Q, or information of the second frequency domain offset, wherein the second bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units.

[0037] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the RAN node can configure at least one of the following: a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain among the Q frequency domain units; a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units; a number of frequency domain units occupied by the second sub-resource; an offset of the Q frequency domain units relative to a first frequency domain reference position.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving or transmitting a first reference signal on the reference signal resource.

[0039] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the RAN node can receive or transmit the first reference signal on the reference signal resource.

[0040] In a possible implementation manner, the first reference signal is used for sensing a target.

[0041] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the RAN node can configure the reference signal resource for sensing.

[0042] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the first aspect. The communication apparatus can be the terminal in the first aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by executing corresponding software with hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner thereof. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner thereof. The interface module can be composed of an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0044] In a possible implementation manner, the interface module is configured to receive first information, the first information being used to configure a reference signal resource, the reference signal resource including a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource, the first sub-resource including N ports, the first sub-resource occupying M time units and L frequency domain units, the second sub-resource including the N ports, the second sub-resource occupying P time units and Q frequency domain units, the M time units and the P time units being not completely overlapped, and / or the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units being not completely overlapped, N, M, L, P, and Q being positive integers; and the processing module is configured to control the interface module to transmit or receive a first reference signal on the reference signal resource.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the M time units and the P time units do not completely overlap, including at least one of the following: a first period associated with the M time units is different from a second period associated with the P time units; a first time domain offset and a second time domain offset are different, the first time domain offset being an offset of the M time units relative to a time domain reference position of the first period, and the second time domain offset being an offset of the P time units relative to a time domain reference position of the second period; the M and the P are different; a time unit with an earliest time domain position in the M time units and a time unit with an earliest time domain position in the P time units do not overlap.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the first information includes first configuration information, and the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: information of the first period, information of the first time domain offset, information of the M, or first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a time unit with an earliest time domain position in the M time units.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the first information includes second configuration information, and the second configuration information includes at least one of the following: information of the second period, information of the second time domain offset, information of the P, or second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a time unit with an earliest time domain position in the P time units.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap, including at least one of the following: a first frequency domain interval and a second frequency domain interval are different, the first frequency domain interval being a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain in the L frequency domain units, and the second frequency domain interval being a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain in the Q frequency domain units; a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units and a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units are different; the L and the Q are different; a first frequency domain offset and a second frequency domain offset are different, the first frequency domain offset being an offset of the L frequency domain units relative to a first frequency domain reference position, and the second frequency domain offset being an offset of the Q frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the first information includes third configuration information, and the third configuration information includes at least one of the following: information of the first frequency domain interval, information of a first bandwidth, information of the L, or information of the first frequency domain offset, where the first bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the first information includes fourth configuration information, and the fourth configuration information includes at least one of the following: information of the second frequency domain interval, information of a second bandwidth, information of the Q, or information of the second frequency domain offset, where the second bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the first reference signal is used for sensing a target.

[0052] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the second aspect. The communication apparatus can be the RAN node in the second aspect. The communication apparatus comprises modules, units, or means corresponding to the modules, units, or means for performing the method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented by hardware, software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be configured to perform the processing functions in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module can be a processor, for example. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, can be configured to perform the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can be implemented by an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the processing module is configured to determine first information, the first information being used to configure a reference signal resource, the reference signal resource including a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource, the first sub-resource including N ports, the first sub-resource occupying M time units and L frequency domain units, the second sub-resource including the N ports, the second sub-resource occupying P time units and Q frequency domain units, the M time units and the P time units being not completely overlapped, and / or the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units being not completely overlapped, N, M, L, P, and Q being positive integers; and the interface module is configured to send the first information.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the M time units and the P time units being not completely overlapped includes at least one of the following: a first period associated with the M time units is different from a second period associated with the P time units; a first time domain offset and a second time domain offset are different, the first time domain offset being an offset of a time domain reference position of the M time units relative to the first period, the second time domain offset being an offset of a time domain reference position of the P time units relative to the second period; the M and the P are different; and a time unit with an earliest time domain position in the M time units and a time unit with an earliest time domain position in the P time units are not overlapped.

[0056] In a possible implementation, the first information comprises first configuration information, and the first configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of the first period, information of the first time domain offset, information of the M, or first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the M time units.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the first information comprises second configuration information, and the second configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of the second period, information of the second time domain offset, information of the P, or second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a time unit with the earliest time domain position in the P time units.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap, and at least one of the following is included: the first frequency domain interval is different from the second frequency domain interval, the first frequency domain interval being a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain in the L frequency domain units, and the second frequency domain interval being a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain in the Q frequency domain units; a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units is different from a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units; the L is different from the Q; the first frequency domain offset is different from the second frequency domain offset, the first frequency domain offset being an offset of the L frequency domain units relative to a first frequency domain reference position, and the second frequency domain offset being an offset of the Q frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the first information comprises third configuration information, and the third configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of the first frequency domain interval, information of a first bandwidth, information of the L, or information of a first frequency domain offset, where the first bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the first information comprises fourth configuration information, and the fourth configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of the second frequency domain interval, information of a second bandwidth, information of the Q, or information of a second frequency domain offset, where the second bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive or send a first reference signal on the reference signal resource.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the first reference signal is used for sensing a target.

[0063] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: a processor; and a computer program (or computer executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or a logic circuit, which, when executed by the processor, causes the communication apparatus to perform the method of any one of the preceding aspects. The communication apparatus can be the terminal of the first aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the RAN node of the second aspect. Optionally, the number of the processors can be one or more.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further comprises a memory.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the processor and the memory are integrated together; or the memory is independent of the processor.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface, which is configured to enable the communication apparatus to communicate with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. For example, the communication interface can be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module or other types of communication interfaces.

[0067] In a possible implementation, the processor and / or the memory further comprise an artificial intelligence (AI) module, which is configured to implement AI related functions. The AI module can implement the AI functions by software, hardware or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI module comprises a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication apparatus is a chip system, the communication apparatus can be composed of a chip or can comprise a chip and other discrete devices.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit the computer program or instructions to the processor; and the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions, so that the communication apparatus performs the method of any one of the preceding aspects. The communication apparatus can be the terminal of the first aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the RAN node of the second aspect. Optionally, the number of the processors can be one or more.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the processor further includes an AI module for implementing AI related functions. The AI module can implement AI functions in a manner of software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI module includes a RIC module. For example, the AI module can be a near-real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0071] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication apparatus is a chip system, the chip system can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of the preceding aspects.

[0073] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of the preceding aspects.

[0074] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a terminal for performing the method of the first aspect, and a RAN node for performing the method of the second aspect.

[0075] The technical effects brought by any possible implementation of the third aspect to the ninth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by any of the first aspect to the second aspect or any possible implementation of any of the first aspect to the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0076] It can be understood that the solutions in each of the aspects can be combined as long as the solutions are not contradictory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0077] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of time-frequency resources provided by the present application;

[0078] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a sensing scenario provided by the present application;

[0079] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a sensing scenario provided by the present application;

[0080] FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram of a sensing scenario provided by the present application;

[0081] FIG. 1E is a schematic diagram of reference signal resources provided by the present application;

[0082] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by the present application;

[0083] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by the present application;

[0084] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a hardware structure of a communication apparatus provided in the present application;

[0085] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration method provided in the present application;

[0086] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of reference signal resources provided in the present application;

[0087] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of reference signal resources provided in the present application;

[0088] FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of reference signal resources provided in the present application;

[0089] FIG. 5D is a schematic diagram of reference signal resources provided in the present application;

[0090] FIG. 5E is a schematic diagram of reference signal resources provided in the present application;

[0091] FIG. 5F is a schematic diagram of reference signal resources provided in the present application;

[0092] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus provided in the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] Before introducing the technical solutions of the present application, the related technical terms involved in the present application are explained and described. It can be understood that these explanations and descriptions are for the purpose of making the present application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection required by the present application.

[0094] 1. Sub-carrier

[0095] In an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system, the frequency domain resources are divided into a plurality of sub-frequency domain resources, each of which can be referred to as a sub-carrier. The sub-carrier can be understood as the smallest granularity of the frequency domain resources. One sub-carrier can also be referred to as one resource element (RE).

[0096] 2. Sub-carrier spacing (SCS)

[0097] Sub-carrier spacing refers to the interval value between the center positions or peak positions of two adjacent sub-carriers in the frequency domain in an OFDM system. For example, the sub-carrier spacing in a long term evolution (LTE) system is 15 kHz, and the sub-carrier spacing in a new radio (NR) system can be 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, or 120 kHz, etc.

[0098] 3、Resource Block (RB)

[0099] N subcarriers that are continuous in frequency domain can be referred to as 1 RB. For example, 1 RB in LTE system includes 12 subcarriers, and 1 RB in NR system also includes 12 subcarriers. However, with the evolution of communication systems, the number of subcarriers included in 1 RB can also be other values, which are not limited.

[0100] 4、Symbol

[0101] In OFDM system, the smallest resource granularity in time domain can be 1 time domain symbol, which can also be referred to as symbol. The symbol is not limited, for example, OFDM symbol, or discrete fourier transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol, etc.

[0102] 5、Slot

[0103] A plurality of symbols that are continuous in time domain can be referred to as 1 slot. The slot length corresponding to different subcarrier spacings can be different. For example, 1 slot in NR system includes 14 symbols, the slot length corresponding to 15 kHz subcarrier spacing is 1 millisecond (ms), and the slot length corresponding to 30 kHz subcarrier spacing is 0.5 ms.

[0104] For example, 1 RB includes 12 subcarriers, and 1 slot includes 14 symbols, the pattern of RB and slot can be shown in FIG. 1A, 1 RB includes subcarrier 0-subcarrier 11, and 1 slot includes symbol 0-symbol 13.

[0105] In OFDM system, a plurality of slots that are continuous in time domain can be referred to as subframe, and a plurality of subframes that are continuous in time domain can be referred to as frame (or system frame). For example, the length of 1 subframe is 1 ms, and the length of 1 frame is 10 ms.

[0106] 6、Port

[0107] Port can also be referred to as antenna port, which is a logical concept, and refers to a logical port for transmission. The port has a mapping relationship with the physical antenna, for example, one port can be one physical antenna, or a weighted combination of multiple physical antennas. Generally, the mapping relationship between one port and the physical antenna is fixed and does not change over time. Therefore, the channel conditions experienced by the signals transmitted through the same antenna port are the same or have a correlation.

[0108] 7、Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC)

[0109] In the process of the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system evolving into 5G-advanced (5G-A) technology, the ISAC technology is considered as one of the key technologies that can expand the business capabilities of the mobile communication network. The core idea of this technology is to add sensing capabilities on the mobile communication network to build the ability to detect, track and image the target, so that the two capabilities of communication and sensing are integrated in one network, achieving harmonious coexistence, even mutual benefit. ISAC can also be referred to as joint communications and sensing (JCAS).

[0110] The technical principle of sensing is different from that of communication. Communication is that the sending end modulates information on the radio wave and sends it to the receiving end, and the receiving end demodulates the signal carried on the radio wave to obtain information. Sensing is that the sending end sends radio waves to a specific direction, and the radio waves irradiate the target surface to form reflected waves, so that the receiving end receives and processes the reflected waves to obtain sensing information of the target, such as the position, speed or type of the target.

[0111] Sensing can be generally divided into single-station sensing mode and double-station sensing mode in terms of mode. Among them, the single-station sensing mode refers to that the sending end and the receiving end of the signal are the same device, in other words, the sensing station both sends signals and receives the signals reflected on the target surface. Therefore, the single-station sensing mode can also be referred to as self-transmitting and self-receiving mode. For example, in sensing scenario 1 shown in FIG. 1B, the RAN node can send signals and receive the signals reflected on the target surface. In sensing scenario 2 shown in FIG. 1B, the terminal can send signals and receive the signals reflected on the target surface. The double-station sensing mode refers to that the sending end and the receiving end of the signal are different devices, in other words, one sensing station sends sensing signals, and the signals reflected on the target surface are received by another sensing station. Therefore, the double-station sensing mode can also be referred to as self-transmitting and other-receiving mode, or A-transmitting and B-receiving mode. For example, in sensing scenario 3 shown in FIG. 1C, the RAN node A can send signals, and the signals reflected on the target surface are received by the RAN node B. In sensing scenario 4 shown in FIG. 1C, the terminal A can send signals, and the signals reflected on the target surface are received by the terminal B. For another example, in sensing scenario 5 shown in FIG. 1D, the RAN node can send signals, and the signals reflected on the target surface are received by the terminal. In sensing scenario 6 shown in FIG. 1D, the terminal can send signals, and the signals reflected on the target surface are received by the RAN node.

[0112] 8、reference signal

[0113] A reference signal is a known signal provided by a transmitting end to a receiving end. The reference signal can be used for channel estimation, channel sounding or target sensing. According to the transmission direction, the reference signal can be classified into uplink reference signal and downlink reference signal.

[0114] The uplink reference signal refers to a signal transmitted by a terminal to a RAN node. For example, the uplink reference signal includes a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) or a sounding reference signal (SRS), etc. The uplink reference signal can be used for uplink channel estimation (e.g., for coherent demodulation and detection of the RAN node or for calculating precoding), uplink channel quality measurement or target sensing. Taking the SRS as an example, the SRS can be used for estimation of uplink channel quality and channel selection, calculation of the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of the uplink channel, and for obtaining the uplink channel coefficients. In a time division duplex (TDD) scenario, the uplink and downlink channels are reciprocal, so the SRS can also be used to obtain the downlink channel coefficients. Optionally, the RAN node can also determine the precoding matrix of the uplink / downlink according to the uplink / downlink channel coefficients, to improve the transmission rate of the uplink / downlink and increase the system capacity. In addition, the SRS can also be used for target sensing. For example, in sensing scenario 2 shown in FIG. 1B, the terminal can transmit the SRS and receive the signal reflected by the target surface. In sensing scenario 4 shown in FIG. 1C, terminal A can transmit the SRS, and the signal reflected by the target surface is received by terminal B. In sensing scenario 6 shown in FIG. 1D, the terminal can transmit the SRS, and the signal reflected by the target surface is received by the RAN node. In the sensing scenario, the SRS can also be referred to as a sensing signal.

[0115] A downlink reference signal refers to a signal transmitted by a RAN node to a terminal. For example, a downlink reference signal includes a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) and the like. A downlink reference signal can be used for downlink channel estimation, downlink channel measurement, or target sensing. Taking a CSI-RS as an example, a terminal can determine information of a current channel state, such as channel fading or interference level, according to a received CSI-RS, or the CSI-RS can be used for interference measurement by the terminal, or the terminal can obtain a weight value of analog beamforming by scanning the CSI-RS. In addition, the CSI-RS can also be used for sensing a target. For example, in sensing scenario 1 shown in FIG. 1B, a RAN node can transmit a CSI-RS, and receive a signal of the CSI-RS reflected on a target surface. In sensing scenario 3 shown in FIG. 1C, RAN node A can transmit a CSI-RS, and a signal of the CSI-RS reflected on a target surface is received by RAN node B. In sensing scenario 5 shown in FIG. 1D, a RAN node can transmit a CSI-RS, and a signal of the CSI-RS reflected on a target surface is received by a terminal. In a sensing scenario, a CSI-RS can also be referred to as a sensing signal.

[0116] In a communication system, a RAN node can configure a reference signal resource for a terminal, and accordingly, the terminal can transmit or receive a reference signal on the reference signal resource. However, the time domain pattern or the frequency domain pattern of the reference signal resource configured by the RAN node for the terminal is relatively single, and cannot meet the service requirements. For example, the reference signal resource is periodically repeated in the time domain, and the resource pattern in each period is the same.

[0117] For example, as shown in FIG. 1E, a schematic diagram of a reference signal resource configured for a RAN node. In the figure, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal resource is 8 RBs, the period T of the reference signal resource is 10 slots, and the reference signal occupies a slot with an index of 5 in a period. FIG. 1E also shows a time-frequency pattern of the reference signal in 1 slot and 1 RB. In 1 slot and 1 RB, the reference signal occupies symbol indexes 10 and 11, and RE indexes 2, 6, and 10. In summary, on a resource with a bandwidth of 8 RBs, the reference signal is transmitted every 10 slots, and the slot in which the reference signal is transmitted is the slot with an index of 5 in the 10 slots. In each RB of the 8 RBs, the reference signal occupies REs with indexes 2, 6, and 10, and in each slot with an index of 5, the reference signal occupies symbols with indexes 10 and 11.

[0118] To achieve flexible configuration of reference signal resources, this application provides a resource configuration method. In this method, the reference signal resources configured in the RAN node include multiple sub-resources, each of which includes the same ports. Furthermore, at least two of the sub-resources occupy time-domain resources that do not completely overlap, and / or at least two of the sub-resources occupy frequency-domain resources that do not completely overlap. Therefore, the multiple sub-resources can form a non-uniform pattern in the time domain, or a non-uniform pattern in the frequency domain, or a pattern that is non-uniform in both the time and frequency domains, thereby achieving flexible configuration of the reference signal resources.

[0119] Understandably, this application does not limit the number of sub-resources. This number can be set according to business needs. For example, if the business requires a more flexible and varied resource pattern, the RAN node can be configured with a larger number of sub-resources; if the business does not require a flexible and varied resource pattern, the RAN node can be configured with a smaller number of sub-resources. To facilitate the introduction of the method provided in this application, this application uses an example where the reference signal resource configured in the RAN node includes two sub-resources.

[0120] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) system, an LTE system, a 5G communication system, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) system, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) related communication system, a communication system evolved after 5G (such as a 6th generation (6G) communication system), or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. 5G can also be referred to as NR. The method provided in this application is described below using the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 2A and the communication system 2000 shown in Figure 2B as examples. Figures 2A and 2B are merely schematic diagrams and do not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0121] Figure 2A shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 provided in this application. In Figure 2A, the communication system 1000 includes a RAN 100. Optionally, the communication system 1000 also includes at least one of a core network (CN) 200 or an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 2A, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 2A, collectively referred to as 120). It is understood that the RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 2A). The terminal 120 is connected to the RAN node 110 wirelessly. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions. The RAN node can use the method provided in this application to configure reference signal resources for the terminal, so that the terminal can send or receive reference signals on the reference signal resources.

[0122] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G or 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0123] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 1000 can be of the same type or different types.

[0124] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 2A, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 2A, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, a helicopter or drone, typically configured as a terminal, can also be configured as a mobile base station, and devices accessing the RAN via the helicopter or drone are configured as terminals.

[0125] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. Specifically, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs), etc. For example, a CU can perform the functions of the base station's radio resource control (RRC) layer and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. A CU can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. A DU can perform the functions of the base station's radio link control (RLC) layer and medium access control (MAC) layer. A DU can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. An RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Furthermore, the CU can be further divided into the CU-control plane (CP) and the CU-user plane (UP).

[0126] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0127] Terminal 120 is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). A terminal can also be called a terminal device, which can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or any device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user. UE includes handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, vehicle-mounted devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers), or computing devices. For example, a UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a point-of-sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, an RSU with terminal functionality, or flying equipment (e.g., a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functionality; for example, a terminal can be a device that acts as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0128] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. For example, wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also devices that achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include devices that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0129] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0130] The terminal in this application can be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX) built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit, or T-BOX. The terminal can also be a complete vehicle device. Therefore, this application can be applied to vehicle networking, such as V2X, long-term evolution vehicle (LTE-V) communication technology, and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0131] Figure 2B shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 2000 provided in this application. In Figure 2B, the communication system 2000 includes a RAN node 201 and a target 202. Optionally, the communication system 2000 also includes at least one of a terminal 203 or a terminal 204. In Figure 2B, the RAN node 201, terminal 203, or terminal 204 may have sensing capabilities. The target 202 is a perceptible object located within the sensing range of the RAN node 201, terminal 203, and terminal 204. Figure 2B uses a car as an example for the target 202. In specific applications, the target 202 can also be other objects, such as pedestrians, animals, the ground, various buildings, various vehicles, various roadside facilities, or the various terminals described above. Vehicles can be used to transport goods, such as vehicles, trains, high-speed trains, airplanes, or drones. Roadside facilities include, for example, trees, streetlights, utility poles, or traffic lights. It should be understood that the target may or may not be mobile. Furthermore, the target may or may not have communication capabilities; there are no restrictions. For an introduction to RAN nodes and terminals, please refer to the corresponding descriptions above.

[0132] In some scenarios, RAN node 201 can use the method provided in this application to configure reference signal resources for itself and transmit reference signals on the reference signal resources. The signal reflected by the reference signal on the surface of target 202 can be received by RAN node 201, terminal 203 or RAN node other than RAN node 201 (not shown in FIG2B) to realize the perception of target 202.

[0133] In other scenarios, RAN node 201 can use the method provided in this application to configure reference signal resources for terminal 203 so that terminal 203 can send reference signals on the reference signal resources. The signal reflected by the reference signal on the surface of target 202 can be received by RAN node 201, terminal 203 or terminal 204 to realize the perception of target 202.

[0134] It is understood that the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 2A and the communication system 2000 shown in Figure 2B are merely examples and are not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 1000 may also include other devices, and the number of RAN nodes and terminals may be determined according to specific needs. Similarly, the communication system 2000 may also include other devices, and the number of RAN nodes, terminals, and targets may be determined according to specific needs without limitation.

[0135] Optionally, each network element or device (such as a RAN node or terminal) in Figure 2A or Figure 2B of this application may also be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. This application does not make any specific limitation in this regard.

[0136] Optionally, the functions of each network element or device (e.g., RAN node or terminal) in Figure 2A or Figure 2B of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not impose specific limitations on these functions. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0137] In practical implementation, each network element or device (e.g., RAN node or terminal) in Figure 2A or Figure 2B of this application can adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 3, or include the components shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. It is understood that the communication device 30 includes means of necessary forms such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the solution provided in this application. For example, the communication device 30 includes one or more processors 301 for implementing the method provided in this application.

[0138] Processor 301 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 301 can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device 30 (such as a RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Optionally, in one design, processor 301 may include program 305 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on processor 301 to cause the communication device 30 to perform the methods described in the following embodiments. In yet another possible design, communication device 30 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG. 3) for implementing the functions of the RAN node or terminal in the following embodiments.

[0139] Optionally, the communication device 30 may include one or more memories 303. The memory 303 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in this application may generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 303 stores a program 307 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 301 to cause the communication device 30 to perform the methods described in the following method embodiments.

[0140] Optionally, the processor 301 may include an AI module 306, and / or the memory 303 may include an AI module 308. The aforementioned AI modules are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0141] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 301 and / or the memory 303. The processor 301 and the memory 303 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0142] Optionally, the communication device 30 may also include a transceiver 302 and / or an antenna 304. The processor 301, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 30. The transceiver 302, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 30 through the antenna 304.

[0143] It is understood that the composition shown in Figure 3 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 3, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0144] The method provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking the configuration of reference signal resources for a RAN node as an example. The network elements in the following embodiments may include the components shown in Figure 3, which will not be elaborated upon further.

[0145] It is understood that in this application, RAN nodes and / or terminals may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is possible that not all steps in this application need to be performed.

[0146] It is understood that the methods described below in this application use a terminal and a RAN node as examples to illustrate the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the terminal in the method provided in the following embodiments of this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing the method, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions; similarly, the RAN node in the method provided below can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the RAN node in implementing the method, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the RAN node's functions.

[0147] As shown in Figure 4, this application provides a resource allocation method, which may include the following steps:

[0148] S401: RAN node determines the first information.

[0149] In this application, the RAN node can be RAN node 110 in the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 2A, or RAN node 201 in the communication system 2000 shown in Figure 2B. The first information can be used to configure reference signal resources. These reference signal resources include a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource. The first and second sub-resources include the same ports, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the first sub-resource do not completely overlap with those occupied by the second sub-resource.

[0150] One possible design involves a first sub-resource comprising N ports, occupying M time units and L frequency units. A second sub-resource also comprises the aforementioned N ports, occupying P time units and Q frequency units. The M time units do not completely overlap with the P time units, and / or the L frequency units do not completely overlap with the Q frequency units, where N, M, L, P, and Q are positive integers. These N ports can be used to carry reference signals, such as for transmitting or receiving reference signals. Since both the first and second sub-resources comprise N ports, it can be understood that the reference signals carried by these N ports can be transmitted or received using the time-frequency resources occupied by the first sub-resource (e.g., M time units and L frequency units) and the time-frequency resources occupied by the second sub-resource (e.g., P time units and Q frequency units). Further details regarding the ports can be found in the preceding explanation of the technical terms used in this application.

[0151] In this application, the value of N can be defined by the protocol; for example, N can be equal to 1, 2, 4, or 8. Of course, as communication technology evolves, N can also be equal to other values ​​without limitation. A time unit is a segment of resources in the time domain; for example, a time unit includes at least one symbol. A frequency domain unit is a segment of resources in the frequency domain; for example, a frequency domain unit includes at least one RE or subcarrier. The descriptions of symbols, REs, and subcarriers can be found in the preceding explanations of the technical terms used in this application. For ease of description, this application uses one time unit as one symbol and one frequency domain unit as one RE as an example. Furthermore, M time units may be continuous or discontinuous in the time domain, P time units may be continuous or discontinuous in the time domain, L frequency domain units may be continuous or discontinuous in the frequency domain, and Q frequency domain units may be continuous or discontinuous in the frequency domain; there are no limitations. The fact that M time units and P time units do not completely overlap can be understood as some time units in the M time units overlapping with all or part of the P time units, or each time unit in the M time units not overlapping with the P time units. Similarly, the fact that L frequency domain units and Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap can be understood as some frequency domain units in the L frequency domain units overlapping with all or part of the Q frequency domain units, or each frequency domain unit in the L frequency domain units not overlapping with the Q frequency domain units.

[0152] One possible implementation is that the M time units and P time units do not completely overlap, including at least one of the following: the first period associated with the M time units is different from the second period associated with the P time units; or, the first time domain offset is different from the second time domain offset; or, M and P are different; or, the earliest time unit in the M time units does not overlap with the earliest time unit in the P time units. Through the above method, the time domain resources occupied by the reference signal resources can be flexibly configured. For example, the reference signal resources can be non-uniformly distributed in the time domain to meet corresponding service requirements. This will be elaborated on below.

[0153] In this application, the first period is the period of the first sub-resource, that is, the time-domain pattern of the first sub-resource repeats periodically, and the first sub-resource occupies M time units in each period. The second period is the period of the second sub-resource, that is, the time-domain pattern of the second sub-resource repeats periodically, and the second sub-resource occupies P time units in each period. It can be understood that when the first period and the second period are different, the time-domain pattern of the reference signal resource can be non-periodicly repeated, thereby achieving a non-uniform arrangement of the reference signal resource in the time domain. For example, in Figure 5A, the first period T1 has 7 time slots, and the second period T2 has 5 time slots.

[0154] In this application, the first time-domain offset is the offset of M time units relative to the time-domain reference position of the first period. For example, the first time-domain offset is the interval between the set of time units containing the M time units and the time-domain reference position of the first period. The second time-domain offset is the offset of P time units relative to the time-domain reference position of the second period. For example, the second time-domain offset is the interval between the set of time units containing the P time units and the time-domain reference position of the second period. The set of time units may include multiple time units, for example, the set of time units may be time slots. When the set of time units is a time slot, the first time-domain offset can be replaced by a first time slot offset, and the second time-domain offset can be replaced by a second time slot offset. The time-domain reference position of the first period and the time-domain reference position of the second period may be the same or different. The time-domain reference position of the first period or the time-domain reference position of the second period may be predefined or defined in the protocol. The time-domain reference position of the first cycle or the time-domain reference position of the second cycle are predefined. This can be understood as either being pre-configured in the RAN node and the terminal, or being configured by the RAN node for the terminal, or being determined through negotiation between the RAN node and the terminal, etc.

[0155] Understandably, the difference between the first and second time-domain offsets can make the time-domain pattern of the first sub-resource in the first period different from the time-domain pattern of the second sub-resource in the second period. For example, if both the first and second periods have 10 time slots, and the time-domain reference positions of the first and second periods are both time slots with index 0, the first time-domain offset is 0 time slots, and the second time-domain offset is 2 time slots, then the time-domain pattern of the reference signal resource can be as shown in Figure 5B.

[0156] In this application, M represents the number of time units occupied by the first sub-resource within a period, and P represents the number of time units occupied by the second sub-resource within a period. The earliest time unit in the time domain among the M time units can be understood as the starting time unit or the first time unit among the M time units (referred to as the first starting time unit). The earliest time unit in the time domain among the P time units can be understood as the starting time unit or the first time unit among the P time units (referred to as the second starting time unit). It is understandable that when the time slots of the M time units and the time slots of the P time units are different, if M is not equal to P, and / or the index of the first starting time unit in its time slot is different from the index of the second starting time unit in its time slot, then the symbol patterns of the reference signal resources can be different in different time slots. Taking one time unit as one symbol, one time slot as 14 symbols, and the first and second sub-resources each occupying 8 RBs of bandwidth as an example, if M equals 1, P equals 3, the first starting time unit is the symbol with index 1, the second starting time unit is the symbol with index 5, and the interval between two adjacent time units in the P time units is 2 symbols, then the time-domain pattern of the reference signal resource within 8 RBs can be shown in Figure 5D. In Figure 5D, the first sub-resource occupies symbol 1 in time slot 0, and the second sub-resource occupies symbols 5, 8, and 11 in time slot 2. It can be seen that the symbol pattern of the reference signal resource in time slot 0 is different from that in time slot 2.

[0157] Understandably, M time units and P time units can also be located in the same time slot. By configuring the positions of M, P, the first starting time unit, and the second starting time unit in the time slot, the reference signal resources within the time slot can be non-uniformly distributed. For example, in Figure 5C, the first sub-resource occupies symbol 1 in the time slot, and the second sub-resource occupies symbols 5, 8, and 11 in the time slot.

[0158] It should be understood that in this application, "the earliest time unit in the M time units does not overlap with the earliest time unit in the P time units" can also be replaced with "the latest time unit in the M time units does not overlap with the latest time unit in the P time units". Here, the latest time unit in the M time units can be understood as the last time unit among the M time units or the last time unit among the M time units. Similarly, the latest time unit in the P time units can be understood as the last time unit among the P time units or the last time unit among the P time units.

[0159] One possible implementation is that the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap, including at least one of the following: the first frequency domain spacing is different from the second frequency domain spacing; or, the bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units is different from the bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units; or, L and Q are different; or, the first frequency domain offset and the second frequency domain offset are different. Through the above methods, the frequency domain resources occupied by the reference signal resources can be flexibly configured. For example, the reference signal resources can be non-uniformly distributed in the frequency domain to meet corresponding service requirements.

[0160] In this application, the first frequency domain spacing is the frequency domain spacing between two adjacent frequency domain units in the frequency domain among L frequency domain units, which can also be referred to as the comb of the L frequency domain units. The second frequency domain spacing is the frequency domain spacing between two adjacent frequency domain units in the frequency domain among Q frequency domain units, which can also be referred to as the comb of the Q frequency domain units.

[0161] In this application, the bandwidth occupied by L frequency domain units can be understood as the bandwidth occupied by the first sub-resource, and the bandwidth occupied by Q frequency domain units can be understood as the bandwidth occupied by the second sub-resource. For example, the bandwidth occupied by L frequency domain units is 8 RBs, and the bandwidth occupied by Q frequency domain units is 10 RBs.

[0162] In this application, the first frequency domain offset is the offset of L frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position, which can also be called the comb offset of the first sub-resource. The second frequency domain offset is the offset of Q frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position, which can also be called the comb offset of the second sub-resource. Taking the time-domain pattern shown in Figure 5C as an example, if the frequency domain unit is 1 RE, the first frequency domain reference position is the RE with index 0 in the bottom RB of Figure 5C, the first frequency domain offset and the second frequency domain offset are 0 and 2 REs respectively, the first frequency domain interval is 2 REs (i.e., the first sub-resource occupies 1 RE every 1 RE, or 1 RE in every 2 REs), and the second frequency domain interval is 4 REs (i.e., the second sub-resource occupies 1 RE every 3 REs, or 1 RE in every 4 REs), then the time-frequency pattern of the reference signal resource in the bottom RB of Figure 5C can be as shown in Figure 5E. Taking the time-domain pattern shown in Figure 5D as an example, if the frequency domain unit is 1 RE, the first frequency domain reference position is the RE with index 0 in the bottom RB of Figure 5D, the first frequency domain offset and the second frequency domain offset are 0 and 2 REs respectively, the first frequency domain interval is 2 REs and the second frequency domain interval is 4 REs, then the time-frequency pattern of the reference signal resource in the bottom RB of Figure 5D can be as shown in Figure 5F.

[0163] It is understood that Figures 5A to 5F above are only examples of time-frequency patterns of reference signal resources. In specific applications, the time-frequency patterns of reference signals can also be in other forms without limitation.

[0164] To configure the first sub-resource and the second sub-resource, the first information may include at least one of the following: information about N ports, first configuration information, second configuration information, third configuration information, or fourth configuration information. The information about the N ports is used to indicate the aforementioned N ports. For example, the information about the N ports includes the port number of each port. The first and third configuration information are used to configure the first sub-resource, and the second and fourth configuration information are used to configure the second sub-resource.

[0165] One possible implementation is that the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: information about a first period, information about a first time domain offset, information about M, or first indication information. The information about the first period indicates the first period so that the terminal can determine the first period; for example, the information about the first period includes the first period or includes an identifier corresponding to the first period. The information about the first time domain offset indicates the first time domain offset so that the terminal can determine the first time domain offset; for example, the information about the first time domain offset includes the first time domain offset. The information about M indicates M so that the terminal can determine M; for example, the information about M includes M. The first indication information indicates the earliest time unit in the time domain among the M time units so that the terminal can determine the earliest time unit in the time domain among the M time units; for example, the first indication information includes an identifier of the earliest time unit in the time domain. It is understood that, based on the first time domain offset, the terminal can determine the time slots where the M time units are located within a period. Based on M and the earliest time unit in the time domain among the M time units, the terminal can determine the pattern of the first sub-resource within each time slot. Thus, combined with the first period, the terminal can determine the time domain resources occupied by the first sub-resource.

[0166] It should be understood that the information of the first cycle, the information of the first time domain offset, the information of M, or the first indication information can be preset or indicated by information other than the first information, so the first configuration information may not include all of the above information.

[0167] One possible implementation is that the third configuration information includes at least one of the following: information on a first frequency domain interval, information on a first bandwidth, information on L, or information on a first frequency domain offset. The information on the first frequency domain interval is used to indicate the first frequency domain interval so that the terminal can determine the first frequency domain interval; for example, the information on the first frequency domain interval includes the first frequency domain interval. The first bandwidth is the bandwidth occupied by L frequency domain units, and the information on the first bandwidth is used to indicate the first bandwidth so that the terminal can determine the bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units. The information on L is used to indicate L so that the terminal can determine L; for example, the information on L includes L. The information on the first frequency domain offset is used to indicate the first frequency domain offset so that the terminal can determine the first frequency domain offset; for example, the information on the first frequency domain offset includes the first frequency domain offset. It is understood that, based on the first frequency domain interval and the first frequency domain offset (or based on L and the first frequency domain offset), the terminal can determine the frequency domain pattern of the first sub-resource within one RB, and, combined with the first bandwidth, the terminal can determine the frequency domain resources occupied by the first sub-resource.

[0168] It should be understood that the information of the first frequency domain interval, the first bandwidth, the L information, or the first frequency domain offset information can be preset or indicated by information other than the first information, so the third configuration information may not include all of the above information.

[0169] One possible implementation is that the second configuration information includes at least one of the following: information about a second period, information about a second time-domain offset, information about P, ​​or second indication information. The information about the second period is used to indicate the second period so that the terminal can determine the second period; for example, the information about the second period includes the second period itself, or includes an identifier corresponding to the second period. The information about the second time-domain offset is used to indicate the second time-domain offset so that the terminal can determine the second time-domain offset; for example, the information about the second time-domain offset includes the second time-domain offset itself. The information about P is used to indicate P so that the terminal can determine P; for example, the information about P includes P itself. The second indication information is used to indicate the earliest time unit in the time domain among the P time units so that the terminal can determine the earliest time unit in the time domain among the P time units; for example, the second indication information includes an identifier of the earliest time unit in the time domain. It is understood that, based on the second time-domain offset, the terminal can determine the time slots where the P time units are located within a period. Based on P and the earliest time unit in the time domain among the P time units, the terminal can determine the pattern of the second sub-resource within each time slot. Thus, combined with the second period, the terminal can determine the time-domain resources occupied by the second sub-resource.

[0170] It should be understood that the information of the second cycle, the information of the second time domain offset, the information of P, or the second indication information can be preset or indicated by information other than the first information, so the second configuration information may not include all of the above information.

[0171] One possible implementation is that the fourth configuration information includes at least one of the following: information on the second frequency domain interval, information on the second bandwidth, information on Q, or information on the second frequency domain offset. The information on the second frequency domain interval is used to indicate the second frequency domain interval so that the terminal can determine the second frequency domain interval; for example, the information on the second frequency domain interval includes the second frequency domain interval. The first bandwidth is the bandwidth occupied by Q frequency domain units, and the information on the second bandwidth is used to indicate the second bandwidth so that the terminal can determine the bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units. The information on Q is used to indicate Q so that the terminal can determine Q; for example, the information on Q includes Q. The information on the second frequency domain offset is used to indicate the second frequency domain offset so that the terminal can determine the second frequency domain offset; for example, the information on the second frequency domain offset includes the second frequency domain offset. It is understood that, based on the second frequency domain interval and the second frequency domain offset (or based on L and the second frequency domain offset), the terminal can determine the frequency domain pattern of the second sub-resource within one RB, and, combined with the second bandwidth, the terminal can determine the frequency domain resources occupied by the second sub-resource.

[0172] It should be understood that the information on the second frequency domain interval, the second bandwidth, the Q information, or the second frequency domain offset can be preset or indicated by information other than the first information, so the fourth configuration information may not include all of the above information.

[0173] It should be understood that this application uses the example of a reference signal resource including a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource for illustration. In specific applications, the reference signal resource may also include sub-resources other than the first and second sub-resources, such as a third sub-resource. The ports included in the third sub-resource are the same as those in the first (or second) sub-resource. The time-frequency resources occupied by the third sub-resource do not completely overlap with those occupied by the first sub-resource, and / or the time-frequency resources occupied by the third sub-resource do not completely overlap with those occupied by the second sub-resource.

[0174] S402: The RAN node sends the first information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information from the RAN node.

[0175] One possible implementation is that the RAN node sends one or more of the following to the terminal: information about N ports, first configuration information, second configuration information, third configuration information, or fourth configuration information. This information can be sent via a single message or multiple different messages; there is no restriction. For example, information about N ports, the first configuration information, and the third configuration information can be sent via a single message, while information about N ports, the second configuration information, and the fourth configuration information can be sent via another message.

[0176] Optionally, any one of the following information: information about the N ports, first configuration information, second configuration information, third configuration information, or fourth configuration information, can be sent via RRC message, downlink control information, or medium access control element (MAC-CE).

[0177] Understandably, based on the initial information, the terminal can determine the reference signal resources.

[0178] S403: The terminal sends or receives a first reference signal on the reference signal resource.

[0179] In this application, the first reference signal can be used for channel estimation, channel detection, or target sensing. For example, the first reference signal can be CSI-RS, SRS, a sensing signal, or a signal newly defined as the communication system evolves.

[0180] For example, taking the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 2A as an example, RAN node 110 can send first information to terminal 120, and terminal 120 can send a first reference signal to RAN node 110 on the reference signal resource. Correspondingly, RAN node 110 receives the first reference signal on the reference signal resource. In this example, the first reference signal can be SRS. Alternatively, RAN node 110 can send first information to terminal 120 and send the first reference signal on the reference signal resource. Correspondingly, terminal 120 can receive the first reference signal on the reference signal resource. In this example, the first reference signal can be CSI-RS.

[0181] For example, taking the communication system 2000 shown in Figure 2B as an example, RAN node 201 can send first information to terminal 203, and terminal 203 can send a first reference signal on the reference signal resource. The signal reflected by the first reference signal on the surface of target 202 can be received by RAN node 201, terminal 203, or terminal 204 to realize the sensing of target 202. For example, RAN node 201, terminal 203, or terminal 204 can combine the reflected signals of all the first reference signals sent on the reference signal resource to jointly sense target 202. In this example, the first reference signal can be a sensing signal.

[0182] Understandably, when reference signal resources are non-uniformly distributed in the time and / or frequency domains, terminal 203 can transmit the first reference signal using a non-uniform pattern in the time and / or frequency domains. In this case, RAN node 201, terminal 203, or terminal 204 can obtain richer information from the received reflected signal, thus satisfying the sensing service requirements with fewer reference signal resources. For example, in ranging services, when terminal 203 transmits the first reference signal using a non-uniform pattern in the time domain, a sensing result meeting the ranging accuracy requirements can be obtained in 5 cycles. When terminal 203 transmits the first reference signal using a uniform pattern in the time domain, a sensing result meeting the ranging accuracy requirements requires 10 cycles.

[0183] Based on the method shown in Figure 4, the RAN node can configure reference signal resources for the terminal, enabling the terminal to transmit or receive a first reference signal on these resources. The reference signal resources include a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource. Both sub-resources share the same port, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the first and second sub-resources do not completely overlap. This allows the first and second sub-resources to form a non-uniform pattern in the time domain, a non-uniform pattern in the frequency domain, or a non-uniform pattern in both the time and frequency domains. This enables flexible configuration of the reference signal resources to meet service requirements. Taking sensing services as an example, using a non-uniform pattern in the time and / or frequency domain to transmit the reference signal can reduce the overhead of the reference signal while meeting sensing requirements.

[0184] It is understood that the actions of the RAN node or terminal in the above steps can be executed by the processor 301 in the communication device 30 shown in Figure 3, which calls the application code stored in the memory 303. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0185] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0186] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be a terminal in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above terminal, or a component usable in a terminal; or, the communication device can be a RAN node in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above RAN node, or a component usable in a RAN node. It is understood that the above-mentioned terminal or RAN node, etc., includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function in order to achieve the above functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the unit and algorithm operations of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware 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.

[0187] This application can divide the first terminal device or the second terminal device into functional modules based on the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It is understood that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0188] For example, when functional modules are integrated, Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 60. The communication device 60 includes an interface module 601 and a processing module 602. The interface module 601, also called an interface unit, is used to perform transmit and receive operations; for example, it can be an interface circuit, transceiver, or communication interface. The processing module 602, also called a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmit and receive operations; for example, it can be a processing circuit or a processor.

[0189] In some embodiments, the communication device 60 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 6) for storing program instructions and data.

[0190] In some embodiments, the communication device 60 may further include an AI module (not shown in FIG. 6) for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module includes an RIC module. Optionally, the AI ​​module and the storage module are integrated into one module, or the AI ​​module and the processing module 602 are integrated into one module.

[0191] For example, the communication device 60 is used to implement the functions of a terminal. The communication device 60 is, for example, the terminal described in the embodiment shown in FIG4.

[0192] Interface module 601 is used to receive first information. The first information is used to configure reference signal resources, which include a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource. The first sub-resource includes N ports, occupies M time units and L frequency units, and the second sub-resource also includes N ports, occupies P time units and Q frequency units. The M time units and P time units do not completely overlap, and / or the L frequency units and Q frequency units do not completely overlap. N, M, L, P, and Q are positive integers. For example, interface module 601 can be used to execute S402.

[0193] Processing module 602 is used to control interface module 601 to send or receive a first reference signal on the reference signal resource. For example, processing module 602 can be used to control interface module 601 to execute S403.

[0194] When used to implement the functions of a terminal, other functions that the communication device 60 can implement can be referred to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in FIG4, which will not be elaborated further.

[0195] Alternatively, by way of example, communication device 60 is used to implement the functions of a RAN node. Communication device 60 is, for example, the RAN node described in the embodiment shown in FIG4.

[0196] The processing module 602 is used to determine first information. This first information is used to configure reference signal resources, which include a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource. The first sub-resource includes N ports, occupies M time units and L frequency domain units, and the second sub-resource also includes N ports, occupies P time units and Q frequency domain units. The M time units and P time units do not completely overlap, and / or the L frequency domain units and Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap. N, M, L, P, and Q are positive integers. For example, the processing module 602 can be used to execute S401.

[0197] Interface module 601 is used to send the first information. For example, interface module 601 can be used to execute S402.

[0198] When used to implement the functions of a RAN node, other functions that the communication device 60 can implement can be referred to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in FIG4, which will not be elaborated further.

[0199] In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 60 can take the form shown in FIG3. For example, the processor 301 in FIG3 can invoke computer execution instructions stored in memory 303 to cause the communication device 60 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0200] For example, the functions / implementation processes of the interface module 601 and processing module 602 in Figure 6 can be implemented by the processor 301 in Figure 3 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 303. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 602 in Figure 6 can be implemented by the processor 301 in Figure 3 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 303, and the functions / implementation processes of the interface module 601 in Figure 6 can be implemented by the transceiver 302 in Figure 3.

[0201] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or it can be a stand-alone semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0202] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0203] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0204] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0205] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0206] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, terminal, or RAN node). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0207] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including: the RAN node and terminal in the above embodiments.

[0208] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0209] It is understood that the message names between various network elements or the names of various parameters in the messages in the above embodiments of this application are just examples, and other names may be used in the specific implementation. This application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0210] It is understood that in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions like "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional entries for this item. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0211] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0212] 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 a sequential 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 this application.

[0213] It is understood that in this application, "when..." and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0214] In this application, "multiple" can be understood as two or more. For example, multiple sub-resources can be understood as two or more sub-resources.

[0215] It is understood that some optional features in this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution upon 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 provided in this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0216] It is understood that the same step or step with the same function or technical feature in this application can be referenced and learned from each other in different embodiments.

[0217] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or 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 device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0218] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0219] Furthermore, 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. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0220] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope 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 resource configuration method, characterized by, The method includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to configure reference signal resources, the reference signal resources including a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource, the first sub-resource including N ports, the first sub-resource occupying M time units and L frequency domain units, the second sub-resource including the N ports, the second sub-resource occupying P time units and Q frequency domain units, the M time units not completely overlapping with the P time units, and / or, the L frequency domain units not completely overlapping with the Q frequency domain units, where N, M, L, P and Q are positive integers; Transmit or receive a first reference signal on the reference signal resource.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The M time units do not completely overlap with the P time units, including at least one of the following: The first period associated with the M time units is different from the second period associated with the P time units; The first time-domain offset is different from the second time-domain offset. The first time-domain offset is the offset of the M time units relative to the time-domain reference position of the first period, and the second time-domain offset is the offset of the P time units relative to the time-domain reference position of the second period. The M is different from the P; The earliest time unit in the M time units does not overlap with the earliest time unit in the P time units.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information includes first configuration information, which includes at least one of the following: information about the first period, information about the first time domain offset, information about M, or first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the earliest time unit in the time domain among the M time units.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first information includes second configuration information, which includes at least one of the following: information about the second period, information about the second time domain offset, information about P, ​​or second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the earliest time unit in the time domain among the P time units.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The L frequency domain units do not completely overlap with the Q frequency domain units, including at least one of the following: The first frequency domain interval is different from the second frequency domain interval. The first frequency domain interval is the frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units that are adjacent in the frequency domain among the L frequency domain units, and the second frequency domain interval is the frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units that are adjacent in the frequency domain among the Q frequency domain units. The bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units is different from the bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units; The L is different from the Q; The first frequency domain offset and the second frequency domain offset are different. The first frequency domain offset is the offset of the L frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position, and the second frequency domain offset is the offset of the Q frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The first information includes third configuration information, which includes at least one of the following: information on the first frequency domain interval, information on the first bandwidth, information on L, or information on the first frequency domain offset, wherein the first bandwidth is the bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first information comprises fourth configuration information, and the fourth configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of the second frequency domain interval, information of a second bandwidth, information of the Q, or information of a second frequency domain offset, wherein the second bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first reference signal is used for sensing a target.

9. A resource configuration method, comprising: The method comprises: determining first information, wherein the first information is used for configuring a reference signal resource, the reference signal resource comprises a first sub-resource and a second sub-resource, the first sub-resource comprises N ports, the first sub-resource occupies M time units and L frequency domain units, the second sub-resource comprises the N ports, the second sub-resource occupies P time units and Q frequency domain units, the M time units and the P time units do not completely overlap, and / or the L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap, N, M, L, P and Q are positive integers; sending the first information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The M time units and the P time units do not completely overlap, comprising at least one of the following: a first period associated with the M time units is different from a second period associated with the P time units; a first time domain offset is different from a second time domain offset, the first time domain offset is an offset of the M time units relative to a time domain reference position of the first period, and the second time domain offset is an offset of the P time units relative to a time domain reference position of the second period; the M is different from the P; a time unit with a time domain position earliest in the M time units does not overlap with a time unit with a time domain position earliest in the P time units.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first information comprises first configuration information, and the first configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of the first period, information of the first time domain offset, information of the M, or first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating a time unit with a time domain position earliest in the M time units.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first information comprises second configuration information, and the second configuration information comprises at least one of the following: information of the second period, information of the second time domain offset, information of the P, or second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used for indicating a time unit with a time domain position earliest in the P time units.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The L frequency domain units and the Q frequency domain units do not completely overlap, comprising at least one of the following: a first frequency domain interval is different from a second frequency domain interval, the first frequency domain interval is a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain in the L frequency domain units, and the second frequency domain interval is a frequency domain interval between two frequency domain units adjacent in the frequency domain in the Q frequency domain units; a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units is different from a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units; the L is different from the Q; a first frequency domain offset is different from a second frequency domain offset, the first frequency domain offset is an offset of the L frequency domain units relative to a first frequency domain reference position, and the second frequency domain offset is an offset of the Q frequency domain units relative to the first frequency domain reference position.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first information comprises third configuration information, and the third configuration information comprises at least one of information of the first frequency domain interval, information of a first bandwidth, information of the L, or information of a first frequency domain offset, wherein the first bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the L frequency domain units.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The first information comprises fourth configuration information, and the fourth configuration information comprises at least one of information of the second frequency domain interval, information of a second bandwidth, information of the Q, or information of a second frequency domain offset, wherein the second bandwidth is a bandwidth occupied by the Q frequency domain units.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving or transmitting a first reference signal on the reference signal resource.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The first reference signal is used for sensing a target.

18. A communications device, characterized by comprise units or modules for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or units or modules for performing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

19. A communications device, characterized by comprise: a processor coupled with a memory, the memory being configured to store a program or instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

20. A chip, characterized by comprise: a processor and an interface circuit configured to receive computer programs or instructions and transmit to the processor, the processor being configured to execute the computer programs or the instructions, so that the chip performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

21. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, The computer programs or instructions, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

22. A computer program product comprising computer program code in said computer program product, characterised in that, The computer programs or instructions, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method according to any one of claims 9 to 17. The computer programs or instructions, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

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