Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a related apparatus, which are applied to the field of communications. In the method, a first apparatus acquires first information, the first information being used for indicating a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; the first apparatus acquires second information, the second information being used for indicating a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction model, and the channel reconstruction model being a neural network model; the first apparatus receives the first reference signal on the basis of the first information; and on the basis of the first reference signal and the second information, the first apparatus reconstructs first channel information of a first channel by means of the channel reconstruction model, the first channel being a channel for transmitting the first reference signal. The method can improve the accuracy of reconstructed channel information, thereby improving communication performance.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411803180.7, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 6, 2024, entitled “A Communication Method and Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Currently, neural networks are increasingly widely used in the field of communication, with more and more applications and research focusing on their application in the physical layer of wireless communication. For example, neural network models can be used to assist in the design of resource patterns for reference signals. Specifically, by training a neural network model and then leveraging its data reasoning capabilities, resource patterns for reference signals that are beneficial for reconstructing a complete channel can be determined. In other words, resource patterns for reference signals can be designed using neural networks to improve the performance of communication systems.

[0004] In neural network-based communication systems, the transmitting end designs a resource pattern for a reference signal based on a neural network model and then sends the reference signal to the receiving end. The receiving end reconstructs the channel information based on this reference signal. However, the resource pattern of the reference signal assisted by the neural network lacks relevant air interface protocols and specifications, making it impossible to reconstruct the channel based on this reference signal, resulting in low accuracy of the reconstructed channel information. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus that can improve the accuracy of reconstructed channel information, thereby enhancing communication performance.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a first device, which may be a terminal device or a network device. The method may also be applied to a communication module within the first device, or to a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the first device. Taking the application of this method to a first device as an example, in this method, the first device acquires first information, which is used to indicate a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; the first device acquires second information, which is used to indicate a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction model, where the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model; the first device receives the first reference signal based on the first information; and the first device reconstructs first channel information of a first channel using the channel reconstruction model based on the first reference signal and the second information, where the first channel is the channel for transmitting the first reference signal.

[0007] In the first aspect, the first device receives the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model. Therefore, when the pattern design of the first reference signal lacks a relevant air interface protocol or specification, it can infer complete channel information, i.e., the second channel information, based on the first correspondence through the channel reconstruction model. This improves the accuracy of the reconstructed channel information and enhances communication performance. For example, if the resource pattern design of the reference signal specified by the air interface protocol is regular, while the resource pattern design of the first reference signal based on the neural network is irregular, the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model can more accurately determine how to input the relevant channel information into the channel reconstruction model to reconstruct high-precision channel information, thereby improving communication performance.

[0008] In one optional implementation of the first aspect, the first information includes an index of a first resource pattern, and the first correspondence is that the index of the first resource pattern corresponds to the first input node of the channel reconstruction model.

[0009] Based on the above implementation, the first device receives the index of the first resource pattern. The first device can determine the correspondence between the index of the first resource pattern and the first input node according to the first correspondence relationship. Thus, the first device can determine how to input relevant information into the channel reconstruction model to reconstruct complete channel information, thereby improving communication quality.

[0010] In one optional implementation of the first aspect, the first device obtains second channel information of the first channel corresponding to the first resource pattern based on the first reference signal; the first device inputs the second channel information into the channel reconstruction model for reconstruction based on the second information to obtain the first channel information.

[0011] Based on the above implementation method, the first device can first obtain the second channel information of the first channel corresponding to the first resource pattern, that is, first obtain partial channel information, and then reconstruct the complete channel information through the channel reconstruction model, so as to improve the quality of data transmission when data is transmitted based on the channel information.

[0012] In one optional implementation of the first aspect, the first information includes an index of a first resource pattern, the first correspondence being that the index of the first resource pattern corresponds to a first input node of the channel reconstruction model, and the first device inputs the second channel information into the first input node of the channel reconstruction model so that the channel reconstruction model reconstructs the first channel information.

[0013] In the above implementation, the first device obtains the index of the first resource pattern, and the index of the first resource pattern corresponds to the first input node. Therefore, the first device can determine that the first input node is the node that inputs channel information in the channel reconstruction model. This can address the problem that the input node of the channel reconstruction model cannot be determined due to the lack of support from relevant standards and specifications, which helps to reconstruct complete channel information and improve communication performance.

[0014] In one alternative implementation of the first aspect, the first device transmits channel state information, which is used to indicate the state of the first channel.

[0015] In the above implementation, the first device sends channel state information, and the device receiving the channel state information can adjust itself in a timely manner to adapt to changes in the channel state, thereby improving the reliability of the communication system. The above implementation provides an example of applying this solution to a Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) scenario. Firstly, it can be used to address the problem of poor matching between the pattern design of the reference signal and the air interface in CSI-RS scenarios.

[0016] In one alternative implementation of the first aspect, the first resource pattern is obtained based on a resource pattern model, which is a neural network model.

[0017] In the above implementation, the resource pattern is obtained through a neural network model. The reasoning ability of the neural network model can determine a more reasonable resource pattern, thereby improving the communication capability of the communication system.

[0018] The second aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a first device, which may be a terminal device or a network device. The method may also be applied to a communication module within the first device, or to a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the first device. Taking the application of this method to the first device as an example, in this method, a second device sends first information, which indicates a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; the second device sends second information, which indicates a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction model, where the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model.

[0019] In the second aspect, the second device transmits second information indicating a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model. Thus, when the pattern design of the first reference signal lacks a relevant air interface protocol or specification, the receiving end of the second information can infer complete channel information, i.e., second channel information, based on the first correspondence through the channel reconstruction model. This improves the accuracy of the reconstructed channel information and enhances communication performance. For example, if the resource pattern design of the reference signal specified by the air interface protocol is regular, while the resource pattern design of the first reference signal based on the neural network is irregular, the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model can more accurately determine how to input relevant channel information into the channel reconstruction model to reconstruct high-precision channel information, thereby improving communication performance.

[0020] In one alternative implementation of the second aspect, the first information includes an index of a first resource pattern, and the first correspondence is that the index of the first resource pattern corresponds to the first input node of the channel reconstruction model.

[0021] Based on the above implementation, the receiving end of the first information and the second information can determine the correspondence between the index of the first resource pattern and the first input node according to the first correspondence relationship. Thus, the receiving end can determine how to input the relevant information into the channel reconstruction model to reconstruct the complete channel information, thereby improving the communication quality.

[0022] In one alternative implementation of the second aspect, the second device receives channel state information used to indicate the state of the first channel.

[0023] In the above implementation, the second device can adjust to changes in the channel state in a timely manner based on the channel state information, thereby improving the reliability of the communication system. The above implementation provides an example of this solution applied to a CSI-RS scenario. Firstly, it can be used to address the problem of poor matching between the pattern design of the reference signal and the air interface in CSI-RS scenarios.

[0024] In one alternative implementation of the second aspect, the first resource pattern is obtained based on a resource pattern model, which is a neural network model, and the resource pattern model is used for the design of the resource pattern of the first reference signal.

[0025] In the above implementation, the resource pattern is obtained through a neural network model. The reasoning ability of the neural network model can determine a more reasonable resource pattern, thereby improving the communication capability of the communication system.

[0026] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is either a first device or a second device, and includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0027] In one example, the transceiver unit is configured to acquire first information, which indicates a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; acquire second information, which indicates a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction model, wherein the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model; the processing unit is configured to receive the first reference signal according to the first information; and reconstruct first channel information of a first channel through the channel reconstruction model based on the first reference signal and the second information, wherein the first channel is a channel for transmitting the first reference signal.

[0028] In another example, the transceiver unit is used to transmit first information indicating a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; and to transmit second information indicating a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction model, wherein the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model.

[0029] In the third aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the first or second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0030] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the device to implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to cause the device to implement the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0031] The fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device, including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0032] The sixth aspect of this application provides a communication system that includes the first device and the second device described above.

[0033] A seventh aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable programs or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0034] The eighth aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a computer, allows the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0035] The ninth aspect of this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. For example, the chip may be a baseband chip, a modem chip, a SoC chip (such as an SoC chip containing a modem core), a SIP chip, or a communication module, etc.

[0036] In one possible design, the chip or chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0037] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through nine can be found in the first aspect and the technical effects of any possible implementation of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0039] Figure 2 is another schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0040] Figure 3 is another schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0041] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application;

[0042] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the index of resource locations provided in this application;

[0043] Figure 5b is another schematic diagram of the first correspondence provided in this application;

[0044] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment provided in this application;

[0045] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 8 is a flowchart of yet another embodiment provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 9 is a flowchart of yet another embodiment provided in this application;

[0048] Figures 10 to 14 are some schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0050] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Different embodiments in this application can be reasonably combined to a certain extent. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. This application does not limit the order of execution of steps; different steps may or may not have an inclusion relationship.

[0051] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0052] It is understood that in this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0053] Optionally, from an application perspective, this application can be used in related working systems that include narrow-linewidth laser components, and future advancements in laser technology can drive the integration of such working systems.

[0054] The application scenarios of this application have been introduced above. The system architecture of this application is described below:

[0055] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, global system for mobile communication (GSM) systems, enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) systems, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) systems, code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000) systems, time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) communication systems, wireless local area networks (WLANs), short-range wireless communication systems (such as sidelinks, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi or WiFi), Bluetooth, etc.), wired networks, and vehicle-to-any-object (V2O) communication systems. Everything, including V2X communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems (such as New Radio (NR) systems), future evolved New Radio (NR) wireless communication systems, or other similar communication systems, is not restricted.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 1, which illustrates a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system may also include an Internet 300 (Figure 1 uses this as an example).

[0057] The wireless access network 100 may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device. For example, the wireless access network 100 includes two network devices, 110a and 110b, and terminal devices 120a to 120j. The network architecture shown in Figure 1 is only schematic; the number of terminal devices and / or network devices may be fewer or more. The communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the communication system to which the embodiments of this application are applicable. For example, the communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. When applying the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc. in the embodiments can be replaced with corresponding devices, components, modules in other communication systems without limitation.

[0058] In this embodiment, network equipment refers to radio access network (R)AN equipment / RAN equipment. In this embodiment, (R)AN and RAN are interchangeable. RAN can be a cellular system related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), such as a 5G / NR mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (e.g., a 6G mobile communication system). RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), a virtualized RAN (vRAN), a non-terrestrial network (NTN), etc. RAN can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. RAN equipment can also be called RAN equipment, RAN entity, or access node, etc.

[0059] In one possible scenario, RAN equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (or transmit / receive point, TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or a base station in a future mobile communication system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). RAN equipment can also be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor / host node, or a radio controller. RAN equipment can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, RAN equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0060] In another possible scenario, the RAN device can be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station; or multiple RAN devices can collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN devices each performing some of the functions of a base station. For example, the RAN device can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The function of a CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. For example, the function of the CU can be further divided, that is, the control plane and the user plane can be separated and implemented by different entities, namely the control plane CU entity (i.e., CU-control plane (CP) entity) and the user plane CU entity (i.e., CU-user plane (UP) entity). The CU-CP entity and the CU-UP entity can be coupled with the DU to jointly complete the functions of the RAN device. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). Any of the units among the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0061] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0062] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement: for example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Media / Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and / or the Physical (PHY) layer). For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications or the technical specifications of other applicable communication protocols.

[0063] The above division of the processing functions of CU and DU according to protocol layers is merely an example; other division methods are also possible, and this application does not limit this. For example, in one design, CU or DU can be further divided into processing functions with protocol layers. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer below the RLC layer are located in the DU.

[0064] In another possible design, the DU and RU collaborate to implement the PHY layer functionality, or, more specifically, a portion of the PHY layer functionality of the DU can be moved to the RU. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, the DU may be configured to implement baseband functions, and the RU may be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Alternatively, the DU may be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU may be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer may include a portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the MAC layer, and lower-level functions may include another portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the mid-RF side. This application does not limit the specific functions of the DU and RU. The interface between the DU and RU can be called a fronthaul interface. In one design, the CU may not have a PDCP layer; for example, the CU may only include an RRC layer. The CU-CP may not have PDCP-C. The CU-UP may not have PDCP-U, or may not have a CU-UP. In one design, the DU may not have an RLC layer; for example, the DU may only have a MAC and a higher PHY layer.

[0065] When the RAN is O-RAN, it can also have artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. For example, O-RAN includes an intelligent controller. The intelligent controller can be a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / non-RT RIC / NRT RIC) or a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / near-RT RIC / nRT RIC). A non-real-time RIC can be used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, enabling workflows including model training and model updates, and guiding applications / functions in the nRT RIC based on policies. A near-real-time RIC can be used to implement near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources are achieved.

[0066] In this application embodiment, anything capable of data communication with a base station can be considered a terminal device. A terminal device is also called a terminal, terminal apparatus, user equipment (UE), mobile station, or mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios. For example, a terminal device can be: a mobile phone, computer, mobile internet device (MID), wearable device, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, base station (STA), robotic arm, camera, robot, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, or smart home device (e.g., television, air conditioner, robot vacuum cleaner, speaker, set-top box), relay, customer premises equipment (CPE), etc.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system, such as a water meter or electricity meter. IoT is an important component of future information technology development. Its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that enables human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0068] When the terminal device is applied to V2X, it can also be called a V2X device, such as a smart car, digital car, unmanned car, driverless car, pilotless car, autonomous car, pure electric vehicle, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), new energy vehicle, and roadside unit (RSU).

[0069] The various terminal devices described above, if located on a vehicle (e.g., placed / installed inside the vehicle), can all be considered in-vehicle terminal devices. In-vehicle terminal devices can be built into a vehicle's in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit. In-vehicle terminal devices can be vehicle equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, on-board units (OBU), roadside units (RSU), in-vehicle systems (or in-vehicle transmitting units) (telematics boxes, T-boxes), chips, or systems on chips (SOCs), etc. These chips or SOCs can be installed in the vehicle, OBU, RSU, or T-box.

[0070] Taking a network device as a base station and a terminal device as a UE as an example, the base station and UE can be fixed or mobile. The base station and UE 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 on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base station and UE.

[0071] The roles of base station and UE can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For UEs 120j that access the radio access network 100 through 120i, UE 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a UE, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a radio interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base station and UE can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with UE functions.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 2, which illustrates another communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. This communication system includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 202.

[0073] Optionally, the aforementioned transmitter 201 can send a reference signal to the receiver 202 through the channel, and then the receiver 202 can perform channel estimation and reconstruct channel information based on the reference signal.

[0074] Optionally, the above-mentioned communication system can be applied to cellular communication networks or other similar communication networks, such as multi-channel communication (MTC), backhaul systems, Wi-Fi, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, etc. In these types of communication networks, information exchange is required between the sending end and the receiving end.

[0075] For example, the aforementioned transmitter 201 can be an RAN device, and the receiver 202 can be a terminal device.

[0076] For example, the aforementioned transmitter 201 can be a terminal device, and the receiver 202 can be a RAN device.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 3, which illustrates another communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. This communication system includes a network device 301 and a terminal device 302.

[0078] In this context, a network device is an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals; for example, a network device can be a base station or a multiple transmit / receive point (TRP). Similarly, a terminal device is an entity on the user side used to receive or transmit signals; for example, a terminal device can be a UE (User Equipment).

[0079] The network element structure of the aforementioned network device 301 and terminal device 302 includes the following modules:

[0080] RRC signaling interaction module: A module in network device 301 and terminal device 302 used for sending and receiving RRC signaling.

[0081] MAC signaling interaction module: A module used by network device 301 and terminal device 302 to send and receive media / medium access control-control element (MAC-CE) signaling.

[0082] PHY signaling and data interaction module: This module is used by network device 301 and terminal device 302 to send and receive uplink / downlink control signaling and uplink / downlink data.

[0083] The communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application has been described above. To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application, the relevant technical features involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0084] 1. Machine Learning

[0085] Machine learning is an important branch of artificial intelligence and a technological means to achieve artificial intelligence. Among the many research directions in machine learning, neural network algorithms have become a highly promising technique due to their ability to infinitely approximate any continuous function, granted by the universal approximation theorem. They can accurately abstract and model complex, high-dimensional problems. Deep neural networks and deep learning have already achieved significant results in applications such as image processing, speech processing, natural language processing, and disease diagnosis.

[0086] 2. Deep Neural Network (DNN)

[0087] Deep neural networks are typically multi-layered structures. Increasing the depth and width of a deep neural network can improve its expressive power, providing more powerful information extraction and abstract modeling capabilities for complex systems.

[0088] A feedforward neural network (FNN) is a typical deep neural network. It consists of multiple layers: the input layer receives the information to be processed; the hidden layers extract features to varying degrees; and a typical deep neural network (DNN) contains more than one hidden layer; and the output layer maps the extracted features to the desired output information. The way neurons are connected and the activation function used in a deep learning network determine its expression function.

[0089] To meet different needs, DNNs can be constructed in various ways. For example, they can be recurrent neural networks (RNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), or fully connected neural networks.

[0090] It's important to note that in RNNs, a neuron's output can directly affect itself at the next time step. That is, the input of a neuron in layer i at time m includes not only the output of the neuron in layer (i-1) at that time, but also its own output at time (m-1). This operation is illustrated using semi-circular arrows of different colors.

[0091] In CNNs, not all neurons in adjacent layers are directly connected; instead, they are mediated by "convolutional kernels." In this network, the information to be processed retains its original positional relationships after the convolution operation.

[0092] As mentioned earlier, neural networks are increasingly widely used in the field of communication, with more and more applications and research focusing on their application in the physical layer of wireless communication. For example, neural network models can be used to assist in the design of resource patterns for reference signals. Specifically, by training a neural network model and then leveraging its data reasoning capabilities, resource patterns for reference signals that are beneficial for reconstructing a complete channel can be determined. In other words, the resource patterns for reference signals can be designed using neural networks to improve the performance of communication systems.

[0093] In neural network-based communication systems, the transmitting end designs a resource pattern for a reference signal based on a neural network model and then sends the reference signal to the receiving end. The receiving end reconstructs the channel information based on this reference signal. However, the receiving end and the transmitting end are usually different entities, so they need to exchange information to ensure the accuracy of the reconstructed channel information. However, the lack of matching between the reference signal pattern design and the air interface leads to poor communication performance of the system.

[0094] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides relevant technical solutions, which are described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0095] In the embodiments of this application, the executing entity can be a first device, a communication module within the first device, or a circuit or chip within the first device responsible for communication functions. For example, in the embodiments of this application, the first device can be a terminal device or a network device. Optionally, the terminal device or network device can be a portable device. For example, the first device in this application can be a receiver, such as a Rydberg atomic receiver. The following description uses the first device as the executing entity. When the first device is a network device, the receiving (or detecting) / transmitting of the communication module, circuit, or chip in the network device can be understood as input / output, that is, the communication module, circuit, or chip communicates with other components in the network device. Furthermore, the processing performed by a single executing entity can also be divided into multiple executing entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device can be divided into at least one of CU, DU, RU, etc.

[0096] The technical solution of this application is described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0097] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communication method provided in this application. Referring to Figure 4, the method includes the following steps.

[0098] S401: The first device acquires the first information;

[0099] The first information is used to indicate the first resource pattern of the first reference signal.

[0100] It should be noted that when the first device is a RAN device, the second device can be a terminal device. For example, when the method shown in Figure 4 is applied to the system shown in Figure 1, the first device can be device 110a or device 110b, etc., and the second device can be device 120j, device 120i, etc.

[0101] It should be noted that when the first device is a terminal device, the second device can be a RAN device. For example, when the method shown in Figure 4 is applied to the system shown in Figure 1, the first device can be device 120j, device 120i, etc., and the second device can be device 110a or device 110b, etc.

[0102] For example, the first device can obtain the first information from local storage or the cloud.

[0103] For example, the first device can receive the first information, and correspondingly, the second device sends the first information.

[0104] Optionally, the resource pattern is an exemplary name and can be replaced with any possible name, such as pattern, resource location, or space-time frequency location.

[0105] Optionally, the above-mentioned reference signal is an exemplary designation and can be replaced with any possible designation, such as a pilot signal. For example, the above-mentioned reference signal can be a demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

[0106] Optionally, the aforementioned first information is used to indicate the resource location of the first reference signal. For example, the first information may be an index of the resource location of the first reference signal, which may include: an antenna port index, a time-domain location index, or a frequency-domain index. The antenna port index can indicate the location of the antenna port of the first reference signal; the time-domain location index can indicate the time-domain location of the first reference signal; and the frequency-domain location index can indicate the frequency-domain location of the first reference signal. For example, when the first reference signal is the i-th reference signal, the first information may be an index. k is the number of pilot signals. The index set I is represented as I = {I} 1 ,I 2 ,…,I k Taking Figure 5a as an example, the resource location of the first reference signal can be location 1, location 2... or location 7. These locations indicate the symbol corresponding to the first reference signal, the subcarrier (SC) location corresponding to the first reference signal, and the port corresponding to the first signal.

[0107] In one alternative implementation, the first resource pattern is obtained based on a resource pattern model, which is a neural network model.

[0108] In the above implementation, the first device designs the first resource pattern based on a neural network model. The first device can use the data reasoning capability of the neural network model to determine the resource pattern of the reference signal that is beneficial to reconstructing the complete channel. That is, the resource pattern of the reference signal is designed through the neural network to improve the performance of the communication system.

[0109] Optionally, before step S401, the first device may send first indication information to the second device. This first indication information indicates whether the first device supports obtaining a first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction scheme based on a neural network model, i.e., whether it has the ability to design a resource pattern assisted by a neural network model and to reconstruct a channel using a neural network model. Accordingly, the second device receives this first indication information.

[0110] Optionally, the first indication information can be reported when the terminal device reports its terminal capabilities.

[0111] Optionally, when the first indication information indicates that the first device supports obtaining the first resource pattern based on a neural network model, the following S402 needs to be executed; when the first indication information indicates that the first device does not support obtaining the first resource pattern based on a neural network model, the following S402 does not need to be executed.

[0112] Optionally, before step S401, the second device selects the resource pattern model to be used, which is used to design the resource pattern of the first reference signal.

[0113] Optionally, the resource pattern model can be generated and trained after the second device receives the first indication information, or it can be generated and trained in advance before the second device receives the first indication information. As mentioned above, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the second device supports obtaining the first resource pattern and channel reconstruction scheme based on the neural network model.

[0114] Optionally, the second device can select the resource pattern model to be used based on the current channel status, current communication performance, or computing resources.

[0115] Optionally, before step S401, the second device selects the channel reconstruction model to be used, which is used to reconstruct the channel information of the first channel.

[0116] Optionally, the channel reconstruction model can be generated and trained after the second device receives the first indication information, or it can be generated and trained in advance before the second device receives the first indication information. As mentioned above, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the second device supports obtaining the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction scheme based on the neural network model.

[0117] Optionally, the second device can select the channel reconstruction model to be used based on the current channel status, communication performance, or computing resources.

[0118] Optionally, after the second device selects the channel reconstruction model to be used, the second device sends the channel reconstruction model to the first device, that is, the channel reconstruction model is configured in the first device.

[0119] S402: The first device acquires the second information; accordingly, the second device sends the second information;

[0120] The second information is used to indicate the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, wherein the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model;

[0121] In one alternative implementation, the first information includes an index of a first resource pattern, and the first correspondence is that the index of the first resource pattern corresponds to the first input node of the channel reconstruction model.

[0122] Based on the above implementation, the first device receives the index of the first resource pattern. The first device can determine the correspondence between the index of the first resource pattern and the first input node according to the first correspondence relationship. Thus, the first device can determine how to input relevant information into the channel reconstruction model to reconstruct complete channel information, thereby improving communication quality.

[0123] Optionally, the aforementioned input nodes can be neurons in the input layer of the channel reconstruction model.

[0124] For example, the second information can be the correspondence between the resource location index of the first reference signal and the first input node of the channel reconstruction model. Taking Figure 5b as an example, the first information can be the correspondence between the resource location index 1 of the first reference signal and the input node 2, or the first information can be the correspondence between the resource location index 2 of the first reference signal and the input node 4, etc.

[0125] For example, the first device can obtain the second information from local storage or the cloud.

[0126] For example, the first device can receive the second information, and correspondingly, the second device sends the second information.

[0127] S403: The first device receives the first reference signal based on the first information; correspondingly, the second device sends the first reference signal;

[0128] It is understood that, since the first information indicates the resource pattern of the first reference signal, the first device can determine the time domain and / or frequency domain position of the first reference signal based on the first information, and thereby receive the first reference signal accordingly.

[0129] In one optional implementation, the first device obtains second channel information of the first channel corresponding to the first resource pattern based on the first reference signal; the first device inputs the second channel information into the channel reconstruction model for reconstruction based on the second information to obtain the first channel information.

[0130] Based on the above implementation method, the first device can first obtain the second channel information of the first channel corresponding to the first resource pattern, that is, first obtain partial channel information, and then reconstruct the complete channel information through the channel reconstruction model, thereby improving the quality of data transmission when data is transmitted based on the channel information.

[0131] In one optional implementation, the first information includes an index of a first resource pattern, and the first correspondence is that the index of the first resource pattern corresponds to the first input node of the channel reconstruction model. The first device inputs the second channel information into the first input node of the channel reconstruction model so that the channel reconstruction model reconstructs the first channel information.

[0132] Based on the above implementation, the first device obtains the index of the first resource pattern, and the index of the first resource pattern corresponds to the first input node. Therefore, the first device can determine that the first input node is the node that inputs channel information in the channel reconstruction model. This can address the problem that the input node of the channel reconstruction model cannot be determined due to the lack of support from relevant standards and specifications, which helps to reconstruct complete channel information and improve communication performance.

[0133] S404: The first device reconstructs the first channel information of the first channel based on the first reference signal and the second information through the channel reconstruction model.

[0134] The first channel is the channel for transmitting the first reference signal.

[0135] Optionally, the first device obtains the second channel information corresponding to the first resource pattern based on the first reference signal p′. Optionally, the channel estimation method f(·) includes, but is not limited to, the minimum mean squared error (MMSE) method.

[0136] Optionally, the first device, based on the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, transfers the second channel information... Input the channel reconstruction model to obtain complete channel information, i.e., the first channel information.

[0137] In one alternative implementation, the first device transmits channel state information, which indicates the state of the first channel.

[0138] Based on the above implementation, the first device sends channel state information, and the device receiving the channel state information can adjust in a timely manner to adapt to changes in the channel state, thereby improving the reliability of the communication system. The above implementation provides an example of applying this solution to a CSI-RS scenario. This solution can be used to solve the problem of poor matching between the pattern design of the reference signal and the air interface in CSI-RS scenarios.

[0139] Based on the method shown in Figure 4, the first device receives the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model. Therefore, when the pattern design of the first reference signal lacks a relevant air interface protocol or specification, it can infer complete channel information, i.e., the second channel information, based on the first correspondence through the channel reconstruction model. This improves the accuracy of the reconstructed channel information and enhances communication performance. For example, if the resource pattern design of the reference signal specified by the air interface protocol is regular, while the resource pattern design of the first reference signal based on the neural network is irregular, the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model can more accurately determine how to input the relevant channel information into the channel reconstruction model to reconstruct high-precision channel information, thereby improving communication performance.

[0140] This application provides a correspondence between pilot positions and a channel reconstruction network. In one example, after the transmitting end trains a resource map model and a channel reconstruction model for the reference signal, it sends the channel reconstruction network to the receiving end. The transmitting end designs a network based on the resource map of the reference signal to obtain the resource map of the reference signal, and sends the correspondence between the resource map and the channel reconstruction model to the receiving end. After the transmitting end transmits the reference signal, the receiving end inputs the channel information corresponding to the resource map of the reference signal into the channel reconstruction network according to the correspondence to obtain complete channel information.

[0141] This application provides a correspondence between pilot positions and a channel reconstruction network. In one example, after the transmitting end trains a resource pattern model and a channel reconstruction model for a reference signal, it sends the channel reconstruction network to the receiving end. The transmitting end designs a network based on the resource pattern of the reference signal to obtain the resource pattern of the reference signal, and sends the correspondence between the resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model to the receiving end. After the transmitting end transmits the reference signal, the receiving end inputs the channel information corresponding to the resource pattern of the reference signal into the channel reconstruction network according to the correspondence to obtain complete channel information. This application can be used to solve the problem of the lack of matching degree between the resource pattern design of reference signals implemented with neural networks and the air interface, and provides interface, process design technical details and specification support for the application of reference signal resource pattern design in future communication systems.

[0142] The method shown in Figure 4 above will be illustrated with specific examples below:

[0143] In one example, the first device in the method shown in Figure 4 is a terminal device, and the second device is a base station. Taking the application in a downlink DMRS scenario as an example, please refer to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example provided in this application. The specific process in Figure 6 includes:

[0144] S601: The terminal device sends the first indication information to the base station;

[0145] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports resource pattern design of reference signals assisted by neural networks, and whether it supports channel reconstruction assisted by neural networks.

[0146] Optionally, the aforementioned first indication information may be reported to the base station when the terminal device reports its terminal capabilities.

[0147] S602: The terminal device selects a model;

[0148] Optionally, the terminal device selects the resource map model and channel reconstruction model to use. These models can be generated and trained after the terminal device reports its capabilities, or they can be generated and trained in advance before the terminal device reports its capabilities. The generation and training of the resource map model and channel reconstruction model are not sequential with the terminal device's capability reporting.

[0149] S603: The terminal device sends the first information to the base station;

[0150] The first information is used to indicate the first resource pattern of the first reference signal.

[0151] For example, this first information can be any combination of antenna port index, time domain index, and frequency domain index, e.g., the index corresponding to the i-th pilot. k is the number of pilot signals. The index set I is represented as I = {I} 1 ,I 2 ,…,I k}

[0152] S604: The base station sends a first reference signal to the terminal device;

[0153] Optionally, the base station may transmit the first reference signal based on the first resource pattern of the first reference signal.

[0154] Optionally, the base station may include data transmission during the process of sending the first reference signal to the terminal device, for example, using a portion of its resources to send the first reference signal and a portion of its resources to transmit data.

[0155] S605: The terminal device obtains the second information;

[0156] The second information is used to indicate the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, which is a neural network model.

[0157] For example, the first correspondence can be the aforementioned I i The channel information at the corresponding location corresponds to one or more input nodes of the channel reconstruction model.

[0158] S606: The terminal device performs model inference;

[0159] Optionally, the terminal device may acquire a first reference signal p′, for example, the terminal device may receive the first reference signal based on the first information.

[0160] Optionally, the terminal device obtains the second channel information corresponding to the first resource pattern based on the first reference signal p′. Channel estimation methods f(·) include, but are not limited to, the MMSE method.

[0161] Optionally, the terminal device, based on the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, transfers the second channel information... Input the channel reconstruction model to obtain complete channel information, i.e., the first channel information.

[0162] S607: Data transmission between the base station and the terminal equipment.

[0163] Optionally, the base station and the terminal can transmit data based on the first channel information.

[0164] The above embodiments are designed for future reference signal resource pattern design and channel reconstruction using neural networks. In the context of future communication systems requiring the deployment of large-scale antenna ports, and with the model trained at the reference signal receiver, the above embodiments provide standardized support in terms of interfaces and processes for downlink DMRS scenarios.

[0165] In one example, the first device in the method shown in Figure 4 is a terminal device, and the second device is a base station. Taking the application in a downlink DMRS scenario as an example, please refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example provided in this application. The specific process in Figure 7 includes:

[0166] S701: The terminal device sends the first indication information to the base station;

[0167] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports resource pattern design of reference signals assisted by neural networks, and whether it supports channel reconstruction assisted by neural networks.

[0168] Optionally, the aforementioned first indication information may be reported to the base station when the terminal device reports its terminal capabilities.

[0169] S702: Base station performs model selection;

[0170] Optionally, the terminal device selects the resource map model and channel reconstruction model to use. These models can be generated and trained after the terminal device reports its capabilities, or they can be generated and trained in advance before the terminal device reports its capabilities. The generation and training of the resource map model and channel reconstruction model are not sequential with the terminal device's capability reporting.

[0171] S703: The base station sends the channel reconstruction model to the terminal equipment;

[0172] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the channel reconstruction model and downloads it.

[0173] S704: The base station sends the first information to the terminal device;

[0174] The first information is used to indicate the first resource pattern of the first reference signal.

[0175] For example, this first information can be any combination of antenna port index, time domain index, and frequency domain index, e.g., the index corresponding to the i-th pilot. k is the number of pilot signals. The index set I is represented as I = {I} 1 ,I 2 ,…,I k}

[0176] S705: The base station sends second information to the terminal device;

[0177] The second information is used to indicate the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, which is a neural network model.

[0178] For example, the first correspondence can be the aforementioned I i The channel information at the corresponding location corresponds to one or more input nodes of the channel reconstruction model.

[0179] S706: The base station sends a first reference signal to the terminal device;

[0180] Optionally, the base station may include data transmission during the process of sending the first reference signal to the terminal device, for example, using a portion of its resources to send the first reference signal and a portion of its resources to transmit data.

[0181] S707: The terminal device performs model inference;

[0182] Optionally, the terminal device may acquire a first reference signal p′, for example, the terminal device may receive the first reference signal based on the first information.

[0183] Optionally, the terminal device obtains the second channel information corresponding to the first resource pattern based on the first reference signal p′. Channel estimation methods f(·) include, but are not limited to, the MMSE method.

[0184] Optionally, the terminal device, based on the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, transfers the second channel information... Input the channel reconstruction model to obtain complete channel information, i.e., the first channel information.

[0185] S708: Data transmission between the base station and terminal equipment.

[0186] Optionally, the base station and the terminal can transmit data based on the first channel information.

[0187] The above embodiments are designed for future resource pattern design and channel reconstruction of reference signals using neural networks. In the context of future communication systems requiring the deployment of large-scale antenna ports, the above embodiments provide standardized support for interfaces and processes in downlink DMRS scenarios where models are trained on the base station side.

[0188] In another example, taking the first device in the method shown in Figure 4 as a terminal device and the second device as a base station, and taking its application in a downlink CSI-RS scenario as an example, please refer to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example provided in this application. The specific process in Figure 8 includes:

[0189] S801: The terminal device sends the first indication information to the base station;

[0190] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports resource pattern design of reference signals assisted by neural networks, and whether it supports channel reconstruction assisted by neural networks.

[0191] Optionally, the aforementioned first indication information may be reported to the base station when the terminal device reports its terminal capabilities.

[0192] S802: Base station performs model selection;

[0193] Optionally, the terminal device selects the resource map model and channel reconstruction model to use. These models can be generated and trained after the terminal device reports its capabilities, or they can be generated and trained in advance before the terminal device reports its capabilities. The generation and training of the resource map model and channel reconstruction model are not sequential with the terminal device's capability reporting.

[0194] S803: The base station sends the channel reconstruction model to the terminal equipment;

[0195] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the channel reconstruction model and downloads it.

[0196] S804: The base station sends the first information to the terminal device;

[0197] The first information is used to indicate the first resource pattern of the first reference signal.

[0198] For example, this first information can be any combination of antenna port index, time domain index, and frequency domain index, e.g., the index corresponding to the i-th pilot. k is the number of pilot signals. The index set I is represented as I = {I} 1 ,I 2 ,…,I k}

[0199] S805: The base station sends second information to the terminal device;

[0200] The second information is used to indicate the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, which is a neural network model.

[0201] For example, the first correspondence can be the aforementioned I i The channel information at the corresponding location corresponds to one or more input nodes of the channel reconstruction model.

[0202] S806: The base station sends a first reference signal to the terminal device;

[0203] Optionally, the base station may include data transmission during the process of sending the first reference signal to the terminal device, for example, using a portion of its resources to send the first reference signal and a portion of its resources to transmit data.

[0204] S807: The terminal device performs model inference;

[0205] Optionally, the terminal device may acquire the first reference signal p′. It can be understood that the first reference signal p′ acquired here is the one sent by the base station in S806.

[0206] Optionally, the terminal device obtains the second channel information corresponding to the first resource pattern based on the first reference signal p′. Channel estimation methods f(·) include, but are not limited to, the MMSE method.

[0207] Optionally, the terminal device, based on the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, transfers the second channel information... Input the channel reconstruction model to obtain complete channel information, i.e., the first channel information.

[0208] S808: The terminal device sends channel status information to the base station;

[0209] S809: Data transmission between the base station and the terminal equipment.

[0210] Optionally, the base station and the terminal can transmit data based on the first channel information.

[0211] The above embodiments are designed for future resource pattern design and channel reconstruction of reference signals using neural networks. Given that future communication systems will require the deployment of large-scale antenna ports, the above embodiments provide standardized support for interfaces and processes in downlink CSI-RS scenarios where models are trained on the base station side.

[0212] In another example, taking the first device in the method shown in Figure 4 as a base station and the second device as a terminal device, and taking its application in an uplink DMRS scenario as an example, please refer to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example provided in this application. The specific process in Figure 9 includes:

[0213] S901: The base station sends the first indication information to the terminal device;

[0214] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the base station supports resource pattern design of reference signals assisted by neural networks, and whether it supports channel reconstruction assisted by neural networks.

[0215] Optionally, the aforementioned first indication information may be reported to the base station when the base station reports the terminal's capabilities.

[0216] S902: The terminal device selects a model;

[0217] Optionally, the base station selects the resource map model and channel reconstruction model to be used. These models can be generated and trained after the base station reports its capabilities, or they can be generated and trained in advance before the base station reports its capabilities. The generation and training of the resource map model and channel reconstruction model are not sequential with the base station's capability reporting.

[0218] S903: The terminal device sends a channel reconstruction model to the base station;

[0219] Accordingly, the base station receives the channel reconstruction model and downloads it.

[0220] S904: The terminal device sends the first information to the base station;

[0221] The first information is used to indicate the first resource pattern of the first reference signal.

[0222] For example, this first information can be any combination of antenna port index, time domain index, and frequency domain index, e.g., the index corresponding to the i-th pilot. k is the number of pilot signals. The index set I is represented as I = {I} 1 ,I 2 ,…,I k}

[0223] S905: The terminal device sends a second message to the base station;

[0224] The second information is used to indicate the first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, which is a neural network model.

[0225] For example, the first correspondence can be the aforementioned I i The channel information at the corresponding location corresponds to one or more input nodes of the channel reconstruction model.

[0226] S906: The terminal device sends a first reference signal p′ to the base station;

[0227] Optionally, the terminal device may include data transmission during the process of sending the first reference signal to the base station, for example, using a portion of resources for sending the first reference signal and a portion of resources for data transmission.

[0228] S907: The base station performs model inference;

[0229] Optionally, the base station may acquire a first reference signal p′.

[0230] Optionally, the base station obtains the second channel information corresponding to the first resource pattern based on the first reference signal p′. Channel estimation methods f(·) include, but are not limited to, the MMSE method.

[0231] Optionally, the base station, based on the first correspondence between the first resource map and the channel reconstruction model, transfers the second channel information... Input the channel reconstruction model to obtain complete channel information, i.e., the first channel information.

[0232] S908: The base station sends Channel State Information (CSI) to the terminal device. This CSI is the channel state information of the first channel.

[0233] S909: Terminal equipment transmits data with the base station.

[0234] Optionally, the terminal device and the base station can transmit data based on the first channel information.

[0235] The above embodiments are designed for pilot pattern design and channel reconstruction using neural networks in the future. Given that future communication systems will require the deployment of large-scale antenna ports, the above embodiments provide standardized support for interfaces and processes in the uplink DMRS scenario where the model is trained on the terminal device side.

[0236] Please refer to Figure 10. This application embodiment provides a communication device 1000, which can realize the functions of the first device (or second device) in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 1000 can be the first device (or the second device), or it can be an integrated circuit or component inside the first device (or the second device), such as a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip (e.g., an SoC chip containing a modem core), SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, etc.

[0237] It should be noted that the transceiver unit 1002 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are used to perform transmitting and receiving respectively.

[0238] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used to execute the method performed by the first device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the device 1000 includes a processing unit 1001 and a transceiver unit 1002; the transceiver unit 1002 is used to acquire first information, which is used to indicate a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; acquire second information, which is used to indicate a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction model, wherein the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model; the processing unit 1001 is used to receive the first reference signal according to the first information; and reconstruct first channel information of a first channel through the channel reconstruction model based on the first reference signal and the second information, wherein the first channel is a channel for transmitting the first reference signal.

[0239] In another possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used to execute the method performed by the second device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the device 1000 includes a processing unit 1001 and a transceiver unit 1002; the transceiver unit 1002 is used to send first information, the first information being used to indicate a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; and to send second information, the second information being used to indicate a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction model, the channel reconstruction model being a neural network model.

[0240] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip, a SoC chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1001 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the transceiver unit 1002 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0241] It should be noted that the information execution process of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 1000 can be specifically described in the method embodiment shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0242] Please refer to Figure 11, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1100 provided in this application. The communication device 1100 includes a logic circuit 1101 and an input / output interface 1102. The communication device 1100 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0243] In Figure 10, the transceiver unit 1002 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 1102 in Figure 11. The input / output interface 1102 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0244] In one possible implementation, when the device 1100 is used to execute the method performed by the first device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the input / output interface 1102 is used to receive first information, which is used to indicate a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; receive second information, which is used to indicate a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction model, wherein the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model; the logic circuit 1101 is used to receive the first reference signal according to the first information; and reconstruct the first channel information of the first channel through the channel reconstruction model based on the first reference signal and the second information, wherein the first channel is the channel for transmitting the first reference signal.

[0245] In another possible implementation, when the device 1100 is used to execute the method performed by the second device in FIG4 and related embodiments, the input / output interface 1102 is used to send first information, which is used to indicate a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; and to send second information, which is used to indicate a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and a channel reconstruction model, wherein the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model.

[0246] The logic circuit 1101 and the input / output interface 1102 can also perform other steps performed by the first or second device in the previous embodiments and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1001 shown in FIG10 can be the logic circuit 1101 in FIG11.

[0248] Optionally, the logic circuit 1101 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0249] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0250] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. Memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent.

[0251] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0252] Please refer to Figure 12, which shows the communication device 1200 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1200 can be the communication device as a terminal device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 12 is that the terminal device is implemented through the terminal device (or the components in the terminal device).

[0253] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1200, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1201 and a communication port 1202.

[0254] In Figure 10, the transceiver unit 1002 can be a communication interface, which can be the communication port 1202 in Figure 12. The communication port 1202 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1202 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0255] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1203 and a bus 1204. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1201 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1200.

[0256] Furthermore, the processor 1201 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. 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 repeated here.

[0257] It should be noted that the communication device 1200 shown in Figure 12 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the first device or the second device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the technical effects corresponding to the first device or the second device. The specific implementation of the communication device shown in Figure 12 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0258] Please refer to Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1300 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1300 can specifically be a communication device as a network device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 13 is that the network device is implemented through a network device (or a component in the network device). The structure of the communication device can refer to the structure shown in Figure 13.

[0259] The communication device 1300 includes at least one processor 1311 and at least one interface 1314. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1312, at least one transceiver 1313, and one or more antennas 1315. The processor 1311, memory 1312, transceiver 1313, and interface 1314 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1315 is connected to the transceiver 1313. The interface 1314 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the interface 1314 may include a network interface between the communication device and a core network device, such as an S1 interface. The network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network devices), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0260] In Figure 10, the transceiver unit 1002 can be a communication interface, which can be interface 1314 in Figure 13. Interface 1314 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, interface 1314 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0261] Processor 1311 is primarily used for processing communication protocols and communication data, controlling the entire communication device, executing software programs, and processing data from the software programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used for processing communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used for controlling the entire terminal device, executing software programs, and processing data from the software programs. Processor 1311 in Figure 13 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. Various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0262] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1312 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1311. Optionally, the memory 1312 can be integrated with the processor 1311, for example, integrated into a single chip. The memory 1312 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1311. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1311.

[0263] Figure 13 shows only one memory and one processor. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0264] Transceiver 1313 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1313 can be connected to antenna 1315. Transceiver 1313 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1315 can receive RF signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1313 receives the RF signals from the antennas, converts the RF signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals, and provides the digital baseband signals or IF signals to processor 1311 so that processor 1311 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or IF signals, such as demodulation and decoding. Furthermore, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1313 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals from processor 1311, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into RF signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 1315. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0265] The transceiver 1313 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, output port, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0266] It should be noted that the communication device 1300 shown in Figure 13 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the first device or the second device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the technical effects corresponding to the first device or the second device. The specific implementation of the communication device 1300 shown in Figure 13 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0267] Please refer to Figure 14, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0268] It is understood that the communication device 1400 includes, for example, modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the technical solutions provided in this application. The communication device 1400 may be the first or second device described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 1400 includes one or more processors 1401. The processor 1401 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., a RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0269] Optionally, in one design, processor 1401 may include program 1403 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions) that can be executed on processor 1401 to cause communication device 1400 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 1400 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG14).

[0270] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may include one or more memories 1402 storing a program 1404 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1401 to cause the communication device 1400 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0271] Optionally, the processor 1401 and / or memory 1402 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module 1407 and an AI module 1408, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligence control (RIC) module. For instance, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0272] Optionally, the processor 1401 and / or memory 1402 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0273] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a transceiver 1405 and / or an antenna 1406. The processor 1401, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The transceiver 1405, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device via the antenna 1406.

[0274] In Figure 10, the processing unit 1001 can be a processor 1401. The transceiver unit 1002 shown in Figure 10 can be a communication interface, which can be the transceiver 1405 in Figure 14. The transceiver 1405 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the transceiver 1405 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0275] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable programs or instructions. When the computer-executable program or instruction is executed by the computer, the computer performs the method as described in the possible implementations of the first or second device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0276] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) including a computer program or instructions. When the computer program product is executed by the computer, the computer executes the method of the first or second device that may be implemented as described above.

[0277] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device (such as a first device or a second device) in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the first device or the second device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0278] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the first device and the second device in any of the above embodiments.

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

[0280] The unit described as a separate component may or may not be physically separate. The component shown as a unit may or may not be a physical unit; that is, it may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0281] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Acquire first information, the first information being used to indicate a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; Obtain second information, which is used to indicate a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, wherein the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model; Receive the first reference signal based on the first information; Based on the first reference signal and the second information, the first channel information of the first channel is reconstructed through the channel reconstruction model, wherein the first channel is the channel for transmitting the first reference signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes an index of a first resource pattern, and the first correspondence is that the index of the first resource pattern corresponds to the first input node of the channel reconstruction model.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before reconstructing the second information of the first channel based on the second information using the channel reconstruction model, the method further includes: The second channel information of the first channel corresponding to the first resource pattern is obtained based on the first reference signal; The first channel information, based on the first reference signal and the second information, and reconstructing the first channel through the channel reconstruction model, includes: Based on the second information, the second channel information is input into the channel reconstruction model for reconstruction to obtain the first channel information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first correspondence is that the index of the first resource pattern corresponds to the first input node of the channel reconstruction model. The step of inputting the second channel information into the channel reconstruction model for reconstruction based on the second information includes: The second channel information is input into the first input node of the channel reconstruction model so that the channel reconstruction model can reconstruct the first channel information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Before transmitting the first data based on the first channel information, the method further includes: Send channel state information, which is used to indicate the state of the first channel.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first resource pattern is obtained based on a resource pattern model, which is a neural network model.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send first information, the first information being used to indicate a first resource pattern of a first reference signal; Send a second message, which indicates a first correspondence between the first resource pattern and the channel reconstruction model, wherein the channel reconstruction model is a neural network model.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first information includes an index of the first resource pattern, and the first correspondence is that the index of the first reference signal position corresponds to the first input node of the channel reconstruction model.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that, After sending the second information, the method further includes: Receive channel state information, which is used to indicate the state of the first channel.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The first resource pattern is obtained based on a resource pattern model, which is a neural network model.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Communication interface and processor; The communication interface and the processor perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A transceiver unit, configured to perform the transceiver operations in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; A processing unit is configured to perform operations other than the transmit / receive operations in the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a processor, perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A chip, characterized in that, It includes at least one processing unit and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to provide program instructions or data to the at least one processing unit, the at least one processing unit being used to execute the program instructions to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

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