Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus, relating to the technical field of communications. In the method, an access network device sends first information and indication information to a terminal, wherein the first information indicates a first constellation pattern set, the indication information indicates a first constellation pattern in a second constellation pattern set, and the second constellation pattern set comprises the first constellation pattern set; and the terminal determines the first constellation pattern on the basis of the first information and the indication information. Because channel conditions of a plurality of sub-resources corresponding to one codeword are stable within a certain time period, the access network device may select, on the basis of the channel conditions of the plurality of sub-resources, the second constellation pattern set from an initial constellation pattern set corresponding to the codeword, and indicate a constellation pattern in the second constellation pattern set. Thus, the described solution can reduce the indication overhead of a constellation pattern.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411937285.1, filed on December 24, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In wireless communication systems, modulation refers to mapping a discrete stream of 0s and 1s into modulation symbols for signal transmission in a specific manner. Common modulation methods include, but are not limited to, amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), phase shift keying (PSK), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The set of all possible modulation symbols corresponding to a particular modulation method can be called a constellation pattern.

[0004] In existing communication systems, one codeword corresponds to one modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and one MCS corresponds to one modulation order. When a modulation order corresponds to multiple constellation patterns, in order to achieve more precise channel matching, the access network device selects the corresponding constellation pattern based on the channel conditions of each of the multiple sub-resources corresponding to a codeword, and indicates the constellation pattern corresponding to each sub-resource separately. However, the above scheme leads to a large constellation pattern indication overhead. Therefore, how to reduce the constellation pattern indication overhead is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can reduce the overhead of constellation pattern indication.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving first information from an access-side device, the first information indicating a first constellation pattern set, the first constellation pattern set including at least one constellation pattern; and receiving indication information from the access-side device, the indication information indicating a first constellation pattern belonging to a second constellation pattern set, the second constellation pattern set including the first constellation pattern set.

[0007] The solution described in the first aspect can be executed by a device on the terminal side. This device can be a terminal, a module within the terminal (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. For ease of description, the following description uses a terminal as an example.

[0008] In the above scheme, since the channel conditions of multiple sub-resources corresponding to a codeword are stable within a certain period of time, the access network device can select a second constellation pattern set from the initial constellation pattern set corresponding to the codeword based on the channel conditions of these multiple sub-resources (the second constellation pattern set can be considered a subset of the initial constellation pattern set). The constellation patterns in the second constellation pattern set remain valid for a period of time, thus eliminating the need for frequent activation of new constellation patterns. Therefore, compared to the scheme of directly indicating the first constellation pattern from the initial constellation pattern set corresponding to the codeword, the access network device first indicates the first constellation pattern set to the terminal (the second constellation pattern set can be determined based on the first constellation pattern set), and then indicates the first constellation pattern in the second constellation pattern set to the terminal. This can effectively reduce the overhead of constellation pattern indication.

[0009] In some implementations of the first aspect, before receiving the first information from the access-side device, the method further includes: receiving second information from the access-side device, the second information indicating the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set; the method further includes: determining the first constellation pattern set based on a reference constellation pattern and the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set. Thus, by using information indicating the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set, this can support the terminal in determining the number of constellation patterns included in the first constellation pattern set and the specific constellation patterns included.

[0010] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: sending first information to a terminal device, the first information indicating a first constellation pattern set, the first constellation pattern set including at least one constellation pattern; and sending indication information to the terminal device, the indication information indicating the first constellation pattern, the first constellation pattern belonging to a second constellation pattern set, the second constellation pattern set including the first constellation pattern set.

[0011] The solution described in the second aspect can be executed by an access-side device, which can be an access node, such as an access network device, or a module (such as a chip system) within the access network device. It can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. For ease of description, the following description uses an access network device as an example.

[0012] For a description of the beneficial effects of the second aspect, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0013] In some implementations of the second aspect, before sending the first information to the terminal device, the method further includes: sending second information to the terminal device, the second information indicating the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set; wherein the first constellation pattern set is determined based on a reference constellation pattern and the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set. Thus, by indicating the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set, this can support the terminal in determining the number of constellation patterns included in the first constellation pattern set and the specific constellation patterns included.

[0014] Combining any of the first and second aspects, the first information includes information about reference constellation patterns, and the first set of constellation patterns is determined based on these reference constellation patterns. This allows for flexible adjustment of the constellation patterns included in the first set of constellation patterns; for example, different reference constellation patterns correspond to different sets of first constellation patterns, thus the corresponding set of first constellation patterns can be indicated by indicating the reference constellation patterns. Furthermore, by indicating the information about the reference constellation patterns, this can help reduce signaling interaction overhead.

[0015] Combining any one of the first and second aspects, the first constellation pattern set is determined based on the association between the first constellation pattern set and the reference constellation pattern, as well as the reference constellation pattern itself. The association can be predefined or indicative, and is not limited thereto. This allows the terminal to determine the first constellation pattern set.

[0016] Combining any one of the first and second aspects, the aforementioned correlation includes: the correspondence between the index values ​​of reference constellation patterns in the third constellation pattern set and the index values ​​of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set in the third constellation pattern set, where the third constellation pattern set includes the second constellation pattern set. Thus, this can support the determination of the first constellation pattern set based on the aforementioned correspondence.

[0017] Combining any one of the first and second aspects, the first information includes at least one of the following: index information of constellation patterns in a first constellation pattern set; index information of a second constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set, wherein the index information of constellation patterns other than the second constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set is determined based on the index information of the second constellation pattern; index information of the first constellation pattern set; or, a bitmap corresponding to a third constellation pattern set, wherein the constellation pattern corresponding to the bit position with a first value in the bitmap belongs to the first constellation pattern set, and the third constellation pattern set includes the second constellation pattern set. Thus, the terminal can directly determine the specific constellation patterns included in the first constellation pattern set based on the above information.

[0018] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which may be a terminal-side device, or a device or module for performing the terminal-side device.

[0019] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0020] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0021] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which may be an access-side device or a device or module for performing the functions of an access-side device.

[0022] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0023] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0024] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, or by logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect; or to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

[0027] A sixth aspect provides a communication device including logic circuitry and an input / output interface for inputting and / or outputting signals, the logic circuitry being configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible mode of the first aspect; or, the logic circuitry being configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible mode of the second aspect.

[0028] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instructions are stored, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect to be performed; or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect to be performed.

[0029] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible mode of the first aspect to be performed; or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible mode of the second aspect to be performed.

[0030] A ninth aspect provides a chip or chip system comprising: one or more processors configured to execute computer programs or instructions in the memory, such that the chip or chip system implements the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; or, such that the chip or chip system implements the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0031] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, which is installed in a communication device. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads and executes instructions through the communication interface, causing the communication device to perform the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; or, causing the communication device to perform the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0032] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, including a terminal-side device and an access-side device. The access-side device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect, and the terminal-side device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0033] For a description of the beneficial effects of any of the third to eleventh aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first and second aspects, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application framework applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another application framework applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a constellation pattern.

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0045] 1. Unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one" means "one or more".

[0046] 2. Unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced in each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0047] III. The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. The magnitude of the serial numbers used in this application does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and other various terminology (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0048] Furthermore, any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0049] IV. The terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product or device.

[0050] V. In this application, "for indicating" can be understood as "enabling", and "enabling" includes direct enabling and indirect enabling. When describing information for enabling A, it may include whether the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, but it does not mean that the information necessarily carries A.

[0051] The information that enables the information is called the information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the information to be enabled, such as, but not limited to, directly enabling the information to be enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or its index. It can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be enabled. It can also enable only a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, enabling specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing enabling overhead to some extent. Simultaneously, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and enabled uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by individually enabling the same information.

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

[0053] VI. In this application, "pre-configuration" may include pre-defined terms, such as protocol definitions. These "pre-defined terms" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device (e.g., including various network elements). This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0054] VII. The term "storage" or "preservation" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separately configured or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately configured, while others can be integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0055] 8. In the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application, the dashed arrows or boxes indicate optional steps or optional modules.

[0056] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: New Radio (NR) communication systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems, satellite communication systems, Device to Device (D2D) communication, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, Machine to Machine (M2M) communication, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, or future communication systems, etc.

[0057] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. Signals may include information, signaling, or data. A device can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, equipment, communication device, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application describes a device as an example. For instance, a communication system may include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device can send uplink signals to the network device, and / or, the terminal device can send sidelink signals to another terminal device, and / or, the network device can send signals to another network device.

[0058] Terminal equipment can also be called user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device.

[0059] Terminal devices can be devices that provide voice / data, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), etc., are not limited to this in the embodiments of this application.

[0060] As an example, a terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0061] The apparatus for implementing the functions of a terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any apparatus that supports the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This apparatus can be installed in or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components. This embodiment uses the terminal device as an example to illustrate the apparatus for implementing the functions of the terminal device, and does not limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0062] Network devices may include devices for communicating with terminal devices, including access network devices or radio access network devices, such as base stations. In this application embodiment, the network device includes a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to a wireless network.

[0063] A base station can broadly encompass or replace various names like the following, such as: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station, auxiliary station, motor slide retainer (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), radio unit (RU), positioning node, RAN intelligent controller (RIC), etc.

[0064] A base station can also be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar entity, 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 and equipment performing base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications; network-side equipment in future network evolution; or equipment performing base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies.

[0065] Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or equipment form used in the network equipment.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In some deployments, network devices can be devices that include CUs or DUs, or devices that include both CUs and DUs, 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. For example, network devices include gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, and gNB-DU.

[0068] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals 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 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 frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0069] RAN nodes can support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces, and different fronthaul interfaces correspond to DU and RU with different functions.

[0070] If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is a common public radio interface (CPRI), the DU is configured to implement one or more baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more radio frequency functions.

[0071] If the fronthaul interface between DU and RU is a different interface, relative to CPRI, some baseband functions for downlink and / or uplink, such as, for downlink, precoding, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT) / adding a cyclic prefix (CP), are moved from DU to RU; and for uplink, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of fast fourier transform (FFT) / removing a cyclic prefix (CP), are moved from DU to RU.

[0072] One possible implementation is that the interface can be an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI). In the eCPRI architecture, the segmentation between DU and RU differs, corresponding to different categories (Cat) of eCPRI, such as eCPRI Cat A, B, C, D, E, and F.

[0073] Taking eCPRI Cat A as an example, for downlink transmission, layer mapping is used as the dividing line. The DU is configured to implement one or more functions preceding layer mapping (i.e., coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping itself), while other functions following layer mapping (e.g., resource element (RE) mapping, BF, or one or more of IFFT / CP addition) are implemented in the RU. For uplink transmission, de-RE mapping is used as the dividing line. The DU is configured to implement one or more functions preceding de-mapping (i.e., decoding, rate matching de-matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), channel equalization, and one or more of de-RE mapping itself), while other functions following de-mapping (e.g., digital BF or FFT / CP removal) are implemented in the RU. It is understood that descriptions of the functions of the DU and RU corresponding to various types of eCPRI can be found in the eCPRI protocol and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0074] In one possible design, the processing unit in the BBU used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband high (BBH) unit, and the processing unit in the RRU / AAU / RRH used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband low (BBL) unit.

[0075] In different communication systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open RAN (ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. 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.

[0076] The apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuitry, software module, or a combination of hardware circuitry and software module. This apparatus can be installed in or used in conjunction with the network device. In this application embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device is only described as a network device as an example, and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0077] Network devices and / or 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.

[0078] Furthermore, terminal devices and network devices can be hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, software functions running on general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or entities that include dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of terminal devices and network devices.

[0079] To support artificial intelligence (AI) technology in wireless networks, AI nodes (also known as AI entities) may be introduced into the communication network.

[0080] Optionally, the AI ​​entity can be deployed in one or more of the following locations within the communication system: network devices, terminal devices, or core network devices, etc. Alternatively, the AI ​​entity can be deployed independently, for example, in a location other than any of the aforementioned devices, such as a host or cloud server in an over-the-top (OTT) system. The AI ​​entity can communicate with other devices in the communication system, which can be one or more of the following: network devices, terminal devices, or core network devices, etc. Depending on the object served by the AI ​​entity, the AI ​​entity can include an AI entity on the network device side, an AI entity on the terminal device side, or an AI entity on the core network side.

[0081] It is understood that this application does not limit the number of AI entities. For example, when there are multiple AI entities, they can be divided based on function, such as different AI entities being responsible for different functions.

[0082] It can also be understood that AI entities can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to achieve different functions. Alternatively, they can be network components in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the aforementioned AI entities.

[0083] AI entities can be AI network elements or AI modules. AI entities are used to implement corresponding AI functions. AI modules deployed in different network elements can be the same or different. Depending on the different parameter configurations, the AI ​​model within an AI entity can achieve different functions. The AI ​​model within an AI entity can be configured based on one or more of the following parameters: structural parameters (e.g., at least one of the following: number of neural network layers, neural network width, inter-layer connections, neuron weights, neuron activation function, or biases in the activation function), input parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the input parameters), or output parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the output parameters). The biases in the activation function can also be referred to as the biases of the neural network.

[0084] An AI entity can have one or more models. The learning, training, or inference processes of different models can be deployed in different entities or devices, or they can be deployed in the same entity or device.

[0085] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, basic AI concepts that may be involved in this application are explained, which do not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0086] 1. Machine learning (ML):

[0087] Machine learning is a crucial technological approach to achieving AI. AI endows machines with human-like intelligence, using computer hardware and software to simulate certain intelligent human behaviors, including machine learning and other methods. Machine learning refers to learning models or rules from raw data, such as neural networks, decision trees, and support vector machines. Machine learning can be categorized into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0088] Supervised learning, based on collected sample values ​​and labels, uses machine learning algorithms to learn the mapping relationship between sample values ​​and labels, and expresses this learned mapping relationship using a machine learning model. The process of training the machine learning model is the process of learning this mapping relationship. For example, in signal detection, the noisy received signal is the sample, and the corresponding real constellation point is the label. Machine learning aims to learn the mapping relationship between samples and labels through training, that is, to enable the machine learning model to learn a signal detector. During training, the model parameters are optimized by calculating the error between the model's predicted values ​​and the real labels. Once the mapping relationship is learned, it can be used to predict the sample label of each new sample. The mapping relationship learned in supervised learning can include linear mappings and nonlinear mappings. Based on the type of label, the learning task can be divided into classification tasks and regression tasks.

[0089] Unsupervised learning relies solely on collected sample values, using algorithms to discover inherent patterns within the samples. One type of unsupervised learning algorithm uses the samples themselves as supervisory signals; that is, the model learns the mapping relationship from sample to sample, which is called self-supervised learning. During training, model parameters are optimized by calculating the error between the model's predictions and the samples themselves. Self-supervised learning can be used for signal compression and decompression recovery applications; common algorithms include autoencoders and generative adversarial networks.

[0090] Reinforcement learning, unlike supervised learning, is a type of algorithm that learns problem-solving strategies through interaction with the environment. Unlike supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning problems do not have explicit "correct" action labels. The algorithm needs to interact with the environment to obtain reward signals from the environment, and then adjust its decision actions to obtain a larger reward signal value. For example, in downlink power control, the reinforcement learning model adjusts the downlink transmission power of each user based on the total system throughput feedback from the wireless network, aiming to achieve a higher system throughput. The goal of reinforcement learning is also to learn the mapping relationship between the environment state and the optimal decision action. However, because the label of the "correct action" cannot be obtained in advance, the network cannot be optimized by calculating the error between the action and the "correct action." Reinforcement learning training is achieved through iterative interaction with the environment.

[0091] Deep neural networks (DNNs) are a specific implementation of machine learning. According to the general approximation theorem, neural networks can theoretically approximate any continuous function, thus enabling them to learn arbitrary mappings. Traditional communication systems rely on extensive expert knowledge to design communication modules, while DNN-based deep learning communication systems can automatically discover hidden pattern structures from large datasets, establish mapping relationships between data, and achieve performance superior to traditional modeling methods.

[0092] Based on their construction method, DNNs can be divided into feedforward neural networks (FNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). FNNs can be neural networks where neurons in adjacent layers are completely connected pairwise, which makes FNNs typically require a large amount of storage space and have high computational complexity.

[0093] CNNs are neural networks specifically designed to process data with a grid-like structure. For example, time-series data (discrete sampling along the time axis) and image data (two-dimensional discrete sampling) can both be considered grid-like data. CNNs do not use all the input information at once for computation; instead, they use a fixed-size window to extract a portion of the information for convolution operations, which significantly reduces the computational cost of model parameters. Furthermore, depending on the type of information extracted by the window (such as people and objects in an image representing different types of information), each window can use different convolution kernels, allowing CNNs to better extract features from the input data.

[0094] Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) are a type of distributed neural network (DNN) that utilizes feedback time-series information. Their input includes the current input value and their own output value from the previous time step. RNNs are well-suited for acquiring temporally correlated sequence features, and are particularly applicable to applications such as speech recognition and channel coding / decoding.

[0095] AI models refer to function models that map inputs of a certain dimension to outputs of a certain dimension, and their parameters can be obtained through machine learning training. For example, f(X) = aX 2+b is a quadratic function model, which can be viewed as an AI model. a and b correspond to the parameters of this model and can be obtained through machine learning training. In machine learning, the data used for model training, validation, and / or testing can form a dataset or training dataset. The quantity and / or quality of data in the dataset or training dataset will affect the effectiveness of machine learning. Model training involves selecting an appropriate loss function (which measures the difference between the model's predictions and the true values) and using optimization algorithms to train the model parameters to minimize the loss function value. Model testing involves evaluating the model's performance using test data after training. Model application involves using the trained model to solve real-world problems.

[0096] A neural network, or artificial neural network, is a mathematical model that mimics the behavioral characteristics of animal neural networks to perform distributed parallel information processing. It is a special form of AI model.

[0097] 2. Model Training:

[0098] Model training involves selecting an appropriate function (such as a loss function) and using optimization algorithms to train the model parameters so that the difference between the model's predicted values ​​and the ground truth (or target values, labels) tends to be minimized.

[0099] For example, model training methods include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, self-supervised learning, and knowledge distillation.

[0100] 3. Model files and model parameters:

[0101] Model files and / or model parameters can be used to determine the model. Optionally, the model in this application may refer to the model itself, or it may refer to the model files and / or model parameters used to determine the model.

[0102] The model file can be used to indicate the model structure, which may include, but is not limited to, FNN, CNN, or RNN. The model file can have a fixed format, such as a standard predefined format, or a format pre-negotiated by both ends of the interface. Model parameters can refer to parameters in the neural network model, such as, but not limited to, the number of layers in the neural network, the type and weights of neurons in each layer, etc. This application does not limit the method of distributing model parameters.

[0103] Take DNN as an example. The idea behind DNN comes from the neuronal structure of the brain. Each neuron can perform a weighted summation operation on its inputs and then use the result of the weighted summation operation to generate the output through a non-linear function. For example, the input of a neuron is x = [x0, x1, ..., x...]. N-1The weights corresponding to the inputs are w = [w0, w1, ..., w] N-1 The bias of the weighted summation is b. The nonlinear function f() can take many forms; for example, the nonlinear function f() can be the maximum value function max{0, x}. Then the effect of a neuron's execution is... Where N is a positive integer, and n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to (N-1). The weights of the weighted summation operation of neurons in a neural network and the nonlinear function are called the parameters of the neural network. The parameters of all neurons in a neural network constitute the parameters of the neural network.

[0104] A DNN typically has multiple neural network layers, including an input layer, one or more hidden layers, and an output layer. Generally, the first layer is the input layer, the last layer is the output layer, and the layers in between are hidden layers. Each layer contains multiple neurons. Layers are fully connected; that is, any neuron in the i-th layer is connected to any neuron in the (i+1)-th layer. The input layer processes the received values ​​(i.e., the DNN's input) through neurons and then passes them to the hidden layers. Similarly, the hidden layers pass the computation results to the final output layer, producing the DNN's output. This application does not limit the structure and parameters used in the AI ​​model.

[0105] One of the model structure or model parameters can be predefined, while the other can be provided by the sender (e.g., the network side). Alternatively, both the model structure and model parameters can be provided by the sender (e.g., the network side). This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0106] Sending a model can refer to sending a model file and / or model parameters, while receiving a model can refer to receiving a model file and / or model parameters.

[0107] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application framework applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the devices are connected via interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or over-the-air interfaces. These devices, such as core network equipment, access network nodes (RAN nodes), terminals, or one or more devices in operation administration and maintenance (OAM) systems, are equipped with one or more AI modules (only one is shown in Figure 1 for clarity). An access network node can be a single RAN node or can include multiple RAN nodes, for example, including CU and DU. CU and / or DU can also be equipped with one or more AI modules. Optionally, a CU can also be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP and / or CU-UP are equipped with one or more AI models.

[0108] This AI module is used to implement corresponding AI functions. AI modules deployed in different devices can be the same or different. Depending on the parameter configuration, the AI ​​module can achieve different functions. The AI ​​module model can be configured based on one or more of the following parameters: structural parameters (e.g., at least one of the following: number of neural network layers, neural network width, inter-layer connections, neuron weights, neuron activation function, or biases in the activation function), input parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the input parameters), or output parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the output parameters). The biases in the activation function can also be referred to as the biases of the neural network.

[0109] An AI module can have one or more models. A model can infer an output, which includes one or more parameters. The learning, training, or inference processes of different models can be deployed on different nodes or devices, or they can be deployed on the same node or device.

[0110] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another application framework applicable to the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 2, this application framework includes a radio intelligent controller (RIC). For example, the RIC can be the AI ​​module shown in Figure 1, used to implement AI-related functions. RICs include near-real-time RICs (near-RT RICs) and non-real-time RICs (non-RT RICs). Non-real-time RICs mainly process non-real-time information, such as data that is not sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of seconds. Real-time RICs mainly process near-real-time information, such as data that is relatively sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of tens of milliseconds.

[0111] Near real-time RICs are used for model training and inference. For example, they are used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. Near real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and / or RU) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data.

[0112] Optionally, near real-time RIC can deliver inference results to RAN nodes and / or terminals.

[0113] Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CU and DU, and / or between DU and RU. For example, near real-time RIC submits inference results to DU, and DU sends them to RU.

[0114] Non-real-time RICs are also used for model training and inference. For example, they are used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. Non-real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and / or RU) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to the RAN nodes and / or terminals.

[0115] Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CU and DU, and / or between DU and RU. For example, a non-real-time RIC can submit inference results to DU, which in turn can send them to RU.

[0116] Near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be configured as separate devices. Alternatively, near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RICs can be configured in RAN nodes (e.g., CU, DU), while non-real-time RICs can be configured in OAM, cloud servers, core network devices, or other devices.

[0117] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication system may include at least one network device, such as network device 110; the communication system 300 may also include at least one terminal device, such as terminal device 120 and terminal device 130. Network device 110 and terminal devices (such as terminal devices 120 and 130) can communicate via a wireless link. The communication devices in this communication system, for example, network device 110 and terminal device 120, can communicate via multi-antenna technology.

[0118] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. Compared with the communication system shown in Figure 3, the communication system shown in Figure 4 further includes an AI device 140, which is used to perform AI-related operations, such as building a training dataset or training an AI model. The AI ​​device 140 is the aforementioned AI node or AI entity.

[0119] In one possible implementation, network device 110 sends data related to the training of the AI ​​model to AI device 140, whereby AI device 140 constructs a training dataset and trains the AI ​​model. For example, the data related to the training of the AI ​​model includes data reported by the terminal device. AI device 140 sends the results of operations related to the AI ​​model to network device 110, which then forwards them to the terminal device. For example, the results of operations related to the AI ​​model include at least one of the following: a trained AI model, model evaluation results, or test results. Exemplarily, a portion of the trained AI model is deployed on network device 110, and another portion is deployed on the terminal device. Alternatively, the trained AI model is deployed on network device 110. Or, the trained AI model is deployed on the terminal device.

[0120] It should be understood that Figure 4 only illustrates the example of AI device 140 being directly connected to network device 110. In other scenarios, AI device 140 can also be connected to terminal devices; AI device 140 can also be connected to both network device 110 and terminal devices simultaneously; AI device 140 can also be connected to network device 110 through third-party devices, etc. Therefore, this application does not limit the connection relationship between AI device and other devices.

[0121] The AI ​​device 140 can also be installed as a module in network devices and / or terminal devices, for example, in network device 110 or terminal device as shown in FIG3.

[0122] Figures 3 and 4 are simplified schematic diagrams for ease of understanding only. For example, the communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figures 3 and 4. In practical applications, the communication system may include multiple network devices or multiple terminal devices. Therefore, this application does not limit the number of network devices and terminal devices included in the communication system.

[0123] The following is a brief description of the technical terms related to the embodiments of this application.

[0124] 1. Constellation patterns

[0125] The set of all possible modulation symbols corresponding to a modulation scheme is called a constellation pattern (or simply constellation). Each constellation point in the constellation pattern corresponds to one modulation symbol. The number of constellation points in the constellation pattern is the same as the number of all possible modulation symbols corresponding to a modulation scheme, which is 2. m , where m is the modulation order of the modulation scheme, and each modulation symbol represents m bits of information. A description of the constellation pattern can be found in Figure 5.

[0126] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a constellation pattern. As shown in Figure 5(a), the number of possible modulation symbols corresponding to 4th order QAM is 16, and the number of constellation points in its corresponding constellation pattern is 16. As shown in Figure 5(b), the number of possible modulation symbols corresponding to 2nd order QPSK is 4, and the number of constellation points in its corresponding constellation pattern is 4.

[0127] 2. Contextualized constellation patterns

[0128] Contextualized constellation patterns refer to the process where, when a modulation order corresponds to multiple constellation patterns, the access network device selects the appropriate constellation pattern based on the channel conditions of each of the multiple sub-resources (including one or more of time-domain, frequency-domain, and spatial-domain resources) corresponding to a codeword, and indicates the constellation pattern used by each sub-resource, thereby achieving more refined channel matching.

[0129] Contextualized constellation patterns can be obtained by training AI under different channel conditions. For example, channels can be classified according to channel conditions, and an AI model can be trained for each channel category to obtain the constellation pattern for that channel category. During data transmission, the access network device determines which channel category each sub-resource belongs to based on its channel conditions, thereby determining the constellation pattern corresponding to that sub-resource.

[0130] Currently, because different sub-resources corresponding to a codeword use different constellation patterns, access network devices need to indicate the constellation pattern used by each sub-resource to the terminal separately. For example, one modulation order corresponds to eight constellation patterns, and the access network device indicates one of the eight constellation patterns used by a sub-resource to the terminal each time using 3 bits. Accordingly, the indication overhead of constellation patterns is equal to the total number of sub-resources corresponding to a codeword multiplied by the number of bits required to indicate the constellation pattern used by each sub-resource. When the number of sub-resources corresponding to a codeword is large, the indication overhead of constellation patterns based on the above scheme will be large. In view of this, this application provides a communication method and communication device that can reduce the indication overhead of constellation patterns. See Figure 6 for details.

[0131] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the method includes:

[0132] S601. The access network device sends the first information to the terminal (this can also be replaced with other terms, such as constellation pattern activation information or constellation pattern activation signaling). Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information.

[0133] The first information is used to indicate a first constellation pattern set, which includes at least one constellation pattern. A second constellation pattern set includes the first constellation pattern set, or in other words, the first constellation pattern set is a subset of the second constellation pattern set. A third constellation pattern set includes the second constellation pattern set. The third constellation pattern set is an initial constellation pattern set composed of all candidate constellation patterns, or it is an initial constellation pattern set composed of multiple constellation patterns corresponding to the aforementioned modulation order. The constellation patterns in the second constellation pattern set are the active constellation patterns in the third constellation pattern set, or in other words, the active constellation patterns in the third constellation pattern set constitute the second constellation pattern set. The active constellation pattern can also be understood as a constellation pattern that the terminal can use or that can be used for terminal communication. Furthermore, the third constellation pattern set can be pre-configured in the access network equipment and the terminal.

[0134] When the first constellation pattern set is the same as the second constellation pattern set, or in other words, when the number of constellation patterns in the second constellation pattern set is the same as the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set, the terminal can determine all the active constellation patterns in the third constellation pattern set based on the first information.

[0135] When the first constellation pattern set is a subset of the second constellation pattern set, or in other words, the number of constellation patterns in the second constellation pattern set is greater than the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set, then the constellation patterns in the second constellation pattern set other than those in the first constellation pattern set (which could be a fourth constellation pattern set) can be determined based on the first constellation pattern set. That is, there is a correlation between the fourth constellation pattern set and the first constellation pattern set. For example, the first constellation pattern set includes the first half of the constellation patterns in the second constellation pattern set, and the fourth constellation pattern set includes the second half of the constellation patterns in the second constellation pattern set. For example, the second constellation pattern set includes the constellation patterns with index values ​​1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 from the third constellation pattern set, and the first constellation pattern set includes the constellation patterns with index values ​​1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 from the third constellation pattern set. The first constellation pattern set includes constellation patterns with index values ​​of 1, 2, 3, and 4. The fourth constellation pattern set includes constellation patterns with index values ​​of 5, 6, 7, and 8. It may also include other associations, such as the first constellation pattern set including constellation patterns with odd index values ​​from the second constellation pattern set, and the fourth constellation pattern set including constellation patterns with even index values ​​from the second constellation pattern set. For example, the second constellation pattern set includes constellation patterns with index values ​​of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 from the third constellation pattern set, the first constellation pattern set includes constellation patterns with index values ​​of 1, 3, 5, and 7, and the fourth constellation pattern set includes constellation patterns with index values ​​of 2, 4, 6, and 8. This association can be pre-configured in the terminal and access network equipment, or it can be indicated by the access network equipment to the terminal. There is no limitation on this. In other words, when the access network device indicates the first constellation pattern set to the terminal, the terminal can determine the fourth constellation pattern set that the access network device has not indicated to the terminal based on the first constellation pattern set and the relationship between the first constellation pattern set and the fourth constellation pattern set. That is, by indicating the first constellation pattern set, the terminal can determine the first constellation pattern set and the fourth constellation pattern set, that is, the terminal can determine the second constellation pattern set. Or, by indicating the first constellation pattern set, the terminal can determine all the active constellation patterns in the third constellation pattern set.

[0136] When the first constellation pattern set is a subset of the second constellation pattern set, the fourth constellation pattern set can also be indicated by other information. For example, the access network device sends third information to the terminal. The third information is used to indicate the fourth constellation pattern set (for specific indication methods, please refer to the description of the first information below). The time of sending the third information can be before or after the time of sending the first information, and there is no limitation on this.

[0137] The constellation pattern in the second constellation pattern set can be determined by the access network equipment based on the channel conditions of the sub-resources. The channel conditions of the sub-resources can be measured by at least one of the following: channel response, channel response amplitude, channel characteristic matrix, channel delay spread, reference signal received power (RSRP), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR), post-processing SINR (postSINR), channel quality indictor (CQI), channel covariance matrix, channel compression characterization, and channel Doppler spread. The sub-resources can be one or more combinations of time-domain sub-resources, frequency-domain sub-resources, and spatial-domain sub-resources. Time-domain sub-resources can be one or more orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, time slots, subframes, etc.; frequency-domain sub-resources can be one or more subcarriers, resource blocks (RBs), resource block groups (RBGs), etc.; spatial-domain sub-resources can be one or more streams.

[0138] The relationship between the second constellation pattern set and channel conditions can be described in Tables 1 and 2. The contents of Tables 1 and 2 are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as final limitations.

[0139] Table 1

[0140] As shown in Table 1, taking the channel conditions of sub-resources as measured by SINR, a codeword comprising 8 sub-resources, and the third constellation pattern set comprising constellation patterns 1 to 12 as an example:

[0141] For 64-order modulation: For sub-resource 1, if the SINR value is between -4 and 0, the access network device selects constellation pattern 1 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 2, if the SINR value is between 0 and 4, the access network device selects constellation pattern 2 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 3, if the SINR value is between 4 and 8, the access network device selects constellation pattern 3 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 4, if the SINR value is between 8 and 12, the access network device selects constellation pattern 4 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 5, if the SINR value is between 12 and 16, the access network device selects constellation pattern 5 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 6, if the SINR value is between 16 and 20, the access network device selects constellation pattern 6 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 7, if the SINR value is between 20 and 24, the access network device selects constellation pattern 7 from the third constellation pattern set; and for sub-resource 8, if the SINR value is between 24 and 28, the access network device selects constellation pattern 8 from the third constellation pattern set. For 256-order modulation: For sub-resource 1, if the SINR value is between 2 and 6, the access network device selects constellation pattern 1 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 2, if the SINR value is between 6 and 10, the access network device selects constellation pattern 2 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 3, if the SINR value is between 10 and 14, the access network device selects constellation pattern 3 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 4, if the SINR value is between 14 and 18, the access network device selects constellation pattern 4 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 5, if the SINR value is between 18 and 22, the access network device selects constellation pattern 5 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 6, if the SINR value is between 22 and 26, the access network device selects constellation pattern 6 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 7, if the SINR value is between 26 and 30, the access network device selects constellation pattern 7 from the third constellation pattern set; and for sub-resource 8, if the SINR value is between 30 and 34, the access network device selects constellation pattern 8 from the third constellation pattern set.

[0142] For 1024-order modulation: For sub-resource 1, if the SINR value is between 6 and 10, the access network device selects constellation pattern 1 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 2, if the SINR value is between 10 and 14, the access network device selects constellation pattern 2 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 3, if the SINR value is between 14 and 18, the access network device selects constellation pattern 3 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 4, if the SINR value is between 18 and 22, the access network device selects constellation pattern 3 from the third constellation pattern set. For sub-resource 4, the SINR value of sub-resource 5 is between 22 and 26, and the access network device selects constellation pattern 5 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 6, the SINR value is between 26 and 30, and the access network device selects constellation pattern 6 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 7, the SINR value is between 30 and 34, and the access network device selects constellation pattern 7 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 8, the SINR value is between 34 and 38, and the access network device selects constellation pattern 8 from the third constellation pattern set.

[0143] For 4096-order modulation: For sub-resource 1, if the SINR value is between 10 and 14, the access network device selects constellation pattern 1 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 2, if the SINR value is between 14 and 18, the access network device selects constellation pattern 2 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 3, if the SINR value is between 18 and 22, the access network device selects constellation pattern 3 from the third constellation pattern set; for sub-resource 4, if the SINR value is between 22 and 26, the access network device selects constellation pattern 3 from the third constellation pattern set. For sub-resource 4, if the SINR value of sub-resource 5 is between 26 and 30, the access network device selects constellation pattern 5 from the third constellation pattern set; if the SINR value of sub-resource 6 is between 30 and 34, the access network device selects constellation pattern 6 from the third constellation pattern set; if the SINR value of sub-resource 7 is between 34 and 38, the access network device selects constellation pattern 7 from the third constellation pattern set; if the SINR value of sub-resource 8 is between 38 and 42, the access network device selects constellation pattern 8 from the third constellation pattern set.

[0144] Referring to Table 1, the access network device can select and activate the corresponding constellation pattern from the third constellation pattern set based on the SINR range corresponding to the current channel environment. This SINR range can be the SINR range corresponding to the current channel environment over a period of time. Therefore, the activated constellation pattern can be effective for a period of time, thus eliminating the need to frequently activate new constellation patterns.

[0145] Table 2

[0146] As shown in Table 2, during 256-order modulation, channel 1 exhibits significant SINR variation across different sub-resources, covering a total of six SINR bands: SINR bands 1 to 6 (SINR band 1 corresponds to SINR 2–6, SINR band 2 to SINR 6–10, SINR band 3 to SINR 10–14, SINR band 4 to SINR 14–18, SINR band 5 to SINR 18–22, and SINR band 6 to SINR 22–26). Channel 2 shows less SINR variation across different sub-resources, covering only two SINR bands: SINR bands 3 and 4. For channel 2, access network equipment selects constellation patterns 3 and 4. For channel 1, access network equipment selects constellation patterns 1 to 6 (one SINR band corresponds to one constellation pattern).

[0147] In the above description, the access network device can directly indicate the first constellation pattern set through the first information, or it can indirectly indicate the first constellation pattern set through the first information, as detailed in the following description.

[0148] Method 1: The access network device indirectly indicates the activated constellation pattern through the first information.

[0149] For example, the first information includes information associated with (or related to) the first constellation pattern set, which is used to identify or indicate the first constellation pattern set.

[0150] One possible implementation is that the first information includes information about a reference constellation pattern (which can also be replaced with other terms, such as an anchor constellation pattern, etc.), and the first set of constellation patterns is determined based on the reference constellation pattern.

[0151] For example, the information of the reference constellation pattern includes the index of the reference constellation pattern in the third constellation pattern set. The index of the constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set in the third constellation pattern set is related to the index of the reference constellation pattern in the third constellation pattern set. For instance, the index of the first constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set in the third constellation pattern set is separated from the index of the reference constellation pattern in the third constellation pattern set by a pre-configured value. The indices of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set (excluding the first constellation pattern) in the third constellation pattern set can be determined based on the index of the first constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set in the third constellation pattern set. For instance, the first constellation pattern set includes at least one constellation pattern with consecutive indices. Therefore, after the terminal determines the index of the reference constellation pattern, the terminal can determine the first constellation pattern set based on the index of the reference constellation pattern. In this way, it can support flexible adjustment of the constellation patterns included in the first constellation pattern set. For example, different reference constellation patterns correspond to different first constellation pattern sets, so the corresponding first constellation pattern set can be indicated by indicating the reference constellation pattern. Additionally, by providing information from the reference constellation pattern, this can help reduce signaling interaction overhead.

[0152] One possible implementation is that the first constellation pattern set is determined based on the number of reference constellation patterns and the number of first constellation pattern sets.

[0153] For example, when the index of a constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set in the third constellation pattern set is related to the index of a reference constellation pattern in the third constellation pattern set, the terminal can determine the index of the constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set based on the index of the reference constellation pattern, and determine the first constellation pattern set based on the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the access network device can also send a second message to the terminal, indicating the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set. Thus, by indicating the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set, the terminal can determine the number of constellation patterns included in the first constellation pattern set and the specific constellation patterns included.

[0155] One possible implementation is that the number of constellation patterns in the aforementioned first constellation pattern set can be preconfigured. In this way, the terminal can determine the first constellation pattern set based on the number of constellation patterns in the protocol-predefined first constellation pattern set, which can reduce signaling indication overhead.

[0156] One possible implementation is that the first constellation pattern set is determined based on the association between the first constellation pattern set and the reference constellation pattern, as well as the reference constellation pattern itself. The aforementioned association can be predefined or indicated by the access network device to the terminal; this is not limited. In this way, the terminal can determine the first constellation pattern set.

[0157] For example, the relationship between the predefined reference constellation pattern and the first constellation pattern set is as follows:

[0158] The index values ​​of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set are as follows: x-1, x, x+1, x+3, where x is the index of the reference constellation pattern.

[0159] For example, the relationships between multiple reference constellation patterns and the first constellation pattern set can be predefined as follows:

[0160] Relationship 1: Constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set with index values ​​of x-1, x, x+1, x+3, where x is the index of the reference constellation pattern.

[0161] Relationship 2: The index values ​​of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set are x-2, x-1, x+1, x+3, where x is the index of the reference constellation pattern.

[0162] In this way, the access network device can indicate one of the above association relationships to the terminal.

[0163] For example, one example of the aforementioned relationship can be found in Table 3. The content shown in Table 3 is only an example and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0164] Table 3

[0165] As shown in Table 3:

[0166] The reference constellation pattern has an index value of 1. The index values ​​of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set include: 2, 3, 5, and 9.

[0167] The reference constellation pattern has an index value of 2. The index values ​​of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set include: 3, 5, 7, and 9.

[0168] The reference constellation pattern has an index value of 3. The index values ​​of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set include: 4, 6, 8, and 10.

[0169] Thus, based on the content shown in Table 3, the terminal can determine the first constellation pattern set according to the information of the reference constellation pattern.

[0170] Optionally, the terminal can determine the first constellation pattern set based on the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set. For example, if the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set is 2 and the index value of the reference constellation pattern is 1, the terminal determines, according to Table 3, that the index values ​​of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set include 2 and 3; or, for another example, if the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set is 3 and the index value of the reference constellation pattern is 1, the terminal determines, according to Table 3, that the index values ​​of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set include 2, 3, and 5.

[0171] Another possible implementation, and another example of the aforementioned association, is the correspondence between the index value of the reference constellation pattern in the third constellation pattern set and the index value of the constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set in the third constellation pattern set.

[0172] The predefined reference constellation pattern is the i-th (positive integer) constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set. The first constellation pattern set includes N (positive integer) constellation patterns with consecutive index values. For example, the third constellation pattern set includes 12 constellation patterns, and the first constellation pattern set includes 4 constellation patterns with consecutive index values ​​(the access network device can indicate the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set to the terminal, or the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set can be predefined, which is not limited). The predefined reference constellation pattern is the second constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set. When the index value of the reference constellation pattern is 4, the first constellation pattern set includes constellation patterns with index values ​​of 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0173] The predefined reference constellation pattern is the i-th constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set. The first constellation pattern set includes N (positive integer) constellation patterns with an index interval of k (a positive integer). For example, the third constellation pattern set includes 12 constellation patterns, and the first constellation pattern set includes two constellation patterns with an index value interval of 1 (the access network device can indicate the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set to the terminal, or the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set can be predefined, which is not limited). The index value interval is 1, and the reference constellation pattern is the 1st constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set. When the index value of the reference constellation pattern is 4, the first constellation pattern set includes constellation patterns with index values ​​of 4 and 6.

[0174] Method 2: The access network device directly indicates the first constellation pattern set through the first information.

[0175] For example, the first information includes information about a first constellation pattern set, which is used to determine the first constellation pattern set.

[0176] One possible implementation is that the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0177] The first set of constellation patterns contains index information for the constellation patterns. For example, the third set of constellation patterns includes 12 constellation patterns, each corresponding to an index. The first information includes the indexes of the constellation patterns in the first set of constellation patterns.

[0178] The index information of the second constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set is used to determine the index information of all other constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set, excluding the second constellation pattern. For example, the first constellation pattern set includes multiple constellation patterns with consecutive index values, and the second constellation pattern is the first constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set. The index values ​​of all other constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set are related to the index value of the first constellation pattern, as detailed in the preceding description.

[0179] The index information of the first constellation pattern set. For example, a predefined third constellation pattern set includes one or more constellation pattern sets, each subset corresponding to an index, and the first information includes the index value of the first constellation pattern set.

[0180] The third constellation pattern set corresponds to a bitmap. The constellation pattern corresponding to the bit position with the first value in this bitmap belongs to the first constellation pattern set. For example, the third constellation pattern set includes 12 constellation patterns arranged in a predefined order. These patterns are activated using a 12-bit bitmap. The first bit corresponds to the first constellation pattern, the second bit to the second constellation pattern, and so on. A bit value of 1 indicates activation, a bit value of 0 indicates deactivation, or a bit value of 0...

[0181] The value 1 indicates activation, and a value of 1 indicates deactivation; there is no restriction on this.

[0182] In this way, the terminal can directly determine the specific constellation patterns included in the first constellation pattern set based on the above information.

[0183] S602. The access network device sends indication information to the terminal (which can also be replaced with other terms, such as constellation pattern indication information or constellation pattern indication signaling, etc.). Correspondingly, the terminal receives the indication information.

[0184] The aforementioned instructions indicate the first constellation pattern, and the second constellation pattern set includes the first constellation pattern.

[0185] When the first constellation pattern set is the same as the second constellation pattern set, the first constellation pattern is one of the first constellation pattern sets. Alternatively, when the first constellation pattern set is not the same as the second constellation pattern set, the first constellation pattern can be one of the first constellation pattern sets or one of the fourth constellation pattern sets, which can be determined based on the first constellation pattern set.

[0186] For example, the indication information includes information about the first constellation pattern, such as the index information of the first constellation pattern in the second constellation pattern set. Alternatively, if the second constellation pattern set includes two constellation patterns, the indication information includes a field of 01, which indicates that the second constellation pattern in the second constellation pattern set is the first constellation pattern. In summary, the embodiments of this application do not limit the manner in which the indication information indicates the first constellation pattern.

[0187] In summary, since the channel conditions of multiple sub-resources corresponding to a codeword are stable within a certain period, the access network device can select a second constellation pattern set from the initial constellation pattern set corresponding to the codeword based on the channel conditions of these sub-resources (the second constellation pattern set can be considered a subset of the initial constellation pattern set). The constellation patterns in the second constellation pattern set remain valid for a period of time, thus eliminating the need for frequent activation of new constellation patterns. Therefore, compared to the scheme of directly indicating the first constellation pattern from the initial constellation pattern set corresponding to the codeword, the access network device first indicates the first constellation pattern set to the terminal (the second constellation pattern set can be determined based on the first constellation pattern set), and then indicates the first constellation pattern from the second constellation pattern set to the terminal. This effectively reduces the overhead of constellation pattern indication.

[0188] For example, the third constellation pattern set includes 64 constellation patterns, and the second constellation pattern set includes 8 constellation patterns from these 64 constellation patterns. One codeword corresponds to 8 sub-resources. If the existing scheme is followed, the total indication overhead is 8 * 5 = 40 bits. If the aforementioned scheme is followed, the total indication overhead is 5 bits (for example, the bit overhead of indicating the reference constellation pattern from the 64 constellation patterns) + 8 * 3 bits = 29 bits.

[0189] In this embodiment of the application, the field length of the indication information is related to the number of constellation patterns in the second constellation pattern set. For example, if the second constellation pattern set includes 4 constellation patterns, then the field length of the indication information is 2 bits.

[0190] In this embodiment of the application, the indication information may indicate the first constellation pattern in the constellation pattern set corresponding to a modulation order, or it may indicate the first constellation pattern in multiple constellation pattern sets corresponding to multiple modulation orders, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0191] In this embodiment of the application, the first information, the second information, and the indication information can be at least one of radio resource control (RRC) information, medium access control (MAC) information, and physical layer information, and are not limited thereto.

[0192] In this embodiment, after the terminal receives the aforementioned indication information, the terminal can communicate through the first constellation pattern. That is, the first constellation pattern becomes effective from the moment the terminal receives the aforementioned indication information, i.e., it begins to be in an active state. The first constellation pattern can also be deactivated in various ways. See the description below for details.

[0193] Method a: Predefined or access network device configuration constellation pattern effective duration T.

[0194] For example, if the first constellation pattern takes effect at time t0 and its effective duration is T, then the first constellation pattern* will expire at time t0+T. As another example, the first constellation pattern takes effect at time t0+T1 and expires at time t0+T1+T. Here, t0 is the time the first constellation pattern is activated, i.e., the time the terminal receives the aforementioned instruction information, and T1 is a predefined duration.

[0195] Method b: Activate the constellation pattern by activating the constellation pattern information.

[0196] For example, the first constellation pattern becomes active at time t0 and becomes inactive at time t1, or the first constellation pattern becomes active at time t0+T1 and becomes inactive at time t1+T2. t0 is the time when the first constellation pattern is activated, i.e., the time when the terminal receives the aforementioned indication information. T1 and T2 are predefined durations, which can be the same by default. t1 is the time when the terminal receives new indication information, which indicates a second constellation pattern (one of the previously activated constellation patterns). The second constellation pattern is different from the first constellation pattern. In other words, when the terminal receives new indication information, the first constellation pattern is automatically deactivated.

[0197] Method c: Activate the information by using constellation patterns.

[0198] For example, the first constellation pattern may be active from time t0 and inactive from time t1, or active from time t0+T1 and inactive from time t1+T2. t0 is the time when the first constellation pattern is activated, i.e., the time when the terminal receives the aforementioned instruction information. T1 and T2 are predefined durations, which can be the same by default. t1 is the time when the terminal receives the instruction information used to instruct the deactivation of the first constellation pattern; this instruction information can also be understood as constellation pattern deactivation information.

[0199] This method allows for flexible control over the activation and deactivation states of constellation patterns.

[0200] The method described in Figure 6 will be further described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0201] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the method includes:

[0202] S701. The access network device sends a constellation pattern activation signaling message to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the constellation pattern activation signaling message.

[0203] The constellation pattern activation signal can be the first information, which includes information about the first constellation pattern set, as described above.

[0204] S702. The access network device sends a constellation pattern indication signaling message to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the constellation pattern indication signaling message.

[0205] The constellation pattern indication signal can be indication information, which includes information about the first constellation pattern, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0206] The method described in Figure 7, compared to directly indicating the first constellation pattern from the constellation pattern set, can support a reduction in constellation pattern indication overhead by indicating constellation patterns through two-level signaling.

[0207] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the method includes:

[0208] S801. The access network device sends a constellation pattern quantity indication signaling to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the constellation pattern quantity indication signaling.

[0209] The number of constellation patterns can be used as secondary information, as described above.

[0210] S802. The access network device sends a reference constellation pattern indication signaling to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the reference constellation pattern indication signaling.

[0211] The reference constellation pattern indication signal can be the first information (see the description of Method 1), as described above.

[0212] S803. The access network device sends a constellation pattern indication signaling message to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the constellation pattern indication signaling message.

[0213] Constellation pattern indication signals can be indication information, as described above.

[0214] By employing the method described in Figure 8, the above scheme can reduce the overhead of constellation pattern indication compared to indicating the first constellation pattern from a set of constellation patterns. Furthermore, the method shown in Figure 8 can also support flexible indication of the first set of constellation patterns.

[0215] To implement the functions of the methods provided in this application, access network devices or terminals may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0216] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processing circuit 910 and a transceiver circuit 920, which can be interconnected or coupled, for example, interconnected via a bus 930. The communication device can be an access network device or a terminal.

[0217] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 940. The memory 940 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), which is used for related instructions and data.

[0218] The processing circuit 910 can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or it can be one or more processors. The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU). If the processing circuit 910 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The processing circuit 910 can be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the methods of this application, or a portion of the circuitry within the aforementioned processor, chip, or integrated circuit that performs processing functions. Additionally, the transceiver circuit 920 can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. An input / output interface is used for inputting or outputting signals or data and can also be referred to as an input / output circuit.

[0219] When the communication device is an access network device, for example, the processing circuit 910 is used to perform the following operations: determine first information and indication information; send the first information and indication information to the terminal, etc.

[0220] When the communication device is a terminal, for example, the processing circuit 910 is used to perform the following operations: receiving first information and instruction information, etc.

[0221] When the communication device is an access network device or terminal, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the access network device or terminal in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0222] When the communication device is an access network device or a terminal, the transceiver circuit 920 can be a transceiver.

[0223] When the communication device is a chip used for access network equipment or terminals, the transceiver circuit 920 can be an input / output circuit.

[0224] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the content shown in the above method embodiments.

[0225] The implementation of each operation in Figure 9 can also be described in the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8.

[0226] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be an access network device or a terminal, used to implement the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0227] The communication device includes a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020. The transceiver unit 1010 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit performs the sending action of the communication device, and the receiving unit performs the receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the sending unit and the receiving unit are combined into a single transceiver unit in this embodiment. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated later.

[0228] When the communication device is an access network device, for example, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to send first information and indication information to the terminal; the processing unit 1020 is used to determine the first information and indication information.

[0229] When the communication device is a terminal, for example, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to: receive first information and instruction information; the processing unit 1020 is used to determine a first constellation pattern, etc., based on the instruction information.

[0230] When the communication device is an access network device or a terminal, it will be responsible for executing one or more of the methods or steps related to the access network device or terminal in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0231] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 1030 for storing programs or code for executing the aforementioned methods.

[0232] The transceiver unit in Figure 10 can correspond to the transceiver circuit in Figure 9, and the processing unit in Figure 10 can correspond to the processing circuit in Figure 9.

[0233] The apparatus embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10 are used to implement the contents described in Figures 6 to 8. The specific execution steps and methods of the apparatus shown in Figures 9 and 10 can be found in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0234] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods described in the examples above. The memory may be integrated within the chip or located externally.

[0235] This application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processing circuit, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected through an internal connection path, and the processing circuit is used to execute code in memory. When the code is executed, the processing circuit is used to execute the methods in the above examples.

[0236] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory for storing computer programs or code. The input and output interfaces can be independent of each other, or they can be integrated into a single input / output interface.

[0237] The processing circuitry can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or one or more processors.

[0238] This application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory for performing the methods and functions of a network device or terminal device involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0239] In another embodiment of this application, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0240] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0241] In another embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0242] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), but it can also be 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. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. Some or all of the steps of the communication method in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a graphics processing unit (GPU), or by a GPU in conjunction with other processors.

[0243] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The 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. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0244] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired 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 includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0245] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0246] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is merely 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; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0247] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. If the above functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0248] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first constellation pattern set, the first constellation pattern set including one or more constellation patterns; Receive instruction information, the instruction information being used to indicate a first constellation pattern, the first constellation pattern belonging to a second constellation pattern set, the second constellation pattern set including the first constellation pattern set.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes information about reference constellation patterns, and the first set of constellation patterns is determined based on the reference constellation patterns.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Prior to the first information, the method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to indicate the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set; The method further includes: The first constellation pattern set is determined based on the reference constellation pattern and the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first constellation pattern set is determined based on the relationship between the first constellation pattern set and the reference constellation pattern, as well as the reference constellation pattern.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The association includes the correspondence between the index value of the reference constellation pattern in the third constellation pattern set and the index value of the constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set in the third constellation pattern set, wherein the third constellation pattern set includes the second constellation pattern set.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The index information of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set; The index information of the second constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set; the index information of the constellation patterns other than the second constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set is determined based on the index information of the second constellation pattern. Index information of the first constellation pattern set; or, The third constellation pattern set corresponds to the bit map, and the constellation pattern corresponding to the bit position with the first value in the bit map belongs to the first constellation pattern set. The third constellation pattern set includes the second constellation pattern set.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first message, which is used to indicate a first constellation pattern set; Send an instruction message indicating a first constellation pattern, the first constellation pattern belonging to a second constellation pattern set, the second constellation pattern set including the first constellation pattern set.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first information includes information about reference constellation patterns, and the first set of constellation patterns is determined based on the reference constellation patterns.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before sending the first information, the method further includes: Send a second message, the second message being used to indicate the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set; wherein, the first constellation pattern set is determined based on the reference constellation pattern and the number of constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first constellation pattern set is determined based on the relationship between the first constellation pattern set and the reference constellation pattern, as well as the reference constellation pattern.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The association includes the correspondence between the index value of the reference constellation pattern in the third constellation pattern set and the index value of the constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set in the third constellation pattern set, wherein the third constellation pattern set includes the second constellation pattern set.

12. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The index information of the constellation patterns in the first constellation pattern set; The index information of the second constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set; the index information of the constellation patterns other than the second constellation pattern in the first constellation pattern set is determined based on the index information of the second constellation pattern. Index information of the first constellation pattern set; or, The third constellation pattern set corresponds to the bit map, and the constellation pattern corresponding to the bit position with the first value in the bit map belongs to the first constellation pattern set. The third constellation pattern set includes the second constellation pattern set.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 by executing a computer program or instructions, or by using logic circuitry.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed.

16. A chip, characterized in that, include: One or more processors, the processors being configured to execute computer programs or instructions in memory, causing the chip to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

17. A chip system, characterized in that, include: One or more processors, the processors being configured to execute computer programs or instructions in memory, causing the chip system to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

18. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is installed in a communication device. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions and runs them through the communication interface, causing the communication device to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

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