Information transmission method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and to an information transmission method and an apparatus. In the method, an MAC entity of a sending apparatus may carry first information (comprising first indication information used for requesting a receiving apparatus to send a first status report) in an MAC sub-header of an MAC PDU, an MAC CE, a downlink control channel or an uplink control channel, so as to trigger the apparatus having received the information to send the first status report. The sending success rate of the first information can be improved.

Description

An information transmission method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510206336.1, filed on February 24, 2025, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, entitled "An Information Transmission Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] To improve the reliability of service transmission and minimize data loss, the radio link control (RLC) layer in the new radio (NR) user plane protocol stack provides an acknowledgement mode (AM). After receiving a polling request, the AM RLC entity on the receiving side can send an RLC status report to the transmitting side, indicating which data was successfully received and which failed. This allows the AM RLC entity on the transmitting side to retransmit the failed data based on the RLC status report. The polling request can be carried in data, such as an RLC protocol data unit (PDU). However, the transmission success of an RLC PDU is affected by relevant parameters of the logical channel, such as the logical channel priority, priority bit rate (PBR), and token bucket duration (BSD). These parameters influence the success rate of polling request transmission. Therefore, improving the success rate of polling request transmission is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved at this stage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an information transmission method and apparatus that can improve the success rate of sending information used to obtain status reports.

[0005] Firstly, an information transmission method is provided, which can be executed by a transmitting device. The method includes: the transmitting device transmitting first information, thereby enabling the receiving device to receive a first status report. The first information is determined by a media access control (MAC) entity of the transmitting device. The first information includes first indication information, which requests a receiving device to transmit the first status report, and the first status report indicates the reception status of a MAC service data unit (SDU). The first information is contained in the MAC sub-header of the MACPDU, the MAC control-control element (MAC CE), a downlink control channel, or an uplink control channel.

[0006] As can be seen, in the above embodiments, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can determine the first information (including first indication information for requesting the receiving device to send a first status report), wherein the first information is contained in the MAC sub-header, MAC CE, downlink control channel, or uplink control channel of the MAC PDU. This indicates that whether the first information can be sent is not affected by the relevant parameters of the logical channel, such as the priority, priority bit rate, and token bucket length of the logical channel, thus improving the success rate of first information transmission. In addition, sending the first information by the MAC entity can reduce the transmission latency of the first information.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device transmits first information, including: the MAC entity of the transmitting device submitting (or transmitting) the first information to the physical (PHY) layer of the transmitting device (or, the MAC entity of the transmitting device instructing the PHY layer of the transmitting device to transmit the first information), the PHY layer of the transmitting device transmitting the first information to the PHY layer of the receiving device, and the PHY layer of the receiving device submitting (or transmitting) the first information to the MAC entity of the receiving device.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device is a terminal, and the first information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, the MAC CE, or the uplink control channel.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device is a terminal or a network device, and the first information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the MAC PDU, including: first indication information contained in the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU. Wherein, the first MAC SDU is the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device is a terminal, the first information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, the first information also includes second indication information, the second indication information is used to update the value of a first timer, and the first timer is used to determine the transmission status of the status report.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the second indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the second MAC SDU of the MAC PDU. The second MAC SDU is either the second MAC SDU or the third MAC SDU of the MAC PDU.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device is a terminal, and the first information is included in the MAC CE. The first information further includes at least one of the following: the priority of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel, or the identifier of the logical channel group. For example, the first information may also include the priority of the logical channel and / or the identifier of the logical channel. Alternatively, the first information may also include the identifier of the logical channel group.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device is a terminal. The first information is contained in the uplink control channel. The MAC entity of the transmitting device can also multiplex the first information in the uplink control channel based on the priority of the first information and the priority of the second information. The second information includes one or more of the following: a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), a scheduling request (SR), a first part of channel state information (CSI-part1), or a second part of channel state information (CSI-part2). This can reduce latency.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first message has a higher priority than the scheduling request in the second message. Alternatively, the first message has a higher priority than CSI-part1 in the second message.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device is a network device, and the first indication information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, the MAC CE, or the downlink control channel.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device is a terminal or a network device, and the first information is included in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, including: first indication information included in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU. Wherein, the first MAC CE is the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device is a network device, and the first information is included in the MAC CE. The first information further includes at least one of the following: the priority of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel group, or the value of a second timer. For example, the first information may also include at least one of the following: the priority of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel, or the value of a second timer. Alternatively, the first information may also include the identifier of the logical channel group and / or the value of a second timer. The second timer is used to indicate the transmission status of a status report.

[0018] In a second aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising units, modules, or means for implementing the methods described in any of the first aspects. The communication apparatus may be a terminal or a component within a terminal, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions, or a network device or a component within a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions.

[0019] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the first aspects. The communication device may be a terminal or a component within a terminal, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions, or a network device or a component within a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. The at least one processor may execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the described method to be performed. The memory may be included in the communication device or located externally to the communication device. Furthermore, the communication device may also include an interface.

[0020] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0021] Fifthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program or program that, when run by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0022] Sixthly, a chip is provided, comprising at least one processor for executing computer instructions or programs, which, when run, cause the chip to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects. The processor may execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory to cause the described method to be performed. The memory may be included in the chip or located externally. Furthermore, the chip may include an interface.

[0023] A seventh aspect provides a communication system comprising a transmitting device for performing the method as described in any one of the first aspects and a receiving device for communicating with the transmitting device. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a MAC PDU provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of receiving status reports in various time periods according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a MAC CE provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a priority relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram related to a third timer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram related to a fourth timer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the transmission of MAC SDU within a transmission window according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another MAC PDU provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another MAC CE provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another possible communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110, and the RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the core network 200. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. Terminals can be connected to each other, as can RAN nodes, via wired or wireless means.

[0038] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, an NR system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), or a WiFi system. RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0039] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly.

[0040] In one application scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or an indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), or a relay node or donor node.

[0041] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The RU can be used to transmit and receive radio signals. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane (CP) and CU-user plane (UP).

[0042] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description. In this application, base stations and network devices can be used interchangeably.

[0043] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0044] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0045] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0046] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0047] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be performed by components (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be performed by components (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0048] To facilitate understanding of the content of this solution, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained below, so that those skilled in the art can understand them. This part is only for the purpose of understanding and should not be regarded as a specific limitation of this application.

[0049] Communication between network devices and terminals follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or PHY layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc. For detailed descriptions of each protocol layer, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications, which will not be elaborated here.

[0050] When different RAN nodes implement partial functions of network devices, each RAN node can implement the functions of its corresponding protocol layer. For example, a CU may be configured to implement the functions of PDCP layer and above (e.g., RRC layer and / or SDAP layer). A DU may be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below PDCP layer (e.g., RLC layer, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer). Alternatively, a CU may be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers above PDCP layer (e.g., RRC layer and / or SDAP layer), and a DU may be configured to implement the functions of PDCP layer and below (e.g., RLC layer, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer).

[0051] The above CU and DU configurations are just examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Alternatively, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For example, based on latency, functions that need to meet low latency requirements can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement can be placed in the CU.

[0052] For network elements in an ORAN system, the corresponding protocol layer functions they can implement can be found in Table 1. In Table 1, O-CU-CP is configured to implement RRC layer functions and PDCP layer control plane functions; O-CU-UP is configured to implement SDAP layer functions and PDCP layer user plane functions; O-DU is configured to implement RLC layer functions, MAC layer functions, and higher-level (PHY-high) functions in the PHY layer; and O-RU is configured to implement lower-level (PHY-low) functions in the PHY layer. Higher-level physical layer functions may include a portion of the physical layer's functions, which are closer to the MAC layer; lower-level physical layer functions may include another portion of the physical layer's functions, which are closer to the mid-radio frequency side.

[0053] Table 1

[0054] Some of the aforementioned protocol layers can provide corresponding transmission modes. For example, to adapt to the quality of service (QoS) requirements of different types of service data, the RLC layer provides AM. That is, the AM RLC entity uses an automatic repeat request (ARQ) mechanism to ensure lossless data transmission. The basic idea of ​​ARQ is that the data receiving device (hereinafter referred to as the receiving device) can send an RLC status report to the data sending device (hereinafter referred to as the sending device), indicating which data was successfully received and which data failed to be received. The sending device can then retransmit the failed data based on this RLC status report.

[0055] The receiving device may send an RLC status report when any of the following conditions are met:

[0056] 1. The receiver's timer (t-Reassembly) timed out.

[0057] 2. The receiving device's RLC entity receives a polling request, if the polling request is contained in an RLC protocol data unit (PDU). When the polling bit in the RLC PDU is 1, the receiving device sends an RLC status report.

[0058] The transmission success rate of an RLC PDU is affected by parameters of the logical channel, such as its priority and token bucket size. This impacts the success rate of query requests. To address this, this application provides a method where the MAC entity determines first information (including first indication information for requesting the receiving device to send a first status report). This first information is contained in the MAC sub-header, MAC CE, downlink control channel, or uplink control channel of the MAC PDU. This demonstrates that the transmission success rate of the first information is not affected by parameters of the logical channel, such as its priority, priority bit rate, and token bucket size, thus improving the transmission success rate of the first information.

[0059] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, this application provides an information transmission method, which includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0061] S201. The transmitting device sends first information, which is determined by the MAC entity of the transmitting device. The first information includes first indication information, which is used to request the receiving device to send a first status report. The first status report is used to indicate the reception status of the MAC SDU. The first information is contained in the MAC sub-header, MAC CE, downlink control channel, or uplink control channel of the MAC PDU.

[0062] Accordingly, the receiving device receives the first information.

[0063] In this application, the transmitting device and the receiving device can be either the RAN node 110 or the terminal 120 in Figure 1. As an example, the transmitting device can be a terminal, a component within a terminal, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. The receiving device can be a network device, a component within a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. As yet another example, the transmitting device can be a network device, a component within a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions, and the receiving device can be a terminal, a component within a terminal, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. As yet another example, the transmitting device and the receiving device can be different terminals or network devices, etc. Specific forms of the transmitting and receiving devices are not listed here. Here, 'component' can be a module, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions. The chip can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip, etc.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device transmits first information, including: the MAC entity of the transmitting device submitting (or transmitting) the first information to the PHY layer of the transmitting device (or, the MAC entity of the transmitting device instructing the PHY layer of the transmitting device to transmit the first information), the PHY layer of the transmitting device transmitting the first information to the PHY layer of the receiving device, and the PHY layer of the receiving device submitting (or transmitting) the first information to the MAC entity of the receiving device.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the first indication information in the first information can be called an inquiry indication or inquiry request. This application does not limit its name; any information that can be used to request the receiving device to send a first status report can be used as the first indication information of this application. In one possible implementation, the aforementioned first status report can be used to indicate the reception status of a MAC SDU. It can also be described as follows: the first status report is used to indicate the reception status of a MAC SDU sent by the transmitting device. For example, if the reception status of the MAC SDU is an acknowledgement (ACK), it indicates that the MAC SDU has been successfully received by the receiving device. If the reception status of the MAC SDU is a negative acknowledgement (NACK), it indicates that the MAC SDU has not been successfully received by the receiving device, that is, the receiving device has not successfully received the MAC SDU.

[0066] S202, The receiving device sends a first status report.

[0067] Accordingly, the transmitting device receives the first status report.

[0068] The sending of a first status report by the receiving device may include: the MAC entity of the receiving device submitting (or sending) a first status report to the PHY layer of the receiving device (or the MAC entity of the receiving device instructing the PHY layer of the receiving device to send a first status report), the PHY layer of the receiving device sending a first status report to the PHY layer of the sending device, and the PHY layer of the sending device submitting (or sending) a first status report to the MAC entity of the sending device.

[0069] Optionally, after step S202, steps S203 and S204 may also be included.

[0070] S203. The transmitting device determines the MAC SDU to be retransmitted based on the first status report.

[0071] For example, a MAC SDU to be retransmitted is a MAC SDU whose receive status is NACK in the first status report.

[0072] S204. The transmitting device sends the MAC SDU to be retransmitted.

[0073] Accordingly, the receiving device receives the MAC SDU to be retransmitted.

[0074] The following describes where the first information is specifically carried when the transmitting device is a terminal. For example, the first information can be carried in one of the following:

[0075] 1. MAC subheader of MAC PDU. That is, the first information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU. For example, the first indication information in the first information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU. Or, the first indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the first MAC SDU is any MAC SDU in the MAC PDU, such as the first MAC SDU, etc. The first MAC SDU can also be called the first MAC subPDU including the MAC SDU; this application does not limit its name. The first MAC SDU is positioned before the other MAC SDUs, which are the MAC SDUs in the MAC PDU excluding the first MAC SDU, as shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the MAC PDU includes one or more MAC subPDUs. MAC subPDUs can be divided into MAC subPDUs including MAC SDUs, MAC subPDUs including MAC CEs, and MAC subPDUs including padding (optional). MAC subPDUs including MAC SDUs include a MAC header and a MAC SDU. The MAC header includes a reserved (R) field, a format (F) field, a logical channel identification (LCID) field, and a length (L) field. The F field indicates the size of the L field. For example, an F field of 0 indicates an 8-bit L field, and an F field of 1 indicates a 16-bit L field. The LCID field indicates the identifier of the logical channel to which the MAC SDU belongs. The L field indicates the size of the MAC SDU. A MAC sub-PDU including a MAC CE includes a MAC sub-header and a fixed-size MAC CE (or a variable-size MAC CE). The MAC sub-header includes an R field and an LCID field, the LCID field indicating the identifier of the logical channel to which the MAC SDU belongs.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the first MAC CE is any MAC CE in the MAC PDU, such as the first MAC CE. The first MAC CE is positioned before the other MAC CEs, and the other MAC CEs are the MAC CEs in the MAC PDU other than the first MAC CE, as shown in Figure 3.

[0078] The above examples illustrate various schemes regarding which MAC subheader of the MAC PDU contains the first indication information in the first information. In practical applications, the condition for the first indication information to be contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU can be: the MAC PDU includes MAC SDUs preceding the first MAC CE. For example, the MAC PDU includes the first MAC SDU, and the first MAC SDU is the first MAC SDU. Similarly, the condition for the first indication information to be contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU can be: the MAC PDU does not include MAC SDUs preceding the first MAC CE, that is, the MAC PDU does not include MAC SDUs, only MAC CEs. For example, the MAC PDU does not include MAC SDUs preceding the first MAC CE but includes the first MAC CE, and the first MAC CE is the first MAC CE.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the first indication information in the first information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU, and can also be described as: 'Request the receiving device to send a first status report' indicated by the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU, by different values ​​of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU, or by different values ​​of some bits of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU; this application does not limit this. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. Existing fields can be fields originally present in the MAC subheader of the MAC SDU, such as the reserved (R) field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU. Newly added fields can be newly defined fields, such as fields in future communication standards. Similarly, the first indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU, and can also be described as: 'Request the receiving device to send a first status report' indicated by the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE, by different values ​​of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE, or by different values ​​of some bits in at least one field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE; this application does not limit this. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. Existing fields can be fields originally present in the MAC subheader of the MAC CE, such as reserved fields in the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE. Newly added fields can be newly defined fields, such as fields in future communication standards.

[0080] For example, taking the first MAC SDU as an example, suppose one bit of the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is used to request the receiving device to send a first status report. When the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is '1', it indicates that the receiving device is requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is triggered to send a first status report, etc. When the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is '0', it indicates that the receiving device is not requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is not triggered to send a first status report, etc. Alternatively, when the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is '0', it indicates that the receiving device is requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is triggered to send a first status report, etc. When the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is '1', it indicates that the receiving device is not requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is not triggered to send a first status report, etc.

[0081] For example, taking the first MAC CE as an example, suppose one bit of the reserved field in the first MAC CE is used to request the receiving device to send a first status report. When the reserved field in the first MAC CE is '1', it indicates that the receiving device is requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is triggered to send a first status report, etc. When the reserved field in the first MAC CE is '0', it indicates that the receiving device is not requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is not triggered to send a first status report, etc. Alternatively, when the reserved field in the first MAC CE is '0', it indicates that the receiving device is requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is triggered to send a first status report, etc. When the reserved field in the first MAC CE is '1', it indicates that the receiving device is not requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is not triggered to send a first status report, etc.

[0082] In one possible implementation, when the first information is included in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, the first information may further include second indication information. The second indication information is used to update the value of a first timer, which is used to determine the transmission status of a status report. The second indication information in the first information is included in the MAC subheader corresponding to the second MAC SDU of the MAC PDU. In one possible implementation, the second MAC SDU can be any MAC SDU in the MAC PDU, such as the second MAC SDU or the third MAC SDU. The second MAC SDU is positioned after the first MAC SDU and before the third MAC SDU. Alternatively, the second indication information is included in the MAC subheader corresponding to the second MAC CE of the MAC PDU. In one possible implementation, the second MAC CE can be any MAC CE in the MAC PDU, such as the second MAC CE or the third MAC CE. The second MAC CE is positioned after the first MAC CE and before the third MAC CE.

[0083] The above examples illustrate various schemes regarding which MAC subheader of the MAC PDU contains the second indication information in the first information. In practical applications, the condition for the second indication information in the first information to be contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the second MAC SDU of the MAC PDU can be: the MAC PDU includes MAC SDUs preceding the first MAC CE. For example, the MAC PDU includes the second MAC SDU preceding the first MAC CE, and the second MAC SDU is the second MAC SDU. Alternatively, the MAC PDU includes the third MAC SDU preceding the first MAC CE, and the second MAC SDU is either the second MAC SDU or the third MAC SDU.

[0084] Similarly, the condition for including the second indication information in the MAC subheader corresponding to the second MAC CE of the MAC PDU can be: the MAC PDU does not include the MAC SDU preceding the first MAC CE. That is, the MAC PDU does not include the MAC SDU, but only the MAC CE. For example, if the MAC PDU does not include the MAC SDU preceding the first MAC CE and the MAC PDU includes the second MAC CE, the second MAC CE can be the second MAC CE. Or, if the MAC PDU does not include the MAC SDU preceding the first MAC CE and the MAC PDU includes the third MAC CE, the second MAC CE can be the second MAC CE or the second MAC CE.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the second indication information in the first information is used to update the value of the first timer, and can be replaced with other descriptions. For example, the second indication information is used to request an update of the value of the first timer. Or, the second indication information is used to adjust the value of the first timer. Or, the second indication information is used to request an adjustment of the value of the first timer. Or, the second indication information is used to decrease the value of the first timer. Or, the second indication information in the first information is used to increase the value of the first timer, etc., without limitation. In this case, the second indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the second MAC SDU of the MAC PDU, and can also be described as: 'updating the value of the first timer' can be indicated by the MAC subheader of the second MAC SDU. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the MAC subheader of the second MAC SDU, by different values ​​of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the second MAC SDU, or by different values ​​of some bits of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the second MAC SDU, without limitation in this application. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. The existing field can be a field originally in the MAC subheader of the MAC SDU, for example, a reserved field in the MAC subheader of the second MAC SDU. The newly added field can be a newly defined field, such as a field in a future communication standard. Similarly, the second indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the second MAC CE of the MAC PDU, and can also be described as: 'updating the value of the first timer' can be indicated by the MAC subheader of the second MAC CE. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the MAC subheader of the second MAC CE, by different values ​​of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the second MAC CE, or by different values ​​of some bits of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the second MAC CE; this application does not limit this. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. Existing fields can be fields originally present in the MAC subheader of the MAC SDU, such as reserved fields in the MAC subheader of the second MAC CE. Newly added fields can be newly defined fields, such as fields in a future communication standard.

[0086] For example, taking the second MAC SDU as an example, at least one bit in the reserved field of the second MAC SDU indicates an update to the value of the first timer. For instance, one bit in the reserved field of the second MAC SDU indicates an update to the value of the first timer. When the reserved field in the second MAC SDU is '1', it indicates an increase in the value of the first timer. When the reserved field in the second MAC SDU is '0', it indicates a decrease in the value of the first timer. Alternatively, when the reserved field in the second MAC SDU is '0', it indicates an increase in the value of the first timer. When the reserved field in the second MAC SDU is '1', it indicates a decrease in the value of the first timer.

[0087] For example, taking the second MAC CE as an example, at least one bit in the reserved field of the second MAC CE indicates an update to the value of the first timer. For instance, one bit in the reserved field of the second MAC CE indicates an update to the value of the first timer. When the reserved field in the second MAC CE is '1', it indicates an increase in the value of the first timer. When the reserved field in the second MAC CE is '0', it indicates a decrease in the value of the first timer. Alternatively, when the reserved field in the second MAC CE is '0', it indicates an increase in the value of the first timer. When the reserved field in the second MAC CE is '1', it indicates a decrease in the value of the first timer.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can determine how to update the value of the first timer based on the number of status reports received within a time period. As an example, if the number of status reports received within a time period is less than or equal to a first threshold value, the second indication information in the first information is used to decrease the value of the first timer. For example, in Figure 4, if the number of status reports received in time period #1 is 2, assuming the first threshold value is 3, 2 is less than 3, and the reserved field in the second MAC SDU is '0', indicating that the value of the first timer is decreased. As another example, if the number of status reports received within a time period is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the second indication information in the first information is used to increase the value of the first timer. For example, in Figure 4, if the number of status reports received in time period #2 is 4, assuming the first threshold value is 3, 4 is greater than 3, and the reserved field in the second MAC SDU is '1', indicating that the value of the first timer is increased.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the time period mentioned in this application may be a predefined or preconfigured time period, and this application does not limit it. The threshold value mentioned in this application (such as the first threshold value, etc.) may be a predefined or preconfigured value greater than or equal to 0, and this application does not limit it.

[0090] 2. MAC CE. This refers to the first information contained in the MAC CE. For example, the first indication information (used to request the receiving device to send a first status report) in the first information is contained in the MAC CE. It can also be described as: 'Requesting the receiving device to send a first status report' is indicated by the MAC CE. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the MAC CE, by different values ​​of at least one field in the MAC CE, or by different values ​​of some bits of at least one field in the MAC CE; this application does not limit this. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. Existing fields can be fields already present in the MAC CE, for example, fields in existing versions of communication standards. Newly added fields can be newly defined fields, for example, fields in future communication standards. The MAC CE here can be an existing MAC CE and / or a newly added MAC CE. Existing MAC CEs can be existing versions of MAC CEs in communication standards. Newly added MAC CEs can be newly defined MAC CEs, for example, MAC CEs in future communication standards, which can be called polling MAC CEs.

[0091] For example, consider a bit in the MAC CE used to request the receiving device to send a first status report. For instance, when a bit in the MAC CE is '1', it indicates a request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or triggers the receiving device to send a first status report, etc. When a bit in the MAC CE is '0', it indicates no request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or no triggering of the receiving device to send a first status report, etc. Alternatively, when a bit in the MAC CE is '0', it indicates a request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or triggers the receiving device to send a first status report, etc. When a bit in the MAC CE is '1', it indicates no request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or no triggering of the receiving device to send a first status report, etc.

[0092] In one possible implementation, when the first information is included in the MAC CE, the first information further includes at least one of the following: the priority of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel, or the identifier of the logical channel group. For example, the first information may also include the priority of the logical channel, as shown in Figure 5-1. Alternatively, the first information may also include the identifier of the logical channel group, as shown in Figure 5-2. Alternatively, the first information may also include the identifier of the logical channel, as shown in Figure 5-3.

[0093] 3. Uplink Control Channel. This means the first information is contained in the uplink control channel. The uplink control channel can be a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). PUCCH is just one example of a control channel; different systems and scenarios may use different names for control channels, and this application does not limit this. In one possible implementation, the uplink control channel can carry control information. For example, if the uplink control channel is PUCCH, the control information carried by the PUCCH can be uplink control information (UCI). In this case, the first information being contained in the uplink control channel can also be described as: the first information is UCI, and the UCI is contained in the uplink control channel; or, the first information is contained in the UCI. This application does not limit this.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the first information is included in the uplink control channel, which may include: first indication information (for requesting the receiving device to send a first status report) in the first information is included in the uplink control channel. It can also be described as: 'Requesting the receiving device to send a first status report' is indicated via the uplink control channel. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the uplink control channel, by different values ​​of at least one field in the uplink control channel, or by different values ​​of some bits of at least one field in the uplink control channel; this application does not limit this. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. Existing fields can be fields already present in the uplink control channel, such as fields in existing versions of communication standards. Newly added fields can be newly defined fields, such as fields in future communication standards.

[0095] For example, consider a bit in the uplink control channel used to request the receiving device to send a first status report. For instance, when a bit in the uplink control channel is '1', it indicates a request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or triggers the receiving device to send a first status report, etc. When a bit in the uplink control channel is '0', it indicates no request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or no triggering of the receiving device to send a first status report, etc. Alternatively, when a bit in the uplink control channel is '0', it indicates a request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or triggers the receiving device to send a first status report, etc. When a bit in the uplink control channel is '1', it indicates no request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or no triggering of the receiving device to send a first status report, etc.

[0096] In one possible implementation, when the first information is included in the uplink control channel, the first information can be carried on dedicated (or replaced by proprietary) resources. For example, if the uplink control channel is a PUCCH, the dedicated resource can be a dedicated PUCCH resource. Alternatively, the first information can be multiplexed with other information in the uplink control channel. For example, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can multiplex the first information in the uplink control channel based on the priority of the first information and the priority of the second information. The second information includes one or more of the following: HARQ, SR, CSI-part1, or CSI-part2. In one possible implementation, all of the contents listed herein can be referred to as UCI.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the first information and the second information have a priority relationship, which can be referred to in Figure 6.

[0098] In Figure 6-1, the priority of HARQ in the second information is higher than that of the first information, the priority of the first information is higher than that of SR in the second information, the priority of SR in the second information is higher than that of CSI-part1 in the second information, and the priority of CSI-part1 in the second information is higher than that of CSI-part2 in the second information. This can also be described as follows: In the uplink control channel, HARQ in the second information precedes the first information, the first information precedes SR in the second information, SR in the second information precedes CSI-part1 in the second information, and CSI-part1 in the second information precedes CSI-part2 in the second information. Alternatively, it can be described as: HARQ in the second information -> First information -> SR -> CSI-part1 -> CSI-part2.

[0099] In Figure 6-2, the priority of HARQ in the second information is higher than that of SR in the second information, the priority of SR in the second information is higher than that of the first information, the priority of the first information is higher than that of CSI-part1 in the second information, and the priority of CSI-part1 in the second information is higher than that of CSI-part2 in the second information. This can also be described as follows: In the uplink control channel, HARQ in the second information precedes SR in the second information, SR in the second information precedes the first information, the first information precedes CSI-part1 in the second information, and CSI-part1 in the second information precedes CSI-part2 in the second information. Alternatively, it can be described as: HARQ -> SR -> First information -> CSI-part1 -> CSI-part2.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes at least one of the following: the priority of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel, or the identifier of the logical channel group. In this case, the priority relationship between the first information and the second information can be referred to 6-3 to 6-5 of Figure 6.

[0101] For example, in Figure 6-3, the priority of HARQ in the second information is higher than the priority of SR in the second information; the priority of SR in the second information is higher than the priority of the first indication information in the first information; the priority of the first indication information in the first information is higher than the priority of CSI-part1 in the second information; the priority of CSI-part1 in the second information is higher than the priority of the third information (the third information is the priority of the logical channel in the first information); and the priority of the third information is higher than the priority of CSI-part2 in the second information. It can also be described as follows: In the uplink control channel, HARQ in the second information precedes SR in the second information; SR in the second information precedes the first indication information in the first information; the first indication information in the first information precedes CSI-part1 in the second information; CSI-part1 in the second information precedes the priority of the logical channel in the first information; and the priority of the logical channel in the first information precedes CSI-part2 in the second information. Alternatively, it can be described as: HARQ in the second information -> SR -> first indication information in the first information -> CSI-part1 -> priority of the logical channel in the first information -> CSI-part2 in the second information.

[0102] In Figure 6-4, the priority of HARQ in the second information is higher than that of SR in the second information; the priority of SR in the second information is higher than that of the first indication information in the first information; the priority of the first indication information in the first information is higher than that of CSI-part1 in the second information; the priority of CSI-part1 in the second information is higher than that of the logical channel identifier in the first information; and the priority of the logical channel identifier in the first information is higher than that of CSI-part2 in the second information. Alternatively, it can be described as follows: In the uplink control channel, HARQ in the second information precedes SR in the second information; SR in the second information precedes the first indication information in the first information; the first indication information in the first information precedes CSI-part1 in the second information; CSI-part1 in the second information precedes the priority of the logical channel identifier in the first information; and the priority of the logical channel identifier in the first information precedes CSI-part2 in the second information. Or, it can be described as: HARQ in the second information -> SR -> first indication information in the first information -> CSI-part1 -> priority of the logical channel identifier in the first information -> CSI-part2 in the second information.

[0103] In Figure 6-5, the priority of HARQ in the second information is higher than that of SR in the second information; the priority of SR in the second information is higher than that of the first indication information in the first information; the priority of the first indication information in the first information is higher than that of CSI-part1 in the second information; the priority of CSI-part1 in the second information is higher than that of the logical channel group identifier in the first information; and the priority of the logical channel group identifier in the first information is higher than that of CSI-part2 in the second information. Alternatively, it can be described as follows: In the uplink control channel, HARQ in the second information precedes SR in the second information; SR in the second information precedes the first indication information in the first information; the first indication information in the first information precedes CSI-part1 in the second information; CSI-part1 in the second information precedes the priority of the logical channel group identifier in the first information; and the priority of the logical channel group identifier in the first information precedes CSI-part2 in the second information. Or, it can be described as: HARQ in the second information -> SR -> first indication information in the first information -> CSI-part1 -> priority of the logical channel group identifier in the first information -> CSI-part2 in the second information.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the priority relationship between the first information and the second information shown in 6-1 of Figure 6 above is a priority relationship that exists under certain conditions.

[0105] As an example, when the third timer times out, the priority relationship between the first and second information can be referred to in Figure 6-1. The third timer is used to indicate the update status of the transmission window. In one possible implementation, 'third timer timeout' can also be described as: the first duration is greater than or equal to the third threshold value, or the third timer reaches the third threshold value. For the former, the start time of the first duration is the same as the time of the last update of the transmission window. For the latter, when the transmission window was last updated, the MAC entity of the transmitting device restarted the third timer, as shown at time t1 or t2 in Figure 7. That is, when the transmission window is updated, the MAC entity of the transmitting device restarts the first timer. In one possible implementation, the timeout of a timer (such as the third timer) mentioned in this application can be understood as the timer reaching its maximum value. Restarting a timer (such as the first timer, third timer, fourth timer, etc.) mentioned in this application can refer to clearing the timer value to zero and restarting the timing. For example, clearing the value of the third timer to zero and restarting the timing. In one possible implementation, 'last update of the transmission window' can be the lower bound of the last update of the transmission window. In this application, "updating the lower bound of the transmission window" refers to the acknowledgment of a MAC SDU located at the lower bound of the transmission window. Alternatively, it means that a MAC SDU located at the lower bound of the transmission window has been successfully received; that is, the transmitting device has transmitted the MAC SDU located at the lower bound of the transmission window and received a status report including that MAC SDU, with the status report indicating that the MAC SDU has been received. In other words, when a MAC SDU located at the lower bound of the transmission window is acknowledged, the MAC entity of the transmitting device updates (or slides) the transmission window.

[0106] As another example, when the fourth timer times out, the priority relationship between the first and second information can be referred to in Figure 6-1. Here, the fourth timer is used to indicate the reception status of the status report. In one possible implementation, 'fourth timer timeout' can also be described as: the second duration is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold value, or the fourth timer reaches the fourth threshold value. For the former, the start time of the second duration is the same as the time when the status report was last received. For the latter, when the status report was last received, the MAC entity of the transmitting device restarted the fourth timer, as shown at time t1 or t2 in Figure 8.

[0107] As another example, when the amount of data of the MAC SDUs sent within the sending window is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the priority relationship between the first information and the second information can be referred to in Figure 6-1. In one possible implementation, the amount of data of a certain MAC SDU mentioned in this application can refer to the number of MAC SDUs, the number of bits, or the number of bytes, etc. For example, the amount of data of the MAC SDUs sent within the sending window can refer to the number of MAC SDUs sent within the sending window, the number of bits, or the number of bytes. For example, in Figure 9, taking the number of MAC SDUs as an example, the MAC SDUs sent within the sending window include MAC SDUs with sequence numbers (SN) from n-2 to n, that is, the number of MAC SDUs sent within the sending window is 3. Assuming the second threshold value is 2, 3 is greater than 2, and the priority relationship between the first information and the second information can be referred to in Figure 6-1.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the sent MAC SDU mentioned in this application may refer to a MAC SDU that the transmitting device has sent but has not yet received.

[0109] When a conflict occurs or uplink resources are insufficient, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can also discard information based on the priority of the first information and the priority of the second information. In other words, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can discard the first information and the second information in ascending or descending priority order. For example, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can prioritize discarding the information with the lowest priority. For instance, referring to Figure 6-1, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can first discard CSI-part2 in the second information, then discard CSI-part1 in the second information, until the current PUCCH resources can carry the remaining UCI.

[0110] When no collision occurs or uplink resources are sufficient, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can multiplex all the contents of the first and second information in the uplink control channel. That is, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can multiplex multiple UCIs together in the uplink control channel. For example, in Figure 6-1, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can multiplex the HARQ from the second information, the first information, the SR from the second information, CSI-part1 from the second information, and CSI-part2 from the second information in the uplink control channel. Alternatively, in Figure 6-2, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can multiplex the HARQ from the second information, the SR from the second information, the first information, CSI-part1 from the second information, and CSI-part2 from the second information in the uplink control channel. Or, in Figure 6-3, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can multiplex the HARQ from the second information, the SR from the second information, the first indication information from the first information, CSI-part1 from the second information, the logical channel priority from the first information, and CSI-part2 from the second information in the uplink control channel. Alternatively, in Figure 6-4, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can multiplex the HARQ from the second information, the SR from the second information, the first indication information from the first information, CSI-part1 from the second information, the logical channel identifier from the first information, and CSI-part2 from the second information in the uplink control channel. Alternatively, in Figure 6-5, the MAC entity of the transmitting device can multiplex the HARQ from the second information, the SR from the second information, the first indication information from the first information, CSI-part1 from the second information, the logical channel group identifier from the first information, and CSI-part2 from the second information in the uplink control channel. That is, the various UCIs in the uplink control channel are arranged in ascending priority order based on the priority of the first information and the priority of the second information.

[0111] The following describes where the first information is specifically carried when the transmitting device is a network device. For example, the first information can be carried in one of the following:

[0112] 1. MAC subheader of the MAC PDU. That is, the first information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU. For example, the first indication information in the first information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU. Or, the first indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU. The descriptions of the first MAC SDU and the first MAC CE can be found in the relevant descriptions above, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the above examples illustrate schemes related to which MAC subheader of the MAC PDU the first indication information in the first information is included in. In practical applications, the condition for the first indication information in the first information to be included in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU can be: the MAC PDU does not include MAC CEs preceding the first MAC SDU, that is, the MAC PDU does not include MAC CEs and only includes MAC SDUs. For example, the MAC PDU does not include MAC CEs preceding the first MAC SDU but includes the first MAC SDU, where the first MAC SDU is the first MAC SDU. Similarly, the condition for the first indication information to be included in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU can be: the MAC PDU includes MAC CEs preceding the first MAC SDU. For example, the MAC PDU includes the first MAC CE, where the first MAC CE is the first MAC CE.

[0114] When the sending device is a network device and the first MAC SDU is the first MAC SDU, refer to 10-1 of Figure 10. Similarly, when the sending device is a network device and the first MAC CE is the first MAC CE, refer to 10-1 of Figure 10. Figure 10-1 is similar to Figure 3 above and will not be described again here.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the first indication information in the first information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU, and can also be described as: 'Request the receiving device to send a first status report' indicated by the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU, by different values ​​of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU, or by different values ​​of some bits of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU; this application does not limit this. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. Existing fields can be fields originally present in the MAC subheader of the MAC SDU, such as the reserved (R) field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC SDU. Newly added fields can be newly defined fields, such as fields in future communication standards. Similarly, the first indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU, and can also be described as: 'Request the receiving device to send a first status report' indicated by the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE, by different values ​​of at least one field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE, or by different values ​​of some bits in at least one field in the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE; this application does not limit this. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. Existing fields can be fields originally present in the MAC subheader of the MAC CE, such as reserved fields in the MAC subheader of the first MAC CE. Newly added fields can be newly defined fields, such as fields in future communication standards.

[0116] For example, taking the first MAC SDU as an example, suppose one bit of the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is used to request the receiving device to send a first status report. When the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is '1', it indicates that the receiving device is requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is triggered to send a first status report, etc. When the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is '0', it indicates that the receiving device is not requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is not triggered to send a first status report, etc. Alternatively, when the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is '0', it indicates that the receiving device is requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is triggered to send a first status report, etc. When the reserved field in the first MAC SDU is '1', it indicates that the receiving device is not requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is not triggered to send a first status report, etc.

[0117] For example, taking the first MAC CE as an example, suppose one bit of the reserved field in the first MAC CE is used to request the receiving device to send a first status report. When the reserved field in the first MAC CE is '1', it indicates that the receiving device is requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is triggered to send a first status report, etc. When the reserved field in the first MAC CE is '0', it indicates that the receiving device is not requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is not triggered to send a first status report, etc. Alternatively, when the reserved field in the first MAC CE is '0', it indicates that the receiving device is requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is triggered to send a first status report, etc. When the reserved field in the first MAC CE is '1', it indicates that the receiving device is not requested to send a first status report, or that the receiving device is not triggered to send a first status report, etc. The reserved field in the first MAC CE can be the R field in 10-2 of Figure 10.

[0118] 2. MAC CE. This means the first information is contained in the MAC CE. For example, the first indication information (used to request the receiving device to send a first status report) in the first information is contained in the MAC CE. It can also be described as: 'Requesting the receiving device to send a first status report' is indicated by the MAC CE. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the MAC CE, by different values ​​of at least one field in the MAC CE, or by different values ​​of some bits of at least one field in the MAC CE; this application does not limit this. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. Existing fields can be fields already present in the MAC CE, for example, fields in existing versions of communication standards. Newly added fields can be newly defined fields, for example, fields in future communication standards.

[0119] For example, consider a bit in the MAC CE used to request the receiving device to send a first status report. For instance, when a bit in the MAC CE is '1', it indicates a request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or triggers the receiving device to send a first status report, etc. When a bit in the MAC CE is '0', it indicates no request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or no triggering of the receiving device to send a first status report, etc. Alternatively, when a bit in the MAC CE is '0', it indicates a request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or triggers the receiving device to send a first status report, etc. When a bit in the MAC CE is '1', it indicates no request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or no triggering of the receiving device to send a first status report, etc.

[0120] In one possible implementation, when the first information is included in the MAC CE, the first information also includes at least one of the following: the priority of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel group, or the value of the second timer. For example, the first information also includes the priority of the logical channel and / or the value of the second timer, as shown in 11-1 of Figure 11. Alternatively, the first information also includes the identifier of the logical channel group and / or the value of the second timer, as shown in 11-2 of Figure 11. Alternatively, the first information also includes the identifier of the logical channel and / or the value of the second timer, as shown in 11-3 of Figure 11. The second timer is used to indicate the transmission status of the status report. In one possible implementation, the 'value of the second timer' here can also be replaced with other descriptions. For example, the index corresponding to the value of the second timer. That is, the transmitting device can determine the value of the second timer by the index corresponding to the value of the second timer. In this case, the transmitting device and / or the receiving device can store the correspondence between the value of the second timer and the index. For example, this correspondence can be any row and / or any column in a table. For example, taking Table 2 as an example, in Table 2, when the index is 0, the value of the second timer is 10ms. When the index is 1, the value of the second timer is 5ms, etc.

[0121] Table 2

[0122] 3. Downlink Control Channel. This means the first information is contained in the downlink control channel. The downlink control channel can be a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). PDCCH is just one example of a control channel; different systems and scenarios may have different names for control channels, and this application does not limit this. In one possible implementation, the downlink control channel can carry control information. For example, taking PDCCH as the downlink control channel, the control information carried by PDCCH can be downlink control information (DCI). In this case, the first information is contained in the downlink control channel, which can also be described as: the first information is DCI, and DCI is contained in the downlink control channel, or the first information is contained in DCI; this application does not limit this. The DCI in this application can have a corresponding format. For example, DCI is used to schedule the transmission of downlink data or to schedule downlink data channels, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The format of DCI can be DCI format 1_0, etc. That is, 1 bit in DCI format 1_0 can be used to request the receiving device to send a first status report.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the first information is included in the downlink control channel, which may include: first indication information (for requesting the receiving device to send a first status report) in the first information is included in the downlink control channel. It can also be described as: 'Requesting the receiving device to send a first status report' is indicated via the downlink control channel. For example, it can be indicated by different values ​​of some bits in the downlink control channel, by different values ​​of at least one field in the downlink control channel, or by different values ​​of some bits of at least one field in the downlink control channel; this application does not limit this. The at least one field here can be an existing field and / or a newly added field. Existing fields can be fields already present in the downlink control channel, such as fields in existing versions of communication standards. Newly added fields can be newly defined fields, such as fields in future communication standards.

[0124] For example, consider a bit in the downlink control channel used to request the receiving device to send a first status report. For instance, if a bit in the downlink control channel is '1', it indicates a request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or triggers the receiving device to send a first status report. If a bit in the downlink control channel is '0', it indicates no request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or no triggering of the receiving device to send a first status report. Alternatively, if a bit in the downlink control channel is '0', it indicates a request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or triggers the receiving device to send a first status report. If a bit in the downlink control channel is '1', it indicates no request to the receiving device to send a first status report, or no triggering of the receiving device to send a first status report.

[0125] In one possible implementation, to achieve the functions described in the above embodiments, the transmitting device (such as a network device, a component in a network device, a terminal, or a component in a terminal) includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0126] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be used to implement the functions of the transmitting device (such as a network device, a component in a network device, a terminal, or a component in a terminal) in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be the terminal 120 shown in Figure 1, or the RAN node 110 (such as a network device) shown in Figure 1, or a component (such as a module, communication module, or chip, etc.) applied to a terminal or RAN node (such as a network device).

[0127] As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 includes a processing unit 1210 and a transceiver unit 1220. The communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of the transmitting device (such as a network device, a component in a network device, a terminal, or a component in a terminal) in the method embodiment shown in Figure 2. For example, the transceiver unit 1220 is used to transmit first information and also to receive a first status report. The first information is determined by the MAC entity of the transmitting device. The first information includes first indication information, which requests the receiving device to send a first status report, and the first status report indicates the reception status of the MAC SDU. The first information is contained in the MAC sub-header, MAC CE, downlink control channel, or uplink control channel of the MAC PDU.

[0128] In one possible implementation, the transmitting device is a terminal, the first information is included in the uplink control channel, and the processing unit 1210 is used to multiplex the first information in the uplink control channel based on the priority of the first information and the priority of the second information. The second information includes one or more of the following: HARQ, SR, CSI-part1, or CSI-part2.

[0129] For a more detailed description of the above-mentioned processing unit 1210 and transceiver unit 1220, please refer to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in FIG2.

[0130] As shown in Figure 13, the communication device 1300 includes a processor 1310 and an interface circuit 1320. The processor 1310 and the interface circuit 1320 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1320 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1300 may also include a memory 1330 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1310, or storing input data required by the processor 1310 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1310 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1320 can also be understood as part of the processor 1310, in which case the communication device 1300 includes the processor 1310.

[0131] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the method shown in FIG2, the processor 1310 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 1210, and the interface circuit 1320 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 1220.

[0132] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from a network device, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to a network device, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the network device by these modules.

[0133] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip used in a network device, the chip implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the network device, and then sent to the chip by these modules. The chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being forwarded to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the network device, and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0134] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between network devices and terminals; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a chip in a network device and other modules of that network device.

[0135] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0136] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a network device or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a network device or terminal.

[0137] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless 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 medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0138] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0139] In this application, "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 represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0140] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish between network elements and similar items with essentially the same function. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0141] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. An information transmission method, characterized in that, Applied to a transmitting device, the method includes: Sending first information, the first information being determined by the Media Access Control (MAC) entity of the sending device, the first information including first indication information, the first indication information being used to request the receiving device to send a first status report, the first status report being used to indicate the reception status of the MAC Service Data Unit (SDU); The first information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC protocol data unit (PDU), the MAC control unit (CE), the downlink control channel, or the uplink control channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmitting device is a terminal, and the first information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, the MAC CE, or the uplink control channel.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, including: The first indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first MAC SDU is the first MAC SDU of the MAC PDU.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU. The first information also includes second indication information, which is used to update the value of a first timer. The first timer is used to determine the status report transmission status.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the second MAC SDU of the MAC PDU.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second MAC SDU is the second MAC SDU of the MAC PDU.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is contained in the MAC CE, and the first information also includes at least one of the following: the priority of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel, or the identifier of the logical channel group.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is contained in the uplink control channel, and the method further includes: The MAC entity of the transmitting device multiplexes the first information in the uplink control channel based on the priority of the first information and the priority of the second information; wherein the second information includes one or more of the following: Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), Schedule Request (SR), the first part of the channel state information (CSI-part1), or the second part of the channel state information (CSI-part2).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first piece of information has a higher priority than the scheduling request in the second piece of information; or, The first information has a higher priority than CSI-part1 in the second information.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmitting device is a network device, and the first indication information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, the MAC CE, or the downlink control channel.

12. The method according to claim 1, 2, or 11, characterized in that, The first information is contained in the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, including: The first indication information is contained in the MAC subheader corresponding to the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first MAC CE is the first MAC CE of the MAC PDU.

14. The method according to claim 1 or 11, characterized in that, The first information is contained in the MAC CE, and the first information also includes at least one of the following: the priority of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel, the identifier of the logical channel group, or the value of the second timer; The second timer is used to indicate the status report being sent.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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