Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus, used for improving the quality of data transmission between a network device and a terminal device. In the present application, a terminal device receives first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device; the terminal device generates a composite beam on the basis of the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams. The terminal device can generate the composite beam on the basis of the weighting coefficient corresponding to the at least two beams indicated by a network device, and the terminal device communicates with the network device on the basis of the composite beam, so that better communication performance can be obtained.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411956241.3, filed on December 25, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems can employ high-frequency communication, meaning they use high-frequency signals to transmit data. A major problem with high-frequency communication is that signal energy decreases sharply with transmission distance, resulting in short transmission ranges. To overcome this problem, high-frequency communication uses analog beamforming technology. By weighting the antenna array, the signal energy is concentrated within a small angular range, forming a beam-like signal (called an analog beam, or simply a beam), thereby increasing the transmission distance. Beamforming is used for transmission between network devices and terminal devices.

[0005] During uplink and downlink data transmission, network devices and terminal devices need to use specific beams for transmission. Network devices and terminal devices can select the beams for transmitting uplink and downlink data based on a measurement process. Specifically, the network device configures multiple reference signal resources for beam measurement for the terminal device, with each measurement resource corresponding to a reference signal. For each measurement resource, the network device transmits the reference signal corresponding to that resource through a network device beam. The terminal device measures the reference signals transmitted by each network device beam to determine the quality of each network device beam. The terminal device reports the quality of each network device beam to the network device, which can then select one from multiple network device beams for downlink data transmission. Correspondingly, for each network device beam, the terminal device can determine the corresponding terminal device beam and send uplink data to the network device based on that terminal device beam.

[0006] However, in some cases, the network device beam and terminal device beam selected by the network device and terminal device based on the beam measurement procedure may not cover the signal propagation path between the network device and the terminal device, resulting in a decrease in the data transmission quality between the network device and the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving the data transmission quality between network devices and terminal devices.

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a terminal device, such as a terminal device or a communication module within the terminal device, or a circuit or chip in the terminal device 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 it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Taking the application of this method to a terminal device as an example, the method may include: the terminal device receiving first indication information; the first indication information indicating the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device; and the terminal device generating a composite beam based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams.

[0009] Optionally, the terminal device receives first instruction information from the network device.

[0010] Using the above method, the terminal device receives first indication information indicating the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device; based on this, the terminal device can generate a composite beam according to the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams indicated by the network device; since the composite beam is generated by merging at least two beams of the terminal device, a larger beam coverage range can be obtained, and the terminal device can obtain better communication performance when communicating with the network device based on the composite beam.

[0011] In one possible design, the first indication information includes weighting coefficients corresponding to each beam; or the first indication information includes weighting coefficients corresponding to a reference beam in at least two beams, and relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in at least two beams (excluding the reference beam) and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam; or the first indication information includes weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in at least two beams (excluding the reference beam); or the first indication information includes relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in at least two beams (excluding the reference beam) and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam.

[0012] Through the above design, the weighting coefficients corresponding to each beam can be flexibly indicated to the terminal device using first indication information with various different information contents.

[0013] In one possible design, the weighting coefficients include a first sub-coefficient and a second sub-coefficient; the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the amplitude information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the phase information of the weighting coefficients; or the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the real part information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the imaginary part information of the weighting coefficients.

[0014] Through the above design, the weighting coefficients can be in complex form, thereby accurately indicating the weighting coefficients corresponding to the beam by indicating amplitude and phase information, or real and imaginary part information.

[0015] In one possible design, the first indication information includes reference signal resource identifiers corresponding to at least two beams.

[0016] With the above design, since there is a mapping relationship between the beam and the reference signal resource, by carrying the reference signal resource identifier in the first indication information, the terminal device can be instructed to select at least two beams. Thus, the terminal device can accurately determine the at least two beams selected by the network device from multiple beams based on the first indication information.

[0017] In one possible design, the first indication information includes first information used to indicate activation of the synthetic beam; or the first indication information includes second information used to indicate deactivation of the synthetic beam.

[0018] Through the above design, based on the first or second information carried in the first indication information, the terminal device can accurately determine whether to use synthetic beam to communicate with the network device.

[0019] In one possible design, the first information and the second information reuse the same field from the first indication information.

[0020] Through the above design, the first information and the second information reuse the same field in the first indication information, which can reduce the field length of the first indication information, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of sending the first indication information.

[0021] In one possible design, the first indication information is carried in the medium access control-control element (MAC-CE) signaling.

[0022] Through the above design, since MAC-CE signaling can carry more information, there are sufficient fields in MAC-CE signaling to carry the first indication information; in addition, carrying the first indication information through MAC-CE signaling can reduce the transmission latency between network devices and terminal devices and improve transmission reliability.

[0023] In one possible design, the first indication information is carried in radio resource control (RRC) signaling or downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

[0024] Through the above design, since RRC signaling can carry more information, there are enough fields in RRC signaling to carry the first indication information, and the location of the first indication information can be flexibly set in RRC signaling. By carrying the first indication information through DCI signaling, the transmission latency of the first indication information can be reduced, and transmission reliability can be improved.

[0025] In one possible design, the terminal device combines the analog beam weights corresponding to at least two beams according to the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams to obtain the analog beam weights of the composite beam; the terminal device generates the composite beam according to the analog beam weights of the composite beam.

[0026] Through the above design, the terminal device can obtain the analog beam weights of the composite beam by merging the analog beam weights corresponding to at least two beams, thereby generating a composite beam with a larger coverage area. The terminal device can then communicate with network devices based on this composite beam, achieving better communication performance.

[0027] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a network device side, such as a network device or a communication module or unit in a network device, or a circuit, chip, or chip system in a network device responsible for communication functions, or it can be a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of a network device; taking the application of this method to a network device side as an example, the method may include: the network device determining weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of a terminal device, the weighting coefficients being used to generate a composite beam; the network device sending first indication information to the terminal device, the first indication information being used to indicate the weighting coefficients.

[0028] Using the above method, the network device sends first indication information to the terminal device to indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device; based on this, the terminal device can generate a composite beam according to the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams indicated by the network device; since the composite beam is generated by merging at least two beams of the terminal device, a larger beam coverage range can be obtained, and the terminal device can obtain better communication performance when communicating with the network device based on the composite beam.

[0029] In one possible design, the network device determines the weighting coefficients based on the channel information between the network device's beam and at least two beams of the terminal device.

[0030] Through the above design, the network device can generate weighting coefficients based on the actual channel between the network device and the terminal device. Based on the weighting coefficients, the terminal device can generate a synthetic beam that is more consistent with the actual channel, thereby improving the communication performance between the terminal device and the network device.

[0031] In one possible design, the first indication information includes weighting coefficients corresponding to each beam; or the first indication information includes weighting coefficients corresponding to a reference beam in at least two beams, and relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in at least two beams (excluding the reference beam) and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam; or the first indication information includes weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in at least two beams (excluding the reference beam); or the first indication information includes relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in at least two beams (excluding the reference beam) and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam.

[0032] Through the above design, network devices can flexibly indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to each beam to terminal devices using first indication information with various different information contents.

[0033] In one possible design, the weighting coefficients include a first sub-coefficient and a second sub-coefficient; the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the amplitude information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the phase information of the weighting coefficients; or the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the real part information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the imaginary part information of the weighting coefficients.

[0034] Through the above design, the weighting coefficients can be in complex form, so that network devices can accurately indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to the beam by indicating amplitude and phase information, or real and imaginary part information.

[0035] In one possible design, the first indication information includes reference signal resource identifiers corresponding to at least two beams.

[0036] With the above design, since there is a mapping relationship between the beam and the reference signal resource, the network device can indicate the selected at least two beams to the terminal device by carrying the reference signal resource identifier in the first indication information. Thus, the terminal device can accurately determine the at least two beams selected by the network device from multiple beams based on the first indication information.

[0037] In one possible design, the first indication information includes first information used to indicate activation of the synthetic beam; or the first indication information includes second information used to indicate deactivation of the synthetic beam.

[0038] Through the above design, the network device carries first information or second information in the first indication information, so that the terminal device can accurately determine whether to use synthetic beam to communicate with the network device.

[0039] In one possible design, the first information and the second information reuse the same field from the first indication information.

[0040] Through the above design, the first information and the second information reuse the same field in the first indication information, which can reduce the field length of the first indication information, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of sending the first indication information.

[0041] In one possible design, the first indication information is carried in MAC-CE signaling.

[0042] Through the above design, since MAC-CE signaling can carry more information, there are sufficient fields in MAC-CE signaling to carry the first indication information; in addition, carrying the first indication information through MAC-CE signaling can reduce the transmission latency between network devices and terminal devices and improve transmission reliability.

[0043] In one possible design, the first indication information is carried in RRC signaling or DCI signaling.

[0044] Through the above design, since RRC signaling can carry more information, there are enough fields in RRC signaling to carry the first indication information, and the location of the first indication information can be flexibly set in RRC signaling. By carrying the first indication information through DCI signaling, the transmission latency of the first indication information can be reduced, and transmission reliability can be improved.

[0045] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that implements the functions described in the first or second aspect above. The communication device may include modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first or second aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit to execute the first or second aspect above, or any possible implementation of the first or second aspect. The communication unit is used to perform transmission and reception operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations.

[0046] In one design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit can be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit can be the input / output circuit, input / output interface or antenna port of the communication chip.

[0047] In another design, the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver, or the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver.

[0048] Optionally, the communication device may further include various modules that can be used to perform the first aspect or the second aspect described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0049] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the aforementioned terminal device or network device. The communication device may include a processor and a memory to execute the first or second aspect described above, or any possible implementation of the first or second aspect. Optionally, it may also include a transceiver, the memory for storing computer programs or instructions, and the processor for retrieving and running the computer programs or instructions from the memory. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions in the memory, the communication device executes the first or second aspect described above, or any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0050] Optionally, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0051] Optionally, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0052] Optionally, the transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0053] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the aforementioned terminal device or network device. The communication device may include a processor to execute the first or second aspect described above, or to execute any possible implementation of the first or second aspect. The processor is coupled to a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0054] In one implementation, when the communication device is a terminal device or a network device, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0055] In another implementation, when the communication device is a chip or chip system, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be manifested as a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0056] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and may further include a storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer program or instructions are used to implement the method in any of the possible designs in the first or second aspect described above. The communication device may be a chip system. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0057] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a terminal device of the first aspect and a network device of the second aspect.

[0058] Eighthly, this application also provides a chip including a processor coupled to a memory for reading and executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, so that the chip implements the method in any of the possible designs in the first or second aspect described above.

[0059] Ninthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, which, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the possible design methods in the first or second aspect described above.

[0060] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising computer program code, which, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the possible design methods in the first or second aspect described above.

[0061] For the various aspects from the third to the tenth aspects mentioned above, and the technical effects that each aspect may achieve, please refer to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by the various possible solutions for the first or second aspects mentioned above, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a RAN node provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the network element division and protocol layer structure in an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of beam management provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a signal propagation path between a network device and a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of another signal propagation path between a network device and a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of simulated beam weights for a phased array antenna system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining weighting coefficients provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0076] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] The at least one item mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to one or more items. Multiple items refers to two or more items. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe objects in the embodiments of this application, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the objects from each other.

[0078] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the following description of embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. It should be noted that in embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any method or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in embodiments of this application should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0079] The technology provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system such as New Radio (NR) system, and future communication systems, etc.

[0080] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0082] In a communication system, a network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. These signals can include information or data. A network element can also be referred to as an entity, network entity, device, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application describes the concept of a network element. For example, a communication system can include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The signal-transmitting network element can be a network device, and the signal-receiving network element can be a terminal device; or, the signal-transmitting network element can be a terminal device, and the signal-receiving network element can be a network device. Furthermore, it is understood that if the communication system includes multiple terminal devices, these terminal devices can also exchange signals; that is, both the signal-transmitting network element and the signal-receiving network element can be terminal devices.

[0083] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110, and the RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly 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 independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. Terminals can be connected to each other, as can RAN nodes, via wired or wireless means.

[0084] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, an NR system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0085] The network device involved in this application embodiment can be a RAN node. A RAN node, also known as a radio access network device, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help terminals access a communication system wirelessly. In one application scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or an indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), or a relay node or donor node.

[0086] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, as shown in Figure 2, RAN nodes can include a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RAN) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For detailed descriptions of each protocol layer, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The BBU communicates with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link, while the RU communicates with at least one terminal device via an air interface. The BBU also communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU can be co-located or not. CUs and DUs integrated within a BBU can communicate via at least one midhaul link. RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0087] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). CU-control panel (CU-CP) can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), and CU-user panel (CU-UP) can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, an RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0088] Terminal equipment can be any device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and possesses corresponding communication functions. Terminal equipment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal device, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. Terminal equipment typically contains communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. It may also be configured with program instructions for performing these functions.

[0089] For example, the terminal device in the embodiments of this application can be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a drone, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a machine-type communication (MTC) terminal, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home (e.g., game consoles, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and fitness equipment), a transportation vehicle with wireless communication capabilities, a communication module, or a roadside unit (RSU) with terminal functionality. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0090] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0091] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0092] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0093] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0094] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection with a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also subject to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0095] Figure 3 illustrates the network element division and protocol layer structure in the O-RAN system. In some examples, the CU (Core Unit) is a logical node carrying the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which can be interfaces such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU may have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which can be interfaces such as F1 interfaces. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., F1 interfaces) can provide control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, defining the F1 signaling procedures in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0096] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and PDCP-C (Control plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the AMF network element in a 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and PDCP-U (User plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the UPF network element in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in the terminal device. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0097] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that carries the radio link control (RLC) layer, MAC layer, higher physical layer (PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0098] In some examples, the RU is a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the low-PHY includes portions of the PHY processing, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0099] The DU and RU may or may not be co-located. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a lower-layer split cus-plane (LLS-CUS) interface through a fronthaul link. LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces, respectively providing control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane) access. In some examples, the control plane refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0100] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0101] 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.

[0102] Optionally, any one of CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU can be a software module, a hardware structure, or a combination of software and hardware structures, without limitation. The different entities can exist in the same or different forms. For example, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU are software modules, and RU is a hardware structure. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations are listed here. These modules and their executed methods are also within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, when the method of the embodiments of this application is executed by an access network device, it can be executed by at least one of CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, or DU.

[0103] The relevant terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are for the purpose of making the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0104] 1. Beam:

[0105] In new radio (NR) protocols, beamforming can be represented as a spatial domain filter, spatial parameter, spatial setting, quasi-colocation (QCL) information, QCL assumption, or QCL indication. Beamforming can be indicated through transmission configuration indicator state (TCI-state) parameters or spatial relationship parameters.

[0106] Therefore, in this application, "beam" can be replaced by spatial filter, spatial filter, spatial parameter, spatial parameter, spatial setting, spatial setting, QCL information, QCL assumption, QCL indication, TCI-state (downlink TCI-state, uplink TCI-state), spatial relationship, etc. The above terms are also equivalent to each other. "Beam" can also be replaced with other beam-related terms, which are not limited in this application.

[0107] The beam used to transmit signals can be called the transmission beam (Tx beam), or it can be referred to as a spatial domain transmission filter, spatial transmission filter, spatial domain transmission parameter, spatial transmission setting, or spatial transmission setting. The downlink transmission beam can be indicated by TCI-state.

[0108] The beam used to receive signals can be called a reception beam (Rx beam), a spatial domain reception filter, a spatial reception filter, a spatial domain reception parameter, a spatial reception setting, or a spatial reception setting. The uplink transmit beam can be indicated by spatial relationships, uplink TCI-state, or a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource (indicating the transmit beam using that SRS). Therefore, the uplink beam can also be replaced by an SRS resource.

[0109] The transmitting beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after a signal is transmitted through an antenna, while the receiving beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of a wireless signal received from an antenna.

[0110] Furthermore, the beam can be a wide beam, a narrow beam, or other types of beam. The beamforming technology can be beamforming technology or other technologies. Specifically, beamforming technology can be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming technology, etc.

[0111] Beams are generally associated with resources. For example, during beam measurement, network devices measure different beams using different resources. The terminal device provides feedback on the measured resource quality, allowing the network device to determine the quality of the corresponding beam. During data transmission, beam information is also indicated through its corresponding resources. For instance, network devices use the Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) field in the downlink control information (DCI) to indicate the physical downlink sharing channel (PDSCH) beam information of the terminal device.

[0112] Optionally, multiple beams with the same or similar communication characteristics can be considered as a single beam. A beam may include one or more antenna ports for transmitting data channels, control channels, and detection signals, etc. One or more antenna ports forming a beam can also be considered as a set of antenna ports.

[0113] In beam measurement, each beam of a network device corresponds to a resource, so the beam corresponding to that resource can be uniquely identified by the resource index.

[0114] 2. Resources:

[0115] In this embodiment of the application, the network device can configure resource sets or resources for the terminal device.

[0116] The resource set may include at least one of the following: a channel status information (CSI) synchronization signal block (CSI-SSB) resource set, a CSI interference measurement (CSI-IM) resource set, a non-zero power-channel state information reference signal (NZP-CSI-RS) resource set, or a zero power-channel state information reference signal (ZP-CSI-RS) resource set.

[0117] In this application embodiment, resources can correspond to beams; for example, network devices use beams to transmit their corresponding resources, and terminal devices measuring these resources can be understood as measuring the corresponding beams. Resources can be uplink signal resources or downlink signal resources. Uplink signals include, but are not limited to, SRS and demodulation reference signal (DMRS). Downlink signals include, but are not limited to, channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), cell specific reference signal (CS-RS), user equipment specific reference signal (US-RS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and synchronization system / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block). The SS / PBCH block can be abbreviated as synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0118] Resources can be configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Structurally, a resource is a data structure that includes relevant parameters of its corresponding uplink / downlink signal, such as the type of uplink / downlink signal, the resource granularity carrying the uplink / downlink signal, the transmission time and period of the uplink / downlink signal, and the number of ports used to transmit the uplink / downlink signal. Each uplink / downlink signal resource has a unique index to identify the resource for that downlink signal. It is understood that the resource index can also be called the resource identifier, and this embodiment does not limit this to that.

[0119] During uplink and downlink data transmission, network devices and terminal devices need to use specific beams. These devices can select the beams for transmitting uplink and downlink data based on a measurement process. Specifically, the network device configures multiple reference signal resources (referred to as measurement resources, which can be a configuration unit in the RRC configuration signaling, rather than a time-frequency resource; see the resource introduction above) for the terminal device via RRC signaling. Each measurement resource corresponds to a reference signal. For each measurement resource, the network device transmits the reference signal corresponding to that resource through a beam. The terminal device measures the reference signals transmitted by each beam to determine the channel quality information corresponding to each beam, such as reference signal receiving power (RSRP). By measuring the channel quality corresponding to each beam, the terminal device selects one or more beams with better channel quality and reports this information to the network device. Specifically, the terminal device reports the index of the measurement resource corresponding to these beams and the corresponding channel quality information (such as RSRP) to the network device. The network device then selects one beam from the beams reported by the terminal device for data transmission. For each network device beam, the terminal device also identifies a corresponding terminal device beam. In downlink transmission, the network device uses this network device beam for sending, and the terminal device uses this terminal device beam for receiving. In uplink transmission, the terminal device uses this terminal device beam for sending, and the network device uses this network device beam for receiving.

[0120] The following describes an optional beam management process. As shown in Figure 4, the network device includes M network device beams, and the terminal device includes N terminal device beams. The network device configures M measurement resources for the terminal device, each corresponding to one of the M network device beams. In each measurement cycle, the network device transmits reference signals corresponding to the M measurement resources through the M network device beams (e.g., the network device transmits one reference signal for each measurement resource). The terminal device uses one terminal device beam to receive and measure the reference signals corresponding to the M measurement resources, obtaining the channel quality between the terminal device beam and the M network device beams. Through N measurement cycles, the terminal device traverses all N terminal device beams, thereby obtaining the channel quality between the M network device beams and the N terminal device beams. Based on the above measurements, the terminal device can select the P network device beams with the best quality and report the index of the measurement resource corresponding to the P network device beams and the channel quality information (e.g., RSRP) to the network device. Simultaneously, the terminal device can also determine the terminal device beam corresponding to each network device beam. The terminal device will cache the optimal receiving beam information corresponding to each network device beam. When the network device indicates that it will use a certain network device beam to send downlink signals, the terminal device will use the corresponding optimal terminal device beam for reception.

[0121] However, in some cases, the network device beams and terminal device beams selected by the network device and terminal device based on the beam measurement process may not cover the signal propagation path between the network device and the terminal device, resulting in a degraded data transmission quality between them. For example, in a line-of-sight (LOS) channel scenario, there is only one direct propagation path between the network device and the terminal device, with no other propagation paths. As shown in Figure 5A, when the angle of the signal propagation path between the network device and the terminal device lies between two network device beams, the P network device beams with the best quality selected by the terminal device in the beam management process cannot cover the signal propagation path between the network device and the terminal device, thus affecting the data transmission quality between them. For example, in non-line-of-sight (non-LOS, NLOS) channel scenarios, there are multiple signal propagation paths (such as multiple reflection paths) between network devices and terminal devices, as shown in Figure 5B. Each preset beam (network device beam or terminal device beam) can only cover one propagation path at most, and cannot utilize other propagation paths, which will also affect the data transmission quality between network devices and terminal devices.

[0122] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which, when a terminal device includes N terminal device beams, a network device indicates weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two terminal device beams to the terminal device, and the terminal device generates a composite beam based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two terminal device beams. Because of the communication method provided in this application, the terminal device can combine at least two terminal device beams into a single composite beam according to the instructions of the network device, resulting in a larger beam coverage area. The terminal device can then communicate with the network device based on this composite beam, achieving better communication performance.

[0123] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to beamforming and synthesizing beams for terminal devices; it should be understood that the communication method provided in this application can also be applied to beamforming and synthesizing beams for network devices. In the following description, the application of the communication method provided in this application to beamforming and synthesizing beams for terminal devices is used as an example.

[0124] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method mainly includes the following steps 600 to 601. It is understood that the steps and execution order shown in Figure 6 are only examples. In actual implementation, some of the steps may be executed, or the remaining steps may also be executed. Similarly, the execution order of the steps may also be adjusted, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0125] In this embodiment of the application, as described above, the means for implementing the functions of the terminal device and the network device can be the terminal device and the network device themselves, or it can be a module or unit that can be applied to the terminal device and the network device, or a means (e.g., a chip system) that can support the terminal device and the network device in implementing the functions. The following description uses the terminal device and the network device as examples. When the means for implementing the functions of the terminal device and the network device is a module or unit that can be applied to the terminal device and the network device, or a means that can support the terminal device and the network device in implementing the functions, receiving / transmitting can be understood as input / output, that is, the means communicates with other modules, units, or components of the terminal device and the network device. Furthermore, the processing performed by a single execution entity can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device can be divided into at least one execution entity among CU, DU, RU, etc.

[0126] Step 600: The network device sends the first instruction information to the terminal device.

[0127] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction information from the network device.

[0128] The first indication information is used to indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device.

[0129] In this embodiment of the application, the network device determines the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device, and the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams are used to generate the composite beam.

[0130] As one possible implementation, the network device can select at least two beams from the N beams of the terminal device based on the channel quality of the communication channel between the terminal device and the network device, and determine the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams.

[0131] Optionally, each of the at least two beams corresponds to a weighting coefficient; the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams can form a vector, which in this embodiment can be called a merging coefficient.

[0132] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to the K beams of the terminal device, where K is an integer greater than 1; wherein, each beam corresponds to one weighting coefficient, and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the K beams are a0, a1, ..., a K-1 A vector composed of the weighted coefficients corresponding to the K beams (a0, a1, ..., a K-1 This can be called the merging coefficient, which is used to merge K beams to generate a merged beam.

[0133] In this embodiment of the application, after determining the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device, the network device can send first indication information to the terminal device in various different ways, and indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device to the terminal device through the first indication information.

[0134] For example, the network device sends first indication information to the terminal device through RRC signaling; based on this method, the first indication information can be RRC information; or it can be understood that the network device carries the first indication information through RRC signaling.

[0135] For another example, the network device sends first indication information to the terminal device through MAC control element (CE) signaling; based on this method, the first indication information can be MAC-CE information; or it can be understood that the network device carries the first indication information through MAC-CE signaling.

[0136] For another example, the network device sends first indication information to the terminal device through downlink control information (DCI) signaling; based on this method, the first indication information can be DCI information; or it can be understood that the network device carries the first indication information through DCI signaling.

[0137] It should be noted that the above-described method of the network device sending the first instruction information to the terminal device is merely an example of this application. The method of the network device sending the first instruction information to the terminal device in the embodiments of this application is not limited to the above example, and the embodiments of this application do not limit it in this regard.

[0138] Step 601: The terminal device generates a composite beam based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams.

[0139] After receiving the first indication information from the network device, the terminal device determines the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams indicated by the first indication information; and generates a composite beam based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams.

[0140] As one possible implementation, the terminal device merges the analog beam weights corresponding to at least two beams according to the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams to obtain the analog beam weights of the composite beam; the terminal device generates the composite beam according to the analog beam weights of the composite beam.

[0141] In this embodiment of the application, the beam of each terminal device corresponds to a set of simulated beam weights.

[0142] Simulated beam weights are the weight values ​​used to generate simulated beams in a phased array antenna system. As shown in Figure 7, in a phased array antenna system, each antenna element corresponds to an independent phase shifter, used to set the phase offset of the transmitted and / or received signals on that antenna element. By setting the phase offset of the phase shifters of each antenna element, the transmitted and / or received signals on multiple antenna elements can be modulated to enhance signals in a specific direction, thereby achieving beam-based transmission. The phase offsets used on the phase shifters of each antenna element are represented as a vector, such as (p1, p2, p3, p4, p5, p6), which is a set of simulated beam weights corresponding to the beam; based on a set of simulated beam weights, a beam corresponding to that set of simulated beam weights can be generated.

[0143] When obtaining the simulated beam weights of the synthesized beam, one possible implementation is that the terminal device performs a weighted summation of the simulated beam weights corresponding to at least two beams based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams to obtain the simulated beam weights of the synthesized beam.

[0144] The following example illustrates how a terminal device obtains the simulated beam weights of a synthesized beam based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to the K beams.

[0145] For example, the terminal device can obtain the simulated beam weights of the synthesized beam according to the following formula:

[0146] Where P is the simulated beam weight of the synthesized beam, a i W represents the weighting coefficient corresponding to the i-th (0≤i≤K-1) beam. i This represents the simulated beam weight corresponding to the i-th (0≤i≤K-1) beam.

[0147] When K=3, the weighting coefficients corresponding to the three beams are a0, a1, and a2, respectively, and the simulated beam weights corresponding to the three beams are W0, W1, and W2, respectively; where W i It can be a vector containing multiple elements, such as W. i This includes the phase shift used on the phase shifters of multiple antenna elements. The simulated beam weight P of the synthesized beam is then P = a0W0 + a1W1 + a2W2.

[0148] Alternatively, after obtaining P according to the above formula, the terminal device can process P and use the processed result as the simulated beam weights of the synthesized beam. For example, the terminal device can perform constant mode processing on P; specifically, constant mode processing can be performed by setting the amplitude of each element in P to 1 while keeping the phase unchanged.

[0149] Since the network device in this embodiment can determine the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device and send first indication information to the terminal device to indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device, the terminal device can generate a composite beam according to the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams indicated by the network device. Since the composite beam is generated by merging at least two beams of the terminal device, a larger beam coverage range can be obtained. The terminal device can obtain better communication performance when communicating with the network device based on the composite beam.

[0150] The following section details the scheme by which network devices determine the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of a terminal device, and the scheme by which network devices indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams to the terminal device. These will be described separately below.

[0151] I. A scheme for determining the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of a terminal device in network equipment.

[0152] In this embodiment, the network device can determine the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device based on the communication flow shown in Figure 8. This communication method mainly includes steps 800 to 801. It is understood that the steps and execution order illustrated in Figure 8 are merely an example; in actual implementation, some steps may be executed, or the remaining steps may also be executed. Similarly, the execution order of the steps can be adjusted, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0153] Step 800: The terminal device sends an uplink reference signal to the network device.

[0154] Correspondingly, the network device receives the uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device.

[0155] It should be understood that the uplink signals sent by the terminal device to the network device can include various types of signals. The uplink reference signal is one type of uplink signal sent by the terminal device to the network device. The uplink reference signal can be used to measure the channel information between the terminal device and the network device. For example, the uplink reference signal can be an SRS; however, the use of SRS as an uplink reference signal is merely an example in this application, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the signal type of the uplink reference signal.

[0156] In one implementation, the terminal device can transmit uplink reference signals through multiple beams. For example, the terminal device includes N beams, where N is a positive integer; the terminal device transmits uplink reference signals through the N beams, with each beam transmitting one uplink reference signal.

[0157] In step 800 of this application embodiment, the terminal device transmits an uplink reference signal on each beam. Based on each uplink reference signal, the network device can determine the channel information of the beam corresponding to the uplink reference signal.

[0158] Step 801: The network device determines the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device.

[0159] Optionally, the network device determines the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams based on the channel information between the network device's beam and at least two beams of the terminal device.

[0160] The following section details how network devices determine the weighting coefficients for at least two beams.

[0161] The network device measures the uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device to obtain the channel information corresponding to the beam of each terminal device.

[0162] In one embodiment, the network device can sequentially measure each uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device using the first beam to obtain the channel information between the first beam and each beam of the terminal device.

[0163] The first beam is one of the M beams of the network device, where M is a positive integer.

[0164] Optionally, the first beam of the network device can be obtained based on a beam management process, such as the beam management process described above. For example, the first beam can be the network device beam that is optimal for the terminal device as determined in the beam management process; or the first beam can be any one of the M beams of the network device.

[0165] After measuring the channel information between the first beam and each beam of the terminal device, the network device can determine the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device based on the channel information between the first beam and each beam of the terminal device.

[0166] Optionally, the network device may select at least two beams from multiple beams of the terminal device; the network device may determine the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device based on the channel information between the first beam and at least two beams of the terminal device.

[0167] For example, the network device can select at least two beams with better channel quality from multiple beams of the terminal device based on the channel information between the first beam and each beam of the terminal device. For instance, the network device can select the K beams with the best channel quality from multiple beams of the terminal device, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0168] As one possible implementation, the network device can determine the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device by constructing an optimization function based on the channel information between the first beam and at least two beams of the terminal device.

[0169] For example, the network device selects K beams from multiple beams of the terminal device, and constructs the following optimization function based on the channel information corresponding to each of the K beams:

[0170] The optimization condition can be: ||a|2 = 1.

[0171] In the optimization function above, 'a' represents the combined coefficients, and 'a' can be a vector (a0, a1, ..., a...). K-1 ), a i Let a represent any element in vector a. i H represents the weighting coefficient (0≤i≤K-1) corresponding to beam i of the terminal device. iThis represents the channel information between the first beam and the beam i of the terminal device; |||2 represents the L2 norm operation, and arg max represents the expression that makes the objective function (i.e., ...) ... The variable value (a0, a1, ..., a) when it reaches its maximum value K-1 (values).

[0172] Based on the above optimization function, the network device can solve for the merging coefficient 'a', i.e., the vector (a0, a1, ..., a...). K-1 ), thus obtaining the weighting coefficients corresponding to each of the K beams.

[0173] II. A scheme in which network devices indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams to terminal devices.

[0174] The network device sends a first indication information to the terminal device, the first indication information being used to indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device.

[0175] In this embodiment, the first indication information can carry different information content, indicating the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams through different information content. Different implementation methods are described below.

[0176] Implementation method 1: The first indication information includes the weighting coefficients corresponding to each beam.

[0177] In this implementation, the network device indicates the weighting coefficients corresponding to each beam to the terminal device through the first indication information.

[0178] For example, when a network device selects K beams from multiple beams of a terminal device, the first indication information includes weighting coefficients corresponding to the K beams.

[0179] Optionally, the weighting coefficients include a first sub-coefficient and a second sub-coefficient; the first indication information includes the first sub-coefficient and the second sub-coefficient corresponding to each beam.

[0180] For example, when a network device selects K beams from multiple beams of a terminal device, the first indication information includes a first sub-coefficient and a second sub-coefficient corresponding to the K beams.

[0181] As one possible implementation, the weighting coefficients for each beam can be a complex number.

[0182] The first sub-coefficient indicates the amplitude information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient indicates the phase information of the weighting coefficients. For example, the first indication information includes the amplitude information and phase information corresponding to each beam.

[0183] Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the amplitude and phase information corresponding to each beam based on the first indication information; for each beam, it can generate a weighting coefficient corresponding to that beam based on the corresponding amplitude and phase information.

[0184] Optionally, the first sub-coefficient can also be used to indicate channel information corresponding to the beam, such as RSRP; for example, the first indication information includes RSRP and phase information corresponding to each beam.

[0185] Because there is a mapping relationship between the RSRP corresponding to the beam and the amplitude information; for example, the RSRP can be calculated based on the square of the amplitude. When the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the RSRP corresponding to the beam, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the amplitude information based on the RSRP, and then further generate the weighting coefficient corresponding to the beam based on the amplitude information and phase information.

[0186] Alternatively, the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the real part information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the imaginary part information of the weighting coefficients. For example, the first indication information includes the real part information and the imaginary part information corresponding to each beam.

[0187] Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the real part information and imaginary part information corresponding to each beam based on the first indication information; for each beam, it generates a weighting coefficient corresponding to that beam based on the corresponding real part information and imaginary part information.

[0188] Implementation method 2: The first indication information includes the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam in at least two beams, and the relative value between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in at least two beams besides the reference beam and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam.

[0189] In this implementation, the network device indicates to the terminal device the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam and the relative value between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams (excluding the reference beam) among at least two beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam, through the first indication information.

[0190] For example, when a network device selects K beams from multiple beams of a terminal device, the first indication information includes a weighting coefficient corresponding to a reference beam, and the relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to K-1 other beams and the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam.

[0191] Optionally, the reference beam can be the first of at least two beams. For example, the network device can determine the reference beam among at least two beams according to the reporting format of the terminal device; for example, the reference beam is the first beam in the reporting format.

[0192] Alternatively, the reference beam can be a beam selected by the network device from at least two beams based on channel information. For example, the reference beam can be the beam with the best channel quality among at least two beams; the network device selects the beam with the best channel quality from at least two beams based on the channel information of each of the at least two beams to determine it as the reference beam.

[0193] It should be understood that the above-described method for determining the reference beam is merely an example of this application. The network device in this application embodiment may also use other methods to determine the reference beam among at least two beams. For example, the reference beam may also be any one of the at least two beams. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0194] Optionally, the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam include a first sub-coefficient and a second sub-coefficient; the relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to other beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam include a first relative value and a second relative value, wherein the first relative value is the relative value between the first sub-coefficients corresponding to other beams and the first sub-coefficients corresponding to the reference beam, and the second relative value is the relative value between the second sub-coefficients corresponding to other beams and the second sub-coefficients corresponding to the reference beam.

[0195] In one embodiment, the relative value can be either a difference or a ratio. When the relative value is a difference, the first relative value is the difference between the first sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the first sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam, and the second relative value is the difference between the second sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the second sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam. When the relative value is a ratio, the first relative value is the ratio between the first sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the first sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam, and the second relative value is the ratio between the second sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the second sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam.

[0196] As one possible implementation, the weighting coefficients for each beam can be a complex number.

[0197] The first sub-coefficient indicates the amplitude information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient indicates the phase information of the weighting coefficients.

[0198] For example, the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam include amplitude information and phase information. The relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to other beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam include a first relative value and a second relative value. The first relative value is the relative value between the amplitude information corresponding to other beams and the amplitude information corresponding to the reference beam, and the second relative value is the relative value between the phase information corresponding to other beams and the phase information corresponding to the reference beam.

[0199] Based on this, when the network device selects K beams from multiple beams of the terminal device, the first indication information includes the amplitude and phase information corresponding to the reference beam, as well as the first relative value and the second relative value corresponding to K-1 other beams.

[0200] Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the amplitude and phase information corresponding to the reference beam based on the first indication information. For each other beam, the amplitude information corresponding to the other beam is determined based on the first relative value corresponding to the other beam and the amplitude information corresponding to the reference beam; the phase information corresponding to the other beam is determined based on the second relative value corresponding to the other beam and the phase information corresponding to the reference beam. Thus, the terminal device can obtain the amplitude and phase information corresponding to each of at least two beams other than the reference beam, and generate a weighting coefficient corresponding to each other beam.

[0201] Optionally, the first sub-coefficient can also be used to indicate channel information corresponding to the beam, such as RSRP; for example, the first indication information includes RSRP and phase information corresponding to the reference beam, as well as a first relative value and a second relative value corresponding to each other beam, wherein the first relative value is the relative value between RSRP corresponding to other beams and RSRP corresponding to the reference beam, and the first relative value is the relative value between phase information corresponding to other beams and phase information corresponding to the reference beam.

[0202] Because there is a mapping relationship between the RSRP corresponding to a beam and the amplitude information; for example, the RSRP can be calculated based on the square of the amplitude. When the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the RSRP corresponding to a beam, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device determines the RSRP and phase information corresponding to each of at least two beams; for each beam, the amplitude information is determined based on the RSRP corresponding to the beam, and then a weighting coefficient corresponding to that beam is generated based on the amplitude information and the phase information.

[0203] Alternatively, the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the real part of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the imaginary part of the weighting coefficients.

[0204] For example, the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam include real part information and imaginary part information. The relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to other beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam include a first relative value and a second relative value. The first relative value is the relative value between the real part information of other beams and the real part information of the reference beam, and the second relative value is the relative value between the imaginary part information of other beams and the imaginary part information of the reference beam.

[0205] Based on this, when the network device selects K beams from multiple beams of the terminal device, the first indication information includes the real part information and imaginary part information corresponding to the reference beam, as well as the first relative value and the second relative value corresponding to K-1 other beams.

[0206] Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the real and imaginary parts of the reference beam based on the first indication information. For each other beam, the real part of the other beam is determined based on the first relative value of the other beam and the real part of the reference beam; the imaginary part of the other beam is determined based on the second relative value of the other beam and the imaginary part of the reference beam. Thus, the terminal device can obtain the real and imaginary parts of at least two beams and generate weighting coefficients for each beam.

[0207] Implementation method 3: The first indication information includes weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in at least two beams, excluding the reference beam.

[0208] In this implementation, the network device indicates to the terminal device the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams other than the reference beam through the first indication information.

[0209] For example, when a network device selects K beams from multiple beams of a terminal device, the first indication information includes weighting coefficients corresponding to K-1 beams other than the reference beam.

[0210] It should be noted that the method for determining the reference beam can be found in the description of Implementation Method 2 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0211] In implementation method 3, the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam can be a set value (or a default value). For example, the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam can be a set value agreed upon between the network device and the terminal device, or the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam can be a set value configured by the network device to the terminal device.

[0212] Optionally, the weighting coefficients include a first sub-coefficient and a second sub-coefficient; the first indication information includes the first sub-coefficient and the second sub-coefficient corresponding to at least two beams other than the reference beam.

[0213] For example, when a network device selects K beams from multiple beams of a terminal device, the first indication information includes the first sub-coefficient and the second sub-coefficient corresponding to K-1 beams.

[0214] As one possible implementation, the weighting coefficients for each beam can be a complex number.

[0215] The first sub-coefficient indicates the amplitude information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient indicates the phase information of the weighting coefficients. For example, the first indication information includes the amplitude and phase information corresponding to at least two beams other than the reference beam.

[0216] Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the amplitude and phase information corresponding to each of the at least two beams other than the reference beam based on the first indication information; and generate a weighting coefficient corresponding to each other beam based on the corresponding amplitude and phase information.

[0217] Optionally, the first sub-coefficient can also be used to indicate channel information corresponding to the beam, such as RSRP; for example, the first indication information includes RSRP and phase information corresponding to each of the at least two beams other than the reference beam.

[0218] Because there is a mapping relationship between the RSRP corresponding to the beam and the amplitude information; for example, the RSRP can be calculated based on the square of the amplitude. When the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the RSRP corresponding to the beam, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the amplitude information based on the RSRP, and then further generate the weighting coefficient corresponding to the beam based on the amplitude information and phase information.

[0219] Alternatively, the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the real part information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the imaginary part information of the weighting coefficients. For example, the first indication information includes the real and imaginary part information corresponding to each of at least two beams other than the reference beam.

[0220] Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the real part information and imaginary part information corresponding to each of the at least two beams other than the reference beam based on the first indication information; for each other beam, a weighting coefficient corresponding to that beam is generated based on the corresponding real part information and imaginary part information.

[0221] Implementation method 4: The first indication information includes the relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients of the other beams (excluding the reference beam) and the weighting coefficients of the reference beam.

[0222] In this implementation, the network device indicates to the terminal device, through the first indication information, the relative value between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams (excluding the reference beam) and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam.

[0223] For example, when a network device selects K beams from multiple beams of a terminal device, the first indication information includes the relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to K-1 other beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam.

[0224] It should be noted that the method for determining the reference beam can be found in the description of Implementation Method 2 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0225] In implementation method 4, the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam can be a set value (or a default value). For example, the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam can be a set value agreed upon between the network device and the terminal device, or the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam can be a set value configured by the network device to the terminal device.

[0226] Optionally, the weighting coefficients include a first sub-coefficient and a second sub-coefficient; the relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to other beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam include a first relative value and a second relative value, wherein the first relative value is the relative value between the first sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the first sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam, and the second relative value is the relative value between the second sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the second sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam.

[0227] In one embodiment, the relative value can be either a difference or a ratio. When the relative value is a difference, the first relative value is the difference between the first sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the first sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam, and the second relative value is the difference between the second sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the second sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam. When the relative value is a ratio, the first relative value is the ratio between the first sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the first sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam, and the second relative value is the ratio between the second sub-coefficient corresponding to other beams and the second sub-coefficient corresponding to the reference beam.

[0228] As one possible implementation, the weighting coefficients for each beam can be a complex number.

[0229] The first sub-coefficient indicates the amplitude information of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient indicates the phase information of the weighting coefficients.

[0230] For example, the weighting coefficients include amplitude information and phase information. The relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to other beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam include a first relative value and a second relative value. The first relative value is the relative value between the amplitude information corresponding to other beams and the amplitude information corresponding to the reference beam, and the second relative value is the relative value between the phase information corresponding to other beams and the phase information corresponding to the reference beam.

[0231] Based on this, when the network device selects K beams from multiple beams of the terminal device, the first indication information includes the first relative value and the second relative value corresponding to K-1 other beams other than the reference beam in at least two beams.

[0232] Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine the amplitude and phase information corresponding to each of the at least two beams other than the reference beam, based on the first indication information. Since the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam is a set value, the amplitude and phase information corresponding to the reference beam are also set values. For each other beam, the amplitude information corresponding to the other beam is determined based on the first relative value corresponding to the other beam and the amplitude information corresponding to the reference beam; the phase information is determined based on the second relative value corresponding to the other beam and the phase information corresponding to the reference beam. Thus, the terminal device can obtain the amplitude and phase information corresponding to each of the at least two beams other than the reference beam, and generate the weighting coefficient corresponding to each other beam.

[0233] Optionally, the first sub-coefficient can also be used to indicate channel information corresponding to the beam, such as RSRP; for example, the first indication information includes a first relative value and a second relative value corresponding to each of the other beams in at least two beams other than the reference beam, the first relative value being the relative value between the RSRP corresponding to the other beam and the RSRP corresponding to the reference beam, and the first relative value being the relative value between the phase information corresponding to the other beam and the phase information corresponding to the reference beam.

[0234] Because there is a mapping relationship between the RSRP corresponding to a beam and the amplitude information; for example, the RSRP can be calculated based on the square of the amplitude. When the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the RSRP corresponding to a beam, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device determines the RSRP and phase information corresponding to each of the at least two beams other than the reference beam; for each other beam, the amplitude information is determined based on the RSRP corresponding to the beam, and then a weighting coefficient corresponding to that beam is generated based on the amplitude information and the phase information.

[0235] Alternatively, the first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the real part of the weighting coefficients, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the imaginary part of the weighting coefficients.

[0236] For example, the weighting coefficients include real part information and imaginary part information. The relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to other beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam include a first relative value and a second relative value. The first relative value is the relative value between the real part information corresponding to other beams and the real part information corresponding to the reference beam, and the second relative value is the relative value between the imaginary part information corresponding to other beams and the imaginary part information corresponding to the reference beam.

[0237] Based on this, when the network device selects K beams from multiple beams of the terminal device, the first indication information includes the first relative value and the second relative value corresponding to K-1 other beams other than the reference beam in at least two beams.

[0238] Since the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam are set values, the real and imaginary information of the reference beam are also set values.

[0239] Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can, based on the first indication information, determine the real part information of each other beam according to the first relative value corresponding to the other beam and the real part information corresponding to the reference beam; and determine the imaginary part information of each other beam according to the second relative value corresponding to the other beam and the imaginary part information corresponding to the reference beam. Thus, the terminal device can obtain the real and imaginary part information of each other beam (excluding the reference beam) among at least two beams, and generate weighting coefficients for each other beam.

[0240] In this embodiment of the application, the network device, based on any of the above-described implementation methods, indicates weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams to the terminal device. After determining the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams, the terminal device can generate a composite beam based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams.

[0241] Optionally, the first indication information may also include reference signal resource identifiers corresponding to at least two beams.

[0242] In this application embodiment, there is a mapping relationship between the beams and the reference signal resources. When the first indication information sent by the network device to the terminal device includes reference signal resource identifiers corresponding to at least two beams, the terminal device can determine the at least two beams selected by the network device from the multiple beams of the terminal device based on the reference signal resource identifiers corresponding to the at least two beams.

[0243] The reference signal resources can be found in the explanation of resources in the terminology section above, and will not be repeated here.

[0244] The first indication information in this embodiment may further include first information, which is used to indicate the activation of the synthetic beam. Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can determine, based on the first information in the first indication information, to communicate with the network device based on the synthetic beam.

[0245] In one embodiment, the first indication information includes first information and information for indicating the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device. The information for indicating the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device can be found in any of the embodiments described above. For example, the first information and the information for indicating the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device can be carried in different fields of the first indication information.

[0246] Alternatively, the first instruction information in this embodiment may also include second information, which is used to instruct the deactivation of the synthetic beam. Accordingly, after receiving the first instruction information, the terminal device can determine to stop communicating with the network device based on the second information in the first instruction information.

[0247] When the first indication information includes the second information, the first indication information may not include information on the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device; alternatively, the first indication information may also include information on the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device. For example, the second information and the information on the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device may be carried in different fields of the first indication information. When the first indication information includes both the second information and the information on the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device, the terminal device receives the first indication information and determines, based on the second information, to stop communicating with the network device using the synthesized beam. The terminal device may ignore the information on the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device included in the first indication information.

[0248] As one possible implementation, the first information and the second information can be carried in different fields of the first indication information. For example, the first information can be carried in field 1 of the first indication information, and the second information can be carried in field 2 of the first indication information; for example, when the first indication information includes the first information, field 1 carries the first information, and field 2 can be empty; or, when the first indication information includes the second information, field 2 carries the second information, and field 1 can be empty.

[0249] As another possible implementation, the first information and the second information reuse the same field in the first instruction information. For example, the first information and the second information can be different information contents carried on the same field in the first instruction information; for example, the first information and the second information reuse field 3 in the first instruction information, where the information content carried on field 3 is 1 to represent the first information, and the information content carried on field 3 is 0 to represent the second information.

[0250] In this embodiment, the terminal device's beam includes multiple preset beams and a composite beam. During implementation, the terminal device needs to be compatible with both types of beams (i.e., multiple preset beams and a composite beam). The following describes a scheme for ensuring the terminal device is compatible with both multiple preset beams and a composite beam.

[0251] Currently, terminal devices support two types of beamforming: non-uniform beamforming and uniform beamforming. Non-uniform beamforming uses an independent beam for each channel (or reference signal), with independent signaling used to indicate the beam for each channel (or reference signal). Uniform beamforming uses a unified beam for multiple channels (or reference signals).

[0252] In the case of using a non-uniform beam, if the terminal device receives a first indication and determines to activate the composite beam, the terminal device uses the composite beam to communicate with the network device. In this case, the terminal device ignores the previously received non-uniform beam indication information. For example, the terminal device may ignore the spatial relation information or SRS resource indicator (SRI) information indicated by the network device. For instance, for a first uplink signal, if the first uplink signal uses a composite beam, the terminal device ignores the spatial relation information corresponding to the first uplink signal. Alternatively, for a first uplink signal, if the first uplink signal uses a composite beam, the terminal device ignores the SRI information corresponding to the first uplink signal. The first uplink signal can be a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or an SRS. The network device indicates whether a first uplink signal uses a composite beam via RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI. Alternatively, the network device indicates the use of a first uplink signal employing a synthesized beam via RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI. The spatial relation information corresponding to the first uplink signal refers to the spatial relation information indicated by the network device for that first uplink signal. The SRI information corresponding to the first uplink signal refers to the SRI information indicated by the network device for that first uplink signal.

[0253] When using a unified beam, if the terminal device receives the first indication information and determines to activate the synthetic beam, the terminal device uses the synthetic beam to communicate with the network device. In this case, the terminal device ignores the previously received unified beam indication information. For example, for a first uplink signal, if the first uplink signal uses a synthetic beam, the terminal device ignores the quasi-co-location (QCL) information or spatial relation information in the transceiver configuration indicator (TCI) state corresponding to the first uplink signal. In this case, only information other than the beam indication information in the TCI-state, such as power control information, can be used. The TCI state corresponding to the first uplink signal can be a unified uplink / downlink TCI-state or an uplink TCI-state. If the first uplink signal uses a unified beam, the TCI state corresponding to the first uplink signal can refer to the same TCI-state indicated by the DCI. If the first uplink signal does not use a unified beam, the TCI state corresponding to the first uplink signal can be a TCI-state specifically indicated by the network device for that first uplink signal.

[0254] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 9, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the terminal device in any of the embodiments described above. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments above.

[0255] The communication device 900 includes a communication unit 901 and a processing unit 902.

[0256] The processing unit 902 is used for data processing. The communication unit 901 can implement corresponding communication functions. The communication unit 901 can also be called a communication interface, communication module, transceiver unit, or transceiver module.

[0257] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a storage unit 903, which may be used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processing unit 902 may read the computer programs or instructions and / or data in the storage unit 903 so that the communication device 900 implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0258] The communication device 900 can be a device on the terminal device side in the above embodiments, such as a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions.

[0259] The processing unit 902 is used to perform processing-related operations on the terminal device side in the above method embodiment. The communication unit 901 is used to perform transmission and reception-related operations on the terminal device side in the above method embodiment.

[0260] Optionally, the communication unit 901 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0261] It should be noted that the communication unit 901 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 900 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 900 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0262] Optionally, the communication device 900 is used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in any of the embodiments described above.

[0263] For example, the communication device 900 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0264] The communication unit 901 is used to receive first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device; the processing unit 902 is used to generate a composite beam according to the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams.

[0265] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0266] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, the function of the processing unit 902 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 901 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0267] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 902 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 unit 901 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0268] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 10, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the network device in any of the embodiments above. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments above.

[0269] The communication device 1000 includes a communication unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002.

[0270] The processing unit 1002 is used for data processing. The communication unit 1001 can implement corresponding communication functions. The communication unit 1001 can also be called a communication interface, a communication module, a transceiver unit, or a transceiver module.

[0271] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit 1003, which may be used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1002 may read the computer programs or instructions and / or data in the storage unit 1003 so that the communication device 1000 implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0272] The communication device 1000 can be a device on the network device side in the above embodiments, such as a network device or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit, chip, or chip system in a network device that is responsible for communication functions.

[0273] The processing unit 1002 is used to perform processing-related operations on the network device side in the above method embodiment. The communication unit 1001 is used to perform transmission-reception-related operations on the network device side in the above method embodiment.

[0274] Optionally, the communication unit 1001 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0275] It should be noted that the communication unit 1001 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 1000 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1000 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0276] Optionally, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the network device in any of the embodiments described above.

[0277] For example, the communication device 1000 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0278] The processing unit 1002 is used to determine the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device, and the weighting coefficients are used to generate a composite beam; the communication unit 1001 is used to send first indication information to the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the weighting coefficients.

[0279] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0280] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a network device or a communication module within a network device, the functionality of the processing unit 1002 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 unit 1001 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0281] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit, chip, or chip system responsible for communication functions in a network device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1002 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 unit 1001 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0282] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be 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 each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0283] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0284] In one example, the aforementioned storage unit 903 or storage unit 1003 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0285] This application embodiment also provides a communication device 1100. The communication device 1100 includes a processor 1110, which is coupled to a memory 1120. The memory 1120 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1110 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1120, so that the methods in the above method embodiments are executed.

[0286] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may include one or more processors 1110.

[0287] Optionally, as shown in FIG11, the communication device 1100 may also include a memory 1120.

[0288] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may include one or more memory 1120s.

[0289] Optionally, the memory 1120 can be integrated with the processor 1110, or it can be set separately.

[0290] Optionally, as shown in FIG11, the communication device 1100 may further include a transceiver 1130, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 1110 is used to control the transceiver 1130 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0291] As one approach, the communication device 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0292] For example, processor 1110 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and transceiver 1130 is used to implement the sending and receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0293] As an alternative, the communication device 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0294] For example, processor 1110 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the network device in the above method embodiments, and transceiver 1130 is used to implement the sending and receiving-related operations performed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0295] This application also provides a communication device 1200, which can be a terminal device, a processor (circuit) of the terminal device, or a chip. The communication device 1200 can be used to perform the operations performed by the terminal device in the method embodiments described above.

[0296] When the communication device 1200 is a terminal device, Figure 12 shows a simplified structural diagram of the terminal device. As shown in Figure 12, the terminal device includes a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver includes a transmitter 1231, a receiver 1232, radio frequency circuitry (not shown in the figure), an antenna 1233, and input / output devices (not shown in the figure).

[0297] Optionally, the terminal device may also include a memory that can store computer program code and / or data.

[0298] The processor is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling terminal devices, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory is primarily used for storing software programs and data. The radio frequency (RF) circuit is primarily used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input / output devices.

[0299] When data needs to be sent, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as an electromagnetic wave through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal back into data and processes it. For ease of explanation, Figure 12 only shows one memory, processor, and transceiver. In actual terminal products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory can also be called a storage medium or storage device. The memory can be set up independently of the processor or integrated with the processor; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0300] In the embodiments of this application, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver function can be regarded as the communication unit of the terminal device, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing unit of the terminal device.

[0301] As shown in Figure 12, the terminal device includes a processor 1210, a memory 1220, and a transceiver 1230. The processor 1210 can also be referred to as a processing unit, processing board, processing module, processing device, etc. The transceiver 1230 can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc.

[0302] Optionally, the device in transceiver 1230 used for receiving can be considered a receiving module, and the device in transceiver 1230 used for transmitting can be considered a transmitting module. That is, transceiver 1230 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver is sometimes also called a transceiver unit, transceiver module, or transceiver circuit. A receiver is sometimes also called a receiver unit, receiver module, or receiver circuit. A transmitter is sometimes also called a transmitter, transmitter module, or transmitter circuit.

[0303] The processor 1201 is used to perform the processing actions on the terminal device side in the above embodiment, and the transceiver 1230 is used to perform the sending and receiving actions on the terminal device side in the above embodiment.

[0304] It should be understood that Figure 12 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the terminal device described above, including the communication unit and the processing unit, may not depend on the structure shown in Figure 9 or Figure 12.

[0305] When the communication device 1200 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. Optionally, the chip may also include a memory. In the above method embodiments, the sending operation of the terminal device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0306] This application also provides a communication device 1300, which can be a network device, a processor (circuit) of the network device, or a chip. The communication device 1300 can be used to perform the operations performed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0307] When the communication device 1300 is a network device, such as a base station, Figure 13 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a base station structure. The base station includes part 1310 and part 1330. Part 1310 is mainly used for baseband processing and base station control; part 1310 is usually the control center of the base station, often referred to as a processor, used to control the base station to perform the processing operations on the network device side in the above method embodiments. Part 1330 is mainly used for the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals and the conversion between radio frequency signals and baseband signals; part 1330 can often be referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver module of part 1330, also referred to as a transceiver or transceiver, includes an antenna 1333 and a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), wherein the radio frequency circuit is mainly used for radio frequency processing. Optionally, the device in part 1330 used to implement the receiving function can be regarded as a receiver, and the device used to implement the transmitting function can be regarded as a transmitter, that is, part 1330 includes a receiver 1332 and a transmitter 1331. A receiver can also be called a receiving module, receiver, or receiving circuit, while a transmitter can be called a transmitting module, transmitter, or transmitting circuit. Optionally, the base station may also include a 1320 section, which is mainly used to store computer program code and / or data.

[0308] Sections 1310 and 1320 may include one or more circuit boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs from the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple circuit boards exist, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an alternative implementation, multiple circuit boards may share one or more processors, multiple circuit boards may share one or more memories, or multiple circuit boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0309] For example, the transceiver module in section 1330 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the network device in the above embodiments. The processor in section 1310 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the network device in the above embodiments.

[0310] It should be understood that Figure 13 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network device described above, including the processor, memory, and transceiver, may not depend on the structure shown in Figure 10 or Figure 13.

[0311] When the communication device 1300 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be an integrated processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit on the chip. Optionally, the chip may also include a memory. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the network device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0312] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions for implementing the methods executed by a terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0313] For example, when the computer program or instructions are executed by the computer, the computer can implement the method executed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0314] This application also provides a computer program product containing a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to implement the method executed by a terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0315] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the terminal device and the network device described in the above embodiments.

[0316] This application also provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the processor to execute the methods provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0317] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any of the embodiments shown in 6 or FIG. 8 above, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any of the embodiments shown in 6 or FIG. 8 above.

[0318] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0319] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory in which computer programs or instructions are stored.

[0320] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program that controls the methods provided in any of the above embodiments. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0321] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0322] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0323] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0324] 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.

[0325] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0326] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device; A composite beam is generated based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the weighting coefficients corresponding to each of the beams; or The first indication information includes the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam in the at least two beams, and the relative value between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in the at least two beams besides the reference beam and the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam; or The first indication information includes the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in the at least two beams besides the reference beam; or The first indication information includes the relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams (excluding the reference beam) among the at least two beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The weighting coefficients include a first sub-coefficient and a second sub-coefficient; The first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the amplitude information of the weighting coefficient, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the phase information of the weighting coefficient; or The first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the real part information of the weighting coefficient, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the imaginary part information of the weighting coefficient.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first indication information includes reference signal resource identifiers corresponding to the at least two beams.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first indication information includes first information, which is used to indicate the activation of the synthetic beam; or The first indication information includes second information, which is used to indicate the deactivation of the synthetic beam.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first information and the second information reuse the same field from the first indication information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in at least one of the following signaling: Media Access Control-Control Unit (MAC-CE) signaling, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The step of generating a composite beam based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams includes: Based on the weighting coefficients corresponding to the at least two beams, the simulated beam weights corresponding to the at least two beams are combined to obtain the simulated beam weights of the synthesized beam. The synthesized beam is generated based on the simulated beam weights of the synthesized beam.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Determine the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device, the weighting coefficients being used to generate a composite beam; Send a first indication message to the terminal device, the first indication message being used to indicate the weighting coefficient.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The determination of the weighting coefficients corresponding to at least two beams of the terminal device includes: The weighting coefficients are determined based on the channel information between the beams of the network device and at least two beams of the terminal device.

11. The method as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the weighting coefficients corresponding to each of the beams; or The first indication information includes the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam in the at least two beams, and the relative value between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in the at least two beams besides the reference beam and the weighting coefficient corresponding to the reference beam; or The first indication information includes the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams in the at least two beams besides the reference beam; or The first indication information includes the relative values ​​between the weighting coefficients corresponding to the other beams (excluding the reference beam) among the at least two beams and the weighting coefficients corresponding to the reference beam.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The weighting coefficients include a first sub-coefficient and a second sub-coefficient; The first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the amplitude information of the weighting coefficient, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the phase information of the weighting coefficient; or The first sub-coefficient is used to indicate the real part information of the weighting coefficient, and the second sub-coefficient is used to indicate the imaginary part information of the weighting coefficient.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The first indication information includes reference signal resource identifiers corresponding to the at least two first beams.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, The first indication information includes first information, which is used to indicate the activation of the synthetic beam; or The first indication information includes second information, which is used to indicate the deactivation of the synthetic beam.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first information and the second information reuse the same field from the first indication information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in at least one of the following signaling: Media Access Control-Control Unit (MAC-CE) signaling, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes one or more processors; the one or more processors are configured to execute a computer program in memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

19. The communication device as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that, The device further includes the memory for storing computer programs or instructions.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

21. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product includes computer program code that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

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