Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: receiving first control information; on the basis of the first control information, receiving second control information; and on the basis of the first control information and the second control information, transmitting or receiving M transmission units on a first time unit, M being an integer greater than 1.

Description

A communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411748984.1, filed on November 29, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In scenarios involving concurrent transmission of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes, each HARQ process is maintained independently. For example, the downlink control information (DCI) indicating multiple HARQ processes includes fields such as frequency domain resource allocation, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and HARQ process number corresponding to each HARQ process. Therefore, when each HARQ process is maintained independently, the number of bits in the DCI increases linearly with the number of concurrent HARQ processes. For instance, the HARQ process number field corresponding to one HARQ process occupies 4 bits; with N concurrent HARQ processes, the HARQ process number fields corresponding to N HARQ processes in the DCI occupy 4*N bits, resulting in a significant increase in the bit overhead of the DCI.

[0004] However, due to limitations in the encoding method, the number of bits occupied by the DCI is limited. Therefore, in scenarios with large-scale concurrent multi-HARQ processes, the number of bits occupied by the DCI used to indicate multiple HARQ processes may exceed the length limit of the DCI. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method and a communication device. This application uses a first control information and a second control information to jointly schedule M transmission units. Compared to scheduling multiple transmission units using a single control information, since two control information messages can carry more bits than a single control information message, more transmission units can be scheduled using two control information messages. The communication device includes a network-side device and a terminal-side device.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal-side device. Unless otherwise specified, the terminal-side device in this application can refer to a communication device (e.g., a terminal device), a component in the communication device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device.

[0007] The method includes:

[0008] Receive first control information;

[0009] Receive the second control information based on the first control information;

[0010] Based on the first control information and the second control information, M transmission units are sent or received in the first time unit, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, network devices can jointly schedule M transmission units using first and second control information. Compared to scheduling multiple transmission units using a single control information, since two control information messages can carry more bits than a single control information message, more transmission units can be scheduled using two control information messages. Therefore, if the value of M is too large, the problem of not being able to schedule M transmission units using a single control information message can be solved when jointly scheduling M transmission units using the first and second control information.

[0012] For example, a time unit is the smallest unit in the time domain used for transmitting data.

[0013] For example, a transmission unit can be a transport block (TB), meaning one transmission unit is one TB, and M transmission units constitute M TBs. A transmission unit can also be a sub-block comprised of a TB; for instance, a transmission unit can include F code blocks (CBs), where F is a positive integer. When a transmission unit is a sub-block comprised of a TB, one TB can include multiple transmission units.

[0014] Optionally, the first control information may also be used to indicate the format of the first control information.

[0015] For example, the number of bits occupied by the second control information is related to the value of M.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect,

[0017] The first control information includes first information and second information. The first information indicates common information for transmitting M transmission units, and the second information indicates reference information for transmitting M transmission units.

[0018] The second control information includes a third information and a fourth information; the third information indicates the first scheduling information, or the third information and reference information are used to determine the first scheduling information, the first scheduling information including M information for transmitting M transmission units; the fourth information indicates the second scheduling information, the second scheduling information including M information for transmitting M transmission units.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, by carrying common information and reference information for transmitting M transmission units in the first control information, and carrying the remaining information for transmitting M transmission units in the second control information, more transmission units can be scheduled while saving as many bits of control information as possible, compared to the simple method of scheduling multiple transmission units through two existing control information.

[0020] For example, the common information used to transmit M transmission units includes the following: information on the time-domain resources occupied by the M transmission units, frequency hopping indication, downlink allocation index, mapping from virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks, transmit power control command of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), PUCCH resource indication, and feedback timing indicator from the physical downlink shared channel to HARQ.

[0021] For example, the first scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, and modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

[0022] For example, the second scheduling information is one of the following: redundancy version (RV) and new data indicator (NDI).

[0023] For example, the reference information includes a first frequency domain resource, which is the total frequency domain resource occupied by M transmission units; the first scheduling information includes the m-th information among the M information, which is the second frequency domain resource, and the third information indicates the second frequency domain resource, or indicates the relationship between the second frequency domain resource and the first frequency domain resource; the second frequency domain resource is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0024] For example, the reference information includes a first HARQ process number; the m-th information among the M information included in the first scheduling information is a second HARQ process number, and the third information indicates the second HARQ process number, or indicates the offset of the second HARQ process number relative to the first HARQ process number; the second HARQ process number is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0025] For example, the reference information includes a first MCS; the m-th information among the M information included in the first scheduling information is the second MCS, and the third information indicates the second MCS, or indicates the offset of the second MCS relative to the first MCS; the second MCS is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect,

[0027] The first control information includes first information and fifth information. The first information indicates common information for transmitting M transmission units. The fifth information is used to determine the third scheduling information. The third scheduling information includes M1 pieces of information for transmitting the first M1 transmission units out of the M transmission units. M1 is a positive integer and M1 is less than M.

[0028] The second control information includes the sixth information, which is used to determine the fourth scheduling information, or the sixth information and the fifth information are used to determine the fourth scheduling information. The fourth scheduling information includes M2 pieces of information used to transmit the last M2 transmission units out of the M transmission units, where M2 = M - M1.

[0029] Based on the above technical solution, by carrying common information for transmitting M transmission units and other remaining information for transmitting the first M1 transmission units in the first control information, and carrying remaining information for transmitting the last M2 transmission units in the second control information, more transmission units can be scheduled while saving as many bits of control information as possible, compared to the simple method of scheduling multiple transmission units through two existing control information.

[0030] For example, the third and fourth scheduling information can be one of the following: frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, or MCS.

[0031] The first information in M1 information is used to transmit the first transmission unit in M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the first information in M1 information.

[0032] The m1th information in M1 information is used to transmit the m1th transmission unit in M1 transmission units. The fifth information indicates the m1th information, or indicates the offset between the m1th information and the first information in M1 information; m1 = 2, 3, ..., M1.

[0033] The m2th information in M2 information is used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in M2 transmission units. The sixth information indicates the m2th information, or indicates the offset between the m2th information and the first information in M1 information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

[0034] For example, the third scheduling information and the fourth scheduling information are one of the following: NDI or RV.

[0035] The m1'th information in M1 information is used to transmit the first transmission unit in M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the m1'th information; m1' = 1, 2, ..., M1.

[0036] The m2th information in M2 information is used to transmit the sixth information of the m2th transmission unit in M2 transmission units, indicating the m2th information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

[0037] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect,

[0038] The first control information includes first information, which indicates common information for transmitting M transmission units;

[0039] The second control information includes the seventh information, which is used to determine the fifth scheduling information. The fifth scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit M transmission units.

[0040] Based on the above technical solution, by carrying common information for transmitting M transmission units in the first control information and carrying the remaining information for transmitting M transmission units in the second control information, more transmission units can be scheduled while saving as many bits of control information as possible, compared to the simple method of scheduling multiple transmission units through two existing control information.

[0041] For example, the fifth scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, MCS, HARQ process number, NDI, or RV.

[0042] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a network-side device. Unless otherwise specified, the network-side device in this application can refer to a communication device (e.g., a network device), a component in a communication device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device.

[0043] The method includes:

[0044] Send the first control information, which is used to schedule the second control information;

[0045] Send the second control message;

[0046] Based on the first control information and the second control information, M transmission units are sent or received in the second time unit, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0047] The beneficial effects of the second aspect and its various implementations can be found in the description of the first aspect above.

[0048] For example, a time unit is the smallest unit in the time domain used for transmitting data.

[0049] For example, a transmission unit can be a transport block (TB), meaning one transmission unit is one TB, and M transmission units constitute M TBs. A transmission unit can also be a sub-block comprised of a TB; for instance, a transmission unit can include F code blocks (CBs), where F is a positive integer. When a transmission unit is a sub-block comprised of a TB, one TB can include multiple transmission units.

[0050] Optionally, the first control information may also be used to indicate the format of the first control information.

[0051] Optionally, the first control information is also used to instruct the transmission of M transmission units in the first time unit.

[0052] For example, the number of bits occupied by the second control information is related to the value of M.

[0053] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect,

[0054] The first control information includes first information and second information. The first information indicates common information for transmitting M transmission units, and the second information indicates reference information for transmitting M transmission units.

[0055] The second control information includes a third information and a fourth information; the third information indicates the first scheduling information, or the third information and reference information are used to determine the first scheduling information, the first scheduling information including M information for transmitting M transmission units; the fourth information indicates the second scheduling information, the second scheduling information including M information for transmitting M transmission units.

[0056] For example, the common information used to transmit M transmission units includes the following: information on the time-domain resources occupied by the M transmission units, frequency hopping indication, downlink allocation index, mapping from virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks, PUCCH transmit power control command, PUCCH resource indication, and feedback timing indicator from physical downlink shared channel to HARQ.

[0057] For example, the first scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, MCS.

[0058] For example, the second scheduling information is one of the following: RV and NDI.

[0059] For example, the reference information includes a first frequency domain resource, which is the total frequency domain resource occupied by M transmission units; the first scheduling information includes the m-th information among the M information, which is the second frequency domain resource, and the third information indicates the second frequency domain resource, or indicates the relationship between the second frequency domain resource and the first frequency domain resource; the second frequency domain resource is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0060] For example, the reference information includes a first HARQ process number; the m-th information among the M information included in the first scheduling information is a second HARQ process number, and the third information indicates the second HARQ process number, or indicates the offset of the second HARQ process number relative to the first HARQ process number; the second HARQ process number is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0061] For example, the reference information includes a first MCS; the m-th information among the M information included in the first scheduling information is the second MCS, and the third information indicates the second MCS, or indicates the offset of the second MCS relative to the first MCS; the second MCS is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0062] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect,

[0063] The first control information includes first information and fifth information. The first information indicates common information for transmitting M transmission units. The fifth information is used to determine the third scheduling information. The third scheduling information includes M1 pieces of information for transmitting the first M1 transmission units out of the M transmission units. M1 is a positive integer and M1 is less than M.

[0064] The second control information includes the sixth information, which is used to determine the fourth scheduling information, or the sixth information and the fifth information are used to determine the fourth scheduling information. The fourth scheduling information includes M2 pieces of information used to transmit the last M2 transmission units out of the M transmission units, where M2 = M - M1.

[0065] For example, the third and fourth scheduling information can be one of the following: frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, or MCS.

[0066] The first information in M1 information is used to transmit the first transmission unit in M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the first information in M1 information.

[0067] The m1th information in M1 information is used to transmit the m1th transmission unit in M1 transmission units. The fifth information indicates the m1th information, or indicates the offset between the m1th information and the first information in M1 information; m1 = 2, 3, ..., M1.

[0068] The m2th information in M2 information is used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in M2 transmission units. The sixth information indicates the m2th information, or indicates the offset between the m2th information and the first information in M1 information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

[0069] For example, the third scheduling information and the fourth scheduling information are one of the following: NDI or RV.

[0070] The m1'th information in M1 information is used to transmit the first transmission unit in M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the m1'th information; m1' = 1, 2, ..., M1.

[0071] The m2th information in M2 information is used to transmit the sixth information of the m2th transmission unit in M2 transmission units, indicating the m2th information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

[0072] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect,

[0073] The first control information includes first information, which indicates common information for transmitting M transmission units;

[0074] The second control information includes the seventh information, which is used to determine the fifth scheduling information. The fifth scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit M transmission units.

[0075] For example, the fifth scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, MCS, HARQ process number, NDI, or RV.

[0076] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functions described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0077] In one possible design, the communication device includes: a communication unit for receiving first control information; a communication unit for receiving second control information based on the first control information; and a communication unit for sending or receiving M transmission units on a first time unit based on the first control information and the second control information, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0078] The communication unit can perform the receiving and sending processes described in the first aspect above.

[0079] Optionally, the communication device further includes a processing unit that can perform other processing steps besides receiving and transmitting as described in the first aspect.

[0080] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, a communication module in a terminal device, or a chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0081] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functions described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0082] In one possible design, the communication device includes: a communication unit for transmitting first control information, the first control information being used to schedule second control information; the communication unit is also used for transmitting the second control information; the communication unit is also used for transmitting or receiving M transmission units on a second time unit according to the first control information and the second control information, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0083] The communication unit can perform the receiving and sending processes described in the second aspect above.

[0084] Optionally, the communication device further includes a processing unit that can perform other processing in the second aspect described above besides receiving and transmitting.

[0085] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, or a module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) within a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0086] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions involved in either the first or second aspect described above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect described above. The interface circuit is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0087] In one possible design, the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0088] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0089] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, a communication module in a terminal device, or a chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0090] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, or a module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) within a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0091] In a sixth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes the communication devices described in the third and / or fourth aspects.

[0092] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code or instructions, which, when read and executed by a computer, cause the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect to be implemented.

[0093] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code or instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect to be implemented.

[0094] Ninthly, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect to be implemented.

[0095] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the third to ninth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the first or second aspects mentioned above and any possible implementation thereof, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0096] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to this application;

[0097] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0100] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] Before introducing the scheme of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0102] (1) In this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0103] (2) In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0104] (3) In this application, "first," "second," and "#1," "#2" are merely for descriptive convenience and are used to distinguish objects, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they are used to distinguish different messages, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such described objects can be interchanged where appropriate so as to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0105] (4) In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, implicit instruction, etc. When describing an instruction information as indicating A, it can be understood as the instruction information carrying A, carrying the identifier of A, carrying B which is associated with A, carrying the identifier of B which is associated with A, etc. In other words, if the receiving side of an instruction information can determine A based on the instruction information, it can be described as the instruction information indicating A, and the specific method of determination is not limited. When it is understood that the instruction information carries A, "instruction" can be replaced with "includes". In this case, a statement such as "send / receive instruction information, the instruction information indicates A" can be replaced with "send / receive A".

[0106] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0107] (5) In this application, "predefined" may refer to a standard protocol predefined, or it may refer to a pre-agreed or pre-negotiated agreement between devices. "Pre-configuration" can be achieved by pre-saving the corresponding code, table, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device, and this application does not limit the implementation method. Among them, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as 4th generation (4G) network protocols, 5th generation (5G) network protocols, new radio (NR) protocols, 5.5G network protocols, and related protocols applied in future communication networks, and this application does not limit it.

[0108] (6) In this application, “message”, “information”, “signal” or “information element (IE)” can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0109] "Sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information to that device directly or indirectly. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device. This can include receiving information from that device directly or indirectly. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0110] "Communication" can also be described as data transmission, information transmission, data processing, etc. "Transmission" includes sending and / or receiving. "Transmission" can be described as output. "Sending" can also be understood as the output of a chip interface, and "receiving" can be understood as the input of a chip interface. In other words, "sending" or "receiving" can occur between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices via an air interface. "Sending" or "receiving" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0111] For example, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For instance, "a network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 within the network device sending information to logical module 2 within the network device. Similarly, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For instance, "a network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 within the network device receiving information from logical module 2 within the network device.

[0112] (7) In this application, the terms "exemplary," "for example," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present a concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," "corresponding," and "associate" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinctions are emphasized.

[0113] (8) In this application, the configuration can be signaling configuration, such as radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI), or system information block (SIB). Optionally, the signaling configuration can be pre-configured signaling configuration given to the terminal device, or configured to the terminal device through pre-configuration. Here, pre-configuration means defining or configuring the values ​​of corresponding parameters in advance in a protocol manner, and storing them in the terminal device during communication. The pre-configured messages can be modified or updated when the terminal device is connected to the network.

[0114] The following describes the communication system to which this application applies.

[0115] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: LTE systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, 5G or NR systems and future communication systems, vehicle-to-other devices (V2X), where V2X can include vehicle to network (V2N), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle to infrastructure (V2I), vehicle to pedestrian (V2P), long term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), long term evolution-machine (LTE-M) communication, machine to machine (M2M), etc.

[0116] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to CN 200. The core network device in CN 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0117] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G mobile communication system, a 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0118] RAN node 110, sometimes referred to as network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and assists terminal equipment in achieving wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in this communication system can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal equipment 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal equipment 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal equipment. RAN node 110 and terminal equipment 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0119] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0120] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0121] In different systems, CU (including open CU-CP (O-CU-CP) and open CU-UP (O-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 an open central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0122] Terminal device 120 can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. Terminal device can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal device, etc. Terminal device can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), V2X communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, transportation vehicle with wireless communication function, communication module, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal device. Terminal device typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal device can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0123] RAN 100 and terminal device 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the scenarios in which RAN 100 and terminal device 120 are located.

[0124] CN 200 can be a 5G core network or an evolved 5G core network. Taking a 5G core network as an example, CN 200 includes access and mobility management (AMF) network elements responsible for mobility management and access management services; session management (SMF) network elements responsible for session management; user plane (UPF) network elements responsible for user plane packet routing and forwarding and quality of service (QoS) control; and policy control (PCF) network elements. These core network elements can operate independently or be combined to implement certain control functions; for example, AMF, SMF, and PCF can be combined into a single core network device.

[0125] It should be understood that the above naming is defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in future networks, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology from 5G, or they may use other names, etc.

[0126] It is understood that Figure 1 is merely an example provided for ease of understanding and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may also involve network elements not shown in Figure 1, and of course, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may also include only some of the network elements shown in Figure 1.

[0127] Control information can be DCI or RRC signaling, used for configured grant (CG) transmission, mainly including downlink grant, uplink grant, or power control commands. The size of the DCI payload may vary in different scenarios, resulting in different DCI formats. Based on the content and function carried by the DCI, existing protocols (e.g., 3GPP technical specification (TS) 38.212) define various DCI formats. Table 1 shows the fields included in DCI format 1_0 for scheduling the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and the number of bits occupied by each field. Detailed explanations of the fields and their meanings in Table 1 can be found in the relevant descriptions of existing protocols.

[0128] Table 1

[0129] In scenarios with concurrent transmission of multiple HARQ processes, each HARQ process is maintained independently, and its frequency domain resource allocation, MCS, and HARQ processing number are all independently indicated. Therefore, in the case of concurrent transmission of multiple HARQ processes, the number of bits used in the DCI to indicate multiple HARQ processes increases linearly with the number of concurrent HARQ processes. For example, as shown in Table 1 above, the HARQ process number field corresponding to one HARQ process occupies 4 bits. With N concurrent HARQ processes, the HARQ process number field included in the DCI occupies 4*N bits, resulting in a significant increase in the bit overhead of the DCI.

[0130] However, due to limitations in the encoding method, the number of bits occupied by the DCI is limited. Therefore, in scenarios with large-scale concurrent HARQ processes, the number of bits occupied by the DCI used to indicate multiple HARQ processes may exceed the length limit of the DCI.

[0131] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method and a communication device that uses a two-level DCI to indicate multiple HARQ processes, thereby avoiding the limitation on the number of bits of the DCI when using a single DCI to indicate multiple HARQ processes.

[0132] The communication method and communication device provided in this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses network devices and terminal devices as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the network device, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network functions; the method executed by the terminal device in this application can also be implemented by a communication module in the terminal device or by circuits or chips (such as modem chips (also known as baseband chips), or SoC chips containing modem cores, or SIP chips) in the terminal device responsible for communication functions.

[0133] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the method 200 includes the following steps.

[0134] S210, the network device sends the first control information.

[0135] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first control information.

[0136] For example, the first control information is carried in DCI, medium / media access control element (MAC CE), or RRC signaling.

[0137] The first control information is used to schedule the second control information. In other words, the first control information can indicate the location of the second control information.

[0138] For example, the first control information may include field #1, which carries information indicating the location of the second control information. For instance, field #1 could be named the secondary DCI location (2... nd (DCI location) field. Field #1 can also be named other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0139] The first control information is also used to schedule M transmission units on the first time unit. The M transmission units on the first time unit refer to the M transmission units transmitted on the first time unit. When the time unit is the smallest unit used for data transmission in the time domain, the M transmission units on the first time unit are equivalent to M transmission units transmitted simultaneously (or concurrently) on the first time unit.

[0140] The embodiments of this application do not limit the transmission unit. For example, a transmission unit can be a TB, that is, one transmission unit is one TB, and M transmission units are M TBs. A transmission unit can also be a sub-block included in a TB. For example, a transmission unit can include F code blocks (CBs), where F is a positive integer. When a transmission unit is a sub-block included in a TB, one TB can include multiple transmission units.

[0141] Optionally, the first control information may also be used to indicate the value of M. In one possible implementation, if the value of M is preconfigured or predefined by the protocol, the first control information may not indicate the value of M.

[0142] For example, the first control information may include field #2, which carries information indicating the value of M. For instance, field #2 may be named the concurrent TB numeric field. Field #2 may also be named other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0143] Optionally, the first control information may also indicate the transmission or reception of M transmission units in the first time unit.

[0144] Optionally, the first control information may also be used to indicate the format of the first control information.

[0145] For example, the first control information may include field #3, which carries information indicating the format of the first control information. For instance, field #3 may be named the DCI format indication field. Field #3 may also be named other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0146] S220, the network device sends the second control information.

[0147] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second control information.

[0148] For example, the second control information is carried in DCI, medium / media access control element (MAC CE), or RRC signaling.

[0149] It should be understood that the first control information is used to schedule the second control information; therefore, in S220, the terminal device receives the second control information based on the first control information. In other words, the terminal device can determine the location for the second control information based on the first control information.

[0150] The second control information is used to schedule the M transmission units on the first time unit.

[0151] It should be understood that when the first control information and the second control information are used to schedule M transmission units on the first time unit, the first control information and the second control information are used to determine the information for transmitting the M transmission units. In other words, the terminal device can determine the information for transmitting the M transmission units based on the first control information and the second control information.

[0152] S230, the terminal device sends or receives M transmission units in the first time unit according to the first control information and the second control information.

[0153] Accordingly, the network device receives or transmits M transmission units in the second time unit based on the first control information and the second control information. For example, if the terminal device transmits M transmission units in the first time unit, then the network device receives M transmission units from the terminal device in the second time unit. If the terminal device receives M transmission units in the first time unit, then these M transmission units may be transmitted from the network device to the terminal device in the second time unit. The first time unit and the second time unit may be the same or different.

[0154] It should be understood that in S230, after the terminal device determines the information for transmitting M transmission units based on the first control information and the second control information, it sends or receives the M transmission units according to the information for transmitting the M transmission units. For example, if the terminal device determines the time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources for transmitting the M transmission units based on the first control information and the second control information, then the terminal device sends or receives the M transmission units on the time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources used for transmitting the M transmission units.

[0155] The following describes several possible forms of the first and second control information provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0156] In one possible implementation, the first control information includes first information and second information, and the second control information includes third information and fourth information.

[0157] The first information indicates common information used to transmit M transmission units.

[0158] For example, the common information used to transmit M transmission units includes the following: information on the time-domain resources occupied by the M transmission units, frequency hopping indication, downlink allocation index, mapping from virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks, transmit power control command of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), PUCCH resource indication, and feedback timing indicator from physical downlink shared channel to HARQ.

[0159] For example, the first control information includes the following fields for carrying the first information: a time-domain resource allocation field, a frequency hopping flag field, a downlink allocation index field, a VRB-to-PRB mapping field, a TPC command for scheduled PUCCH field, a PUCCH resource indicator field, and a PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timing indicator field. These fields correspond one-to-one with the aforementioned common information used to transmit M transmission units.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the common information used to transmit the M transmission units may include some of the items mentioned above.

[0161] The second information indicates reference information used to transmit M transmission units.

[0162] For example, the reference information used to transmit M transmission units includes one or more of the following: a first frequency domain resource, a first HARQ process number, or a first MCS.

[0163] The first frequency domain resource is the total frequency domain resource occupied by the M transmission units. If the reference information used to transmit the M transmission units includes the first frequency domain resource, then the first control information may include a frequency domain resource allocation field, which carries information indicating the first frequency domain resource.

[0164] The first HARQ process number can be the HARQ process number corresponding to one of the M transmission units, or the first HARQ process number can be different from the HARQ process number corresponding to any one of the M transmission units. The first HARQ process number can be referred to as the reference HARQ process number. If the reference information used to transmit the M transmission units includes the first HARQ process number, then the first control information can include a HARQ process number field, which carries information indicating the first HARQ process number.

[0165] The first MCS can be the MCS corresponding to one of the M transmission units, or the first MCS may be different from the MCS corresponding to any one of the M transmission units. The first MCS can be called the reference MCS. If the reference information used to transmit the M transmission units includes the first MCS, then the first control information may include an MCS field, which carries information for indicating the first MCS.

[0166] The third information indicates the first scheduling information, or the third information and reference information are used to determine the first scheduling information. The first scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit M transmission units.

[0167] The first scheduling information is dedicated information used to transmit each of the M transmission units, and the type of one parameter included in the first scheduling information is the same as that included in the reference information. This dedicated information includes frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, MCS, NDI, and RV.

[0168] For example, if the reference information includes a first frequency domain resource, then the first scheduling information is a frequency domain resource. In other words, the M pieces of information included in the first scheduling information are M frequency domain resources, and each of the M frequency domain resources corresponds one-to-one with one of the M transmission units. Each of the M frequency domain resources is used to transmit each of the M transmission units. As another example, if the reference information includes a first HARQ process number, then the first scheduling information is a HARQ process number. In other words, the M pieces of information included in the first scheduling information are M HARQ process numbers, and each of the M HARQ process numbers corresponds one-to-one with one of the M transmission units. Each of the M HARQ process numbers is used to transmit each of the M transmission units. As yet another example, if the reference information includes a first MCS, then the first scheduling information is an MCS. In other words, the M pieces of information included in the first scheduling information are M MCSs, and each of the M MCSs corresponds one-to-one with one of the M transmission units. Each of the M MCSs is used to transmit each of the M transmission units. For example, if the reference information includes a first frequency domain resource, a first HARQ process number, and a first MCS, then the first scheduling information is one of the frequency domain resource, the HARQ process number, or the MCS.

[0169] For example, if the second control information includes third information, the second control information includes field #4 for carrying the third information. For instance, if the first scheduling information is a frequency domain field, then field #4 can be named the frequency domain resource allocation field. As another example, if the first scheduling information is a HARQ process number, then field #4 can be named the HARQ process number field. As yet another example, if the first scheduling information is an MCS, then field #4 can be named the MCS field.

[0170] The following description uses the first scheduling information as frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, and MCS as examples to illustrate the form of the third information.

[0171] For example, if the reference information includes a first frequency domain resource, and the m-th information among the M pieces of information included in the first scheduling information is a second frequency domain resource, then the third information indicates the second frequency domain resource, or indicates the relationship between the second frequency domain resource and the first frequency domain resource. The second frequency domain resource is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0172] It should be understood that when the third information indicates the second frequency domain resource, the terminal device can directly determine the second frequency domain resource based on the third information. For example, if the third information includes the index of the starting frequency domain unit of the second frequency domain resource and the number of frequency domain units included in the second frequency domain resource (or the length of the second frequency domain resource), then the terminal device can directly determine the second frequency domain resource based on the third information.

[0173] It should be understood that when the third information indicates the relationship between the second frequency domain resource and the first frequency domain resource, the terminal device can determine the second frequency domain resource based on the third information and the first frequency domain resource. For example, if the third information indicates the offset of the starting frequency domain unit of the second frequency domain resource relative to the starting frequency domain unit of the first frequency domain resource, or if the third information indicates the number of frequency domain units included in the second frequency domain resource, then the terminal device can determine the second frequency domain resource based on the third information and the first frequency domain resource.

[0174] For example, if the reference information includes a first HARQ process number, and the m-th information among the M pieces of information included in the first scheduling information is a second HARQ process number, then the third information indicates the second HARQ process number, or indicates the offset of the second HARQ process number relative to the first HARQ process number. The second HARQ process number is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0175] It should be understood that when the third information indicates the second HARQ process number, the terminal device can directly determine the second HARQ process number based on the third information.

[0176] It should be understood that when the third information indicates the offset of the second HARQ process number relative to the first HARQ process number, the terminal device can determine the second HARQ process number based on the third information and the first HARQ process number.

[0177] For example, if the reference information includes a first MCS, and the m-th information among the M information items included in the first scheduling information is a second MCS, then the third information indicates the second MCS, or indicates the offset of the second MCS relative to the first MCS. The second MCS is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0178] It should be understood that when the third information indicates the second MCS, the terminal device can directly determine the second MCS based on the third information.

[0179] It should be understood that when the third information indicates the offset of the second MCS relative to the first MCS, the terminal device can determine the second MCS based on the third information and the first MCS.

[0180] The fourth information indicates the second scheduling information. The second scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit M transmission units.

[0181] The second scheduling information is dedicated information for transmitting each of the M transmission units, and its type differs from any parameter included in the reference information. This dedicated information includes frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, MCS, NDI, and RV. For example, if the reference information includes first frequency domain resources, then the first scheduling information is one of frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, NDI, and RV. As another example, if the reference information includes first frequency domain resources, first HARQ process number, and first MCS, then the second scheduling information is one of NDI and RV. Yet another example, if the reference information includes first frequency domain resources and first HARQ process number, then the second scheduling information is one of MCS, NDI, and RV.

[0182] The following description uses NDI and RV as examples of the second scheduling information to illustrate the form of the fourth information.

[0183] For example, if the second scheduling information is an NDI, then the m-th information among the M information items included in the second scheduling information is the first NDI, and the fourth information indicates the first NDI. The first NDI is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0184] It should be understood that when the fourth information indicates the first NDI, the terminal device can directly determine the first NDI based on the third information.

[0185] For example, if the second scheduling information is RV, and the m-th information among the M information items included in the second scheduling information is the first RV, then the fourth information indicates the first RV. The first RV is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0186] It should be understood that when the fourth information indicates the first RV, the terminal device can directly determine the first RV based on the third information.

[0187] For example, in addition to the third and fourth information, the second control information may also include information #1 to information #3, which are used to determine scheduling information #1 to scheduling information #3 respectively.

[0188] Scheduling information #1 to scheduling information #3 are all dedicated information used to transmit each of the M transmission units, and scheduling information #1 to scheduling information #3 are different from the first scheduling information and the second scheduling information.

[0189] For example, if the first scheduling information is frequency domain resources and the second scheduling information is NDI, then scheduling information #1 to scheduling information #3 are the HARQ process number, MSC, and RV, respectively. As another example, if the first scheduling information is the HARQ process number and the second scheduling information is RV, then scheduling information #1 to scheduling information #3 are the frequency domain resources, MCS, and RV, respectively.

[0190] The following description uses the example of the first scheduling information being frequency domain resources, the second scheduling information being NDI, and scheduling information #1 to scheduling information #3 being the HARQ process number, MCS, and RV, respectively.

[0191] For example, scheduling information #1 is a HARQ process number. If the reference information includes the first HARQ process number, then the form of information #1 is similar to the third information described above for determining the HARQ process number, i.e., information #1 indicates scheduling information #1. Alternatively, information #1 and the first HARQ process number included in the reference information are used to determine scheduling information #1. If the reference information does not include the first HARQ process number, then the form of information #1 is similar to the fourth information, i.e., information #1 indicates scheduling information #1.

[0192] For example, if scheduling information #2 is an MCS, and the reference information includes the first MCS, then the form of information #2 is similar to the third information described above for determining the MCS, i.e., information #2 indicates scheduling information #2; or, information #2 and the first MCS included in the reference information are used to determine scheduling information #2. If the reference information does not include the first MCS, then the form of information #1 is similar to the fourth information, i.e., information #2 indicates scheduling information #2.

[0193] For example, scheduling information #3 is RV, and the form of information #3 is similar to that of the fourth information, that is, information #3 indicates scheduling information #3.

[0194] The following, with reference to Table 2 and taking DCI Format1_0 as an example, illustrates an example of the format of the first control information and the second control information provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0195] Table 2

[0196] As shown in Table 2, the first control information may include the following fields: DCI format indication, time domain field allocation, frequency hopping flag, frequency domain resource allocation, NDI, RV, HARQ process number, MCS, VRB-to-PRB mapping, downlink allocation index, TPC command for scheduled PUCCH, PUCCH resource indication, PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timer indication, concurrent TB count, and 2nd DCI location. The following fields are used to carry the aforementioned first information: time domain resource allocation, frequency hopping flag, VRB-to-PRB mapping, downlink allocation index, TPC command for scheduled PUCCH, PUCCH resource indication, and PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timer indication. The following fields are used to carry the aforementioned second information: frequency domain resource allocation, HARQ process number, and MCS.

[0197] The second control information may include the following fields: frequency domain resource allocation, NDI, RV, HARQ process number, and MCS. Specifically, the frequency domain resource allocation field carries the third information mentioned above, the NDI field carries the fourth information mentioned above, the HARQ process number field carries information #1 mentioned above, the MCS field carries information #2 mentioned above, and the RV field carries information #3 mentioned above.

[0198] In one possible implementation, the first control information includes first information and fifth information, and the second control information includes sixth information.

[0199] The first piece of information can be found in the description above.

[0200] The fifth piece of information is used to determine the third scheduling information. The third scheduling information includes M1 pieces of information used to transmit the first M1 transmission units out of the M transmission units. M1 is a positive integer and M1 is less than M.

[0201] The sixth information is used to determine the fourth scheduling information, or the sixth and fifth information are used to determine the fourth scheduling information. The fourth scheduling information includes M2 pieces of information used to transmit the last M2 transmission units out of the M transmission units, where M2 = M - M1.

[0202] The third and fourth scheduling information are dedicated information used to transmit each of the M transmission units. The dedicated information includes frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, MCS, NDI, and RV.

[0203] For example, if the third and fourth scheduling information are one of the following: frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, and MCS, then the specific forms of the first and second control information are as described below.

[0204] The first information in M1 information is used to transmit the first transmission unit in M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the first information in M1 information.

[0205] The m1th information in M1 information is used to transmit the m1th transmission unit in M1 transmission units. The fifth information indicates the m1th information, or indicates the offset between the m1th information and the first information in M1 information; m1 = 2, 3, ..., M1.

[0206] The m2th information in M2 information is used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in M2 transmission units. The sixth information indicates the m2th information, or indicates the offset between the m2th information and the first information in M1 information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

[0207] It should be understood that if the fifth information indicates the first information among the M1 information, then the terminal device can directly determine the first information among the M1 information based on the fifth information.

[0208] It should be understood that if the fifth information indicates the m1th information, the terminal device can directly determine the m1th information based on the fifth information. If the fifth information indicates the offset between the m1th information and the first information in the M1 information, the terminal device can also directly determine the m1th information based on the fifth information.

[0209] It should be understood that if the sixth information indicates the m2th information, the terminal device can directly determine the m2th information based on the sixth information. If the sixth information indicates the offset between the m2th information and the first information in the M1 information, the terminal device determines the m2th information based on the fifth and sixth information.

[0210] For example, if the third and fourth scheduling information are frequency domain resources, then the first information in the M1 information is the frequency domain resource #1 used to transmit the first transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the frequency domain resource #1; the m1th information in the M1 information is the frequency domain resource #m1 used to transmit the m1th transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the frequency domain resource #m1, or indicates the offset between the frequency domain resource #m1 and the frequency domain resource #1; the m2th information in the M2 information is the frequency domain resource #m2 used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in the M2 transmission units, and the sixth information indicates the frequency domain resource #m2, or indicates the offset between the frequency domain resource #m2 and the frequency domain resource #1.

[0211] For example, if the third and fourth scheduling information are HARQ process numbers, then the first information in the M1 information is the HARQ process number #1 used to transmit the first transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the HARQ process number #1; the m1th information in the M1 information is the HARQ process number #m1 used to transmit the m1th transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the HARQ process number #m1, or indicates the offset between the HARQ process number #m1 and the HARQ process number #1; the m2th information in the M2 information is the HARQ process number #m2 used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in the M2 transmission units, and the sixth information indicates the HARQ process number #m2, or indicates the offset between the HARQ process number #m2 and the HARQ process number #1.

[0212] For example, if the third and fourth scheduling information are MCS, then the first information in the M1 information is MCS#1 used to transmit the first transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates MCS#1; the m1th information in the M1 information is MCS#m1 used to transmit the m1th transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates MCS#m1, or indicates the offset between MCS#m1 and MCS#1; the m2th information in the M2 information is MCS#m2 used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in the M2 transmission units, and the sixth information indicates MCS#m2, or indicates the offset between MCS#m2 and MCS#1.

[0213] For example, if the third and fourth scheduling information are one of the following: NDI and RV, then the specific forms of the first and second control information are as described below.

[0214] The m1'th information in M1 information is used to transmit the m1'th transmission unit in M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the m1'th information; m1' = 1, 2, ..., M1.

[0215] The m2th information in M2 information is used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in M2 transmission units, and the sixth information indicates the m2th information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

[0216] It should be understood that if the fifth information indicates the m1'th information, then the terminal device can directly determine the m1'th information based on the fifth information.

[0217] It should be understood that if the sixth information indicates the m2th information, then the terminal device can directly determine the m2th information based on the sixth information.

[0218] For example, if the third and fourth scheduling information are NDI, then the m1'th information in the M1 information is NDI#m1' used to transmit the m1'th transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates NDI#m1'; the m2th information in the M2 information is NDI#m2 used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in the M2 transmission units, and the sixth information indicates NDI#m2.

[0219] For example, if the third and fourth scheduling information are RV, then the m1'th information in M1 information is RV#m1' used to transmit the m1'th transmission unit in M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates RV number #m1'; the m2th information in M2 information is RV#m2 used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in M2 transmission units, and the sixth information indicates RV#m2.

[0220] For example, in addition to the fifth information, the first control information may also include information #4 to information #7, which are used to determine scheduling information #4 to scheduling information #7, respectively. In addition to the sixth information, the second control information may also include information #8 to information #11, which are used to determine scheduling information #8 to scheduling information #11, respectively.

[0221] Scheduling information #4 to #7 are all dedicated information used to transmit each of the M transmission units, and they differ from the third scheduling information. Scheduling information #8 to #11 are all dedicated information used to transmit each of the M transmission units, and they differ from the fourth scheduling information.

[0222] For example, if the third and fourth scheduling information are frequency domain resources, then scheduling information #4 to #7 are the HARQ process number, MSC, NDI, and RV, respectively, and scheduling information #8 to #11 are the HARQ process number, MSC, NDI, and RV, respectively. As another example, if the third and fourth scheduling information are NDI, then scheduling information #4 to #7 are the frequency domain resource, MCS, HARQ process number, and RV, respectively, and scheduling information #8 to #11 are the frequency domain resource, MCS, HARQ process number, and RV, respectively.

[0223] The following description uses the third and fourth scheduling information as frequency domain resources, scheduling information #4 to scheduling information #7 as HARQ process number, MCS, NDI and RV respectively, and scheduling information #8 to scheduling information #11 as HARQ process number, MCS, NDI and RV respectively, to illustrate information #4 to information #11.

[0224] For example, scheduling information #4 and scheduling information #8 are HARQ process numbers. The form of information #4 is similar to the fifth information described above for determining the HARQ process number, that is, information #4 is used to determine scheduling information #4. The form of information #8 is similar to the sixth information described above for determining the HARQ process number, that is, information #8 is used to determine scheduling information #8. Alternatively, information #8 and information #4 are used to determine scheduling information #8.

[0225] For example, scheduling information #5 and scheduling information #9 are MCS. The form of information #5 is similar to the fifth information described above for determining the MCS, that is, information #5 is used to determine scheduling information #5. The form of information #9 is similar to the sixth information described above for determining the MCS, that is, information #9 is used to determine scheduling information #9. Alternatively, information #9 and information #5 are used to determine scheduling information #9.

[0226] For example, scheduling information #6 and scheduling information #10 are NDIs. The form of information #6 is similar to the fifth information used to determine NDIs as described above, that is, information #6 is used to determine scheduling information #6. The form of information #10 is similar to the sixth information used to determine NDIs as described above, that is, information #10 is used to determine scheduling information #10.

[0227] For example, scheduling information #7 and scheduling information #11 are RVs. The form of information #7 is similar to the fifth information described above for determining RVs, that is, information #7 is used to determine scheduling information #7. The form of information #11 is similar to the sixth information described above for determining RVs, that is, information #11 is used to determine scheduling information #11.

[0228] The following, with reference to Table 3, uses DCI Format1_0 as an example to illustrate an example of the format of the first control information and the second control information provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0229] Table 3

[0230] As shown in Table 3, the first control information may include the following fields: DCI format indication, time domain field allocation, frequency hopping flag, frequency domain resource allocation, NDI, RV, HARQ process number, MCS, VRB-to-PRB mapping, downlink allocation index, TPC command for scheduled PUCCH, PUCCH resource indication, PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timer indication, concurrent TB count, and 2nd DCI location. Among these, the following fields are used to carry the aforementioned first information: time domain resource allocation, frequency hopping flag, VRB-to-PRB mapping, downlink allocation index, TPC command for scheduled PUCCH, PUCCH resource indication, and PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timer indication. The following fields are used to carry the aforementioned fifth information and information #4 to #7: frequency domain resource allocation, HARQ process number, MCS, NDI, and RV.

[0231] The second control information may include the following fields: frequency domain resource allocation, NDI, RV, HARQ process number, and MCS. Specifically, the frequency domain resource allocation field carries the sixth information mentioned above, the HARQ process number field carries information #8 mentioned above, the MCS field carries information #9 mentioned above, the NDI field carries uplink information #10, and the RV field carries information #11 mentioned above.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the first control information includes first information, and the second control information includes seventh information.

[0233] The first piece of information can be found in the description above.

[0234] The seventh piece of information is used to determine the fifth scheduling information, which includes M pieces of information used to transmit M transmission units.

[0235] The fifth scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, MCS, NDI, and RV.

[0236] For example, if the fifth scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, and MCS, then the specific form of the second control information is as described below.

[0237] The first piece of information included in the fifth scheduling information is used to transmit the first transmission unit among the M transmission units, and the seventh piece of information indicates the first piece of information included in the fifth scheduling information.

[0238] The fifth scheduling information includes the m'th information used to transmit the m'th transmission unit among the M transmission units. The seventh information indicates the m'th information included in the fifth scheduling information, or indicates the offset between the m'th information included in the fifth scheduling information and the first information included in the fifth scheduling information; m' = 2, 3, ..., M.

[0239] For example, if the fifth scheduling information is a frequency domain resource, then the first information included in the fifth scheduling information is the frequency domain resource #a used to transmit the first transmission unit among the M transmission units, and the seventh information indicates the frequency domain resource #a; the m'th information included in the fifth scheduling information is the frequency domain resource #m' used to transmit the m'th transmission unit among the M transmission units, and the seventh information indicates the frequency domain resource #m', or indicates the offset between the frequency domain resource #m' and the frequency domain resource #a.

[0240] For another example, if the fifth scheduling information is a HARQ process number, then the first piece of information included in the fifth scheduling information is the HARQ process number #a used to transmit the first transmission unit out of the M transmission units, and the seventh piece of information indicates the HARQ process number #a; the m'th piece of information included in the fifth scheduling information is the HARQ process number #m' used to transmit the m'th transmission unit out of the M transmission units, and the seventh piece of information indicates the HARQ process number #m', or indicates the offset between the HARQ process number #m' and the HARQ process number #a.

[0241] For another example, if the fifth scheduling information is MCS, then the first information included in the fifth scheduling information is MCS#a used to transmit the first transmission unit among the M transmission units, and the seventh information indicates MCS#a; the m'th information included in the fifth scheduling information is MCS#m' used to transmit the m'th transmission unit among the M transmission units, and the seventh information indicates MCS#m', or indicates the offset between MCS#m' and MCS#a.

[0242] For example, if the fifth scheduling information is one of the following: NDI and RV, then the specific form of the second control information is as described below.

[0243] The fifth scheduling information includes the m-th information used to transmit the first transmission unit out of M transmission units, and the seventh information indicates the m-th information included in the fifth scheduling information. m = 1, 2, ..., M.

[0244] For example, if the fifth scheduling information is NDI, then the m-th information included in the fifth scheduling information is NDI#m for transmitting the m-th transmission unit among M transmission units, and the fifth information indicates NDI#m.

[0245] For example, if the fifth scheduling information is RV, then the m-th information included in the fifth scheduling information is RV#m, which is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the RV number #m.

[0246] For example, in addition to the seventh information, the first control information may also include information #12 to information #15, which are used to determine scheduling information #12 to scheduling information #15 respectively.

[0247] Scheduling information #12 to scheduling information #15 are all dedicated information used to transmit each of the M transmission units, and scheduling information #12 to scheduling information #15 are different from the fifth scheduling information.

[0248] For example, if the fifth scheduling information is frequency domain resources, then scheduling information #12 to #15 are the HARQ process number, MSC, NDI, and RV, respectively. As another example, if the fifth scheduling information is NDI, then scheduling information #12 to #15 are the frequency domain resources, MCS, HARQ process number, and RV, respectively.

[0249] The following description uses the fifth scheduling information as the frequency domain resource, and scheduling information #12 to scheduling information #15 as the HARQ process number, MCS, NDI and RV respectively.

[0250] For example, scheduling information #12 is the HARQ process number. The form of information #12 is similar to the seventh information described above used to determine the HARQ process number, that is, information #12 is used to determine scheduling information #12.

[0251] For example, scheduling information #13 is MCS, and the form of information #13 is similar to the seventh information used to determine MCS as described above, that is, information #13 is used to determine scheduling information #13.

[0252] For example, scheduling information #14 is NDI, and the form of information #14 is similar to the seventh information used to determine NDI as described above, that is, information #14 is used to determine scheduling information #14.

[0253] For example, scheduling information #15 is RV, and the form of information #15 is similar to the seventh information used to determine RV as described above, that is, information #15 is used to determine scheduling information #15.

[0254] The following, with reference to Table 4, uses DCI Format1_0 as an example to illustrate an example of the format of the first control information and the second control information provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0255] Table 4

[0256] As shown in Table 4, the first control information may include the following fields: DCI format indication, time domain field allocation, frequency hopping flag, VRB-to-PRB mapping, downlink allocation index, TPC command for scheduled PUCCH, PUCCH resource indication, PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timer indication, concurrent TB count, and 2nd DCI location. Among these, the following fields are used to carry the aforementioned first information: time domain resource allocation, frequency hopping flag, VRB-to-PRB mapping, downlink allocation index, TPC command for scheduled PUCCH, PUCCH resource indication, and PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timer indication.

[0257] The second control information may include the following fields: frequency domain resource allocation, NDI, RV, HARQ process number, and MCS. Specifically, the frequency domain resource allocation field carries the aforementioned seventh information, the HARQ process number field carries the aforementioned information #12, the MCS field carries the aforementioned information #13, the NDI field carries the uplink information #14, and the RV field carries the aforementioned information #15.

[0258] As can be seen from the description of the second control information above, the number of bits occupied by the second control information is related to the value of M.

[0259] In this embodiment, the network device can jointly schedule M transmission units using first control information and second control information. Compared to scheduling multiple transmission units using a single control information, since two control information messages can carry more bits than a single control information message, more transmission units can be scheduled using two control information messages. Therefore, if the value of M is too large, the problem of not being able to schedule M transmission units using a single control information message can be solved by jointly scheduling M transmission units using the first and second control information.

[0260] Furthermore, compared to simply scheduling multiple transmission units using two existing control information, this application, through the design of the formats of the first and second control information, can schedule more transmission units while minimizing the number of bits in the control information.

[0261] It should be noted that although this application embodiment uses the example of a network device scheduling M transmission units through two control messages, this application does not limit the number of control messages used to schedule M transmission units. If the network device schedules M transmission units through a larger number (e.g., three) of control messages, the format design of the multiple control messages can refer to the format design of the first and second control messages described above.

[0262] For example, a network device can schedule M transmission units through three control messages, denoted as control messages #1 to #3. Control message #1 includes the first information mentioned above, control message #2 includes information #a, which is used to determine scheduling information #a. The M1 pieces of information included in scheduling information #a are used to transmit the first M1 transmission units out of the M transmission units, and control message #3 includes information #b, which is used to determine scheduling information #b. The M2 pieces of information included in scheduling information #b are used to transmit the last M2 transmission units out of the M transmission units.

[0263] The communication method embodiment of this application has been described in detail above with reference to FIG2. The communication device embodiment of this application will now be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment; therefore, any parts not described in detail can be referred to the preceding method embodiment.

[0264] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication device 1000 includes a processing module 1010 and a communication module 1020. The communication device 1000 can be a transmitting device, or a communication device applied to or used in conjunction with a transmitting device to implement a method executed by the transmitting device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit; or, the communication device 1000 can be a receiving device, or a communication device applied to or used in conjunction with a receiving device to implement a method executed by the receiving device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit.

[0265] The communication module can also be called a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver unit, or transceiver device. The processing module can also be called a processor, processing board, processing unit, or processing device. Optionally, the communication module is used to execute the sending and receiving operations of the sending and receiving devices in the above method. The device in the communication module that implements the receiving function can be considered a receiving unit, and the device in the communication module that implements the sending function can be considered a sending unit; that is, the communication module includes a receiving unit and a sending unit.

[0266] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a storage module for storing device program code and / or data.

[0267] In one example, when the communication device 1000 is applied to a terminal-side device (e.g., a terminal equipment), the processing module 1010 can be used to implement the processing function of the terminal-side device in the above embodiments, and the communication module 1020 can be used to implement the sending and receiving function of the terminal-side device in the above embodiments.

[0268] In another example, when the communication device 1000 is applied to a network-side device (e.g., a network device), the processing module 1010 can be used to implement the processing function of the network-side device in the above embodiments, and the communication module 1020 can be used to implement the sending and receiving function of the network-side device in the above embodiments.

[0269] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned communication module and / or processing module can be implemented through virtual modules. For example, the processing module can be implemented through software functional units or virtual devices, and the communication module can be implemented through software functions or virtual devices. Alternatively, the processing module or communication module can also be implemented through physical devices, such as chips / circuits (e.g., integrated circuits or logic circuits). The communication module can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operation) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operation); the processing module is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or circuit (e.g., integrated circuits or logic circuits).

[0270] The module division in this application is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods are possible. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various examples of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0271] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0272] In one example, the storage module may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0273] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Optionally, the communication device 2000 may be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in this application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0274] As shown in Figure 4, the communication device 2000 can be used to implement the functions of any device (e.g., terminal device, network device) in the communication system described in the foregoing examples. The communication device 2000 may include at least one processor 2010. Optionally, the processor 2010 is coupled to a memory, which may be located within the device, integrated with the processor, or located outside the device. For example, the communication device 2000 may also include at least one memory 2020. The memory 2020 stores the computer programs, instructions, and / or data necessary for implementing any of the above examples; the processor 2010 may execute the computer programs stored in the memory 2020 to complete the methods in any of the above examples.

[0275] The communication device 2000 may also include a communication interface 2030, through which the communication device 2000 can interact with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface 2030 may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface. When the communication device 2000 is a chip-based device or circuit, the communication interface 2030 in the device 2000 may also be an input / output circuit, capable of inputting information (or receiving information) and outputting information (or sending information). The processor 2010 may be an integrated processor, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or logic circuit, etc., and the processor can determine the output information based on the input information.

[0276] In one example, when the communication device 2000 is applied to a network-side device (e.g., a network device), the processor 2010 can be used to implement the processing function of the network-side device in the above embodiments, and the communication interface 2030 can be used to implement the sending and receiving function of the network-side device in the above embodiments.

[0277] In another example, when the communication device 2000 is applied to a terminal-side device (e.g., a terminal equipment), the processor 2010 can be used to implement the processing function of the terminal-side device in the above embodiments, and the communication interface 2030 can be used to implement the sending and receiving function of the terminal-side device in the above embodiments.

[0278] The coupling in this application refers to indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 2010 may operate in conjunction with the memory 2020 and the communication interface 2030. This application does not limit the specific connection medium between the processor 2010, the memory 2020, and the communication interface 2030.

[0279] Optionally, as shown in FIG4, the processor 2010, the memory 2020, and the communication interface 2030 are interconnected via a bus 2040. Optionally, the bus may include buses of the types such as address bus, data bus, and control bus. Furthermore, for ease of illustration, FIG4 shows one bus 2040, but does not indicate that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0280] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be one of the following devices or a portion of the circuitry used for processing functions: a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0281] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0282] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0283] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0284] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (e.g., a terminal-side device and / or a network-side device) in the above-described method embodiments.

[0285] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods described above as being performed by a communication device (e.g., a terminal-side device and / or a network-side device).

[0286] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the terminal-side device and / or network-side device described in the above embodiments.

[0287] Optionally, the communication system may also include the terminal-side device and / or network-side device described in the above embodiments.

[0288] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0289] In the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0290] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0291] In this application, examples may reference each other without logical contradiction. For example, methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, and functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples may reference each other.

[0292] It should be understood that the above embodiments are mainly illustrated using devices in existing network architectures as examples, and the specific form of the devices is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0293] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0294] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0295] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0296] 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 implementation scheme according to actual needs.

[0297] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0298] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to existing solutions, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0299] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: Chips used in or in terminal devices include: Receive first control information; Receive the second control information based on the first control information; Based on the first control information and the second control information, M transmission units are sent or received in the first time unit, where M is an integer greater than 1.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control information includes first information and second information. The first information indicates common information for transmitting the M transmission units, and the second information indicates reference information for transmitting the M transmission units. The second control information includes third information and fourth information; the third information indicates first scheduling information, or the third information and the reference information are used to determine the first scheduling information, wherein the first scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit the M transmission units; the fourth information indicates second scheduling information, wherein the second scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit the M transmission units.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process number, modulation and coding scheme (MCS); The second scheduling information is one of the following: Redundant Version (RV) and New Data Indicator (NDI).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The reference information includes a first frequency domain resource, which is the total frequency domain resource occupied by the M transmission units; The first scheduling information includes the m-th information among the M information items, which is the second frequency domain resource. The third information indicates the second frequency domain resource, or indicates the relationship between the second frequency domain resource and the first frequency domain resource. The second frequency domain resource is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reference information includes the first HARQ process number; The first scheduling information includes the m-th information among the M information items, which is the second HARQ process number. The third information indicates the second HARQ process number, or indicates the offset of the second HARQ process number relative to the first HARQ process number. The second HARQ process number is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein, The reference information includes the first MCS; The first scheduling information includes the m-th information among the M information items, which is the second MCS. The third information indicates the second MCS, or indicates the offset of the second MCS relative to the first MCS. The second MCS is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control information includes first information and fifth information. The first information indicates common information for transmitting the M transmission units. The fifth information is used to determine third scheduling information. The third scheduling information includes M1 pieces of information for transmitting the first M1 transmission units among the M transmission units. M1 is a positive integer and M1 is less than M. The second control information includes a sixth piece of information, which is used to determine the fourth scheduling information. Alternatively, the sixth piece of information and the fifth piece of information are used to determine the fourth scheduling information. The fourth scheduling information includes M2 pieces of information used to transmit the last M2 transmission units among the M transmission units, where M2 = M - M1.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The third scheduling information and the fourth scheduling information are one of the following: frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, and MCS; The first piece of information in the M1 pieces of information is used to transmit the first transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth piece of information indicates the first piece of information in the M1 pieces of information; The m1st information in the M1 information is used to transmit the m1st transmission unit in the M1 transmission units. The fifth information indicates the m1st information, or indicates the offset between the m1st information and the first information in the M1 information; m1 = 2, 3, ..., M1; The m2th information in the M2 information is used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in the M2 transmission units. The sixth information indicates the m2th information, or indicates the offset between the m2th information and the first information in the M1 information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, The third scheduling information and the fourth scheduling information are one of the following: NDI or RV; The m1'th information in the M1 information is used to transmit the first transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the m1'th information; m1' = 1, 2, ..., M1; The m2th information in the M2 information is used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in the M2 transmission units, and the sixth information indicates the m2th information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control information includes first information, which indicates common information for transmitting the M transmission units; The second control information includes a seventh piece of information, which is used to determine the fifth scheduling information. The fifth scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit the M transmission units.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The fifth scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, MCS, HARQ process number, NDI, or RV.

12. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that, The common information used to transmit the M transmission units includes the following: information on the time-domain resources occupied by the M transmission units, frequency hopping indication, downlink allocation index, mapping from virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks, transmit power control command of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), PUCCH resource indication, and feedback timing indicator from the physical downlink shared channel to the HARQ.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, A time unit is the smallest unit used for transmitting data in the time domain.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first control information is also used to indicate the format of the first control information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The number of bits occupied by the second control information is related to the value of M.

16. A method of communication, comprising: Chips used in or within network devices, including: Send first control information, which is used to schedule second control information; Send the second control information; Based on the first control information and the second control information, M transmission units are sent or received in the second time unit, where M is an integer greater than 1.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first control information includes first information and second information. The first information indicates common information for transmitting the M transmission units, and the second information indicates reference information for transmitting the M transmission units. The second control information includes third information and fourth information; the third information indicates first scheduling information, or the third information and the reference information are used to determine the first scheduling information, wherein the first scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit the M transmission units; the fourth information indicates second scheduling information, wherein the second scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit the M transmission units.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process number, and modulation and coding scheme (MCS); The second scheduling information is one of the following: Redundant Version (RV) and New Data Indicator (NDI).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The reference information includes a first frequency domain resource, which is the total frequency domain resource occupied by the M transmission units; The first scheduling information includes the m-th information among the M information items, which is the second frequency domain resource. The third information indicates the second frequency domain resource, or indicates the relationship between the second frequency domain resource and the first frequency domain resource. The second frequency domain resource is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, The reference information includes the first HARQ process number; The first scheduling information includes the m-th information among the M information items, which is the second HARQ process number. The third information indicates the second HARQ process number, or indicates the offset of the second HARQ process number relative to the first HARQ process number. The second HARQ process number is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein, The reference information includes the first MCS; The first scheduling information includes the m-th information among the M information items, which is the second MCS. The third information indicates the second MCS, or indicates the offset of the second MCS relative to the first MCS. The second MCS is used to transmit the m-th transmission unit among the M transmission units, where m = 1, 2, ..., M.

22. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first control information includes first information and fifth information. The first information indicates common information for transmitting the M transmission units. The fifth information is used to determine third scheduling information. The third scheduling information includes M1 pieces of information for transmitting the first M1 transmission units among the M transmission units. M1 is a positive integer and M1 is less than M. The second control information includes a sixth piece of information, which is used to determine the fourth scheduling information, or the sixth piece of information and the fifth piece of information are used to determine the fourth scheduling information, wherein the fourth scheduling information includes M2 pieces of information used to transmit the last M2 transmission units among the M transmission units, where M2 = M - M1.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The third scheduling information and the fourth scheduling information are one of the following: frequency domain resources, HARQ process number, and MCS; The first piece of information in the M1 pieces of information is used to transmit the first transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth piece of information indicates the first piece of information in the M1 pieces of information; The m1st information in the M1 information is used to transmit the m1st transmission unit in the M1 transmission units. The fifth information indicates the m1st information, or indicates the offset between the m1st information and the first information in the M1 information; m1 = 2, 3, ..., M1; The m2th information in the M2 information is used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in the M2 transmission units. The sixth information indicates the m2th information, or indicates the offset between the m2th information and the first information in the M1 information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein, The third scheduling information and the fourth scheduling information are one of the following: NDI or RV; The m1'th information in the M1 information is used to transmit the first transmission unit in the M1 transmission units, and the fifth information indicates the m1'th information; m1' = 1, 2, ..., M1; The m2th information in the M2 information is used to transmit the m2th transmission unit in the M2 transmission units, and the sixth information indicates the m2th information; m2 = 1, 2, ..., M2.

25. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first control information includes first information, which indicates common information for transmitting the M transmission units; The second control information includes a seventh piece of information, which is used to determine the fifth scheduling information. The fifth scheduling information includes M pieces of information used to transmit the M transmission units.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The fifth scheduling information is one of the following: frequency domain resources, MCS, HARQ process number, NDI, and RV.

27. The method of any one of claims 17-26, wherein, The common information used to transmit the M transmission units includes the following: information on the time-domain resources occupied by the M transmission units, frequency modulation indication, downlink allocation index, mapping from virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks, transmit power control command of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), PUCCH resource indication, and feedback timing indicator from the physical downlink shared channel to the HARQ.

28. The method of any one of claims 16-27, wherein, A time unit is the smallest unit used for transmitting data in the time domain.

29. The method of any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein, The first control information is also used to indicate the format of the first control information.

30. The method of any one of claims 16-29, wherein, The first control information also instructs the transmission of and / or reception of the M transmission units in the first time unit.

31. The method of any one of claims 16-30, wherein, The number of bits occupied by the second control information is related to the value of M.

32. A communications device, characterized by Includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1-15.

33. The communication apparatus of claim 32, wherein The communication device includes any one of the following: a terminal device or a chip.

34. A communications device, characterized by Includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 16-31.

35. The communication apparatus of claim 34, wherein The communication device includes any one of the following: network equipment, chip, central unit (CU), or distributed unit (DU).

36. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-15, or the method as described in any one of claims 16-31, to be implemented.

37. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-15 to be implemented, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 16-31 to be implemented.

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