Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and apparatus. In the method, by means of configuring a feedback resource in a resource block for transmission of first uplink data, after a network device successfully demodulates the first uplink data, a feedback result of successful demodulation can be fed back in time, such that a terminal device promptly stops repeated transmission of the first uplink data, thereby saving on energy consumption of the terminal device, and promptly avoiding the problem of low transmission efficiency caused by excessively long repeated uplink transmission time when channel quality becomes better in a long-time repeated uplink transmission process.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411182314.8, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 26, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is a technology protocol proposed for data communication transmission in the Internet of Things (IoT). It is currently the most mature and best suited communication protocol for IoT. In NB-IoT, for situations at the cell edge or with poor coverage, terminal devices achieve coverage enhancement through repeated transmissions during uplink. However, repeated transmissions significantly increase uplink transmission time, leading to reduced transmission efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, improving uplink transmission efficiency is an urgent problem to be solved in NB-IoT scenarios where cell edges or coverage are poor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve uplink transmission efficiency in NB-IoT scenarios where cell edges or poor coverage are present.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device. Unless otherwise specified, the term "terminal device" in this application can refer to the transmitting end itself, or a component in the terminal device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0007] The method includes: transmitting first uplink data on a first resource block, the first resource block belonging to M resource blocks used for repeatedly transmitting the first uplink data, the M resource blocks being associated with N feedback resources, the N feedback resources being used to monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data, the i-th feedback resource being located in the time domain between the j-th and (j+1)-th resource blocks, and the first resource block being located in the time domain before the i-th feedback resource, where 1≤i≤N, 1≤j≤M, or 0≤i<N, 0≤j<M, and N and M are positive integers. Receiving first information on the i-th feedback resource, the first information indicating that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated. Based on the first information, determining that the first uplink data will not be transmitted on the (j+1)-th resource block.

[0008] In the above technical solution, by configuring feedback resources in the resource block of uplink data transmission, the network device can promptly provide feedback on the successful demodulation of the first uplink data after successful demodulation. For the terminal device, compared to the scheme of repeatedly transmitting the first uplink data across M time-domain resources, the transmission of the first uplink data can be terminated earlier, saving energy consumption. Furthermore, this can promptly avoid the problem of low transmission efficiency caused by excessively long uplink transmission times when channel quality improves during prolonged repeated uplink transmissions.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, N is less than or equal to M.

[0010] In some implementations, if N equals M, a resource block is configured with a feedback resource.

[0011] In this way, a feedback resource is configured after each resource block that transmits uplink data, so that the feedback result is sent to the terminal device more promptly after the network device successfully demodulates the first uplink data.

[0012] In some implementations, if N is less than M, the first B resource blocks are configured consecutively in the time domain, and a feedback resource is configured for each resource block starting from the Bth resource block, where B is a positive integer less than M.

[0013] In some implementations, if N is less than M, a feedback resource is configured for every C resource blocks in the time domain, where C is a positive integer not equal to 1.

[0014] In this way, the resource blocks before the first B resource blocks are used to repeatedly transmit the first uplink data, and the feedback resources are configured after the B resource blocks, which can more reasonably provide feedback on the demodulation results of the first uplink data.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining second information, the second information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the start time of the i-th feedback resource in the time domain; the time interval between the i-th feedback resource and the (i+1)-th feedback resource in the time domain; and the size of the time unit corresponding to the i-th feedback resource in the time domain.

[0016] In this way, the terminal device obtains the second information used to indicate the N feedback resources, so that the terminal device can obtain the demodulation result of the network device on the first uplink data in a timely manner from the N feedback resources, and stop the transmission of the first uplink data in a timely manner, thereby improving the transmission efficiency.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending capability information, the capability information being used to indicate at least one of the following capabilities: whether the terminal device supports the capability to monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data during repeated transmission of the first uplink data; and the capability of the terminal device not to transmit the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block after receiving the first information.

[0018] In this way, when the terminal device reports its own capability information to the network device, the network device can promptly receive the first uplink data and send the first information by configuring the data transmission mode of the feedback resource in the uplink data transmission resource block, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the capability information, the method further includes: activating the capability indicated by the capability information when a first condition is met. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the reference signal received power of the terminal device is less than a first threshold; the number of transmissions of the first uplink data is greater than a second threshold; the index value of the modulation and coding strategy configured for the terminal device is less than a third threshold; the resource level corresponding to the M resource blocks is the sub-physical resource block level; and the scheduling mode corresponding to the M resource blocks is multi-slot.

[0020] In this way, when the distance between the terminal device and the network device is far, the terminal device's capabilities can be activated in a timely manner. This allows the terminal device to promptly send the first uplink data and receive the first information by using the data transmission mode configured in the uplink data transmission resource block to send the first uplink data and receive the first information, thereby improving uplink transmission efficiency.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining third information, which is used to indicate M resource blocks in the time domain.

[0022] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "network device" in this application can refer to the transmitting end itself, or a component in the network device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0023] The method includes: receiving first uplink data on a first resource block, the first resource block belonging to M resource blocks used for repeatedly receiving the first uplink data, the M resource blocks being associated with N feedback resources, the N feedback resources being used to provide feedback on the demodulation result of the first uplink data, the i-th feedback resource being located in the time domain between the j-th and (j+1)-th resource blocks, and the first resource block being located in the time domain before the i-th feedback resource, where 1≤i≤N, 1≤j≤M, or 0≤i<N, 0≤j<M, and N and M are positive integers. Sending first information on the i-th feedback resource, the first information indicating that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated.

[0024] In the above technical solution, by configuring feedback resources in the resource block of uplink data transmission, the network device can promptly provide feedback on the successful demodulation of the first uplink data after successful demodulation. This can effectively avoid the problem of low transmission efficiency caused by excessively long uplink transmission times when the channel quality improves during prolonged repeated uplink transmissions.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, N is less than or equal to M.

[0026] In some implementations, if N equals M, each resource block is configured with a feedback resource.

[0027] In this way, a feedback resource is configured after each resource block that transmits uplink data, so that the feedback result is sent to the terminal device more promptly after the network device successfully demodulates the first uplink data.

[0028] In some implementations, if N is less than M, the first B resource blocks are configured consecutively in the time domain, and a feedback resource is configured for each resource block starting from the Bth resource block, where B is a positive integer less than M.

[0029] In some implementations, if N is less than M, a feedback resource is configured for every C resource blocks in the time domain, where C is a positive integer not equal to 1.

[0030] In this way, by repeatedly transmitting the first uplink data before the first B resource blocks and then configuring feedback resources after the B resource blocks, the demodulation results of the first uplink data can be fed back more reasonably.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, before receiving the first uplink data, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the start time of the i-th feedback resource in the time domain; the time interval between the i-th feedback resource and the (i+1)-th feedback resource in the time domain; and the size of the time unit corresponding to the i-th feedback resource in the time domain.

[0032] In this way, the network device can configure the terminal device with second information to indicate N feedback resources. This helps the terminal device to obtain the demodulation result of the first uplink data from the network device in a timely manner at the N feedback resources and stop the transmission of the first uplink data in a timely manner, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, before sending the second information, the method further includes: receiving capability information, the capability information being used to indicate at least one of the following capabilities: whether the terminal device supports the capability to monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data during repeated transmission of the first uplink data; and the capability of the terminal device not to transmit the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block after receiving the first information.

[0034] In this way, when network devices obtain the capability information of terminal devices, they can promptly receive the first uplink data and send the first information by configuring the data transmission mode of the feedback resource in the resource block of uplink data transmission, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending third information, which is used to indicate M resource blocks in the time domain.

[0036] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which has the functions of the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect above. The modules, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0037] For example, the communication device may be a terminal device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the terminal device that corresponds to each of the methods, operations, steps, or actions described in the first aspect above, or a device that can be matched with the terminal device.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver unit (or communication module) and a processing unit.

[0039] For example, the transceiver unit is configured to transmit first uplink data on a first resource block, the first resource block belonging to M resource blocks used for repeated transmission of the first data, the M resource blocks being associated with N feedback resources, the N feedback resources being used to monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data, the i-th feedback resource being located in the time domain between the j-th and (j+1)-th resource blocks, and the first resource block being located in the time domain before the i-th feedback resource, where 1≤i≤N, 1≤j≤M, or 0≤i<N, 0≤j<M, and N and M are positive integers. The transceiver unit is configured to receive first information on the i-th feedback resource, the first information being used to indicate that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated. The processing unit is configured to determine, based on the first information, not to transmit the first uplink data on the (j+1)-th resource block.

[0040] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, N is less than or equal to M.

[0041] In some implementations, if N equals M, each resource block is configured with a feedback resource.

[0042] In some implementations, if N is less than M, the first B resource blocks are configured consecutively in the time domain, and a feedback resource is configured for each resource block starting from the Bth resource block, where B is a positive integer less than M.

[0043] In some implementations, if N is less than M, a feedback resource is configured for every C resource blocks in the time domain, where C is a positive integer not equal to 1.

[0044] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to acquire second information, which indicates at least one of the following: the start time of the i-th feedback resource in the time domain; the time interval between the i-th feedback resource and the (i+1)-th feedback resource in the time domain; and the size of the time unit corresponding to the i-th feedback resource in the time domain.

[0045] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send capability information, which indicates at least one of the following capabilities: whether the terminal device supports the capability to monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data during repeated transmission of the first uplink data; and the capability of the terminal device not to transmit the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block after receiving the first information.

[0046] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, before sending the capability information, the processing unit is further configured to activate the capability indicated by the capability information when a first condition is met. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the reference signal received power of the terminal device is less than a first threshold; the number of transmissions of the first uplink data is greater than a second threshold; the index value of the modulation and coding strategy configured for the terminal device is less than a third threshold; the resource level corresponding to the M resource blocks is the sub-physical resource block level; and the scheduling mode corresponding to the M resource blocks is multi-slot.

[0047] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to acquire third information, which is used to indicate M resource blocks in the time domain.

[0048] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the third aspect mentioned above can be referenced from the first aspect mentioned above and any possible implementation method therein, which will not be elaborated here.

[0049] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which has the functions of the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect above. The modules, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0050] For example, the communication device may be a network device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the network device that corresponds to each of the methods, operations, steps, or actions described in the second aspect above, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the network device.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver unit (or communication module).

[0052] For example, the transceiver unit is configured to receive first uplink data in a first resource block, the first resource block belonging to M resource blocks used for repeatedly receiving the first uplink data, the M resource blocks being associated with N feedback resources, the N feedback resources being used to provide feedback on the demodulation result of the first uplink data, the i-th feedback resource being located in the time domain between the j-th and (j+1)-th resource blocks, and the first resource block being located in the time domain before the i-th feedback resource, where 1≤i≤N, 1≤j≤M, or 0≤i<N, 0≤j<M, and N and M are positive integers. The transceiver unit is further configured to send first information on the i-th feedback resource, the first information being used to indicate that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated.

[0053] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, N is less than or equal to M.

[0054] In some implementations, if N equals M, each resource block is configured with a feedback resource.

[0055] In some implementations, if N is less than M, the first B resource blocks are configured consecutively in the time domain, and a feedback resource is configured for each resource block starting from the Bth resource block, where B is a positive integer less than M.

[0056] In some implementations, if N is less than M, a feedback resource is configured for every C resource blocks in the time domain, where C is a positive integer not equal to 1.

[0057] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, before receiving the first uplink data, the transceiver unit is further configured to send second information, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: the start time of the i-th feedback resource in the time domain; the time interval between the i-th feedback resource and the (i+1)-th feedback resource in the time domain; and the size of the time unit corresponding to the i-th feedback resource in the time domain.

[0058] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive capability information, which indicates at least one of the following capabilities: whether the terminal device supports the capability to monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data during repeated transmission of the first uplink data; and the capability of the terminal device not to transmit the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block after receiving the first information.

[0059] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send third information, which is used to indicate M resource blocks in the time domain.

[0060] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the fourth aspect mentioned above can be referenced from the second aspect mentioned above and any possible implementation method therein, and will not be elaborated here.

[0061] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the aforementioned terminal device or network device. The communication device includes a transceiver, a processor, and a memory. The processor controls the transceiver to transmit and receive signals, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor retrieves and runs the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects described above.

[0062] Optionally, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0063] Alternatively, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0064] Optionally, the communication device may also include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0065] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores part or all of the necessary computer program or instructions for implementing the functions involved in any of the first to second aspects described above. The one or more processors are capable of executing the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first to second aspects described above.

[0066] In one possible design, the communication device may also include interface circuitry, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components via the interface circuitry.

[0067] In one possible design, the communication device may also include a memory.

[0068] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, or a communication module in a terminal device, or a chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or a system-in-a-package (SIP) chip that includes a modem module.

[0069] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication functions, or a functional module in a network device capable of calling and executing programs.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a terminal device and / or a network device, wherein the terminal device is used to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect described above, and the network device is used to perform the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect described above.

[0071] For example, the terminal device may be the terminal device or network device itself, or a chip or circuit in the terminal device, or a functional module in the terminal device that can call and execute a program; or, the network device may be the receiving end itself, or a chip or circuit in the network device, or a central unit (CU) or distributed unit (DU) in the network device, or a functional module in the network device that can call and execute a program.

[0072] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code or instructions to cause the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect to be executed, for example, when a computer reads and executes the computer program code or instructions, causing the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect to be implemented.

[0073] A ninth aspect provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes computer program code or instructions that cause the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects to be implemented. For example, when a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects are implemented.

[0074] In a tenth aspect, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the method in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects to be implemented.

[0075] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of aspects five through ten above can be achieved by referring to any of the possible implementation methods of aspects one through two above, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0076] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an access network device applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the transmission methods of active and passive A-IoT;

[0080] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a physical layer signal generation process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an uplink scheduling process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 7 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a transmission resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another uplink scheduling process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of another chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0090] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are made:

[0091] (1) In this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0092] (2) In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "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, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0093] (3) In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., #1, #2, etc.) indicate distinctions made for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they are used to distinguish different information, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. Such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0094] (4) In this application, the descriptions such as “when…”, “under the circumstances of…” and “if” all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0095] (5) In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, implicit instruction, etc. When describing an instruction information as indicating A, it can be understood as the instruction information carrying A, carrying the identifier of A, carrying B which is associated with A, carrying the identifier of B which is associated with A, etc. In other words, if the receiving side of an instruction information can determine A based on the instruction information, it can be described as the instruction information indicating A, and the specific method of determination is not limited. When it is understood that the instruction information carries A, "instruction" can be replaced with "includes". In this case, expressions such as "send / receive instruction information, the instruction information indicates A" can be replaced with "send / receive A".

[0096] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0097] (6) In this application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as the 5G protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols applied in future communication systems. This application does not limit this term. "Predefined" can include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the implementation method.

[0098] (7) In this application, "communication" can also be described as "communication", "information transmission", "data processing", etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and "receiving". "Transmission" can be described as "output". In this application, "message", "information", "signal" or "information element (IE)" can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0099] "Sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device. 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 understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, "sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, "sending" or "receiving" can occur between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices via an air interface. "Sending" or "receiving" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0100] (8) In this application, the words “exemplary,” “for example,” etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an “example” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word “example” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding, relevant,” “corresponding,” and “associate” may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinctions are emphasized.

[0101] (9) In this application, the configuration can be signaling configuration or can be described as configuration signaling. For example, signaling configuration includes configuration using signaling sent by the base station, which can be radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI) messages, or system information blocks (SIBs). Optionally, the signaling configuration can also be configured to the terminal device by pre-configured signaling, or configured to the terminal device through pre-configuration. Here, pre-configuration means defining or configuring the values ​​of corresponding parameters in advance in the form of a protocol, and storing them in the terminal device when communicating with the terminal device. The pre-configured messages can be modified or updated when the terminal device is connected to the network.

[0102] First, let me introduce the communication system to which this application applies.

[0103] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication networks. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as inter-satellite communication and satellite communication.

[0104] As an example, a satellite communication system includes a satellite base station and terminal equipment. The satellite base station provides communication services to the terminal equipment. Satellite base stations can also communicate with each other. A satellite can act as a base station or as a terminal device. Here, "satellite" can refer to drones, hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit satellites, medium-Earth orbit satellites, high-Earth orbit satellites, etc. "Satellite" can also refer to non-terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial equipment.

[0105] As an example, V2X communication can include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0106] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The device can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses a device as an example for description.

[0107] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device can include various devices with wireless communication capabilities, which can be used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. The terminal device can be widely applied in various scenarios, such as: cellular communication, D2D, V2X, peer-to-peer, M2M, MTC, 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, etc. The terminal device can be a terminal in any of the above scenarios, such as an MTC terminal, an IoT terminal, etc. Terminal equipment can be user equipment (UE), terminal, fixed equipment, mobile station equipment or mobile equipment, subscriber unit, handheld device, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, cellular phone, smartphone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, wireless modem, handset, laptop computer, computer with wireless transceiver capability, smart book, vehicle, satellite, global positioning system (GPS) device, target tracking device, aircraft (e.g., drone, helicopter, multiple helicopters, four helicopters, or airplanes), ship, remote control device, smart home device, industrial equipment, transportation vehicle with wireless communication capability, communication module, or roadside unit with terminal function, all conforming to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard. The device may be a wireless communication unit (RSU), or a device built into the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip in the aforementioned device), or other processing devices connected to the wireless modem.

[0108] It should be understood that in certain scenarios, a UE can also be used as a base station. For example, a UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in scenarios such as V2X, D2D, or end-to-end.

[0109] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a terminal device, i.e., the terminal device, can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed in the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0110] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device or module with corresponding communication functions. The network device can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices; it can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitter point, master station, auxiliary station, motor slide retainer (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, a device that performs base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, or a device that performs base station functions in future communication systems. A base station 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.

[0111] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone 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. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0112] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, or DU, or devices including CU and DU, or devices with control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and DU nodes.

[0113] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0114] 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, a radio access network can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) architecture. In an O-RAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (open CU, O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (open DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open RU (open RU, O-RU). Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0115] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed within the network device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions. This embodiment only uses a network device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of a network device, and does not limit the solution of this embodiment.

[0116] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located.

[0117] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 can be a future or higher version of the wireless access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) wireless access network. One or more terminal 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) in the wireless access network 100. Network elements in the wireless communication system are connected through interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or air interfaces.

[0118] When network devices and terminal devices communicate, the network device can manage one or more cells, and a cell can include at least one terminal device. A cell can be understood as an area within the wireless signal coverage range of the network device.

[0119] Figure 1 is just 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.

[0120] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system applicable to an embodiment of this application. The ORAN system includes a core network, access network equipment, and UE. As an example, the ORAN system may also include other components besides those shown in Figure 2, and this application does not limit the specific components.

[0121] Access network equipment can communicate with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link. Access network equipment can also communicate with the UE via an air interface. Specifically, the BBU in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link. The RU in the access network equipment communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link; the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. A BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0122] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an access network device applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0123] Optionally, the access network equipment includes a CU. The CU is a logical node that carries the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU can connect to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, such as the E2 interface. The CU may have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and / or higher layers of the CU) connects to the DU (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer and lower layers of the DU) through interfaces, such as the F1 interface. Optionally, the F1 interface can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, defining the signaling procedures of F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0124] As an example, a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the control plane (PDCP-C) layer, which carries the RRC layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the user plane (PDCP-U) layer, which carries the SDAP layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples. In practical applications, the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For example, based on latency, functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0125] Optionally, the access network equipment includes a DU. As shown in Figure 3, the DU is a logical node carrying the RLC layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0126] Optionally, the access network equipment includes an RU. As shown in Figure 3, the RU is a logical node that carries lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU may be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes PHY processing functions such as fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0127] The DU and RU may or may not be co-located. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower-layer split CUS-plane (LLS-CUS) interface. The LLS-CUS may include a lower-layer split control (LLS-C) interface and a lower-layer split user (LLS-U) interface, respectively providing the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane). In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0128] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0129] Figures 1 to 3 above are illustrative examples, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0130] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained first.

[0131] 1. Symbol: Short for time-domain symbol, also known as OFDM symbol. It should be noted that time-domain symbols can also be combined with other multiple access methods, and this application does not limit this. For example, a time-domain symbol can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol or a discrete fourier transform-spread-of-dm (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol. The length of the time-domain symbol can vary depending on the subcarrier spacing.

[0132] It should be understood that symbols within a time slot may include three types: downlink symbols, uplink symbols, and flexible symbols. Uplink symbols can only be used for uplink transmission, and downlink symbols can only be used for downlink transmission. Flexible symbols do not have a definite transmission direction and can be used for either uplink or downlink transmission according to control signaling instructions. The symbols in a time slot can be all downlink symbols, all uplink symbols, all flexible symbols, or a mixture of several types of symbols.

[0133] 2. Time unit: The time unit can be a time slot, a symbol, a subframe, a half-frame, a frame, a mini-subframe, a mini-time slot, a transmission occasion (TO), or a nominal repetition, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0134] 3. Subband: A subband is a portion of the frequency band of a carrier, that is, one or more consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs) in the frequency domain. In the embodiments of this application, a subband can be understood as a frequency domain resource.

[0135] With the widespread adoption of MTC and IoT communication, an increasing number of IoT devices have been deployed in people's lives. Examples include smart water meters, shared bicycles, and devices for smart cities, environmental monitoring, smart homes, and forest fire prevention—all targeting sensing and data collection. In the future, IoT devices will be ubiquitous, potentially embedded in every piece of clothing, every package, and every key; almost all offline items will become online with the help of IoT technology. However, due to the wide distribution and large number of IoT devices, the process of achieving ubiquitous connectivity presents significant challenges to the industry, the most prominent being the power supply issue. Currently, IoT is still primarily driven by telecom operators, and IoT modules need to communicate with base stations using standard cellular protocols. Since base stations need to cover as large an area as possible, IoT modules need to be able to communicate even at great distances. This means that IoT devices still consume up to 30mA of current during wireless communication, requiring current IoT modules to use high-capacity batteries to operate. This also makes it difficult to miniaturize IoT modules, increasing the cost of IoT devices.

[0136] Furthermore, some low-power devices play a crucial role in IoT applications such as healthcare, smart homes, industrial sensors, and wearable devices. However, due to the limited size of these devices, extending their runtime is difficult to achieve simply by increasing battery capacity. Therefore, extending device battery life requires reducing the power consumption of wireless communication, with the radio transceiver being one of the most power-consuming components.

[0137] Therefore, in order to further popularize IoT and implant IoT modules into the human body or smaller objects, it is no longer possible to use high-capacity batteries. Instead, smaller batteries must be used or even the limitations of batteries must be eliminated completely. Alternatively, a method to reduce the power consumption of radio transceivers can be designed to overcome the limitations of cost, size, and power consumption of IoT devices.

[0138] In the 3GPP Release-18 standard discussions, low-power research became a focus for most companies. Regarding low-power research, 3GPP approved the study on low-power wake-up signal and receiver for NR. In 3GPP Release-19, Ambient IoT (A-IoT) was also a key research item (SI). Furthermore, A-IoT has been discussed at current 3GPP plenary meetings. A-IoT is a type of ultra-low-power IoT device, mainly divided into active and passive types based on whether it can actively generate or transmit carrier signals. Active A-IoT is an active tag or active terminal that can use the energy stored in its own energy storage module to transmit wireless communication signals. Passive A-IoT mainly relies on obtaining energy from external radio frequency signals and communicates through backscattered radio frequency signals, ultimately achieving ultra-low power or even zero power consumption.

[0139] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the transmission methods of active and passive A-IoT.

[0140] As shown in Figure 4(a), since the active A-IoT is an active tag or active terminal, the base station and the active A-IoT can directly perform downlink and uplink transmissions. As shown in Figure 4(b), the link between the UE and the passive A-IoT (also called a passive tag) is a passive link. The passive A-IoT itself cannot actively transmit radio frequency signals; the UE needs to first transmit an excitation or carrier signal, which carries downlink data. The passive tag modulates the carrier signal and transmits the signal to the UE or base station, which carries uplink data. This application does not limit the type of A-IoT; the passive type can also be called a passive tag, passive tag, battery-free terminal / device, battery-less terminal / device, backscatter terminal / device, passive IoT, etc., and the active type can also be called an active tag, active tag, etc. It should be understood that for passive A-IoT, the information to be transmitted can be modulated onto the carrier by a base station or other device and then fed back to the base station.

[0141] Currently, the 3GPP Rel-19 A-IoT system considers three types of UEs. Type 1 UEs have the following characteristics: they do not support uplink and downlink amplification, and uplink transmission is based on an externally provided carrier using backscattering. Type 2 UEs have one of the following characteristics: they support either uplink or downlink amplification, and uplink transmission is based on an externally provided carrier using backscattering. Type 3 UEs have one of the following characteristics: they support either uplink or downlink amplification, and uplink transmission is based on an internally generated carrier. The peak power consumption of Type 1 UEs can be around 1µW, Type 2 UEs can have peak power consumption <= several hundredµW (e.g., 100 / 200 / 500µW), and Type 3 UEs can have peak power consumption <= several hundredµW (e.g., 100 / 200 / 500µW). The maximum initial sampling clock deviation for Type 1 UEs can be 10^X1 ppm, where X1 can be 5, 4, 3, or 2. For Type 2 UEs, the maximum initial sampling clock deviation can be 10^X2 ppm, where X2 can be 5, 4, 3, or 2. For Type 3 UEs, the maximum initial sampling clock deviation can be 10^X3 ppm, where X3 can be 5, 4, 3, or 2. It should be understood that the maximum initial sampling clock deviation values ​​for Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 UEs are different.

[0142] For Rel-20 next-generation IoT, the focus is on active tagging, with terminals possessing the ability to actively transmit carriers. This application focuses on Rel-20 IoT terminals, also known as user terminals (UEs) or devices.

[0143] Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is a technology protocol proposed for data communication transmission in the Internet of Things (IoT). It is currently the most mature and suitable communication protocol for IoT. Generally, in a 5G NR system, when a UE needs to send uplink signals, it requests uplink transmission resources through a scheduling request (SR), for example, via the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or physical random access channel (PRACH). The base station configures the corresponding resources for the UE and selects a suitable modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for uplink signal transmission. This involves resource allocation, MCS, resource block (RB), and transport block size (TBS) scheduling or configuration. Resource allocation includes time-domain allocation and frequency-domain allocation. Time-domain allocation includes the base station instructing the UE to be in a specific time slot, and the start and end positions of the OFDM symbols scheduled within that time slot. Frequency domain allocation includes the base station determining the number of RBs and RB locations allocated to users based on the TBS and MCS; and determining the rank (RANK) and MCS for each selected user based on the scheduling input information. Different MCSs under different modulation schemes correspond to different channel coding efficiencies, where channel coding efficiency is abbreviated as code rate.

[0144] When the UE needs to send an uplink signal, the UE can generate the signal as shown in Figure 5.

[0145] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a physical layer signal generation process provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0146] Figure 5 shows the uplink physical layer signal generation module and its process. From left to right, the modules are: generating information bits (source bits), cyclic redundancy check (CRC), encoding (different encoding types, such as forward error correction (FEC) and line code), modulation, resource mapping, and signal generation. Specifically, for the encoding module, if N information bits {b0b1b2…b ... L-1 Based on the K-length CRC polynomial, the information bits after adding CRC check bits are: For example, when the information bit length L>24, after using CRC-16 to generate a check information of length 16 and filling it into the information bits, and then after encoding, the information length changes from (N+K) after CRC to 1 / R*(L+K), where R is the code rate, and the code rate = effective information length / encoded bit information length.

[0147] Taking NB-IoT as an example, for users at the edge of the cell or with poor coverage, terminal devices repeatedly transmit data uplink in order to enhance coverage.

[0148] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an uplink scheduling process provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, in narrowband transmission, the UE performs repeated uplink transmissions on the configured resources. The UE maps the encoded information onto the resources using the signal generation method shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, the encoded information is repeatedly mapped onto M blocks in the time domain and then transmitted uplink through the signal generation module. The encoded information can be repeated M times on the M blocks. Alternatively, the encoded information can be repeated A times on the M blocks, where A < M, and A and M are positive integers, meaning the size of the encoded information is greater than the size of the blocks. If the base station successfully demodulates after receiving the Bth block (B is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M), the base station needs to wait for the current uplink transmission to end and then send back an acknowledgment (ACK) signal in the corresponding downlink time unit. The base station cannot accurately feed back the channel state information (CSI) fed back by the UE for a long period of time, which reduces uplink transmission efficiency. Here, a block can be called a resource block.

[0149] To address the aforementioned problems, this application proposes a communication method and apparatus. These will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0150] The sensing method provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and can be applied to the systems shown in Figures 1 to 3 above. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to uplink or sidelink communication scenarios.

[0151] It should also be understood that the embodiments shown below do not impose any particular structural limitations on the execution subject of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. As long as communication can be performed according to the methods provided in the embodiments of this application by running the code or program that records the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be executed by a terminal device or a network device. Unless otherwise specified, the terminal device in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a chip system, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The network device in this application may refer to the network device itself, or a component of the network device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0152] Figure 7 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the method includes the following steps.

[0153] S701, the terminal device sends the first uplink data on the first resource block, and correspondingly, the network device receives the first uplink data on the first resource block.

[0154] The first resource block is one of the M resource blocks used for repeatedly transmitting the first uplink data. This can also be understood as the M resource blocks being used by the terminal device to repeatedly transmit the first uplink data. In other words, for the terminal device, the first resource block is one of the M resource blocks used for repeatedly sending the first uplink data; or, for the network device, the first resource block is one of the M resource blocks used for repeatedly receiving the first uplink data.

[0155] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of first resource blocks. If the resource size occupied by the first uplink data is greater than the resource size of one of the M resource blocks, the first resource block can be multiple of the M resource blocks. If the resource size occupied by the first uplink data is less than or equal to the resource size of one of the M resource blocks, the first resource block can be one of the M resource blocks. The following description uses the example of the first resource block being one of the M resource blocks.

[0156] Among them, M resource blocks are associated with N feedback resources. The N feedback resources are used to monitor the demodulation results of the first uplink data. The i-th feedback resource is located between the j-th resource block and the (j+1)-th resource block in the time domain, where 1≤i≤N, 1≤j≤M, or 0≤i<N, 0≤j<M, and N and M are positive integers.

[0157] It should also be understood that, in the frequency domain, the M resource blocks and N feedback resources can reside on the same frequency domain resources or on different frequency domain resources. This application does not impose such limitations. For example, in an NB-IoT scenario, in the frequency domain, the M resource blocks and N feedback resources can reside on the same frequency domain resources.

[0158] It should be understood that the i-th feedback resource represents one of the N feedback resources. Furthermore, this application does not limit the numbering method of the first feedback resource; for example, the first feedback resource can be called the 0th feedback resource or the 1st feedback resource.

[0159] The association of M resource blocks with N feedback resources can be understood as follows: after the terminal device is configured with M resource blocks, in the time domain, N feedback resources can be configured among the M resource blocks.

[0160] The phrase "the i-th feedback resource is located between the j-th and (j+1)-th resource blocks in the time domain" can also be understood as "the i-th feedback resource is located between two adjacent resource blocks out of the M resource blocks in the time domain." In other words, the i-th feedback resource is used to provide the demodulation result of the first uplink data carried on one of the resource blocks located before the i-th feedback resource and after the (i-1)-th feedback resource in the time domain. Specifically, the i-th feedback resource is used to provide the demodulation result of the first uplink data carried on the resource block located before the i-th feedback resource in the time domain.

[0161] It should also be understood that the first uplink data carried in M ​​resource blocks is the same uplink data, that is, the first uplink data carried in M ​​resource blocks is obtained by encoding the same information bits.

[0162] In one possible implementation, N is less than or equal to M.

[0163] In some implementations, if N equals M, a resource block is configured with a feedback resource in the time domain.

[0164] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a transmission resource provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that the description of the M resource blocks and N feedback resource blocks in Figure 8 is in the time domain dimension, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the positional relationship of the M resource blocks and N feedback resources in the frequency domain.

[0165] For example, taking the first resource block as block #1 and the first feedback resource as feedback resource #1, in the time domain, a feedback resource is configured after a resource block used to transmit the first uplink data. As shown in Figure 8(a), for example, the order of resource blocks and feedback resources in the time domain can be block #1, feedback resource #1, block #2, feedback resource #2, and so on, block #M, feedback resource #M.

[0166] For example, taking the first resource block as block #1 and the first feedback resource as feedback resource #1, in the time domain, a feedback resource is located in a portion of the time unit within a resource block used to transmit the first uplink data. As shown in Figure 8(b), the portion of the time unit in block #1 used to transmit the first uplink data is feedback resource #1, and so on, the portion of the time unit in block #M used to transmit the first uplink data is feedback resource #M.

[0167] In this way, a feedback resource is configured after each resource block transmitting uplink data, allowing the network device to send feedback results to the terminal device more promptly after successfully demodulating the first uplink data. Furthermore, if a feedback resource is located within a portion of a resource block used for uplink transmission, resources can be saved when the first uplink data occupies a relatively small portion of the resource block.

[0168] In some implementations, if N is less than M, the first B resource blocks are configured consecutively in the time domain, and a feedback resource is configured for each resource block starting from the Bth resource block, where B is a positive integer less than M.

[0169] For example, let's call the first resource block block #1 and the first feedback resource feedback resource #1. As shown in Figure 8(c), in the time domain, the first uplink data is repeatedly carried on the first B blocks. Feedback resource #1 is located after block #B. A feedback resource is configured after each block after block #B+b. Feedback resource #b+1 is configured after block #B+b, and so on, with feedback resource #N configured after block #M. 0 ≤ b ≤ N-1, where b is a positive integer.

[0170] For example, in the time domain, starting from the Bth resource block, a feedback resource is located in a portion of the time unit within a resource block used to transmit the first uplink data. As shown in Figure 8(d), the portion of the time unit in block #B used to transmit the first uplink data is feedback resource #1, the portion of the time unit in block #B+b used to transmit the first uplink data is feedback resource #b+1, and so on, with the portion of the time unit in block #M used to transmit the first uplink data being feedback resource #N. 0 ≤ b ≤ N-1, where b is a positive integer.

[0171] In this way, repeatedly transmitting the first uplink data before the first B resource blocks and then configuring feedback resources after the B resource blocks allows for a more efficient feedback of the demodulation results of the first uplink data. This conserves feedback resources as much as possible without affecting overall feedback performance, allowing more resources to be used for actual data transmission. Furthermore, if, starting from the B resource block, a feedback resource is located within a portion of the time unit of a resource block used for uplink transmission, further resource savings can be achieved when the first uplink data occupies a relatively small portion of the resource block.

[0172] In some implementations, if N is less than M, a feedback resource is configured for every C resource blocks in the time domain, where C is a positive integer not equal to 1.

[0173] In other words, if N is less than M, a feedback resource is configured at intervals of C resource blocks in the time domain. In other words, in the time domain, a feedback resource is configured at equal intervals across M resource blocks, where C is a positive integer not equal to 1.

[0174] For example, as shown in Figure 8(e), taking the first resource block as block #1, the first feedback resource as feedback resource #1, and C equal to 2, M = 2N as an example, the temporal order of resource blocks and feedback resources can be block #1, block #2, feedback resource #1, block #3, block #4, feedback resource #2, and so on, block #M-1, block #M, and feedback resource #N.

[0175] For example, in the time domain, if C is equal to 2 and M = 2N, as shown in Figure 8(f), the time units after transmitting the first uplink data in block #2 are feedback resources #1, the time units after transmitting the first uplink data in block #4 are feedback resources #2, and so on, the time units after transmitting the first uplink data in block #M are feedback resources #N.

[0176] In this way, compared to the example of configuring one feedback resource per resource block, the frequency of using feedback resources can be reduced, allowing for more efficient feedback of the demodulation results of the first uplink data. This conserves feedback resources as much as possible without affecting overall feedback performance, enabling more resources to be used for actual data transmission. Furthermore, since a feedback resource resides in a portion of a resource block used for uplink transmission, it can further conserve resources when the first uplink data occupies a smaller portion of the resource block.

[0177] S702, the network device sends first information on the i-th feedback resource, and the terminal device receives first information on the i-th feedback resource. The first information is used to indicate that the first uplink data has been successfully demodulated.

[0178] In some implementations, the network device sends a fourth message on the i-th feedback resource, and the terminal device receives the fourth message on the i-th feedback resource. The fourth message is used to indicate that the first uplink data was not successfully demodulated.

[0179] Optionally, if the network device fails to send the first or fourth information on the i-th feedback resource, and the terminal device fails to receive the first or fourth information on the i-th feedback resource, the terminal device determines that the uplink data has not been successfully demodulated.

[0180] As one possible implementation, downlink control information (DCI) includes first information or fourth information.

[0181] For example, the DCI format is a new format that includes a DCI format indicator bit and a corresponding feedback result bit. For instance, the feedback result bit is 1 bit. If the value of the 1 bit is 0, it indicates that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated, meaning that the 1 bit with a value of 0 can be interpreted as the first piece of information; if the value of the 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the first uplink data was not successfully demodulated, meaning that the 1 bit with a value of 1 can be interpreted as the fourth piece of information.

[0182] It should be understood that the specific value of the 1-bit feedback result is given as an example, and the specific meaning of the 1-bit feedback result is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0183] As one possible implementation, the first or fourth information is represented by a sequence.

[0184] For example, a specific sequence can be used to represent the first or fourth information. For instance, the first sequence "11111…111" indicates that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated, meaning the first sequence can be understood as the first information. Similarly, the second sequence "00000…000" indicates that the first uplink data was not successfully demodulated, meaning the second sequence can be understood as the fourth information.

[0185] It should be understood that the specific forms of the above sequences are merely illustrative examples, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific forms of the sequences.

[0186] Optionally, in S703, the terminal device determines, based on the first information, not to send the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block.

[0187] In some implementations, the terminal device determines, based on the first information, that it will no longer monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data.

[0188] In some implementations, the terminal device determines, based on the first information, not to send the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block, and sends the second uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block, wherein the second uplink data is obtained by encoding new information bits.

[0189] In other words, based on the first information, the terminal device determines that it will no longer monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data starting from the (i+1)th feedback resource. If the second uplink data is sent on the (j+1)th resource block, the terminal device will detect the demodulation result of the second uplink data on the (i+1)th feedback resource.

[0190] As an alternative step to S703, if the terminal device receives the fourth information, the terminal device continues to send the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block. Alternatively, if the terminal device does not receive either the first or fourth information, the terminal device continues to send the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block.

[0191] In the above technical solution, by configuring feedback resources in the resource block of uplink data transmission, the network device can promptly provide feedback on the successful demodulation of the first uplink data after successful demodulation. For the terminal device, compared to the scheme of repeatedly transmitting the first uplink data across M time-domain resources, the transmission of the first uplink data can be terminated earlier, saving energy consumption. Furthermore, this can promptly avoid the problem of low transmission efficiency caused by excessively long uplink transmission times when channel quality improves during prolonged repeated uplink transmissions.

[0192] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that the execution entities in Figure 9 are illustrated using terminal devices and network devices as examples. For a detailed description of the execution entities shown in Figure 9, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0193] S901, the terminal device sends first uplink data on the first resource block, and correspondingly, the network device receives the first uplink data on the first resource block. The first resource block belongs to M resource blocks used for repeated transmission of the first uplink data.

[0194] It should be understood that the relevant explanations of S901 can be found in S701, and will not be repeated here.

[0195] Optionally, prior to S901, the terminal device encodes information bits to obtain first uplink data and maps the first uplink data to a first resource block. The M resource blocks including the first resource block include N feedback resources; that is, the terminal device maps the first uplink data to the first resource block among the M resource blocks, but does not map the first uplink data to the feedback resources.

[0196] S902, the network device demodulates the first uplink data.

[0197] In some implementations, if the network device successfully demodulates the first uplink data on the first resource block out of M resource blocks, in step S903, a first message is sent on the i-th feedback resource, indicating that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated, and the i-th feedback resource is the feedback resource closest to the first resource block.

[0198] In some implementations, if the network device fails to demodulate the first uplink data on the first resource block out of M resource blocks, it sends a fourth message on the i-th feedback resource. The fourth message indicates that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated, and the i-th feedback resource is the feedback resource closest to the first resource block.

[0199] Optionally, in S904, the terminal device determines, based on the first information, not to send the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block.

[0200] Optionally, the terminal device sends the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block based on the fourth information.

[0201] Optionally, if the terminal device does not receive the first or fourth information in the i-th feedback resource, it sends the first uplink data in the j+1-th resource block.

[0202] It should be understood that for any details not described in S904, please refer to S703, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0203] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another uplink scheduling process provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 is illustrated using Figure 8(a) as an example.

[0204] For example, as shown in Figure 10, when N equals M, the terminal device determines the configuration of M resource blocks, which are used to repeatedly transmit the first uplink data. The terminal device maps the encoded data onto the M resource blocks using the signal generation method shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 10, the encoded information is repeatedly mapped onto the M blocks in the time domain and transmitted as the first uplink data through the signal generation module. If the network device successfully demodulates block #B (B is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M), the network device needs to wait for the first uplink data to finish transmitting across the M resource blocks before sending an ACK signal on feedback resource #B.

[0205] Optionally, before S901, in S905, the terminal device obtains second information, which is used to indicate N feedback resources. The second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the start time of the i-th feedback resource in the time domain; the time interval between the i-th feedback resource and the (i+1)-th feedback resource in the time domain; and the size of the time unit corresponding to the i-th feedback resource in the time domain.

[0206] Optionally, the second information can be information carried in the DCI. For example, in the time domain, the DCI includes the first feedback resource of N feedback resources, and the feedback resources other than the first feedback resource among the N feedback resources can be determined based on the first feedback resource.

[0207] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that Figure 11 is illustrated using Figure 8(a), Figure 8(c), and Figure 8(e) as examples.

[0208] In some implementations, when the second information includes first indication information, which indicates the start time of the i-th feedback resource in the time domain, the first indication information may include the index information of the resource block that started transmitting the first uplink data in the time domain. Alternatively, the first indication information may include, in the time domain, the time interval X units between the end time of the downlink transmission of the previous DCI and the start time of the i-th feedback resource.

[0209] For example, the unit used to represent the time interval X units between the end time of the downlink transmission of the previous DCI and the start time of the i-th feedback resource in the time domain can be a slot or a recourse unit (RU). For example, the time interval is X slots or X RUs, where X is a positive integer.

[0210] In some implementations, when the second information further includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the time interval between the i-th feedback resource and the (i+1)-th feedback resource in the time domain, the second indication information may also include the time interval Y time units.

[0211] For example, the unit used to represent the time interval Y units can be a slot, RU, or transport block size (TBS). For instance, the time interval is Y slots, Y RUs, or Y TBS, where Y is a positive integer.

[0212] In some implementations, the second information also includes third indication information, which is used to indicate the size of the time unit corresponding to the i-th feedback resource in the time domain. The third indication information may also include the size of the time unit as Z time units.

[0213] For example, the unit used to represent the size of the time unit Z can be a time slot, RU, or time-frequency unit (TF unit). For instance, the size of the time unit is Z slots, Z RUs, or Z TF units, where Z is a positive integer.

[0214] In this context, RU is the time-domain unit in NB-IoT, and the length of one RU can be 2ms.

[0215] Among them, a TF unit is a time-frequency resource. One TF unit can be a small square on the resource grid (RG) defined in NR. In the time domain, it includes a subframe, and in the frequency domain, it includes one or more resource blocks (RB).

[0216] It should be understood that time slots and subframes are time-domain units in NR systems. Each subframe has a duration of 1 ms and can include one or more time slots. Under normal cyclic prefix (CP), each time slot includes 14 symbols, and under extended CP, each time slot includes 12 symbols. The number of time slots included in each subframe is related to the subcarrier spacing (SCS), as detailed in Table 1. The meanings of time slots and subframes in this application may be the same as or different from those in NR.

[0217] Table 1

[0218] TBS is a common description in 3GPP, referring to the size of the transmit block, which can generally be represented as multiple bits. In Figure 6, each block can be a transport block (TB).

[0219] Case 1: If N equals M, one resource block is configured with one feedback resource.

[0220] For example, consider feedback resources #1 and #2. As shown in Figure 11(a), the first indication information may include the index information of block #1 in the time domain, or the first indication information may include the time interval X time units between the DCI end time and feedback resource #1 in the time domain. The second indication information may include the time interval Y time units between feedback resource #1 and feedback resource #2 in the time domain, where Y time units in Figure 11(a) are equivalent to the time domain resource size of block #2. The third indication information may include the time domain resource size Z time units of a feedback resource, as shown in Figure 11(a), where the time domain size of feedback resource #1 is Z time units.

[0221] Case 2: If N is less than M, configure the first B resource blocks consecutively in the time domain, and configure a feedback resource for each resource block starting from the Bth resource block. B is a positive integer less than M.

[0222] For example, consider feedback resources #1 and #2. As shown in Figure 11(b), the first indication information may include the index information of block #B in the time domain, or the first indication information may include the time interval X time units between the DCI end time and feedback resource #1 in the time domain. The second indication information may include the time interval Y time units between feedback resource #1 and feedback resource #2 in the time domain, where Y time units in Figure 11(b) are equivalent to the time domain resource size of block #B+1. The third indication information may include the size Z time units of a feedback resource, as shown in Figure 11(b), where the time domain size of feedback resource #1 is Z time units.

[0223] Case 3: If N is less than M, configure one feedback resource for every C resource blocks in the time domain, where C is a positive integer not equal to 1.

[0224] For example, consider feedback resources #1 and #2. As shown in Figure 11(c), the first indication information may include the index information of block #2 in the time domain, or the first indication information may include the time interval X time units between the DCI end time and feedback resource #1 in the time domain. The second indication information may include the time interval Y time units between feedback resource #1 and feedback resource #2 in the time domain, where Y time units in Figure 11(c) are equivalent to the time domain resource sizes of blocks #3 and #4. The third indication information may include the size Z time units of a feedback resource, as shown in Figure 11(c), where the time domain size of feedback resource #1 is Z time units.

[0225] Optionally, the terminal device acquires the fifth information, which is used to indicate the frequency domain information of the N feedback resources.

[0226] For example, the fifth information may include the frequency domain start position and frequency domain length of the N feedback resources in the frequency domain, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0227] It should be understood that the second and fifth pieces of information can be independent information, in which case the second and fifth pieces of information indicate N feedback resources in the time domain and frequency domain, respectively. Alternatively, the second and fifth pieces of information can be the same information, in which case either the second or fifth piece of information can indicate N feedback resources in both the time domain and the frequency domain.

[0228] Optionally, prior to S901, the terminal device can obtain third information, which is used to indicate M resource blocks in the time domain.

[0229] For example, the third information may include the time-domain start position and time-domain length of the M resource blocks.

[0230] Optionally, the third information can be information carried in the DCI. For example, the DCI includes the first resource block among M resource blocks, and the other resource blocks among the M resource blocks can be determined based on the first resource block.

[0231] Optionally, the terminal device obtains sixth information, which is used to indicate the frequency domain information of the M resource blocks.

[0232] For example, the fifth information may include the frequency domain start position and frequency domain length of the M resource blocks in the frequency domain, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0233] It should be understood that the third and sixth information can be independent information, in which case the third and sixth information indicate M resource blocks in the time domain and frequency domain, respectively. Alternatively, the third and sixth information can be the same information, in which case either the third or sixth information can indicate M resource blocks in the time domain or M resource blocks in the frequency domain.

[0234] It should be understood that M resource blocks are used for the repeated transmission of the first uplink data, which does not mean that the actual repeated transmission must occupy M resource blocks. The actual repeated transmission may only occupy a portion of the M resource blocks.

[0235] Specifically, the terminal device can determine N feedback resources by obtaining at least one of the first instruction information, the second instruction information, or the third instruction information included in the second information.

[0236] For example, as shown in Figure 11(a), the terminal device can determine N feedback resources by obtaining the third indication information and the third information in the second information.

[0237] For example, as shown in Figure 11(b), the terminal device can determine N feedback resources by obtaining the first instruction information, the third instruction information, and the third information in the second information.

[0238] For example, as shown in Figure 11(c), the terminal device can determine N feedback resources by obtaining the first indication information, the second indication information and the third indication information in the second information.

[0239] In some implementations, the second information can be predefined in the terminal device. Alternatively, the network device can send the second information to the terminal device, and the terminal device can receive the second information from the network device. Or, the terminal device can obtain the second information through a combination of predefined and configured methods.

[0240] Regarding the combination of predefined and configuration methods to obtain the second information, at least one of the first indication information, the second indication information, and the third indication information can be predefined in the terminal device, while other indication information can be sent to the terminal device by the network device through configuration.

[0241] For example, the terminal device predefines second and third indication information, and the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device.

[0242] Optionally, prior to S905, in S906, the terminal device sends capability information to the network device, and the network device receives the capability information from the terminal device. The capability information indicates at least one of the following capabilities: whether the terminal device supports the ability to receive first information during repeated transmission of first uplink data; and whether the terminal device does not transmit first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block after receiving the first information.

[0243] In other words, does the terminal device support repeatedly and discontinuously transmitting the first uplink data and monitoring the demodulation result of the first uplink data? Does the terminal device support the ability to not transmit the first uplink data in the next resource block after successfully demodulating the first uplink data?

[0244] It should be understood that the steps of S905 and S906 can be combined or decoupled. That is, if S905 and S906 are combined, the terminal device can obtain the second information after sending the capability information to the network device. If S906 and S906 are decoupled, the terminal device can directly obtain the second information without having to obtain it after sending the capability information to the network device.

[0245] Optionally, prior to S906, in S907, after the terminal device meets the first condition, it activates the capability indicated by the capability information. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the terminal device's reference signal receive power (RSRP) is less than a first threshold; the number of transmissions of the first uplink data is greater than a second threshold; the index value of the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) configured for the terminal device is less than a third threshold; the resource level corresponding to the M resource blocks is the sub-physical resource block (sub-PRB) level; and the scheduling mode corresponding to the M resource blocks is multi-slot.

[0246] It should be understood that at least one of the above first conditions is used to indicate a relatively large distance between the terminal device and the network device. The first condition for the terminal in this application embodiment is not limited to the above parameters, and may also be other parameters used to indicate a relatively large distance between the terminal device and the network device.

[0247] It should also be understood that the first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold can be pre-configured in the terminal device.

[0248] For example, the RSRP of the terminal device can be measured by the terminal device, and the number of transmissions of the first uplink data, the index value of the MCS of the terminal device, and the M resource blocks can be configured by the network device for the terminal device according to the transmission situation.

[0249] A typical PRB consists of 12 subcarriers, and sub-PRBs can support coverage enhancement.

[0250] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0251] It should also be understood that this application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in relation to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0252] It should also be understood that in some of the above embodiments, the examples are mainly based on devices in existing network architectures (e.g., terminal devices or network devices). It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0253] It is understood that the methods and operations implemented by the device (e.g., terminal device or network device) in the above-described method embodiments can also be implemented by components of the device (e.g., chip or circuit).

[0254] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The above communication method is mainly described from the perspective of self-transmission and self-reception by the terminal device or network device. It is understood that in order to realize the above functions, the terminal device or network device includes the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for performing each function.

[0255] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0256] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 12 to 14. The description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0257] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0258] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 2000 may include a baseband unit 2100, which can communicate with external devices via a cellular RF transceiver 2200 (e.g., if the communication device 2000 is a terminal device, the baseband unit 2100 can communicate with network devices via the cellular RF transceiver 2200; or, if the communication device 2000 is a network device, the baseband unit 2100 can communicate with terminal devices and / or core network devices via the cellular RF transceiver 2200).

[0259] Baseband unit 2100 may include computer-readable medium / memory. Baseband unit 2100 is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by baseband unit 2100, the software causes baseband unit 2100 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by baseband unit 2100 during software execution.

[0260] The baseband unit 2100 further includes a receiving unit 2010, a management unit 2020, and a transmitting unit 2030. The management unit 2020 includes one or more sub-units shown in FIG. 12 (e.g., a signal generation sub-unit and a signal parsing sub-unit, wherein the signal generation sub-unit can be used to generate the signal corresponding to the first uplink data in the above method embodiments, and the signal parsing sub-unit can be used to parse the signal corresponding to the first uplink data in the above method embodiments). The units within the management unit 2010 can be stored in a computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within the baseband unit 2100. The receiving unit 2010 and the transmitting unit 2030 can be referred to as transceiver units.

[0261] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 2010 is used to perform the receiving step of the terminal device or network device, the sending unit 2030 is used to perform the sending step of the terminal device or network device, and the management unit 2020 is used to perform the processing step of the terminal device or network device.

[0262] For example, when the device 2000 is used to perform the method in FIG7 or FIG9, the receiving unit 2010 can be used to perform the step of receiving information in the method; the management unit 2020 can be used to perform the processing step in the method; and the sending unit 203 can be used to perform the step of sending information in the method.

[0263] For a more detailed description of the receiving unit 2010, the management unit 2020, and the sending unit 2030, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0264] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the chip system includes, but is not limited to: a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core.

[0265] As shown in Figure 13, the chip system (or processing system) includes a processor 3100, a memory 3200, and an input / output interface 3300.

[0266] The processor 3100 can be a processing circuit in the chip system (including at least one processor, such as processor 1 and processor 2 as shown in FIG. 13). The processor 3100 can be coupled to the memory 3200, and call the instructions in the memory 3200, so that the chip system can implement the methods and functions of the various embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 3300 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, which outputs the information processed by the chip system, or inputs the data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing.

[0267] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0268] For example, the processor 3100 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments; the input / output interface 3300 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0269] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of another chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 14, the chip system (or processing system) includes an input / output interface 4100 and logic circuit 4200. The input / output interface 4100 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, outputting processed information or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing; specific details can be found in the descriptions of the foregoing embodiments. The logic circuit 4200 is used to execute the aforementioned communication method; specific details can also be found in the descriptions of the foregoing embodiments.

[0270] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0271] For example, logic circuit 4200 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 4100 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0272] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a terminal device or a network device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0273] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the terminal device or network device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0274] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by a terminal device or network device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0275] This application also provides a communication system, including at least one of the aforementioned terminal devices or network devices.

[0276] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0277] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0278] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0279] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0280] 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.

[0281] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0282] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to existing solutions, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0283] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: First uplink data is transmitted on a first resource block, which belongs to M resource blocks used to repeatedly transmit the first uplink data. The M resource blocks are associated with N feedback resources, which are used to monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data. The i-th feedback resource is located between the j-th and (j+1)-th resource blocks in the time domain, and the first resource block is located before the i-th feedback resource in the time domain. Wherein, 1≤i≤N, 1≤j≤M, or 0≤i<N, 0≤j<M, N is a positive integer, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. Receive first information on the i-th feedback resource, the first information being used to indicate that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated; Based on the first information, it is determined that the first uplink data will not be sent on the (j+1)th resource block.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, N is less than or equal to M.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain second information, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: the start time of the i-th feedback resource in the time domain; the time interval between the i-th feedback resource and the (i+1)-th feedback resource in the time domain; and the size of the time unit corresponding to the i-th feedback resource in the time domain.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send capability information, the capability information being used to indicate at least one of the following capabilities: whether the terminal device supports the capability to monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data during repeated transmission of the first uplink data; the capability of the terminal device not to transmit the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block after receiving the first information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before sending the capability information, the method further includes: When the first condition is met, the capability indicated by the capability information is activated; The first condition includes at least one of the following: The reference signal receiving power of the terminal device is less than a first threshold. The number of transmissions of the first uplink data exceeds the second threshold; The index value of the modulation and coding strategy configured for the terminal device is less than the third threshold; The resource level corresponding to the M resource blocks is the sub-physical resource block level; The scheduling mode corresponding to the M resource blocks is multi-timeslot.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain third information, which is used to indicate the M resource blocks in the time domain.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, include: First uplink data is received on a first resource block, which belongs to M resource blocks used to repeatedly receive the first uplink data. The M resource blocks are associated with N feedback resources, which are used to provide feedback on the demodulation result of the first uplink data. The i-th feedback resource is located between the j-th and (j+1)-th resource blocks in the time domain, and the first resource block is located before the i-th feedback resource in the time domain. Wherein, 1≤i≤N, 1≤j≤M, or 0≤i<N, 0≤j<M, and N and M are positive integers. A first message is sent on the i-th feedback resource, the first message indicating that the first uplink data was successfully demodulated.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, N is less than or equal to M.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Before receiving the first uplink data, the method further includes: Send a second message, which indicates at least one of the following: the start time of the i-th feedback resource in the time domain; the time interval between the i-th feedback resource and the (i+1)-th feedback resource in the time domain; and the size of the time unit corresponding to the i-th feedback resource in the time domain.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, Before sending the second information, the method further includes: The terminal device receives capability information, which indicates at least one of the following capabilities: whether the terminal device supports the ability to monitor the demodulation result of the first uplink data during repeated transmission of the first uplink data; and whether the terminal device does not transmit the first uplink data on the (j+1)th resource block after receiving the first information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which is used to indicate the M resource blocks.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes one or more processors, which are configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, causing the device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 6, or to perform the method of any one of claims 7 to 11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or implement the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 11.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when run, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 11.

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