Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method may comprise: a first apparatus sends first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate N parameter sets, the N parameter sets correspond to N packets on a one-to-one basis, N is a positive integer, the N parameter sets comprise a first parameter set, the N packets comprise a first packet, the first parameter set corresponds to the first packet, the first parameter set is used to indicate a first resource granularity used for channel estimation performed on the basis of the first packet, and the first parameter set comprises at least one first parameter. In the present application, different packets may correspond to different resource granularities, for example, a first packet corresponds to a first resource granularity. The method supports differential configurations of channel estimation granularities for different packets, so that channel estimation precision can be improved, thereby improving the overall performance of a communication system.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411911748.7, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on December 20, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology utilizes spatial resources to enable signals to achieve array gain, multiplexing and diversity gain, and interference cancellation gain in space without increasing system bandwidth, thereby significantly improving the capacity and spectral efficiency of communication systems. In MIMO, the base station side will be equipped with more antenna elements, and the terminal side will also be equipped with more antenna elements (such as 16 or 32) to support more spatial streams.

[0004] Currently, channel estimation methods do not take into account the increased number of spatial streams and more complex channel conditions in future MIMO communication systems. If existing channel estimation methods continue to be used, they will not be able to meet the channel estimation accuracy requirements of future MIMO communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can meet the channel estimation accuracy requirements of future MIMO communication systems.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device, which may be a terminal or a network device.

[0007] In this application, the term "terminal" can refer to the terminal itself, or to a chip, chip system, integrated circuit, module, or control unit within the terminal, or to a module used to perform the functions of the terminal described in this application, etc. No specific limitation is made in this application. For example, the chip in this application includes, but is not limited to, a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip, which will not be further elaborated below.

[0008] In this application, when referring to network equipment, it may refer to the network equipment itself, or to the chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the network equipment, such as the server on the network side or the components in the server (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems), or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit used to perform the functions of the network equipment in this application, etc., and this application does not make any specific limitation.

[0009] In the first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being performed by a first device. The method may include: the first device sending first information, the first information indicating N parameter sets, each of the N parameter sets corresponding one-to-one with N packets, where N is a positive integer; wherein the N parameter sets include a first parameter set, the N packets include a first packet, the first parameter set corresponds to the first packet, the first parameter set indicates a first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first packet, and the first parameter set includes at least one first parameter.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, different groups can correspond to different resource granularities, such as the first group corresponding to the first resource granularity. This method supports differential configuration of channel estimation granularity for different groups, which can improve the accuracy of channel estimation and improve the overall performance of the communication system.

[0011] In this application, the first parameter set can be any one of the N parameter sets. That is, any one of the N parameter sets includes at least one first parameter, any one of the N parameter sets corresponds to a packet, and any one parameter set is used to indicate the resource granularity used for channel estimation of the packet corresponding to that parameter set. Alternatively, each of the N parameter sets includes at least one parameter, different parameter sets can include different parameters, each of the N parameter sets corresponds to a packet, and each parameter set is used to indicate the resource granularity used for channel estimation of the packet corresponding to that parameter set; different parameter sets can correspond to different resource granularities.

[0012] This application does not limit the number of parameters in each of the N parameter sets, and the number of parameters in each parameter set can be the same or different.

[0013] In this application, the resource granularity may also be referred to as channel estimation resource granularity or channel estimation granularity (CEG), or other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0014] For example, the first parameter set includes a first parameter, which indicates the first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first group. The first parameter can be a parameter value of the first resource granularity, or it can be an index corresponding to the first resource granularity. This application does not limit the specific form of the first parameter.

[0015] In another example, if the first parameter set includes multiple first parameters, then the first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first group includes multiple resource granularities. Each of the multiple first parameters corresponds one-to-one with each of the multiple resource granularities, where each first parameter indicates its corresponding resource granularity. The first parameter can be a parameter value of its corresponding resource granularity, or it can be an index corresponding to its corresponding resource granularity. This application does not limit the specific form of the first parameter.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first resource granularity is either time-domain resource granularity or frequency-domain resource granularity.

[0017] In this application, the time-domain resource granularity can also be called the channel estimation time-domain granularity (or CEG_t for short) or time-domain granularity, and the frequency-domain resource granularity can also be called the channel estimation frequency-domain granularity (or CEG_f for short) or frequency-domain granularity, or the channel estimation time-frequency domain granularity (or CEG_tf for short) or time-frequency domain granularity. This application does not limit it in this way.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the N groups are associated with a second parameter, which is at least one of the terminal's data transmission layer, data stream, terminal's receiving port, and terminal's transmitting port.

[0019] In this application, "receive port" can be replaced with "receive antenna port", "receive antenna element", "receive antenna array", or "receive antenna"; "transmit port" can be replaced with "transmit antenna port", "transmit antenna element", "transmit antenna array", or "transmit antenna".

[0020] This application's embodiments can determine different channel estimation granularities for different flows in scenarios with a large number of MIMO flows, which can alleviate the problem of insufficient channel estimation accuracy caused by an excessive number of MIMO flows. Furthermore, accurate channel estimation is a prerequisite for user data demodulation; more accurate channel estimation leads to improved demodulation reliability.

[0021] In this embodiment, the channel estimation granularity can also be determined based on the terminal's receiving port and / or transmitting port, which is beneficial for the terminal to perform channel estimation and improve the accuracy of channel estimation. In this application, the aforementioned data stream can also be referred to as a data transmission stream, spatial stream, stream (layer), or layer, and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal's data stream includes N data stream groups, each data stream group including at least one data stream, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N data stream groups; or, the terminal's receiving port includes N receiving port groups, each receiving port group including at least one receiving port, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N receiving port groups; or, the terminal's transmitting port includes N transmitting port groups, each transmitting port group including at least one transmitting port, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N transmitting port groups.

[0023] Optionally, the N groups can be N data stream groups, N receive port groups, or N transmit port groups.

[0024] For example, the N groups can be determined based on uplink / downlink channel measurements, sensing, artificial intelligence (AI) methods, etc., and this application does not limit this. As another example, port groups (such as receive port groups and / or transmit port groups) can be grouped based on port characteristics, such as polarization direction, performance, or other characteristics; the N data stream groups can be grouped based on channel characteristics (such as equivalent channel time-frequency domain characteristics) or data stream characteristics, and this application does not limit this.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes, prior to the method, the first device sending second information, the second information being used to indicate a second parameter.

[0026] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate the second parameter, or it can mean: the second information is used to indicate that N groups are related to the second parameter, or the second information is used to indicate that N groups are determined based on the second parameter, or the second information is used to indicate that a set of N parameters is related to the second parameter.

[0027] For example, the second information is used to indicate the second parameter, which is the terminal's data stream. The terminal's data stream includes N data stream groups. Alternatively, the second information can indicate that the N groups are related to the terminal's data stream, or that the N groups are determined based on the terminal's data stream, or that the second information is used to indicate that the N parameter set is related to the terminal's data stream, or that the second information is used to indicate that the aforementioned N groups are N data stream groups, or that the second information is used to indicate that the N parameter set corresponds one-to-one with the N data stream groups.

[0028] For example, the second information is used to indicate the second parameter, which is the receiving port of the terminal. The receiving port of the terminal includes N receiving port groups. Alternatively, the second information can be used to indicate that the N groups are related to the receiving port of the terminal, or that the N groups are determined based on the receiving port of the terminal, or that the second information is used to indicate that the N parameter set is related to the receiving port of the terminal, or that the second information is used to indicate that the above-mentioned N groups are N receiving port groups, or that the second information is used to indicate that the N parameter set corresponds one-to-one with the N receiving port groups.

[0029] For example, the second information is used to indicate the second parameter, which is the terminal's transmission port. The terminal's transmission port includes N transmission port groups. Alternatively, the second information can indicate that the N groups are related to the terminal's transmission port, or that the N groups are determined based on the terminal's transmission port, or that the second information is used to indicate that the N parameter set is related to the terminal's transmission port, or that the second information is used to indicate that the above-mentioned N groups are N transmission port groups, or that the second information is used to indicate that the N parameter set corresponds one-to-one with the N transmission port groups.

[0030] For example, the first device can send second information to the second device, which is used by the second device to perform channel estimation based on a set of N parameters and the second information.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first device sending third information, the third information being used to indicate the correspondence between N groups and N parameter sets.

[0032] For example, if the first device sends third information to the second device, the second device can then perform channel estimation based on this third information, using the resource granularity indicated by the parameter set corresponding to that packet as the channel estimation granularity for each packet. This method allows different packets to be estimated using different channel estimation granularities, which helps improve the accuracy of channel estimation.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first parameter set includes M first parameters, which correspond to M frequency domain resources (or frequency bands or sub-bands or frequency zones), where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0034] In this embodiment of the application, at least two of the M first parameters are different. This method can adopt different channel estimation granularities for different frequency domain resources (such as different first parameters corresponding to two frequency domain resources), which can improve the accuracy of channel estimation.

[0035] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources.

[0036] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources is related to the frequency domain characteristics of the equivalent channel or the frequency domain mapping of the reference signal.

[0037] In this embodiment, the channel estimation granularity corresponding to different frequency domain resources can be determined based on the frequency domain characteristics (or frequency domain selectivity) of the equivalent channel or the mapping of the reference signal in the frequency domain (the sparsity of the reference signal in the frequency domain). This can improve the accuracy of channel estimation for each frequency domain resource, thereby improving the overall channel estimation accuracy.

[0038] For example, the frequency domain characteristics of the equivalent channel can reflect the rate of change / fluctuation of the channel in the frequency domain. Therefore, when the channel changes rapidly in the frequency domain, the parameter value of the channel estimation granularity can be smaller, and when the channel changes slowly, the parameter value of the channel estimation granularity can be larger. This method can ensure the accuracy of channel estimation while reducing the computational complexity of channel estimation.

[0039] For example, the mapping of the reference signal in the frequency domain can reflect the sparsity of the reference signal in the frequency domain. Therefore, if the reference signal is relatively dense in the first frequency domain (or first frequency domain resource), the first parameter (i.e., channel estimation granularity) corresponding to the first frequency domain can be small, meaning the parameter value of the channel estimation granularity can be relatively small. Conversely, if the reference signal is relatively sparse in the second frequency domain (or second frequency domain resource), the first parameter (i.e., channel estimation granularity) corresponding to the second frequency domain can be large, meaning the parameter value of the channel estimation granularity can be relatively large.

[0040] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the fourth information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the relative positional relationship between the first parameter set and the first precoding resource group (PRG).

[0041] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the frequency domain resource granularity is a1 subcarriers or a2 physical resource blocks or a3 precoding resource groups; or, the time domain resource granularity is b1 time slots, where a1, a2, a3, and b1 are positive integers.

[0042] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second device, which can be a terminal or a network device.

[0043] In the second aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a second device. The method may include: the second device receiving first information, the first information indicating N parameter sets, each of the N parameter sets corresponding to one of N packets, where N is a positive integer; wherein the N parameter sets include a first parameter set, the N packets include a first packet, the first parameter set corresponds to the first packet, the first parameter set indicates a first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first packet, and the first parameter set includes at least one first parameter; based on the first information, channel estimation is performed to obtain channel information, the channel information being obtained based on N channel estimation results corresponding to the N packets.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first resource granularity is either time-domain resource granularity or frequency-domain resource granularity.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the N groups are associated with a second parameter, which is at least one of the terminal's data stream, the terminal's receiving port, and the terminal's transmitting port.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal's data stream includes N data stream groups, each data stream group includes at least one data stream, and the N groups correspond one-to-one with the N data stream groups;

[0047] Alternatively, the terminal's receiving port includes N receiving port groups, each receiving port group includes at least one receiving port, and the N groups correspond one-to-one with the N receiving port groups;

[0048] Alternatively, the terminal's transmission port includes N transmission port groups, each transmission port group includes at least one transmission port, and the N groups correspond one-to-one with the N transmission port groups.

[0049] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the channel estimation based on the first information includes: determining the first parameter set corresponding to the first group based on the second parameter and the correspondence between N groups and N parameter sets; and performing channel estimation based on the first parameter set corresponding to the first group and the reference signal corresponding to the first group to obtain the channel estimation result corresponding to the first group.

[0050] In this application, the second communication device can determine the parameter set corresponding to each of the N groups based on the second parameter and the correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets; perform channel estimation based on the parameter set corresponding to each of the N groups and the reference signal corresponding to each of the N groups to obtain N channel estimation results; and then obtain the aforementioned channel information based on the N channel estimation results.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second device can perform channel estimation for each group by using the resource granularity indicated by the parameter set corresponding to that group as the channel estimation granularity. This method allows different groups to use different channel estimation granularities for channel estimation, and can adapt the channel estimation granularity according to different needs, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of channel estimation.

[0052] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes, prior to implementation, receiving second information used to indicate a second parameter.

[0053] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information, which indicates the correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets.

[0054] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first parameter set includes M first parameters, each of which corresponds to one of the M frequency domain resources, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0055] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources.

[0056] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources is related to the frequency domain characteristics of the equivalent channel or the frequency domain mapping of the reference signal.

[0057] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the fourth information includes first indication information, which indicates the relative positional relationship between the first parameter set and the first precoded resource group.

[0058] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the frequency domain resource granularity is a1 subcarriers or a2 physical resource blocks or a3 precoding resource groups; or, the time domain resource granularity is b1 time slots, where a1, a2, a3, and b1 are positive integers.

[0059] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which may be a first device or a chip / circuit therein. The communication device is used to perform the methods of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The communication device includes units having the ability to perform the methods of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0060] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which may be a second device or a chip / circuit therein. The communication device is used to perform the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The communication device includes units having the ability to perform the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0061] In the third or fourth aspect, the aforementioned communication device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. Further details regarding the transceiver unit and processing unit can be found in the device embodiments shown below. The beneficial effects of the third to fourth aspects can be referenced in the relevant descriptions of the first to second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, which includes a processor for executing the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any possible implementation thereof.

[0063] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor coupled to a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any of the aspects described above.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated (i.e., the memory is built-in memory). Optionally, the memory and processor are independently configured (i.e., the memory is external memory).

[0065] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device that may include a processor and an interface circuit connected together. The interface circuit is used for exchanging (or sending / receiving or inputting / outputting) information or data, and the processor is used to execute program instructions that cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any of the above aspects. The interface circuit may be a communication interface or a transceiver. The transceiver may be a radio frequency module in the communication device, or a combination of a radio frequency module and an antenna, or an input / output interface of a chip or circuit.

[0066] Eighthly, this application provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or any of the aspects described above.

[0067] Ninthly, this application provides a program product containing program instructions that, when run, cause the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any of the aspects above to be executed.

[0068] Tenthly, this application provides an apparatus, which can be implemented as a chip or as a device, including a processor. The processor is used to read and execute a program stored in a memory to execute one or more of the first aspect, or the second aspect, or one or more of any possible implementations of any aspect, providing an information interaction method. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a memory connected to the processor via a circuit. Further optionally, the apparatus includes a communication interface to which the processor is connected. The communication interface is used to receive information to be processed, the processor obtains the information from the communication interface, processes the information, and outputs the processing result through the communication interface. The communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory can be physically independent units, or the memory can be integrated with the processor.

[0070] Eleventhly, this application provides a communication system, which includes a first device (such as a network device) and a second device (such as a terminal); wherein the first device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the second device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0071] The technical effects achieved in the above aspects can be referred to each other or to the beneficial effects in the method embodiments shown below, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an access network device applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0078] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0079] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Before introducing the scheme of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0083] (1) In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, implicit instruction, etc. When describing a certain instruction information as being used to instruct A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, carries the identifier of A, carries B which is associated with A, carries the identifier of B which is associated with A, etc. In other words, if the receiving side of a certain instruction information can determine A based on the instruction information, it can be described as the instruction information being used to instruct A, and the specific method of determination is not limited. When it is understood that the instruction information carries A, "instruction" or "used to instruct" can be replaced with "includes". In this case, a statement similar to "sending / receiving instruction information, the instruction information being used to instruct A" can be replaced with "sending / receiving A".

[0084] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0085] (2) In this application, the expression " / " is used to indicate that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can mean: A or B. The expression "and / or" is used to indicate that the objects before and after are in a relationship of either "and" or "or"; for example, A and / or B can mean the following: A exists alone, B exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be single or multiple. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions are used to indicate any combination of the listed items; for example, at least one of A, B and / or C can mean the following: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, B and C exist simultaneously, A and C exist simultaneously, A, B and C exist simultaneously, where A, B, and C can be single or multiple.

[0086] (3) In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0087] (4) In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0088] (5) In this application, "first," "second," and "#1," "#2," and "#A" are merely for descriptive convenience and are used to distinguish objects, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. They are not used to describe the order or sequence of features. It should be understood that such described objects can be interchanged where appropriate in order to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0089] (6) In this application, "predefined" may mean a standard protocol predefined, or it may mean that the devices have agreed or negotiated in advance. Among them, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as fourth-generation (4G) network protocols, fifth-generation (5G) network protocols, new radio (NR) protocols, 5.5G network protocols, and related protocols applied in future communication networks. This application does not limit this.

[0090] (7) In this application, the words “exemplary,” “for example,” etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an “example” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word “example” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding, relevant,” and “corresponding” may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0091] (8) In this application, matrix transformations are involved in many places. For ease of understanding, a unified explanation is provided here. The superscript T indicates transpose, such as AT indicating the transpose of matrix (or vector) A; the superscript * indicates conjugate, such as A* indicating the conjugate of matrix (or vector) A; the superscript H indicates conjugate transpose, such as AH indicating the conjugate transpose of matrix (or vector) A. For the sake of brevity, explanations of the same or similar cases are omitted in the following text.

[0092] (9) In this application, “reporting” and “feedback” can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, they have the same meaning.

[0093] First, let me introduce the communication system to which this application applies.

[0094] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) or NR systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication networks. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as inter-satellite communication and satellite communication.

[0095] As an example, a satellite communication system includes a satellite base station and terminal equipment. The satellite base station provides communication services to the terminal equipment. Satellite base stations can also communicate with each other. A satellite can act as a base station or as a terminal device. Here, "satellite" can refer to drones, hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit satellites, medium-Earth orbit satellites, high-Earth orbit satellites, etc. "Satellite" can also refer to non-terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial equipment.

[0096] As an example, V2X communication can include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0097] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The device can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses a device as an example for description.

[0098] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device can include various devices with wireless communication capabilities, which can be used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. The terminal device can be widely applied in various scenarios, such as: cellular communication, D2D, V2X, peer-to-peer (P2P), M2M, MTC, IoT, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, etc. The terminal device can be a terminal in any of the above scenarios, such as an MTC terminal, an IoT terminal, etc. Terminal equipment can be user equipment (UE), terminal, fixed equipment, mobile station equipment or mobile equipment, subscriber unit, handheld device, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, cellular phone, smartphone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, wireless modem, handset, laptop computer, computer with wireless transceiver capability, smart book, vehicle, satellite, global positioning system (GPS) device, target tracking device, aircraft (e.g., drone, helicopter, multiple helicopters, four helicopters, or airplanes), ship, remote control device, smart home device, industrial equipment, transportation vehicle with wireless communication capability, communication module, or roadside unit with terminal function, all conforming to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard. The device may be a wireless communication unit (RSU), or a device built into the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip in the aforementioned device), or other processing devices connected to the wireless modem.

[0099] It should be understood that in certain scenarios, a UE can also be used as a base station. For example, a UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in scenarios such as V2X, D2D, or P2P.

[0100] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a terminal device, i.e., the terminal device, can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed in the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0101] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device or module with corresponding communication functions. The network device can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices; it can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitter point, master station, auxiliary station, multiple standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, a device that performs base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, or a device that performs base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0102] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0103] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, or DU, or devices including CU and DU, or devices with control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and DU nodes.

[0104] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0105] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, a radio access network can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) architecture. In an O-RAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (open CU, O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (open DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open RU (open RU, O-RU). Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0106] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed within the network device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions. This embodiment only uses a network device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of a network device, and does not limit the solution of this embodiment.

[0107] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located.

[0108] Referring to Figure 1, as an example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 can be a future or higher version of the wireless access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) wireless access network. One or more terminal devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) can be interconnected or connected to one or more network devices (110a, 110b, collectively referred to as 110) in the wireless access network 100. Network elements in the wireless communication system are connected through interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or air interfaces.

[0109] When network devices and terminal devices communicate, the network device can manage one or more cells, and a cell can include at least one terminal device. A cell can be understood as an area within the wireless signal coverage range of the network device.

[0110] Figure 1 is just a schematic diagram. The wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0111] Referring to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system applicable to an embodiment of this application, the ORAN system includes a core network, access network equipment, and a UE. As an example, the ORAN system may also include other components besides those shown in Figure 2; specific details are not limited in this application.

[0112] Access network equipment can communicate with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link. Access network equipment can also communicate with the UE via an air interface. Specifically, the BBU in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link. The RU in the access network equipment communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link; the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. A BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0113] Referring to Figure 3, as an example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an access network device applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0114] Optionally, the access network equipment includes a CU. The CU is a logical node that carries the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU can connect to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, such as the E2 interface. The CU may have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and / or higher layers of the CU) connects to the DU (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer and lower layers of the DU) through interfaces, such as the F1 interface. Optionally, the F1 interface can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, defining the signaling procedures of F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0115] As an example, a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the control plane (PDCP-C) layer, which carries the RRC layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the user plane (PDCP-U) layer, which carries the SDAP layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples. In practical applications, the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For example, based on latency, functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0116] Optionally, the access network equipment includes a DU. As shown in Figure 3, a DU is a logical node that carries the RLC layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which may be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0117] Optionally, the access network equipment includes an RU. As shown in Figure 3, the RU is a logical node that carries lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU may be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP) or remote radio head (RRH) or other similar entities. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes PHY processing functions such as fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0118] The DU and RU may or may not be co-located. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower-layer split CUS-plane (LLS-CUS) interface. The LLS-CUS may include a lower-layer split control (LLS-C) interface providing the control plane (C-Plane) and a lower-layer split user (LLS-U) interface, respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0119] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0120] Figures 1 to 3 above are illustrative examples, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0121] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terms used in this application will be briefly explained.

[0122] 1. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology: Utilizing spatial resources, MIMO can increase the capacity and spectral efficiency of a communication system by leveraging array gain, multiplexing and diversity gain, and interference cancellation gain in space without increasing system bandwidth. For example, in LTE systems, MIMO systems can support up to eight layers of transmission using multiple antennas at both the transmitting and receiving ends.

[0123] 2. Channel Estimation and Channel Information: Channel estimation refers to the process of reconstructing or recovering the received signal to compensate for signal distortion caused by channel fading and noise fading. It mainly uses a reference signal (RS) known at the transmitting and receiving ends to track the time and frequency domain changes of the channel. Channel information refers to information that reflects the channel characteristics and channel quality.

[0124] In this context, a reference signal refers to a physical signal that transmits a carrying sequence to achieve a specific function. Specifically, a reference signal is a physical signal generated by mapping a specific sequence onto corresponding resources according to a pre-projected resource mapping method. Reference signals can also be called pilots, reference sequences, reference signals, etc. In this application, the reference signals involved, as examples, can be any of the following: channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), sounding reference signal (SRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), phase track reference signal (PT-RS), cell reference signal (CRS), etc. Among these, DMRS can be used for demodulation of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). It should be understood that the reference signals listed above are merely examples and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other reference signals in future protocols to achieve the same or similar functions.

[0125] As an example, channel information includes at least one of the following: channel state information (CSI), channel time-varying information, or channel frequency offset information. The following explanation primarily uses CSI as an example of channel information; however, it is understood that any information reflecting channel characteristics and channel quality is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0126] Taking the method of obtaining downlink CSI through uplink feedback from terminal devices on the network side as an example, specifically, the network side sends downlink reference signals to the terminal devices, and the terminal devices receive the downlink reference signals. Since the terminal devices know the transmission information of the downlink reference signals, they can estimate (or measure) the downlink channel that the downlink reference signals have passed through based on the received downlink reference signals. Then, based on the measurement, the terminal devices can obtain the downlink channel matrix, generate CSI, and feed the CSI back to the network side.

[0127] As an example, CSI includes at least one of the following: channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI), layer indicator (LI), reference signal received power (RSRP), or signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). The signal to interference plus noise ratio can also be called the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). Among these, PMI can be used to indicate the precoding matrix.

[0128] 3. Precoding

[0129] In 5G communication systems, massive MIMO has always been a key technology to effectively meet the requirements of 5G for system capacity, spectral efficiency, and other indicators. One of the most crucial means for MIMO to improve system throughput and suppress inter-user interference is for the base station (BS) to perform beamforming based on accurate CSI information to achieve the aforementioned gains. The concept of beamforming describes the spatial intensity distribution of the signal after beamforming. The technique for implementing beamforming in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is called precoding, which involves multiplying the signal by a precoding vector before transmission. Beamforming techniques can be digital beamforming, analog beamforming, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming. The precoding vector can contain digital precoding vectors, analog precoding vectors, or hybrid precoding vectors.

[0130] 4. Precoding Resource Group (PRG)

[0131] The PRG size, also known as the precoding granularity or PRB bundling size, represents the number of consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs) using the same precoding.

[0132] PRB bundling based on PRGs is a technique used to improve channel estimation performance. The technique involves agreeing on the size of consecutive PRBs that use the same preprocessing methods (including beamforming and precoding), and this size is typically greater than 1, facilitating the terminal's joint channel estimation using multiple PRBs. When the terminal performs joint channel estimation based on multiple PRBs, it can reduce the extrapolation calculations required for channel estimation. In channel estimation, extrapolation calculations often result in significant deviations in the channel estimate; therefore, reducing extrapolation calculations (converting extrapolation to interpolation) can improve the accuracy of channel estimation.

[0133] From a channel estimation perspective, a larger PRB bundling size generally leads to higher channel estimation accuracy. However, the accuracy gain will converge once the PRB bundling size reaches a certain value. Therefore, the PRB bundling size only needs to have a finite number of possible values ​​and does not need to be increased indefinitely. The accuracy gain from increasing the PRB bundling size is also related to the channel environment. For example, the flatter the frequency domain channel, the smaller the extrapolation loss in channel estimation. In such scenarios, the accuracy gain from increasing the PRB bundling size is limited.

[0134] Furthermore, the larger the PRB bundling size, the higher the complexity of channel estimation. Therefore, from the perspective of terminal implementation complexity, the PRB bundling size can only be defined with a finite number of values.

[0135] From a system performance perspective, PRB bundling settings must also consider the constraints of CSI beamforming (feedback) granularity and scheduling granularity. For the former, PRB bundling limits CSI beamforming gain because the PRBs within a bundling must use the same preprocessing method, making it impossible to optimize each PRB individually, thus reducing beamforming accuracy. Therefore, from a beamforming gain perspective, in principle, the smaller the PRB bundling size, the better. Specifically, for transmission schemes that utilize channel reciprocity to obtain beamforming parameters, the closer the PRB bundling size is to 1, the better. For transmission schemes that only utilize implicit channel feedback, since CSI feedback itself involves multiple PRBs, the closer the PRB bundling is to the CSI feedback granularity, the better. Currently, PRB bundling is only used in LTE systems with implicit feedback configured. For the latter, PRB bundling must consist of consecutive PRBs; therefore, the size of consecutively scheduled PRBs must be divisible by the PRB bundling size. To achieve this effect, the scheduling granularity must be divisible by the PRB bundling size, where the scheduling granularity can be the resource block group (RBG) size. Both the CSI feedback granularity and the scheduling granularity are related to system parameters such as bandwidth or carrier frequency; therefore, the PRB bundling size will also likely need to be bound to system parameters.

[0136] In different scenarios (channel environments), the optimal PRB bundling size varies depending on factors such as channel estimation gain, terminal implementation complexity, beamforming gain, and scheduling. Therefore, the PRB bundling size needs to be configurable.

[0137] Currently, LTE and NR systems support precoding at the frequency domain granularity of PRG, meaning that the same precoding is used to transmit data and DMRS within a single PRG. During receiver channel estimation, the protocol specifies that PRB bundling estimation is performed using the PRG size. The aforementioned PRG size is bound to the system bandwidth, and the binding relationship is shown in Table 1 below.

[0138] Table 1: Size of precoding / PRB bundling

[0139] As can be seen, the PRG size and PRB bundling size in existing LTE systems are determined solely by the system bandwidth. Once the system bandwidth is determined, the UE can determine the size of these frequency domain granularities according to the table conventions of the LTE standard protocol. The frequency domain sizes of the parameters in Table 1 are all in units of resource blocks (RBs). One RB corresponds to 12 subcarriers, and the frequency domain bandwidth at a 15kHz subcarrier spacing is 180kHz.

[0140] In existing schemes, the UE uses the same PRG / PRB bundling size for all data streams during PDSCH data transmission based on configuration information. This means that the channel estimation granularity for all data streams defaults to the PRG size. This configuration does not affect performance when the number of antennas and data streams is small, but it significantly limits overall system performance when there is a large difference in channel performance between streams. This is related to the characteristics of the equivalent channel in ultra-large-scale MIMO, including: the number of streams per user is several times that of NR, resulting in greater differences in equivalent channels between streams; the high-energy first few streams have good frequency domain correlation (greater than 28 RB); and as singular values ​​weaken, frequency domain correlation deteriorates and correlation bandwidth decreases. The large difference in frequency domain correlation between the equivalent channel (i.e., the coded channel, HP) means that using the same PRG and channel estimation granularity configuration for all streams will cause significant performance loss. Furthermore, due to the frequency domain characteristics of the equivalent channel or the mapping of the reference signal in the frequency domain, the filtering coefficient configuration of the PRG-based equivalent channel may differ across different frequency bands.

[0141] The above analysis reveals that the NR PRG design does not meet the precoding and channel estimation accuracy requirements of 6G MIMO's larger data stream spatial multiplexing.

[0142] In view of this, this application proposes a scheme that can improve the accuracy of channel estimation and enhance the overall performance of the communication system by supporting differentiated configuration of channel estimation granularity for different groups.

[0143] The methods provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided by this application can be applied to the scenarios shown in the above figures and are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the terms used below are explained in the preceding descriptions and will not be repeated hereafter. In the following method embodiments, a first device and a second device are used as examples for illustration. The first device can also be replaced by components of the first device, such as a chip, a chip system, a circuit, or a communication module. The second device can also be replaced by components of the second device, such as a chip, a chip system, a circuit, or a communication module. Furthermore, the steps described below as being performed by a single execution entity can also be divided into steps performed by multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated.

[0144] Referring to Figure 4, as an example, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method 400 shown in Figure 4 may include the following steps.

[0145] Step S401: The first device sends first information to the second device. The first information indicates N parameter sets, which correspond one-to-one with N groups, where N is a positive integer. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first information from the first device.

[0146] Wherein, the N parameter sets include a first parameter set, the N groups include a first group, the first parameter set corresponds to the first group, the first parameter set is used to indicate the first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first group, and the first parameter set includes at least one first parameter.

[0147] In some embodiments, the second device (such as a terminal) can be configured with a set of parameters (such as the N parameter sets mentioned above) for each data transmission. Each parameter set corresponds to a group, and a parameter set may include one or more parameters, each parameter indicating a resource granularity. It should be understood that the parameter set configured for each data transmission may be different, and this application does not limit this.

[0148] Taking the first parameter set as an example, the first parameter set is used to indicate the first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first packet. The first parameter set can be any one of the N parameter sets. If the first parameter set includes only the first parameter, then the first parameter is used to indicate the first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first packet; or, if the first parameter set includes multiple parameters, then the first resource granularity includes the resource granularity indicated by each of the multiple parameters. The first parameter set can be any one of the N parameter sets.

[0149] Optionally, the resource granularity mentioned above (such as the first resource granularity) can be a time-domain resource granularity or a frequency-domain resource granularity.

[0150] For example, the frequency domain resource granularity is a1 subcarriers, a2 physical resource blocks, a3 precoding resource groups, or a4 subbands (or RBGs); or the time domain resource granularity is b1 time slots or symbols, where a1, a2, a3, a4, and b1 are positive integers.

[0151] For example, the parameters in the above parameter set (such as the first parameter set) can be numerical values ​​corresponding to resource granularity (which can be called CEG_f parameter values ​​or CEG_t parameter values), such as the first parameter being a1, a2, a3, or b1; or, the parameters in the above parameter set can be resource granularity, such as the first parameter being a1 subcarriers, a2 physical resource blocks, a3 precoding resource groups, or b1 time slots.

[0152] Wherein, the meaning of the first parameter being a1 or a1 subcarriers can be: the frequency domain resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first group is a1 subcarriers; or, the meaning of the first parameter being a2 or a2 physical resource blocks can be: the frequency domain resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first group is a2 physical resource blocks; or, the meaning of the first parameter being a3 or a3 precoding resource groups can be: the frequency domain resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first group is a3 precoding resource groups; or, the meaning of the first parameter being b1 or b1 time slots can be: the time domain resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first group is b1 time slots.

[0153] Optionally, the N packets are related to the second parameter, which is at least one of the terminal's data stream, the terminal's receiving port, and the terminal's transmitting port. In other words, the N packets are divided based on the second parameter.

[0154] For example, the terminal's data stream includes N data stream groups, each data stream group including at least one data stream, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N data stream groups; or, the terminal's receiving port includes N receiving port groups, each receiving port group including at least one receiving port, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N receiving port groups; or, the terminal's transmitting port includes N transmitting port groups, each transmitting port group including at least one transmitting port, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N transmitting port groups.

[0155] In other words, N packets can refer to N data stream groups, N receive port groups, or N transmit port groups.

[0156] As another example, the N packets are determined based on at least two of the terminal's data stream, the terminal's receiving port, and the terminal's transmitting port. For example, the terminal's data stream is divided into multiple packets, and then these multiple packets are grouped based on the terminal's receiving port to obtain the aforementioned N packets. As yet another example, the terminal's data stream is divided into multiple packets, and then these multiple packets are grouped based on the terminal's transmitting port to obtain the aforementioned N packets.

[0157] Optionally, the second parameter may be determined by the first device or specified by the agreement; this application does not limit this.

[0158] Optionally, the first device may also send second information to the second device, the second information being used to indicate the second parameter. Accordingly, the second device receives the second information. Alternatively, the second parameter may be specified by a protocol, in which case the first device may not need to send the second information.

[0159] Optionally, the first device may send third information to the second device, the third information indicating the correspondence between the N packets and the N parameter sets. Accordingly, the second device receives the third information. Alternatively, the correspondence between the N packets and the N parameter sets may be defined by a protocol, in which case the first device may not need to send the third information.

[0160] For example, the first device sends the aforementioned second information and / or third information to the second device via downlink control information (DCI) or medium access control-control element (MAC-CE); the second information and the third information may be carried in the same signaling or in different signaling, and this application does not limit the signaling that carries the second information and the third information.

[0161] In this application, the N parameter sets are used to indicate the resource granularity corresponding to the N groups. In other words, the correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets can also refer to the correspondence between the N groups and the N resource granularity sets. Each resource granularity set includes at least one resource granularity. The N resource granularity sets correspond one-to-one with the N parameter sets. One resource granularity in the resource granularity set corresponds to one resource granularity in the parameter set.

[0162] The following provides an exemplary description of the parameter set based on two scenarios (Scenario 1 and Scenario 2).

[0163] Case 1: Each of the N parameter sets contains only one parameter.

[0164] For example, see Tables 1-1 to 1-3 below, which illustrate the relationship between N groups and N parameter sets.

[0165] Table 1-1

[0166] Table 1-1 illustrates N groups as N data stream groups. The N data stream groups include three data stream groups: {1,2}, {3,4,5}, and {6}. The frequency domain resource granularity corresponding to data stream group {1,2} is 5, the frequency domain resource granularity corresponding to data stream group {3,4,5} is 2, and the frequency domain resource granularity corresponding to data stream group {6} is 1. Here, {1,2} is used to represent data stream 1 and data stream 2 as one data stream group, {3,4,5} is used to represent data stream 3, data stream 4, and data stream 5 as one data stream, and {6} is used to represent data stream 6 as one data stream group. Assuming that the frequency resource granularity CEG_f of n means the frequency domain resource granularity is n*PRG, then Table 1-1 exemplifies that if channel estimation is performed based on data stream 1 and / or data stream 2, a granularity of 5*PRG can be used; if channel estimation is performed based on at least one of data streams 3, 4, and 5, a granularity of 2*PRG can be used; and if channel estimation is performed based on data stream 6, a granularity of 1*PRG can be used. The aforementioned PRG can also be replaced with other frequency domain resource units, such as PRBs, subcarriers, etc., but limitations are imposed here.

[0167] Optionally, the N parameter set can be a one-dimensional array. Taking Table 1-1 as an example, the one-dimensional array can be {5,2,1…}. This application does not limit the specific form of the N parameter set.

[0168] Table 1-2

[0169] Table 1-2 illustrates N packets as N receiver port groups. The N receiver port groups include two receiver port groups, namely 1 / 3 / 5 / 7 and 2 / 4 / 6 / 8. The frequency domain resource granularity corresponding to receiver port group 1 / 3 / 5 / 7 is 5, and the frequency domain resource granularity corresponding to receiver port group 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 is 2. Here, 1 / 3 / 5 / 7 is used to represent receiver port 1, receiver port 3, receiver port 5 and receiver port 7 as a receiver port group, and 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 is used to represent receiver port 2, receiver port 4, receiver port 6 and receiver port 8 as a data stream. Assuming that the frequency resource granularity CEG_f of n means that the frequency domain resource granularity is n*PRG, then Table 1-2 exemplarily shows that if channel estimation is performed based on at least one of receiving port 1, receiving port 3, receiving port 5 and receiving port 7, then 5*PRG can be used as the channel estimation granularity; if channel estimation is performed based on receiving port 2, receiving port 4, receiving port 6 and receiving port 8, then 2*PRG can be used as the channel estimation granularity.

[0170] Table 1-3

[0171] Table 1-3 illustrates that N groups are N transmit port groups. The N transmit port groups include three transmit port groups: {1000-1006}, {1007-1016}, and {1017-1020}. The frequency domain resource granularity corresponding to the transmit port group {1000-1006} is 5, the frequency domain resource granularity corresponding to the transmit port group {1007-1016} is 2, and the frequency domain resource granularity corresponding to the transmit port group {1017-1020} is 1. Assuming that the frequency resource granularity CEG_f of n means that the frequency domain resource granularity is n*PRG, then Table 1-3 exemplarily shows that if channel estimation is performed based on any one of the transmit ports in {1000-1006}, a channel estimation granularity of 5*PRG can be used; if channel estimation is performed based on at least one of the transmit ports in {1007-1016}, a channel estimation granularity of 2*PRG can be used; and if channel estimation is performed based on at least one of the transmit ports in {1017-1020}, a frequency domain resource granularity of 1*PRG can be used.

[0172] In one implementation, the first parameter set may include M first parameters, each corresponding to one frequency domain resource, where M is an integer greater than 1, and at least two of the M first parameters have different values. That is, any one of the N parameter sets may include multiple first parameters, each corresponding to a frequency domain resource, and the parameters corresponding to different frequency domain resources may be the same or different. This application does not limit the number of parameters in the parameter set.

[0173] Optionally, the first device may send fourth information to the second device, the fourth information indicating the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources. Correspondingly, the second device receives the fourth information. Alternatively, the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources may be protocol-defined or pre-stored; in this case, the first device may not need to send the fourth information.

[0174] Optionally, the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources can be related to the frequency domain characteristics of the equivalent channel or the frequency domain mapping of the reference signal.

[0175] For example, the fourth information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the relative positional relationship between the first parameter set and the first precoded resource group.

[0176] For example, the first device can configure the first information for the second device via RRC; or, the first device can send the first information to the second device via DCI or MAC-CE. This application does not limit the signaling carrying the first information.

[0177] Step S402: The second device performs channel estimation based on the first information to obtain channel information, which is obtained based on the N channel estimation results corresponding to the N packets.

[0178] In one implementation, the second device can determine the parameter set corresponding to each group based on the first information and the correspondence between N groups and N parameter sets; perform channel estimation based on the parameter set corresponding to each group to obtain N channel estimation results corresponding to the N groups; and obtain the aforementioned channel information based on the N channel estimation results corresponding to the N groups. For example, based on the N channel estimation results, N channel information can be supplemented, including but not limited to frequency domain interpolation or filtering, time domain interpolation or filtering. Furthermore, in some MIMO systems, at least one of precoding / PMI, channel quality information / CQI, and channel rank information / RI can be further obtained from the N channel estimation results.

[0179] Taking the first group as the first data stream group and the parameter set corresponding to the group as the first parameter as an example, the channel estimation result corresponding to the first group can be: obtained by the second device performing channel estimation based on the first data stream group. In the channel estimation process, the granularity of the channel estimation performed by the second device is the resource granularity indicated by the first parameter.

[0180] For example, taking the first group as an example, the second device can determine the first parameter set corresponding to the first group based on the second parameter and the correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets, such as the second parameter being used to indicate that the N groups are N data stream groups; then, based on the first parameter set corresponding to the first group and the reference signal corresponding to the first group, channel estimation can be performed to obtain the channel estimation result corresponding to the first group.

[0181] The second parameter may be specified by the protocol, or pre-stored by the second device, or obtained by the second device from the first device or other devices. This application does not limit the method by which the second device obtains the second parameter. The correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets may be specified by the protocol, or pre-stored by the second device, or obtained by the second device from the first device or other devices. This application does not limit the method by which the second device obtains the correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets.

[0182] In some embodiments of this application, if the first device does not send the aforementioned first information to the second device, the second device can perform channel estimation based on a default resource granularity. For example, the default resource granularity may refer to N packets all using the same channel estimation granularity, which may be a1 subcarriers, a2 physical resource blocks, or a3 precoding resource groups; or, the time-domain resource granularity may be b1 time slots, where a1, a2, a3, and b1 are positive integers. As another example, the default resource granularity may refer to the correspondence between N packets and N resource granularity sets, the specific content of which can be exemplarily referred to above.

[0183] The method embodiments shown in Figure 4 above include many possible implementation schemes. Some of these implementation schemes will be illustrated below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. It should be noted that related concepts, operations or logical relationships not explained in Figures 5 and 6 can be referred to the corresponding descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figure 4.

[0184] In this application, the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 can be used as a single embodiment, and the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 can all be independent of the technical solution in Figure 4; some steps in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 can also be used as a single embodiment.

[0185] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0186] This application embodiment takes the first device as a network device (such as a base station) and the second device as a terminal (such as a UE). The parameter set in the N parameter sets all include one parameter, which is the frequency domain resource granularity (such as the CEG_f parameter value). The downlink data transmission frequency domain CEG packet configuration is described as an example.

[0187] S502 and S504 can be optional steps. For example, the information sent from the network device to the terminal in S502 and S504 can be predefined or preset.

[0188] As shown in Figure 5, the method may include the following steps:

[0189] S501: The network device determines N packets and the N CEG_f parameter values ​​corresponding to the N packets.

[0190] For details on the N groups and the N CEG_f parameter values, please refer to the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0191] In some embodiments, the network device can obtain the CEG_f parameter value and grouping strategy based on at least one of the traditional uplink / downlink channel measurement, sensing, and AI methods, i.e., determine the aforementioned N groups and N CEG_f parameter values. For example, based on a sensing system, information on the main multipath parameters in the current environment can be obtained, including delay, power, Doppler, etc. The magnitude of the delay information directly corresponds to the frequency domain characteristics, while Doppler corresponds to the time domain characteristics of the channel. Grouping can be based on the delay values ​​of each multipath or on the Doppler values. Optionally, the N groups can also be N groups of T-MIMO indicators (or simply indicators), wherein the T-MIMO indicator can include at least one of the following: data stream, receive port, transmit port, etc.

[0192] For example, the above grouping strategy could be: network devices group receiving ports based on their polarization direction, such as grouping receiving ports with the same polarization direction into one group, and placing receiving ports with different polarization directions into different groups. Similarly, grouping based on data transmission streams and transmitting ports can also group several consecutive data streams or ports, as the equivalent channel time-frequency domain characteristics of consecutive data streams are more similar. For example, if the system is currently transmitting 1-8 streams of data, it can be divided into three groups: {1-4}, {5-7}, and {8}.

[0193] S502: The network device sends the second parameter to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second parameter.

[0194] The second parameter indicates the T-MIMO metrics corresponding to the N packets, or the second parameter is the T-MIMO metrics corresponding to the N packets. For example, if the N packets are N data stream groups, the second parameter indicates the data streams; if the N packets are N receive port groups, the second parameter indicates the receive ports; if the N packets are N transmit port groups, the second parameter indicates the transmit ports. Exemplarily, the network device can configure the above-mentioned second parameter for the terminal device via RRC; or, the network device can send the above-mentioned second parameter to the terminal device via DCI or MAC-CE. This application does not limit the signaling carrying the second parameter.

[0195] In this application, the second parameter can also be referred to as CEG_f MIMO grouping index information.

[0196] As another example, the second parameter can also be semi-statically configured, for example, using 2-bit indication information to indicate any of {data stream, receive port, transmit port}.

[0197] S503: The network device sends N CEG_f parameter values ​​to the terminal.

[0198] Accordingly, the terminal receives the above N CEG_f parameter values.

[0199] In this application, N CEG_f parameter values ​​can also be referred to as a set of CEG_f parameter values.

[0200] Among them, the N CEG_f parameter values ​​correspond to different groups of different T-MIMO indices.

[0201] S504: The network device indicates to the terminal the correspondence between N CEG_f parameter values ​​and N packets.

[0202] Alternatively, the network device configures a correspondence (or mapping) between N CEG_f parameter values ​​and N packets for the terminal. For example, the network device can send the aforementioned third information to the terminal, which indicates the correspondence between the N CEG_f parameter values ​​and the N packets. For specific examples, please refer to the relevant description of the aforementioned third information.

[0203] The correspondence between the N CEG_f parameter values ​​and the N packets can be dynamically configured (based on the equivalent channel HP of the actual data transmission). For example, the correspondence can be table information (such as Tables 1-1 to 1-3), which can be dynamically configured by signaling. Alternatively, the correspondence can be statically configured, such as a predefined mapping relationship.

[0204] For example, the network device can configure the above-mentioned N packets and the N CEG_f parameter values ​​corresponding to the N packets through RRC. This application does not limit the method by which the network device indicates the N packets and the N CEG_f parameter values ​​corresponding to the N packets to the terminal device; or, the network device can send the above-mentioned third information to the terminal device through DCI or MAC-CE. This application does not limit the signaling carrying the third information.

[0205] S505: The terminal performs channel estimation based on the second parameter, N CEG_f parameter values, and the correspondence between the N CEG_f parameter values ​​and N packets to obtain channel information.

[0206] In this embodiment, the terminal assumes that the channel estimation frequency domain granularity does not depend on the configuration of the PRG. The terminal determines the channel estimation frequency domain granularity corresponding to each group based on the N CEG_f parameter values ​​and the correspondence between the N CEG_f parameter values ​​and the N groups.

[0207] For example, the CEG is a one-dimensional array. Group filtering is designed based on CEG values ​​and MIMO indicators. Different groups use corresponding CEG values ​​to design filter coefficients W. Then, based on the received reference signal samples s, filtering is performed to obtain a full-dimensional channel (W*s). This dimension can be in the frequency domain, time domain, or time-frequency domain.

[0208] For example, the channel estimation process described above may include: the network device sending a reference signal (optionally, data may also be sent) to the terminal, and the terminal receiving the parameter signal accordingly; then, the terminal performing channel estimation based on the received reference signal, N CEG_f parameter values, and the above correspondence, to obtain channel information. In this process, different reference signals for different packets use different CEG_f values, corresponding to different channel estimation and filtering processes. Furthermore, the reference signal may be DMRS or others, and this application does not limit its application to this.

[0209] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0210] In this embodiment, the first device is a network device (such as a base station), the second device is a terminal (such as a UE), and the downlink data transmission frequency domain CEG group configuration is described, wherein the CEG resource values ​​can be different in different frequency domains.

[0211] In this embodiment of the application, the first device can be a base station, and the second device can be a UE.

[0212] S602 and S604 can be optional steps. For example, the information sent from the network device to the terminal in S602 and S604 can be predefined or preset.

[0213] As shown in Figure 6, the method may include the following steps:

[0214] S601: The network device determines N packets and the set of N CEG_f parameter values ​​corresponding to the N packets.

[0215] Each of the N sets of CEG_f parameter values ​​contains at least one CEG_f parameter value. For a more detailed explanation of the N sets of CEG_f parameter values, please refer to the section on N sets above.

[0216] In some embodiments, the network device can obtain the CEG_f parameter value and the packet strategy based on at least one of the traditional uplink and downlink channel measurement, sensing, and AI methods, that is, determine the above-mentioned N packets and N sets of CEG_f parameter values. For a specific example, please refer to the relevant content of step S501.

[0217] S602: The network device sends the second parameter to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second parameter.

[0218] This process can be exemplarily described in step S502 above.

[0219] S603: The network device sends a set of N CEG_f parameter values ​​to the terminal.

[0220] Accordingly, the terminal receives the above set of N CEG_f parameter values.

[0221] Among them, the CEG_f parameter values ​​in the N CEG_f parameter value sets are configured differently for different frequency domain resources.

[0222] For example, the set of CEG_f parameter values ​​corresponding to a group includes multiple CEG_f parameter values, and these multiple CEG_f parameter values ​​correspond to different frequency domain resources. The correspondence between CEG_f parameter values ​​and frequency domain resources can be determined based on the frequency domain characteristics of the equivalent channel or the mapping of the reference signal in the frequency domain.

[0223] For example, the above grouping is a data flow group. The set of CEG_f parameter values ​​corresponding to one of the N data flow groups can include multiple CEG_f parameter values. In other words, the network device indicates multiple CEG_f parameter values ​​for this data flow group.

[0224] For example, the above grouping is a port group. The set of CEG_f parameter values ​​corresponding to one of the N port groups can include multiple CEG_f parameter values. In other words, the network device indicates multiple CEG_f parameter values ​​for this port group.

[0225] S604: The network device indicates to the terminal the correspondence between the set of N CEG_f parameter values ​​and N packets.

[0226] Alternatively, the network device configures a correspondence (or mapping) between N sets of CEG_f parameter values ​​and N packets for the terminal. For example, the network device can send the aforementioned third information to the terminal, which indicates the correspondence between the N sets of CEG_f parameter values ​​and the N packets. For specific examples, please refer to the relevant description of the aforementioned third information.

[0227] The correspondence between the N sets of CEG_f parameter values ​​and the N groups can be dynamically configured; or it can be statically configured, such as a predefined mapping relationship.

[0228] S605: The network device indicates to the terminal the correspondence between the CEG_f parameter values ​​in the CEG_f parameter value set and the frequency domain resources.

[0229] Alternatively, the network device configures the correspondence (or mapping) between the CEG_f parameter value and frequency domain resources for the terminal. For example, the network device can send the aforementioned fourth information to the terminal. The aforementioned fourth information is used to indicate the correspondence between the CEG_f parameter value and the frequency domain resources. For specific examples, please refer to the relevant description of the aforementioned fourth information.

[0230] Optionally, the correspondence between the above CEG_f parameter values ​​and frequency domain resources can be established by the correspondence k between the CEG_f parameter values ​​and the i-th PRG. start It means that, where k start = (i-1)*PRG size +Δ. Where i is a positive integer, PRG size The size of the i-th PRG is Δ, which is the difference between the starting position of the frequency domain corresponding to the CEG_f parameter value and the starting position of the i-th PRG. It should be understood that the frequency domain information of the i-th PRG is determined, therefore obtaining k... start This allows you to determine the frequency domain resources corresponding to the CEG_f parameter value.

[0231] S606: The terminal performs channel estimation based on the second parameter, the set of N CEG_f parameter values, the correspondence between the CEG_f parameter values ​​and frequency domain resources, and the correspondence between the N CEG_f parameter values ​​and N packets, to obtain channel information.

[0232] Optionally, the CEG can be a two-dimensional array, such as {[8,7,6],[5,4,3],[2,1]}. The first dimension corresponds to the group index, where [8,7,6],[5,4,3], and [2,1] are three groups respectively. The second dimension represents the frequency domain resource index, such as the frequency domain resource index, where the numbers in [8,7,6],[5,4,3], and [2,1] are frequency domain resource indices (such as the CEG_f parameter value). Furthermore, grouped sub-band filtering can be designed based on the CEG value and MIMO index grouping, and based on the mapping between CEG and frequency domain position.

[0233] For example, the network device can configure the correspondence between the CEG_f parameter value and the frequency domain resources for the terminal device through RRC; or, the network device can send the fourth information to the terminal device through DCI or MAC-CE. This application does not limit the signaling carrying the fourth information.

[0234] In some embodiments of this application, step S504 may be omitted in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 above; or, steps S604 and S605 may be omitted in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 above. The correspondence between the N sets of CEG_f parameter values ​​and the N groups, and the correspondence between the CEG_f parameter values ​​and frequency domain resources, can be defaulted. For example, the terminal may default to a quantity of 1 within the indicator group. If the indicator is a port, the number of CEGs configured is the terminal's rank, i.e., RANK, and different port equivalent channels HP are matched for filtering according to the CEG configuration order; or, the terminal may default to a quantity of 1 within the indicator group, and multiple CEGs in the frequency domain are mapped to various PRGs respectively, i.e., the channel estimation granularity in the frequency domain is n*PRG, where n=1.

[0235] It should be noted that the communication method provided in this application is also applicable to scenarios where the first device is a terminal and the second device is a network. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 above, the terminal can be replaced by a network device, and vice versa. The communication method provided in this application is also applicable to D2D scenarios, that is, the first device can be a first terminal and the second device can be a second terminal. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 above, the terminal can be replaced by a first terminal, and the network device can be replaced by a second terminal.

[0236] The methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 4 to 6. The apparatus provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 to 9. It should be understood that the descriptions of the apparatus embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any content not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiments above, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0237] Referring to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application, the communication device 700 includes a transceiver unit 710 and a processing unit 720. The transceiver unit 710 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 710 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. The processing unit 720 can be used to perform processing, such as determining a precoding matrix.

[0238] Optionally, the communication device 700 further includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 720 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0239] In a first possible design, the communication device 700 can be the first device in the foregoing embodiments, which can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first device in the above method embodiments. Specifically, the transceiver unit 710 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations (such as sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the first device in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 720 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments, or operations other than transceiver (such as operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages).

[0240] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is used to send first information, which indicates N parameter sets, each of which corresponds one-to-one with N packets, where N is a positive integer; wherein the N parameter sets include a first parameter set, the N packets include a first packet, the first parameter set corresponds to the first packet, the first parameter set indicates a first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first packet, and the first parameter set includes at least one first parameter.

[0241] Optionally, the first resource granularity can be either time-domain resource granularity or frequency-domain resource granularity.

[0242] Optionally, N groups are associated with the second parameter, which is at least one of the terminal's data stream, the terminal's receiving port, and the terminal's transmitting port.

[0243] Optionally, the terminal's data stream includes N data stream groups, each data stream group including at least one data stream, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N data stream groups; or, the terminal's receiving port includes N receiving port groups, each receiving port group including at least one receiving port, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N receiving port groups; or, the terminal's transmitting port includes N transmitting port groups, each transmitting port group including at least one transmitting port, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N transmitting port groups.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is also used to send second information, which is used to indicate the second parameter.

[0245] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is also used to send third information, which indicates the correspondence between N packets and N parameter sets.

[0246] In one possible implementation, the first parameter set includes M first parameters, each corresponding to one frequency domain resource, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is also used to send fourth information, which indicates the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources.

[0248] Optionally, the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources is related to the frequency domain characteristics of the equivalent channel or the mapping of the reference signal in the frequency domain.

[0249] Optionally, the fourth information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the relative positional relationship between the first parameter set and the first precoded resource group.

[0250] Optionally, the frequency domain resource granularity is a1 subcarriers, a2 physical resource blocks, or a3 precoding resource groups; or, the time domain resource granularity is b1 time slots, where a1, a2, a3, and b1 are positive integers.

[0251] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0252] In a second possible design, the communication device 700 can be the second device in the foregoing embodiments, which can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second device in the above method embodiments. Specifically, the transceiver unit 710 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations (such as sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the second device in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 720 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the second device in the above method embodiments, or operations other than transceiver (such as operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages).

[0253] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 can be used to: receive first information, the first information indicating N parameter sets, the N parameter sets corresponding one-to-one with N packets, where N is a positive integer; wherein, the N parameter sets include a first parameter set, the N packets include a first packet, the first parameter set corresponds to the first packet, the first parameter set indicates a first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first packet, and the first parameter set includes at least one first parameter; based on the first information, perform channel estimation to obtain channel information, the channel information being obtained based on the N channel estimation results corresponding to the N packets.

[0254] Optionally, the first resource granularity can be either time-domain resource granularity or frequency-domain resource granularity.

[0255] Optionally, N groups are associated with the second parameter, which is at least one of the terminal's data stream, the terminal's receiving port, and the terminal's transmitting port.

[0256] Optionally, the terminal's data stream includes N data stream groups, each data stream group including at least one data stream, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N data stream groups; or, the terminal's receiving port includes N receiving port groups, each receiving port group including at least one receiving port, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N receiving port groups; or, the terminal's transmitting port includes N transmitting port groups, each transmitting port group including at least one transmitting port, and the N packets correspond one-to-one with the N transmitting port groups.

[0257] Optionally, the processing unit 720 is used to: determine the first parameter set corresponding to the first group based on the second parameter and the correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets; and perform channel estimation based on the first parameter set corresponding to the first group and the reference signal corresponding to the first group to obtain the channel estimation result corresponding to the first group.

[0258] Optionally, the transceiver unit 710 is also configured to: receive second information, the second information being used to indicate the second parameter.

[0259] Optionally, the transceiver unit 710 is also used to: receive third information, which is used to indicate the correspondence between N packets and N parameter sets.

[0260] Optionally, the first parameter set includes M first parameters, each corresponding to a frequency domain resource, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0261] Optionally, the transceiver unit 710 is further configured to: receive fourth information, which indicates the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources.

[0262] Optionally, the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources is related to the frequency domain characteristics of the equivalent channel or the mapping of the reference signal in the frequency domain.

[0263] Optionally, the fourth information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the relative positional relationship between the first parameter set and the first precoded resource group.

[0264] Optionally, the frequency domain resource granularity is a1 subcarriers, a2 physical resource blocks, or a3 precoding resource groups; or, the time domain resource granularity is b1 time slots, where a1, a2, a3, and b1 are positive integers.

[0265] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0266] It should also be understood that the communication device 700 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 700 can specifically be the communication device in the above embodiments, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the communication device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0267] The communication device 700 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the communication device (such as the first device, or the second device) in the above-described methods. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the transmitting unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing units, can be replaced by processors, each performing the transmission and reception operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0268] In addition, the transceiver unit 710 described above can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit.

[0269] It should be noted that the device in Figure 7 can be the communication device in the foregoing embodiments (such as the first device or the second device), or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitations are imposed here.

[0270] Referring to Figure 8, as an example, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 800 includes a processor 810, which is coupled to a memory 820. The memory 820 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 810 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 820, or to read the data stored in the memory 820, in order to perform the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0271] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 810.

[0272] Optionally, the memory 820 may be one or more.

[0273] Alternatively, the memory 820 can be integrated with the processor 810, or it can be set separately.

[0274] Optionally, as shown in FIG8, the communication device 800 further includes a transceiver 830, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 810 is used to control the transceiver 830 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0275] As an example, processor 810 may have the functions of processing unit 720 shown in FIG. 7, memory 820 may have the functions of storage unit, and transceiver 830 may have the functions of transceiver unit 710 shown in FIG. 7.

[0276] As one approach, the communication device 800 is used to implement the operations performed by the communication device (such as the first device, or a network device) in the various method embodiments described above.

[0277] For example, processor 810 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 820 to implement the relevant operations of the communication device in the various method embodiments above.

[0278] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0279] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0280] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0281] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0282] Referring to Figure 9, as an example, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 900 (or may also be referred to as a processing system) includes logic circuitry 910 and an input / output interface 920.

[0283] The logic circuit 910 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 900. The logic circuit 910 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 900 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 920 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 900, outputting processed information from the chip system 900, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 900 for processing.

[0284] As one approach, the chip system 900 is used to implement the operations performed by the communication device (such as the first device, or the second device) in the various method embodiments described above.

[0285] For example, logic circuit 910 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by a communication device (such as the first device or the second device) in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 920 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by a communication device (such as the first device or the second device) in the above method embodiments.

[0286] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (such as a first device or a second device) in the above-described method embodiments. For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as the first device or the second device) performs the above-described methods.

[0287] This application also provides a computer program product comprising program instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods described above as performed by a communication device (such as a first device or a second device). For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as the first device or the second device) performs the methods described above.

[0288] This application also provides a communication system that includes the first device and / or the second device described in the above embodiments. For example, the system includes the first device and the second device described in FIG4.

[0289] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0290] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus 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 mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0291] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0292] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first message, which indicates N parameter sets, each of which corresponds one-to-one with N groups, where N is a positive integer; Wherein, the N parameter sets include a first parameter set, the N groups include a first group, the first parameter set corresponds to the first group, the first parameter set is used to indicate the first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first group, and the first parameter set includes at least one first parameter.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The N groups are related to the second parameter, which is at least one of the terminal's data stream, the terminal's receiving port, and the terminal's transmitting port.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The terminal's data stream includes N data stream groups, each data stream group includes at least one data stream, and the N groups correspond one-to-one with the N data stream groups; Alternatively, the terminal's receiving port includes N receiving port groups, each receiving port group including at least one receiving port, and the N groups correspond one-to-one with the N receiving port groups; Alternatively, the terminal's transmission port may include N transmission port groups, each transmission port group including at least one transmission port, and the N groups correspond one-to-one with the N transmission port groups.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Prior to the method, it also includes: Send a second message, which is used to indicate the second parameter.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first parameter set includes M first parameters, which correspond to M frequency domain resources, where M is an integer greater than 1.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth message, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information, the first information is used to indicate N parameter sets, the N parameter sets correspond one-to-one with N groups, N is a positive integer; wherein, the N parameter sets include a first parameter set, the N groups include a first group, the first parameter set corresponds to the first group, the first parameter set is used to indicate a first resource granularity used for channel estimation based on the first group, and the first parameter set includes at least one first parameter; Based on the first information, channel estimation is performed to obtain channel information, which is obtained based on the N channel estimation results corresponding to the N groups.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The N groups are related to the second parameter, which is at least one of the terminal's data stream, the terminal's receiving port, and the terminal's transmitting port.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The terminal's data stream includes N data stream groups, each data stream group includes at least one data stream, and the N groups correspond one-to-one with the N data stream groups; Alternatively, the terminal's receiving port includes N receiving port groups, each receiving port group including at least one receiving port, and the N groups correspond one-to-one with the N receiving port groups; Alternatively, the terminal's transmission port may include N transmission port groups, each transmission port group including at least one transmission port, and the N groups correspond one-to-one with the N transmission port groups.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The channel estimation based on the first information includes: Based on the second parameter and the correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets, the first parameter set corresponding to the first group is determined; Based on the first parameter set corresponding to the first group and the reference signal corresponding to the first group, channel estimation is performed to obtain the channel estimation result corresponding to the first group.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, Prior to the method, it also includes: Receive second information, which is used to indicate the second parameter.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the N groups and the N parameter sets.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The first parameter set includes M first parameters, which correspond to M frequency domain resources, where M is an integer greater than 1.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fourth information, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources.

16. The method according to claim 7 or 15, characterized in that, The correspondence between the M first parameters and the M frequency domain resources is related to the frequency domain characteristics of the equivalent channel or the mapping of the reference signal in the frequency domain.

17. The method according to claim 7, 15, or 16, characterized in that, The fourth information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the relative positional relationship between the first parameter set and the first precoding resource group.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, The first resource granularity is either time-domain resource granularity or frequency-domain resource granularity.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The frequency domain resource granularity is a1 subcarriers, a2 physical resource blocks, or a3 precoding resource groups; or, the time domain resource granularity is b1 time slots, where a1, a2, a3, and b1 are positive integers.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor uses logic circuits or execution code instructions to cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store computer programs or instructions, which are executed by one or more processors, causing a device including the one or more processors to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on an electronic device, it causes the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

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