Communication method, apparatus and system, and storage medium and program product

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a communication method, apparatus and system, and a storage medium and a program product. The method comprises: a terminal receiving configuration information from a network device, wherein the configuration information is used for configuring a resource of a reference signal, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth corresponds to a bandwidth supported by the radio frequency capability of the terminal or to the bandwidth of a first bandwidth part (BWP) used by the terminal for communication; further, on the basis of the configuration information, the terminal transmitting the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal. By means of the method, compared with a conventional reference signal being restricted by the radio frequency capability of a terminal, the present solution maximizes the utilization of the full-band channel fluctuation characteristics within a system bandwidth, achieves larger-bandwidth channel measurement, better utilizes the frequency selection effect, and improves the energy transmission efficiency.

Description

Communication methods, devices, systems, storage media and software products

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410918348.2, filed on July 9, 2024, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, entitled “Communication Method, Apparatus, System, Storage Medium and Program Product”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method, apparatus, system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless power transfer is one method of providing power to low-power terminals using radio signals. After receiving electromagnetic signals, the wireless terminal converts the energy carried by the wireless signal into direct current (DC) through a rectifier circuit, stores it, and then supplies power to other modules, including communication, computing, chips, and sensors. Future wireless communication systems aim to achieve an intelligent network where everything is interconnected. This network will deploy numerous sensors to acquire real-time physical environment information, thus creating a seamless integration of the physical and digital worlds. Wireless power transfer technology can provide a stable power supply to these IoT terminals, including wireless sensors, solving the problems of post-deployment maintenance and battery replacement. Therefore, wireless power transfer is one of the key technologies for realizing a zero-power, maintenance-free, and widely covered intelligent network in future wireless communication systems.

[0004] The main challenge currently facing wireless power transmission is propagation loss. After a wireless signal is emitted from the transmitting antenna, the energy it carries decreases rapidly with increasing propagation distance. Current wireless sensors range in power consumption from a few microwatts (µW) to hundreds of milliwatts (mW). To achieve full coverage of terminals with different power consumption levels in indoor deployment scenarios, at least 150mW of charging power is needed at a coverage distance of 12 meters. However, current single-site mode can only achieve 150mW of charging power at a distance of 1.8 meters. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve current wireless charging power. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application discloses a communication method, apparatus, system, storage medium, and program product, which can achieve wider bandwidth channel measurement, better utilize frequency selection effects, and improve energy transmission efficiency.

[0006] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication / processing module within the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU)). Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, in this method, the terminal receives configuration information from a network device. This configuration information is used to configure resources for a reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than a first bandwidth, which corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability or the bandwidth of the first portion of the bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Furthermore, based on this configuration information, the terminal transmits the reference signal on the resources of the reference signal.

[0007] In this embodiment, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal. This configuration information is used to configure the resources of a reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than a first bandwidth, which corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability or the bandwidth of the first bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Then, based on this configuration information, the terminal transmits the reference signal on the resources of the reference signal. Using this method, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal in this solution is greater than the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability, or the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than the bandwidth of the first bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Compared to traditional reference signals that are limited by the terminal's radio frequency capability, this solution can maximize the utilization of the full-band channel fluctuation characteristics within the system bandwidth, achieving a larger bandwidth channel measurement. This allows for better utilization of frequency selection effects and improves energy transmission efficiency.

[0008] The bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency (RF) capability can be understood as the maximum bandwidth that the terminal can support in a single transmission. The bandwidth supported by the terminal's RF capability is generally less than the system bandwidth. This system bandwidth, i.e., the bandwidth for communication and power transmission, is typically the carrier bandwidth.

[0009] This portion of the bandwidth, BWP, can be understood as a set of consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs) on a given carrier. Essentially, the entire system bandwidth is divided into several sub-bands, one of which can be called a BWP. The frequency domain resources of different BWPs may or may not overlap. The first portion of the bandwidth (BWP) used for communication by the terminal, that is, the portion of the bandwidth used for data transmission, such as the portion capable of carrying the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0010] The reference signal in this scheme occupies a bandwidth greater than the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capabilities, or the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than the bandwidth of the first part of the terminal's communication bandwidth (BWP). Compared to traditional reference signals that are limited by the terminal's radio frequency capabilities, this scheme can achieve wider bandwidth channel measurement and better utilize frequency selection effects.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time-domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth.

[0012] In other words, the reference signal supports frequency hopping, and the bandwidth of each frequency hopping is less than or equal to the first bandwidth mentioned above. Compared to traditional reference signals that do not support frequency hopping, resulting in limited bandwidth, the reference signal provided by this solution supports frequency hopping, which increases the total bandwidth of the reference signal, enables full-band measurement, and allows for the selection of a better frequency point, thereby improving wireless power transmission efficiency.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the reference signal is carried in a second BWP, which includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, and the second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data.

[0014] Traditional reference signals require associated communication BWPs (such as the first BWP mentioned above), but the reference signal provided in this embodiment does not need to be transmitted within the communication BWP. In other words, the reference signal provided by this solution is carried in a dedicated BWP (second BWP), rather than in a traditional communication BWP (such as the first BWP mentioned above), which can overcome the bandwidth limitations of traditional BWPs.

[0015] The second BWP can be understood as a dedicated or virtual BWP for carrying the aforementioned reference signal. The first BWP defines a portion of the system bandwidth, including the center frequency of that bandwidth, supported subcarrier spacing, time-frequency position of the control channel, number of symbols, and time / frequency domain information for random access. In this scheme, the second BWP can be configured with information such as the center frequency of the bandwidth and subcarrier spacing. This second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data (i.e., data transmission), meaning it does not carry physical channels such as the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). The second BWP carries the reference signal, which is used for channel measurement. The channel state information obtained from the channel measurement is used to select the frequency corresponding to the radio energy.

[0016] Specifically, the second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data; this can be understood as meaning that the second BWP cannot carry channels such as PUSCH or PDSCH. Alternatively, the second BWP can be used to carry energy signals or reference signals, where the energy signals or reference signals do not carry information.

[0017] In one possible implementation, transmitting the reference signal on the resources of the reference signal specifically includes receiving the reference signal on the resources of the reference signal. Accordingly, the terminal also sends frequency point information to the network device, the frequency point information indicating the frequency point.

[0018] For example, the terminal receives a reference signal and then determines channel state information based on the reference signal. This channel state information can be the channel frequency response (CFR). For instance, the terminal measures the CFR based on the received reference signal that has passed through the channel and its local reference signal. Alternatively, the channel state information can also be the channel impulse response (CIR), which is the response signal received by the receiver after a pulse signal passes through the channel.

[0019] Then, the terminal sends frequency information to the network device. This frequency information indicates the specified frequency. Since the channel fading corresponding to the frequency determined by the terminal is relatively small, the network device sends a wireless power signal to the terminal on that frequency, thereby maximizing the system's power transmission efficiency.

[0020] For example, the terminal determines the channel state information based on the reference signal and sends the channel state information to the network device. Then, the terminal receives the wireless power signal from the network device based on the channel state information.

[0021] In this example, the network device selects a frequency point based on the channel state information fed back by the terminal, and then transmits wireless energy signals, thereby maximizing the energy transmission efficiency of the system.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the frequency point information may include an index corresponding to the frequency point. For example, the index may be a resource element (RE) index, a resource block (RB) index, a subband index, etc. The index may be indicated by the magnitude of a value or by a bitmap.

[0023] In another possible implementation, the reference signal is transmitted over the resources of the reference signal, specifically including: the terminal transmitting the reference signal over the resources of the reference signal. Accordingly, the terminal receives a wireless power signal based on the reference signal from the network device.

[0024] In this example, the terminal sends a reference signal to the network device. The network device determines channel state information based on this reference signal and transmits a wireless power signal based on that channel state information. For example, the network device determines a frequency point based on the channel state information. Then, the network device transmits a wireless power signal to the terminal on that frequency point. This maximizes the system's power transmission efficiency.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to the network side, such as an access network device, a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within the access network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. Taking the application of this method to an access network device as an example, in this method, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal. This configuration information is used to configure the resources of a reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than a first bandwidth, which corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability or the bandwidth of the first portion of the bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Furthermore, the network device transmits the reference signal on the resources of the reference signal.

[0026] In this embodiment, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal. This configuration information is used to configure the resources of a reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than a first bandwidth, which corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability or the bandwidth of the first bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Then, the network device transmits the reference signal on the resources of the reference signal. Using this method, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal in this solution is greater than the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability, or the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than the bandwidth of the first bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Compared to traditional reference signals that are limited by the terminal's radio frequency capability, this solution can maximize the utilization of the full-band channel fluctuation characteristics within the system bandwidth, achieve larger bandwidth channel measurement, better utilize frequency selection effects, and improve energy transmission efficiency.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time-domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the reference signal is carried in a second BWP, which includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, and the second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data.

[0029] In one possible implementation, transmitting the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal specifically includes: sending the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal.

[0030] Accordingly, the network device also receives frequency information from the terminal, which indicates the specified frequency. Then, the network device transmits a wireless power signal to the terminal on that frequency.

[0031] Alternatively, the network device may also receive channel state information from the terminal. Then, based on the channel state information, the network device sends a wireless power signal to the terminal.

[0032] In another possible implementation, the reference signal is transmitted over the resources of the reference signal, specifically including: receiving the reference signal over the resources of the reference signal. Accordingly, the network device transmits the wireless power signal to the terminal based on the reference signal.

[0033] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the functions of the first aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0034] In one implementation, the communication device includes:

[0035] The communication module is used to receive configuration information from the network device. The configuration information is used to configure the resources of the reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than the first bandwidth. The first bandwidth corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the radio frequency capability of the terminal or the bandwidth of the first part of the bandwidth BWP used by the terminal for communication.

[0036] The communication module is also used to transmit the reference signal on the resources of the reference signal based on the configuration information.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time-domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the reference signal is carried in a second BWP, which includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, and the second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the communication module is specifically configured to: receive the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal;

[0040] Then, channel state information is sent to the network device, which is determined based on a reference signal;

[0041] It also receives wireless energy signals from network devices based on channel state information.

[0042] In another possible implementation, the communication module is specifically used to: receive the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal;

[0043] Then, frequency point information is sent to the network device. This frequency point information indicates a frequency point that is determined based on the channel state information.

[0044] Furthermore, wireless energy signals from network devices are received on this frequency.

[0045] In another possible implementation, the communication module is specifically used to: transmit the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal;

[0046] Then, it receives a wireless energy signal from the network device based on the reference signal.

[0047] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the functions of the second aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0048] In one implementation, the communication device includes:

[0049] The communication module is used to send configuration information to the terminal. The configuration information is used to configure the resources of the reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than the first bandwidth. The first bandwidth corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the radio frequency capability of the terminal or the bandwidth of the first part of the bandwidth BWP used by the terminal for communication.

[0050] The communication module is also used to transmit the reference signal on the resources of the reference signal.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time-domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the reference signal is carried in a second BWP, which includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, and the second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the communication module is specifically used to: transmit the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal;

[0054] Then, channel state information is received from the terminal, which is determined based on a reference signal;

[0055] Wireless energy signals are sent to the terminal based on channel state information.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the communication module is specifically used to: transmit the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal;

[0057] Then, frequency point information is received from the terminal, which indicates the frequency point, and the frequency point is determined based on channel state information;

[0058] On this frequency, a wireless energy signal is sent to the terminal.

[0059] In another possible implementation, the communication module is specifically used to: receive the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal;

[0060] The wireless energy signal is sent to the terminal based on the reference signal.

[0061] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store program code, and the processor is used to invoke the program code to perform a method as provided in any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0062] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store program code, and the processor is used to invoke the program code to perform a method as provided in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0063] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication system including the apparatus provided in any possible embodiment of the third aspect, and the apparatus provided in any possible embodiment of the fourth aspect.

[0064] Eighthly, this application provides a communication system including the apparatus provided in any possible embodiment of the fifth aspect, and the apparatus provided in any possible embodiment of the sixth aspect.

[0065] Ninthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that is executed by a processor to implement the method provided in any possible implementation of the first aspect or the method provided in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0066] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform a method as provided in any possible implementation of the first aspect or a method as provided in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0067] It is understood that the apparatus described in the third aspect, the apparatus described in the fourth aspect, the apparatus described in the fifth aspect, the apparatus described in the sixth aspect, the system described in the seventh aspect, the system described in the eighth aspect, the computer storage medium described in the ninth aspect, or the computer program product described in the tenth aspect are all used to execute the method provided in any of the first aspects or the method provided in any of the second aspects. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is for explaining specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0076] The technology provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as fourth-generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, satellite communication systems, integrated systems of multiple systems, or future communication systems. Among these, 5G communication systems can also be referred to as new radio (NR) systems.

[0077] In a communication system, a network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The term "network element" can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, device, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses a network element as an example for description. For instance, a communication system may include at least one terminal and at least one access network device. The access network device can send downlink signals to the terminal, and / or the terminal can send uplink signals to the access network device. Furthermore, it is understood that if the communication system includes multiple terminals, these terminals can also exchange signals; that is, both the signal-sending network element and the signal-receiving network element can be a terminal.

[0078] Referring to Figure 1, which is a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of this application, the wireless communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 can be a future wireless access network or an existing (e.g., 5G or 4G) wireless access network. One or more communication devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) can be interconnected or connected to one or more network devices (110a, 110b, collectively referred to as 110) within the wireless access network 100. Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram; the wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices, and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0079] For example, in practical applications, this wireless communication system can simultaneously include multiple network devices (also called access network devices) and multiple communication devices. A network device can simultaneously serve one or more communication devices. A communication device can also simultaneously access one or more network devices. This application embodiment does not limit the number of communication devices and network devices included in the wireless communication system.

[0080] In this context, a network device can be an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. A network device can also be an access device that allows communication devices to wirelessly connect to the wireless communication system; for example, a network device can be a base station. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, Evolved NodeB (eNB), Next Generation NodeB (gNB), Access Network Equipment in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), Relay Station, Access Point, Transmitting and Receiving Point (TRP), Transmitting Point (TP), Main eNB (MeNB), Secondary eNB (SeNB), Multi-mode Radio Node, Home Base Station, Network Controller, Access Node, Radio Node, Access Point (AP), Transmitting Node, Transceiver Node, Baseband Unit (BBU), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Active Antenna Unit (AAU), Remote Radio Head (RRH), Centralized Unit (CU), Distributed Unit (DU), Radio Unit (RU), Centralized Unit Control Plane (CU control). Network devices can include CU-CP (Comprehensive User Plane) nodes, CU-UP (Comprehensive User Plane) nodes, and positioning nodes. Base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, or similar entities, or combinations thereof. Network equipment can also refer to communication modules, modems, or chips installed within the aforementioned devices or apparatuses. Network equipment can also be mobile switching centers and devices that function as base stations in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, as well as devices that function as base stations in future communication systems. Network equipment can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0081] All or part of the functions of the network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0082] Network devices can be fixed or mobile. For example, base stations 110a and 110b are stationary and are responsible for wireless transmission and reception in one or more cells from communication device 120. The helicopter or drone 120i shown in Figure 1 can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station 120i. In other examples, the helicopter or drone (120i) can be configured as a communication device to communicate with base station 110b.

[0083] In this application, the communication device used to implement the above-mentioned network access functions can be an access network device, a network device with some access network functions, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of access network functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device. In the method of this application, the example of an access network device being used as the communication device to implement the access network device functions is described.

[0084] Communication devices can be user-side entities used to receive or transmit signals, such as mobile phones. Communication devices can be used to connect people, things, and machines. Communication devices can communicate with one or more core networks via network devices. Communication devices include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, other processing devices connected to wireless modems, or vehicle-mounted devices. Communication devices can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices. Communication devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), point-to-point (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.Examples of communication equipment 120 include: user equipment (UE) conforming to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard, fixed equipment, mobile equipment, handheld devices, wearable devices, cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal computers, smart books, vehicles, satellites, global positioning system (GPS) devices, drones, helicopters, aircraft, ships, remote control devices, smart home devices, industrial equipment, personal communication service (PCS) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless network cameras, tablets, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices such as smartwatches, smart point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light UE, reduced capability UE (REDCAP UE), and industrial control equipment. Wireless terminals in various scenarios include those in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, self-driving systems, smart grids, transportation safety systems, smart cities (e.g., smart gas pumps, high-speed rail terminals), and smart homes (e.g., smart speakers, smart coffee machines, smart printers). Communication equipment 120 can be wireless devices or devices used to install on wireless devices, such as communication modules, modems, or chips. Communication equipment can also be vehicle-mounted devices, such as complete vehicle units, on-board modules, on-board chips, on-board units (OBUs), or telematics boxes (T-BOXs). Communication equipment can also be called terminals, terminal equipment, user interfaces (UEs), mobile stations (MS), or mobile terminals (MTs). Communication equipment can also be communication devices in future wireless communication systems.The communication equipment can be used in dedicated network equipment or general-purpose equipment. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or form of the communication equipment.

[0085] For example, a communication device can be used to act as a base station. For instance, a UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in V2X, D2D, or P2P, etc. As shown in Figure 1, cellular phone 120a and car 120b communicate with each other using sidelink signaling. Cellular phone 120a communicates with smart home device 120e without relaying communication signals through base station 110b.

[0086] In this application, the communication device used to implement the functions of the communication equipment can be a terminal, a terminal having some of the functions of the aforementioned communication equipment, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of the functions of the aforementioned communication equipment, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete components. The technical solutions provided in this application are described using a terminal or UE as an example of the communication device.

[0087] For example, a wireless communication system typically consists of cells, with a base station managing the cell and providing communication services to multiple mobile stations (MS) within it. The base station includes a base unit (BBU) and a remote unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU can be located in different places; for example, the RRU can be deployed remotely to a high-traffic area, while the BBU is located in a central equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be located in the same equipment room. The BBU and RRU can also be different components within the same rack. For example, a cell can correspond to a carrier or a member carrier.

[0088] It is understood that this application can be applied between network devices and communication devices, between network devices, or between communication devices, that is, between primary devices and secondary devices. The primary device can be a network device or a communication device. When the primary device is a network device, the secondary device can be another network device or a communication device. When the primary device is a communication device, the secondary device can be another communication device.

[0089] Communication between access network devices and terminals follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer structure can include a control plane protocol layer structure and a user plane protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the radio resource control (RRC) layer, PDCP layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, and physical layer. Similarly, the user plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer. In one possible implementation, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer can be included above the PDCP layer.

[0090] For example, the protocol layer structure between the access network device and the terminal may also include an artificial intelligence (AI) layer for transmitting data related to AI functions.

[0091] Taking data transmission between access network devices and terminals as an example, data transmission needs to pass through user plane protocol layers, such as the SDAP layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer. The SDAP layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer can also be collectively referred to as the access layer. Based on the direction of data transmission, it is divided into sending and receiving; each of these layers is further divided into a sending part and a receiving part. Taking downlink data transmission as an example, after the PDCP layer obtains data from the upper layer, it transmits the data to the RLC layer and MAC layer. The MAC layer then generates a transport block, and finally, it is wirelessly transmitted through the physical layer. Data is encapsulated in corresponding ways at each layer. For example, data received by a layer from the upper layer is considered as the SDU of that layer. After encapsulation by that layer, it becomes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and is then passed to the next layer.

[0092] For example, the terminal may also have an application layer and a non-access layer. The application layer can be used to provide services to applications installed on the terminal. For instance, downlink data received by the terminal can be sequentially transmitted from the physical layer to the application layer, and then provided to the application by the application layer; or, the application layer can acquire data generated by the application and sequentially transmit the data to the physical layer for transmission to other communication devices. The non-access layer can be used to forward user data, such as forwarding uplink data received from the application layer to the SDAP layer or forwarding downlink data received from the SDAP layer to the application layer.

[0093] Access network equipment can include CUs and DUs. Multiple DUs can be centrally controlled by a single CU. As an example, the interface between the CU and DU can be called an F1 interface. The control plane (CP) interface can be F1-C, and the user plane (UP) interface can be F1-U. CUs and DUs can be distinguished according to the protocol layer of the wireless network: for example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above are located in the CU, and the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as RLC and MAC layers) are located in the DU; or, for another example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above are located in the CU, and the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer are located in the DU.

[0094] It is understandable that the above division of CU and DU processing functions according to protocol layers is merely an example. Other division methods are also possible. For instance, CUs or DUs can be divided into those with more protocol layer functions, or they can be divided into those with partial protocol layer processing functions. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer are located in the DU. In another design, the functions of CUs or DUs can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as latency. Functions that need to meet latency requirements are located in the DU, while functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement are located in the CU. In yet another design, the CU can also have one or more core network functions. For example, the CU can be located on the network side for convenient centralized management. In yet another design, the RU of the DU is remotely located. The RU has radio frequency functionality.

[0095] For example, DU and RU can be partitioned at the physical layer (PHY). For instance, DU can implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and RU can implement lower-level functions. Specifically, for transmission, the functions of the PHY layer may include adding cyclic redundancy check (CRC) codes, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and / or radio frequency (RF) transmission functions. For reception, the functions of the PHY layer may include CRC, channel decoding, rate matching de-scrambling, demodulation, layer mapping de-mapping, channel detection, resource demapping, physical antenna demapping, and / or RF reception functions. The higher-level functions in the PHY layer may include a subset of the PHY layer's functions, for example, functions closer to the MAC layer, while the lower-level functions in the PHY layer may include another subset of the PHY layer's functions, for example, functions closer to the RF functions. For example, higher-level functions in the PHY layer may include adding CRC codes, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping, while lower-level functions in the PHY layer may include precoding, resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and radio frequency transmission functions; or, higher-level functions in the PHY layer may include adding CRC codes, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, and precoding, while lower-level functions in the PHY layer may include resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and radio frequency transmission functions.

[0096] For example, the functionality of a CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. For instance, the functionality of the CU can be further divided, separating the control plane and user plane and implementing them through different entities: a control plane CU entity (i.e., the CU-CP entity) and a user plane CU entity (i.e., the CU-UP entity). These CU-CP and CU-UP entities can be coupled with a DU to jointly complete the functions of the access network device.

[0097] In the above architecture, signaling generated by the CU can be sent to the terminal via the DU, or signaling generated by the terminal can be sent to the CU via the DU. For example, signaling from the RRC or PDCP layer will eventually be processed into physical layer signaling and sent to the terminal, or it can be transformed from received physical layer signaling. Under this architecture, the RRC or PDCP layer signaling can be considered to be sent via the DU, or via the DU and RU.

[0098] For example, any one of DU, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, and RU can be a software module, a hardware structure, or a combination of software and hardware structures, without limitation. The different entities can exist in different forms, without limitation. For example, DU, CU, CU-CP, and CU-UP are software modules, and RU is a hardware structure. These modules and the methods they execute are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0099] 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 O-RAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU.

[0100] It should be understood that the number and type of each device in the communication system shown in Figure 1 are for illustrative purposes only, and this application is not limited thereto. In actual applications, the communication system may include more terminals, more access network devices, and other network elements, such as core network devices and / or network elements used to implement artificial intelligence functions.

[0101] It is understood that all or part of the functions implemented by one or more of the terminals, access network devices, core network devices, or network elements used to implement artificial intelligence functions can be virtualized, that is, implemented through one or more of dedicated or general-purpose processors and corresponding software modules. Among these, the terminals and access network devices involve air interface transmission, and the transmit and receive functions of this interface can be implemented in hardware. Core network devices, such as operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network elements, can also be virtualized. For example, one or more of the functions of the virtualized terminals, access network devices, core network devices, or network elements used to implement artificial intelligence functions can be implemented by cloud devices, such as cloud devices in over-the-top (OTT) systems.

[0102] The method provided in this application can be used for communication between access network devices and terminals, or for communication between other communication devices, such as communication between macro base stations and micro base stations in a wireless backhaul link, or communication between two terminals in a sidelink (SL), etc., without limitation.

[0103] In this application, the phrase "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal. Similarly, the phrase "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)" or "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0104] The architecture of the embodiments of this application has been described above. The methods of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0105] Referring to Figure 2, a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Optionally, this method can be applied to the aforementioned communication system, such as the communication system shown in Figure 1. The communication method shown in Figure 2 may include steps 201-204, as detailed below:

[0106] 201. The network device sends configuration information to the terminal. This configuration information is used to configure the resources of a reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than a first bandwidth. The first bandwidth corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability or the bandwidth of the first portion of the bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Accordingly, the terminal receives the configuration information.

[0107] The network device sends configuration information to the terminal, which includes time-frequency resource information for the reference signal. Based on the configuration information, the terminal can receive the reference signal on the corresponding time-frequency resources and measure the channel. The measurement results can be used for wireless power transfer.

[0108] The bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency (RF) capability can be understood as the maximum bandwidth that the terminal can support during a single transmission. The bandwidth supported by the terminal's RF capability is generally less than the system bandwidth. This system bandwidth, i.e., the bandwidth for communication and power transmission, is typically the carrier bandwidth, for example, a maximum bandwidth of 100MHz for low frequencies and 400MHz for high frequencies.

[0109] The bandwidth BWP can be understood as a set of consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs) on a given carrier. That is, the entire system bandwidth (e.g., one carrier bandwidth) is divided into several sub-bands, and one of these sub-bands can be called a BWP. The frequency domain resources of different BWPs may or may not overlap. The first portion of the bandwidth BWP used for communication by the terminal, that is, the portion of the bandwidth used for data transmission by the terminal, such as the portion of bandwidth capable of carrying the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), is configured by the network device.

[0110] The reference signal in this scheme occupies a bandwidth greater than the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capabilities, or the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than the bandwidth of the first part of the terminal's communication bandwidth (BWP). Compared to traditional reference signals that are limited by the terminal's radio frequency capabilities, this scheme can achieve wider bandwidth channel measurement and better utilize frequency selection effects.

[0111] The following section introduces several ways to implement this reference signal.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the reference signal is carried in a second BWP, the second BWP having a bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth, and the second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data.

[0113] The second BWP can be understood as a dedicated or virtual BWP for carrying the aforementioned reference signal. The first BWP defines a portion of the bandwidth in the system, corresponding to one or more of the following: the center frequency of this portion of bandwidth, the supported subcarrier spacing, the time-frequency position of the control channel, the number of symbols, and random access time / frequency domain information. In this scheme, the second BWP can be configured with information such as the center frequency of the bandwidth and the subcarrier spacing. This second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data (i.e., data transmission); that is, it does not carry physical channels such as the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) / Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), nor can it transmit control signaling such as the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) / Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). In other words, this second BWP does not carry data information. This data information includes, for example, text, images, video, or information that is not transmitted through the network core network, such as information that is not transmitted through the access and mobility management function (AMF) or gateway (GW).

[0114] The second BWP is used to carry a reference signal, which is used for channel measurement. The channel state information obtained from the channel measurement is used to select the frequency point corresponding to the wireless energy.

[0115] The second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data. This means it cannot carry physical channels such as PUSCH or PDSCH, nor can it transmit control signaling such as Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) / Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). Alternatively, the second BWP can carry energy signals or reference signals, which do not carry information. An energy signal is a finite signal with non-zero total energy at all times. It is a pulse signal that typically exists only within a finite time interval. This energy signal can be used to charge the terminal, etc. Further details on this will be provided below and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0116] Traditional reference signals require associated communication BWPs (such as the first BWP mentioned above), but the reference signal provided in this embodiment does not need to be transmitted within the communication BWP. In other words, the reference signal provided by this solution is carried in a dedicated BWP (second BWP), rather than in a traditional communication BWP (such as the first BWP mentioned above), which can overcome the bandwidth limitations of traditional BWPs.

[0117] In another possible implementation, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth.

[0118] That is, the reference signal supports frequency hopping, and the bandwidth of each frequency hopping (such as the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth) is less than or equal to the first bandwidth mentioned above. The second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time domain positions. In this way, while ensuring that each hop is less than the terminal radio frequency bandwidth, a larger bandwidth channel information can be obtained by splicing the bandwidths at different time domain positions, thereby facilitating the selection of a better frequency point.

[0119] Compared to traditional reference signals that do not support frequency hopping, resulting in limited bandwidth, the reference signal provided by this solution supports frequency hopping, which increases the total bandwidth of the reference signal, enables full-band measurement, and allows for the selection of better frequency points, such as subcarriers, thereby improving wireless power transmission efficiency.

[0120] This example only illustrates the case where the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes the second and third bandwidths. It is understood that the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal may also include the bandwidth corresponding to more hops, and this solution does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0121] In another possible implementation, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth; and the reference signal is carried in a second BWP, the second BWP including the aforementioned second bandwidth and the aforementioned third bandwidth, and the second BWP is not used for sending and receiving communication data.

[0122] The second BWP defines a frequency range within the system, which determines the maximum bandwidth of signals that can be transmitted within it. The reference signal is carried by the second BWP and transmitted within its supported frequency range. Understandably, the bandwidth of the reference signal is less than or equal to the bandwidth of the second BWP.

[0123] In this example, the bandwidth of the reference signal is the combined bandwidth of multiple frequency hopping operations. Therefore, the bandwidth of the reference signal includes the frequency hopping bandwidth, i.e., the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth. Since the configuration and transmission of the reference signal require a corresponding BWP bearer, the second BWP also includes the aforementioned frequency hopping bandwidth, i.e., the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth. For a detailed explanation of this part, please refer to the above description; it will not be repeated here.

[0124] The reference signal provided in this example not only supports frequency hopping, thus increasing the total bandwidth of the reference signal and enabling full-band measurement, thereby selecting a better frequency point and improving wireless power transmission efficiency; but also, the reference signal is carried in a dedicated BWP, rather than in a traditional communication BWP, which can overcome the bandwidth limitations of traditional BWPs.

[0125] 202. The network device transmits the reference signal on the aforementioned reference signal resource. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the reference signal on the aforementioned reference signal resource.

[0126] The reference signal in this scheme is used for wireless power transfer. Compared with traditional reference signals (such as channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS)) used for channel estimation, channel measurement, synchronization, and tracking, the reference signal in this scheme is mainly used to carry energy. Of course, it is not excluded that the reference signal in this scheme can also be used for other purposes.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the reference signal is a wireless power transmission reference signal (WPT-RS).

[0128] 203. The terminal sends channel state information to the network device, which is determined based on the aforementioned reference signal. Accordingly, the network device receives the channel state information.

[0129] The channel state information can be the channel frequency response (CFR). For example, the terminal measures the CFR based on the received reference signal passing through the channel and the local reference signal.

[0130] Alternatively, the channel state information can also be the channel impulse response (CIR), which is the response signal received by the receiver after a pulse signal passes through the channel.

[0131] There is a correspondence between the channel impulse response (CIR) and the frequency domain channel response coefficient (CFR). The channel impulse response (CIR) can be transformed into the frequency domain channel response coefficient (CFR) through a fast fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain channel response coefficient (CFR) can be transformed into the channel impulse response (CIR) through an inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT).

[0132] Alternatively, the channel state information can be one or more of the following: energy at different frequency points in the channel, reference signal receiving power (RSRP), channel strength (amplitude).

[0133] 204. The network device sends a wireless energy signal to the terminal based on the channel state information.

[0134] The wireless power signal is used to charge the terminal. This wireless power signal can be a reference signal, or it can be a waveform, such as a single-frequency sine wave, or other waveforms such as square waves, pulse waves, triangular waveforms, etc. It can also be a communication waveform for transmitting data, such as an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform. This scheme does not limit the specific form of the wireless power signal.

[0135] In one possible implementation, the wireless energy signal may be an electromagnetic radiation energy signal carried by a communication signal.

[0136] In another possible implementation, the wireless energy signal could be an electromagnetic radiation energy signal carried by a reference signal.

[0137] In another possible implementation, the wireless energy signal can be a wireless energy signal carried by electromagnetic radiation, other than communication signals or wireless waveforms.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the network device determines the frequency point based on channel state information. Then, the network device transmits a wireless power signal to the terminal on that frequency point.

[0139] This frequency point can be the subcarrier / resource block / subband index with the strongest channel coefficient, or it can be one or more subcarriers / resource blocks / subband indices with the largest channel amplitude / energy, i.e., sorted by the subcarrier / resource block / subband index with the highest energy or sorted by the subcarrier / resource block / subband index with the strongest channel coefficient. In other words, the channel fading corresponding to this frequency point is relatively small.

[0140] For example, the channel state information is the frequency domain channel response coefficient (CFR). The network device, based on the CFR at different frequency points within the system bandwidth, obtains first information by comparing the amplitudes of the CFRs. This first information indicates one or more frequency values, which can be one or more frequency points with the largest channel response coefficient / amplitude. The aforementioned frequency points can be determined based on this first information.

[0141] In this example, the network device selects a frequency with less channel fading based on the channel state information fed back by the terminal, and then transmits wireless energy signals, thereby maximizing the energy transmission efficiency of the system.

[0142] The above example illustrates how a network device determines a frequency point and then transmits a wireless energy signal. In another possible implementation, steps 203-204 can be replaced by:

[0143] The terminal sends frequency point information to the network device. This frequency point information indicates a frequency determined based on channel state information. The network device then receives this frequency point information and transmits a wireless power signal to the terminal on that frequency point.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the frequency point information may include an index corresponding to the frequency point. For example, the index may be a resource element (RE) index, a resource block (RB) index, a subband index, etc. The index may be indicated by the magnitude of a value or by a bitmap.

[0145] Furthermore, the frequency point information may also include the frequency domain channel response coefficient (CFR).

[0146] In one possible implementation, the terminal can obtain full-band channel state information based on the aforementioned reference signal. Then, the terminal can obtain the frequency point based on this full-band channel state information. Finally, the terminal sends the frequency point information to the network device.

[0147] For example, the terminal measures the channel coefficients at different frequency points based on channel state information, and then selects the frequency point with the strongest energy as the aforementioned frequency point.

[0148] Since the channel fading corresponding to the frequency point determined by the terminal is relatively small, the network device sends a wireless energy signal to the terminal on this frequency point, which can maximize the energy transmission efficiency of the system.

[0149] In this embodiment, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal. This configuration information is used to configure the resources of a reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than a first bandwidth, which corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability or the bandwidth of the first bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Then, the terminal determines channel state information based on the reference signal from the network device to transmit wireless energy signals based on this channel state information. Using this method, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal in this solution is greater than the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability, or the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than the bandwidth of the first bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Compared to traditional reference signals that are limited by the terminal's radio frequency capability, this solution can maximize the utilization of the full-band channel fluctuation characteristics within the system bandwidth, achieve larger bandwidth channel measurement, better utilize frequency selection effects, and improve energy transmission efficiency.

[0150] The example shown in Figure 2 illustrates the transmission of a reference signal by a network device. The following example illustrates the transmission of a reference signal by a terminal.

[0151] Referring to Figure 3, a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Optionally, this method can be applied to the aforementioned communication system, such as the communication system shown in Figure 1. The communication method shown in Figure 3 may include steps 301-302, as follows:

[0152] 301. The network device sends configuration information to the terminal. This configuration information is used to configure the resources of a reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than a first bandwidth. The first bandwidth corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability or the bandwidth of the first portion of the bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Accordingly, the terminal receives the configuration information.

[0153] The network device sends configuration information to the terminal, which includes time-frequency resource information for a reference signal. The terminal then transmits the reference signal, which the network device receives. Subsequently, the network device transmits the wireless power signal based on channel state information obtained by measuring the reference signal.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the reference signal is carried in a second BWP, the second BWP having a bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth, and the second BWP is not used for transmitting or receiving communication data.

[0155] Traditional reference signals require associated communication BWPs (such as the first BWP mentioned above), but the reference signal provided in this embodiment does not need to be transmitted within the communication BWP. In other words, the reference signal provided by this solution is carried in a dedicated BWP (second BWP), rather than in a traditional communication BWP (such as the first BWP mentioned above), which can overcome the bandwidth limitations of traditional BWPs.

[0156] In another possible implementation, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth.

[0157] That is, the reference signal supports frequency hopping, and the bandwidth of each frequency hopping is less than or equal to the first bandwidth mentioned above.

[0158] Compared to traditional reference signals that do not support frequency hopping, resulting in limited bandwidth, the reference signal provided by this solution supports frequency hopping, which increases the total bandwidth of the reference signal, enables full-band measurement, and allows for the selection of better frequency points, thereby improving wireless power transmission efficiency.

[0159] In another possible implementation, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth, the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth; and the reference signal is carried in a second BWP, the second BWP including the aforementioned second bandwidth and the aforementioned third bandwidth, and the second BWP is not used for sending and receiving communication data.

[0160] The reference signal provided in this example not only supports frequency hopping, thus increasing the total bandwidth of the reference signal and enabling full-band measurement, thereby selecting a better frequency point and improving wireless power transmission efficiency; but also, the reference signal is carried in a dedicated BWP, rather than in a traditional communication BWP, which can overcome the bandwidth limitations of traditional BWPs.

[0161] For details on this part, please refer to the description of step 201 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0162] 302. The terminal transmits a reference signal on the resource containing the reference signal. Accordingly, the network device receives the reference signal.

[0163] For details on this part, please refer to the description of step 202 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0164] 303. The network device sends a wireless energy signal to the terminal based on the reference signal.

[0165] In one possible implementation, the network device determines channel state information based on the reference signal. This channel state information may be the frequency domain channel response coefficient (CFR), channel impulse response (CIR), etc.

[0166] Then, the network device determines the frequency point based on the channel state information. The network device then transmits a wireless power signal to the terminal on that frequency point.

[0167] This frequency point can be the subcarrier / resource block / subband index with the strongest channel coefficient, or it can be one or more subcarriers / resource blocks / subband indices with the largest channel amplitude / energy, i.e., sorted by the subcarrier / resource block / subband index with the highest energy or sorted by the subcarrier / resource block / subband index with the strongest channel coefficient. In other words, the channel fading corresponding to this frequency point is relatively small.

[0168] In this example, the network device determines channel state information based on reference signals sent by the terminal, and then selects a frequency point to transmit wireless energy signals based on the channel state information, which can maximize the energy transmission efficiency of the system.

[0169] For details on this part, please refer to the description of steps 203-204 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0170] In this embodiment, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal. This configuration information is used to configure the resources of a reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than a first bandwidth, which corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability or the bandwidth of the first bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Then, the terminal transmits a reference signal on the resources of the reference signal. This reference signal is used to determine channel state information and transmits a wireless energy signal based on the channel state information. Using this method, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal in this solution is greater than the bandwidth supported by the terminal's radio frequency capability, or the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than the bandwidth of the first bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. Compared to traditional reference signals that are limited by the terminal's radio frequency capability, this solution can maximize the utilization of the full-band channel fluctuation characteristics within the system bandwidth, achieve larger bandwidth channel measurement, better utilize frequency selection effects, and improve energy transmission efficiency.

[0171] Referring to Figure 4, a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this application is shown. As shown in Figure 4, the system bandwidth (BW) of this scenario is 10MHz, the bandwidth corresponding to the terminal's radio frequency capability is 2MHz, and the bandwidth of the traditional communication BWP (i.e., the first part of the bandwidth mentioned above) is 2MHz. In this example, a 10MHz bandwidth wireless power transfer BWP (i.e., the second part of the bandwidth mentioned above) is configured for the terminal to carry the wireless power transfer reference signal WPT-RS. The bandwidth of the wireless power transfer reference signal WPT-RS is also 10MHz, which is achieved through 5 frequency hopping (the shaded part of the frequency-hopping WPT-RS in Figure 4), where each hop is 2MHz. By splicing the channel coefficients, such as CFR, according to the corresponding frequency range, a channel response coefficient with a larger bandwidth is obtained. Based on the channel response coefficient with a larger bandwidth, the amplitude of the channel coefficient corresponding to each frequency point is calculated, or the energy of the channel coefficient, i.e., the square of the amplitude of the channel coefficient. By comparison, the frequency points with less channel fading within the spliced ​​large bandwidth can be obtained.

[0172] For example, the terminal sends WPT-RS to the base station. The base station measures full-band channel state information based on 5-hop WPT-RS and selects a frequency point with relatively low channel fading. Then, the base station transmits a wireless power signal on that frequency point. In this way, the full-band channel fluctuation characteristics within the system bandwidth can be maximized, enabling wider bandwidth channel measurement, better utilizing frequency selection effects, and improving power transmission efficiency.

[0173] It should be noted that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0174] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above, and the apparatus of the embodiments of this application is provided below. It is understood that the division of multiple units or modules in the various apparatus embodiments of this application is only a logical division based on function and is not intended to limit the specific structure of the apparatus. In specific implementations, some functional modules may be subdivided into more smaller functional modules, and some functional modules may be combined into a single functional module. However, regardless of whether these functional modules are subdivided or combined, the general flow executed by the apparatus is the same. For example, some apparatuses include a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. In some designs, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit can also be integrated into a communication unit, which can implement the functions implemented by the receiving unit and the transmitting unit. Typically, each unit corresponds to its own program code (or program instructions). When the program code corresponding to each unit runs on the processor, it causes the unit to be controlled by the processing unit to execute the corresponding flow and thus achieve the corresponding function.

[0175] This application also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, a communication apparatus is provided that includes a module (or means) for implementing the steps performed by the terminal or network device in any of the above methods.

[0176] For example, referring to FIG5, which is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, the communication device is used to implement the aforementioned communication method, such as the steps performed by the terminal in the communication method shown in FIG2 or FIG3.

[0177] As shown in Figure 5, the communication device may include a communication module 501.

[0178] When the communication device is used to implement the functions of the terminal: the communication module 501 is used to implement one or more operations implemented by the terminal in step 203 of the embodiment shown in FIG2, or to implement one or more operations implemented by the terminal in step 302 of the embodiment shown in FIG3.

[0179] The above modules can be described in the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] For example, referring to FIG6, which is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, this communication device is used to implement the aforementioned communication method, such as the steps performed by the network device in the communication method shown in FIG2 or FIG3.

[0181] As shown in Figure 6, the communication device may include a communication module 601.

[0182] When the communication device is used to implement the functions of the network device: the communication module 601 is used to implement one or more operations implemented by the network device in steps 201 and 202 of the embodiment shown in FIG2, or to implement one or more operations implemented by the network device in step 301 of the embodiment shown in FIG3.

[0183] For a description of each of the above modules, please refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] It should be understood that the division of modules in the above devices is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, modules in a communication device can be implemented by a processor calling software; for example, a communication device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of each module in the device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the modules in the device can be implemented as hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all units can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functionality of some or all of the above units is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the above units. All modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0185] Referring to FIG7, a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device 700 shown in FIG7 includes one or more processors 701 (a processor is illustrated in the figure).

[0186] Processor 701 is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, processor 701 can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, processor 701 can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. These logical relationships of hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, processor 701 can be a hardware circuit implemented as an ASIC or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as a type of ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), or deep learning processing unit (DPU). The processor 701 is used to execute related programs to implement the functions required by the units in the communication device of the present application embodiment, or to execute the communication method of the method embodiment of the present application.

[0187] Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a memory (e.g., memory 703, memory 704, memory 705) (shown as dashed lines in the figure). The memory is used to store instructions executed by the processor 701, or to store input data required by the processor 701 to execute instructions, or to store data generated after the processor 701 executes instructions.

[0188] Optionally, the memory may be located within the one or more processors (e.g., memory 703), or outside the one or more processors (e.g., memory 704, memory 705), or may include a storage portion located within the one or more processors and a storage portion located outside the one or more processors.

[0189] In this embodiment, the memory (e.g., memory 703, memory 704, memory 705) may include, but is not limited to, cache, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having an instruction or data structure form and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in this embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions for storing computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0190] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a communication interface 702 (shown as a dashed line in the figure). The processor 701 and the communication interface 702 are coupled together. The communication interface 702 may be a transceiver or interface circuit, a bus, a module, or other type of communication interface.

[0191] The memory can store programs. When the program stored in the memory is executed by the processor 701, the processor 701 and the communication interface 702 are used to execute the various steps of the communication method of the embodiments of this application.

[0192] As can be seen, each module in the above device can be one or more processors (or processing circuits) configured to implement the above methods, such as: CPU, GPU, NPU, TPU, DPU, microprocessor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or a combination of at least two of these processor forms or a portion of the processing circuits in these processors.

[0193] Furthermore, the modules in the above devices can be integrated in whole or in part, or they can be implemented independently. In one implementation, these modules are integrated together as a system-on-a-chip (SOC). The SOC may include at least one processor for implementing any of the above methods or for implementing the functions of the modules of the device. The at least one processor may be of different types, such as CPU and FPGA, CPU and artificial intelligence processor, CPU and GPU, etc.

[0194] It should be noted that although the device 700 shown in FIG. 7 only illustrates the memory, processor, and communication interface, those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, device 700 may also include other devices necessary for normal operation. Furthermore, depending on specific needs, those skilled in the art should understand that device 700 may also include hardware devices for implementing other additional functions. Moreover, those skilled in the art should understand that device 700 may only include the devices necessary for implementing the embodiments of this application, and not necessarily all the devices shown in FIG. 7.

[0195] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer or processor, cause the computer or processor to perform one or more steps of any of the above methods.

[0196] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions. When the computer program product is run on a computer or processor, it causes the computer or processor to perform one or more steps of any of the methods described above.

[0197] It is understood that in this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A. In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index, or indirectly indicating the information to be instructed by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. It is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or agreed upon in advance. For example, the instruction of specific information can also be achieved by using the arrangement order of various information in advance (e.g., as specified by a protocol), thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information to be sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0198] The term "at least one" as used in this application refers to one or more items. "More than one item" means two or more items. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used in this application to describe various objects, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the objects from each other.

[0199] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in this application as described below, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or optionally include other steps or units inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus. It should be noted that in this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate illustrative, exemplary, or descriptive purposes. Any method or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0200] It should be understood that in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply difference. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0201] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For instance, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. The coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection shown or discussed between each other may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, apparatuses, or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0202] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0203] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When these computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in or transmitted through a computer-readable storage medium. The computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), or magnetic media, such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, or optical media, such as digital versatile discs (DVDs), or semiconductor media, such as solid-state disks (SSDs).

[0204] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be covered within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive configuration information from network devices, the configuration information being used to configure the resources of a reference signal, the bandwidth occupied by the reference signal being greater than a first bandwidth, the first bandwidth corresponding to the bandwidth supported by the radio frequency capability of the terminal or the bandwidth of the first part of the bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication; Based on the configuration information, the reference signal is transmitted on the resources of the reference signal. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth. The second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time-domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reference signal is carried in the second BWP, which includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth. The second BWP is not used to send or receive communication data. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The transmission of the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal specifically includes: receiving the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal; The method further includes: Channel state information is sent to the network device, the channel state information being determined based on the reference signal; Receive wireless energy signals from the network device based on the channel state information; or... Frequency point information is sent to the network device, the frequency point information indicating a frequency point, and the frequency point is determined based on the channel state information; Receives wireless energy signals from the network device at the specified frequency. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The transmission of the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal specifically includes: sending the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal; The method further includes: Receives wireless energy signals from the network device based on the reference signal. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send configuration information to the terminal. The configuration information is used to configure the resources of the reference signal. The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal is greater than the first bandwidth. The first bandwidth corresponds to the bandwidth supported by the radio frequency capability of the terminal or the bandwidth of the first part of the bandwidth (BWP) used by the terminal for communication. The reference signal is transmitted on the resources of the reference signal. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bandwidth occupied by the reference signal includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth. The second bandwidth and the third bandwidth correspond to different time-domain positions, and both the second bandwidth and the third bandwidth are less than or equal to the first bandwidth. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The reference signal is carried in the second BWP, which includes a second bandwidth and a third bandwidth. The second BWP is not used to send or receive communication data. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The transmission of the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal specifically includes: sending the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal; The method further includes: Receive channel state information from the terminal, the channel state information being determined based on the reference signal; The wireless energy signal is sent to the terminal based on the channel state information; or... Receive frequency point information from the terminal, the frequency point information indicating a frequency point, the frequency point being determined based on the channel state information; A wireless energy signal is transmitted to the terminal at the specified frequency. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The transmission of the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal specifically includes: receiving the reference signal on the resource of the reference signal; The method further includes: The wireless energy signal is sent to the terminal based on the reference signal. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1-5. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 6-10. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-5 by executing a computer program or computer-executable instructions stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6-10 by executing a computer program or computer-executable instructions stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes the communication device as described in claim 13 and the communication device as described in claim 14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The device contains a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes the method described in any one of claims 1-5 to be implemented; or causes the method described in any one of claims 6-10 to be implemented. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed on a processor, causes the method of any one of claims 1-5 to be implemented; or causes the method of any one of claims 6-10 to be implemented.

Images