Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus. In the method, a terminal receives first configuration information, and determines M first time-frequency resources on the basis of the first configuration information, M being an integer greater than 1. The terminal receives first reference signals on the M first time-frequency resources, and receives second signals on M second time-frequency resources, wherein the first reference signals on different first time-frequency resources are sent by means of different antenna subarrays of a RAN node. The terminal can perform measurement by means of the first reference signals and the second signals to obtain channel state information, and can report the channel state information to the RAN node. In this way, time-frequency resources for the first reference signals and the second signals can be indicated to the terminal by means of the first configuration information, thereby reducing resource overheads of a communication system.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411960447.3, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 25, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of communication technology, communication systems, while enabling communication between users, also need to enhance their target perception capabilities to improve overall system performance. Communication systems can achieve target perception capabilities by building target detection or imaging capabilities, thereby acquiring information such as the target's location, speed, or type.

[0004] Currently, network nodes can sense targets by sending reference signals and receiving their echoes. However, in communication systems, adding reference signals for sensing increases resource overhead. Therefore, how to enhance the sensing capabilities of communication systems while simultaneously reducing resource consumption is a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the resource consumption of a communication system while increasing its sensing capabilities.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first communication device. The first communication device is a terminal-side device, such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). The following explanation uses the example of the method being executed by a terminal.

[0008] The method includes: receiving first configuration information, the first configuration information indicating M first time-frequency resources, where M is an integer greater than 1; receiving first reference signals on the M first time-frequency resources, the first reference signals on different first time-frequency resources being transmitted through different antenna subarrays of the RAN node; receiving second signals on M second time-frequency resources, the M second time-frequency resources being determined based on the M first time-frequency resources; and transmitting channel state information based on the first reference signals and the second signals.

[0009] Based on the method provided in the first aspect above, on one hand, the terminal receives a first reference signal on the M first time-frequency resources indicated by the first configuration information. The first reference signal can be used by the terminal to determine channel state information. Simultaneously, the first reference signal on the M first time-frequency resources is transmitted through different antenna subarrays of the RAN node, ensuring that the RAN node can achieve simultaneous transmission and reception through subarray duplexing, allowing the first reference signal to also be used for sensing. This enables the multiplexing of the first reference signal, reducing the resource overhead of the communication system. On the other hand, the terminal can determine the corresponding M second time-frequency resources based on the M first time-frequency resources indicated in the first configuration information. Then, the terminal can receive a second signal on the M second time-frequency resources and determine the channel state information through the second signal. This allows the time-frequency resources of the first reference signal and the second signal to be indicated to the terminal through the first configuration information, reducing the signaling overhead of configuring M second time-frequency resources for the second signal.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the M second time-frequency resources are determined based on the M first time-frequency resources, including: the i-th first time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the first time unit and the first frequency domain unit, the i-th second time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the second time unit and the second frequency domain unit, the first time unit is the same as the second time unit, the first frequency domain unit is different from the second frequency domain unit, and i is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0011] Based on the above possible implementations, the terminal can determine the i-th second time-frequency resource according to the i-th first time-frequency resource. Specifically, the terminal can determine that the second time unit is the same as the first time unit, and that the second frequency domain unit is different from the first frequency domain unit. That is, the terminal can determine M first time-frequency resources based on the first configuration information, and then determine M second time-frequency resources based on the M first time-frequency resources. This saves the signaling overhead of configuring M second time-frequency resources for the second signal.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second signal is configured.

[0013] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can determine whether the first configuration information simultaneously configures a second signal according to the first indication information in the first configuration information. If the second signal is configured, the terminal can determine the second time-frequency resource corresponding to the second signal and measure the interference information from other communication nodes on the second time-frequency resource using the second signal. In this way, the RAN node can flexibly adjust whether to configure the second signal, increasing the flexibility of the communication system.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the reporting of channel state information for the first reference signal and the second signal.

[0015] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can, based on the instruction of the second instruction information, receive the first reference signal on M first time-frequency resources and the second signal on M second time-frequency resources, and send the measured channel state information to the RAN node, so as to realize the RAN node's acquisition of channel state information.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal is used to measure the channel coefficients, and the second signal is used to measure interference information.

[0017] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal measures the channel coefficients according to the first reference signal and measures the interference information from other communication nodes at the time domain location corresponding to the second signal. The channel state information is then obtained by combining the channel coefficients and the interference information. In this way, the channel state information can be determined by combining the first reference signal and the second signal, making the obtained channel state information more accurate.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes a non-zero power channel state information reference signal (NZP CSI-RS), and the second signal includes a channel state information interference measurement (CSI-IM) signal or a zero-power channel state information reference signal (ZP-CSI-RS).

[0019] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can measure the channel coefficient through the non-zero power channel state information reference signal, and measure the interference information on the second time-frequency resource according to the channel state information interference measurement signal or the zero power channel state information reference signal. In this way, the terminal can measure and report the channel state information based on the above signals.

[0020] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a second communication device. The second communication device is a network-side device, such as a RAN node on the network side, a module within the RAN node (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node's functions. The following explanation uses the execution of this method by a RAN node as an example.

[0021] The method includes: sending first configuration information, which indicates M first time-frequency resources, where M is an integer greater than 1; sending first reference signals on the M first time-frequency resources, wherein the first reference signals on different first time-frequency resources are sent through different antenna subarrays of a radio access network node, and the M first time-frequency resources are used to determine M second time-frequency resources; and receiving channel state information, which is determined based on the first reference signals and the second signals, wherein the second signals are carried on the M second time-frequency resources.

[0022] Based on the method provided in the second aspect above, on the one hand, the RAN node instructs the terminal to receive a first reference signal on M first time-frequency resources through the first configuration information. The first reference signal can be used by the terminal to determine channel state information. Simultaneously, the first reference signal on the M first time-frequency resources is transmitted through different antenna subarrays of the RAN node, ensuring that the RAN node can achieve simultaneous transmission and reception through subarray duplexing, allowing the first reference signal to also be used for sensing. This enables the multiplexing of the first reference signal, reducing the resource overhead of the communication system. On the other hand, the corresponding M second time-frequency resources can be determined through the M first time-frequency resources indicated in the first configuration information, and channel state information is determined on the M second time-frequency resources through a second signal. Thus, the RAN node can indicate the time-frequency resources of the first reference signal and the second signal to the terminal through the first configuration information, reducing the signaling overhead of configuring M second time-frequency resources for the second signal.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the echo signal of the first reference signal is received, and the echo signal is used for sensing.

[0024] Based on the above possible implementation methods, RAN nodes can be aware of targets.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the M second time-frequency resources are determined based on the M first time-frequency resources, including: the i-th first time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the first time unit and the first frequency domain unit, the i-th second time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the second time unit and the second frequency domain unit, the first time unit is the same as the second time unit, the first frequency domain unit is different from the second frequency domain unit, and i is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0026] Based on the above possible implementations, the terminal can determine the i-th second time-frequency resource according to the i-th first time-frequency resource. Specifically, the terminal can determine that the second time unit is the same as the first time unit, and that the second frequency domain unit is different from the first frequency domain unit. That is, the terminal can determine M first time-frequency resources based on the first configuration information, and then determine M second time-frequency resources based on the M first time-frequency resources. This saves the signaling overhead of configuring M second time-frequency resources for the second signal.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second signal is configured.

[0028] Based on the above possible implementations, the RAN node, through the first indication information in the first configuration information, instructs the terminal whether the second signal is configured simultaneously in the first configuration information. If the second signal is configured, the terminal can determine the second time-frequency resource corresponding to the second signal and measure interference information from other communication nodes on the second time-frequency resource using the second signal. This allows the RAN node to flexibly adjust whether to configure the second signal, increasing the flexibility of the communication system.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the reporting of channel state information for the first reference signal and the second signal.

[0030] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the RAN node can use the second indication information to instruct the terminal to send the measured channel state information to the RAN node according to the first reference signal received on M first time-frequency resources and the second signal received on M second time-frequency resources, so as to realize the RAN node's acquisition of channel state information.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal is used to measure the channel coefficients, and the second signal is used to measure interference information.

[0032] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can measure the channel coefficients according to the first reference signal and measure the interference information from other communication nodes at the time domain location corresponding to the second signal. The channel state information can then be obtained by combining the channel coefficients and the interference information. In this way, the channel state information can be determined by combining the first reference signal and the second signal, making the obtained channel state information more accurate.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes a non-zero power channel state information reference signal, and the second signal includes a channel state information interference measurement signal or a zero power channel state information reference signal.

[0034] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the RAN node can send a non-zero power channel state information reference signal, enabling the terminal to measure the channel coefficient based on the non-zero power channel state information reference signal, and measure the interference information on the second time-frequency resource based on the channel state information interference measurement signal or the zero power channel state information reference signal. In this way, the terminal can measure and report the channel state information based on the above signals, so as to realize the RAN node's acquisition of channel state information.

[0035] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. This communication device can be the first communication device described in the first aspect. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the method described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to receive first configuration information, which indicates M first time-frequency resources, where M is an integer greater than 1; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive first reference signals on the M first time-frequency resources, wherein the first reference signals on different first time-frequency resources are transmitted through different antenna subarrays of the RAN node; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive second signals on M second time-frequency resources, wherein the M second time-frequency resources are determined based on the M first time-frequency resources; and the processing module is further configured to transmit channel state information based on the first reference signals and the second signals.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the i-th first time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the first time unit and the first frequency domain unit, and the i-th second time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the second time unit and the second frequency domain unit. The first time unit is the same as the second time unit, and the first frequency domain unit is different from the second frequency domain unit. i is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second signal is configured.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the reporting of channel state information for the first reference signal and the second signal.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal is used to measure the channel coefficients, and the second signal is used to measure interference information.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes a non-zero power channel state information reference signal, and the second signal includes a channel state information interference measurement signal or a zero power channel state information reference signal.

[0043] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect. This communication device can be the second communication device described in the second aspect. The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the method described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to send first configuration information, which indicates M first time-frequency resources, where M is an integer greater than 1; the processing module is configured to control the communication module to send first reference signals on the M first time-frequency resources, wherein the first reference signals on different first time-frequency resources are sent through different antenna subarrays of the radio access network node, and the M first time-frequency resources are used to determine M second time-frequency resources; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive channel state information, which is determined based on the first reference signal and the second signal, wherein the second signal is carried on the M second time-frequency resources.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive an echo signal of the first reference signal, the echo signal being used for sensing.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the i-th first time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the first time unit and the first frequency domain unit, and the i-th second time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the second time unit and the second frequency domain unit. The first time unit is the same as the second time unit, and the first frequency domain unit is different from the second frequency domain unit. i is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second signal is configured.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the reporting of channel state information for the first reference signal and the second signal.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal is used to measure the channel coefficients, and the second signal is used to measure interference information.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes a non-zero power channel state information reference signal, and the second signal includes a channel state information interference measurement signal or a zero power channel state information reference signal.

[0052] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by means of logic circuitry. The communication device may be a first communication device as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a second communication device as described in the second aspect.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. The processor and memory are integrated together; alternatively, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the processor and / or memory also include an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) module. The AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0058] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a first communication device as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a second communication device as described in the second aspect.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the processor also includes an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0062] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0063] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0064] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising one or more of the following: a first communication device for performing the method described in the first aspect, or a second communication device for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0065] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspects three through nine can be found in the technical effects of any one of aspects one through two or different possible implementations of any one of aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the time and frequency resources provided in this application;

[0068] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the perception scenario provided in this application;

[0069] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the perception scenario provided in this application (II).

[0070] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of the perception scene provided in this application;

[0071] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of the reference signal resources provided in this application;

[0072] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0073] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) provided in this application;

[0074] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure provided in this application;

[0075] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application;

[0076] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the antenna subarray of the RAN node provided in this application;

[0077] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the time-frequency resources of the first reference signal provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0079] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0080] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0081] 1. Subcarrier

[0082] In an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system, frequency domain resources are divided into several sub-frequency domain resources, each of which can be called a subcarrier. A subcarrier can be understood as the smallest granularity of frequency domain resources. A subcarrier can also be called a resource element (RE).

[0083] 2. Sub-carrier spacing (SCS)

[0084] Subcarrier spacing refers to the distance between the center or peak positions of two adjacent subcarriers in the frequency domain in an OFDM system. For example, the subcarrier spacing in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system is 15 kHz, while the subcarrier spacing in a New Radio (NR) system can be 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, or 120 kHz, etc.

[0085] 3. Resource block (RB)

[0086] N consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain can be called one RB. For example, one RB in an LTE system includes 12 subcarriers, and one RB in an NR system also includes 12 subcarriers. However, as communication systems evolve, the number of subcarriers included in one RB can also be other values, without restriction.

[0087] 4. Symbols

[0088] In an OFDM system, the smallest resource granularity in the time domain can be a single time-domain symbol, or simply a symbol. This symbol can be, for example, an OFDM symbol, or a Discrete Fourier Transform-Spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol, etc., without restriction.

[0089] 5. Time slot

[0090] A time slot consists of multiple consecutive symbols in the time domain. The time slot length can vary depending on the subcarrier spacing. For example, in an NR system, a time slot consists of 14 symbols, with a time slot length of 1 millisecond (ms) corresponding to a 15kHz subcarrier spacing and 0.5ms corresponding to a 30kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0091] For example, taking one RB as an example, which includes 12 subcarriers and one time slot as an example, the pattern of RB and time slot can be as shown in Figure 1A. One RB includes subcarrier 0 to subcarrier 11, and one time slot includes symbol 0 to symbol 13.

[0092] In an OFDM system, multiple consecutive time slots in the time domain can be called subframes, and multiple consecutive subframes in the time domain can be called frames (or system frames). For example, the length of a subframe is 1ms, and the length of a frame is 10ms.

[0093] 6. Port

[0094] A port, also known as an antenna port, is a logical concept referring to a logical port used for transmission. Ports have a mapping relationship with physical antennas; for example, a port can be a single physical antenna or a weighted combination of multiple physical antennas. Typically, the mapping relationship between a port and physical antennas is fixed and does not change over time. Therefore, signals transmitted through the same antenna port experience the same or correlated channel conditions.

[0095] 7. Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)

[0096] In the evolution of fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems towards 5G-advanced (5G-A) technology, ISAC technology is considered one of the key technologies for expanding the service capabilities of mobile communication networks. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to the mobile communication network, building the ability to detect and image targets, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network, achieving harmonious coexistence and even mutual benefit. ISAC can also be called Joint Communications and Sensing (JCAS).

[0097] The technical principles of sensing differ somewhat from those of communication. In communication, the transmitting end modulates information onto radio waves and sends it to the receiving end, which then demodulates the signal to obtain the information. In sensing, however, the transmitting end sends radio waves in a specific direction. When these radio waves strike the surface of a target, they are reflected, and the receiving end receives and processes these reflected waves to obtain sensing information about the target, such as its location, speed, or type.

[0098] Sensing can generally be categorized into single-site sensing and dual-site sensing modes. Single-site sensing refers to a mode where the signal transmitter and receiver are the same device; in other words, the sensing station both transmits and receives the signal reflected from the target surface. Therefore, single-site sensing can also be called a self-transmitting and self-receiving mode.

[0099] For example, in sensing scenario 1 shown in Figure 1B, the RAN node can send a signal and receive the signal reflected from the target surface. In sensing scenario 2 shown in Figure 1B, the terminal can send a signal and receive the signal reflected from the target surface.

[0100] Dual-station sensing mode refers to a mode where the signal transmitter and receiver are different devices. In other words, after one sensing station transmits a sensing signal, the signal reflected from the target surface is received by another sensing station. Therefore, dual-station sensing mode can also be called self-transmitting and other-receiving mode, or A-transmitting and B-receiving mode.

[0101] For example, in sensing scenario 3 shown in Figure 1C, RAN node A can transmit a signal, the reflection of which on the target surface is received by RAN node B. In sensing scenario 4 shown in Figure 1C, terminal A can transmit a signal, the reflection of which on the target surface is received by terminal B. As another example, in sensing scenario 5 shown in Figure 1D, RAN nodes can transmit signals, the reflection of which on the target surface is received by the terminal. In sensing scenario 6 shown in Figure 1D, the terminal can transmit a signal, the reflection of which on the target surface is received by the RAN node.

[0102] 8. Reference signal

[0103] A reference signal is a known signal provided by the transmitter to the receiver. Reference signals can be used for communication (such as channel estimation or channel sounding) or for sensing. Based on the transmission direction, reference signals can be divided into uplink reference signals and downlink reference signals.

[0104] Uplink reference signals refer to signals sent by the terminal to the RAN node. These include demodulation reference signals (DMRS) and sounding reference signals (SRS). Uplink reference signals can be used for uplink channel estimation (e.g., for coherent demodulation and detection in the RAN node or for calculating precoding), uplink channel quality measurement, or sensing. For example, SRS can be used for uplink channel quality estimation and channel selection, calculating the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the uplink channel, and obtaining uplink channel coefficients. In time-division duplex (TDD) scenarios, uplink and downlink channels are reciprocal, so SRS can also be used to obtain downlink channel coefficients. Furthermore, SRS can also be used for sensing. For example, in sensing scenario 2 shown in Figure 1B, the terminal can send SRS and receive the signal reflected from the target surface. In sensing scenario 4 shown in Figure 1C, terminal A can send SRS, and the signal reflected from the target surface is received by terminal B. In the sensing scenario 6 shown in Figure 1D, the terminal can transmit SRS, and the signal reflected by the SRS on the target surface is received by the RAN node. In the sensing scenario, SRS can also be referred to as a sensing signal.

[0105] Downlink reference signals (MRS) refer to signals sent by RAN nodes to terminals. Examples include DMRS or channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS). MRS can be used for downlink channel estimation, downlink channel measurement, or sensing. For example, with CSI-RS, a terminal can determine current channel state information, such as channel fading or interference levels, based on the received CSI-RS. Alternatively, CSI-RS can be used for interference measurement, or the terminal can obtain analog beamforming weights by scanning the CSI-RS. Furthermore, CSI-RS can also be used for sensing. For instance, in sensing scenario 1 shown in Figure 1B, the RAN node can send CSI-RS and receive the signal reflected from the target surface. In sensing scenario 3 shown in Figure 1C, RAN node A can send CSI-RS, and the signal reflected from the target surface is received by RAN node B. In sensing scenario 5 shown in Figure 1D, the RAN node can send CSI-RS, and the signal reflected from the target surface is received by the terminal. In sensing scenarios, CSI-RS can also be referred to as sensing signals.

[0106] In summary, communication systems can not only enable communication between users, but also have the ability to sense targets.

[0107] Currently, the signals used for sensing and the signals used for communication are time-division multiplexed. For example, in time slot 101 shown in Figure 1E, the signal used for communication occupies symbols 0 to 9, and the signal used for sensing occupies symbols 10 to 13. This approach results in a large overhead for reference signal resources.

[0108] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a communication method in which a reference signal transmitted by a second communication device (the first reference signal in the method shown in Figure 3) can be used for both sensing and communication measurement by the first communication device, thus reducing the resource overhead of the communication system. Furthermore, during the resource allocation process for the reference signal, the second communication device indicates the time-frequency position of the first reference signal through first configuration information. The first communication device can then determine the time-frequency position of both the first reference signal and the second signal based on the first configuration information. This saves the signaling overhead associated with allocating time-frequency resources for the second signal.

[0109] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0110] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) system, an LTE system, a 5G communication system, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) system, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) related communication system, a communication system evolved after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. 5G can also be referred to as NR. The method provided in this application is described below using the communication system 10 shown in Figure 2A as an example. Figure 2A is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0111] Figure 2A shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 provided in this application. In Figure 2A, the communication system 10 includes a RAN 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 2A, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 2A, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 2A). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to the core network 200. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions.

[0112] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0113] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types.

[0114] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 2A, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 2A, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, a helicopter or drone, typically configured as a terminal, can also be configured as a mobile base station, and devices accessing the RAN via the helicopter or drone are configured as terminals.

[0115] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing some of the base station's functions. Specifically, RAN nodes can be central units (CU), distributed units (DU), or radio units (RU), etc.

[0116] The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception functions. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as the baseband unit (BBU). It is understood that the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network or a network device in the core network; there is no restriction here. Furthermore, the CU can be further divided into CU-control plane (CP) and CU-user plane (UP). The CU-CP can implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. The CU-UP can implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0117] In this application, the RU can be included in a radio frequency (RF) device or RF unit, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The RU can implement some physical layer functions and RF functions in the 3GPP standard. The physical layer functions implemented by the RU include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.

[0118] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0119] For example, RAN node 110 can be a CU or DU as shown in Figure 2B, or RAN node 110 can be network device 20 as shown in Figure 2B. In Figure 2B, network device 20 may include a CU and one or more DUs communicatively connected to the CU (Figure 2B shows 3 DUs). Optionally, the CU can communicate with the core network. The DU may include at least one antenna 201, at least one radio frequency unit 2021, at least one processor 2022, and at least one memory 2023. The DU can be used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals, and performing some baseband processing. The CU may include at least one processor 2032 and at least one memory 2031. The CU can be used for baseband processing, controlling network device 20, etc. The CU is the control center of network device 20 and can also be called a processing unit. The CU and DU can communicate through an interface, where the CP interface can be Fs-C, such as F1-C, and the UP interface can be Fs-U, such as F1-U. The DU and CU can be physically set together or physically separated (e.g., distributed base stations).

[0120] One possible design is that the baseband processing on the CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layers of the wireless network. For example, the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above are located on the CU, while the functions of protocol layers below PDCP, such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, are located on the DU. Alternatively, the CU can implement the functions of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and the PDCP layer, while the DU can implement the functions of the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical layer.

[0121] Optionally, network device 20 may also include one or more RUs (not shown in Figure 2B). The RU may include at least one antenna and at least one radio frequency unit.

[0122] In one example, the CU can be composed of one or more boards. Multiple boards can collectively support a single access-indicating wireless access network (such as a 5G network), or they can each support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as LTE, 5G, or other networks). The memory 2031 and processor 2032 can serve one or more boards, such as board 203. That is, each board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each board can also have circuitry. Similarly, the DU can be composed of one or more boards. Multiple boards can collectively support a single access-indicating wireless access network (such as a 5G network), or they can each support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as LTE, 5G, or other networks). The memory 2023 and processor 2022 can serve one or more boards, such as board 202. That is, each board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each board can also have circuitry.

[0123] Terminal 120 can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. Terminal 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). A terminal can also be called a terminal device, which can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or any device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user. UE includes handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers), or computing devices. For example, a UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a point-of-sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, an RSU with terminal functionality, or flying equipment (e.g., a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functionality; for example, a terminal can be a device that acts as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0124] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can 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 a user's clothing or accessories. For example, wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also devices that achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include devices 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 devices that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0125] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0126] The terminal in this application can be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX) built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit, or T-BOX. The terminal can also be a complete vehicle device. Therefore, this application can be applied to vehicle networking, such as V2X, long-term evolution vehicle (LTE-V) communication technology, and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0127] For example, the structure of terminal 120 can be as shown in Figure 2C. In Figure 2C, terminal 120 includes a processor, a memory, a control circuit, an antenna, and input / output devices. The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire terminal 120, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs, for example, to support the terminal 120 in performing the actions described in the following method embodiments. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The control circuit is mainly used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The control circuit and antenna together can also be called a transceiver, mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touch screens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0128] When terminal 120 is powered on, the processor can read the software program from the storage unit, interpret and execute the software program's instructions, and process the software program's data. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward as electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to terminal 120, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data.

[0129] It is understood that the communication system 10 shown in Figure 2A is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 10 may also include other devices, and the number of RAN nodes and terminals can be determined according to specific needs without limitation. Furthermore, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0130] Optionally, each network element or device (such as a RAN node or terminal) in Figure 2A of this application may also be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. This application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0131] Optionally, the functions of each network element or device (e.g., RAN node or terminal) in Figure 2A of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not impose specific limitations on these functions. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0132] The method provided in this application will now be described in conjunction with the communication system 10 shown in Figure 2A above.

[0133] It is understood that the RAN node in the following embodiments of this application may be the RAN node 110 in the communication system 10, and the terminal in the following embodiments of this application may be the terminal 120 in the communication system 10.

[0134] It is understood that in this application, the terminal and / or RAN node may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is possible that not all steps in this application need to be performed.

[0135] It is understood that the methods described below in this application are illustrated using terminals and RAN nodes as the execution subjects of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by the communication / processing module in the terminal or the circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication / processing functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip / SIP chip containing a modem core, or a GPU / AI processor / ASIC); the method executed by the RAN node in this application can also be implemented by a module in the RAN node (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0136] As shown in Figure 3, a communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0137] S301: The RAN node sends the first configuration information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first configuration information from the RAN node.

[0138] The first configuration information is used to indicate M first time-frequency resources.

[0139] In this application, the M first time-frequency resources are different. Here, M is an integer greater than 1. The first configuration information is used to indicate the M first time-frequency resources, which can be understood as the RAN node configuring the M first time-frequency resources for sending the first reference signal to the terminal. In other words, the RAN node instructs the terminal to receive the first reference signal on the M time-frequency resources through the first configuration information.

[0140] One possible design is that the M first time-frequency resources each correspond to multiple ports. For a description of the ports, please refer to the explanation of the technical terms used in this application above. The ports in this application can also be replaced with reference signal ports.

[0141] Among them, any one of the M first time-frequency resources includes time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one time unit and at least one frequency domain unit. The first configuration information can be configured with at least one time unit and / or at least one frequency domain unit as needed. No limitation is made here.

[0142] In this application, any one of the at least one time units includes at least one continuous segment of resources in the time domain. For example, a time unit may include at least one symbol or at least one time slot. Another example is that a time unit may include X milliseconds (ms), where X is a positive number, such as a first time unit including 0.1 ms. For a description of symbols and time slots, please refer to the preceding explanation of the technical terms used in this application.

[0143] Understandably, at least one time unit can be located in the same time slot or in different time slots. At least one time unit can be continuous or discontinuous in the time domain.

[0144] In this application, any one frequency domain element includes at least one continuous segment of resources in the frequency domain. For example, a frequency domain element may include at least one subcarrier or at least one RE. For a description of subcarriers and REs, please refer to the foregoing explanation of the technical terms used in this application.

[0145] S302: The RAN node transmits a first reference signal on M first time-frequency resources. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first reference signal from the RAN node on M first time-frequency resources.

[0146] In this application, on M first time-frequency resources, the first reference signal received by the terminal is transmitted through different ports of the RAN node. The transmission of the first reference signal by the RAN node can be understood as the RAN node transmitting the first reference signal through multiple ports respectively. Optionally, different first time-frequency resources among the M first time-frequency resources may be associated with different ports. It should be understood that the number of ports corresponding to / associated with different first time-frequency resources may be the same or different. No limitation is made here.

[0147] For example, taking M equals 2, the first time-frequency resource A corresponds to / is associated with port 1, and the first time-frequency resource B corresponds to / is associated with port 2; or, the first time-frequency resource A corresponds to / is associated with port 1, the first time-frequency resource B corresponds to / is associated with port 2, and port 3; or, the first time-frequency resource A corresponds to / is associated with ports 0 to 3, and the first time-frequency resource B corresponds to / is associated with ports 4 to 7.

[0148] One possible design is that the first reference signal on different first time-frequency resources is transmitted through different antenna subarrays of the RAN node.

[0149] In this application, the antenna subarray of the RAN node includes a portion of the RAN node's full antenna array. The RAN node's full antenna array can include M antenna subarrays, which can completely cover the RAN node's entire antenna array. That is, the terminal can use the M antenna subarrays in conjunction to measure channel state information. Thus, the RAN node uses a portion of the antenna array to transmit a first reference signal, so the RAN node can use the remaining portion of the antenna array to receive signals, thereby satisfying the requirement that the RAN node has full-duplex capability (i.e., the ability to simultaneously transmit and receive signals) during sensing.

[0150] For example, referring to Figure 4, consider a RAN node comprising two antenna subarrays. These two subarrays are antenna subarray 401 and antenna subarray 402. The RAN node can transmit a first reference signal via antenna subarrays 401 and 402 in a polling manner. For example, antenna subarray 401 corresponds to the first time-frequency resource A in Figure 5, and antenna subarray 402 corresponds to the first time-frequency resource B in Figure 5. The RAN node can transmit the first reference signal using antenna subarray 401 on the first time-frequency resource A, while simultaneously receiving signals using antenna subarray 402 (e.g., receiving the echo signal of the first reference signal reflected or scattered by a target). Similarly, the RAN node can transmit the first reference signal B using antenna subarray 402 on the first time-frequency resource B, while simultaneously receiving signals using antenna subarray 401 (e.g., receiving the echo signal of the first reference signal reflected or scattered by a target). Therefore, the first reference signal can be used for sensing and channel state information measurement.

[0151] In practical applications, the number of antenna subarrays can be 3, 4, ..., or M. The RAN node can use a polling method to transmit the first reference signal through the M antenna subarrays until all antenna subarrays have transmitted the first reference signal. Then, the terminal uses the first reference signal from the M first time-frequency resources to measure the channel state information. The antenna subarrays can also have other designs, as long as all antenna subarrays can cover the entire antenna surface of the RAN node; there are no restrictions on the specific design.

[0152] S303: The terminal receives the second signal on M second time-frequency resources.

[0153] Among them, the M second time-frequency resources are determined based on the M first time-frequency resources.

[0154] In this application, to reduce the resource overhead of the communication system, the first reference signal and the second signal can be used as an integrated channel state information reference signal. That is, there is a correlation between the first time-frequency resource corresponding to the first reference signal and the second time-frequency position corresponding to the second signal, and the corresponding M second time-frequency resources can be determined based on the M first time-frequency resources. Thus, configuring the M first time-frequency resources achieves the effect of configuring both the M first time-frequency resources and the M second time-frequency resources.

[0155] One possible design is that any one of the M first time-frequency resources belongs to the same time unit as its corresponding second time-frequency resource. For example, the i-th first time-frequency resource and the i-th second time-frequency resource belong to the same time unit.

[0156] Understandably, after determining the first time-frequency resource based on the first configuration information, the terminal uses the time unit corresponding to the first time-frequency resource as the time unit corresponding to the second time-frequency resource.

[0157] One possible design is that any one of the M first time-frequency resources belongs to a different frequency domain unit from its corresponding second time-frequency resource.

[0158] Understandably, after determining the first time-frequency resource based on the first configuration information, the terminal uses the remaining frequency domain units in the time unit corresponding to the first time-frequency resource as the frequency domain units corresponding to the second time-frequency resource.

[0159] For example, taking the relationship between the i-th first time-frequency resource and the i-th second time-frequency resource as an example, the i-th first time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the first time unit and the first frequency domain unit, and the i-th second time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the second time unit and the second frequency domain unit. i is a positive integer less than or equal to M; the relationship between the first time unit and the second time unit is that the first time unit and the second time unit are the same, and the relationship between the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit is that the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are different.

[0160] Understandably, the terminal can determine M second time-frequency resources based on the aforementioned relationships and the M first time-frequency resources. In other words, the terminal can determine M first time units based on the first configuration information, and then determine M second time units based on the M first time units. The terminal can also determine M first frequency domain units based on the first configuration information, and then determine M second frequency domain units based on the M first frequency domain units, ultimately obtaining M second time-frequency resources.

[0161] To better understand the resource usage of the first reference signal, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to Figure 5. It should be understood that Figure 5 is merely an example of the time-frequency resources occupied by the first and second reference signals, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0162] Figure 5 illustrates two first time-frequency resources (i.e., M equals 2), which are used jointly for channel measurement. Each first time-frequency resource includes two symbols. Specifically, first time-frequency resource A includes the time-frequency resource containing symbols 5 and 6 in time slot 1, and includes multiple ports for transmitting a first reference signal. For example, ports 0 to 15. Furthermore, the time-frequency resources in first time-frequency resource A, excluding the first reference signal, are used to transmit a second signal. First time-frequency resource B includes the time-frequency resource containing symbols 5 and 6 in time slot 2, and includes multiple ports for transmitting the first reference signal. For example, ports 0 to 15. Furthermore, the time-frequency resources in first time-frequency resource B, excluding the first reference signal, are used to transmit a second signal.

[0163] One possible design involves using a first reference signal to measure channel coefficients. For example, the first reference signal might include a non-zero power channel state information (CSO) reference signal. A second signal is used to measure interference from other communication nodes. For example, the second signal might include a CSO interference measurement signal or a zero-power CSO reference signal.

[0164] The first reference signal can also be other signals used for channel coefficients, and the second signal can also be other signals used for interference measurement; no limitations are imposed here.

[0165] Understandably, the terminal measures the channel coefficients based on the first reference signal and measures the interference information from other communication nodes at the time-domain location corresponding to the second signal. It then combines the channel coefficients and interference information to obtain the channel state information, making the obtained channel state information more accurate.

[0166] For example, the terminal can measure the channel coefficient on the first time-frequency resource using a non-zero power channel state information reference signal, and measure the interference information on the second time-frequency resource using a channel state information interference measurement signal or a zero power channel state information reference signal, and combine the channel coefficient and the interference information to obtain the channel state information.

[0167] S304: The terminal transmits channel state information based on the first reference signal and the second signal. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the channel state information from the terminal.

[0168] Understandably, the channel state information is determined based on the first reference signal and the second signal.

[0169] One possible implementation involves the terminal using a first reference signal to perform channel measurements, obtain channel state information, and then transmit the channel state information to the RAN node. The channel state information may include one or more of the following: rank indication (RI), channel quality indicator (CQI), or precoding matrix indication (PMI).

[0170] Understandably, after receiving channel state information, the RAN node can schedule resources based on that information. For example, the RAN node can determine one or more of the following information and instruct the terminal: downlink communication time-frequency resource information, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) information, and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) layer number information.

[0171] Optionally, the terminal performs joint channel measurement on the first reference signal and the second signal until the channel state information of all antennas on the entire RAN node is completed, and then sends the channel state information to the RAN node.

[0172] Optionally, if the RAN node instructs the terminal to report channel state information for the first reference signal and the second reference signal, the terminal may send channel state information based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0173] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 3, part or all of the first reference signal can form an echo signal after being reflected or scattered by the target. This echo signal can be received by the RAN node or by a device other than the RAN node. The device receiving the echo signal can sense the target based on the echo signal. For example, the RAN node and the device receiving the echo signal can be the RAN node in sensing scenario 1 shown in Figure 1B; or, the RAN node can be RAN node A in sensing scenario 3 shown in Figure 1C, and the device receiving the echo signal can be RAN node B in sensing scenario 3; or, the RAN node can be the RAN node in sensing scenario 5 shown in Figure 1D, and the device receiving the echo signal can be a terminal in sensing scenario 5. The following description uses the example of the echo signal being received by the RAN node. For example, the method shown in Figure 3 further includes the following steps:

[0174] S305: The RAN node receives the echo signal of the first reference signal.

[0175] The echo signal of the first reference signal is formed by the reflection or scattering of part or all of the first reference signal by the target.

[0176] One possible design is to use the echo signal for sensing at the RAN node.

[0177] For example, the RAN node determines one or more pieces of information such as the target's position, velocity, or attitude based on the echo signal of the first reference signal.

[0178] Understandably, this application does not restrict the execution order of S304 and S305. For example, this application may execute S304 first and then S305, or it may execute S305 first and then S304, or it may execute S304 and S305 simultaneously.

[0179] In summary, the first reference signal can be used for sensing and communication measurements. Therefore, the first reference signal is also called the integrated reference signal, ISAC reference signal, or JCAS reference signal, etc.

[0180] One possible design is that the first configuration information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second signal is configured.

[0181] For example, the first indication information can indicate whether the first configuration information configures the second signal through a field.

[0182] For example, the first indication information includes 1 bit. When the value of this 1 bit is "0", it indicates that the second signal is not configured. When the value of this 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the second signal is configured, and vice versa.

[0183] One possible design is that the first configuration information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the reporting of channel state information for the first reference signal and the second signal.

[0184] Optionally, if the RAN node instructs the terminal to report channel state information for the first reference signal and the second reference signal, the terminal may send channel state information based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0185] Optionally, the second indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the content that needs to be reported in the channel state information, or the time-frequency resources for the channel state information. After receiving the first configuration information, the terminal can determine which content needs to be reported, or on which time-frequency resources the channel state information should be sent, based on the second indication information.

[0186] Understandably, the terminal can measure channel state information based on the instructions of the second indication information, according to the first reference signal received on M first time-frequency resources and the second signal on M second time-frequency resources corresponding to the second signal, and send the measured channel state information to the RAN node.

[0187] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0188] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be a terminal as described in the above method embodiments, or a device including the aforementioned terminal, or a component usable in a terminal; or, the communication device can be a RAN node as described in the above method embodiments, or a device including the aforementioned RAN node, or a component usable in a RAN node. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the aforementioned terminal or RAN node includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0189] Figure 6 illustrates a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 60 may include modules or units for implementing the method embodiments described above. In one possible design, the communication device 60 includes a processing module 601 and a communication module 602. The processing module 601, also referred to as a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, a processing circuit or a processor. The communication module 602, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to perform transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0190] In some embodiments, the communication device 60 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 6) for storing one or more of program instructions, program code, or data.

[0191] In some embodiments, the communication device 60 may further include an AI module (not shown in FIG. 6) for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module includes a RIC module. Optionally, the AI ​​module and the storage module are integrated into one module, or the AI ​​module and the processing module 601 are integrated into one module.

[0192] For example, the communication device 60 can be a terminal-side device in the above embodiments, such as a terminal or a communication module or processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions.

[0193] For example, in one embodiment, processing module 601 is used to control the communication module to receive first configuration information, the first configuration information being used to indicate M first time-frequency resources, where M is an integer greater than 1. For example, processing module 601 can be used to execute S301.

[0194] The processing module 601 is also configured to control the communication module to receive first reference signals on M first time-frequency resources, wherein the first reference signals on different first time-frequency resources are transmitted through different antenna subarrays of the RAN node. For example, the processing module 601 can be used to execute S302.

[0195] The processing module 601 is also configured to control the communication module to receive second signals on M second time-frequency resources, wherein the M second time-frequency resources are determined based on M first time-frequency resources. For example, the processing module 601 can be used to execute S303.

[0196] The processing module 601 is also configured to transmit channel state information based on the first reference signal and the second signal. For example, the processing module 601 may be used to execute S306.

[0197] In one possible design, when the communication device 60 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the functionality of the processing module 601 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the communication module 602 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0198] In one possible design, when the communication device 60 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing module 601 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication module 602 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0199] In one possible design, when the communication device 60 is a terminal or a processing module within a terminal, the functionality of the processing module 601 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a GPU, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU. Alternatively, the processor may include an AI processor, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor. Or, the processor may include an ASIC, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC. The functionality of the communication module 602 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0200] In one possible design, when the communication device 60 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for processing functions, such as a GPU or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU, an AI processor or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor, or an ASIC or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC, the function of the processing module 601 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication module 602 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0201] Alternatively, by way of example, the communication device 60 may be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a RAN node or a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in a RAN node.

[0202] For example, in one embodiment, the processing module 601 is configured to control the communication module to send first configuration information, the first configuration information being used to indicate M first time-frequency resources, where M is an integer greater than 1. For example, the processing module 601 is also configured to execute S301.

[0203] The processing module 601 is used to control the communication module to send a first reference signal on the M first time-frequency resources. The first reference signal on different first time-frequency resources is sent through different antenna subarrays of the wireless access network node. The M first time-frequency resources are used to determine M second time-frequency resources. For example, the processing module 601 is also used to execute S302.

[0204] The processing module 601 is further configured to control the communication module to receive channel state information, the channel state information being determined based on the first reference signal and the second signal, wherein the second signal is carried on M second time-frequency resources. For example, the processing module 601 is also configured to execute S303.

[0205] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed 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 specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0206] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes the software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0207] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0208] In specific implementations, the terminal-side device (e.g., terminal 120) or network-side device (e.g., RAN node 110) in the above embodiments can adopt the composition structure shown in FIG. 7, or include the components shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. It is understood that the communication device 70 includes means of necessary forms such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the solution provided in this application. For example, the communication device 70 includes one or more processors 701 for implementing the method provided in this application.

[0209] Processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 701 can be a baseband processor or a CPU. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 70 (such as a RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Optionally, in one design, processor 701 may include program 705 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on processor 701 to cause the communication device 70 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, communication device 70 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG. 7) for implementing the functions of the terminal or RAN node in the above embodiments.

[0210] Optionally, the communication device 70 may include one or more memories 703. The memory 703 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in this application may generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 703 stores a program 707 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 701 to cause the communication device 70 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0211] Optionally, the processor 701 may include an AI module 706, and / or the memory 703 may include an AI module 708. The aforementioned AI modules are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0212] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 701 and / or the memory 703. The processor 701 and the memory 703 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0213] Optionally, the communication device 70 may also include a transceiver 702 and / or an antenna 704. The processor 701, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 70. The transceiver 702, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 70 via the antenna 704.

[0214] It is understood that the composition shown in Figure 7 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 7, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0215] In one example, the functional units in the communication device 60 may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as: one or more ASICs, or one or more CPUs, one or more MCUs, one or more DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For example, the processing module 601 is configured as a processor 701, the communication module 602 is configured as a transceiver 702, and the storage module of the communication device 60 is configured as a memory 703.

[0216] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0217] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0218] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0219] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, terminal, or RAN node). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0220] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including: the RAN node and terminal in the above embodiments.

[0221] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0222] It is understood that the term "connection" in this application can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection; furthermore, it can refer to an electrical connection or a communication connection. For example, the connection of two electrical components A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other electrical components or connection media, enabling the transmission of electrical signals between A and B; similarly, the connection of two devices A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other communication devices or communication media, enabling communication between A and B.

[0223] It is understood that the message names or parameter names between network elements in the above embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations. This application does not impose any specific limitations on these names. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" in this application can be used interchangeably.

[0224] It is understood that in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions like "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional entries for this item. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0225] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0226] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply a sequential 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 this application.

[0227] It is understood that in this application, "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0228] In this application, "simultaneously" can be understood as at the same point in time, within a period of time, or within the same cycle.

[0229] It is understood that some optional features in this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution upon which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus provided in this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0230] It is understood that the same step or step with the same function or technical feature in this application can be referenced and learned from each other in different embodiments.

[0231] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, 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 between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0232] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0233] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0234] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first configuration information, which is used to indicate M first time-frequency resources, where M is an integer greater than 1; A first reference signal is received on the M first time-frequency resources, and the first reference signal on different first time-frequency resources is transmitted through different antenna subarrays of the wireless access network node; A second signal is received on M second time-frequency resources, wherein the M second time-frequency resources are determined based on the M first time-frequency resources; Channel state information is transmitted based on the first reference signal and the second signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The M second time-frequency resources are determined based on the M first time-frequency resources, including: The i-th first time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the first time unit and the first frequency domain unit, and the i-th second time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the second time unit and the second frequency domain unit. The first time unit is the same as the second time unit, and the first frequency domain unit is different from the second frequency domain unit. i is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first configuration information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second signal is configured.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first configuration information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the reporting of channel status information for the first reference signal and the second signal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first reference signal is used to measure the channel coefficient, and the second signal is used to measure interference information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first reference signal includes a non-zero power channel state information reference signal, and the second signal includes a channel state information interference measurement signal or a zero power channel state information reference signal.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send first configuration information, which is used to indicate M first time-frequency resources, where M is an integer greater than 1; A first reference signal is transmitted on the M first time-frequency resources. The first reference signal on different first time-frequency resources is transmitted through different antenna subarrays of the radio access network node. The M first time-frequency resources are used to determine M second time-frequency resources. The channel state information is received, which is determined based on the first reference signal and the second signal, wherein the second signal is carried on the M second time-frequency resources.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The echo signal of the first reference signal is received, and the echo signal is used for sensing.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The M second time-frequency resources are determined based on the M first time-frequency resources, including: The i-th first time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the first time unit and the first frequency domain unit, and the i-th second time-frequency resource is the time-frequency resource corresponding to the second time unit and the second frequency domain unit. The first time unit is the same as the second time unit, and the first frequency domain unit is different from the second frequency domain unit. i is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The first configuration information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second signal is configured.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, The first configuration information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the reporting of channel status information for the first reference signal and the second signal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The first reference signal is used to measure the channel coefficient, and the second signal is used to measure interference information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first reference signal includes a non-zero power channel state information reference signal, and the second signal includes a channel state information interference measurement signal or a zero power channel state information reference signal.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-6, or a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 7-13.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-6, or the method as described in any one of claims 7-13.

16. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-6 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 7-13 to be implemented.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 7-13.

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