Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus, which are used for improving the quality of communication between nodes. The method in the present application comprises: on at least one first time-domain resource within a first channel occupation time (COT), a first node performs channel state detection on an occupied communication channel, the first COT being the time during which the first node occupies the communication channel; and, on the basis of the channel state detection result, the first node adjusts the duration of the first COT. In the solution of the present application, a first node performs channel state detection on a communication channel within a first COT, and can adjust the duration of the first COT on the basis of the channel state detection result, thereby reducing communication interference during data transmission between the first node and a second node within the first COT, and improving communication quality.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411127962.3, filed on August 15, 2024, and entitled “A communication method and apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0004] The development of wireless local area network (WLAN) makes wireless communication more and more popular. The standards (i.e., 802.11 protocol group) for WLAN formulated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) also evolve continuously.

[0005] With the continuous development of Internet of Things technology, short-distance communication technologies such as WLAN technology may not be able to well meet more application scenarios and requirements, and therefore, sparklink communication technology for short-distance communication emerges as the times require. The sparklink communication technology supports sparklink basic (SLB) access technology. When SLB works in an unlicensed frequency band, nodes using the sparklink communication technology need to occupy a channel through contention. After a node contends for the channel, the node can enter a communication state and transmit data in the communication state. However, when the node is in the communication state, if other nodes contend for the channel occupied by the node, the communication of the node is interfered, resulting in a decline in communication quality. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus to improve the communication quality between nodes.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a first node, a module (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the first node, or a logical node, a logical module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the first node. The first node is also referred to as a management node or a management device, etc. Taking the application to the first node as an example, the method comprises: performing channel state detection on an occupied communication channel by the first node on at least one first time domain resource in a first channel occupation time (COT); the first COT is a time during which the first node occupies the communication channel; and adjusting the length of the first COT according to the detection result of the channel state by the first node.

[0008] Through the above method, the first node performs channel state detection on the communication channel on at least one first time domain resource in the first COT during which the first node occupies the communication channel, and the first node can adjust the length of the COT according to the detection result of the channel state. For example, when the detection result of the channel state is detected as busy, it can be determined that the channel is currently used by other devices, and the first node adjusts the length of the COT, such as shortening the length of the COT, i.e., ending the first COT in advance, thereby reducing communication interference in the process of data transmission between the first node and the second node in the first COT and improving communication quality.

[0009] In a possible implementation method, each first time domain resource is part of a time domain resource unit in the first COT.

[0010] Through the above method, the first node can perform channel state detection on the first time domain resource in the plurality of time domain resource units, so as to obtain the channel state of the communication channel in real time. In addition, each first time domain resource is part of a time domain resource unit in the first COT, and other resources in the time domain resource unit in the first COT can be used for communication.

[0011] In a possible implementation method, the first time domain resource is part or all of a second time domain resource in the corresponding time domain resource unit, and the second time domain resource is a resource used for uplink transmission.

[0012] Through the above method, the first node can perform channel state detection on the resource used for uplink transmission in the time domain resource unit, for example, the first node is a G node, and is in a receiving state on the resource used for uplink transmission, so that the first node can directly measure on the resource used for uplink transmission without changing the transceiving state for measurement, which is easy to implement.

[0013] In a possible implementation method, the plurality of first time domain resources in the first COT are equally spaced in the time domain.

[0014] Through the method, the first node can periodically perform channel state detection on the communication channel occupied by the first node, so that the channel state of the communication channel can be learned in real time.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the first time domain resource is a time domain resource in third time domain resources, and the third time domain resources are time domain resources other than the first N time domain resource units in the first COT, where N is a positive integer.

[0016] Through the method, the first node performs channel state detection on at least one first time domain resource in the third time domain resources other than the first N time domain resource units in the first COT. The first node can process data transmission that is not completed in the last COT on the first N time domain resource units, so as to ensure the reliability of data transmission between nodes and avoid conflicts between data transmission resources and channel state detection resources.

[0017] In a possible implementation, if the detection result of the channel state is the busy state, the length of the first COT is shortened; or, if the channel state detection is performed in the Pth time domain resource unit, the detection result of the channel state is the busy state, and the number of time domain resource units included in the remaining length of the first COT is greater than K, the P+Kth time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT, where P and K are positive integers; or, if the detection result of the channel state is the idle state and / or the number of time domain resource units included in the remaining length of the first COT is not greater than K, the length of the first COT is maintained, where K is a positive integer.

[0018] Through the method, when the first node determines that the communication channel is in the busy state, the number of time domain resource units remaining in the first COT can be reduced, that is, the first COT is ended in advance, so as to reduce communication interference in the process of data transmission between the first node and the second node in the first COT and improve communication quality. In addition, when the first node determines that the communication channel is in the idle state, the length of the first COT can be maintained, that is, when the first node determines that the communication channel is not interfered or is slightly interfered, the length of the first COT can not be adjusted. Therefore, the length of the first COT can be flexibly adjusted based on the detection result of the channel state of the communication channel. In addition, when the first node detects that the communication channel is in the busy state, the first COT is not ended immediately, but is ended after K time domain resource units. The K time domain resource units can be used for internal processing of the first node, such as channel state judgment, scheduling adjustment, and the like, and can also be used for generating and sending indication information related to the length change of the first COT.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the first information is transmitted in the first COT, and the first information is used to indicate a last time domain resource unit of the first COT.

[0020] By the above method, after adjusting the duration of the first COT, the first node can indicate the last time domain resource unit of the adjusted first COT to other nodes (for example, T nodes connected with the first node or other G nodes), so that the other nodes determine the end time of the first COT, thereby ensuring normal communication of the other nodes and improving communication reliability.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the first information is transmitted in the first time domain resource unit, and the first information is used to indicate that the first time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT.

[0022] The first node transmits the first information in the first time domain resource unit, which can indicate to other nodes that the first time domain resource unit in which the first information is currently transmitted is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT. After receiving the first information, the other nodes can determine that the current time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit; for example, the other nodes can determine that the current time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit according to the first information, thereby reducing the workload of the other nodes and reducing power consumption of the other nodes.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which has the functions of implementing the first aspect, for example, the communication device includes modules, units or means corresponding to the operations of the first aspect, which can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled with a memory. The memory is used to store part or all of the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions of the first aspect. The one or more processors can execute the computer programs or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the method in any possible design or implementation manner of the first aspect. The interface circuit is used to implement the communication function within the communication device and / or the communication function of the communication device with other devices or components.

[0025] The communication device described above can be a first node, a module (for example, a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the first node, or a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first node.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions are executed, the method in any possible design of the first aspect is implemented.

[0027] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions are executed, the method in any possible design of the first aspect is implemented.

[0028] The above-mentioned various aspects of the second aspect to the fifth aspect and the technical effects that can be achieved by the various aspects are described above in the technical effects that can be achieved by the various possible solutions of the first aspect or the various aspects, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication protocol architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a subcarrier planning provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a superframe structure provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a first time domain resource provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a first time domain resource provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a first time domain resource unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0040] The following introduces a communication system architecture to which the communication method provided by the present application is applicable. It should be noted that these introductions are for the convenience of those skilled in the art to understand and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by the present application.

[0041] At present, the sparklink alliance provides a communication protocol architecture of the sparklink communication technology, which can provide access technologies including a sparklink basic (SLB) access technology and a sparklink low energy (SLE) access technology. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication protocol architecture of the sparklink communication technology involved in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 1, the protocol architecture includes a basic application layer, a basic service layer, and a sparklink access layer (which can also be referred to as an access layer), and the basic application layer and the basic service layer can be collectively referred to as a sparklink upper layer. The following introduces each layer in the protocol architecture respectively.

[0042] The basic application layer includes various general frameworks; in order to realize communication between different devices under different platforms, the basic application layer formulates frameworks for various possible and generally meaningful application scenarios.

[0043] The basic service layer includes a control plane and a data plane; the control plane mainly provides services such as device discovery and management. The data plane includes channel control data, broadcast data, service management data, real-time data, and reliable data, and also includes a transmission control adaptation protocol, a transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP), a transparent transmission protocol, and the like.

[0044] The sparklink access layer includes an SLB module and an SLE module, wherein the SLB module can also be referred to as an SLB access layer, and the SLE module can also be referred to as an SLE access layer. The SLB module communicates through the SLB access technology. The SLB access technology has large bandwidth communication capability and can carry large bandwidth services such as wireless screen projection services and video call services, and the communication process has high data throughput and fast data transmission speed. However, the SLB access technology has relatively high power consumption and a long access time.

[0045] In the SLB access technology, the communication device includes a grant node device (referred to as G node device or G node for short) and a terminal node device (referred to as T node device or T node for short). The G node represents a node that sends data scheduling information in the access layer, and the T node represents a node that receives data scheduling information and sends data according to the data scheduling information in the access layer. It is also specified that the G node can send broadcast, and the T node can scan information. In the process of establishing an SLB connection between the G node and the T node, the T node is allowed to scan and discover the G node, and send a connection request to the G node to connect the G node.

[0046] The SLE module communicates through the SLE access technology. The SLE has low-power communication capability. When the SLE module is in an idle state (i.e., not connected to other devices), the SLE module can broadcast device information and data on three fixed broadcast channels, can be quickly discovered and connected, and helps to save device power. The SLE access technology supports a smaller bandwidth and slower data transmission speed, and therefore, the SLE access technology is usually used to process services with small bandwidth requirements, such as audio playback services based on wireless earphones and control services of smart home devices by mobile phones.

[0047] It can be understood that the communication protocol architecture shown above is only one possible example, and other possible protocol layers can also be included in the communication protocol architecture, which is not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0048] Based on the communication protocol architecture shown in FIG. 1, the related terms involved in the star flash communication technology are explained below. When not specifically stated, these explanations are to support the meaning of the related terms and make the embodiments of the present application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as a strict limitation on the terms in the protection scope claimed by the present application.

[0049] 1. Channel bandwidth of star flash communication technology

[0050] The working frequency band of the star flash communication technology (such as the SLB access technology) can be a low frequency band, such as 5150MHz-5350MHz or 5725MHz-5850MHz, and the minimum channel (or carrier) bandwidth is 20MHz, and the channel bandwidth of 40 / 60 / 80 / 100 / 160 / 320MHz specifications is supported upwards, which is composed of a plurality of 20MHz bandwidths in an aggregated manner. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of subcarrier planning of a 20MHz bandwidth. As shown in FIG. 2, the channel of the 20MHz working bandwidth is composed of 39 consecutive subcarriers, and the subcarrier interval is 480KHz. The 39 subcarriers are sequentially numbered as 0, 1, …, 38 in the order of corresponding frequencies from low to high, wherein the subcarrier 19 (i.e., the 20th subcarrier) is a direct current subcarrier and does not carry information. In a 20MHz bandwidth channel, part of the lowest frequency and the highest frequency are reserved as left and right guard intervals, respectively. For example, the parameter format of the 20MHz bandwidth can be referred to Table 1.

[0051] Table 1

[0052] In the above Table 1, the DFT point number can be understood as the number of sampling points used in DFT processing or the size of the filter in DFT processing. The DFT point number can also be replaced by the inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT) point number, or the IDFT size, or the DFT size. The sampling frequency is equal to the product of the DFT point number and the subcarrier interval. The symbol period is determined according to the subcarrier interval. The sampling interval, the short guard interval and the long short guard interval are determined according to the sampling frequency. The specific meanings of the various parameters shown in Table 1 can refer to the existing communication standards, and will not be described here.

[0053] 2, Time domain resource unit

[0054] The time domain resource unit involved in the embodiments of the present application can include a superframe, a radio frame, and a symbol. The superframe is a time unit composed of a plurality of radio frames, the radio frame is a smaller time unit than the superframe, and the symbol is a smaller time unit than the radio frame.

[0055] For superframe and radio frame: The starlink communication technology adopts time division duplex (TDD) mode. Specifically, the starlink communication technology (such as the SLB access technology) adopts a superframe to realize communication between the G node and the T node. The superframe can contain 48 radio frames, and each radio frame includes 10 symbols, which can be orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols or discrete fourier transformation-spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols. The DFT-s-OFDM symbol can be understood as a special OFDM symbol. In addition, the starlink communication system also supports a half superframe containing 24 radio frames. In the parameters of the low frequency band, the duration of each symbol (i.e., the symbol period) is about 2.0833 microseconds (μs), the duration of each radio frame is about 20.833 μs, and the duration of each superframe is about 1 millisecond (ms).

[0056] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a possible superframe. As shown in FIG. 3, the superframe includes radio frame 0 to radio frame 47. For example, radio frame 0 includes 4 G symbols, 3 T symbols, 2 GAP symbols, and 1 SG symbol in the 10 OFDM symbols; radio frame 47 includes 4 G symbols, 3 T symbols, 2 GAP symbols, and 1 ST symbol in the 10 OFDM symbols. Among them, the G symbol represents a symbol in which the G node sends (G link) information to the T node, the T symbol represents a symbol in which the T node sends (T link) information to the G node, the SG / ST respectively represents a symbol resource that can be used for overhead symbols in the G / T symbol, the overhead symbol resource of each radio frame can be flexibly configured as 0, 1 or 2 symbols, and the GAP is the switching interval of the G symbol and the T symbol.

[0057] 3. Channel contention mechanism

[0058] Channel contention refers to the process in which multiple communication devices compete for a channel during network transmission. However, in the case of a large number of communication devices or high communication concurrency of communication devices, the degree of channel contention can be very intense, thereby affecting the communication quality and causing data delay, packet loss, and other phenomena. Channel contention parameters are used to control the channel contention ability of each terminal device, such as the enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters in a wireless communication network based on the 802.11 protocol. Channel contention parameters with appropriate parameter values can optimize the channel contention ability of terminal devices, so that the degree of contention conflict meets the requirements.

[0059] When a communication device operating in an unlicensed frequency band adopts a star flash communication technology (such as an SLB access technology), the communication device adopting the star flash communication technology can face problems of multi-domain coexistence (such as multiple G nodes operating in the same channel or the same area), multi-system coexistence (such as a communication device adopting the star flash communication technology and a communication device adopting a WiFi technology sharing the same channel, or a communication device adopting the star flash communication technology and a communication device adopting the WiFi technology being located in the same area). Based on the regulatory requirements of a country in a related frequency band (such as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), communication devices of different domains or different systems need to compete for a channel to achieve communication. Therefore, a certain communication device adopting the star flash communication technology needs to compete for a channel with other communication devices operating in the same channel (or the same area) to achieve its own communication, or needs to compete for a channel with a communication device operating in the unlicensed frequency band and adopting other system technologies (such as a WiFi technology) to achieve its own communication.

[0060] The requirements of the channel competition mechanism include:

[0061] a. Before occupying a channel each time, a clear channel assessment (CCA) needs to be performed, such as an assessment duration of no less than 16 microseconds (us) or 25 us according to a frequency band and a device type.

[0062] b. After occupying a channel for a period of time, the channel needs to be released first, and then re-occupied.

[0063] 4. Channel occupation time (COT)

[0064] The time for a communication device to occupy a channel for data transmission within a continuous period of time after successfully competing for the channel.

[0065] 5. Device state of a communication device

[0066] For a communication device participating in channel competition, the device state includes an idle state, a channel competition state, and a communication state. Among them:

[0067] Idle state: In the idle state, the superframe of the SLB system does not send any signal. For example, in a channel competition period, if a communication device determines that a channel is in an idle state, no signal indicating occupation of the channel is sent on all time domain resource units in the channel competition period.

[0068] Channel competition state: When the SLB system needs to send a signal, the channel needs to be competed for, and then the channel competition state is entered. For example, in a channel competition period, before a communication device sends a signal (such as a preamble message) occupying a channel, the communication device needs to compete for the channel first, and then the communication device enters the channel competition state.

[0069] Communication state: when the SLB system competes for the channel, the communication state is entered, and data is transmitted based on the superframe of the SLB system. For example, in the channel competition period, after the communication device successfully competes for the channel, normal communication is performed, and the communication device can perform data transmission within the COT.

[0070] 6. Communication domain

[0071] In a star flash communication system (such as an SLB system), a communication domain is composed of one management node (G node) and one or more terminal nodes (T node). The G node can occupy a specific group of subcarriers within a period of time, complete the interaction of control messages and data through the communication link established with the T node, and thus complete a specific communication function. From the perspective of air interface resources, a communication domain includes a G node and at least one T node, as well as a specific group of frequency domain resources and a specific period of time domain resources. In a specific application scenario, a single G node manages a certain number of T nodes, and the G node and the T nodes are connected to jointly complete a specific communication function.

[0072] To facilitate understanding of the communication scheme provided in the embodiments of the present application, first, the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is described in detail with reference to the network architecture shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the network architecture can include a plurality of communication devices (such as a first communication device and a second communication device), the first communication device and the second communication device are both configured with the communication protocol architecture shown in FIG. 1, and can communicate with each other based on the communication protocol architecture using star flash communication technology.

[0073] The communication device (such as the first communication device and the second communication device) in the embodiments of the present application can be a device in various fields. For example, a large screen device in the smart home field, an AI sound box, a HiFi sound box, a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor, etc.; or a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, an AR / VR device, a notebook computer, an UMPC, a netbook or a PDA in the smart terminal field, etc.; or a mechanical arm, a camera, a joystick, a monitor, a logistics vehicle or a smart shelf in the smart manufacturing field, etc.; or a vehicle-mounted device or other devices in the smart car field, etc. The specific type of the communication device is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0074] Exemplarily, the first communication device is a G-node, and the second communication device is a T-node; or, the second communication device is a G-node, and the first communication device is a T-node. In a possible implementation, the roles of the communication devices can be determined according to input and output conditions of the communication devices, which include whether the communication device supports inputting information through a mouse, a keyboard, a screen or the like, whether the communication device supports outputting information through a screen or a loudspeaker or the like, and the like. For example, for a device such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer that is convenient for a user to input information, the role of the device is usually a T-node, and the device is by default a T-node in the SLB connection process. For a device such as a large-screen device or a smart speaker that is not convenient for a user to input information, the role of the device is usually a G-node, and the device is by default a G-node in the SLB connection process.

[0075] It can be understood that the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is applicable to communication between a G-node and a T-node, and can also be applicable to communication between a G-node and a G-node, or communication between a T-node and a T-node, which is not limited in particular.

[0076] The network architecture and the service scenario described in the embodiments of the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. It can be known by those skilled in the art that, with the evolution of network architecture and the appearance of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0077] Although the embodiments of the present application mainly take deployment of a star flash communication network as an example, and take an SLB communication network as an example for illustration, it can be easily understood by those skilled in the art that various aspects involved in the embodiments of the present application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, for example, a high performance radio local area network (HIPERLAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN) or other now known or later developed networks. Therefore, regardless of the coverage range and wireless access protocol used, various aspects provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applicable to any suitable wireless network.

[0078] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to various communication systems or networks, for example: a WLAN communication system, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE TDD system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) system, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) system or a new radio (NR) system, a future communication system, an internet of things (IoT) network or a vehicle to x (V2X) network, and the like. The above communication systems to which the present application is applicable are merely illustrative, and the communication systems to which the present application is applicable are not limited thereto. In this case, the following will not be repeated.

[0079] The present application supports IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT protocol, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, IEEE Integrated mmWave / Integrated millimeter wave / IMMW protocol, IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing / sensing protocol; the present application can also support star flash / spark link / nearlink standard protocol.

[0080] At present, when the nodes in the SLB system work in the unlicensed frequency band, the G nodes using star flash communication technology occupy the channel by competition, and after the G nodes compete for the channel, they can enter the communication state and transmit data in the communication state. However, when the node is in the communication state, if other nodes use the channel occupied by the node, the communication of the node is interfered, resulting in the decline of communication quality.

[0081] Based on this, the present application provides a communication method for providing a scheme for a G node to perform channel state detection on a communication channel within a COT. The G node can adjust the COT duration based on the channel state detection result, thereby reducing the communication interference in the process of data transmission with T nodes within the COT and improving the communication quality.

[0082] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method is applicable to the network architecture shown in Figure 4. In the following description, a first node is used as the execution entity, where the first node can correspond to the first or second communication device in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the device used to implement the function of the first node can be the first node itself, a module or unit applicable to the first node, or a device (e.g., a chip system) that supports the first node in implementing this function. The following description uses the first node as an example. When the device used to implement the function of the first node is a module or unit applicable to the first node, or a device that supports the first node in implementing this function, receiving / transmitting can be understood as input / output, that is, the device communicates with other modules, units, or components of the first node.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

[0084] Step 500: The first node performs channel state detection on at least one first time domain resource in the first COT for the occupied communication channel.

[0085] Wherein, the first COT is the time the first node occupies the communication channel. Optionally, the first COT can be the time the first node is in the communication state after switching from the contention channel state to the communication state; for example, the first node can send the first information within the first COT after switching to the communication state. Alternatively, the first COT can include part or all of the time from when the first node wins the communication channel to when it switches to the communication state, and the time the first node is in the communication state after switching from the contention channel state to the communication state; for example, the first node can send the first information after winning the channel but before switching to the communication state, for example, the time when the first node sends the first information can be the start time of the first COT.

[0086] In this embodiment of the application, the first node can transmit data with the second node within the first COT that occupies the communication channel, wherein the second node is a node connected to the first node, and the number of second nodes can be one or more.

[0087] Within the first COT of the first node, during data transmission between the first node and the connected second node, other nodes may compete for the communication channel currently occupied by the first node, thereby causing interference to the communication channel occupied by the first node. In this embodiment, the first node performs channel state detection on the occupied communication channel on at least one first time domain resource in the first COT to determine whether the communication channel is being interfered with.

[0088] In the first COT, the first node can occupy at least one communication channel. Optionally, the first node can perform channel state detection on one or more of the occupied at least one communication channel on at least one time domain resource in the first COT.

[0089] The at least one first time domain resource in the first COT is described in detail below.

[0090] In an embodiment of the present application, the first COT can include one or more first time domain resources. Each first time domain resource can be a continuous time domain resource, or each first time domain resource can be a plurality of discrete time domain resources.

[0091] Optionally, each first time domain resource is part of a time domain resource unit in the first COT.

[0092] For example, the time domain resource unit in an embodiment of the present application can be a superframe, a radio frame, a frame, a subframe, a transmission time interval (TTI), etc.

[0093] In an embodiment of the present application, each first time domain resource is part of a time domain resource unit in the first COT, and other resources in the time domain resource unit in the first COT can be used for communication, for example, other resources in a time domain resource unit can be used for data transmission between the first node and the second node.

[0094] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first node determines M first time domain resources in the first COT, the first node determines M time domain resource units in the first COT, where M is a positive integer. Each first time domain resource corresponds to a time domain resource unit, and each first time domain resource is part of the corresponding time domain resource unit.

[0095] For example, the M time domain resource units can be equally spaced in the time domain, or can be understood as being equally spaced or periodically distributed in the time domain. For example, when the first node determines the M time domain resource units, the first node can determine the M time domain resource units according to the sequence numbers of the time domain resource units in the first COT and X modulo, where the sequence number corresponding to the remainder 0 is the time domain resource unit belonging to the M time domain resource units, and X is the interval of the M time domain resource units in the time domain, or X is the period of the M time domain resource units in the time domain; for example, the value of X can be 2 or 3 or 4, etc.

[0096] For another example, the M time domain resource units can be randomly selected from a plurality of time domain resource units included in the first COT.

[0097] Optionally, each first time domain resource is part or all of the second time domain resource in the corresponding time domain resource unit, where the second time domain resource is a resource for uplink transmission.

[0098] In the embodiments of the present application, each time domain resource unit includes a second time domain resource, and the second time domain resource is a resource for uplink transmission in the time domain resource unit. For example, the second time domain resource can be a resource for the second node to send uplink data to the first node in the time domain resource unit. As shown in the schematic diagram of the first time domain resource unit in FIG. 8, two first time domain resources are included in the first COT, and each first time domain resource is part of the second time domain resource in the time domain resource unit. For example, when the time domain resource unit is a superframe, the second time domain resource can be Y radio frames in the superframe, and the Y radio frames are radio frames for uplink transmission. The Y radio frames can be continuous Y radio frames, or the Y radio frames can be discrete Y radio frames. Each first time domain resource is part or all of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol in the Y radio frames, where Y is a positive integer.

[0099] As a possible implementation, when the first COT includes multiple first time domain resources, the multiple first time domain resources can be equally spaced, or the multiple first time domain resources are equally spaced in the time domain.

[0100] When each first time domain resource is a continuous time domain resource, the interval between two adjacent first time domain resources can be T. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the time interval between the resource start positions of two adjacent first time domain resources is T. When each first time domain resource is multiple discrete time domain resources, the interval between the first time domain resource in two adjacent first time domain resources can be T. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the time interval between the resource start positions of the first time domain resource in two adjacent first time domain resources is T.

[0101] In the embodiments of the present application, when the first node determines the at least one first time domain resource, the first node can determine the at least one first time domain resource from the time domain resources other than the first N time domain resource units in the first COT.

[0102] Optionally, the first time domain resource is a time domain resource in the third time domain resource, and the third time domain resource is a time domain resource other than the first N time domain resource units in the first COT, and N is a positive integer.

[0103] In implementation, the first node needs to complete the data transmission not completed in the last occupied COT on the first N time domain resource units in the first COT, and therefore, the first node cannot perform detection on the first N time domain resource units. Based on this, the first node determines the first time domain resource from the third time domain resource excluding the first N time domain resource units in the first COT.

[0104] For example, the value of N can be 2.

[0105] As shown in Table 2, the data scheduling in the uplink direction is taken as an example of a time resource unit as a superframe. For example, the first node competes for a channel and successfully occupies the channel, and the channel occupation time is denoted as COT#1, the duration of the COT#1 includes 11 superframes, and the numbers of the 11 superframes are superframe#0 to superframe#10. At physical time#0 (superframe#0), the first node configures DCI#1. At physical time#1, the first node configures DCI#2 and sends DCI#1 on the air interface, the DCI#1 is used to schedule DATA#1, that is, to schedule the time-frequency resource position and other information of DATA#1, and the DCI#1 is carried in superframe#1. At physical time#2, the first node configures DCI#3, sends DCI#2 on the air interface, and receives DATA#1 sent by the second node, the DCI#2 is used to schedule DATA#2, that is, to schedule the time-frequency resource position and other information of DATA#2. At physical time#3, the first node configures DCI#4, sends DCI#3 on the air interface, and receives DATA#2 sent by the second node, the DCI#3 is used to schedule DATA#3, that is, to schedule the time-frequency resource position and other information of DATA#3. In this way, at physical time#9, the first node configures DCI#10, sends DCI#9 on the air interface, and receives DATA#8 sent by the second node, the DCI#9 is used to schedule DATA#9, that is, to schedule the time-frequency resource position and other information of DATA#9, and the DCI#9 is carried in superframe#9. At physical time#10, the first node configures DCI#11, sends DCI#10 on the air interface, and receives DATA#9 sent by the second node, the DCI#10 is used to schedule DATA#10, that is, to schedule the time-frequency resource position and other information of DATA#10, and the DCI#10 is carried in superframe#10.

[0106] The superframe #10 is the last superframe in the COT #1, and the first node releases the channel occupation after the COT #1 ends. If the first node still needs to perform data transmission and reception subsequently, the first node needs to re-contend for the channel, for example, the first node successfully occupies the channel, and the channel occupation time is denoted as COT #2, and the duration of the COT #2 includes 7 superframes, and the numbers of the 7 superframes are superframe #14 to superframe #20. Since the first node configures the DCI #11 at the physical time #9 (superframe #9) in the COT #1, the DCI #11 is used for scheduling the DATA #11, but the second node has not sent the DATA #11 in the COT #1; and the first node sends the DCI #10 on the air interface at the physical time #10 (superframe #10), the DCI #10 is used for scheduling the DATA #10, but the second node has not sent the DATA #10 in the COT #1. In the COT #2, at the physical time #14, the first node configures the DCI #12, sends the DCI #11 on the air interface, and receives the DATA #10 sent by the second node, the DCI #11 is used for scheduling the DATA #11, that is, scheduling the time-frequency resource position and the like of the DATA #11, and the DCI #11 is carried in the superframe #14. At the physical time #15, the first node configures the DCI #13, sends the DCI #12 on the air interface, and receives the DATA #11 sent by the second node, the DCI #12 is used for scheduling the DATA #12, that is, scheduling the time-frequency resource position and the like of the DATA #12. At the physical time #16, the first node configures the DCI #14, sends the DCI #13 on the air interface, and receives the DATA #12 sent by the second node, the DCI #13 is used for scheduling the DATA #13, that is, scheduling the time-frequency resource position and the like of the DATA #13, and so on. It can be seen from the above that in the first two superframes in the COT #2, the first node continues to receive the uplink data scheduled in the COT #1, for example, in the superframe 14, the first node receives the DATA #10 scheduled by the DCI #10, and in the superframe 15, the first node receives the DATA #11 scheduled by the DCI #11.

[0107] Based on the above introduction, and in combination with Table 2, it can be seen that the first node receives the uplink data transmission not completed in the last COT on the first two time domain resource units in the first COT, and therefore, the first node can determine the first time domain resource on the third time domain resource unit except the first two time domain resource units in the first COT.

[0108] Table 2

[0109] Step 501: The first node adjusts the duration of the first COT according to the detection result of the channel state.

[0110] The first node in the application performs channel state detection on the communication channel occupied by the first node on at least one first time domain resource in the first COT. The communication channel on which the channel state detection is performed can be one or more of the at least one communication channel occupied by the first node.

[0111] For each first time domain resource in the first COT, the first node performs channel state detection on the communication channel occupied by the first node on the first time domain resource, or the detection result of the channel state on the first time domain resource. Optionally, the detection result of the channel state can include a busy state and an idle state.

[0112] In the application, when the first node performs channel state detection on the communication channel on the first time domain resource, the first node can measure the channel interference energy of the communication channel. When the measured channel interference energy is greater than a set threshold, the first node can determine that the communication channel is in a busy state. When the measured channel interference energy is not greater than the set threshold, the first node can determine that the communication channel is in an idle state.

[0113] If the first node detects that the detection result of the channel state of the communication channel occupied by the first node on the first time domain resource is a busy state, the first node can determine that other nodes use the communication channel occupied by the first node. For example, when the first node is a node using star flash technology, the other nodes can be nodes using wireless fidelity (WiFi) technology for communication, or the other nodes can be nodes using Bluetooth technology for communication.

[0114] Correspondingly, when the first node determines that the detection result of the channel state is a busy state, the first node adjusts the duration of the first COT.

[0115] The first node in the application can adjust the duration of the first COT according to the following methods:

[0116] Method 1: If the detection result of the channel state is a busy state, and the number of time domain resource units included in the remaining duration of the first COT is greater than K, the first node adjusts the duration of the first COT.

[0117] In the implementation, the duration of the adjusted first COT is shorter than that before the adjustment. For example, the first node can adjust the duration of the first COT by reducing one or more time domain resource units in the first COT.

[0118] Optionally, if the first node performs channel state detection in the Pth time domain resource unit, the detection result of the channel state is busy, and the number of time domain resource units included in the remaining duration of the first COT is greater than K, then the P+Kth time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT, and P and K are positive integers.

[0119] The Pth time domain resource unit is the Pth time domain resource unit in the first COT.

[0120] Based on this mode, when the first node detects that the communication channel is in a busy state and the number of remaining time domain resource units in the current first COT is greater than K, the first node can end the first COT early after K time domain resource units and release the occupied communication channel.

[0121] For example, the value of K can be 2. If the first node detects that the communication channel is in a busy state in the Pth time domain resource unit and the number of remaining time domain resource units in the current first COT is greater than 2, then the first node determines that the P+2th time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT.

[0122] Based on the above mode of adjusting the duration of the first COT by the first node, when the first node detects that the communication channel is in a busy state, the first node does not immediately end the first COT, but ends the first COT after K time domain resource units; the K time domain resource units can be used for internal processing of the first node, such as channel state judgment, scheduling adjustment, etc., and can also be used to generate and send indication information related to the length change of the first COT.

[0123] Mode 2: If the detection result of the channel state is busy, the first node adjusts the duration of the first COT.

[0124] In implementation, when the first node detects that the communication channel is in a busy state, the first node can shorten the duration of the first COT. For example, the first node performs channel state detection in the Pth time domain resource unit, and the detection result of the channel state is busy, then the first node can reduce the remaining time domain resource units in the first COT. For example, the first node can determine that the P+1th time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT, or the first node determines that there are L time domain resource units remaining in the first COT, and the first node can determine that the P+L-1th time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT, where L is a positive integer.

[0125] In addition, if the first node detects that the channel state of the communication channel occupied by the first node is in an idle state on the first time domain resource, the first node can determine that no other node uses the communication channel occupied by the first node. For example, when the first node is a node using the star flash technology, the other node can be a node using the wifi technology to communicate, or the other node can be a node using the Bluetooth technology to communicate.

[0126] Correspondingly, when the first node determines that the detection result of the channel state is in the idle state, the first node maintains the duration of the first COT.

[0127] After the first node adjusts the duration of the first COT, the first node can optionally send first information in the first COT, and the first information is used to indicate the last time domain resource unit of the first COT.

[0128] Based on this mode, after the first node adjusts the duration of the first COT, the first node can indicate the last time domain resource unit of the adjusted first COT to other nodes (for example, a T node connected to the first node or other G nodes), so that the other nodes determine the end time of the first COT. For example, after the T node connected to the first node determines the last time domain resource unit of the first COT of the first node according to the first information, the T node can no longer send uplink data to the first node after the last time domain resource unit of the first COT. Alternatively, after the other G nodes determine the last time domain resource unit of the first COT of the first node according to the first information, the other G nodes can determine the time when the first node releases the communication channel, so that the other G nodes can compete for the communication channel after the first COT of the first node ends when the other G nodes need to transmit data.

[0129] As a possible implementation manner, the first node sends the first information in the first time domain resource unit, and the first information is used to indicate that the first time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT. Optionally, the first time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit in the adjusted first COT.

[0130] Based on this, the first node sends the first information in the first time domain resource unit, which can indicate to other nodes that the first time domain resource unit currently sending the first information is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT. After the other nodes receive the first information, the other nodes can directly determine that the current time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit. For example, the other nodes can not analyze the first information, and can determine that the current time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit, thereby reducing the workload of the other nodes and reducing the power consumption of the other nodes.

[0131] FIG. 9 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of a communication apparatus involved in the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication apparatus 900 can include modules or units for implementing the above-mentioned method embodiments. In one possible design, the communication apparatus 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a communication unit 902. Optionally, the communication apparatus 900 can further include a storage unit 903 configured to store apparatus program codes and / or data.

[0132] The communication apparatus 900 can be the first node side apparatus in the above-mentioned embodiments, for example, a first node, a module (for example, a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the first node, or a logic node, a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first node.

[0133] For example, in one embodiment, the processing unit 901 is configured to perform channel state detection on an occupied communication channel on at least one first time domain resource in a first channel occupancy time (COT), where the first COT is a time period during which the first node occupies the communication channel.

[0134] According to the detection result of the channel state, the length of the first COT is adjusted. The communication unit 902 is configured to communicate with other nodes; for example, the communication unit 902 is configured to communicate with a second node connected to the first node.

[0135] In one possible implementation method, each of the first time domain resources is part of a time domain resource unit in the first COT.

[0136] In one possible implementation method, the first time domain resource is part of or all of a second time domain resource in a corresponding time domain resource unit, and the second time domain resource is a resource for uplink transmission.

[0137] In one possible implementation method, the plurality of first time domain resources in the first COT are equally spaced in the time domain.

[0138] In one possible implementation method, the first time domain resource is a time domain resource in a third time domain resource, and the third time domain resource is a time domain resource in the first COT except for the first N time domain resource units, where N is a positive integer.

[0139] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit 901 is configured to:

[0140] If the detection result of the channel state is a busy state, the length of the first COT is shortened; or

[0141] If the channel state detection result is busy state in the Pth time domain resource unit, and the number of time domain resource units included in the remaining duration of the first COT is greater than K, then the P+Kth time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT, and P and K are positive integers; or

[0142] If the channel state detection result is idle state, and / or the number of time domain resource units included in the remaining duration of the first COT is not greater than K, then the duration of the first COT is maintained, and K is a positive integer.

[0143] In a possible implementation method, the communication unit 902 is configured to send first information in the first COT, and the first information is used to indicate the last time domain resource unit of the first COT.

[0144] In a possible implementation method, the communication unit 902 is configured to send the first information in the first time domain resource unit, and the first information is used to indicate that the first time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT.

[0145] It can be understood that the division of the units in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, one function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or part of the units can be integrated into one physical entity, or can be distributed in different physical entities. In addition, the above functional units can be realized in the form of hardware, or in the form of software, or in the form of hardware combined with software. Whether a certain function is executed in the form of hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical scheme. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0146] In one example, the functional units in any of the above apparatuses can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, for example: one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller Units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0147] In one example, the storage unit 903 can include random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, and / or registers, etc.

[0148] FIG. 10 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of a communication apparatus involved in the embodiments of the present application. The communication apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. 10 includes a processor 1010 and an interface circuit 1020. The processor 1010 and the interface circuit 1020 are coupled to each other. It can be understood that the interface circuit 1020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication apparatus 1000 can further include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1010 or storing input data required by the processor 1010 to run instructions or storing data generated after the processor 1010 runs instructions.

[0149] When the communication apparatus 1000 is used to implement the above method embodiments, the processor 1010 is configured to implement the functions of the above processing unit 901, and the interface circuit 1020 is configured to implement the functions of the above communication unit 902.

[0150] It can be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be a CPU, and can also be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0151] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in the first node. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the first node.

[0152] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions for implementing the method executed by the first node in the above method embodiments.

[0153] For example, the computer program or instructions are executed by a computer, so that the computer can implement the method executed by the first node in the above method embodiments.

[0154] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product containing a computer program or instructions, which are executed by a computer to make the computer implement the method executed by the first node in the above method embodiments.

[0155] The embodiments of the present application also provide a communication system, which includes the first node in the above embodiments and the second node in the above embodiments.

[0156] The embodiments of the present application also provide a chip device, which includes a processor, and is used for invoking computer degrees or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method provided in any of the embodiments shown in FIG. 5.

[0157] In a possible implementation manner, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any of the embodiments shown in FIG. 5, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any of the embodiments shown in FIG. 5.

[0158] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory through an interface.

[0159] Optionally, the chip device further includes a memory, and the memory stores computer programs or instructions.

[0160] The processor mentioned in any of the above can be a general central processing unit, a microprocessor, an ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the method provided in any of the embodiments shown in Fig. 5. The memory mentioned in any of the above can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), and the like.

[0161] In the embodiments described above, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. The computer program refers to a set of instructions for instructing an electronic computer or other devices with message processing capabilities to perform each step. The computer program is usually written in a certain programming language and runs on a certain target architecture. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on the computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable devices. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transferred from one computer readable storage medium to another, for example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired or wireless means. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center and the like integrated with one or more available media. The available media can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disc; and a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state disk. The computer readable storage medium can be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or can include both volatile and non-volatile storage media.

[0162] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can be in the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can be in the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer readable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer usable program code.

[0163] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0164] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer- readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0165] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0166] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present application are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the application can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first node, and the method comprises: performing channel state detection on an occupied communication channel on at least one first time domain resource in a first channel occupancy time (COT); the first COT is a time during which the first node occupies the communication channel; adjusting a length of the first COT according to a detection result of the channel state.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Each of the first time domain resources is part of a time domain resource unit in the first COT.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first time domain resources are part of or all of a second time domain resource in a corresponding time domain resource unit, and the second time domain resource is a resource for uplink transmission.

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first time domain resources in the first COT are equally spaced in the time domain.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first time domain resources are time domain resources in a third time domain resource, and the third time domain resource is a time domain resource other than the first N time domain resource units in the first COT, where N is a positive integer.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The adjusting of the length of the first COT according to the detection result of the channel state comprises: shortening the length of the first COT if the detection result of the channel state is a busy state; or if channel state detection is performed in a Pth time domain resource unit, the detection result of the channel state is a busy state, and the number of time domain resource units included in the remaining length of the first COT is greater than K, then a P+Kth time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT, where P and K are positive integers; or maintaining the length of the first COT if the detection result of the channel state is an idle state and / or the number of time domain resource units included in the remaining length of the first COT is not greater than K, where K is a positive integer.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending first information in the first COT, the first information being used to indicate the last time domain resource unit of the first COT.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The sending of the first information in the first COT comprises: sending the first information in a first time domain resource unit, the first information being used to indicate that the first time domain resource unit is the last time domain resource unit of the first COT.

9. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a processor and an interface circuit, the processor being configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit to implement the method of any one of claims 1-8.

10. A communications device, characterized by The computer program product comprises a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, implement the method of any one of claims 1-8.

11. A computer program product, characterised in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, implement the method of any one of claims 1-8.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, ​

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