Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. In the technical solution provided in the present application, signals received by K antennas among N antennas pulled out from a first radio-frequency channel of an RRU undergo corresponding characteristic processing before flowing into the first radio-frequency channel, wherein after characteristic processing, the signals received by the K antennas can enable signals corresponding to the N antennas to have different signal characteristics, such that on the basis of the different signal characteristics, a measurement device can acquire a signal corresponding to each antenna among the N antennas from a first signal sent by the RRU, thereby obtaining a measurement quantity corresponding to each antenna among the N antennas used for determining location information of a terminal device.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411231408.X, filed on September 2, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Currently, for some large parking lots, factories, etc., while ensuring basic network coverage, one radio channel in a remote radio unit (RRU) or pico remote radio unit (pRRU) may correspond to multiple antennas to reduce the cost of network deployment.

[0004] In mobile communication systems, the network side can determine the geographical location information of a terminal device based on measurements obtained from the uplink reference signal transmitted by the terminal device, thus achieving device positioning. These measurements include, for example, the reference signal received power (RSRP), time of arrival (TOA), and angle of arrival (AOA) obtained from the uplink reference signal.

[0005] However, analysis revealed that in scenarios where a single radio frequency channel may correspond to multiple antennas, there is a problem in locating the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that enables the positioning of terminal devices even in scenarios where multiple antennas correspond to a single radio frequency channel.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a measuring device, or by a component configured in the measuring device (such as a chip, chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal functions; this application does not limit the scope of the method. In this application, a measuring device is used as an example for description.

[0008] For example, the measuring device may be a baseband processing device in a base station.

[0009] The communication method includes: receiving a first signal, which is a combined signal of N signals; obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on different signal characteristics, wherein the N antennas correspond to the same radio frequency channel and N is a positive integer greater than 1; and transmitting the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0010] In this technical solution, the signals corresponding to the N antennas of the same radio frequency channel have different signal characteristics. After receiving the first signal, the measuring device can obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different signal characteristics. In this way, it can obtain the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas and report the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas to the positioning device, so that the positioning device can locate the terminal device based on the reported measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0011] For example, the different signal features mentioned above are different time delay features. Correspondingly, based on the different signal features, obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal includes: obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different time delay features.

[0012] In other words, in this technical solution, the signals corresponding to the N antennas of the same radio frequency channel have different time delay characteristics. Accordingly, the measuring device obtains the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different time delay characteristics, and then measures the signals corresponding to these N antennas to obtain the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0013] For example, the different signal features mentioned above are different frequency features; correspondingly, based on the different signal features, obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal includes: based on the different frequency features, obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal.

[0014] In other words, in this technical solution, the signals corresponding to the N antennas of the same radio frequency channel have different frequency characteristics. Accordingly, the measuring device obtains the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different frequency characteristics, and then measures the signals corresponding to these N antennas to obtain the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0015] For example, the different signal features mentioned above are different codeword features; correspondingly, based on the different signal features, obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal includes: based on the different codewords, obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal.

[0016] In other words, in this technical solution, the signals corresponding to the N antennas of the same radio frequency channel have different codeword characteristics. Accordingly, the measuring device obtains the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different codewords, and then measures the signals corresponding to these N antennas to obtain the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0017] Optionally, the above communication method further includes: receiving indication information from a positioning device, the indication information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device.

[0018] That is, the positioning device determines the location of the terminal device based on the measurement quantities corresponding to each of the N antennas reported by the measuring device, and then instructs the measuring device on the location information.

[0019] For example, how a positioning device determines the location of a terminal device using uplink time difference of arrival (TDOA) positioning technology based on the measurements corresponding to each of the N antennas reported by the measuring device.

[0020] For example, how a positioning device determines the location of a terminal device using angle of arrival (AOA) positioning technology based on measurements corresponding to each of the N antennas reported by a measuring device.

[0021] Secondly, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by an RRU or a pRRU, or by a component (such as a chip, chip system, etc.) configured in an RRU or pRRU, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of an RRU or pRRU. This application does not limit the scope of the method. In this application, an RRU is used as an example for description.

[0022] The communication method includes: transmitting a first signal, which is a combined signal of N signals, each of which corresponds to one of the N antennas, and the N antennas correspond to the same radio frequency channel. K of the N signals are obtained by performing feature processing on the signals received by the K antennas respectively, where N is a positive integer greater than 1 and K is a positive integer less than or equal to N. After feature processing, the N signals have different signal characteristics.

[0023] Understandably, the first signal transmitted by the RRU is a combined signal of N signals, or it can be interpreted as the first signal transmitted by the RRU being the signal obtained by mixing the N signals corresponding one-to-one with the N antennas. That is, the input of the RRU can be considered as the N signals corresponding one-to-one with the N antennas, and the output of the RRU can be considered as the signal obtained by mixing these N signals.

[0024] In this technical solution, the signals received on K of the N antennas pulled out from the same radio frequency channel undergo corresponding feature processing before flowing into the RRU. This results in the signals received on the K antennas having different signal characteristics after feature processing, corresponding to the N signals of the N antennas. This enables the measuring device to distinguish the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different signal characteristics after the RRU sends the first signal. Thus, the measuring device can obtain the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas for terminal device positioning, thereby achieving the positioning of the terminal device.

[0025] For example, the above feature processing is time-domain processing, and the N signals have different time delay characteristics.

[0026] For example, the above feature processing is frequency domain processing, and the N signals have different frequency domain features.

[0027] For example, the above feature processing is codeword processing, and N signals can be distinguished based on different codewords.

[0028] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving a first signal, the first signal being a combined signal of N signals; a processing module for obtaining, based on different signal characteristics, a signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal, the N antennas corresponding to the same radio frequency channel, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; and transmitting a measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0029] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, different signal characteristics are different time delay characteristics; the processing module is specifically used to: based on the different time delay characteristics, obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal.

[0030] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, different signal characteristics are different frequency characteristics; the processing module is specifically used to: based on the different frequency characteristics, obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, different signal features are different codeword features; the processing module is specifically used to: based on different codewords, obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal.

[0032] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to receive indication information from the positioning device, which is used to indicate the location of the terminal device.

[0033] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver module for transmitting a first signal, the first signal being a combined signal of N signals, the N signals corresponding one-to-one with N antennas, the N antennas corresponding to the same radio frequency channel, and K of the N signals being obtained by performing feature processing on the signals received by the K antennas corresponding to the K signals, where N is a positive integer greater than 1 and K is a positive integer less than or equal to N; wherein, after feature processing on the signals received by the K antennas, the N signals have different signal characteristics.

[0034] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the feature processing is time-domain processing, where N signals have different time delay characteristics.

[0035] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the feature processing is frequency domain processing, where N signals have different frequency domain features.

[0036] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, feature processing is codeword processing, and N signals can be distinguished based on different codewords.

[0037] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, including a radio frequency remote unit and N antennas corresponding to the radio frequency remote unit. The communication device also includes K devices for performing feature processing on the signals received by the K antennas among the N antennas. After feature processing, the N signals corresponding one-to-one with the N antennas have different signal characteristics.

[0038] For example, the feature processing is time-domain processing, and N signals have different time delay characteristics.

[0039] For example, the feature processing is frequency domain processing, and N signals have different frequency domain features.

[0040] For example, the feature processing is frequency domain processing, which is codeword processing, and N signals can be distinguished based on different codewords.

[0041] A sixth aspect provides an apparatus including a processor and a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0042] A seventh aspect provides an apparatus comprising a processing circuit for processing data and / or information such that a method as in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented, or a method as in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented.

[0043] The processing circuit may include one or more processors, or all or part of the circuitry in one or more processors used for control or processing functions.

[0044] Optionally, the apparatus may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions, and the processor for running the programs or instructions to implement the methods as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to implement the methods as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0045] Optionally, the device may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0046] Eighthly, a chip is provided, including processing circuitry for running a program or instructions to cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or to cause the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0047] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0048] Optionally, the chip may also include transceiver circuitry, or input / output interfaces.

[0049] A ninth aspect provides an apparatus comprising one or more processors and a communication circuit, the communication circuit being used by the apparatus to perform at least one of signal input or output; the one or more processors being used to implement a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to implement a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0050] A tenth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0051] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions, which, when executed, cause the method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause the method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0052] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system including means for performing any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in this application;

[0054] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an RRU / pRRU with multiple antennas extended;

[0055] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the signal flow direction received by each antenna provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of this application that introduces a device for changing signal characteristics;

[0058] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a first signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the frequency of the signals corresponding to each antenna when performing frequency domain processing according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another device for changing signal characteristics provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Before introducing the communication method and communication device provided in the embodiments of this application, the following points should be noted:

[0065] First, in this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send a first signal to a measuring device" can be understood as the destination of the information being the measuring device. "receive a first signal from an RRU" can be understood as the source of the first signal being the RRU. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0066] Second, 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 three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it does not exclude the possibility of indicating an "and" relationship; the specific meaning can be understood in context. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0067] Third, in the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0068] Fourth, for ease of understanding, the method provided in this application is described in terms of multiple accompanying drawings. These drawings are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. For example, the order of steps shown in the drawings may be modified according to their functions and internal logic; or, for example, all or part of the steps in the drawings may be performed, as long as the same function as in the embodiments of this application can be achieved.

[0069] Fifth, in this application, the words "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the words "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0070] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The system architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical solutions.

[0071] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0072] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0073] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0074] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions, as well as corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node's functions.

[0075] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0076] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0077] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0078] To better illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, some concepts used in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0079] 1. Upward reference signal

[0080] The uplink reference signal is a reference signal sent by the terminal device to the access network equipment (such as a base station) on the network side. The uplink reference signal can be a channel sounding reference signal (SRS) or other uplink reference signals.

[0081] 2. Positioning management equipment

[0082] Location management equipment is a device on the network side used to determine the location information of terminal devices. For example, location management equipment can be a location management function (LMF) entity, an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC), or other devices that can be used to determine the location information of terminal devices.

[0083] 3. Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) Positioning Technology

[0084] In this positioning technology, the terminal device is located by measuring the time difference of arrival of the uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device to multiple different transmission points (TPs).

[0085] 4. Uplink Angle of Arrival (AOA) positioning technology

[0086] In this positioning technology, the terminal device is located by measuring the AOA of the uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device.

[0087] In mobile communication systems, locating terminal devices is a crucial function. One current method for locating terminal devices is as follows: the terminal device sends an uplink reference signal, which is received by multiple antennas on the network side. Network-side measurement equipment measures the signals received by each antenna, obtaining multiple measurement results, which are then sent to a positioning management device. The positioning management device determines the terminal device's location based on these measurement results. In other words, the network side can locate the terminal device based on multiple measurements obtained from the signals received by the multiple antennas.

[0088] Measured quantities include, for example, reference signal received power (RSRP) based on wireless signals, time of arrival (TOA) of the signal, and angle of arrival of the signal.

[0089] It should be noted that this application does not limit the specific type of uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device. For example, it could be SRS.

[0090] This application does not restrict the method by which the network side locates the terminal device based on multiple measurements obtained from the measurements.

[0091] For example, the geographical location of the terminal device can be determined by using a field strength triangulation algorithm to measure these multiple quantities.

[0092] For example, the geographical location of the terminal device can be determined by using the TDOA positioning algorithm on these multiple measurements.

[0093] For example, the geographical location of the terminal device can be determined by using the AOA positioning algorithm on these multiple measurements.

[0094] For example, the geographical location of the terminal device can be determined by using a fingerprint positioning algorithm to measure these multiple measurements.

[0095] The specific methods for achieving positioning, such as the field strength triangulation algorithm, TDOA positioning algorithm, AOA positioning algorithm, and fingerprint algorithm, can be found in the relevant descriptions and will not be elaborated here.

[0096] Currently, for large parking lots, factories, and similar locations, to reduce costs while ensuring basic network coverage, a common deployment method is to use one radio channel of a remote radio unit (RRU) or a pico remote radio unit (pRRU) to support multiple antennas. This configuration, where one radio channel of an RRU or pRRU supports multiple antennas, is also known as "one RRU or pRRU with one radio channel extending to multiple antennas."

[0097] Understandably, the number of antennas that can be generated from a single radio frequency channel is related to the power of that channel; the higher the power of the radio frequency channel, the more antennas can be generated.

[0098] In some examples, the multiple antennas pulled out from one RF channel are multiple passive antennas.

[0099] It should be noted that this application does not limit the number of radio frequency channels included in the RRU / pRRU. In some examples, an RRU / pRRU may have only one radio frequency channel. In still other examples, an RRU / pRRU may include multiple radio frequency channels, such as two, four, or eight radio frequency channels.

[0100] Referring to Figure 2, which illustrates a schematic diagram of an RRU / pRRU with multiple antennas, one RRU / pRRU includes two radio frequency (RF) channels. One RF channel has four antennas, including three mushroom-shaped antennas and one directional antenna. The other RF channel also has four antennas, including three directional antennas and one mushroom-shaped antenna.

[0101] However, in scenarios where multiple antennas are deployed from a single RF channel of an RRU / pRRU, the signals received by the multiple antennas from the same RF channel will be combined at the RRU / pRRU's input. This makes it impossible for the measurement equipment to distinguish the signal corresponding to each antenna among the multiple antennas from the same RF channel, thus making it impossible to locate the terminal device.

[0102] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and a communication device. This enables the positioning of terminal devices even in scenarios where multiple antennas correspond to a single frequency channel.

[0103] The technical solution provided in the application will be described in detail below.

[0104] It is understood that this application uses a measuring device, a positioning management device, and an RRU as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the measuring device in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the measuring device, or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the measuring device; the method executed by the positioning management device in this application can also be implemented by a communication module in the positioning management device or a circuit or chip (e.g., a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP chip) in the terminal responsible for communication functions; the method executed by the RRU in this application can also be implemented by a communication module in the RRU or a circuit or chip (e.g., a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP chip) in the terminal responsible for communication functions.

[0105] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this application. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes:

[0106] S310, the RRU sends a first signal to the measuring device, and the measuring device receives the first signal accordingly.

[0107] For example, the measuring device may be a baseband processing device in a base station.

[0108] Specifically, the first signal sent by the RRU to the measuring device is a combined signal of N signals corresponding one-to-one with the N antennas, where N is a positive integer greater than 1. Each of these N antennas corresponds to the same radio frequency channel in the RRU. In other words, the aforementioned N antennas can be considered as N antennas extended from the same radio frequency channel of the RRU.

[0109] The first signal mentioned above is the combined signal of N signals corresponding one-to-one with N antennas. It can also be interpreted as the first signal being the signal obtained by mixing the N signals corresponding one-to-one with N antennas. That is, the input of the RRU can be considered as N signals corresponding one-to-one with N antennas, and the output of the RRU can be considered as the signal obtained by mixing these N signals.

[0110] In this embodiment, the radio frequency channel corresponding to all N antennas is also referred to as the first radio frequency channel. Optionally, the N antennas extending from the first radio frequency channel are passive antennas.

[0111] Understandably, after the terminal device sends an uplink reference signal, the N antennas extended from the first radio frequency channel will receive that uplink reference signal. For example, the uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device is SRS.

[0112] Additionally, it is understandable that when the N antennas extended from the first RF channel receive SRS, the strength of the signals received on these N antennas may be different.

[0113] For example, suppose the first radio frequency channel has four antennas, referred to as antenna 1, antenna 2, antenna 3, and antenna 4. If the distance of the terminal device from antenna 1, antenna 2, antenna 3, and antenna 4 is from closest to farthest, that is, the terminal device is closest to antenna 1 and farthest from antenna 4, then the signal strength received on antenna 1 may be greater than the signal strength received on antenna 2, the signal strength received on antenna 2 may be greater than the signal strength received on antenna 3, and the signal strength received on antenna 3 may be greater than the signal strength received on antenna 4.

[0114] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the number of radio frequency channels included in the RRU. For example, it may include only one first radio frequency channel, or it may include other radio frequency channels in addition to the first radio frequency channel.

[0115] Specifically, in this embodiment, K of the aforementioned N signals are obtained by performing feature processing on the signals received by the K antennas. After feature processing, the N signals received by these K antennas have different signal characteristics. In other words, in this embodiment, the signals received by the K antennas out of the N antennas from the first RF channel undergo feature processing before flowing into the first RF channel, and after feature processing of the signals received by the K antennas, the N signals corresponding one-to-one with the N antennas can have different signal characteristics.

[0116] In this embodiment, the signal received from the air interface by each of the N antennas is also referred to as the original signal.

[0117] For example, taking four antennas extended from the first RF channel as an example, the signal flow diagram corresponding to the four antennas is illustrated. As shown in Figure 4, the RRU includes four antennas—antenna 1, antenna 2, antenna 3, and antenna 4—extended from the first RF channel. After the terminal device transmits an uplink reference signal, such as an SRS, through the air interface, antennas 1, 2, 3, and 4 receive the SRS. Then, antennas 2, 3, and 4, after receiving the signal from the terminal device through the air interface, perform corresponding feature processing on the original received signal before it flows into the entrance of the first RF channel. Correspondingly, the first signal on the first RF channel sent by the RRU to the measurement device is a mixture of the signal obtained after feature processing of the signals received by antennas 2, 3, and 4, and the original signal received by antenna 4. It is understandable that in this example, after feature processing of the original signals received by antennas 1, 2, and 3, the four signals corresponding to these four antennas can have different signal characteristics.

[0118] S320, the measuring device acquires the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on different signal characteristics.

[0119] Understandably, since the N signals corresponding to the N antennas have different signal characteristics, when the measuring device receives the first signal sent from the RRU, it can distinguish the signal received on each of the N antennas based on the differentiated signal characteristics. In this way, it can perform measurements based on the signals received on each of the distinguished antennas, and thus obtain the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0120] For example, in one implementation, step S310 involves time-domain processing of the feature processing performed on the original signals received by the K antennas. After feature processing, the N signals corresponding to the N antennas have different time delay characteristics. Correspondingly, after receiving the first signal, the measuring device can obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different time delay characteristics. For example, the measuring device can use a channel delay estimation algorithm based on power delay profile (PDP) to obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different time delay characteristics.

[0121] In other words, this implementation method, by processing the raw signals received by each of the K antennas in the time domain, enables the measuring device to distinguish the signals corresponding to each of the N antennas in the time domain based on the differentiated time delay characteristics.

[0122] For example, in one implementation, step S310 involves frequency domain processing of the feature processing performed on the original signals received by the K antennas. After feature processing, the N signals corresponding to the N antennas have different frequency characteristics. Correspondingly, after receiving the first signal, the measuring device can obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different frequency characteristics. In other words, this implementation, by processing the original signals received by each of the K antennas in the frequency domain, enables the measuring device to distinguish the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas in the frequency domain based on the differentiated frequency characteristics.

[0123] For example, in another implementation, the feature processing of the raw signals received by the K antennas is code domain processing. After processing the raw signals received by the K antennas with their respective codewords, the N signals corresponding one-to-one with these N antennas can be distinguished based on different codewords. Correspondingly, after receiving the first signal, the measuring device can obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on different codewords. In other words, this implementation, by processing the raw signals received by each of the K antennas in the code domain, enables the measuring device to distinguish the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas through codewords.

[0124] S330, the measuring device sends the measurement value corresponding to each of the N antennas to the positioning management device; correspondingly, the positioning management device receives the measurement value corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0125] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the specific method by which the positioning management device performs positioning based on the measurement quantities corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0126] Location management devices can determine the geographical location of a terminal device based on the measurements corresponding to each of the N antennas using algorithms such as field strength triangulation, TDOA, AOA, and fingerprint positioning.

[0127] Optionally, after the measuring device determines the location of the terminal device based on the measurement quantities corresponding to each of the N antennas, it can send indication information to the positioning device to indicate the location of the terminal device.

[0128] As can be seen, in the communication method provided in this embodiment, the signals received on K of the N antennas pulled out from the same radio frequency channel undergo corresponding feature processing before flowing into the RRU. This results in the signals received on these K antennas having different signal characteristics after feature processing, and the N signals corresponding to the N antennas have different signal characteristics. This enables the measuring device to distinguish the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on the different signal characteristics after the RRU sends the first signal to the measuring device. In this way, the measuring device can obtain the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas for the positioning of the terminal device, thereby realizing the positioning of the terminal device.

[0129] The following describes an implementation method that can perform feature processing on the raw signals received by K antennas so that the N signals corresponding to N antennas have different signal characteristics.

[0130] In implementation, K devices that change signal characteristics can be introduced at the positions of different antennas on the feed line pulled out from the first RF channel. These K devices are used to perform feature processing on the signals received by K of the N antennas, so that after the feature processing of the signals received by the K antennas by these K devices, the N signals corresponding one-to-one with the N antennas have different signal characteristics.

[0131] Taking the first RF channel with four antennas as shown in Figure 5 as an example, referring to Figure 5(a), a device 2 that alters the signal characteristics can be introduced into the feed line 1 between coupler 1 and coupler 2, a device 3 that alters the signal characteristics can be introduced into the feed line between coupler 2 and power divider, and a device 4 that alters the signal characteristics can be introduced into the feed line between power divider and antenna 4. Then:

[0132] The signal received by antenna 4 is processed sequentially by device 4, device 3, and device 2 before flowing into the entrance of the first radio frequency channel. In other words, the signal received by antenna 4 undergoes the following processing: processing by device 4, processing by device 3, and processing by device 2.

[0133] The signal received by antenna 3 is processed sequentially by device 3 and then by device 2 before flowing into the entrance of the first radio frequency channel. In other words, the signal received by antenna 3 undergoes the following processing: sequential processing by device 3, device 2, and device 1.

[0134] The signal received by antenna 2 is processed by device 2 and then flows into the entrance of the first radio frequency channel. In other words, the processing of the signal received by antenna 2 includes processing by device 2.

[0135] Optionally, referring to Figure 5(b), a device 1 that alters the signal characteristics can also be introduced between the RRU and coupler 1. Then:

[0136] The signal received by antenna 4 is processed sequentially by device 4, device 3, device 2, and device 1 before flowing into the entrance of the first radio frequency channel. In other words, the signal received by antenna 4 undergoes the following processing: sequential processing by device 4, device 3, device 2, and device 1.

[0137] The signal received by antenna 3 is processed sequentially by device 3, device 2, and device 1 before flowing into the entrance of the first radio frequency channel. In other words, the signal received by antenna 3 undergoes the following processing: processing by device 3, device 2, and device 1.

[0138] The signal received by antenna 2 is processed sequentially by device 2 and device 1 before flowing into the entrance of the first radio frequency channel. In other words, the signal received by antenna 2 undergoes the following characteristic processing: processing by device 2 and device 1.

[0139] The signal received by antenna 1 is processed by device 1 and then flows into the entrance of the first radio frequency channel. In other words, the feature processing of the signal received by antenna 1 includes the processing by device 1.

[0140] Understandably, not introducing a device 1 that alters the signal characteristics between the RRU and coupler 1 can reduce the cost of network deployment compared to introducing device 1 between the RRU and coupler 1.

[0141] For example, the devices 1, 2, 3 and 4 mentioned above are delay devices, such as delay lines.

[0142] Taking Figure 5(a) as an example, if device 4 has a processing delay of 400 nanoseconds (ns), device 3 has a processing delay of 300 ns, and device 2 has a processing delay of 200 ns, then the signal delay corresponding to antenna 4 is 900 ns, the signal delay corresponding to antenna 3 is 500 ns, the signal delay corresponding to antenna 2 is 200 ns, and the signal delay corresponding to antenna 1 is 0 ns. Referring to Figure 6, which shows a waveform diagram of the first signal received by the measuring device, the first signal received by the measuring device has four peaks that appear at different times. Therefore, the measuring device can distinguish the signals received by each antenna based on the different delays.

[0143] Taking Figure 5(b) as an example, if device 4 has a processing delay of 400 ns, device 3 has a processing delay of 300 ns, device 2 has a processing delay of 200 ns, and device 1 has a processing delay of 100 ns, then the signal delay corresponding to antenna 4 is 1000 ns, the signal delay corresponding to antenna 3 is 600 ns, the signal delay corresponding to antenna 2 is 300 ns, and the signal delay corresponding to antenna 1 is 100 ns. Similarly, the measuring device can distinguish the signals received by each antenna based on the different delays.

[0144] Optionally, the above-mentioned devices 1, 2, 3 and 4 are frequency shifting devices. The function of the frequency shifting device is to perform frequency shifting operation on the signal, that is, to shift the signal to different frequencies.

[0145] For example, taking Figure 5(a) as an example, the frequencies of the signals received by antennas 4, 3, 2, and 1 are all F0. As shown in Figure 7(a), the frequency of the signal received by antenna 4 becomes F4 after being processed by device 4, device 3, and device 2 in sequence; the frequency of the signal received by antenna 3 becomes F3 after being processed by device 3 and device 2 in sequence; the frequency of the signal received by antenna 2 becomes F2 after being processed by device 2; and the frequency of the signal received by antenna 1 remains F0. In this case, the measuring device can distinguish the signals received by the four antennas based on their different frequencies.

[0146] For example, taking Figure 5(b) as an example, the frequencies of the signals received by antennas 4, 3, 2, and 1 are all F0. As shown in Figure 7(b), the signal received by antenna 4 becomes F4' after being processed by device 4, device 3, device 2, and device 1 in sequence; the signal received by antenna 3 becomes F3' after being processed by device 3, device 2, and device 1 in sequence; the signal received by antenna 2 becomes F2' after being processed by device 2 and device 1 in sequence; and the signal received by antenna 1 becomes F1' after being processed by device 1. In this case, the measuring device can distinguish the signals received by the four antennas based on their different frequencies.

[0147] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present application that incorporates K devices. As shown in Figure 8, a device 4 that alters the signal characteristics of the signal received by antenna 4 is introduced on the feed line connected to antenna 4, a device 3 that alters the signal characteristics of the signal received by antenna 3 is introduced on the feed line connected to antenna 3, and a device 2 that alters the signal characteristics of the signal received by antenna 2 is introduced on the feed line connected to antenna 2.

[0148] Understandably, in this implementation scheme, the first signal ultimately received by the measuring device is the signal obtained by the antenna 4 after processing by the device 4, the signal obtained by the antenna 3 after processing by the device 3, the signal obtained by the antenna 2 after processing by the device 2, and the signal received by the antenna 1 after mixing.

[0149] Optionally, a device 1 that alters the signal characteristics of the signal received by antenna 1 can be introduced into the feed line connected to antenna 1. In this case, the first signal ultimately received by the measuring device is a mixture of the signal obtained by antenna 4 after processing by device 4, the signal obtained by antenna 3 after processing by device 3, the signal obtained by antenna 2 after processing by device 2, and the signal obtained by antenna 1 after processing by device 1.

[0150] Similarly, the aforementioned devices may be, for example, delay devices, frequency shifting devices, or code division adjustment devices.

[0151] However, it should be emphasized that when introducing K devices in the manner shown in Figure 8, each device must ensure that the processed signal has different signal characteristics when processing the signal received by its corresponding antenna.

[0152] For example, taking each device as a delay device, if device 1, which alters the signal characteristics of the signal received by antenna 1, is not introduced into the feed line connected to antenna 1, then in implementation, devices 2 to 4 will have different delays when performing delay processing on the signals received by their respective antennas, ensuring that the signals corresponding to these four antennas have different time delay characteristics after processing. For example, device 4 delays the signal received by antenna 4 by 400ns, device 3 delays the signal received by antenna 3 by 300ns, and device 2 delays the signal received by antenna 2 by 200ns.

[0153] For example, taking each device as a frequency shifting device, if device 1, which alters the signal characteristics of the signal received by antenna 1, is not introduced into the feed line connected to antenna 1, then in practice, devices 2 to 4 will change different frequencies when performing delay processing on the signals received by their respective antennas. For instance, device 4 shifts the frequency of the signal received by antenna 4 to F4, device 3 shifts the frequency of the signal received by antenna 3 to F3, and device 2 shifts the frequency of the signal received by antenna 2 to F2. F2, F3, and F4 are different.

[0154] For example, taking a device 1 that functions as a code division modulator and whose connection to the feed line of antenna 1 does not alter the signal characteristics of the signal received by antenna 1, then in practice, devices 2 through 4 use different codewords when performing delay processing on the signals received by their respective antennas. For instance, device 4 uses codeword 1 for the signal received by antenna 4, device 3 uses codeword 3, and device 2 uses codeword 2. Codewords 1, 2, and 3 are different.

[0155] It should be emphasized that Figures 4 to 8 are only examples of how to process the signals received by the four antennas to ensure that the signals corresponding to the four antennas have different signal characteristics, but they do not constitute a limitation of this application. For example, they can also be extended to scenarios where N is greater than 4 or N is equal to 2 or 3.

[0156] Additionally, it should be noted that the embodiments described above are presented with separate time-domain processing, separate frequency-domain processing, and separate code-domain processing. However, it is understood that time-domain processing, frequency-domain processing, and code-domain processing methods can also be combined, as long as it is ensured that the signals corresponding to the N antennas have different signal characteristics after processing the original signals received by the K antennas.

[0157] The communication method of the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. The apparatus provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG9 and FIG10.

[0158] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the device 900 includes: a transceiver module 901 and a processing module 902.

[0159] For example, in one embodiment, the device 900 can be applied to a measuring device.

[0160] For example, transceiver module 901 is used to receive a first signal, which is a combined signal of N signals; processing module 902 is used to: obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on different signal characteristics, where the N antennas correspond to the same radio frequency channel and N is a positive integer greater than 1; transceiver module 901 is also used to transmit the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas.

[0161] Optionally, different signal characteristics are different time delay characteristics; the processing module 902 is specifically used to: based on different time delay characteristics, obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal.

[0162] Optionally, different signal characteristics can be different frequency characteristics; the processing module 902 is specifically used to: based on different frequency characteristics, obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal.

[0163] Optionally, the different signal features are different codeword features; the processing module 902 is specifically used to: based on the different codewords, obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal.

[0164] Optionally, the transceiver module 901 is also used to receive indication information from the positioning device, the indication information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device.

[0165] For example, in two embodiments, device 900 can be applied to an RRU.

[0166] For example, the transceiver module 901 is used to transmit a first signal, which is a combined signal of N signals. The N signals correspond one-to-one with the N antennas, and the N antennas correspond to the same radio frequency channel. K of the N signals are obtained by performing feature processing on the signals received by the K antennas respectively. N is a positive integer greater than 1, and K is a positive integer less than or equal to N.

[0167] Optionally, the feature processing is time-domain processing, where the N signals have different time delay characteristics.

[0168] Optionally, the feature processing is frequency domain processing, where N signals have different frequency domain features.

[0169] Optionally, feature processing can be performed as codeword processing, where N signals can be distinguished based on different codewords.

[0170] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device shown in Figure 10 can be used to perform the method described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0171] As shown in Figure 10, the device 1000 of this embodiment includes a memory 1001 and a processor 1002. In one implementation, the device 1000 further includes a communication interface 1003 and a bus 1004. The memory 1001, processor 1002, and communication interface 1003 are interconnected via the bus 1004.

[0172] The memory 1001 may be a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 1001 may store a program, and when the program stored in the memory 1001 is executed by the processor 1002, the processor 1002 performs the various steps of the method shown in FIG3.

[0173] The processor 1002 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to implement the method shown in FIG3 of the embodiment of this application.

[0174] The processor 1002 can also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the method in Figure 5 of this embodiment can be accomplished by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor 1002 or by software instructions.

[0175] The processor 1002 described above can also be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or a conventional processor, etc.

[0176] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory 1001. The processor 1002 reads the information in memory 1001 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the functions required by the units included in the device of this application. For example, it can execute the various steps / functions of the embodiment shown in FIG3.

[0177] The communication interface 1003 can use, but is not limited to, transceivers to enable communication between the device 1000 and other devices or communication networks.

[0178] Bus 1004 may include a pathway for transmitting information between various components of device 1000 (e.g., memory 1001, processor 1002, communication interface 1003).

[0179] It should be understood that the device 1000 shown in the embodiments of this application may be an electronic device, or it may be a chip configured in an electronic device.

[0180] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be a usable medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center containing one or more sets of usable media. The usable medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0181] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0182] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0183] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes 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 limit the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0184] 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.

[0185] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a first signal, which is a combined signal of N signals; Based on different signal characteristics, the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas is obtained from the first signal. The N antennas correspond to the same radio frequency channel, and N is a positive integer greater than 1. Send the measurement corresponding to each of the N antennas.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The different signal characteristics are different time delay characteristics; The step of obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on different signal characteristics includes: Based on the different time delay characteristics, the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas is obtained from the first signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The different signal characteristics are different frequency characteristics; The step of obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on different signal characteristics includes: Based on the different frequency characteristics, the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas is obtained from the first signal.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The different signal features are different codeword features; The step of obtaining the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on different signal characteristics includes: Based on different codewords, the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas is obtained from the first signal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive indication information from a positioning device, the indication information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first signal, which is a combined signal of N signals, each of which corresponds to one of the N antennas. The N antennas correspond to the same radio frequency channel. K of the N signals are obtained by performing feature processing on the signals received by the K antennas respectively. N is a positive integer greater than 1, and K is a positive integer less than or equal to N. The signals received by the K antennas are processed to obtain N signals with different signal characteristics.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The feature processing is time-domain processing, and the N signals have different time delay characteristics.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The feature processing is frequency domain processing, and the N signals have different frequency domain characteristics.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The feature processing is codeword processing, and the N signals can be distinguished based on different codewords.

10. A communication device, comprising a radio frequency remote unit and N antennas corresponding to the radio frequency remote unit, characterized in that, The communication device further includes K devices, which are used to perform feature processing on the signals received by K of the N antennas; Among them, after feature processing of the signals received by the K antennas, the N signals corresponding one-to-one with the N antennas have different signal characteristics.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The feature processing is time-domain processing, and the N signals have different time delay characteristics.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The feature processing is frequency domain processing, and the N signals have different frequency domain characteristics.

13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The feature processing is codeword processing, and the N signals can be distinguished based on different codewords.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first signal, which is a combined signal of N signals; The processing module is used to obtain the signal corresponding to each of the N antennas from the first signal based on different signal characteristics. The N antennas correspond to the same radio frequency channel, and N is a positive integer greater than 1. The transceiver module is also used to transmit the measurement quantity corresponding to each of the N antennas.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to transmit a first signal, which is a combined signal of N signals. The N signals correspond one-to-one with N antennas, and the N antennas correspond to the same radio frequency channel. K of the N signals are obtained by performing feature processing on the signals received by the K antennas corresponding to the K signals. N is a positive integer greater than 1, and K is a positive integer less than or equal to N. Among them, after the original signals received by the K antennas are processed by the feature processing, the N signals have different signal characteristics.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, include: processor, The processor is configured to cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 by executing a computer program and / or by logic circuitry.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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