Resource indication method and related apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a resource indication method and a related apparatus. In the method, a parameter field corresponding to a certain CC in a single piece of DCI indicates a value (referred to as a first value) of a transmission parameter of the CC, and a parameter field corresponding to another CC in the DCI indicates a relative value of a value of a transmission parameter of a corresponding CC with respect to the first value. In this way, redundant bits in parameter fields corresponding to other CCs can be reduced, so that overhead of loads in DCI is reduced, thereby saving transmission resources.

Description

Resource indication method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411465093.5, filed on October 18, 2024, entitled “Resource Indication Method and Related Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a frequency domain resource indication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Downlink control information (DCI) is carried on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). DCI is control information related to the physical uplink-downlink shared channel. Examples include resource allocation information, modulation scheme, hybrid automatic repeat request identity (HARQ-ID), and information on new transmissions or retransmissions.

[0004] Currently, a single downlink control information (SDI) is introduced, which supports scheduling multiple component carriers (CCs) on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). However, the transmission parameters on different CCs are independent of each other. Therefore, the payload included in the DCI is constantly increasing, resulting in significant overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Analysis revealed that, in order for a single DCI to configure independent transmission parameters for a CC, the DCI uses different fields (called parameter fields) to configure the transmission parameters for different CCs. This results in redundant bits between the parameter fields corresponding to multiple CCs.

[0006] Based on this discovery, this application proposes that the parameter field corresponding to a certain CC in a single DCI indicates the value of the transmission parameter of that CC (referred to as the first value), while the parameter fields corresponding to other CCs in the DCI indicate the relative value between the transmission parameter value of the corresponding CC and the first value. This helps to reduce redundant bits in the parameter fields corresponding to other CCs, reduce the overhead of the payload in the DCI, and save transmission resources.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a resource indication method. This method can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a terminal, or a component within a terminal. This component may be, for example, a processor, circuit, logic module, software, chip, or chip system, and is used to implement all or part of the functions of the first device. Possible forms of the terminal will be described later and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0008] In this method, a first communication device receives indication information sent by a network device. The indication information includes a first information unit corresponding to a first carrier unit (CC) and second information units corresponding to at least one second CC. The first information unit indicates a first value of a first transmission parameter of the first CC, and the second information unit indicates the difference or ratio between the first transmission parameter value and the first value of the corresponding second CC. Then, the first communication device determines the values ​​of the first transmission parameters of the first CC and at least one second CC based on the indication information. This allows the first communication device to send or receive data via the first CC and at least one second CC according to the values ​​of the first transmission parameters indicated by the network device.

[0009] The indication information indicates the value of the first transmission parameter of the first CC (i.e., the first value) through the first information unit, and the difference between the first transmission parameter values ​​of other CCs (i.e., the second CC) and the first value through the second information unit. This helps to reduce redundant bits in the second information unit, shorten the length of the indication information, and save transmission resources. When the indication information is a DCI or is carried in a DCI, it helps to reduce the overhead of the DCI and save transmission resources.

[0010] Optionally, the first value is the absolute value of the first transmission parameter of the first CC, or the first value is the relative value of the first transmission parameter of the first CC with respect to a predefined or preconfigured second value (e.g., the step size of the first transmission parameter).

[0011] In this application, "information unit" can be replaced with "field", or "field" can be replaced with "information unit".

[0012] This application does not limit the method by which the first communication device determines the first CC from a plurality of CCs scheduled for the terminal.

[0013] In a first possible determination method, the first communication device can determine the first CC based on the index value of the CC. Optionally, the index value of the first CC satisfies a first condition. The first communication device can determine the first CC based on the first condition and the index values ​​of multiple CCs.

[0014] The first condition can be predefined or preconfigured. Optionally, the first condition is that the index value of the first CC is greater than the index value of any of the second CCs, or the first condition is that the index value of the first CC is less than the index value of any of the second CCs.

[0015] In the second possible determination method, the indication information further includes a third information unit, which indicates the index value of the first CC. The first communication device can determine the first CC from multiple CCs based on the value of the third information unit, which facilitates the decoupling of the selection criteria of the first CC from the index value of the CC. This is beneficial for selecting the first CC from multiple CCs based on the value of the first transmission parameter of the CC, so as to minimize the size of the second information unit.

[0016] Optionally, the first transmission parameter of the first CC can be the maximum, minimum, median, or average value of the first transmission parameter among multiple CCs.

[0017] This application does not limit the method by which the terminal determines the location of the first information unit from the indication information. Optionally, the location of the first information unit in the indication information is predefined or preconfigured. For example, the location of the first information unit in the indication information is an offset of the first information unit in the indication information. Assuming that the first information unit and at least one second information unit are a sequence of information units arranged in order in the indication information, the location of the first information unit in the indication information is its ordinal number, index, or offset in the information unit sequence, etc. For example, the first information unit is the first information unit in the information unit sequence.

[0018] Optionally, based on the first possible determination method, the elements (i.e., information units) in the information unit sequence can be arranged sequentially according to the size relationship of the index values ​​of the corresponding CC (e.g., from largest to smallest or smallest to largest).

[0019] Optionally, based on the second possible determination method, at least one second information unit in the information unit sequence is arranged sequentially according to the size relationship of the index values ​​of the corresponding CC (e.g., from largest to smallest or from smallest to largest).

[0020] To further reduce DCI overhead, this application proposes that the network device group multiple CCs scheduled to the terminal, for example, grouping at least two CCs with the same first transmission parameter value into the same CC group, and using the information element in the indication information to indicate the value of the first transmission parameter corresponding to the CC group, thereby reducing the number of information elements in the indication information and reducing DCI overhead.

[0021] Based on this concept, in a second aspect, this application provides a resource indication method. This method is applied to a first communication device, which can be understood with reference to the first communication device described in the first aspect. In this method, the first communication device receives configuration information sent by a network device. The configuration information indicates multiple CC groups, each CC group including one or more CCs. Different CCs within the same CC group have the same value for a first transmission parameter. Then, the first communication device receives indication information sent by the network device. The indication information includes information units corresponding to each of the multiple CC groups. The information units corresponding to each CC group indicate the value of the first transmission parameter for that CC group. Subsequently, the first communication device can determine the values ​​of the first transmission parameters for the multiple CC groups based on the configuration information and the indication information. Thus, when at least one CC group includes multiple CCs, it is beneficial to reduce the number of information units in the indication information, thereby reducing DCI overhead.

[0022] When a CC group includes a single CC, the CC group can also be understood as a single CC, and the index value of the CC group can be the index value of that single CC.

[0023] Optionally, when a CC group includes at least two CCs, determining the value of the first transmission parameter of the CC group can be understood as determining the value of the first transmission parameter of each CC in the CC group.

[0024] Optionally, the configuration information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration information or Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling.

[0025] Optionally, in the method provided in the first or second aspect, the indication information is carried in a single downlink control information (DCI).

[0026] Optionally, in the method provided in the first or second aspect, the first transmission parameters include the index of the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and / or the frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA).

[0027] Optionally, the methods provided in the first aspect and the second aspect can be combined. For example, in the method provided in the first aspect, the first CC and the second CC can be a CC group mentioned in the second aspect. When the first CC includes at least two CCs, the first information unit can indicate the value of the first transmission parameter of the at least two CCs, which helps to reduce the number of information units in the indication information, thereby reducing the overhead of DCI. When at least one second CC is a CC group including at least two CCs, a single second information unit can indicate the value of the first transmission parameter of the at least two CCs, which helps to reduce the number of information units in the indication information, thereby reducing the overhead of DCI.

[0028] Optionally, in the method provided in the first aspect, the first communication device may further receive configuration information sent by the network device. The configuration information indicates multiple CC groups, wherein the first CC and the second CC are different CC groups among the multiple CC groups, and different second CCs are different CC groups among the multiple CC groups. The first communication device can determine, based on the configuration information, the multiple CC groups scheduled by the network device and the CCs included in each CC group, and then determine, based on the indication information, the values ​​of the first transmission parameters of the CCs included in each CC group, that is, determine the values ​​of the first transmission parameters of each CC scheduled by the network device for the first communication device.

[0029] Thirdly, this application provides a resource indication method. This method can be executed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be a network device, or a component within a network device. This component may be, for example, a processor, circuit, logic module, software, chip, or chip system, and is used to implement all or part of the functions of the first device. Possible configurations of network devices will be described later and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0030] In the method provided in the third aspect, the network device corresponding to the second communication device can be the network device mentioned in the method provided in the first aspect. Correspondingly, in the method provided in the third aspect, the second communication device sends indication information to the terminal. The terminal can be the terminal corresponding to the first communication device in the method provided in the first aspect. The indication information includes a first information unit corresponding to a first carrier unit (CC) and second information units corresponding to at least one second CC. The first information unit indicates a first value of a first transmission parameter of the first CC, and the second information unit indicates the difference or ratio between the first transmission parameter value of the corresponding second CC and the first value. This indication information can instruct the terminal to determine the values ​​of the first transmission parameters of the first CC and at least one second CC, respectively. This facilitates the second communication device in sending or receiving data via the first CC and at least one second CC by using the values ​​of the first transmission parameters of the first CC and at least one second CC indicated by the indication information.

[0031] The indication information indicates the value of the first transmission parameter of the first CC (i.e., the first value) through the first information unit, and the difference between the first transmission parameter values ​​of other CCs (i.e., the second CC) and the first value through the second information unit. This helps to reduce redundant bits in the second information unit, shorten the length of the indication information, and save transmission resources. When the indication information is a DCI or is carried in a DCI, it helps to reduce the overhead of the DCI and save transmission resources.

[0032] In the method provided in the third aspect, the indication information, the method of carrying the indication information, and the type of the first transmission parameter can be understood by referring to the relevant content in the method provided in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0033] Similar to the method provided in the first aspect, this application does not limit the manner in which the second communication device determines the first CC from a plurality of CCs scheduled for the terminal. This method may refer to either the first or second possible determination method described in the first aspect.

[0034] Similar to the method provided in the first aspect, this application does not limit the method by which the second communication device determines the position of the first information unit in the indication information. This method can be understood with reference to the relevant content described in the first aspect. For example, optionally, the position of the first information unit in the indication information is predefined or pre-configured. Optionally, based on the first possible determination method, the elements (i.e., information units) in the information unit sequence can be arranged sequentially according to the magnitude of the index values ​​of the corresponding CCs (e.g., from largest to smallest or smallest to largest). Optionally, based on the second possible determination method, at least one second information unit in the information unit sequence is arranged sequentially according to the magnitude of the index values ​​of the corresponding CCs (e.g., from largest to smallest or smallest to largest).

[0035] Fourthly, this application provides a resource indication method. This method can be executed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be a network device, or a component within a network device. This component may be, for example, a processor, circuit, logic module, software, chip, or chip system, and is used to implement all or part of the functions of the first device. Possible configurations of network devices will be described later and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0036] In the method provided in the fourth aspect, the network device corresponding to the second communication device can be the network device mentioned in the method provided in the second aspect. Correspondingly, in the method provided in the fourth aspect, the second communication device can send configuration information to the terminal. The terminal can be the terminal corresponding to the first communication device in the method provided in the second aspect. The configuration information indicates multiple CC groups, each CC group including one or more CCs, with different CCs within the same CC group having the same value for a first transmission parameter. Then, the second communication device sends indication information to the terminal, the indication information including information units corresponding to the multiple CC groups respectively, where each information unit indicates the value of the first transmission parameter for that CC group. Thus, the terminal can determine the values ​​of the first transmission parameters for the multiple CC groups based on the configuration information and the indication information. When at least one CC group includes multiple CCs, it is beneficial to reduce the number of information units in the indication information, thereby reducing DCI overhead.

[0037] In the method provided in the fourth aspect, the configuration information, indication information, the bearing method of the configuration information and indication information, and the type of the first transmission parameter can be understood by referring to the relevant content in the method provided in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0038] As described above, the methods provided in the first and second aspects can be combined, and correspondingly, the methods provided in the third and fourth aspects can be combined. For example, in the method provided in the third aspect, the first CC and the second CC can be the CC group mentioned in the fourth aspect. When the first CC includes at least two CCs, the first information unit can indicate the value of the first transmission parameter of at least two CCs, which helps to reduce the number of information units in the indication information, thereby reducing the overhead of DCI. When at least one second CC is a CC group including at least two CCs, a single second information unit can indicate the value of the first transmission parameter of at least two CCs, which helps to reduce the number of information units in the indication information, thereby reducing the overhead of DCI.

[0039] Optionally, in the method provided in the third aspect, the second communication device may further send configuration information to the terminal. The configuration information indicates multiple CC groups, where the first CC and the second CC are different CC groups within the multiple CC groups, and different second CCs are different CC groups within the multiple CC groups. The second communication device can instruct the terminal through the configuration information to determine the multiple CC groups to be scheduled and the CCs included in each CC group. It can also instruct the terminal through the instruction information to determine the values ​​of the first transmission parameters for each CC included in each CC group, that is, to determine the values ​​of the first transmission parameters for each CC scheduled by the second communication device for the terminal.

[0040] The fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device comprising a plurality of interacting functional modules, exemplarily including a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0041] In some examples, the communication device is used to implement the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effects. Accordingly, the communication device can be a first communication device. For details, please refer to the foregoing corresponding methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0042] In some examples, the communication device is used to implement the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effects. Accordingly, the communication device can be a first communication device. For details, please refer to the foregoing corresponding methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0043] In some examples, the communication device is used to implement the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effects. Accordingly, the communication device can be a second communication device. For details, please refer to the foregoing corresponding methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0044] In some examples, the communication device is used to implement the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effects. Accordingly, the communication device can be a second communication device. For details, please refer to the foregoing corresponding methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0045] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0046] The at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the device to implement the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effect. Accordingly, the communication device can be a first communication device.

[0047] Alternatively, the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the device to implement the method described in the aforementioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effect. Accordingly, the communication device can be a first communication device.

[0048] Alternatively, the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the device to implement the method described in the aforementioned third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effect. Accordingly, the communication device can be a second communication device.

[0049] Alternatively, the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the device to implement the method described in the aforementioned fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effect. Accordingly, the communication device can be a second communication device.

[0050] Optionally, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0051] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, which includes at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface.

[0052] The logic circuit is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effect. Accordingly, the communication device can be the first communication device.

[0053] Alternatively, the logic circuit may be used to perform the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effect, and the communication device may be a first communication device.

[0054] Alternatively, the logic circuit may be used to perform the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effect, and the communication device may be a second communication device.

[0055] Alternatively, the logic circuit may be used to perform the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effect, and the communication device may be a second communication device.

[0056] An eighth aspect of this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor. For example, the chip can be a SoC chip (such as a SoC chip containing a modem core), a system-in-package (SIP) chip, or a communication module. In one possible design, the chip or chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system also includes interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0057] The chip or chip system is used to implement the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effect. Accordingly, the chip or chip system can be a first communication device.

[0058] Alternatively, the chip or chip system may be used to implement the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effects. Accordingly, the chip or chip system may be a first communication device.

[0059] Alternatively, the chip or chip system may be used to implement the method described in the aforementioned third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effects. Accordingly, the chip or chip system may be a second communication device.

[0060] Alternatively, the chip or chip system may be used to implement the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect and to achieve the corresponding technical effects. Accordingly, the chip or chip system may be a second communication device.

[0061] A ninth aspect of this application provides a communication system. Optionally, the communication system includes at least one second communication device and at least one first communication device. The first communication device is configured to perform the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Alternatively, the first communication device is configured to perform the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method as described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0062] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0063] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) including a computer program or instructions, wherein when the computer program in the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0064] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects five through eleven can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding design methods in aspects one through four above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an access network device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 4 is another schematic diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network device scheduling multiple CCs via a single DCI;

[0070] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the method provided in this application;

[0071] Figures 7-1 to 7-3 schematically illustrate the structure of the instruction information in Figure 6;

[0072] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0074] First, let me explain the meaning of some of the terms used in this application.

[0075] Downlink control information (DCI) is the message transmitted on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). It contains control information related to the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), including resource block (RB) allocation information, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), hybrid automatic repeat request identity (HARQ-ID), initial or retransmission related information, layer, precoding, and other related content. To receive PDSCH or send PUSCH, the UE needs to decode the PDCCH first. Table 1 shows some field configuration information for DCI format 1_1.

[0076] Table 1

[0077] Frequency domain resource assignment (FDRA) is a field in DCI used to indicate the frequency domain resource allocation for PDSCH or PUSCH. Taking PDSCH as an example, there are two types of PDSCH frequency domain resource allocation: Type 0 and Type 1.

[0078] Type 0 frequency domain resource allocation is a non-contiguous allocation method for frequency domain resources, with an allocation granularity of resource block groups (RBGs). A bitmap is typically used to indicate the RBGs allocated to the terminal device. For example, a bit with a value of 1 in the bitmap indicates that the corresponding RBG has been allocated to the terminal device. A bit with a value of 0 indicates that the corresponding RBG has not been allocated to the terminal device. The granularity of the RBG is obtained by looking up a table based on the CC's BWP size and resource block group size configuration (rbg-Size). For example, assuming the terminal device is currently using Type 0 frequency domain resource allocation, with a BWP size of 160 RBs and rbg-Size = Configuration 1, then the terminal device determines the RBG granularity to be 16 RBs based on Table 2, the BWP size, and rbg-Size.

[0079] Table 2

[0080] Type 1 frequency domain resource allocation is a method of continuous allocation of frequency domain resources, with an allocation granularity of RB. Network devices use resource indicator (RIV) values ​​to inform terminal devices of the starting RB (RB_Start) and the number of consecutive RBs allocated to them.

[0081] "Instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0082] The system to which this application applies is described below.

[0083] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems. For example, 5th generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), mobile communication systems after 5G networks (e.g., 6G mobile communication systems), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, industrial internet communication systems, or satellite communication systems, etc. The wireless communication systems involved in this application also include, but are not limited to, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems.

[0084] The communication systems to which this application applies include network equipment and terminal equipment. Network equipment and terminal equipment are described below.

[0085] The terminal device can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling information and instruction information. The terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0086] Terminal equipment, also known as terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc., refers to devices that include wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity or in-vehicle devices. Currently, some examples of terminal equipment include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, the wireless terminal in autonomous driving can be a drone, helicopter, or airplane. Similarly, the wireless terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle components, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. In industrial control, the wireless terminal can be a camera, robot, or robotic arm. In smart homes, the wireless terminal can be a television, air conditioner, robot vacuum cleaner, speaker, or set-top box.

[0087] It should be noted that the terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above; the specific application is not limited to any particular type. It should also be noted that in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal device that performs the method provided in this application; the specific application is not limited to any particular type.

[0088] A network device is a device deployed in a radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Network devices may also be referred to as radio access network (RAN) entities, access nodes, network nodes, access network equipment, or communication devices, etc.

[0089] Specifically, the network equipment can be access network equipment for cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, fourth-generation (4G), 5G, or 6G mobile communication systems. The network equipment can also be access network equipment in open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) or cloud radio access network (CRAN). Alternatively, the network equipment can be access network equipment in a communication system formed by the integration of two or more of the above communication systems.

[0090] Network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, macro base station, micro base station, wireless relay node, donor node, radio controller in CRAN scenarios, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmit / receive point or transmission and reception point (TRP). Network equipment can also be access network equipment in 5G mobile communication systems. For example, next-generation Node B (gNB), TRP, TP in new radio (NR) systems, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system. Alternatively, network devices can also be network nodes constituting a gNB or transmission point. Examples include centralized units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). Alternatively, network devices can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, network devices can be roadside units (RSUs).

[0091] It should be noted that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU) or an open CU, DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) can also be called an open centralized unit control plane (O-CU-CP) or an open CU-CP, centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) can also be called an open centralized unit user plane (O-CU-UP) or an open CU-UP, and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). This application does not impose any specific limitations. Any of the units CU, 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.

[0092] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system according to an embodiment of this application. The ORAN system includes a core network, access network equipment, and UE. Optionally, the ORAN system may also include other components besides those shown in Figure 1, which is not limited in this application.

[0093] Access network devices can communicate with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link. Access network devices can also communicate with the UE via an air interface. Specifically, the BBU in the access network device communicates with the core network via a backhaul link. The RU in the access network device 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.

[0094] A BBU consists of at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate with each other via at least one midhaul link.

[0095] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2, the CU is a logical node carrying 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. Optionally, the CU can have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and / or higher) 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.

[0096] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the CU can be split into 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 (AMF) function in a 5G system. AMF network elements are 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. In the core network, network elements used to implement user plane functions, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in terminal devices. The above configuration of CU and DU is merely an example; in practical applications, the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For instance, some functions of the RLC layer and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0097] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2, the DU is a logical node carrying the RLC layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical (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 physical (PHY) layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0098] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2, the RU is a logical node carrying both the lower physical (PHY) layer and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU may be a 3GPP TRP or RRH or other similar functional entity. 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.

[0099] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. 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. LLS-CUS may include a lower-layer split control (LLS-C) interface and a lower-layer split user (LLS-U) interface, providing the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) respectively. 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] It should be noted that network devices can be devices or apparatuses with chips, or devices or apparatuses with integrated circuits, or chips, chip systems, modules, or control units in the devices or apparatuses shown above; this application does not impose any specific limitations. It should also be noted that in this application, the term "network device" can refer to the network device itself, or to chips, functional modules, or integrated circuits within the network device that implement the methods provided in this application; this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0103] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the following, in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4, illustrates two possible communication systems to which the methods provided in the embodiments of this application are applicable.

[0104] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication system includes at least one network device and at least one terminal device. For example, network device 311, terminal device 321, and terminal device 322 are shown in Figure 3. Network device 311 can transmit data with terminal device 321 and terminal device 322. The technical solution of this application can be executed between network device 311 and terminal device 321 or terminal device 322.

[0105] Figure 4 is another schematic diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system may include at least two network devices and at least one terminal device. For example, network devices 411, 412, 413, and terminal device 421 are shown in Figure 4. Terminal device 421 may be provided with communication services by multiple network devices. For example, as shown in Figure 4, network device 411 may transmit with terminal device 421, network device 412 may transmit with terminal device 421, and network device 413 may transmit with terminal device 421. That is, a terminal device may be provided with communication services by multiple network devices simultaneously. The technical solutions of this application can be implemented between terminal device 421 and network devices 411, 412, or 413.

[0106] Before a terminal sends or receives data, it needs to determine the information of the transmission resources scheduled for it by the network device based on one or more pieces of information sent by the network device. Then, it sends or receives data based on the information of the transmission resources.

[0107] The transmission resources scheduled by network devices for terminals may include frequency resources (or frequency domain resources), which may include multiple control channels (CCs). The information of the frequency resources may include information corresponding to each of the multiple CCs. Assuming the multiple CCs include CC 1 to CC n, the information of the frequency resources includes information 1 corresponding to CC 1, information 2 corresponding to CC 2, ..., information n corresponding to CC n. Here, n is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0108] The information corresponding to a CC indicates the index of the CC and the values ​​of one or more transmission parameters associated with that CC. For example, the information corresponding to a CC includes multiple fields, including an index field and one or more parameter fields. The index field indicates the index of the CC, the parameter field indicates the value of the transmission parameter for that CC, and the multiple parameter fields indicate the values ​​of different transmission parameters for that CC.

[0109] The terminal sends or receives data according to the information corresponding to the CC. This can be understood as the terminal sending or receiving data on the CC at the index indicated by the information corresponding to the CC, according to the values ​​of one or more transmission parameters indicated by the information. This application does not limit which devices the terminal sends data to, nor does it limit which devices the terminal receives data from. Optionally, the terminal sending data can be understood as the terminal sending a PUSCH, and the terminal receiving data can be understood as the terminal receiving a PDSCH.

[0110] Currently, a single DCI is introduced, which supports scheduling PDSCH for multiple CCs. As shown in Figure 5, the network device sends a single DCI, which is used to schedule PDSCH for CCs 1 to 4. Furthermore, the single DCI supports configuring transmission parameters independently for different CCs; in other words, the transmission parameters for different CCs are independent of each other. For example, the values ​​of one or more transmission parameters corresponding to multiple CCs are carried in the same single DCI, and the values ​​of transmission parameters corresponding to different CCs are indicated separately through different fields in the DCI. In other words, the network device indicates the values ​​of transmission parameters corresponding to different CCs through different parameter fields in the DCI. For example, a single DCI includes an independent FDRA field and / or an independent MCS field for each CC. Assuming different CCs correspond to different cells, and assuming the higher-layer configuration schedules a certain number of cells... The total length of the MCS field of a single DCI is equal to the length of the MCS field of a single CC. This means that although network devices can configure different values ​​for the transmission parameters of different CCs, it will lead to an increase in the DCI load (e.g., doubling), with limited savings in PDCCH overhead. Furthermore, due to the excessive length of the DCI, it may be impossible to use PDCCHs with high aggregation levels, thus compromising PDCCH reliability.

[0111] Analysis revealed redundant bits in the parameter fields corresponding to multiple CCs. For example, assuming the transmission parameter values ​​for two CCs are 3 and 2, respectively, the binary forms of their parameter fields are 11 and 10, respectively. The higher-order bits in these two parameter fields can be considered redundant. Therefore, to efficiently indicate the MCS of multiple CCs and reduce DCI overhead in single-DCI multi-CC scheduling, this application proposes reducing or eliminating redundant bits in the parameter fields. This reduces DCI overhead in scenarios where a single DCI configures independent transmission parameters for multiple CCs. The following, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a method example based on this concept.

[0112] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the method provided in this application. As shown in Figure 6, the method may include steps S601 to S603.

[0113] S601. The network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the configuration information sent by the network device accordingly.

[0114] S602. The network device sends an instruction message to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the instruction message sent by the network device accordingly.

[0115] S603. The terminal device determines the allocated frequency resources based on the configuration information and instruction information.

[0116] Assuming the indication information is carried on the PDCCH, after receiving the configuration information, the terminal device can perform PDCCH reception processing according to the configuration information.

[0117] The configuration information in S601 can indicate the index of the multiple CCs described above. The indication information in S602 can indicate the value of one or more transmission parameters of the multiple CCs respectively. In S603, the terminal device can determine the value of one or more transmission parameters of the multiple CCs respectively based on the configuration information and the indication information.

[0118] This configuration information can be contained in the RRC configuration information or in the medium access control element (MAC CE). This indication information can be contained in the DCI.

[0119] S601 is optional. For example, the terminal device can receive configuration information sent by other devices and then determine the multiple CCs it schedules.

[0120] The following describes ways to reduce the size of the instruction message.

[0121] In Method 1, the method executed by the terminal device can be understood with reference to the method executed by the first communication device in the first aspect above, and the method executed by the network device can be understood with reference to the method executed by the second communication device in the third aspect above. Accordingly, the terminal device in the method example shown in Figure 6 and the first communication device described in the first aspect above can be substituted for each other, and the terminal device in the method example shown in Figure 6 and the second communication device described in the third aspect above can be substituted for each other.

[0122] As described in the first and third aspects above, the indication information may include a first information unit corresponding to a first CC and a second information unit corresponding to at least one second CC. Assuming the network device schedules multiple CCs for the terminal device, including CC1 to CC4 as shown in Figure 5, CC1 can be the first CC, and CC2 to CC4 can all be second CCs. Figure 7-1 schematically illustrates the structure of the indication information. As shown in Figure 7-1, the indication information includes parameter field 1 corresponding to CC1, parameter field 2 corresponding to CC2, parameter field 3 corresponding to CC3, and parameter field 4 corresponding to CC4. Parameter field 1 can be understood in conjunction with the first information unit, and parameter fields 2 to 4 can be understood in conjunction with the second information unit, respectively.

[0123] Taking the first transmission parameter as the MCS index as an example, parameter field 1 can indicate the value of the MCS index of CC1 (denoted as MCS1). Taking the second information unit indicating the difference between the value of the first transmission parameter of the second CC and the first value as an example, parameter field 2 indicates the difference between the value of the MCS index of CC2 (denoted as MCS2) and MCS1 (denoted as MCS2'), parameter field 3 indicates the difference between the value of the MCS index of CC3 (denoted as MCS3) and MCS1 (denoted as MCS3'), and parameter field 4 indicates the difference between the value of the MCS index of CC4 (denoted as MCS4) and MCS1 (denoted as MCS4'). In this way, the terminal device can determine the value of the MCS index of CC1 to CC4 according to parameter fields 1 to 4. For example, the terminal device can determine MCS1 based on parameter field 1, determine MCS2 based on MCS1 indicated by parameter field 1 and MCS2' indicated by parameter field 2, determine MCS3 based on MCS1 indicated by parameter field 1 and MCS3' indicated by parameter field 3, and determine MCS4 based on MCS1 indicated by parameter field 1 and MCS4' indicated by parameter field 4.

[0124] Taking MCS1 to MCS4 as 2, 3, 4, and 6 respectively, when parameter fields 2 to 4 indicate MCS2 to MCS4 respectively, parameter fields 1 to 4 in binary are 10, 11, 100, and 110 respectively. When parameter fields 2 to 4 indicate MCS2' to MCS4' respectively, parameter fields 1 to 4 in binary are 10, 01, 10, and 11 respectively. It can be seen that the number of bits (length) of the parameter field, which occupies the most bits, is reduced from 3 bits to 2 bits. Therefore, method 1 is beneficial for reducing the length of the second information unit, thereby reducing the overhead of the indication information.

[0125] This application does not limit the method by which network devices and terminal devices determine the index value of the first CC.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the network device and the terminal device predefine or preconfigure a first condition, where CC1 is the CC among a plurality of CCs that satisfies the first condition. For example, the index value of CC1 is the largest or smallest among the index values ​​of the plurality of CCs. Assuming the first condition is that the index value of the first CC is the largest among the index values ​​of the plurality of CCs, and the index values ​​of CC1 to CC4 are 4, 3, 2, and 1 respectively, the network device and the terminal device can determine the index value of the first CC as 4 based on the first condition and the index values ​​of CC1 to CC4 respectively.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the network device determines CC1 as the first CC from multiple CCs based on the value of its MCS index. A third information unit is added to the indication information, indicating the index value of CC1. Correspondingly, after receiving the indication information, the terminal device can determine CC1 as the first CC based on the third information unit. As mentioned earlier, the first transmission parameter of the first CC is the maximum, minimum, median, or average value of the first transmission parameters among the multiple CCs. For example, assuming the index values ​​of CC1 to CC4 are 2, 1, 3, and 4 respectively, and MCS1 to MCS4 are 6, 3, 4, and 2 respectively, the network device selects CC1 with the largest MCS index value as the first CC. Then, as shown in the dashed box in Figure 7-1, the network device adds a third information unit to the indication information, indicating that the index value of the first CC is 2. The terminal device can determine the index value of the first CC as 2 based on the third information unit.

[0128] This application does not limit the method by which network devices and terminal devices determine the position of the first information unit in the indication information. Optionally, the position of the first information unit in the indication information is predefined or preconfigured. As described above, the first information unit and at least one second information unit in the indication information are a sequence of information units arranged in order (hereinafter referred to as the sequence). Taking the first information unit as the first element in the sequence as an example, assuming that the network device determines CC1 as the first CC, then in the indication information sent by the network device, the sequence can be as shown in Figure 7-1, that is, parameter field 1 is the first parameter field in the sequence, parameter field 2 is the second parameter field in the sequence, and so on, with parameter field 4 being the fourth parameter field in the sequence. Correspondingly, after receiving the indication information, the terminal device can determine that parameter field 1 is the first information unit from the sequence shown in Figure 7-1.

[0129] This application does not limit the rules that the order of the sequence must satisfy. Optionally, based on the first transmission parameter value of the first CC satisfying the first condition, the elements (i.e., information units) in the sequence can be arranged sequentially according to the index values ​​of the corresponding CCs (e.g., from largest to smallest or smallest to largest). For example, assuming the elements in the sequence are arranged sequentially according to the index values ​​of the corresponding CCs from largest to smallest, as shown in Figure 7-1, and the index values ​​of multiple CCs include 1, 2, 3, and 4, then the index values ​​of CC1 to CC4 are 4, 3, 2, and 1, respectively. Alternatively, the network device determines CC1 as the first CC from multiple CCs based on the MCS index value of the CC, and CC2 to CC4 in the sequence are arranged sequentially according to the index values ​​of the corresponding CCs (e.g., from largest to smallest or smallest to largest). For example, suppose that CC2 to CC4 in the sequence are arranged in descending order of the index values ​​of the corresponding CCs, as shown in Figure 7-1. The index values ​​of multiple CCs include 1, 2, 3 and 4, and the index value of CC1 is 2. Then, the index values ​​of CC2 to CC4 are 4, 3 and 1 respectively.

[0130] This application does not limit the type of the first value indicated by the first information unit. Optionally, the first information unit can directly indicate the first value, that is, directly indicate the value of the first transmission parameter of the first CC. Taking CC1 as the first CC as an example, parameter field 1 can directly indicate the value of the MCS index of CC1. Assuming the value of the MCS index of CC1 is 4, then parameter field 1 is 100 in binary. Alternatively, the first information unit can indirectly indicate the first value. For example, the first information unit can directly indicate the difference or ratio between the value of the first transmission parameter of the first CC and the standard value, and the terminal device determines the first value based on the first information unit and the standard value. Taking CC1 as the first CC as an example, parameter field 1 can indicate the ratio between the value of the MCS index of CC1 and the standard value (assuming it is 2). Assuming the value of the MCS index of CC1 is 4, then parameter field 1 is 10 in binary. The standard value can be the step size of the MCS index (denoted as MCS). step The size of the standard value can be configured by RRC. This application does not limit the length of the first information unit; for example, the length of the first information unit is 5 bits.

[0131] This application does not limit the type of difference or ratio indicated by the second information unit. Similar to the first value, the second information unit can directly or indirectly indicate the difference or ratio between the value of the first transmission parameter of the second CC and the first value. Assume the length of the second information unit is x bits. Optionally, the first bit in the x bits represents the sign of the difference, and the values ​​of the following x-1 bits (denoted as y) indicate the difference relative to a standard value (such as MCS). step The terminal device can determine the absolute value of the difference between the second CC and the first value, MCS, based on the second information unit. step *y. Alternatively, the multiple values ​​corresponding to x bits may correspond to various possible values ​​of the difference, and x bits are used to directly indicate the difference between the value of the first transmission parameter of the second CC and the first value. For example, the multiple values ​​corresponding to x bits may correspond to -2. x-1 *MCS step ~2 x-1 -1*MCS step Or, corresponding to (-2) x-1 +1)*MCS step ~2 x-1 *MCS step .

[0132] In method 2, the method executed by the terminal device can be understood with reference to the method executed by the first communication device in the second aspect above, and the method executed by the network device can be understood with reference to the method executed by the second communication device in the fourth aspect above. Accordingly, the terminal device in the method example shown in Figure 6 and the first communication device described in the second aspect above can be substituted for each other, and the terminal device in the method example shown in Figure 6 and the second communication device described in the fourth aspect above can be substituted for each other.

[0133] As described in the second and fourth aspects above, the configuration information can indicate multiple CC groups. A single CC group includes one or more CCs. Different CCs within the same CC group have the same first transmission parameter value (or, in other words, multiple CCs within the same CC group share the MCS configuration). The indication information can include information elements corresponding to multiple CC groups, with each information element indicating the value of the first transmission parameter of the CC group. Assuming the network device schedules multiple CC groups for the terminal device, including four CC groups denoted as CCg1 to CCg4, Figure 7-2 schematically illustrates another possible structure of the indication information. As shown in Figure 7-2, the indication information includes parameter field g1 corresponding to CCg1, parameter field g2 corresponding to CCg2, parameter field g3 corresponding to CCg3, and parameter field g4 corresponding to CCg4. The parameter fields can be understood in conjunction with the information elements.

[0134] Taking the MCS index as the first transmission parameter as an example, parameter field g1 can indicate the value of the MCS index of CCg1 (denoted as MCS-g1), parameter field g2 can indicate the value of the MCS index of CCg2 (denoted as MCS-g2), parameter field g3 can indicate the value of the MCS index of CCg3 (denoted as MCS-g3), and parameter field g4 can indicate the value of the MCS index of CCg3 (denoted as MCS-g3). In this way, the terminal device can determine the MCS index values ​​of CCg1 to CCg4 based on parameter fields g1 to g4. For example, the terminal device can determine MCS-g1 based on parameter field g1, and according to the configuration information, the MCS index value of each CC in CCg1 is MCS-g1.

[0135] Taking the configuration information indicating that CCg1 includes CC1 and CC2, CCg2 includes CC3 and CC4, CCg3 includes CC5, and CCg4 includes CC6 as an example, when the values ​​of the MCS indices of CC1 to CC6 are independently indicated by the parameter fields corresponding to CC1 to CC6 respectively, the indication information needs to use 6 parameter fields to indicate the values ​​of the MCS indices of CC1 to CC6. However, when the values ​​of the MCS indices of CC1 to CC6 are indicated by the parameter fields corresponding to CCg1 to CCg4 respectively, the indication information only needs to include the 4 parameter fields shown in Figure 7-2 to indicate the values ​​of the MCS indices of CC1 to CC6. It can be seen that method 2 is beneficial to reduce the number of information units in the indication information, thereby reducing the overhead of the indication information.

[0136] Optionally, CCg1 to CCg4 in the indication information are arranged in a sequential order, and the order of CCg1 to CCg4 in the sequence can be consistent with the order of CCg1 to CCg4 in the configuration information or the configuration order. For example, the configuration information includes CC fields 1 to CC fields 4 arranged in sequence, where CC field 1 indicates CCg1 or indicates at least one CC included in CCg1, CC field 2 indicates CCg2 or indicates at least one CC included in CCg2, CC field 3 indicates CCg3 or indicates at least one CC included in CCg3, and CC field 4 indicates CCg4 or indicates at least one CC included in CCg4. In this application, the indication CC can be understood as the index value of the indication CC.

[0137] Optionally, after S601, the network device can also send configuration information to the terminal device. This configuration information is used to update the multiple CCs or multiple CC groups indicated by the configuration information. Optionally, the configuration information can update the CC group division; for example, the updated CCg1 includes CC1 and CC3, the updated CCg2 includes CC2 and CC4, CCg3 includes CC5, and CCg4 includes CC6. Optionally, the number of CC groups indicated by the configuration information is the same as the number of CC groups indicated by the configuration information, which helps avoid affecting the size of the indication information. Alternatively, the number of CC groups indicated by the configuration information can not exceed the number of CC groups indicated by the configuration information. For example, if the number of CC groups indicated by the configuration information is reduced from 4 to 3, the corresponding parameter fields in the indication information can still be 3, but the fourth parameter field is meaningless and can be ignored by the terminal device.

[0138] Optionally, configuration information and configuration information ' can be carried in different types of information, for example, configuration information is carried in RRC configuration information, and configuration information ' is carried in MAC CE signaling.

[0139] In method 3, the method executed by the terminal device can refer to a combination of the first and second methods, and the method executed by the network device can refer to a combination of the third and fourth methods. The configuration information in S601 can be understood with reference to the configuration information in method 2. For example, the configuration information indicates multiple CC groups, which are CCg1 to CCg4. The indication information in S602 can be understood with reference to the indication information in methods 1 and 2. For example, the parameter field shown in Figure 7-1 corresponds to the CC group. Figure 7-3 schematically shows another possible structure of this indication information, which includes parameter fields 1 to 4. Taking the first transmission parameter as the MCS index and CCg1 as the first CC as an example, parameter field 1 indicates the value of the MCS index of CCg1 (denoted as MCS-g1). Taking the difference between the value of the first transmission parameter of the second information unit indicating the second CC and the first value as an example, parameter field 2 indicates the difference between the value of the MCS index of CCg2 (denoted as MCS-g2) and MCS1 (denoted as MCS-g2'), parameter field 3 indicates the difference between the value of the MCS index of CCg3 (denoted as MCS-g3) and MCS-g1 (denoted as MCS-g3'), and parameter field 4 indicates the difference between the value of the MCS index of CCg4 (denoted as MCS-g4) and MCS-g1 (denoted as MCS-g4').

[0140] In this way, the terminal device can determine the MCS index values ​​of CCg1 to CCg4 based on parameter fields 1 to 4, and then determine the MCS index value of each CC in each CC group based on the configuration information. Furthermore, as described above with the effects of methods 1 and 2, method 3 helps to further reduce the size of the indication information and lower the overhead of the indication information.

[0141] As can be seen from the relevant content of the third information unit in Method 1, in Method 3, the indication information may include a third information unit, which indicates the index value of CCg1. The index value of CCg1 can be the sequence number of CCg1 in the multiple CC groups indicated by the configuration information. For example, when CCg1 is the first CC group scheduled by the configuration information, the index value of CCg1 can be 0 or 1.

[0142] Following S603, terminal devices can send or receive data on multiple communication control (CCs) according to the values ​​of one or more transmission parameters of multiple CCs. For example, network devices can send PDSCH to terminal devices on multiple CCs according to the values ​​of one or more transmission parameters of multiple CCs, and correspondingly, terminal devices can receive PDSCH sent by network devices on multiple CCs according to the values ​​of one or more transmission parameters of multiple CCs.

[0143] Alternatively, following S603, the terminal device can send PUSCH to the network device on multiple CCs according to the values ​​of one or more transmission parameters of the multiple CCs. Correspondingly, the network device can receive the PUSCH sent by the terminal device on multiple CCs according to the values ​​of one or more transmission parameters of the multiple CCs. Alternatively, the terminal device can send data to or receive data from other terminal devices on multiple CCs according to the values ​​of one or more transmission parameters of the multiple CCs.

[0144] In some examples, the multiple CCs indicated by the configuration information are multiple CCs using common codewords.

[0145] The communication apparatus provided in the fifth aspect of this application has been described above. This communication apparatus may include a transceiver unit, and optionally, it may also include a processing unit.

[0146] Optionally, the communication device can be used to execute the steps or processes performed by the terminal device in the example shown in Figure 6. The transceiver unit can be used to execute the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the terminal device, and the processing unit can be used to execute the internal operations or actions performed by the terminal device. For example, the transceiver unit can be used to execute S601 and S602, and the processing unit can be used to execute S603. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method examples.

[0147] Optionally, the communication device can be used to execute the steps or processes performed by the network device in the example shown in Figure 6, and the transceiver unit can be used to execute the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the network device. For example, the transceiver unit can be used to execute S601 and S602. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method examples.

[0148] In this application, the internal operation or action can be other operations besides the sending and receiving operations in the flowchart of the communication method, such as the steps described within the rectangles of the flowchart.

[0149] The preceding text also describes a communication apparatus provided in the sixth aspect of this application. This communication apparatus includes at least one processor, which executes a computer program or instructions stored in a memory, causing the processor to perform the steps executed by the terminal device or network device in the example shown in FIG6.

[0150] The preceding text also describes a communication apparatus provided in the seventh aspect of this application. This communication apparatus includes at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface, the logic circuit being used to perform the steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the example shown in FIG6.

[0151] The preceding text also described a chip (or chip device or chip system) provided in the eighth aspect of this application, which includes a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in memory to cause the processor to perform the steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the example shown in FIG6. Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0152] In this application, the processor mentioned anywhere may be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program that controls the methods provided in any of the above embodiments. The memory mentioned anywhere above may be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0153] The preceding text also describes a computer-readable storage medium provided in the tenth aspect of this application, which includes computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the example shown in FIG6.

[0154] The preceding text also describes the computer program product including computer instructions provided in the eleventh aspect of this application, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the example shown in FIG6.

[0155] The preceding text also introduced the communication system provided in the ninth aspect of this application, which includes the network device and terminal device shown in Figure 6. This communication system may be as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4.

[0156] In this application, the processing unit can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a SoC chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core. The transceiver unit can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver unit may also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0157] Optionally, in this application, when the communication device is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processing cores. The function of the transceiver unit can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0158] In this application, when the communication device is a terminal device, Figure 8 shows a simplified structural schematic diagram of a terminal device. As shown in Figure 8, the terminal includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory can store computer program code, and the transceiver includes a transmitter 831, a receiver 832, a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), an antenna 833, and input / output devices (not shown in the figure).

[0159] The processor is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data; controlling the terminal; executing software programs; and processing data from those programs. The memory is primarily used for storing software programs and data. The radio frequency (RF) circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices may include touchscreens, displays, or keyboards. These devices are primarily used for receiving user input and outputting data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminals may not have input / output devices.

[0160] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outwards via an antenna as electromagnetic waves. When data is sent to the terminal, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna. The RF circuit converts the RF signal back into a baseband signal and outputs it to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 8 only shows one memory, processor, and transceiver. In actual terminal products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be independent of the processor or integrated with the processor; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0161] In the embodiments of this application, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver function can be regarded as the transceiver unit of the terminal, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing unit of the terminal.

[0162] As shown in Figure 8, the terminal includes a processor 810, a memory 820, and a transceiver 830. The processor 810 can also be referred to as a processing unit, processing board, processing unit, or processing device, etc. The transceiver 830 can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver device, etc.

[0163] Optionally, the devices in transceiver 830 used to implement the receiving and / or transmitting functions can be considered as transceiver units. A transceiver may also be referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver circuit, etc.

[0164] The processor 810 is used to perform the processing actions on the terminal device side in the example shown in Figure 6 above. The transceiver 830 is used to perform the sending and receiving actions of the terminal device in the example shown in Figure 6 above.

[0165] It should be understood that Figure 8 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the terminal described above, including the transceiver unit and the processing unit, may not depend on the structure shown in Figure 8.

[0166] When the communication device 800 is a chip, the chip includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor can be a processing unit integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. In the above method embodiments, the terminal's sending operation can be understood as the chip's output, and the terminal's receiving operation in the above method embodiments can be understood as the chip's input.

[0167] In this application, when the communication device is a network device, such as a gNB or a base station, Figure 9 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a base station structure. The base station includes parts 910, 920, and 930.

[0168] The 910 section is mainly used for baseband processing and base station control; the 910 section is usually the control center of the base station, which can be called the processor, and is used to control the base station to perform the processing operations on the access network equipment side in the above method embodiments.

[0169] Section 920 is primarily used to store computer program code and data.

[0170] Section 930 is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals, as well as converting RF signals to baseband signals. Section 930 is commonly referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver module of section 930, also called a transceiver, includes antenna 933 and RF circuitry (not shown in the figure), where the RF circuitry is mainly used for RF processing. Optionally, the device in section 930 that performs the receiving function can be considered a receiver, and the device that performs the transmitting function can be considered a transmitter; that is, section 930 includes receiver 932 and transmitter 931. The receiver can also be called a receiving unit, receiver circuit, or receiving unit, and the transmitter can be called a transmitting module, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0171] Sections 910 and 920 may include one or more circuit boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs from the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple circuit boards exist, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an alternative implementation, multiple circuit boards may share one or more processors, multiple circuit boards may share one or more memories, or multiple circuit boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0172] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module in section 930 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the network device side in the example shown in Figure 6. The processor in section 910 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the network device side in the example shown in Figure 6.

[0173] It should be understood that Figure 9 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network devices described above, including processors, memory, and transceivers, may not depend on the structure shown in Figure 9.

[0174] When the communication device 900 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be a processor integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the network device can be understood as the chip's output, and the receiving operation of the network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the chip's input.

[0175] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0176] 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 an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0177] 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.

[0178] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0179] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part 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.

[0180] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0181] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document 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 alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" 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 represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0182] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0183] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A resource indication method, comprising: include: The system receives indication information sent by a network device. The indication information includes a first information unit corresponding to a first carrier unit (CC) and a second information unit corresponding to at least one second CC. The first information unit indicates a first value of a first transmission parameter of the first CC, and the second information unit indicates the difference or ratio between the value of the first transmission parameter of the corresponding second CC and the first value. The values ​​of the first transmission parameters of the first CC and at least one of the second CCs are determined according to the indication information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The index value of the first CC satisfies the first condition.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first condition is that the index value of the first CC is greater than the index value of any of the second CCs, or the first condition is that the index value of the first CC is less than the index value of any of the second CCs.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The indication information also includes a third information unit, which indicates the index value of the first CC.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The position of the first information unit in the indication information is predefined or preconfigured.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network device receives configuration information indicating multiple CC groups, each CC group including one or more CCs, different CCs in the same CC group having the same value of the first transmission parameter, and the first CC and the second CC being different CC groups.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The configuration information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration information or Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE signaling.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first transmission parameters include the index of the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and / or the frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The indication information is carried in a single downlink control information (DCI).

10. A resource indication method, characterized in that, include: The system receives configuration information sent by a network device. The configuration information indicates multiple CC groups, each CC group including one or more CCs. Different CCs in the same CC group have the same first transmission parameter value. The network device receives indication information, which includes multiple information units corresponding to the CC groups respectively. The information units corresponding to the CC groups indicate the value of the first transmission parameter of the CC group. The values ​​of the first transmission parameters of the multiple CC groups are determined according to the configuration information and the indication information, respectively.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The configuration information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration information or Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling, and the indication information is carried in a single Downlink Control Information (DCI).

12. A resource indication method, characterized in that, include: Send indication information to the terminal device. The indication information includes a first information unit corresponding to a first carrier unit (CC) and a second information unit corresponding to at least one second CC. The first information unit indicates a first value of a first transmission parameter of the first CC, and the second information unit indicates the difference or ratio between the value of the first transmission parameter of the corresponding second CC and the first value. The indication information is used to determine the values ​​of the first transmission parameters of the first CC and at least one of the second CCs, respectively.

13. A resource indication method, characterized in that, include: Send configuration information to the terminal device. The configuration information indicates multiple CC groups. Each CC group includes one or more CCs. Different CCs in the same CC group have the same first transmission parameter. Send indication information to the terminal device. The indication information includes multiple information units corresponding to the CC groups respectively. The information units corresponding to the CC groups indicate the value of the first transmission parameter of the CC group. The configuration information and the indication information are used to determine the values ​​of the first transmission parameters of the multiple CC groups, respectively.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes multiple functional modules that interact with each other to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A chip, characterized in that, Includes a processor for invoking a computer program or computer instructions in memory to cause the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable 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 13.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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