Channel determination methods and apparatuses, and communication device and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications, and specifically relates to channel determination methods and apparatuses, and a communication device and a storage medium. A channel determination method comprises: determining, on the basis of the size of uplink control information (UCI), a channel for carrying the UCI. In the present disclosure, a terminal can determine, on the basis of the size of UCI, a channel for carrying the UCI. Thus, the present disclosure facilitates the simplification of the determination logic for determining a channel for carrying UCI, thereby facilitating implementation at terminals and network devices.

Description

Channel determination methods and apparatus, communication equipment and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to channel determination methods, channel determination devices, communication equipment, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] Uplink control information (UCI) serves as a carrier for terminals to feed back, send, and request corresponding actions or scheduling from network devices, and is an indispensable and important component of cellular wireless communication systems.

[0003] Terminals can send UCIs to network devices via the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). However, the logic for determining whether a UCI is sent via PUCCH or PUSCH is relatively complex and not conducive to implementation by both terminals and network devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure provide channel determination methods and apparatus, communication devices, and storage media to address technical problems in the related art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a channel determination method is proposed, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: determining a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of uplink control information.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a channel determination method is provided, executed by a network device, the method comprising: determining a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of uplink control information.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a channel determination apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a processing module configured to determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of the uplink control information.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a channel determination apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a processing module configured to determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of the uplink control information.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for performing the channel determination method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the channel determination method described in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the channel determination method described in the first aspect.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the channel determination method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the channel determination method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the terminal can determine the channel used to carry the UCI based on the size of the UCI. For example, if the UCI size is relatively large, it can be determined that the UCI is carried through the PUSCH, and if the UCI size is relatively small, it can be determined that the UCI is carried through the PUCCH. This simplifies the logic for determining the channel to carry the UCI and facilitates implementation by the terminal and network devices. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a timing relationship according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a channel determination method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a channel determination device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a channel determination device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a channel determination method and apparatus, a communication device, and a storage medium.

[0016] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a channel determination method, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: determining a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of the uplink control information.

[0017] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the channel used to carry the UCI based on the size of the UCI. For example, if the UCI size is relatively large, it can be determined that the UCI is carried through the PUSCH, and if the UCI size is relatively small, it can be determined that the UCI is carried through the PUCCH. This simplifies the logic for determining the channel to carry the UCI and facilitates implementation by the terminal and network devices.

[0018] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the channel includes at least one of the following: a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH); and a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0019] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the size of the uplink control information includes at least one of the following: if the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold, determining the channel for carrying the uplink control information as PUCCH; if the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to a second threshold, determining the channel for carrying the uplink control information as PUSCH.

[0020] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the type of PUCCH format used to carry the uplink control information is greater than or equal to one.

[0021] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PUCCH format includes at least one of the following: sequence-based PUCCH; non-sequence-based PUCCH.

[0022] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PUSCH is a PUSCH dedicated to carrying uplink control information.

[0023] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH based on indication information sent by the network device, wherein the indication information carries at least one of: Downlink Control Information (DCI); Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0024] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH is different from the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH; or, the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH is shared with the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH.

[0025] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, where the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH are shared indication information, determining the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH based on the indication information sent by the network device includes at least one of the following: determining the resources of the PUCCH based on the indication information when the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold; and determining the resources of the PUSCH based on the indication information when the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0026] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the uplink control information includes at least one of the following: a scheduling request (SR); a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ); and channel state information (CSI).

[0027] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a channel determination method, executed by a network device, the method comprising: determining a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of the uplink control information.

[0028] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the channel includes at least one of the following: a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH); and a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0029] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the size of the uplink control information includes at least one of the following: if the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold, determining the channel for carrying the uplink control information as PUCCH; if the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to a second threshold, determining the channel for carrying the uplink control information as PUSCH.

[0030] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the type of PUCCH format used to carry the uplink control information is greater than or equal to one.

[0031] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the types of PUCCH formats include at least one of the following: sequence-based PUCCH; non-sequence-based PUCCH.

[0032] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the PUSCH is a PUSCH dedicated to carrying uplink control information.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending indication information to a terminal, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH, wherein the indication information carries at least one of: Downlink Control Information (DCI); Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH is different from the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH; or, the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH is shared with the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH are shared, the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH, including at least one of the following: when the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold, the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH; when the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUSCH.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the uplink control information includes at least one of the following: a scheduling request (SR); a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ); and channel state information (CSI).

[0037] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a channel determination apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a processing module configured to determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of the uplink control information.

[0038] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a channel determination apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a processing module configured to determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of the uplink control information.

[0039] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the channel determination method described in any one of the first aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, and optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the channel determination method according to any one of the first aspect and optional embodiments thereof.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to perform the channel determination method according to any one of the alternative embodiments of the second aspect.

[0042] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the channel determination method according to any one of the first aspect and optional embodiments of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the channel determination method according to any one of the second aspect and optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0043] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the channel determination method described in any one of the first aspect, the optional embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0044] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the channel determination method described in any one of the first aspect, the optional embodiment of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0045] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the channel determination method described in any one of the first aspect, the optional embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0046] Understandably, the aforementioned channel determination device, communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, and computer program are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] This disclosure provides a channel determination method and apparatus, a communication device, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "channel determination method" and "information processing method," "communication method," etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms "channel determination apparatus" and "information processing apparatus," "communication apparatus," etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms "information processing system," "communication system," etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0048] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0049] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0050] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0051] In the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular, such as “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “this,” etc., may mean “one and only one,” or “one or more,” “at least one,” etc.

[0052] For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", and "the" in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural form.

[0053] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0054] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0055] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0056] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0057] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this disclosure are only for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not constitute restrictions on the position, order, priority, number or content of the descriptive objects. For the description of the descriptive objects, please refer to the description in the claims or the context of the embodiments. The use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions.

[0058] For example, if the descriptive object is "field," then the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is "level," then the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers; there can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the descriptive object is "device," then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the descriptive object is "information," then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0059] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0060] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0061] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0062] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0063] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0064] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0065] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0066] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced with terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0067] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0068] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0069] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0070] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0071] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102, wherein the network device includes at least one of the following: an access network device and a core network device.

[0073] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0074] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0075] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0076] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0077] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0078] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0079] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0080] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0081] In some embodiments, Uplink Control Information (UCI) serves as a carrier for terminals to feed back, send, and request corresponding actions or scheduling from network devices, and is an indispensable and important component of cellular wireless communication systems.

[0082] In some embodiments, UCI may include at least one of the following, categorized according to the type of information carried:

[0083] CSI (Channel Status Information) is used to provide network devices with channel-related information measured by the terminal based on the downlink reference signal. Network devices can use CSI to better schedule traffic based on the channel conditions of the terminal, thereby improving system communication efficiency and user experience.

[0084] HARQ messages are used to provide feedback to network devices regarding the reception status of downlink information (such as data, channels, and signals). HARQ messages can include HARQ-ACK and HARQ-NACK messages. A HARQ-ACK message indicates that the terminal successfully detected and received the corresponding downlink information within the time unit indicated by the network device, while a HARQ-NACK message indicates that the terminal did not detect and receive the corresponding downlink information within the time unit indicated by the network device. Based on this information, the network device determines whether to retransmit the downlink information, thereby improving the reliability of the downlink communication link.

[0085] SR (Scheduling Request) is divided into positive SR and negative SR, corresponding to whether the terminal requests a scheduling opportunity. Based on this, network devices can better understand the terminal's scheduling request, thereby optimizing system transmission efficiency and reducing terminal transmission latency.

[0086] In some embodiments, UCI can differentiate between different time-domain transmission behaviors based on the type of information carried, such as periodic transmission, aperiodic transmission, and semi-persistent transmission. Different time-domain transmission behaviors can achieve a good trade-off in terms of resource overhead and transmission latency.

[0087] In some embodiments, UCI can be carried through different uplink information (e.g., signals, traffic lights). For example, periodic CSI can be carried through PUCCH, aperiodic CSI can be carried through PUSCH, HARQ-ACK can be carried through PUCCH or PUSCH, and SR can be carried through PUCCH or SRS.

[0088] Given the importance of UCI and its significant contribution to the performance of the entire wireless communication system, a great deal of design work has been done in communication systems to ensure the reliability, timeliness, accuracy, and flexibility of UCI transmission.

[0089] In some embodiments, UCI can be transmitted on the PUCCH. Given the importance and diversity of UCI, its transmission requires high reliability and flexibility. To support UCI transmission, the 5G NR system has designed five PUCCH formats to carry different UCIs and adapt to the diverse service requirements of the 5G system.

[0090] For example, the differences between the five PUCCH formats from a physical layer perspective can be summarized in Table 1 below: Table 1

[0091] In Table 1, the unit of duration can be any time unit, such as a symbol, time slot, sub-time slot, frame, subframe, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this. α2, α3, and α5 can be any positive integers, and their specific meanings can be found in relevant documents, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0092] As shown in Table 1, the channel structure, transmission method, and processing flow of different PUCCH formats are completely different.

[0093] From a flexibility perspective, network devices can configure up to four PUCCH resource sets for a terminal within a single Bandwidth Part (BWP). Each PUCCH resource set contains up to 32 PUCCH resources. Taking a 5G NR (New Radio) system as an example, this system employs a complex indication mechanism to accurately indicate the PUCCH resources used by the terminal for UCI transmission. Furthermore, the PUCCH resource indication methods differ across different PUCCH resource sets. For instance, PUCCH resource set #0 can contain up to 32 PUCCH resources. To use a limited number of PRI (PUCCH resource indicator) bits (e.g., 3 bits) to indicate all PUCCH resources, the CCE (Control Channel Element) index is needed to determine the PUCCH resources used for PUCCH transmission. For other PUCCH resource sets, the resources used for PUCCH transmission can be directly indicated by the PRI carried in the DCI (Downlink Control Information).

[0094] In some embodiments, UCI can be carried via PUSCH. There are two cases for carrying UCI via PUSCH:

[0095] Scenario 1: Instruct the terminal to carry UCI on the PUSCH via DCI indication;

[0096] Scenario 2: Based on the UCI type and timing relationship, the UCI that should have been transmitted on PUCCH is piggybacked to be transmitted on PUSCH.

[0097] For scenario 1, the operation is relatively simple, but the cost is that the PUSCH needs to be scheduled additionally via DCI. On the other hand, if the network device instructs the PUSCH not to carry UL-SCH (Uplink Shared Channel), it will result in significant resource overhead.

[0098] For scenario 2, since the terminal has already started preparing the PUCCH, the timing relationship between PUCCH and PUSCH transmissions needs to be considered. Additionally, considering the different priorities of different UCIs, the type of UCI also needs to be considered to ultimately determine the different timing relationships. Overall, the earliest symbol in the PUCCH and PUSCH that requires piggyback operation in the time domain cannot be later than a certain time point.

[0099] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a timing relationship according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] As shown in Figure 1B, the downlink information corresponding to PUCCH is PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), and the UCI in PUCCH is the HARQ information that feeds back the PDSCH reception status.

[0101] The time domain position of the last time unit (e.g., symbol) of PDSCH is T0, and the processing time of the terminal for PDSCH is T_pro,2. Time T2 can be determined based on T0 and T_pro,2.

[0102] The PUCCH used to carry UCI can overlap in the time domain with the PUSCH that needs to piggyback to it, and the time domain position T1 of the first time unit (e.g., symbol) of the overlapping PUCCH and PUSCH cannot be earlier than T2.

[0103] It should be noted that the timing relationship shown in Figure 1B above is only an example. The timing relationship may differ for different downlink information and different UCI types. The protocol defines independent timing relationships and specifies the rules for mapping various UCI types on the PUSCH, which this disclosure does not limit.

[0104] To support UCI transmission, various PUCCH formats were designed in the communication system, and extremely complex multiplexing rules were defined. The complexity of these protocol designs greatly increased the implementation costs of terminals and network equipment, and generated many extreme cases.

[0105] Let's take PUCCH format #0 and PUCCH format #4 as examples. PUCCH format #0 is a sequence-based PUCCH format. PUCCH format #4 supports both time-domain and frequency-domain spreading, and their processing procedures, resource allocation, and algorithm implementations are completely different. While this completely different channel structure design can solve and adapt to the different needs of UCI transmission to some extent, it objectively increases the complexity of protocol design, terminal implementation, and network configuration.

[0106] From the perspective of resource allocation, different PUCCH resource indication methods were designed to meet the transmission requirements of different UCIs, which also increased the complexity of terminal implementation.

[0107] To enable UCI transmission on the PUSCH, an extremely complex timeline judgment and determination mechanism was designed. Terminals and base stations need to determine the timing relationship based on the UCI type, PDSCH transmission time, PUCCH transmission time, and PUSCH transmission time, and determine whether UCI can be transmitted on the PUSCH, significantly increasing the implementation complexity of terminals and network equipment.

[0108] To achieve the multiplexing of different UCI types on the PUSCH, an extremely complex multiplexing and mapping mechanism was designed. The base station and the terminal need to determine the final UCI type and method transmitted on the PUSCH based on the priority of different UCI types and the actual UCI type being transmitted.

[0109] To determine the time-domain resources for PUCCH transmission, network devices need to pre-configure the time-domain resources for each PUCCH resource. Based on this, the specific transmission time-domain location needs to be determined through Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or timing indication information carried in the DCI.

[0110] To adapt to diverse scenarios and requirements in communication systems, the first resource for each PUCCH format can be flexibly configured. This increases the complexity of PUCCH applications to some extent. Terminals must support all PUCCH formats and all possible first resource configurations for each format, further increasing the complexity of terminal implementation.

[0111] It is evident that although UCI can be transmitted via PUCCH or PUSCH, the specific decision-making logic for choosing between PUCCH and PUSCH transmission is relatively complex, which is not conducive to implementation by terminals and network devices.

[0112] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a channel determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In some embodiments, the channel determination method may be performed by the terminal.

[0114] As shown in Figure 2, the channel determination method may include the following steps:

[0115] In step S201, the terminal determines the channel used to carry the uplink control information based on the size of the uplink control information (UCI).

[0116] The size of UCI can refer to the size of the payload of bits in UCI, or it can refer to the number of bits in UCI.

[0117] In some embodiments, UCI includes at least one of the following: SR; HARQ (e.g., HARQ-ACK, HARQ-NACK); CSI.

[0118] In some embodiments, the channel used to carry uplink control information includes at least one of the following: PUCCH; PUSCH.

[0119] In step S202, the terminal sends a UCI to the network device through the channel of the type described above.

[0120] In some embodiments, the network device may also determine the channel for carrying the UCI based on the size of the UCI, and then receive the UCI sent by the terminal through the channel of the type described above.

[0121] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the terminal can determine the channel used to carry the UCI based on the size of the UCI. For example, if the UCI size is relatively large, it can be determined that the UCI is carried through the PUSCH, and if the UCI size is relatively small, it can be determined that the UCI is carried through the PUCCH. This simplifies the logic for determining the channel to carry the UCI and facilitates implementation by the terminal and network devices.

[0122] The following examples illustrate how to determine the channel used to carry the UCI based on the size of the UCI.

[0123] In some embodiments, the channel for carrying the uplink control information is determined based on the magnitude of the uplink control information, including at least one of the following:

[0124] If the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to the first threshold, the channel used to carry the uplink control information is determined to be PUCCH;

[0125] If the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the channel used to carry the uplink control information is determined to be PUSCH.

[0126] Since the terminal needs to perform blind detection when receiving PUCCH, but not when receiving PUSCH, it can carry the UCI through PUSCH when the UCI size is relatively large (e.g., greater than or equal to the second threshold), and only carry it through PUCCH when the UCI size is relatively small (e.g., less than or equal to the first threshold). This avoids excessively increasing the complexity of blind detection by carrying relatively large UCI sizes through PUCCH.

[0127] In some embodiments, when the size of the UCI is relatively small, for example, when the size of the UCI is less than or equal to a first threshold, it can be determined that the UCI is carried by the PUCCH.

[0128] It should be noted that the first threshold can be a threshold configured by the network device or a threshold agreed upon by the protocol; this disclosure does not limit this.

[0129] For example, the first threshold can be M bits, where M can be an integer greater than or equal to 1. For instance, if M = 1, then when the size of the UCI is 1 bit (the size of the UCI is equal to the first threshold), it can be determined that the UCI is carried through PUCCH; when the size of the UCI is greater than 1 bit (the size of the UCI is greater than the first threshold), it can be determined that the UCI is carried through PUSCH.

[0130] In some embodiments, when the size of the UCI is relatively large, for example, when the size of the UCI is greater than or equal to a second threshold, it can be determined that the UCI is carried by PUSCH.

[0131] It should be noted that the second threshold can be a threshold configured by the network device or a threshold agreed upon by the protocol; this disclosure does not limit this. The second threshold can be the same as or different from the first threshold; for example, the second threshold can be greater than the first threshold.

[0132] For example, the second threshold can be N bits, where N can be an integer greater than or equal to 1. For instance, if N=2, then when the size of the UCI is 1 bit (the size of the UCI is less than the second threshold), it can be determined that the UCI is carried through PUCCH; when the size of the UCI is 2 bits (the size of the UCI is equal to the second threshold), it can be determined that the UCI is carried through PUSCH.

[0133] As can be seen from the above embodiments, only the size of the UCI needs to be considered to determine whether the UCI is carried by the PUCCH or the PUSCH, without having to consider other factors such as the type of UCI (e.g., SR, CQI, HARQ) and time-domain transmission behavior (e.g., periodic transmission, aperiodic transmission, semi-persistent transmission). Therefore, this simplifies the logic for determining the channel carrying the UCI, making it easier for terminals and network devices to implement.

[0134] For example, when carrying UCI via PUSCH, the carrying methods of UCI via PUSCH include at least one of the following:

[0135] UCI is transmitted within the TB (Transport Block) carried by PUSCH, and the encoding of UCI is the same as that of the data packets in the TB.

[0136] UCI is directly mapped to the RE (Resource Element) carried by PUSCH. UCI uses RM (Reed-Muller) encoding or polar encoding.

[0137] It should be noted that in the process of determining the channel used to carry the UCI based on the size of the UCI, this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on the PUCCH format, PUCCH resources, PUCCH resource indication method, PUSCH resources, PUSCH code rate, PUSCH DMRS (Demodulation Reference Signal), PUSCH resource indication method, and the way the UCI is carried in the PUSCH.

[0138] In some embodiments, there is one or more types of PUCCH formats used to carry UCI.

[0139] For example, there is only one type of PUCCH format used to carry UCI, meaning that UCI can be carried using a specific PUCCH format.

[0140] In some embodiments, the types of PUCCH formats include at least one of the following:

[0141] Sequence-based PUCCH (which can be denoted as PUCCH format #0 or PUCCH format #1) refers to a PUCCH that can transmit information through a specific sequence (e.g., a predefined sequence). This specific sequence can be known to both the PUCCH sender and receiver. For example, the specific sequence in PUCCH format #0 is a relatively short sequence (e.g., it can be called a short sequence), while the specific sequence in PUCCH format #1 is a relatively long sequence (e.g., it can be called a long sequence).

[0142] Non-sequence-based PUCCHs include PUCCHs that do not transmit information through a specific sequence, such as modulation-based PUCCHs (which can be denoted as PUCCH format #2, PUCCH format #3), and PUCCHs that support modulation + block-wise spreading (which can be denoted as PUCCH format #4).

[0143] For example, when carrying a UCI via a specific format PUCCH, the specific format PUCCH can be a sequence-based PUCCH. For instance, if the size of the UCI is equal to 1 bit, it can be determined that the UCI is carried via a sequence-based PUCCH.

[0144] Since a UCI of size equal to 1 bit mainly includes SR and / or HARQ-ACK, the embodiments of this disclosure can determine whether to carry it via PUCCH for SR and / or HARQ-ACK, and whether to carry it via PUSCH for UCIs other than SR and / or HARQ-ACK. Therefore, this embodiment simplifies the judgment logic, at least in determining whether to carry it via PUCCH or PUSCH for SR and / or HARQ-ACK, making it easier for terminals and network devices to implement.

[0145] In some embodiments, the PUSCH is a dedicated PUSCH for carrying uplink control information.

[0146] In this case, the PUSCH used to carry UCI can be a PUSCH dedicated to carrying UCI, that is, such a PUSCH is not used to carry information other than UCI (such as data). Accordingly, when it is determined that UCI is carried through PUSCH, there is no need to further consider the data conflict between UCI and PUSCH, which helps to simplify the logic of carrying UCI through PUSCH.

[0147] In some embodiments, the network device may send indication information to the terminal, which may be used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH and / or the PUSCH.

[0148] The terminal can receive indication information sent by the network device, and then determine the resources of the PUCCH and / or the PUSCH based on the indication information sent by the network device.

[0149] For example, resources may include at least one of time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources.

[0150] For example, the indication information may include time-domain resource information to indicate time-domain resources, or frequency-domain resource information to indicate frequency-domain resources, or it may include joint resource information to indicate both time-domain and frequency-domain resources.

[0151] For example, the indication information is carried in at least one of the following:

[0152] Downlink Control Information (DCI);

[0153] Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0154] In some embodiments, the indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH is different from the indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUSCH.

[0155] For example, taking the indication information carried in the DCI as an example, the DCI can indicate resources through information fields (or simply fields). For instance, the first information field in the DCI can be used to indicate the resources of PUCCH, and the second information field in the DCI can be used to indicate the resources of PUSCH.

[0156] For example, taking the inclusion of indication information in RRC signaling as an example, DCI can indicate resources through information elements (IEs). For instance, the first information element in RRC signaling can be used to indicate resources for PUCCH, and the second information element in RRC signaling can be used to indicate resources for PUSCH.

[0157] In some embodiments, the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH are shared indication information.

[0158] When the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH are shared, the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH are determined based on the indication information sent by the network device, including at least one of the following:

[0159] If the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold, the resources of the PUCCH are determined according to the indication information;

[0160] If the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the resources of the PUSCH are determined according to the indication information.

[0161] For example, taking the indication information carried in the DCI as an example, the DCI can indicate resources through information fields (or simply fields). For instance, the first information field in the DCI can be used to indicate resources of either PUCCH or PUSCH. Specifically, when the size of the UCI is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first information field in the DCI can be used to indicate resources of PUCCH; when the size of the UCI is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the first information field in the DCI can be used to indicate resources of PUSCH.

[0162] For example, taking the inclusion of indication information in RRC signaling as an example, DCI can indicate resources through information elements (IEs). For instance, the first information element in RRC signaling can be used to indicate resources for either PUCCH or PUSCH. Specifically, if the size of the UCI is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first information element in RRC signaling can be used to indicate resources for PUCCH; if the size of the UCI is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the first information element in RRC signaling can be used to indicate resources for PUSCH.

[0163] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to S202. For example, step S201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S201+S202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0164] In some embodiments, steps S201 and S202 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0165] In some embodiments, step S201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0166] In some embodiments, step S202 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0167] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2 may be referred to.

[0168] The technical solutions of this disclosure will be illustrated by several further embodiments below.

[0169] Terminal-side implementation example:

[0170] In some embodiments, the terminal supports carrying UCI via PUCCH and via PUSCH. The channel type used for feedback UCI is determined based on the payload size of the required UCI bits.

[0171] In some embodiments, the PUCCH used to carry UCI satisfies at least one of the following conditions:

[0172] There are N types of PUCCH formats, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, for example, N = 1.

[0173] The PUCCH format is used to carry UCI bits less than or equal to M bits, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, for example, M = 1.

[0174] This disclosure does not limit the definition of the PUCCH format supported by the terminal for transmission. For example, the PUCCH format is a sequence-based PUCCH, or a PUCCH format of other types.

[0175] This disclosure does not limit the configuration and / or definition of time and frequency resources corresponding to the PUCCH format.

[0176] This disclosure does not limit the method of indicating the time-frequency resources occupied by PUCCH transmission. For example, the PUCCH resource used for UCI transmission can be indicated by the indication information carried in the DCI; for example, the PUCCH resource used for UCI transmission can be indicated by the indication information carried in the RRC signaling.

[0177] In some embodiments, the PUSCH used to carry UCI satisfies at least one of the following conditions:

[0178] PUSCH is a dedicated PUSCH for transmitting UCI.

[0179] This disclosure does not impose any restrictions on the time and frequency resources, transmission rate, DMRS configuration, etc. of PUSCH;

[0180] This disclosure does not restrict the way PUSCH is indicated;

[0181] This disclosure does not restrict the way UCI is carried on PUSCH. For example, UCI is transmitted within TB carried by PUSCH, in which case UCI uses the same encoding as the data packet; for example, UCI is directly mapped to RE occupied by PUSCH, in which case UCI uses RM encoding or polar encoding.

[0182] In some embodiments, the type of UCI satisfies at least one of the following conditions:

[0183] UCI is SR;

[0184] UCI is for HARQ-ACK information;

[0185] UCI is feedback information from CSI.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the resources corresponding to the channel type used to carry UCI based on the indication information from the network device.

[0187] For example, the terminal determines the resources corresponding to the channel type used to carry the UCI based on the indication information carried by the network device in the DCI.

[0188] When the UCI payload size exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the UCI will be transmitted via PUSCH, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the PUSCH used to carry the UCI are determined according to the indication information. For example, the threshold for the UCI payload size is T bits, where T is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, such as T = 2.

[0189] When the UCI payload size is less than the threshold, it is determined that the UCI will be transmitted via PUCCH, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the PUCCH used to carry the UCI are determined according to the indication information. For example, the threshold for the UCI payload size is T bits, where T is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, such as T = 2.

[0190] For example, the terminal determines the resources corresponding to the channel type used to carry UCI based on the indication information carried by the network device in the RRC signaling.

[0191] When the UCI payload size exceeds the threshold, it is determined that PUSCH will be used to transmit the UCI, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the PUSCH used to carry the UCI are determined according to the indication information. The threshold for the UCI payload size is T bits, where T is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, for example, T = 2.

[0192] When the UCI payload size is less than or equal to the threshold, it is determined that the UCI will be transmitted via PUCCH, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the PUCCH used to carry the UCI are determined according to the indication information. The threshold for the UCI payload size is T bits, where T is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, for example, T = 2.

[0193] In some embodiments, the indication information for indicating PUCCH resources for carrying UCI and the indication information for indicating PUSCH resources for carrying UCI are independent information or shared information.

[0194] When the indication information is independent, taking the example of the terminal determining it through an independent information field carried in DCI or RRC signaling:

[0195] For example, the first information field is used to indicate the time-frequency resources used to carry the PUCCH for UCI;

[0196] For example, the second information field is used to indicate the time-frequency resources used for the PUSCH to carry UCI.

[0197] When the indication information is shared information, taking the terminal determining it through the same information field carried in DCI or RRC signaling as an example:

[0198] When the UCI payload size is less than or equal to T bits, the terminal determines the PUCCH time-frequency resources used to carry the UCI based on the information field.

[0199] When the UCI payload size is greater than T bits, the terminal determines the PUSCH time-frequency resources used to carry the UCI based on the information field.

[0200] Network device side implementation example:

[0201] In some embodiments, the network device supports carrying UCI via PUCCH and via PUSCH. The channel type used for receiving UCI is determined based on the payload size of the required UCI bits.

[0202] In some embodiments, the PUCCH used to carry UCI satisfies at least one of the following conditions:

[0203] There are N types of PUCCH formats, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, for example, N = 1.

[0204] The PUCCH format is used to carry UCI bits less than or equal to M bits, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, for example, M = 1.

[0205] This disclosure does not limit the definition of the PUCCH format supported by the terminal for transmission. For example, the PUCCH format is a sequence-based PUCCH, or a PUCCH format of other types.

[0206] This disclosure does not limit the configuration and / or definition of time and frequency resources corresponding to the PUCCH format.

[0207] This disclosure does not limit the method of indicating the time-frequency resources occupied by PUCCH transmission. For example, the PUCCH resource used for UCI transmission can be indicated by the indication information carried in the DCI; for example, the PUCCH resource used for UCI transmission can be indicated by the indication information carried in the RRC signaling.

[0208] In some embodiments, the PUSCH used to carry UCI satisfies at least one of the following conditions:

[0209] PUSCH is a dedicated PUSCH for transmitting UCI.

[0210] This disclosure does not impose any restrictions on the time and frequency resources, transmission rate, DMRS configuration, etc. of PUSCH;

[0211] This disclosure does not restrict the way PUSCH is indicated;

[0212] This disclosure does not restrict the way UCI is carried on PUSCH. For example, UCI is transmitted within TB carried by PUSCH, in which case UCI uses the same encoding as the data packet; for example, UCI is directly mapped to RE occupied by PUSCH, in which case UCI uses RM encoding or polar encoding.

[0213] In some embodiments, the type of UCI satisfies at least one of the following conditions:

[0214] UCI is SR;

[0215] UCI is for HARQ-ACK information;

[0216] UCI is feedback information from CSI.

[0217] In some embodiments, the network device instructs the terminal to use the channel type for carrying UCI via the corresponding resources.

[0218] For example, the terminal determines the resources corresponding to the channel type used to carry the UCI based on the indication information carried by the network device in the DCI.

[0219] When the UCI payload size exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the UCI will be transmitted via PUSCH, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the PUSCH used to carry the UCI are determined according to the indication information. For example, the threshold for the UCI payload size is T bits, where T is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, such as T = 2.

[0220] When the UCI payload size is less than the threshold, it is determined that the UCI will be transmitted via PUCCH, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the PUCCH used to carry the UCI are determined according to the indication information. For example, the threshold for the UCI payload size is T bits, where T is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, such as T = 2.

[0221] For example, the terminal determines the resources corresponding to the channel type used to carry UCI based on the indication information carried by the network device in the RRC signaling.

[0222] When the UCI payload size exceeds the threshold, it is determined that PUSCH will be used to transmit the UCI, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the PUSCH used to carry the UCI are determined according to the indication information. The threshold for the UCI payload size is T bits, where T is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, for example, T = 2.

[0223] When the UCI payload size is less than or equal to the threshold, it is determined that the UCI will be transmitted via PUCCH, and the time-frequency resources occupied by the PUCCH used to carry the UCI are determined according to the indication information. The threshold for the UCI payload size is T bits, where T is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, for example, T = 2.

[0224] In some embodiments, the indication information for indicating PUCCH resources for carrying UCI and the indication information for indicating PUSCH resources for carrying UCI are independent information or shared information.

[0225] When the indication information is independent, taking the example of the terminal determining it through an independent information field carried in DCI or RRC signaling:

[0226] For example, the first information field is used to indicate the time-frequency resources used to carry the PUCCH for UCI;

[0227] For example, the second information field is used to indicate the time-frequency resources used for the PUSCH to carry UCI.

[0228] When the indication information is shared information, taking the terminal determining it through the same information field carried in DCI or RRC signaling as an example:

[0229] When the UCI payload size is less than or equal to T bits, the terminal determines the PUCCH time-frequency resources used to carry the UCI based on the information field.

[0230] When the UCI payload size is greater than T bits, the terminal determines the PUSCH time-frequency resources used to carry the UCI based on the information field.

[0231] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0232] In some embodiments, the terms "codebook," "codeword," and "precoding matrix" can be used interchangeably. For example, a codebook can be a collection of one or more codewords / precoding matrices.

[0233] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0234] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0235] In some embodiments, terms such as "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)" and "DL data" can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as "physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)" and "UL data".

[0236] In some embodiments, the terms "synchronization signal (SS)," "synchronization signal block (SSB)," "reference signal (RS)," "pilot," and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0237] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0238] In some embodiments, the terms “frame”, “radio frame”, “subframe”, “slot”, “sub-slot”, “mini-slot”, “symbol”, “symbol”, and “transmission time interval (TTI)” can be used interchangeably.

[0239] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0240] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0241] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0242] Corresponding to the embodiments of the channel determination method described above, this disclosure also provides embodiments of the channel determination apparatus.

[0243] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a channel determination device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the channel determination device can be configured and / or applied to a terminal. As shown in Figure 3, the channel determination device includes: a processing module 301.

[0244] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the size of the uplink control information.

[0245] In some embodiments, the channel includes at least one of the following: Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH); Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0246] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to: determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information as PUCCH when the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold; and determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information as PUSCH when the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0247] In some embodiments, the PUCCH format used to carry the uplink control information is of one type or more.

[0248] In some embodiments, the types of PUCCH formats include at least one of the following: sequence-based PUCCH; non-sequence-based PUCCH.

[0249] In some embodiments, the PUSCH is a dedicated PUSCH for carrying uplink control information.

[0250] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine the resources of the PUCCH and / or the PUSCH based on indication information sent by the network device, wherein the indication information carries at least one of the following: Downlink Control Information (DCI); Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0251] In some embodiments, the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH is different from the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH; or, the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH is shared with the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH.

[0252] In some embodiments, when the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH are shared, the processing module is configured to: determine the resources of the PUCCH based on the indication information when the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold; or determine the resources of the PUSCH based on the indication information when the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0253] In some embodiments, the uplink control information includes at least one of the following: a scheduling request (SR); a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ); and channel state information (CSI).

[0254] It should be noted that the channel determination device shown in Figure 3 may also include other modules, such as a transmitting module, a receiving module, and a display module, but these are not shown in Figure 3. This disclosure does not limit the use of other modules.

[0255] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a channel determination device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the channel determination device can be configured and / or applied to a network device. As shown in Figure 4, the channel determination device includes: a processing module 401 and a transmitting module 402.

[0256] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the size of the uplink control information.

[0257] In some embodiments, the channel includes at least one of the following: Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH); Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0258] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to: determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information as PUCCH when the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold; and determine a channel for carrying the uplink control information as PUSCH when the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0259] In some embodiments, the PUCCH format used to carry the uplink control information is of one type or more.

[0260] In some embodiments, the types of PUCCH formats include at least one of the following: sequence-based PUCCH; non-sequence-based PUCCH.

[0261] In some embodiments, the PUSCH is a dedicated PUSCH for carrying uplink control information.

[0262] In some embodiments, the transmitting module is configured to transmit indication information to the terminal, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH, wherein the indication information carries at least one of: Downlink Control Information (DCI); Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0263] In some embodiments, the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH is different from the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH; or, the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH is shared with the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH.

[0264] In some embodiments, when the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH are shared, the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH, including at least one of the following: when the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold, the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH; when the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUSCH.

[0265] In some embodiments, the uplink control information includes at least one of the following: a scheduling request (SR); a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ); and channel state information (CSI).

[0266] It should be noted that the channel determination device shown in Figure 4 may also include other modules, such as a receiving module, although it is not shown in Figure 4. This disclosure does not limit the use of other modules.

[0267] For the device embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to in the description of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0268] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0269] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0270] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0271] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0272] As shown in Figure 5A, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 5100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0273] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S202, but not limited thereto) in the above method, such as sending and / or receiving, while the processor 5101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S201, S202, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0274] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5103 may be located outside the communication device 5100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuits 5104 are connected to the memories 5103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 5103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 5104 can read data stored in the memories 5103 and send the data to the processor 5101.

[0275] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 5A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0276] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 5200 shown in Figure 5B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0277] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0278] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, interface circuit 5202 is connected to memory 5203, and interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data from memory 5203 or other devices, and interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data to memory 5203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 5202 can read data stored in memory 5203 and send the data to processor 5201.

[0279] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S202, but not limited thereto) in the above-described method, such as sending and / or receiving. For example, the interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps (e.g., sending and / or receiving) in the above-described method refers to the interface circuit 5202 performing data interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S201, S202, but not limited thereto).

[0280] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0281] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 5100, cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0282] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 5100, causes the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0283] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A channel determination method, characterized in that, The method, executed by a terminal, includes: The channel used to carry the uplink control information is determined based on the magnitude of the uplink control information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel includes at least one of the following: Physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); Physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The determination of the channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of the uplink control information includes at least one of the following: If the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold, the channel used to carry the uplink control information is determined to be PUCCH; If the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the channel used to carry the uplink control information is determined to be PUSCH.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, There is one or more types of PUCCH formats used to carry the uplink control information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The types of PUCCH formats include at least one of the following: Sequence-based PUCCH; Non-sequence-based PUCCH.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The PUSCH is a dedicated PUSCH for carrying uplink control information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the indication information sent by the network device, determine the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH, wherein the indication information carries at least one of the following: Downlink Control Information (DCI); Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH is different from the indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUSCH; or, The indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUSCH are shared indication information.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH are shared, determining the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH based on the indication information sent by the network device includes at least one of the following: If the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold, the resources of the PUCCH are determined according to the indication information; If the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the resources of the PUSCH are determined according to the indication information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The uplink control information includes at least one of the following: Scheduling Request (SR); Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ); Channel State Information (CSI).

11. A channel determination method, characterized in that, Performed by a network device, the method includes: The channel used to carry the uplink control information is determined based on the magnitude of the uplink control information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The channel includes at least one of the following: Physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); Physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The determination of the channel for carrying the uplink control information based on the magnitude of the uplink control information includes at least one of the following: If the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold, the channel used to carry the uplink control information is determined to be PUCCH; If the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the channel used to carry the uplink control information is determined to be PUSCH.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, There is one or more types of PUCCH formats used to carry the uplink control information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The types of PUCCH formats include at least one of the following: Sequence-based PUCCH; Non-sequence-based PUCCH.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The PUSCH is a dedicated PUSCH for carrying uplink control information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending indication information to the terminal, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH, wherein the indication information carries at least one of the following: Downlink Control Information (DCI); Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH is different from the indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUSCH; or, The indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUSCH are shared indication information.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, When the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUCCH and the indication information for indicating the resources of the PUSCH are shared, the indication information used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH and / or the resources of the PUSCH includes at least one of the following: When the size of the uplink control information is less than or equal to a first threshold, the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUCCH; If the size of the uplink control information is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the indication information is used to indicate the resources of the PUSCH.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that, The uplink control information includes at least one of the following: Scheduling Request (SR); Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ); Channel State Information (CSI).

21. A channel determination device, characterized in that, The device includes: The processing module is configured to determine the channel used to carry the uplink control information based on the size of the uplink control information.

22. A channel determination device, characterized in that, The device includes: The processing module is configured to determine the channel used to carry the uplink control information based on the size of the uplink control information.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the channel determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

24. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the channel determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the network device is configured to implement the channel determination method according to any one of claims 11 to 20.

25. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the channel determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

26. A program product, characterized in that, When the above-described program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device performs the channel determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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