Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method may comprise: a first apparatus receives first instruction information from a second apparatus, wherein the first instruction information can be used for instructing the first apparatus to send precoding of a first reference signal, and the precoding of the first reference signal is associated with channel-related information of a plurality of first apparatuses served by the second apparatus. In the method, sending of precoding of a first reference signal by a terminal device can be instructed by a network device, and the precoding is associated with channel-related information of a plurality of terminal devices served by the network device. Therefore, the network device can determine the precoding of the first reference signal on the basis of the channel-related information of the plurality of terminal devices served by the network device. By means of the design of precoding by the network device, the first reference signals sent by the terminal devices can be distinguished during transmission. On this basis, pilot interference between the first reference signals of the terminal devices is avoided, thereby improving the accuracy of channel measurement.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411999692.5, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 31, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically to communication methods and communication apparatus in the field of communications. Background Technology

[0003] In channel measurements of communication systems, accurate reception of reference signals by communication equipment is crucial. Taking uplink channel measurement as an example, in some scenarios, network equipment may simultaneously receive reference signals transmitted by multiple terminal devices. However, pilot interference may exist between the reference signals transmitted by multiple terminal devices, which may affect the network equipment's reception of the reference signals, leading to inaccurate channel measurements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can determine the precoding of the reference signal transmitted by each terminal device based on channel-related information of multiple terminal devices, so as to avoid interference between the reference signals of each terminal device and help improve the accuracy of channel measurement.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first device. The first device can be a terminal device, or it can be a component or device of the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0006] The method may include: a first device receiving first indication information from a second device, the first indication information being used to instruct the first device to transmit a pre-coded first reference signal, the pre-coded first reference signal being associated with channel-related information of multiple first devices served by the second device.

[0007] In the above scheme, the precoding of the first reference signal transmitted by the terminal device can be indicated by the network device, and the precoding is associated with channel-related information of multiple terminal devices served by the network device. Therefore, the network device can determine the precoding of the first reference signal based on the channel-related information of the multiple terminal devices served by the network device. Through the design of the precoding by the network device, the first reference signal of each terminal device can be distinguished during transmission. Based on this, pilot interference between the first reference signals of different terminal devices can be avoided, and the accuracy of channel measurement can be improved.

[0008] In some possible implementations, before the first device receives the first instruction information from the second device, the method may further include:

[0009] The first device sends a second indication information determined based on multiple channel measurements. The second indication information can be used to indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel, and the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be used to determine the channel-related information of the channel.

[0010] The second indication information determined by multiple measurements can more accurately determine channel-related information, which helps the second device to more accurately determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be characteristic coefficients with energy greater than a first threshold.

[0012] Feature coefficients with energy greater than the first threshold generally have higher energy and contribute more to channel-related information. Conversely, feature coefficients with energy less than the first threshold generally have lower energy and contribute less to channel-related information. Therefore, excluding feature coefficients with lower energy when indicating the correlation between feature coefficients can save on indication overhead.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of feature coefficients.

[0014] Based on the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients, the first device can accurately indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients through the second indication information.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0016] By indicating elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number, the overhead of indicating the correlation matrix can be saved.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the statistical feature basis, and the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

[0018] Based on the statistical feature basis, the second device can determine the relationship between the characteristic coefficients of the channel and the channel.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix, which in turn indicates the statistical feature basis.

[0020] Based on the DFT matrix, the second device can accurately reconstruct the statistical feature basis.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the second indication information may be acquired based on the CSI-RS measurement by the first device.

[0022] Based on CSI-RS, the first device can obtain accurate second indication information.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be sent periodically.

[0024] The second indication information, which is sent periodically, helps the second device to periodically obtain channel-related information from the first device.

[0025] In some possible implementations, one transmission cycle of the second indication information may include multiple transmission cycles of the first reference signal.

[0026] Therefore, it helps to save the cost of the first device instructing the second instruction information.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the indication of the first indication information can be a periodic indication.

[0028] The first indication information based on the periodic indication helps the first device periodically determine the precode for transmitting the first reference signal.

[0029] In some possible implementations, one indication period of the first indication information may include multiple transmission periods of the second indication information.

[0030] This helps to shorten the indication cycle of the first indication information.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the channel can be a channel between a first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

[0032] Based on this, the second device can determine the pre-encoding of the first reference signal sent by the first device to each second device, and there is no need for multiple second devices to share information, which can save the overhead of the second devices.

[0033] In some possible implementations, channel-related information can be used to determine the SINR of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, where the first port can be the port through which the first device transmits the first reference signal, and the SINR can be used to determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0034] Based on the SINR of the first port, the second device can understand the ratio of the strength of the useful signal transmitted by the first port to the strength of the interference signal (noise and interference), which helps the second device to reduce the impact of interference on the useful signal.

[0035] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a second device. The second device can be a network device, or it can be a component or device of a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0036] The method may include: a second device sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct a first device to send a pre-coded first reference signal, the pre-coded first reference signal being associated with channel-related information of multiple first devices served by the second device.

[0037] In the above scheme, the network device can determine the precoding of the first reference signal transmitted by the terminal device based on the channel-related information of multiple terminal devices served by the network device, and instruct the terminal device on the precoding. Therefore, through the design of the precoding by the network device, the first reference signal of each terminal device can be distinguished during transmission. Based on this, pilot interference between the first reference signals of different terminal devices can be avoided, and the accuracy of channel measurement can be improved.

[0038] In some possible implementations, before the second device sends the first instruction information, the method may further include:

[0039] The second device receives second indication information from the first device based on multiple channel measurements. The second indication information can be used to indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel, and the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be used to determine the channel-related information of the channel.

[0040] The second indication information determined by multiple measurements can more accurately determine channel-related information, which helps the second device to more accurately determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be characteristic coefficients with energy greater than a first threshold.

[0042] Feature coefficients with energy greater than the first threshold generally have higher energy and contribute more to channel-related information. Conversely, feature coefficients with energy less than the first threshold generally have lower energy and contribute less to channel-related information. Therefore, excluding feature coefficients with lower energy when indicating the correlation between feature coefficients can save on indication overhead.

[0043] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of feature coefficients.

[0044] Based on the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients, the first device can accurately indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients through the second indication information.

[0045] In some possible implementations, the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0046] By indicating elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number, the overhead of indicating the correlation matrix can be saved.

[0047] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the statistical feature basis, and the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

[0048] Based on the statistical feature basis, the second device can determine the relationship between the characteristic coefficients of the channel and the channel.

[0049] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix, which in turn indicates the statistical feature basis.

[0050] Based on the DFT matrix, the second device can accurately reconstruct the statistical feature basis.

[0051] In some possible implementations, the second indication information may be acquired based on the CSI-RS measurement by the first device.

[0052] Based on CSI-RS, the first device can obtain accurate second indication information.

[0053] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be sent periodically.

[0054] The second indication information, which is sent periodically, helps the second device to periodically obtain channel-related information from the first device.

[0055] In some possible implementations, one transmission cycle of the second indication information may include multiple transmission cycles of the first reference signal.

[0056] Therefore, it helps to save the cost of the first device instructing the second instruction information.

[0057] In some possible implementations, the indication of the first indication information can be a periodic indication.

[0058] The first indication information based on the periodic indication helps the first device periodically determine the precode for transmitting the first reference signal.

[0059] In some possible implementations, one indication period of the first indication information may include multiple transmission periods of the second indication information.

[0060] This helps to shorten the indication cycle of the first indication information.

[0061] In some possible implementations, the channel can be a channel between a first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

[0062] Based on this, the second device can determine the pre-encoding of the first reference signal sent by the first device to each second device, and there is no need for multiple second devices to share information, which can save the overhead of the second devices.

[0063] In some possible implementations, channel-related information can be used to determine the SINR of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, where the first port can be the port through which the first device transmits the first reference signal, and the SINR can be used to determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0064] Based on the SINR of the first port, the second device can understand the ratio of the strength of the useful signal transmitted by the first port to the strength of the interference signal (noise and interference), which helps the second device to reduce the impact of interference on the useful signal.

[0065] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first device. The first device can be a terminal device, or it can be a component or device of a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0066] The method may include: a first device generating second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the correlation between characteristic coefficients of the channel, the correlation between characteristic coefficients being used to determine channel-related information of the channel; and the first device transmitting the second indication information.

[0067] In the above scheme, the terminal device can indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel through the second indication information. Based on the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel, the device receiving the second indication information can determine the channel-related information.

[0068] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: a first device receiving first indication information from a second device, the first indication information being determined based on second indication information, and the first indication information being used to instruct the first device to transmit precoding of a first reference signal.

[0069] Optionally, the first reference signal may be an SRS.

[0070] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: the first device receiving first data from the second device, the precoding of the first data being determined based on second indication information.

[0071] Optionally, the first data may be data carried on the PDSCH.

[0072] In some possible implementations, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be characteristic coefficients with energy greater than a first threshold.

[0073] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of feature coefficients.

[0074] In some possible implementations, the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0075] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the statistical feature basis, and the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

[0076] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix, which in turn indicates the statistical feature basis.

[0077] In some possible implementations, the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be obtained based on multiple measurements of CSI-RS by the first device.

[0078] In some possible implementations, the channel can be a channel between a first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

[0079] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a second device. The second device can be a network device, or it can be a component or device of a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0080] The method may include: a second device receiving second indication information from a first device, the second indication information being used to indicate the correlation between characteristic coefficients of a channel, the correlation between characteristic coefficients being used to determine channel-related information of the channel; the second device determining a precoding of first indication information or first data based on the second indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the first device to transmit a precoding of a first reference signal.

[0081] Optionally, the first reference signal may be an SRS.

[0082] Optionally, the first data may be data carried on the PDSCH.

[0083] In the above scheme, the network device can determine channel-related information based on the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel of the terminal device. Based on this channel-related information, the network device can accurately determine the precoding of the first reference signal or the precoding of the first data transmitted by the first device.

[0084] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: the second device sending first instruction information.

[0085] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: the second device transmitting the first data based on the pre-encoded first data.

[0086] In some possible implementations, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be characteristic coefficients with energy greater than a first threshold.

[0087] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of feature coefficients.

[0088] In some possible implementations, the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0089] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the statistical feature basis, and the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

[0090] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix, which in turn indicates the statistical feature basis.

[0091] In some possible implementations, the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be obtained based on multiple measurements of CSI-RS by the first device.

[0092] In some possible implementations, the channel can be a channel between a first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

[0093] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which is a first device and may include a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit may be used to receive first indication information from a second device, the first indication information being used to instruct the first device to transmit a pre-coded first reference signal, the pre-coded first reference signal being associated with channel-related information of a plurality of first devices served by the second device.

[0094] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit can also be used to transmit second indication information determined based on multiple channel measurements. The second indication information can be used to indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel, and the correlation between the characteristic coefficients can be used to determine the channel-related information of the channel.

[0095] In some possible implementations, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be characteristic coefficients with energy greater than a first threshold.

[0096] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of feature coefficients.

[0097] In some possible implementations, the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0098] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the statistical feature basis, and the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

[0099] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix, which in turn indicates the statistical feature basis.

[0100] In some possible implementations, the second indication information may be acquired based on the CSI-RS measurement by the first device.

[0101] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be sent periodically.

[0102] In some possible implementations, one transmission cycle of the second indication information may include multiple transmission cycles of the first reference signal.

[0103] In some possible implementations, the indication of the first indication information can be a periodic indication.

[0104] In some possible implementations, one indication period of the first indication information may include multiple transmission periods of the second indication information.

[0105] In some possible implementations, the channel can be a channel between a first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

[0106] In some possible implementations, channel-related information can be used to determine the SINR of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, where the first port can be the port through which the first device transmits the first reference signal, and the SINR can be used to determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0107] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is a second device, and the communication device may include a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit can be used to transmit first indication information, which can be used to instruct a first device to transmit a pre-coded first reference signal, wherein the pre-coded first reference signal is determined in association with channel-related information of a plurality of first devices served by the second device.

[0108] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit can also be used to receive second indication information from the first device based on multiple channel measurements. The second indication information can be used to indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel, and the correlation between the characteristic coefficients can be used to determine the channel-related information of the channel.

[0109] In some possible implementations, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be characteristic coefficients with energy greater than a first threshold.

[0110] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of feature coefficients.

[0111] In some possible implementations, the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0112] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the statistical feature basis, and the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

[0113] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix, which in turn indicates the statistical feature basis.

[0114] In some possible implementations, the second indication information may be acquired based on the CSI-RS measurement by the first device.

[0115] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be sent periodically.

[0116] In some possible implementations, one transmission cycle of the second indication information may include multiple transmission cycles of the first reference signal.

[0117] In some possible implementations, the indication of the first indication information can be a periodic indication.

[0118] In some possible implementations, one indication period of the first indication information may include multiple transmission periods of the second indication information.

[0119] In some possible implementations, the channel can be a channel between a first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

[0120] In some possible implementations, channel-related information can be used to determine the SINR of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, where the first port can be the port through which the first device transmits the first reference signal, and the SINR can be used to determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0121] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may include at least one unit or module that can be used to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0122] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, which may include at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one memory being used to store computer programs or instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the communication device to implement the methods of any of the above aspects.

[0123] In some possible implementations, the communication device also includes at least one memory. Optionally, the memory and processor are integrated together.

[0124] In some possible implementations, the communication device is a chip or chip system.

[0125] Ninthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the preceding aspects to be performed.

[0126] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the preceding aspects to be performed.

[0127] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, comprising a first means (e.g., a terminal device) for performing the method of any of the above aspects and / or a second means (e.g., a network device) for performing the method of any of the above aspects.

[0128] It is understood that the beneficial effects of the third to eleventh aspects mentioned above can be found in the relevant descriptions in the first and second aspects mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0129] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0130] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0131] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the reciprocity-based downlink channel estimation process provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0132] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of uplink channel measurement in the CJT scenario provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0133] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0134] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0135] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0136] Figure 7 is an example diagram of the statistical feature basis and feature coefficient matrix provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0137] Figure 8 is a beam example diagram of UE transmitting SRS provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0138] Figure 9 is an example diagram of the interaction method between the UE and the base station provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0139] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0140] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0141] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0142] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0143] It should be understood that the methods, situations, categories, and classifications of embodiments in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and should not constitute any particular limitation. Various methods, categories, situations, and features in embodiments can be combined without contradiction. It should also be understood that the terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application are merely for distinction and should not constitute any limitation on this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0144] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, or c can be single or multiple.

[0145] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0146] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0147] In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, implicit instruction, and so on. When describing instruction information as being used to instruct A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, carries the identifier of A, carries B which is associated with A, carries the identifier of B which is associated with A, and so on. In other words, if the receiving side of instruction information can determine A based on the instruction information, it can be described as the instruction information being used to instruct A, and the specific method of determination is not limited. When it is understood that the instruction information carries A, "instruction" or "used to instruct" can be replaced with "includes". In this case, a statement such as "sending / receiving instruction information, the instruction information being used to instruct A" can be replaced with "sending / receiving A".

[0148] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0149] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, traces, or interfaces.

[0150] The methods and apparatus provided in this application are based on the same or similar technical concepts. Since the methods and apparatus solve problems in similar ways, the implementation of the apparatus and methods can refer to each other, and repeated parts will not be described again.

[0151] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), 5th Generation (5G) system, or New Radio (NR) system, or future communication systems, etc.

[0152] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will first be described with reference to FIG1. ​​As shown in FIG1, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one network device (FIG. 110a, 110b and 110c in FIG1), and may also include at least one terminal (FIG. 120a to 120g in FIG1).

[0153] The terminal device in this application embodiment may refer to user equipment (UE), station, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), user terminal, terminal (or terminal device), wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device, etc., or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to users, or an Internet of Things device. For example, terminal devices include handheld devices with wireless connection functions, vehicle-mounted devices, etc., but this application embodiment does not limit this. The terminal device in this application embodiment may be a mobile phone, cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication function, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, large screen, vehicle-mounted device (e.g., car, bicycle, electric vehicle, airplane, ship, train, high-speed rail, etc.), wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, smart bracelet, pedometer, smart glasses, etc.), machine type communication (MTC) terminal device, terminal device in 5G network, or terminal device in future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and is not limited to this in this application embodiment.The terminal device in the embodiments of this application may also be a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a point of sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), a light UE, a reduced capability UE (REDCAP UE), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a smart home device (e.g., a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner, an electricity meter, etc.), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, 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, or a flying device (e.g., a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. Terminal devices can also be vehicle devices, such as vehicle devices, vehicle modules, vehicle chips, on-board units (OBU), or telematics boxes (T-BOX). Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, a terminal device can also be a device that plays a terminal function in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0154] In some implementations, the terminal device can be used to act as a base station. Alternatively, the terminal device can act as a scheduling entity to provide sidelink signals between terminal devices in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or D2D scenarios, for example, cellular phones and cars can communicate using sidelink signals, or cellular phones and smart home devices can communicate using sidelink signals without relaying communication signals through a base station.

[0155] The network device (or communication device) in this application embodiment can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects a terminal device to a wireless network, and can also be called a base station (BS). For example, the network device can be a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a next-generation base station (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), an access point (AP), a network device (such as a satellite) in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) system, one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system, an access point (AP) in a base station or wireless fidelity (WiFi) system in a future mobile communication system, a radio controller, relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, or network device in other future evolved communication systems, etc.

[0156] In some implementations, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). In different systems, CUs (or CU-CPs and CU-UPs), DUs, or RUs may have different names, but their meanings will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in an Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) system, a CU can also be called an Open CU (O-CU), a DU can also be called an Open DU (O-DU), a CU-CP can also be called an O-CU-CP, a CU-UP can also be called an O-CU-UP, and a RU can also be called an O-RU. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. It should be understood that this application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network equipment.

[0157] In some implementations, the network device can be fixed or mobile, and this application does not limit this. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a mobile network device, and one or more cells can move according to the location of the mobile network device. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another network device.

[0158] In some implementations, network devices can be deployed on land or in the air, and this application does not limit this. For example, network devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites.

[0159] In this embodiment, the terminal device or network device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment.

[0160] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0161] It should be understood that the above communication system is illustrated using a 5G system as an example. Of course, this application can also be applied to other 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) communication systems, such as future wireless communication systems. The embodiments of this application are not limited in this respect.

[0162] It should be understood that all or part of the functions of the communication device in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0163] It should be understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will know that with the evolution of network architecture, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to similar technical problems.

[0164] Channel measurement is a critical activity in communication systems. Channel measurement can include uplink channel measurement (also known as uplink channel estimation) and downlink channel measurement (also known as downlink channel estimation).

[0165] In uplink channel measurements, network devices can measure reference signals transmitted by terminal devices to estimate the channel state information (CSI) of the uplink channel between the terminal devices and network devices. For example, the reference signal used for uplink channel measurements can be a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0166] In some systems (such as TDD systems), the uplink and downlink channels are reciprocal, so network devices can determine the downlink channel CSI based on the uplink channel CSI and then perform downlink channel estimation.

[0167] The following section uses uplink channel measurement based on SRS in a TDD system as an example to provide a detailed introduction to downlink channel estimation based on reciprocity. In a TDD system, since the uplink and downlink channels use the same frequency band, they are reciprocal. Reciprocity typically refers to the consistency of the transmit / receive amplitude ratio, transmit / receive phase difference, and transmit / receive delay among the various channels. Therefore, the downlink channel CSI can be estimated based on the uplink channel CSI.

[0168] As shown in Figure 2, the reciprocity-based downlink channel estimation in the TDD system can include steps 1-4, where the network device is a base station and the terminal device is a UE.

[0169] Step 1: The base station sends SRS-based channel estimation configuration information to the UE to inform the UE of the timing and behavior of SRS pilot measurements, etc.

[0170] Step 2: Based on the base station's configuration information, the UE sends an SRS to the base station.

[0171] Step 3: The base station measures the SRS transmitted by the UE. Based on the SRS measurement results, the base station can obtain the uplink channel CSI. Furthermore, based on reciprocity, the base station can estimate the downlink channel CSI, and then determine the precoding for transmitting downlink data to the UE based on the downlink channel CSI.

[0172] Step 4: The base station sends downlink data to the UE based on the precoding of the downlink data.

[0173] As described above, the accuracy of uplink channel measurements is particularly important. The accuracy of uplink channel measurements affects not only the accurate estimation of uplink channel CSI but also the accurate estimation of downlink channel CSI. For uplink channel measurements, the accurate reception of the reference signal by the communication equipment determines the accuracy of the uplink channel measurement.

[0174] In some scenarios (such as coherent joint transmission (CJT) scenarios) of uplink channel measurement, network devices may simultaneously receive reference signals transmitted by multiple terminal devices. However, pilot interference may exist between the reference signals transmitted by multiple terminal devices, which may affect the network device's reception of the reference signals, resulting in inaccurate uplink channel measurements.

[0175] The following section uses the CJT scenario as an example to explain the above issues in detail.

[0176] CJT refers to a method where the UE is provided with services by multiple base stations through joint transmission. All base stations participating in the joint transmission can transmit the same data stream to the UE, resulting in coherent superposition of the received signals at the UE. Based on this, interference between the signals of each base station can be coherently canceled, thereby effectively improving the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) of downlink transmission, and thus greatly improving network throughput and user experience.

[0177] Typically, performance improvements in CJTs depend on the accuracy of downlink channel CSI measurements. Due to reciprocity, downlink channel CSI can be estimated from uplink channel CSI. Therefore, the key to improving CJT performance lies in the accurate measurement of uplink channel CSI.

[0178] However, as shown in Figure 3, the number of channels that need to be measured in the SRS-based uplink channel measurement in the CJT scenario increases significantly. Each UE needs to send SRS to each base station, resulting in a large overlap between the cooperative sets of different UEs. This leads to increased and enhanced SRS pilot interference, limiting the accuracy of SRS channel estimation, which severely restricts the performance of CJT.

[0179] How a UE transmits SRS is typically determined by the SRS precoding scheme. However, these precoding schemes often fail to account for SRS interference between different UEs. Taking one UE SRS precoding scheme as an example, this scheme is related to the UE's spatial statistical feature vector matrix. The UE's spatial statistical feature vector matrix is ​​V = svd(E(H... HH)), where H represents the UE's channel matrix, and H has dimensions N1N2*N3, where N1 is the base station-side spatial dimension, N2 is the frequency domain dimension, and N3 is the UE-side spatial dimension. H Let H be the conjugate transpose of H, svd() denotes singular value decomposition (SVD), and E() denotes the expectation. This scheme selects the first N statistical eigenvectors V1, V2…V from the spatial domain statistical eigenvector matrix. N The SRS precoding on the UE side is recomposed, where N is the number of SRS ports. When the number of N is less than the number of SRS transmit antennas on the UE side, the number of SRS ports can be reduced, thereby shortening the SRS transmission cycle and alleviating CSI aging.

[0180] The aforementioned SRS precoding scheme aims to improve the SRS signal-to-noise ratio for each UE, but it does not consider pilot interference between UEs. In CJT transmission mode, if the above SRS precoding scheme is used, it will not achieve the goal of reducing pilot interference and improving the accuracy of SRS channel estimation.

[0181] To address one or more of the aforementioned technical problems, this application proposes a communication method. In this method, the precoding of a first reference signal transmitted by a terminal device can be indicated by a network device, and the precoding is associated with channel-related information of multiple terminal devices served by the network device. Therefore, the network device can determine the precoding of the first reference signal based on the channel-related information of the multiple terminal devices served by the network device. Through the design of the precoding by the network device, the first reference signal of each terminal device can be distinguished during transmission. Based on this, pilot interference between the first reference signals of different terminal devices can be avoided, and the accuracy of channel measurement can be improved.

[0182] The following describes an embodiment of the communication method of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0183] Figure 4 illustrates a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the communication method 400 can be applied to a first device and a second device.

[0184] The first device can be a terminal device, which can be a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a UE. Alternatively, the first device can be a component or device of the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). Or, the first device can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions, such as a radio resource control (RRC) signaling interaction module (for sending and receiving RRC signaling), a media access control (MAC) signaling interaction module (for sending and receiving MAC-control element (CE) signaling), or a physical layer (PHY) signaling and data interaction module (for sending and receiving uplink / downlink control signaling and uplink / downlink data), etc.

[0185] The second device can be a network device, which can be an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals, such as a gNB. Alternatively, the second device can also be a component or device of the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). Furthermore, the second device can also be a logic module or software that implements all or part of the functions of the network device, such as an RRC signaling interaction module (for sending and receiving RRC signaling), a MAC signaling interaction module (for sending and receiving MAC-CE signaling), or a PHY signaling and data interaction module (for sending and receiving uplink / downlink control signaling and uplink / downlink data).

[0186] For example, in the communication method 400, there may be multiple first devices, and one second device may serve multiple first devices. Optionally, there may also be multiple second devices, and one first device may be served by multiple second devices simultaneously.

[0187] As shown in Figure 4, the communication method 400 may include step S410.

[0188] In step S410, the first device receives first instruction information from the second device. Accordingly, the second device sends the first instruction information.

[0189] The first indication information can be used to instruct the first device to transmit a precoded first reference signal, the precoded first reference signal being associated with channel-related information of multiple first devices served by the second device. That is, the precoded first reference signal can be related to the channel-related information of the multiple first devices served by the second device. Therefore, the precoded first reference signal can be determined based on the channel-related information of the multiple first devices served by the second device.

[0190] In other words, based on the channel-related information of the multiple first devices served by the second device, the second device can determine the precoding of the first reference signal sent by the first device and instruct the first device through the first indication information.

[0191] It is understood that the first device here can be any first device served by the second device, and the precoding of the first reference signal sent by different first devices served by the second device is different.

[0192] Optionally, the first reference signal can be an uplink reference signal, such as an SRS.

[0193] Optionally, the precoding of the first reference signal can be indicated in the form of a precoding matrix. For example, the elements in the precoding matrix can represent the precoding weights for the first reference signal transmitted by each first reference signal port of the first device.

[0194] Optionally, the channel-related information of the first device can be related to the channel between the second device and the first device, where the channel can refer to a space-time-frequency channel. That is, the precoding of the first reference signal transmitted by each first device can be determined based on the channel-related information between the second device and multiple first devices served by the second device.

[0195] Alternatively, the channel-related information of the first device can also be related to the channel between the first device and the multiple second devices serving it (applicable to the case where a first device is served by multiple second devices). That is, the precoding of the first reference signal transmitted by each first device can also be determined based on the channel-related information between the multiple first devices served by the second device and each of the second devices serving it.

[0196] Optionally, the channel between the first device and the second device can be the uplink channel between the first device and the second device, so the channel-related information of the first device can be related to the uplink channel between the first device and the second device.

[0197] Alternatively, the channel between the first device and the second device can also be the downlink channel between the first device and the second device. Therefore, the channel-related information of the first device can be related to the downlink channel between the first device and the second device.

[0198] Optionally, the channel between the first device and the second device may include all channels between the first device and the second device.

[0199] Alternatively, the channel between the first device and the second device may include a portion of the channel between the first device and the second device.

[0200] Optionally, the channel-related information of the first device can be used to determine the status or information of the channel between the first device and the second device.

[0201] Optionally, the channel-related information of the first device can be obtained based on channel measurements. For example, the channel-related information can be obtained based on uplink channel measurements between the first and second devices. Alternatively, the channel-related information can also be obtained based on downlink channel measurements between the first and second devices.

[0202] Optionally, the channel-related information of the first device can be obtained based on multiple channel measurements, and the number of multiple channel measurements is not limited.

[0203] Optionally, the channel-related information of the first device can be represented in matrix form. For example, the elements in the matrix can be channel-related coefficients.

[0204] Alternatively, channel-related information can also be referred to as channel statistics, channel state information, channel information, channel matrix, or channel characteristics, etc.

[0205] In some possible implementations, prior to step S410, the communication method 400 may further include: the first device sending second indication information determined based on multiple channel measurements. The second indication information can be used to indicate the correlation between characteristic coefficients of the channel, and the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be used to determine channel-related information of the channel. That is, the channel-related information of the first device can be determined based on the second indication information sent by the first device.

[0206] Accordingly, the second device can receive the second indication information sent by the first device to determine the channel-related information of the first device.

[0207] Optionally, the second device may receive second indication information sent by a plurality of first devices it serves, in order to determine channel-related information of the plurality of first devices.

[0208] Optionally, the second indication information may include or indicate the correlation between characteristic coefficients or a second reference signal, wherein the second reference signal can be used by the second device to determine the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel. For example, the second reference signal may be an uplink reference signal between the first and second devices.

[0209] Optionally, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be coefficients that reflect the channel state or information. For example, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be elements in the channel matrix, and the correlation between the characteristic coefficients can be obtained based on the correlation between the elements in the channel matrix.

[0210] Optionally, a channel can have multiple characteristic coefficients. For example, an antenna can correspond to multiple characteristic coefficients.

[0211] Optionally, the correlation between characteristic coefficients can be determined based on the correlation coefficient between them. In communication systems, the correlation coefficient is often used to describe the degree of correlation between channels, and the extent to which signals in a channel are affected by interference can be determined based on the correlation coefficient. For example, in a multi-antenna system, different channels may be correlated due to interference between them. The method of calculating the correlation coefficient is not limited; for example, the correlation coefficient can be the Pearson correlation coefficient.

[0212] Optionally, the channel's characteristic coefficients can be determined based on channel state information obtained from multiple channel measurements. This channel state information, obtained from multiple channel measurements, can more accurately reflect the channel's state. Correspondingly, the second indication information can also be determined based on the channel state information obtained from multiple channel measurements. For example, the channel's characteristic coefficients can be elements in a channel matrix determined by the channel state information obtained from multiple channel measurements, and the correlation between the characteristic coefficients can be obtained based on the correlation between the elements in the matrix. The number of channel measurements is not limited.

[0213] The second indication information determined by multiple measurements can more accurately determine channel-related information, which helps the second device to more accurately determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0214] In some possible implementations, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be characteristic coefficients with energy greater than a first threshold. That is, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between characteristic coefficients with energy greater than the first threshold, but not the correlation between characteristic coefficients with energy less than the first threshold.

[0215] For example, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be elements in the channel matrix, and the energy of the characteristic coefficients can be determined based on the power of the elements in the channel matrix.

[0216] Optionally, the first threshold may be indicated to the first device by the second device, and the size of the first threshold is not limited.

[0217] Feature coefficients with energy greater than the first threshold generally have higher energy and contribute more to channel-related information. Conversely, feature coefficients with energy less than the first threshold generally have lower energy and contribute less to channel-related information. Therefore, excluding feature coefficients with lower energy when indicating the correlation between feature coefficients can save on indication overhead.

[0218] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of feature coefficients.

[0219] In other words, the second indication information can indicate the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients, and the values ​​of the elements in the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be used to indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients.

[0220] Optionally, the elements in the correlation matrix can be the correlation coefficients between the characteristic coefficients of the channel. For example, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be elements of the channel matrix, and the correlation matrix can be the correlation coefficient matrix of the channel matrix.

[0221] Based on the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients, the first device can accurately indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients through the second indication information.

[0222] In some possible implementations, the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0223] In other words, the second indication information can indicate elements in the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0224] Elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to their column number are the elements of the lower triangle of the correlation matrix; conversely, elements in the correlation matrix whose column number is greater than or equal to their row number are the elements of the upper triangle of the correlation matrix.

[0225] Typically, the correlation matrix is ​​a square matrix padded with 1s along its main diagonal. The element r in the i-th row and j-th column of this matrix... ji This is the correlation coefficient between variable i (equivalent to the i-th feature coefficient) and variable j (equivalent to the j-th feature coefficient). For example, the correlation matrix of the feature coefficients can be as follows:

[0226] The magnitude of the correlation coefficient is independent of the order of the variables, i.e., the correlation coefficient r ij Equivalent to the correlation coefficient r ji Therefore, the correlation matrix is ​​symmetric, meaning that the elements of the upper triangle and the lower triangle are the same, and the entire correlation matrix can be determined based on the elements of the upper or lower triangle.

[0227] Therefore, by indicating elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number, the overhead of indicating the correlation matrix can be saved.

[0228] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the statistical feature basis, and the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

[0229] Optionally, the second indication information may include or indicate a statistical feature base or a third reference signal, wherein the third reference signal may be used by the second device to determine the statistical feature base of the channel. For example, the third reference signal may be an uplink reference signal between the first and second devices.

[0230] Accordingly, the second device can determine the relationship between the characteristic coefficients of the channel and the channel based on the statistical characteristic basis.

[0231] The statistical feature basis can be a basis matrix used to describe the channel between the first device and the second device, and the type of statistical feature basis is not limited. For example, the first device can perform SVD on the covariance matrix of the channel and take the principal eigenvectors (i.e., some of the first eigenvectors or the larger eigenvectors) in the decomposition matrix as elements in the statistical feature basis.

[0232] Optionally, the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis can be the projection of the channel state information obtained from channel measurements onto the statistical feature basis. For example, the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis can be the projection of the channel matrix obtained from channel measurements onto the statistical feature basis.

[0233] As mentioned earlier, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on channel state information obtained from multiple channel measurements. Therefore, optionally, the projection of the channel onto the statistical characteristic basis can be the projection of the channel state information obtained from multiple channel measurements onto the statistical characteristic basis.

[0234] Based on the statistical feature basis, the second device can determine the relationship between the characteristic coefficients of the channel and the channel.

[0235] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be indicated by the coefficient matrix obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the discrete fourier transform (DFT) matrix.

[0236] In other words, the second indication information can also indicate the coefficient matrix obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix.

[0237] Accordingly, the second device can restore the statistical feature basis based on the coefficient matrix and the DFT matrix obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix.

[0238] Based on the DFT matrix, the second device can accurately reconstruct the statistical feature basis.

[0239] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be obtained based on the measurement of the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) by the first device.

[0240] In other words, the first device can determine the content of the second indication information based on the downlink channel state information acquired by measuring CSI-RS. For example, the first device can determine the characteristic coefficients of the channel based on the downlink channel state information, and determine the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients.

[0241] CSI-RS is a cell-level signal. Interference between CSI-RS transmitted by a second device to multiple first devices it serves can be ignored. Therefore, downlink channel state information obtained based on CSI-RS measurements can more accurately reflect the channel condition.

[0242] Therefore, CSI-RS helps the first device obtain accurate second indication information.

[0243] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be sent periodically.

[0244] In other words, the first device can send the second instruction information once at regular intervals.

[0245] The duration of the period during which the first device sends the second instruction information is not limited; for example, the first device may send the second instruction information once every 1 second.

[0246] The second indication information, which is sent periodically, helps the second device to periodically obtain channel-related information from the first device.

[0247] In some possible implementations, one transmission cycle of the second indication information may include multiple transmission cycles of the first reference signal.

[0248] In other words, the second device can determine the precode for the first device to transmit the first reference signal multiple times based on the second instruction information sent by the first device once. That is, the first device can send the second instruction information once to obtain the precode for transmitting the first reference signal multiple times.

[0249] The number of transmission cycles of the first reference signal included in one transmission cycle of the second indication information is not limited. For example, one transmission cycle of the second indication information may include 10 transmission cycles of the first reference signal.

[0250] Therefore, it helps to save the cost of the first device instructing the second instruction information.

[0251] In some possible implementations, the indication of the first indication information can be a periodic indication.

[0252] In other words, the second device can indicate the first indication information once at regular intervals.

[0253] The duration of the second device indicating the first indication information is not limited; for example, the second device can indicate the first indication information once every 2 seconds.

[0254] The first indication information based on the periodic indication helps the first device periodically determine the precode for transmitting the first reference signal.

[0255] In some possible implementations, one indication period of the first indication information may include multiple transmission periods of the second indication information.

[0256] In other words, the second device can determine and send the first instruction information once based on the second instruction information sent multiple times by the first device. That is, the second device does not need to determine and send the first instruction information every time it receives the second instruction information sent by the first device.

[0257] This helps to shorten the indication cycle of the first indication information.

[0258] As mentioned above, for a first device served by multiple second devices, the channel-related information of the first device can be related to the channel between the first device and the multiple second devices serving it. Therefore, the second devices can obtain the channel-related information between the first device and the multiple second devices serving it.

[0259] In some possible implementations, a first device served by a plurality of second devices may indicate to each second device, through a second indication information, the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel between the first device and the second device.

[0260] Accordingly, each second device can determine the channel-related information between the first device and the second device based on the second instruction information.

[0261] In other words, the channel involved in the channel-related information and characteristic coefficients mentioned above can be the channel between the first device and a second device serving it.

[0262] Optionally, multiple second devices may share the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel between the first device and each second device to share channel-related information between the first device and each second device, and thereby determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0263] In some other possible implementations, a first device served by a plurality of second devices may indicate to one of the plurality of second devices, through a second indication information, the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel between the first device and the plurality of second devices serving it.

[0264] Accordingly, the second device that receives the second instruction information can determine the channel-related information between the first device and the plurality of second devices, and determine the precoding of the first reference signal accordingly.

[0265] In other words, the channel involved in the channel-related information and characteristic coefficients mentioned above can be the channel between the first device and multiple second devices serving it.

[0266] Based on this, the second device can determine the pre-encoding of the first reference signal sent by the first device to each second device, and there is no need for multiple second devices to share information, which can save the overhead of the second devices.

[0267] In some possible implementations, channel-related information can be used to determine the SINR of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, where the first port can be the port through which the first device transmits the first reference signal, and the SINR can be used to determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0268] In other words, the precoding of the first reference signal transmitted by the first device can be determined based on the following: the SINR of each port that transmits the first reference signal corresponding to each of the first devices served by the second device.

[0269] The SINR of the first port can refer to the ratio of the strength of the useful signal transmitted through the first port to the strength of the interfering signal (noise and interference). For example, the second device can increase the strength of the useful signal relative to the noise and interference by increasing the SINR of the first port, thereby reducing the impact of interference on the useful signal.

[0270] Based on the SINR of the first port, the second device can understand the ratio of the strength of the useful signal transmitted by the first port to the strength of the interference signal (noise and interference), which helps the second device to reduce the impact of interference on the useful signal.

[0271] In some other possible implementations, channel-related information can also be used to determine the interference power of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, and the interference power can be used to determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0272] For example, the second device can directly reduce interference by minimizing the interference power at the first port.

[0273] Based on the interference power of the first port, the second device can more directly reduce the interference.

[0274] In some possible implementations, the aforementioned first and second indication information can be sent or indicated via signaling between the first and second devices. For example, the signaling between the first and second devices can be RRC signaling and / or MAC-CE signaling.

[0275] In other possible implementations, the aforementioned first and second indication information can be sent or indicated via uplink / downlink messages between the first and second devices. For example, the first indication information can be indicated via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) between the first and second devices. Similarly, the second indication information can be indicated via a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) between the first and second devices.

[0276] The communication method 400 is illustrated below with reference to Figures 5-9. In the following examples, the first reference signal is SRS, the first device is a UE, and the second device is a base station. Exemplarily, the communication system in the following examples can be, for example, a CJT communication system 500 composed of multiple base stations and multiple UEs, as shown in Figure 5. In this communication system, one base station can serve multiple UEs, and one UE can be served by multiple base stations simultaneously.

[0277] As shown in Figure 6, the communication method 600 may include steps S610-S650.

[0278] In step S610, the UE reports channel statistics information (i.e., channel-related information) to the base station. The channel statistics information corresponding to the base station can be obtained by the UE through multiple channel measurements based on the CSI-RS sent by the base station.

[0279] As an example, in the communication system 500, each UE can report the channel statistics information corresponding to each base station to each base station.

[0280] As another example, in the communication system 500, each UE can report the channel statistics information corresponding to each base station to one of the base stations.

[0281] For example, the channel statistics reported by the UE may include:

[0282] 1) Statistical characteristics of the base U l,u, where u represents the u-th UE and l represents the l-th base station.

[0283] 2) Correlation matrix of the channel's eigencoefficients Correlation matrix of eigenvalues The characteristic coefficient matrix C of the channel l,u The correlation matrix, i.e., the correlation matrix The elements in are the eigenvalue matrix C. l,u The correlation coefficient (cc) between the elements in the model.

[0284] Eigenvalue matrix C l,u It can be represented as Where c l,u,i c represents the feature coefficient vector corresponding to the i-th antenna of the u-th UE served by the l-th base station. l,u,i It can be an n-dimensional feature vector, meaning that the i-th antenna of a UE can have n feature coefficients.

[0285] For example, the statistical feature basis U l,u and the eigenvalue matrix C l,u The relationship can be shown in Figure 7. Where, H l,u This can represent the channel from the u-th UE to the l-th base station, where channel H is... l,u On the statistical characteristic basis U l,u The projection onto the matrix is ​​the eigenvalue matrix C. l,u .

[0286] Correlation matrix of eigenvalues The elements in can represent the eigencoefficient matrix C l,u The correlation between each pair of coefficients, i.e. i = 1, ..., N T j = 1, ..., N T c l,u,i This represents the feature coefficient vector corresponding to the i-th antenna of the u-th UE served by the l-th base station. c represents the feature coefficient vector corresponding to the j-th antenna of the u-th UE served by the l-th base station. l,u,j The conjugate transpose of . Vector c can be represented l,u,i with vector The expectation of the product of .

[0287] Correlation matrix of eigenvalues It can be represented as

[0288] The following section discusses the statistical characteristic basis U. l,u Correlation matrix with eigenvalues The reporting methods will be described in detail.

[0289] As mentioned earlier, the statistical feature basis U l,u Correlation matrix with eigenvalues It can be reported through the second instruction information.

[0290] Statistical characteristic basis U l,u Reporting

[0291] For example, the second indication information may indicate the statistical feature basis U. l,u The coefficient matrix is ​​obtained by projecting the DFT matrix onto it.

[0292] Correlation matrix of eigenvalues Reporting

[0293] As an example, the second indication information may include the correlation matrix indicating the characteristic coefficients. The upper or lower triangular element.

[0294] To reduce the amount of data reported, the UE can remove low-energy characteristic coefficients from each antenna. For example, the low-energy characteristic coefficients can be the characteristic coefficient matrix C. l,u middle The feature coefficients are less than a certain threshold, where c l,u,i (n) represents the eigenvector c l,u,i The nth element, This refers to the corresponding power, and this threshold can be specified by the base station and indicated to the UE. Therefore, the correlation matrix of the reported feature coefficients... At that time, the UE can report the characteristic coefficients retained by the UE. The corresponding elements in the report do not report the feature coefficients removed by the UE. The corresponding element in.

[0295] Therefore, as another example, the second indication information can indicate the characteristic coefficients retained by the UE. The corresponding elements and the characteristic coefficients retained by the UE in C l,u The position within. Correspondingly, the characteristic coefficients retained by the UE in The position of the corresponding element in C can be determined based on the feature coefficients retained by the UE. l,u The position is determined within C. The characteristic coefficients retained by the UE are in C. l,u The position within a matrix can be indicated using a bitmap. For example, for the eigenvalue matrix C... l,u The feature coefficient vector c corresponding to the i-th antenna of the u-th UE served by the l-th base station l,u,iThe UE retains the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 7th feature coefficients, and the positions of these 4 feature coefficients can be represented by the bit string 1010011000.

[0296] Accordingly, the base station can recover the complete correlation matrix of the feature coefficients based on the second indication information. The base station recovers the correlation matrix of the feature coefficients based on the second indication information. At this time, the elements corresponding to the feature coefficients removed by the UE can be set to 0. For example, for the feature coefficient matrix C l,u The feature coefficient vector c corresponding to the i-th antenna of the u-th UE served by the l-th base station l,u,i The UE retains the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 7th characteristic coefficients, and the base station can determine c based on the second indication information. l,u,i The 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 7th characteristic coefficients in The corresponding element and its position in c, and c l,u,i The eigencoefficients other than the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 7th eigencoefficients are in The corresponding elements in the middle are all set to 0.

[0297] Referring to Figure 6, in step S620, the base station designs SRS precoding based on channel statistics information.

[0298] As an example, if in step S610 each UE in the communication system 500 reports the channel statistics information corresponding to each base station to each base station, then multiple base stations can share the channel statistics information corresponding to each base station to jointly design the precoding of SRS sent by each UE.

[0299] As another example, if in step S610, each UE in the communication system 500 reports the channel statistics information corresponding to each base station to one of the base stations, then the base station can jointly design the precoding of SRS sent by each UE based on the channel statistics information corresponding to each base station.

[0300] For example, the base station can determine the SINR of each port (i.e., the first port) used for transmitting SRS for each UE served by each base station based on the channel statistics information corresponding to each base station, and determine the SRS precoding for each UE based on the SINR. in It can represent the set of UEs in communication system 500. The set of first ports of a UE in a communication system 500 can be represented by u, where u can represent the set. In the set, the u-th UE, k can represent the set The k-th port in p. u,kThis can be represented as the SRS precoding vector of the k-th port of the u-th UE, where each element represents the precoding weight of the SRS transmitted by the UE, and its dimension is equal to the number of user antennas N. T .

[0301] The SINR for each port (hereinafter referred to as port) used to transmit SRS for each UE can be determined based on the following formula:

[0302] Where, γ l,u,k It can represent the SINR of the k-th port of the u-th UE served by the l-th base station. This can be represented as the SRS signal covariance matrix of the u-th UE served by the l-th base station. in

[0303] This can be represented as the SRS interference covariance matrix of the u′-th UE served by the l-th base station to the u-th UE. In its expression, Υ u,u′ It is the pilot cross-correlation matrix between the u-th UE and the u-th UE, which can be considered fixed. It is Υ u,u′ The conjugate transpose of U. l,u It is the statistical feature base of the u-th UE served by the l-th base station. It's U l,u The conjugate transpose of U l,u′ It is the statistical feature base of the u′-th UE served by the l-th base station. It's U l,u′ The conjugate transpose of C. l,u′ It is the feature coefficient matrix of the u′-th UE served by the l-th base station. It is C l,u′ The conjugate transpose of . It can be done The matrix obtained by multiplying these matrices (i.e., multiplying these matrices) is the sum of (Right now The result is obtained through the operation of ). It is noise power, which can be assumed to be known at the base station.

[0304] For example, designing SRS precoding At this time, the base station can enable SRS precoding. The following conditions must be met: Among them, P max This is the upper limit of the power constraint for the UE to transmit SRS, and the constraint condition is st∑. u,k ||pu,k || 2 ≤P max This means that the power of SRS transmitted by each port of each UE does not exceed P. max , This represents the maximum value of the minimum SINR across all ports of all UEs served by all base stations. The meaning of this condition is: to maximize the minimum SINR while ensuring that the power transmitted for SRS does not exceed the power constraint limit.

[0305] Understandably, the minimum SINR should ideally be the largest possible SINR. According to the SINR formula, a larger SINR corresponds to a smaller interference strength relative to the SRS signal, thus minimizing the impact of interference on the SRS signal and helping the base station accurately receive the SRS of each UE.

[0306] Referring again to Figure 6, in step S630, the base station instructs the UE on SRS precoding.

[0307] In step S640, the UE precodes based on SRS. Send precoded SRS to the base station.

[0308] For example, the beam for transmitting SRS by the UE in the communication system 500 can be as shown in Figure 8.

[0309] In step S650, the base station measures the SRS and obtains the CSI.

[0310] For example, the information interaction between the base station and the UE in the method shown in FIG6 can be performed in any of the ways shown in FIG9.

[0311] In the method shown in Figure 6, within the CJT communication system, the UE reports the statistical characteristic basis and correlation matrix of the channel characteristic coefficients to the base station for use by the base station in determining SRS precoding. Through joint design of SRS precoding, the base station improves the SINR of each SRS port of each UE, reduces interference between SRS signals of different UEs, and helps improve the accuracy of multi-station channel measurements.

[0312] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 5 to 9. The communication device provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[0313] Figure 10 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. This device 1000 can be used to execute the communication method 400 described above. The device 1000 can correspond to the first device described in the communication method 400, or it can correspond to a module or component of the first device. The device 1000 may include at least one unit or module for executing any one of the communication methods 400 described above. Furthermore, each module or unit in the device 1000 can be used to execute the actions or processes performed by the first device in the communication method 400.

[0314] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may include a transceiver unit 1010.

[0315] The transceiver unit 1010 can be used to receive first indication information from the second device. The first indication information can be used to instruct the first device to transmit the precoding of the first reference signal. The precoding of the first reference signal is associated with channel-related information of multiple first devices served by the second device.

[0316] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit 1010 can also be used to transmit second indication information determined based on multiple channel measurements. The second indication information can be used to indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel, and the correlation between the characteristic coefficients can be used to determine the channel-related information of the channel.

[0317] In some possible implementations, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be characteristic coefficients with energy greater than a first threshold.

[0318] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of feature coefficients.

[0319] In some possible implementations, the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0320] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the statistical feature basis, and the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

[0321] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix, which in turn indicates the statistical feature basis.

[0322] In some possible implementations, the second indication information may be acquired based on the CSI-RS measurement by the first device.

[0323] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be sent periodically.

[0324] In some possible implementations, one transmission cycle of the second indication information may include multiple transmission cycles of the first reference signal.

[0325] In some possible implementations, the indication of the first indication information can be a periodic indication.

[0326] In some possible implementations, one indication period of the first indication information may include multiple transmission periods of the second indication information.

[0327] In some possible implementations, the channel can be a channel between a first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

[0328] In some possible implementations, channel-related information can be used to determine the SINR of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, where the first port can be the port through which the first device transmits the first reference signal, and the SINR can be used to determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0329] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1010 can be used to perform the various actions or processes performed by the first device in the above-described communication method 400.

[0330] It should be understood that the specific process of each module in the communication device 1000 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps can be referred to the description in the communication method 400 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0331] Figure 11 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. This device 1100 can be used to execute the communication method 400 described above. This device 1100 can correspond to the second device described in the communication method 400, or it can correspond to a module or component of the second device. The device 1100 may include at least one unit or module for executing any one of the communication methods 400 described above. Furthermore, each module or unit in the device 1100 can be used to execute the actions or processes performed by the second device in the communication method 400.

[0332] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 may include a transceiver unit 1110.

[0333] The transceiver unit 1110 can be used to send first indication information, which can be used to instruct the first device to send the precoding of the first reference signal. The precoding of the first reference signal is associated with channel-related information of multiple first devices served by the second device.

[0334] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit 1110 may also be used to receive second indication information from the first device based on multiple channel measurements. The second indication information may be used to indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel. The correlation between the characteristic coefficients may be used to determine the channel-related information of the channel.

[0335] In some possible implementations, the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be characteristic coefficients with energy greater than a first threshold.

[0336] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can indicate the correlation between feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of feature coefficients.

[0337] In some possible implementations, the correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients can be indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

[0338] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the statistical feature basis, and the characteristic coefficients of the channel can be determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

[0339] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the DFT matrix, which in turn indicates the statistical feature basis.

[0340] In some possible implementations, the second indication information may be acquired based on the CSI-RS measurement by the first device.

[0341] In some possible implementations, the second indication information can be sent periodically.

[0342] In some possible implementations, one transmission cycle of the second indication information may include multiple transmission cycles of the first reference signal.

[0343] In some possible implementations, the indication of the first indication information can be a periodic indication.

[0344] In some possible implementations, one indication period of the first indication information may include multiple transmission periods of the second indication information.

[0345] In some possible implementations, the channel can be a channel between a first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

[0346] In some possible implementations, channel-related information can be used to determine the SINR of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, where the first port can be the port through which the first device transmits the first reference signal, and the SINR can be used to determine the precoding of the first reference signal.

[0347] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1110 can be used to perform the various actions or processes performed by the second device in the above-described communication method 400.

[0348] It should be understood that the specific process of each module in the communication device 1100 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps can be referred to the description in the communication method 400 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0349] It should be understood that the "units" in communication devices 1000 and 1100 can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. For example, a "unit" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. Furthermore, a transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter and / or a receiver, and other units such as processing units can be replaced by processors or processing circuits, each performing the transceiver operations and related processing operations in the respective method embodiments.

[0350] Figure 12 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. This device 1200 can be a terminal device or a network device, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device or network device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0351] The device 1200 may include at least one processor 1210, which may also be referred to as a processing unit or processing module, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 1210 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control communication devices (such as base stations, baseband chips, user chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0352] In an alternative design, the processor 1210 may also store instructions and / or data that can be executed by the processor 1210 to cause the device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0353] In another alternative design, the device 1200 may include a communication interface 1220 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 1220 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals. Optionally, the communication unit in the communication device 1200 may be the communication interface 1220.

[0354] Optionally, the device 1200 may include one or more memories 1230, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 1210, causing the device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 1230 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 1210 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 1210 and the memories 1230 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0355] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for ease of explanation, Figure 12 only shows one memory and processor. In actual terminal devices or network devices, multiple processors and memories may exist. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium or storage device, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not impose such limitations.

[0356] For example, a processor may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is mainly used for processing communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is mainly used for controlling the entire terminal device or network device, executing software programs, and processing the data of the software programs. The processor in Figure 12 integrates the functions of a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device or network device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device or network device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in a storage unit as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0357] It should be understood that, in one possible design, the steps in the method embodiments provided in this application can be implemented by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0358] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above methods.

[0359] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), EPROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0360] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects to be performed.

[0361] This application also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects to be performed.

[0362] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface for sending and / or receiving signals, causing the processor to perform various steps or processes in any of the above methods.

[0363] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first means (such as a terminal device) for performing the method of any of the above aspects and / or a second means (such as a network device) for performing the method of any of the above aspects.

[0364] This application also provides a chip system that may include at least one processor and an interface. The at least one processor can be coupled to a memory via the interface. When the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the chip system can perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of a chip or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0365] For example, this chip system can be applied to a terminal device chip, enabling the terminal device chip to perform the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The terminal device chip can receive information from other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, and this information may be sent to the terminal device by the network device; or, the terminal device chip can send information to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, and this information may be sent to the network device by the terminal device.

[0366] For example, this chip system can be applied to network device chips, enabling the network device chips to perform the functions of the network devices in the above method embodiments. The network device chip can receive information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, and this information can be sent from the terminal device to the network device; or, the network device chip can send information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, and this information can be sent from the network device to the terminal device.

[0367] The above-described device and method embodiments are completely corresponding, with corresponding modules or units performing corresponding steps. For example, a communication unit or communication interface performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiment, while other steps besides sending and receiving can be performed by a processing unit or processor.

[0368] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0369] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," etc., are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As illustrated, applications running on computing devices and computing devices can both be components. One or more components may reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be located on a single computer and / or distributed among two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media on which various data structures are stored. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0370] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0371] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be based on the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0372] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0373] 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.

[0374] In addition, 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.

[0375] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0376] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion 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.

[0377] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first device receives first indication information from the second device, the first indication information being used to instruct the first device to transmit a precoding of a first reference signal, the precoding being associated with channel-related information of a plurality of first devices served by the second device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the first device receives the first instruction information from the second device, the method further includes: The first device sends second indication information determined based on multiple channel measurements. The second indication information is used to indicate the correlation between characteristic coefficients of the channel, and the correlation is used to determine channel-related information of the channel.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The characteristic coefficients are those with energy greater than the first threshold.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the correlation through the correlation matrix of the feature coefficients.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The correlation matrix is ​​indicated by elements whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The second indication information is also used to indicate a statistical feature basis, the feature coefficients of which are determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the statistical feature basis by the coefficient matrix obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) matrix.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that, The second indication information is obtained based on the measurement of the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) by the first device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, The second indication information is sent periodically.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second indication information includes multiple transmission cycles of the first reference signal within one transmission cycle.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2-10, characterized in that, The indication of the first indication information is a periodic indication.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first indication information includes multiple transmission cycles of the second indication information within one indication cycle.

13. The method according to any one of claims 2-12, characterized in that, The channel is a channel between the first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The channel-related information is used to determine the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, where the first port is the port through which the first device transmits the first reference signal, and the SINR is used to determine the precoding.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second device sends a first indication message, which instructs the first device to send a pre-coded first reference signal. The pre-coded signal is associated with channel-related information of a plurality of first devices served by the second device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Before the second device sends the first instruction information, the method further includes: The second device receives second indication information from the first device based on multiple channel measurements. The second indication information is used to indicate the correlation between characteristic coefficients of the channel, and the correlation is used to determine channel-related information of the channel.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The characteristic coefficients are those with energy greater than the first threshold.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the correlation through the correlation matrix of the feature coefficients.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The correlation matrix is ​​indicated by elements whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16-19, characterized in that, The second indication information is also used to indicate a statistical feature basis, the feature coefficients of which are determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the statistical feature basis by the coefficient matrix obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) matrix.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16-21, characterized in that, The second indication information is obtained based on the measurement of the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) by the first device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16-22, characterized in that, The second indication information is sent periodically.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The second indication information includes multiple transmission cycles of the first reference signal within one transmission cycle.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16-24, characterized in that, The indication of the first indication information is a periodic indication.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The first indication information includes multiple transmission cycles of the second indication information within one indication cycle.

27. The method according to any one of claims 16-26, characterized in that, The channel is a channel between the first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

28. The method according to any one of claims 15-27, characterized in that, The channel-related information is used to determine the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of each first port corresponding to each first device served by the second device, where the first port is the port through which the first device transmits the first reference signal, and the SINR is used to determine the precoding.

29. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first device generates second indication information, which is used to indicate the correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel, and the correlation between the characteristic coefficients is used to determine the channel-related information of the channel; The first device sends the second instruction information.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first device receives first indication information from the second device, the first indication information being determined based on the second indication information, and the first indication information being used to instruct the first device to transmit pre-coding of a first reference signal.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first device receives first data from the second device, the precoding of which is determined based on the second indication information.

32. The method according to any one of claims 29-31, characterized in that, The characteristic coefficients of the channel are those with energy greater than a first threshold.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29-32, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the correlation between the feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of the feature coefficients.

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients is indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

35. The method according to any one of claims 29-34, characterized in that, The second indication information is also used to indicate a statistical feature basis, wherein the characteristic coefficients of the channel are determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the statistical feature basis by the coefficient matrix obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) matrix.

37. The method according to any one of claims 29-36, characterized in that, The correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel is obtained based on multiple measurements of the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) by the first device.

38. The method according to any one of claims 29-37, characterized in that, The channel is a channel between the first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

39. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second device receives second indication information from the first device, the second indication information being used to indicate the correlation between characteristic coefficients of the channel, the correlation between the characteristic coefficients being used to determine channel-related information of the channel; The second device determines the precoding of the first indication information or the first data based on the second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first device to send the precoding of the first reference signal.

40. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second device sends the first instruction information.

41. The method according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second device transmits the first data based on the pre-encoded first data.

42. The method according to any one of claims 39-41, characterized in that, The characteristic coefficients of the channel are those with energy greater than a first threshold.

43. The method according to any one of claims 39-42, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the correlation between the feature coefficients through the correlation matrix of the feature coefficients.

44. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that, The correlation matrix of the characteristic coefficients is indicated by elements in the correlation matrix whose row number is greater than or equal to the column number, or whose column number is greater than or equal to the row number.

45. The method according to any one of claims 39-44, characterized in that, The second indication information is also used to indicate a statistical feature basis, wherein the characteristic coefficients of the channel are determined based on the projection of the channel onto the statistical feature basis.

46. ​​The method according to claim 45, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the statistical feature basis by the coefficient matrix obtained by projecting the statistical feature basis onto the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) matrix.

47. The method according to any one of claims 39-46, characterized in that, The correlation between the characteristic coefficients of the channel is obtained based on multiple measurements of the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) by the first device.

48. The method according to any one of claims 39-47, characterized in that, The channel is a channel between the first device and a plurality of second devices serving it.

49. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, 15-28, 29-38, or 39-48.

50. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor coupled to at least one memory for storing a computer program or instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, 15-28, 29-38, or 39-48.

51. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, 15-28, 29-38, or 39-48 to be performed.

52. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, 15-28, 29-38, or 39-48 to be performed.

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