Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal measuring reference signals from N network devices, so as to determine a first delay offset, wherein the first delay offset includes, for example, N-1 relative delay offsets; and on the basis of the first delay offset, the terminal calculating a first CQI and reporting same. In the method of the present application, when calculating a first CQI, a terminal takes into account the influence of delay offsets of different network devices, such that the first CQI calculated and reported by the terminal is more accurate.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510397632.4, filed on March 28, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] In coherent joint transmission (CJT) scenarios, multiple network devices collaborate to coherently transmit the same data stream to a terminal. For example, multiple network devices send the same data stream to the terminal, which then superimposes the received data streams in the same direction, thereby improving data transmission reliability and efficiency. In CJT scenarios, the terminal determines or calculates the corresponding channel quality indicator (CQI) by measuring reference signals from multiple network devices. Currently, the CQI calculated and reported by the terminal suffers from inaccuracies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to make the CQI reported by the terminal to the network device more accurate.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method is applied to a terminal device. Without loss of generality, the terminal device can be a terminal equipment, a component applied to a terminal equipment (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. For example, the chip in the terminal equipment can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip, etc. The method includes: the terminal device receiving N reference signals. Optionally, the N reference signals are associated with N network devices, where N is an integer greater than 1; the terminal device determines a first time delay offset based on the N reference signals, the first time delay offset being associated with a first channel quality indicator (CQI); and the terminal device transmitting the first CQI.

[0007] Through the above design, the terminal device can determine a first time delay offset by measuring reference signals from N network devices, such as the first time delay offset comprising N-1 relative time delay offsets. Based on the first time delay offset, the terminal device can calculate and report a first CQI. In the method of this application, the terminal device considers the influence of the time delay offsets of different network devices during the calculation of the first CQI, thereby making the first CQI calculated and reported by the terminal more accurate.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first time delay offset is associated with a first CQI, including: the first time delay offset being associated with a first phase compensation; and the first phase compensation being associated with the first CQI.

[0009] With the above design, the terminal device can determine the first phase compensation based on the first time delay offset; the terminal device can then determine the first CQI based on the first phase compensation. The process by which the terminal device determines the first CQI based on the first phase compensation can be considered as the terminal device performing phase compensation on the first CQI. In other words, the first CQI calculated and reported by the terminal is phase-compensated, thus making the first CQI reported by the terminal device more accurate.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first delay offset includes N-1 delay offsets, which are relative delay offsets with respect to a reference delay. The reference delay is the delay corresponding to a reference network device, which belongs to the N network devices. The delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference network device are both equal to zero.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first phase compensation is also associated with the first subcarrier spacing.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first phase compensation comprises N-1 phase compensations, and the i-th phase compensation among the N-1 phase compensations satisfies the following condition:

[0013] Where j represents the imaginary unit, k represents the index of the current subcarrier, k0 represents the index of the reference subcarrier, and Δf represents the first subcarrier interval. Represents the i-th time delay offset, t i This represents the index of the i-th reference signal resource set, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and t i The values ​​of k and k0 are positive integers.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first CQI is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first precoding matrix is ​​associated with a first frequency domain unit of the first data signal.

[0016] Through the above design, the first precoding matrix is ​​associated with the first frequency domain unit of the first data signal. That is, the first precoding matrix is ​​associated with the first frequency domain unit; different first frequency domain units result in different corresponding first precoding matrices. Thus, the influence of different frequency domain units is reflected in the first precoding matrix. This process can be considered as reflecting the influence of different frequency domain units or frequency offsets in the first precoding matrix. To a certain extent, the above-mentioned first precoding matrix can compensate for the influence of frequency offsets from different network devices.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device sending the N-1 delay offsets; or, the terminal device sending the N-1 delay intervals corresponding to the N-1 delay offsets, wherein the position of the delay offset in the corresponding delay interval is fixed.

[0018] Through the above design, the terminal device reports N-1 relative delay offsets. These N-1 relative delay offsets, compared to the terminal device directly reporting N absolute delay offsets, reduce the overhead of the terminal device reporting delay offsets. Alternatively, the terminal device reports N-1 delay offsets, where the position of each offset within its corresponding delay interval is fixed. Since the current scheme reports delay intervals, the network device cannot obtain the specific values ​​of the delay offsets. The design of reporting delay intervals shows good compatibility with the current terminal device delay offset reporting scheme, requires minimal modification to the current reporting process, and offers better compatibility.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the N reference signals are associated with the first data signal, and this association is related to the first time delay offset.

[0020] In one possible implementation, this association is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the association satisfies the following:

[0022] in, to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding phase compensations, from t1 to t N This represents the indexes of the first to the Nth reference signal resource sets. to This indicates the time delay offset from the first time delay to the (N-1)th time delay offset. to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding precoding matrices, W nref (k) represents the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference signal resource set, where the time delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference signal resource set are both equal to zero. It can be understood that nref represents the index of the reference signal resource set, where nref is greater than or equal to t1 and less than or equal to t. N Integers.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the N reference signals are associated with the first data signal, including that the first data signal is associated with the antenna port that transmits the N reference signals.

[0024] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a network device. Without loss of generality, the network device can be a network equipment (such as an access network device), a component within the network equipment (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logical node (e.g., a CU, DU, or RU), logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The method includes: the network device transmitting a first reference signal, which belongs to N reference signals. Optionally, the N reference signals are associated with N network devices, where N is an integer greater than 1; the network device receiving a first channel quality indication (CQI), which is associated with a first delay offset determined based on the N reference signals.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the first CQI is associated with a first time delay offset, including: the first time delay offset being associated with a first phase compensation; and the first phase compensation being associated with the first CQI.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first delay offset includes N-1 delay offsets, which are relative delay offsets with respect to a reference delay. The reference delay is the delay corresponding to a reference network device, which belongs to the N network devices. The delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference network device are both equal to zero.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first phase compensation is also associated with the first subcarrier spacing.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first phase compensation comprises N-1 phase compensations, and the i-th phase compensation among the N-1 phase compensations satisfies the following condition:

[0029] Where j represents the imaginary unit, k represents the index of the current subcarrier, k0 represents the index of the reference subcarrier, and Δf represents the first subcarrier interval. Represents the i-th time delay offset, t i This represents the index of the i-th reference signal resource set, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and t i The values ​​of k and k0 are positive integers.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the first CQI is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first precoding matrix is ​​associated with a first frequency domain unit of the first data signal.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device receiving the N-1 delay offsets; or, the network device receiving the N-1 delay intervals corresponding to the N-1 delay offsets, wherein the position of the delay offset in the corresponding delay interval is fixed.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the N reference signals are associated with the first data signal, and this association is related to the first time delay offset.

[0034] In one possible implementation, this association is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the association satisfies the following:

[0036] in, to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding phase compensations, from t1 to t N This represents the indexes from the first reference signal resource set to the (N-1)th reference signal resource set. to This indicates the time delay offset from the first time delay to the Nth time delay offset. to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding precoding matrices, W nref(k) represents the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference signal resource set, where the time delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference signal resource set are both equal to zero. It can be understood that nref represents the index of the reference signal resource set, where nref is greater than or equal to t1 and less than or equal to t. N Integers.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the N reference signals are associated with the first data signal, including that the first data signal is associated with the antenna port that transmits the N reference signals.

[0038] The second aspect and its potential beneficial effects can be found in the explanation of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0039] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions of the first aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0040] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions of the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0041] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of the necessary computer program or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first aspect. The one or more processors can execute the computer program or instructions, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect. The interface circuit is used to implement the communication functions within the communication device and / or the communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0042] In one possible design, the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0044] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal, or a communication and / or computing module in a terminal, or a chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication and / or computing functions (such as a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC), or a logical node or logical module capable of implementing all or part of the terminal functions.

[0045] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device including an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of the necessary computer program or instructions for implementing the functions described in the second aspect above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect above. The interface circuit is used to implement the communication functions within the communication device and / or the communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0046] In one possible design, the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0047] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0048] The aforementioned communication device may be an access network device, or a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within an access network device, or a circuit or chip (e.g., a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC) within an access network device responsible for communication and / or computing functions, or a logical node or logical module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the first to second aspects described above.

[0050] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the first to second aspects described above.

[0051] Ninthly, this application provides a communication system, comprising: a first communication device and a second communication device; wherein the first communication device is used to implement the method of any possible design in the first aspect; and the second communication device is used to implement the method in any possible design in the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the ORAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the network element function division and protocol layer structure of the O-RAN equipment provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 6 is another structural schematic diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operating methods and functional descriptions in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments.

[0059] I. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the number of nouns refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates that the related objects before and after are in a "division" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B, or C" or similar expressions can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C, where A, B, and C can be singular or plural.

[0060] II. In the description of this application, the various numerical designations are for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and do not limit the size, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects.

[0061] III. In the description of this application, the numbering of steps in the various flowcharts is only for distinguishing different steps and is not intended to limit the order of steps. Furthermore, there is no limitation on the number of steps included in each flowchart; each flowchart may contain more or fewer steps than shown in the diagram, and multiple steps may be combined into one step, or one step may be broken down into multiple steps, etc. Related descriptions in different flowcharts can be referred to cross-referenced. The dashed arrows or boxes in the flowcharts indicate optional steps or optional modules.

[0062] IV. In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information (such as N reference signals)" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0063] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information (such as the first CQI)" can be understood as the network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0064] In this application, "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or the relevant illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal. "Receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent (e.g., by a terminal)," or the relevant illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0065] V. In the description of this application, "for indicating" can include both direct indication (or explicit indication) and indirect indication (or implicit indication). For example, when describing a certain indication information for indicating information I, it can include whether the indication information directly indicates I or indirectly indicates I, but does not necessarily mean that the indication information carries I.

[0066] VI. In the description of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device will take corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" are interchangeable, "when" is interchangeable with "in the case of," and "when" can also be replaced with "when," or "after," etc., and "when" can also be replaced with "if" / "if," etc. The words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0067] VII. In the description of this application: the terms “system” and “network” are used interchangeably, and “according to” and “based on” are used interchangeably. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0068] 8. In the description of this application, words such as "exemplarily," "for example," and "e.g." are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0069] IX. The embodiments of this application will be presented in the context of a system including multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood that the system may include other unmentioned devices, components, modules, etc., or may only include some of the devices, components, or modules mentioned in the embodiments. Optionally, the terms "component" and "part" in this application can be used interchangeably.

[0070] 10. In the description of this application, the terms "storage" or "preservation" may refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices may be separately configured or integrated into a processor or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices may be separately configured, while others may be integrated into the processor or communication device. The type of memory may be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0071] XI. The network architecture and business scenarios described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0072] 12. The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), wireless local area network (WLAN), extended reality (XR) communication systems, short-range wireless communication systems (such as sidelink, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, etc.), wired networks, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, and 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems (such as New Radio (NR) systems). No restrictions are imposed on radio (NR) systems, future communication systems, or other similar communication systems.

[0073] Figure 1 illustrates a possible, non-limiting schematic diagram of a communication system. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions. Optionally, the communication system 1000 also includes an Internet 300.

[0074] RAN100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented communication systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0075] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 1000 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0076] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future communication network, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, a radio controller in a CRAN scenario, or a device that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) and / or machine-to-machine (M2M) transmissions. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0077] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0078] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0079] A terminal can also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as D2D, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, smart cities, etc. A terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. In the description of specific embodiments in this application, "terminal" is used as an example. It is understood that "terminal" can also be replaced by any of the above descriptions. In the following specific embodiments, "terminal" can be replaced by "terminal device".

[0080] Currently, some examples of terminals include: mobile phones, satellite mobile terminals, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, smart point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. Wireless terminals in the home (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, flying devices (e.g., intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), terminals in 5G networks, or terminals in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc., the embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0081] RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can be fixed or mobile. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. This application embodiment does not limit the application scenarios of RAN node 110 and terminal 120. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can be deployed in the same or different scenarios. For example, RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can be deployed simultaneously on land; or RAN node 110 can be deployed on land and terminal 120 can be deployed on water, etc., and so on.

[0082] RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can communicate using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. For example, RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can communicate using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0083] It is understood that RAN nodes are used to help terminals achieve wireless access, and they can also be referred to in other different ways, such as RAN entity, ORAN device, access node, access network device, or network device. In the following description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the node or device that helps the terminal achieve wireless access will be described as a "network device".

[0084] It is understood that terminals and network devices are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, a terminal can be understood as a communication device with terminal functions, and a network device can be understood as a communication device with network device functions. In the method of this application, the functions of the network device can also be performed by modules, units, or components (such as chips) within the network device, or by a control subsystem containing network device functions. This control subsystem containing network device functions can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can also be performed by modules, units, or components (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device containing terminal functions.

[0085] Figure 2 illustrates a possible, non-limiting ORAN system. As shown in Figure 2, the ORAN system includes: core network equipment, access network equipment, and terminals. The access network equipment communicates with the core network equipment via a backhaul link and with the terminals via an air interface.

[0086] The access network equipment includes BBUs and RUs. A BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. Specifically, the BBU communicates with core network equipment via a backhaul link, and the RU communicates with terminals via an air interface. A BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0087] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting O-RAN device's network element function division and protocol layer structure.

[0088] In this context, O-RAN equipment can be understood as access network equipment using the O-RAN architecture, used to enable wireless access for terminals. It is understood that communication between O-RAN equipment and terminals follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer structure can include a control plane protocol layer structure and a user plane protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and the physical layer. Similarly, the user plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as PDCP, RLC, MAC, and the physical layer. In one possible implementation, a Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer can be added above the PDCP layer.

[0089] As shown in Figure 3, the O-RAN equipment includes logical nodes such as CU, DU, and RU. The CU can connect to the core network via an interface, for example, the E2 interface. Optionally, the CU can have some core network functions. The CU can control at least one DU, and the CU can connect to the DU via an interface, for example, the F1 interface. Further, the control plane (CP) interface can be called F1-C, and the user plane (UP) interface can be called F1-U. The DU can control at least one RU, and the DU can connect to the RU via an interface, for example, the fronthaul interface.

[0090] 1. CU

[0091] A CU can be a logical node that carries the RRC layer, SDAP layer, PDCP layer, and other control functions. In other words, a CU can implement the functions of the RRC layer, SDAP layer, PDCP layer, and certain control functions.

[0092] Furthermore, the CU can be divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. Referring to Figure 3, CU-CP is a logical node carrying the control plane (control plane part of PDCP, PDCP-C) of the RRC and PDCP layers, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G communication system. Continuing to refer to Figure 3, CU-UP is a logical node carrying the data plane (user plane part of PDCP, PDCP-U) of the SDAP and PDCP layers, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G communication system.

[0093] 2. DU

[0094] A DU can be a logical node that carries the RLC layer, MAC layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. For example, the higher physical layer may include some of the processing functions of the PHY layer, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation. In other words, a DU can implement the functions of the RLC layer, MAC layer, higher physical layer, and other functions.

[0095] It is understood that the above CU and DU configurations are merely examples, and the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or it can be configured to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0096] 3. RU

[0097] An RU can be a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) chain processing. For example, the lower physical layer includes some of the processing functions of the physical layer, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. In other words, an RU can implement both physical layer and RF functions.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entity. The RU communicates with one or more terminals via a wireless link.

[0099] The DU and RU can be co-located or non-co-located, without restriction. Referring to Figure 3, the O-RAN control user and synchronization (CUS-Plane) and management plane (M-Plane) can be included between the DU and RU. The O-RAN CUS plane can be simply referred to as the CUS plane, and the O-RAN management plane can be simply referred to as the management plane. Further, the CUS plane can be divided into a control plane (C-Plane) and a user plane (U-Plane). Optionally, the control plane refers to the real-time control plane between the DU and RU. The management plane refers to the non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0100] Referring to Figure 3, the DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via the lower-layer split CUS-Plane (LLS-CUS) interface through the fronthaul link. Furthermore, the LLS-CUS interface may include an LLS-C interface corresponding to the control plane and an LLS-U interface corresponding to the user plane. The DU and RU exchange management plane information through the LLS-M interface of the fronthaul link. Referring to Figure 3, the LLS-M interface can also connect to an external management system.

[0101] It is understandable that DUs and RUs can cooperate to implement physical layer functions. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DUs and RUs can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the physical layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the physical layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer may include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions may include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0102] For ease of description, some communication terms or terminology used in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are for understanding the method of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0103] 1. Coherent joint transmission (CJT)

[0104] Coherent Joint Transmission (CJT) refers to the transmission of data to a terminal by multiple network devices (such as multiple Transmission Points, Routers, and Terminals) through coherent transmission. Each TRP knows all the data information and the channel state information (CSI) between itself and the terminal. Therefore, these multiple TRPs are like distributed antenna arrays, capable of co-coding the same layer of data to be transmitted. "Coherent transmission" means that multiple TRPs can jointly transmit a data stream, allowing their transmitted signals to superimpose in the same direction upon arrival at the terminal, thereby significantly increasing the power of the received signal and greatly reducing interference.

[0105] Cellular Joint Transmission (CJT) is primarily used to improve coverage and throughput for users at the cell edge. In the 3GPP physical layer protocol, CJT involves multiple Transmission Points (TRPs) working collaboratively to coherently transmit the same data stream to the terminal. This technology uses high-performance backhaul connections and precise synchronization to coherently superimpose signals from different TRPs at the terminal side, thereby enhancing signal quality, reducing interference, and improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission. In one understanding, the delay, frequency, angle, and phase of the data streams transmitted by each TRP to the terminal are aligned, thus achieving the superposition of data streams from each TRP at the terminal side.

[0106] In this application, the terminal determines the relative time delay offset of each TRP relative to a reference TRP by measuring the reference signals from each TRP, and feeds back the relative time delay offset to the corresponding TRP. Based on the relative time delay offset fed back by the terminal, the TRP adjusts the timing or phase of its transmitted signals, thereby achieving the effect of calibrating the time delay deviation of the data stream transmitted by each TRP.

[0107] 2. Antenna Port

[0108] An antenna port is a widely used logical concept in 3GPP, defined as follows: the channel characteristics experienced by a signal on a given antenna port can be derived from the channel characteristics experienced by another signal transmitted through the same antenna port. Multiple physical antennas can correspond to the same antenna port, and one physical antenna can also correspond to multiple antenna ports.

[0109] An antenna port, often simply called a port, can be understood as a transmitting antenna that is recognized by the receiving device, or a spatially distinguishable transmitting antenna. Each virtual antenna can be pre-configured with one antenna port. Each virtual antenna can be a weighted combination of multiple physical antennas. Each antenna port can correspond to a reference signal; therefore, each antenna port can be called a reference signal port, such as a sounding reference signal (SRS) port.

[0110] 3. Channel State Information (CSI) Report

[0111] In the 3GPP physical layer protocol, the CSI report is information about the radio channel status that the terminal sends to the network equipment. The CSI report typically consists of part 1 and part 2.

[0112] Part 1 primarily contains basic channel quality information, such as at least one of the following: Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), Rank Indicator (RI), or Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI). CQI indicates the quality of the current channel. CQI can be a quantized value ranging from 0 to 15, with higher values ​​indicating better channel quality. Optionally, the network device can select the corresponding modulation and coding scheme (MCS) based on the CQI fed back by the terminal. Further, the network device uses the selected MCS to modulate and code the signal to be transmitted. RI indicates the spatial multistream capability of the channel, i.e., the maximum number of data streams the channel can support. RI can be an integer representing the rank of the channel, i.e., the number of independent data streams that can be transmitted simultaneously. PMI can be used to indicate the precoding matrix matching the current wireless channel. The network device can look up the corresponding precoding matrix in the corresponding codebook based on the PMI indicated by the terminal. The network device uses the corresponding precoding matrix to precode the signal to be transmitted. Optionally, the selection of PMI can be related to the transmission mode, and different transmission modes can have different PMI formats and content.

[0113] Part 2 may include at least one of the following: more detailed channel state information, interference information, or other additional auxiliary information. More detailed channel state information can help the network perform more refined channel state estimation and optimize transmission strategies. Interference information can help the network coordinate interference and allocate resources to reduce the impact of interference on system performance. Other auxiliary information can help the network better understand channel characteristics and perform more effective resource management and scheduling.

[0114] More detailed channel state information, such as more detailed channel matrix information, including channel gain and phase information, is used for more accurate channel modeling and precoding. Interference information, such as interference measurement results (e.g., interference power and interference source information), is used for interference management and suppression. Other auxiliary information, such as channel correlation information and time-frequency selectivity information, is used to further optimize link adaptation and resource scheduling.

[0115] For example, Part 1 mainly contains basic channel information such as CQI, RI, or PMI, used to select modulation and coding schemes and precoding matrices, prioritize link adaptation, and enable multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission. Part 2 mainly contains more detailed channel state information and interference information, used to further optimize MIMO transmission and link adaptation, and perform interference management and resource allocation. By combining Part 1 and Part 2, the network side can obtain comprehensive channel state information, thereby more effectively optimizing the performance of the wireless communication system.

[0116] This application does not restrict the type of CSI report. For example, the type of CSI report can be a Rel-18 Enhanced Type II (eType-II) CJT CSI report.

[0117] 4. Rel-18 Enhanced Type II (eType-II) CJT CSI Report

[0118] The Rel-18 Enhanced Type II (eType-II) CJT CSI report is a CSI feedback mechanism introduced in 3GPP Release 18 (Rel-18) to improve the spectral efficiency and transmission reliability of multi-antenna systems. The Rel-18 Enhanced Type II (eType-II) CJT CSI report can be abbreviated as Type IICJT CSI report.

[0119] In this application, the terminal can send Rel-18 enhanced Type IICJT CSI reports to N network devices (such as N TRPs), and the reports may include at least CQI. Furthermore, they may also include information such as RI or PMI.

[0120] 5. CJT Calibration (CJTC) Report

[0121] The full name of CJTC in both Chinese and English can be: Collaborative Joint Transmission Calibration (CJTC). There are no restrictions on the type of CJTC calibration report; for example, a CJTC report can be a Rel-19 non-periodic independent CJTC calibration report.

[0122] In this application, the terminal can determine a first delay offset (e.g., N-1 relative delay offsets) by measuring reference signals from N network devices. The terminal sends a CJT calibration report to the N network devices, which contains at least N-1 relative delay offsets, or N-1 delay intervals corresponding to the N-1 relative delay offsets. The network devices calibrate the delay of the signal to be transmitted (e.g., data signal, PDSCH signal) based on their corresponding relative delay offsets. For the specific calibration process, please refer to the description in the embodiments below.

[0123] Currently, in CJT scenarios, multiple cooperating TRPs can each send reference signals to the terminal. The terminal measures the reference signals sent by the multiple TRPs to obtain the corresponding CSI information and reports this CSI information to the multiple TRPs. For example, this CSI information includes at least CQI. In one possible implementation, the terminal calculates the CQI based on the assumptions provided in Formula A.

[0124] In formula A, x (0) (i) to x (υ-1) (i) represents the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) signal of layer υ to be transmitted. W(i) represents the precoding matrix. In formula A, the PDSCH signal of layer υ to be transmitted (i.e., x) is encoded using the precoding matrix W(i). (0) (i) to x (υ-1) (i) is mapped to N channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) resources, with the indices of the N CSI-RS resources being σ1,…,σN. In the scenario where one CSI-RS resource corresponds to one TRP, the above formula A can be considered as mapping the PDSCH signal of layer υ to be transmitted to the corresponding N TRPs.

[0125] For example, the above formula A can be considered to describe an equivalent relationship, such as: the PDSCH signal on layer υ of the antenna port set [1000,…,1000+υ-1] is equivalent to the corresponding symbol signal transmitted on antenna port [3000,…,3000+P-1] through N selected CSI-RS resources.

[0126] When calculating the CQI based on the assumptions in (Formula A), the terminal can specifically calculate the CQI according to the precoding matrix W(i). However, the terminal does not consider the impact of delay offsets of different TRPs on the CQI during the calculation, resulting in inaccurate CQI calculations and reports.

[0127] In view of the above problems, this application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: a terminal determining a first time delay offset by measuring reference signals from N network devices, such that the first time delay offset includes N-1 relative time delay offsets. The terminal can calculate and report a first CQI based on the first time delay offset. In the method of this application, the terminal considers the influence of the time delay offsets of different network devices in the process of calculating the first CQI, thereby making the first CQI calculated and reported by the terminal more accurate.

[0128] The communication method and apparatus provided in this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application primarily uses network devices and terminals as examples of the execution entities for interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities for interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the network device, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device, or by circuits or chips (e.g., GPUs, AI processors, or ASICs) in the network device responsible for communication and / or computing functions. Similarly, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by communication and / or computing modules in the terminal, or by circuits or chips (e.g., modem chips (also known as baseband chips), or SoC chips / SIP chips containing modem cores, or GPUs / AI processors / ASICs) in the terminal responsible for communication and / or computing functions, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal functions. For instance, in the method embodiments below, "network device" can be replaced with "network device," and "terminal" can be replaced with "terminal device."

[0129] Figure 4 provides a flowchart of a communication method, which includes:

[0130] Step 410: N network devices send N reference signals.

[0131] Accordingly, the terminal receives N reference signals.

[0132] Optionally, N reference signals are associated with N network devices. For example, one network device corresponds to one reference signal, or one network device sends one reference signal. For example, the i-th network device sends reference signal i, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and N is an integer greater than 1. The type of reference signal involved in this application is not limited; for example, a "reference signal" can be CSI-RS, a tracking reference signal (TRS), or other types of reference signals. The type of network device involved in this application is not limited; for example, a "network device" can be a TRP, etc.

[0133] In one possible implementation, each network device corresponds to a reference signal resource set, such as a CSI-RS resource set or a TRS resource set, specifically a CSI-RS resource set configured with the higher-layer parameter "trs-info". N network devices correspond to N reference signal resource sets. A network device can transmit reference signals according to the configuration of the reference signal resource set. A terminal can receive reference signals according to the configuration of the reference signal resource set. For example, a terminal can receive reference signals at the corresponding time-frequency resource location according to the configuration of the reference signal resource set.

[0134] Step 420: The terminal determines the first time delay offset based on N reference signals. The first time delay offset is associated with the first channel quality indicator (CQI).

[0135] For example, the specific implementation process of step 420 includes:

[0136] 1) The terminal determines the first time delay offset based on N reference signals.

[0137] For example, the "delay offset" (such as the first delay offset) involved in this application can refer to a relative delay offset relative to a certain reference delay offset. The first delay offset may include one delay offset or multiple delay offsets, etc., without limitation. For example, the first delay offset may include N-1 delay offsets, which are relative delay offsets relative to a reference delay, where the reference delay is the delay corresponding to the reference network device. For example, the reference network device belongs to N network devices. For example, one network device can be selected or determined as the reference network device from the N network devices. The reference network device can be predefined, such as predefined by the protocol, or indicated to the terminal. The reference network device sends a reference signal to the terminal. The terminal can measure the reference signal sent by the reference network device to determine the delay of the reference network device, which can be considered as the reference delay. Based on the reference delay, the terminal can determine the delay offsets of the remaining N-1 network devices among the N network devices. Of course, the delay offsets of the above-mentioned N-1 network devices can be considered as relative delay offsets relative to the reference delay. The relative delay offsets of the aforementioned N-1 network devices can be simply referred to as N-1 relative delay offsets. For example, the first delay offset may include the aforementioned N-1 relative delay offsets.

[0138] For example, when selecting or determining a network device from N network devices, this network device can be considered a reference network device. The reference network device can be predefined, such as by a protocol, or determined through negotiation among the N network devices, or selected by other network devices (such as core network devices) from among the N network devices. Furthermore, the reference network device can be indicated to the terminal. The terminal can determine a time delay by measuring the reference signal sent by the reference network device. For example, time delay refers to the time interval experienced by a signal during its propagation from the transmitter to the receiver. For example, the terminal can determine or obtain the time when the reference network device sends the reference signal (e.g., time A). Furthermore, the terminal can also determine or obtain the time when it receives the corresponding reference signal from the reference network device (e.g., time B). For example, the time delay corresponding to the above reference network device can be equal to (time B - time A). The terminal can use the time delay corresponding to the above reference network device (e.g., time B - time A) as a reference time delay to determine the relative value of the time delays of the remaining N-1 network devices relative to the above reference time delay, i.e., the relative time delay offset of the N-1 network devices.

[0139] To further illustrate, let N be 3, and the N network devices include network device 1, network device 2, and network device 3. Network device 1 serves as the reference network device. The terminal measures the reference signal of network device 1 and determines its latency to be 1ms. This 1ms latency is used as the reference latency. The terminal measures the reference signal of network device 2 and determines its latency to be 1.5ms. The terminal measures the reference signal of network device 3 and determines its latency to be 0.5ms. Therefore, the latency offset of network device 2 relative to the reference latency can be +0.5ms, meaning its relative latency offset is +0.5ms. The latency offset of network device 3 relative to the reference latency can be -0.5ms, meaning its relative latency offset is -0.5ms. In this example, the first delay offset includes two relative delay offsets, which are the relative delay offset of network device 2 +0.5ms and the relative delay offset of network device 3 -0.5ms.

[0140] It is understandable that the reference delay is referenced to its own delay, and the relative delay offset of the reference delay can be considered to be equal to zero. For example, in one possible implementation, the quantization range of the "relative delay offset" involved in this application can be {0.5CP, 1CP} according to M. D Quantization with precision ∈{32,64,128,256}. CP stands for Cyclic Prefix. For example, 0.5CP means that the delay of its multipath signal does not exceed half the length of the CP. 1CP means that the delay of its multipath signal does not exceed the entire length of the CP.

[0141] 2) The terminal determines the first CQI based on the first delay offset. This process can also be described as follows: the first delay offset is related to the first CQI.

[0142] 2.1) The terminal determines the first phase compensation based on the first time delay offset. The above process can also be described as follows: the first phase compensation is associated with the first time delay offset.

[0143] Example 1

[0144] For example, the first time delay offset contains N-1 time delay offsets (such as N-1 relative time delay offsets), and the first phase compensation contains N-1 phase compensations. One time delay offset corresponds to one phase compensation. The i-th phase compensation among the N-1 phase compensations satisfies the following condition:

[0145] Where j represents the imaginary unit, k represents the index of the current subcarrier, and k0 represents the index of the reference subcarrier. Represents the i-th time delay offset, t i This represents the index of the i-th reference signal resource set, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and t i The values ​​of k and k0 are both positive integers.

[0146] Understandably, a reference signal resource set can be a CSI-RS resource set. For example, a network device may be associated with or correspond to a single reference signal resource set. i It can also be understood as an index of network devices (such as TRP).

[0147] For example, the terminal can receive signals from the reference signal resource set t. i The reference signal for the corresponding network device. For ease of description, the reference signal resource set t can be... i The corresponding network device is called network device t. i The terminal can determine the network device t by measuring this reference signal. i Corresponding time delay offset For example, this time delay offset This can be a relative delay offset relative to a reference delay. Furthermore, the terminal can determine the difference between the index k of the current subcarrier and the index k0 of the reference subcarrier, which can be expressed as (k-k0). For example, "current subcarrier" can refer to the subcarrier currently used by the terminal, such as when the terminal is currently interacting with network device t. i The subcarrier of the communication, or, the terminal currently receiving data from network device t. iThe reference subcarrier is the subcarrier of the reference signal. The "reference subcarrier" can be predefined, such as by the protocol, or pre-configured or pre-indicated to the terminal, etc., without restriction. For example, the "reference subcarrier" could refer to the subcarrier corresponding to the center frequency. Then, the terminal will use the above (k-k0) and time delay offset... Substituting into the above (Formula 1), the network device t can be determined. i The corresponding phase compensation i (or the i-th phase compensation).

[0148] For example, the first time delay offset includes N-1 relative time delay offsets, and the first phase compensation includes N-1 phase compensations. That is, the terminal can determine N-1 phase compensations based on the N-1 relative time delay offsets. These N-1 relative time delay offsets and N-1 phase compensations are in one-to-one correspondence; for example, one relative time delay offset corresponds to one phase compensation. For instance, for a reference signal resource set t1, there is a corresponding network device, which can be called network device t1, and so on. The terminal receives the reference signal according to the configuration of the reference signal resource set t1 and determines the corresponding relative time delay offset, such as this time delay offset being called... Terminal determines time delay offset The corresponding phase compensation, such as the phase compensation being Similarly, for the reference signal resource set t2, the terminal can obtain the corresponding phase compensation. Similarly, for a reference signal resource set tN, the terminal can obtain the corresponding phase compensation. The terminal compensates for the above N-1 phases, such as Until Determine the first CQI.

[0149] In one understanding, time delay offset This can cause phase rotation, which can be compensated / recovered using the above (Formula 1). For the terminal side, N-1 phase compensations can be used to determine the first CQI. Further, the terminal reports the first CQI to N network devices. Optionally, the terminal can also report the above N-1 delay offsets (such as N-1 relative delay offsets) to the N network devices. One of the N network devices serves as a reference network device, and its delay is used as the reference delay. It can be understood that this reference delay uses its own delay as a reference, and its corresponding delay offset (such as the reference delay offset) is equal to zero. Correspondingly, the phase compensation is also equal to zero. Therefore, this reference network device does not need to perform phase compensation, and the terminal device does not need to report this reference delay offset. For the remaining N-1 network devices: one network device can obtain its corresponding delay offset, and further, based on its corresponding delay offset and the above (Formula 1), determine the corresponding phase compensation. One network device uses the corresponding phase compensation to perform phase compensation on the data signal to be transmitted (such as the PDSCH signal). For example, phase compensation is performed during the precoding process to ensure that the data signals transmitted by the antenna ports of N network devices are in the same phase, thereby realizing coherent joint transmission (CJT) of N network devices.

[0150] Example 2

[0151] Optionally, the first phase compensation is associated not only with the first time delay offset but also with the first subcarrier spacing. For example, the terminal can determine the first phase compensation based on the first time delay offset and the first subcarrier spacing. The first subcarrier spacing refers to the difference between the center frequencies of adjacent subcarriers in the frequency domain, and its unit can be kilohertz (kHz). The subcarrier spacing (i.e., the first subcarrier spacing) corresponding to N network devices can have the same value.

[0152] For example, the first time delay offset includes N-1 time delay offsets (such as N-1 relative time delay offsets), and the first phase compensation includes N-1 phase compensations. One time delay offset corresponds to one phase compensation. The terminal can determine the i-th phase compensation based on the i-th time delay offset and the first subcarrier interval, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. For example, the i-th phase compensation among the N-1 phase compensations satisfies the following condition:

[0153] Where j represents the imaginary unit, k represents the index of the current subcarrier, k0 represents the index of the reference subcarrier, and Δf represents the first subcarrier interval. Represents the i-th time delay offset, t i This represents the index of the i-th reference signal resource set, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and t i The values ​​of k and k0 are positive integers.

[0154] Example 2 is similar to Example 1 in that the process of calculating phase compensation is similar. The difference is that in Example 2, when calculating a phase compensation, in addition to considering the time delay offset... In addition, the corresponding subcarrier spacing (i.e., the first subcarrier spacing) also needs to be considered.

[0155] 2.2) The terminal determines the first CQI based on the first phase compensation. The above process can also be described as follows: the first phase compensation is associated with the first CQI.

[0156] As described above, the first phase compensation comprises N-1 phase compensations, which can be represented as: Phase Compensation 1, Phase Compensation 2, and so on, up to Phase Compensation N-1. The terminal can determine the first CQI based on these N-1 phase compensations. For example, the terminal can determine a corresponding CQI based on one of the N-1 phase compensations. The N-1 phase compensations correspond to N-1 CQIs. The terminal determines the first CQI based on the N-1 CQIs. For example, the terminal performs operations / processing such as averaging the N-1 CQIs to determine the first CQI.

[0157] Optionally, the first CQI is also associated with a first precoding matrix. For example, the terminal can determine the first CQI based on the first phase compensation and the first precoding matrix. The first precoding matrix is ​​determined based on N reference signals. For example, the terminal measures the N reference signals to determine the first precoding matrix. The first precoding matrix may contain N precoding matrices, which correspond one-to-one with N network devices. For example, the terminal measures the reference signal of network device 1 to determine the precoding matrix corresponding to network device 1 (e.g., called precoding matrix 1). The terminal measures the reference signal of network device 2 to determine the precoding matrix corresponding to network device 2 (e.g., called precoding matrix 2). And so on, the terminal measures the reference signal of network device N to determine the precoding matrix corresponding to network device N (e.g., called precoding matrix N). The N precoding matrices contained in the first precoding matrix can be represented as: precoding matrix 1, precoding matrix 2, and so on, up to precoding matrix N.

[0158] As described above, the terminal can determine the first CQI based on the first phase compensation and the first precoding matrix. For example, the first phase compensation includes N-1 phase compensations, and the first precoding matrix includes N precoding matrices. The terminal can determine the first CQI by including N-1 phase compensations and N precoding matrices.

[0159] For example, N-1 phase compensations can be represented as: Phase Compensation 1, Phase Compensation 2, and so on, up to Phase Compensation N-1. N precoding matrices can be represented as: Precoding Matrix 1, Precoding Matrix 2, ..., Precoding Matrix (Reference) ... and so on, up to Precoding Matrix N. It can be understood that the aforementioned Precoding Matrix (Reference) refers to the precoding matrix corresponding to a reference network device. The delay corresponding to this reference network device is used as the reference delay, and this reference delay relative to its own delay (i.e., the reference delay offset) is equal to zero. Therefore, the phase compensation of the reference network device is equal to zero.

[0160] The process by which the terminal determines the first CQI based on N-1 phase compensations and N precoding matrices is not limited. For example, the first CQI may contain one CQI. For instance, the terminal determines CQI(1) based on phase compensation 1 and precoding matrix 1. The terminal determines CQI(2) based on phase compensation 2 and precoding matrix 2. And so on, the terminal determines CQI(N) based on phase compensation N-1 and precoding matrix N. The only difference in the above process is that the phase compensation of the reference network device is equal to zero. Therefore, the terminal can determine the corresponding CQI based on the precoding matrix (reference). After the above process, the terminal can obtain N CQIs, such as CQI(1), CQI(2), and so on, up to CQI(N). The terminal can determine the first CQI based on the above N CQIs. For example, the terminal can perform operations such as averaging the above N CQIs to determine the first CQI.

[0161] In one possible implementation, the precoding matrix (such as the first precoding matrix) involved in this application can follow the current design, that is, the precoding matrix may not be modified in the method of this application. Alternatively, the precoding matrix (such as the first precoding matrix) may be modified in the method of this application. For example, the first precoding matrix may be associated with a first frequency domain unit of the first data signal (such as a PDSCH signal). For example, the first frequency domain unit may refer to a subcarrier, or other types of frequency domain units, etc., without limitation. For example, the first precoding matrix may be associated with the subcarrier occupied by the first data signal. Another example is that the first precoding matrix may be associated with the index k of the subcarrier occupied by the first data signal. For instance, the first precoding matrix may be associated with the position of the subcarrier occupied by the first data signal in the subband. For example, the first precoding matrix is ​​associated with the subband, or it can be described as a subband-level precoding matrix, such as a subband having a corresponding precoding matrix. It is understood that a subband contains one or more subcarriers, for example, the number of subcarriers contained in a subband can be expressed as... The position of the subcarrier k occupied by the first data signal (such as the PDSCH signal) in the subband can be expressed as: This indicates taking a value downwards.

[0162] For example, the first precoding matrix contains N precoding matrices, and these N precoding matrices correspond to N network devices. The precoding matrix corresponding to network device 1 can be represented as follows: t1 represents the index of the reference signal resource set corresponding to network device 1. The precoding matrix corresponding to network device 2 can be represented as follows: t2 represents the index of the reference signal resource set corresponding to network device 2. Similarly, the precoding matrix corresponding to network device N can be represented as... t N This represents the index of the reference signal resource set corresponding to network device N. It should be noted that the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference network device can be represented as... n ref This represents the index of the reference signal resource set corresponding to the reference network device. Optionally, the precoding matrix... It can be a subband-level precoding matrix, or subband-level weights. It can be understood that x takes values ​​from 1 to N.

[0163] In one interpretation, the first precoding matrix comprises N precoding matrices, each corresponding to one of the N network devices. Each network device uses its corresponding precoding matrix to precode the first data signal (e.g., a PDSCH signal) to be transmitted. During this process, the N network devices coherently transmit the same data signal (e.g., the first data signal) to the terminal. At the terminal, the terminal can superimpose the received N first data signals to achieve coherent interference cancellation and improve the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the received signal. In this application, the N network devices occupy the same subband and subcarrier when transmitting the first data signal. For example, if any one of the N network devices occupies a subcarrier k in one subband to transmit the first data signal, then the first data signal occupies subcarrier k in the aforementioned subband.

[0164] In this embodiment, frequency offset compensation can be reflected in the precoding matrix. For example, the precoding matrix corresponding to different frequency domain units (such as subcarriers) can be different. Therefore, the association between the precoding matrix and the frequency domain units (such as subcarriers) is established, and this association is displayed in the precoding matrix. For example, the association between the position of the subcarrier in the subband and the precoding matrix can be displayed in the precoding matrix. As described above, the position of the subcarrier in the subband can be represented as... The N precoding matrices can be represented as follows: And so on, until...

[0165] Step 430: The terminal sends the first CQI.

[0166] Accordingly, N network devices receive the first CQI.

[0167] For example, the first CQI can be included in the CSI report. If a terminal can send CSI reports to N network devices, and each of the N network devices receives a CSI report from the terminal, the CSI report must contain at least the first CQI. Optionally, the CSI report may also contain at least one of the following parameters, such as CRI, RI, or PMI. For explanations of CQI (such as the first CQI), RI, or PMI, please refer to the explanation of communication terminology above. The following focuses on CRI, which stands for CSI-RS resource indicator. Since there may be multiple CSI-RS resource sets or resources, adding CRI to the CSI report serves to notify or inform the network devices which CSI-RS resource set or resource the currently reported CSI report was measured based on. There are no restrictions on the type of CSI report; for example, the CSI report type can be a Rel-18 enhanced Type IICJT CSI report.

[0168] Optionally, the terminal can also report N-1 relative delay offsets to N network devices, or the terminal can report N-1 delay intervals corresponding to N-1 delay offsets to N network devices, where the position of a delay offset within a corresponding delay interval is fixed. For example, a delay interval can be represented as [δ i ,δ i+1 In this case, the position of a delay offset within a given delay interval is fixed. For example, if the position of a delay offset within a given delay interval is fixed as [δ...] i ,δ i+1 The lower bound of ) is defined by i, where i is any integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N-1. For example, when a terminal reports a delay interval [δ... i ,δ i+1 When the network receives the data within the specified delay interval [δ], i ,δ i+1 When this is the case, the default value of the latency interval reported by the terminal is actually δ. i .

[0169] It can be understood that among N network devices, one network device serves as a reference network device, whose relative latency offset is zero. Therefore, the terminal may not report the latency offset of the reference network device. The N-1 latency offsets reported by the terminal correspond to N-1 network devices, which can be considered as the remaining N-1 network devices excluding the reference network device. When the N-1 network devices receive the aforementioned N-1 relative latency offsets, one of the N-1 network devices can determine its own relative latency offset from these N-1 relative latency offsets. One network device corresponds to one relative latency offset; therefore, a network device can determine / query its own relative latency offset from the N-1 relative latency offsets reported by the terminal. Optionally, the specific actions performed by a network device after determining its own relative latency offset from the N-1 relative latency offsets reported by the terminal are not restricted. For example, the network device can perform latency calibration based on its own relative latency offset. As illustrated in the previous example, if the terminal reports a relative delay offset of +0.5ms, the network device can send a signal (such as a control signal, data signal, or reference signal) 0.5ms earlier than the current clock. Similarly, if the terminal reports a relative delay offset of -0.5ms, the network device can send a signal 0.5ms later than the current clock.

[0170] In one possible implementation, N reference signals are associated with a first data signal (such as a PDSCH signal), and this association can be considered an equivalent relationship. This association is related to a first time delay offset. For example, if the first time delay offset contains N-1 relative time delay offsets, then the association is associated with N-1 relative time delay offsets. Optionally, this association is also associated with a first precoding matrix. For example, if the first precoding matrix contains N precoding matrices, then the association is also associated with N precoding matrices.

[0171] It is understandable that the first precoding matrix (or N precoding matrices) is determined based on N reference signals. For example, the terminal can determine the corresponding precoding matrix by measuring one of the N reference signals.

[0172] The correlation between the N reference signals and the first data signal (such as the PDSCH signal) satisfies the following:

[0173] in, to Represents relative time delay offset relative time delay offset Their respective phase compensations, t1 to t NThis represents the indexes of the first to the Nth reference signal resource sets. to Represents the reference signal resource set t 11 To reference signal resource set t N The corresponding precoding matrices, W nref (k) represents the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference signal resource set, where the time delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference signal resource set are both equal to zero. It can be understood that nref represents the index of the reference signal resource set, where nref is greater than or equal to t1 and less than or equal to t. N Integers.

[0174] The preceding description explained that the N reference signals are correlated with the first data signal, and this correlation is related to N-1 relative time delay offsets. In Equation 3 above, the N-1 relative time delay offsets are respectively expressed as... to The N-1 relative time delay offsets to It can be considered as relative to the reference time delay Δτ nref The relative time delay offset. As also stated in the preceding description, the above correlation is associated with N precoding matrices. In Equation 3 above, the N precoding matrices are respectively represented as... to It is understandable that in formula 3 above, W nref (k) represents the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference network device, which can be any of the N network devices.

[0175] Further, optionally, the N reference signals are associated with the first data signal (such as a PDSCH signal), including: the first data signal is associated with the antenna port that transmits the N reference signals. For example, the first data signal can be the PDSCH signal of layer υ, and the first data signal can be represented as: x (0) (k,l) to x (υ-1)(k, l). Here, k represents the index of the frequency domain element of the υ-layer PDSCH signal to be transmitted, such as the index of a subcarrier. l represents the index of the time domain element of the υ-layer PDSCH signal to be transmitted, such as the index of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol. The antenna ports for the N reference signals can be: antenna ports for transmitting N reference signals (such as CSI-RS). Furthermore, the reference signals (such as CSI-RS) are transmitted on reference signal resources (such as CSI-RS resources). The antenna ports for transmitting N reference signals (such as CSI-RS) can also be described as: antenna ports of N CSI-RS resources. That is, the first data signal is associated with the antenna ports of the N CSI-RS resources.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the terminal can calculate or determine the first CQI based on the assumptions provided in Formula 4. That is, the terminal can assume the existence of the assumptions, correlations, or equivalences corresponding to Formula 4. Under the assumptions of Formula 4, the terminal calculates or determines the first CQI according to the method shown in Figure 4 of this application. For example, the terminal determines N-1 phase compensations based on the first delay offset (e.g., N-1 relative delay offsets). The terminal determines / calculates the first CQI based on the N-1 phase compensations and N precoding matrices.

[0177] In formula 4, This refers to the PDSCH signal of layer υ to be transmitted. It can be understood that the aforementioned PDSCH signal of layer υ to be transmitted can be considered a specific example of the first data signal provided in this application. to Represents reference signal resource set t1 to reference signal resource set t N The corresponding precoding matrices. to Represents relative time delay offset relative time delay offset Each corresponds to phase compensation. W nref (k) represents the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference network device, and the phase compensation corresponding to the reference network device is equal to zero. Represents reference signal resource set t1 to reference signal resource set t N The corresponding antenna port. k represents the index of the frequency domain unit of the v-layer PDSCH signal to be transmitted, such as the index of the subcarrier. l represents the index of the time domain unit of the v-layer PDSCH signal to be transmitted, such as the index of the OFDM symbol.

[0178] Formula 4 above can be considered to describe an equivalent relationship, such as: the PDSCH signal on layer υ of the antenna port set [1000,…,1000+υ-1] is equivalent to the corresponding symbol signal transmitted on antenna port [3000,…,3000+P-1] by each of the N selected CSI-RS resources.

[0179] In one possible implementation, Formula 4 above can be replaced by Formula 5 below. For example, the terminal can calculate or determine the first CQI using the method shown in Figure 4 of this application, assuming an equivalent relationship exists for Formula 5.

[0180] It is understandable that the difference between Equation 5 and Equation 4 is as follows: In Equation 4, the PDSCH signal of the v layer to be transmitted is associated with (the index k of the frequency domain cell and the index l of the time domain cell). In Equation 5, the PDSCH signal of the v layer to be transmitted is associated with (the index k of the frequency domain cell). Similarly, in Equation 4, the antenna port of the CSI-RS resource is associated with (the index k of the frequency domain cell and the index l of the time domain cell). In Equation 5, the antenna port of the CSI-RS resource is associated with (the index k of the frequency domain cell).

[0181] In another possible implementation, Formula 5 above can be replaced by Formula 6 below. The terminal can calculate or determine the first CQI by using the method shown in Figure 4 of this application, assuming an equivalent relationship exists for Formula 6.

[0182] Understandably, the difference between Formula 6 and Formula 5 above lies in the fact that in Formula 5, the N precoding matrices and Related, such as N precoding matrices represented as to In Equation 6, N precoding matrices are associated with k, as shown below. to

[0183] In another possible implementation, Formula 6 above can be replaced by Formula 7 below. The terminal can calculate or determine the first CQI by using the process shown in Figure 4 of this application, assuming an equivalent relationship exists for Formula 7.

[0184] It is understandable that the difference between Formula 7 and Formula 6 above is that in Formula 6, there are N-1 time delay offsets, which are relative time delay offsets relative to the reference time delay. These N-1 relative time delay offsets are expressed as follows: to In Equation 7, there are N time delay offsets. These N time delay offsets are absolute time delay offsets, and the concept of a reference time delay no longer exists. These N absolute time delay offsets are expressed as follows: to

[0185] In another possible implementation, Formula 4 above can be replaced by Formula 8 below. The terminal can calculate or determine the first CQI by using the method shown in Figure 4 of this application, assuming an equivalent relationship exists for Formula 8.

[0186] It is understandable that the difference between Formula 8 and Formula 4 above is that in Formula 4, there are N-1 time delay offsets, which are relative time delay offsets relative to the reference time delay. These N-1 relative time delay offsets are expressed as follows: to In Equation 8, there are N time delay offsets. These N time delay offsets are absolute time delay offsets, and the concept of a reference time delay no longer exists. These N absolute time delay offsets are expressed as follows: to

[0187] In another possible implementation, Formula 4 above can be replaced by Formula 9 below. The terminal can calculate or determine the first CQI by using the method shown in Figure 4 of this application, assuming an equivalent relationship exists for Formula 9.

[0188] Understandably, the difference between Formula 9 and Formula 8 above lies in the fact that in Formula 8, the N precoding matrices and Related, such as N precoding matrices represented as to In Equation 9, N precoding matrices are associated with k, as shown below. to

[0189] In another possible implementation, Formula 4 above can be replaced by Formula 10 below. The terminal can calculate or determine the first CQI by using the method shown in Figure 4 of this application, assuming an equivalent relationship exists for Formula 10.

[0190] It is understandable that the difference between Formula 10 and Formula 4 above is that in Formula 4, the N precoding matrices and Related, such as N precoding matrices represented as to In Equation 10, N precoding matrices are associated with k, as shown below. to

[0191] In another possible implementation, Formula 4 above can be replaced by Formula 11 below. The terminal can calculate or determine the first CQI by using the method shown in Figure 4 of this application, assuming an equivalent relationship exists for Formula 11.

[0192] It is understandable that the difference between Formula 11 and Formula 7 above is that in Formula 7, N precoding matrices are associated with k, such as the N precoding matrices being represented as follows: to In Equation 11, N precoding matrices and Related, such as N precoding matrices represented as to

[0193] As explained above, the terminal sends a first CQI, which may be included in the CSI report. For example, the terminal sends a CSI report that includes the first CQI. Alternatively, formulas 4 to 11 above exist based on the following conditions:

[0194] For example, network devices can configure CSI reports for terminals via RRC signaling. The terminal sends a CSI report to the network device based on the network device's configuration. For instance, the higher-layer parameter "report quantity" in the CSI report configuration (CSI-ReportConfig) set by the network device for the terminal might be set to 'cri-RI-PMI-CQI'. The terminal can then send a CSI report to the network device based on the parameter 'cri-RI-PMI-CQI' in the report quantity parameter of the CSI report configuration. This CSI report contains CRI, RI, PMI, and CQI (such as the first CQI). Furthermore, the higher-layer parameter "codebookType" in the CSI report configuration (CSI-ReportConfig) set by the network device for the terminal might be set to either "typeII-CJT-r18" or "typeII-CJT-PortSelection-r18". "typeII-CJT-r18" and "typeII-CJT-PortSelection-r18" can be considered as two different types of codebooks. These two types of codebooks are designed for multi-TRP cooperative scenarios. For example, based on the measurement results of the reference signal, the terminal can select the corresponding precoding matrix from either of the above types of codebooks and feed back the index (PMI) of the selected precoding matrix to the network device. Optionally, the network device can configure a CSI-RS resource set for the terminal, which can be used for channel measurement. The CSI-RS resource set configured by the network device for the terminal can contain 1 to 4 CSI-RS resources. If one CSI-RS resource set corresponds to one TRP, the CSI-RS resource set configured by the network device for the terminal can be represented as N_TRP, where 1≤N_TRP≤4.

[0195] The embodiments provided in this application above mainly describe the methods provided by this application from the perspective of interaction between the terminal and network devices. To implement the functions of the methods provided in this application, the terminal and network device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the design constraints of the specific application of the technical solution.

[0196] Based on the same design concept as the above-described method embodiments, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can realize the functions implemented by terminals or network devices in the above-described method embodiments, and therefore may achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above-described method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may be a terminal or network device, or a unit, module, or component (such as a chip, chip system, circuit, processor, or others) applied in a terminal or network device. In the following description, the term "unit" will be used as an example. For example, in the following description, the communication device will be described as including a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit in the following description can also be replaced by: a processing module or a processing component, etc. The communication unit can also be replaced by: a communication unit or a transceiver component. For example, a transceiver component may refer to a communication module.

[0197] Figure 5 illustrates a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 500 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described above. In one possible design, the communication device 500 includes a processing unit 502 and a communication unit 503. Optionally, the communication device 500 may further include a storage unit 501 for storing device program code and / or data.

[0198] The communication device 500 can be a terminal-side device as described in the above embodiments, such as a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions.

[0199] For example, in one embodiment, the communication device 500 is used to implement the terminal-side functions in the method shown in FIG4 of the above method embodiment. For instance, the communication unit 503 is used to receive N reference signals, which are associated with N network devices, where N is an integer greater than 1; the processing unit 502 is used to determine a first delay offset based on the N reference signals, the first delay offset being associated with a first channel quality indicator (CQI); the communication unit 503 is also used to transmit the first CQI.

[0200] In one possible implementation, the first delay offset is associated with a first CQI, including: the first delay offset being associated with a first phase compensation; and the first phase compensation being associated with the first CQI.

[0201] In one possible implementation, the first delay offset includes N-1 delay offsets, which are relative delay offsets with respect to a reference delay. The reference delay is the delay corresponding to a reference network device, which belongs to the N network devices. The delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference network device are both equal to zero.

[0202] In one possible implementation, the first phase compensation is also associated with the first subcarrier spacing.

[0203] In one possible implementation, the first phase compensation comprises N-1 phase compensations, and the i-th phase compensation among the N-1 phase compensations satisfies the following condition:

[0204] Where j represents the imaginary unit, k represents the index of the current subcarrier, k0 represents the index of the reference subcarrier, and Δf represents the first subcarrier interval. Represents the i-th time delay offset, t i This represents the index of the i-th reference signal resource set, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and t i The values ​​of k and k0 are positive integers.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the first CQI is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

[0206] In one possible implementation, the first precoding matrix is ​​associated with a first frequency domain unit of the first data signal.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 503 is further configured to send the N-1 time delay offsets; or, to send the N-1 time delay intervals corresponding to the N-1 time delay offsets, wherein the position of the time delay offset in the corresponding time delay interval is fixed.

[0208] In one possible implementation, the N reference signals are associated with the first data signal, and the association is related to the first time delay offset.

[0209] In one possible implementation, the association is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the association relationship satisfies the following:

[0211] in, to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding phase compensations, from t1 to t N This represents the indexes of the first to the Nth reference signal resource sets. to This indicates the time delay offset from the first time delay to the (N-1)th time delay offset. to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding precoding matrices, W nref (k) represents the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference signal resource set, wherein the time delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference signal resource set are both equal to zero.

[0212] In one possible implementation, the N reference signals are associated with the first data signal, including: the first data signal is associated with the antenna port that transmits the N reference signals.

[0213] In one possible design, when the communication device 500 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 502 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 503 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0214] In one possible design, when the communication device 500 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 502 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 503 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0215] In one possible design, when the communication device 500 is a terminal or a communication and / or computing module within a terminal, the functionality of the processing unit 502 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a GPU, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU. Alternatively, the processor may include an ASIC, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC. The functionality of the communication unit 503 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0216] In one possible design, when the communication device 500 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication and / or computing functions, such as a GPU or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU, an AI processor or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor, or an ASIC or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC, the function of the processing unit 502 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 503 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0217] The communication device 500 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a UPF network element or a communication module in a UPF network element, or a circuit or chip in a UPF network element that is responsible for communication functions.

[0218] For example, in one embodiment, the communication device 500 is used to implement the network device side device in the method shown in FIG4 of the above method embodiment. For instance, the communication unit 503 is used to transmit a first reference signal, which belongs to N reference signals associated with N network devices, where N is an integer greater than 1; the communication unit 503 is also used to receive a first channel quality indication (CQI), which is associated with a first delay offset determined based on the N reference signals. Optionally, the processing unit 502 is used to generate the first reference signal and / or perform corresponding processing on the received first CQI, etc.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the first CQI is associated with a first time delay offset, including: the first time delay offset being associated with a first phase compensation; and the first phase compensation being associated with the first CQI.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the first delay offset includes N-1 delay offsets, which are relative delay offsets with respect to a reference delay. The reference delay is the delay corresponding to a reference network device, which belongs to the N network devices. The delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference network device are both equal to zero.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the first phase compensation is also associated with the first subcarrier spacing.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the first phase compensation comprises N-1 phase compensations, and the i-th phase compensation among the N-1 phase compensations satisfies the following condition:

[0223] Where j represents the imaginary unit, k represents the index of the current subcarrier, k0 represents the index of the reference subcarrier, and Δf represents the first subcarrier interval. Represents the i-th time delay offset, t i This represents the index of the i-th reference signal resource set, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and t i The values ​​of k and k0 are positive integers.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the first CQI is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the first precoding matrix is ​​associated with a first frequency domain unit of the first data signal.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 503 is further configured to receive the N-1 time delay offsets; or, to receive N-1 time delay intervals corresponding to the N-1 time delay offsets, wherein the position of the time delay offset in the corresponding time delay interval is fixed.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the N reference signals are associated with the first data signal, and the association is related to the first time delay offset.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the association is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the association relationship satisfies the following:

[0230] in, to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding phase compensations, from t1 to t N This represents the indexes of the first to the Nth reference signal resource sets. to This indicates the time delay offset from the first time delay to the (N-1)th time delay offset. to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding precoding matrices, W nref (k) represents the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference signal resource set, wherein the time delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference signal resource set are both equal to zero.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the N reference signals are associated with the first data signal, including: the first data signal is associated with the antenna port that transmits the N reference signals.

[0232] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0233] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0234] In one example, storage unit 501 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0235] It is understood that the division of units in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. In addition, the functional units in this application embodiment can be integrated into a physical device (e.g., in a processor), or each functional unit can be a separate physical device, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module, etc.

[0236] As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 600 includes a processor 610 and an interface circuit 620. The processor 610 and the interface circuit 620 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 620 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 600 may also include a memory 630 for storing instructions executed by the processor 610, or storing input data required by the processor 610 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 610 executes instructions.

[0237] When the communication device 600 is used to implement the functions of the terminal or network device in the method shown in FIG4, the processor 610 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 502, and the interface circuit 620 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 503.

[0238] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information sent to the terminal by the network device through other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna); or, the chip sends information to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), which is information sent by the terminal to the network device.

[0239] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a network device, the module implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. Taking a network device as an example: the module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, and this information is sent by the terminal to the network device; or, the module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, and this information is sent by the network device to the terminal. The module of the network device here can be a chip of the network device, or a DU or other modules. The DU here can be a DU under the O-RAN architecture.

[0240] This application embodiment also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the functions of the terminal or network device in the method shown in FIG4. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, and the processor is coupled to the memory. The processor is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement the functions of the terminal or network device in the method shown in FIG4. Optionally, the communication device may be a chip or a chip system.

[0241] This application embodiment also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device. The processor is used to implement the functions of the terminal or network device in the method shown in FIG4 above through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0242] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which may also be referred to as computer programs, computer program code, etc. These instructions, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the functions of the terminal or network device in the method shown in Figure 4 above.

[0243] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, implement the functions of the terminal or network device in the method shown in FIG4 above.

[0244] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0245] The memory in the embodiments of this application may be random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), register, hard disk, portable hard disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0246] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC.

[0247] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0248] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive N reference signals, which are associated with N network devices, where N is an integer greater than 1; Based on the N reference signals, a first time delay offset is determined, and the first time delay offset is associated with a first channel quality indicator (CQI). Send the first CQI.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first time delay offset is associated with the first CQI and includes: The first time delay offset is associated with the first phase compensation; The first phase compensation is associated with the first CQI.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first delay offset includes N-1 delay offsets, which are relative delay offsets with respect to a reference delay. The reference delay is the delay corresponding to a reference network device, which belongs to the N network devices. The delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference network device are both equal to zero.

4. The method as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first phase compensation is also associated with the first subcarrier spacing.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first phase compensation includes N-1 phase compensations, and the i-th phase compensation among the N-1 phase compensations satisfies the following condition: Where j represents the imaginary unit, k represents the index of the current subcarrier, k0 represents the index of the reference subcarrier, and Δf represents the first subcarrier interval. Represents the i-th time delay offset, t i This represents the index of the i-th reference signal resource set, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and t i The values ​​of k and k0 are positive integers.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first CQI is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first precoding matrix is ​​associated with the first frequency domain unit of the first data signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Send the N-1 time delay offsets; or, The N-1 delay offsets are sent to N-1 delay intervals, and the position of the delay offset in the corresponding delay interval is fixed.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The N reference signals are correlated with the first data signal, and the correlation is related to the first time delay offset.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The correlation is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The association relationship satisfies the following: in, to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding phase compensations, from t1 to t N This represents the indexes of the first to the Nth reference signal resource sets. to This indicates the time delay offset from the first time delay to the (N-1)th time delay offset. to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding precoding matrices, W nref (k) represents the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference signal resource set, wherein the time delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference signal resource set are both equal to zero.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first reference signal, which belongs to N reference signals, and the N reference signals are associated with N network devices, where N is an integer greater than 1; A first channel quality indicator (CQI) is received, which is associated with a first delay offset determined based on the N reference signals.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The first CQI is associated with the first time delay offset, including: The first time delay offset is associated with the first phase compensation; The first phase compensation is associated with the first CQI.

14. The method as described in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first delay offset includes N-1 delay offsets, which are relative delay offsets with respect to a reference delay. The reference delay is the delay corresponding to a reference network device, which belongs to the N network devices. The delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference network device are both equal to zero.

15. The method as described in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The first phase compensation is also spaced from the first subcarrier.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The first phase compensation includes N-1 phase compensations, and the i-th phase compensation among the N-1 phase compensations satisfies the following condition: Where j represents the imaginary unit, k represents the index of the current subcarrier, k0 represents the index of the reference subcarrier, and Δf represents the first subcarrier interval. Represents the i-th time delay offset, t i This represents the index of the i-th reference signal resource set, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and t i The values ​​of k and k0 are positive integers.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The first CQI is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The first precoding matrix is ​​associated with the first frequency domain unit of the first data signal.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive the N-1 time delay offsets; or, Receive N-1 delay intervals corresponding to the N-1 delay offsets, wherein the position of the delay offset in the corresponding delay interval is fixed.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that, The N reference signals are correlated with the first data signal, and the correlation is related to the first time delay offset.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The correlation is also associated with a first precoding matrix, which is determined based on the N reference signals.

22. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The association relationship satisfies the following: in, to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding phase compensations, from t1 to t N This represents the indexes of the first to the Nth reference signal resource sets. to This indicates the time delay offset from the first time delay to the (N-1)th time delay offset. to Indicates time delay offset To delay offset The corresponding precoding matrices, W nref (k) represents the precoding matrix corresponding to the reference signal resource set, wherein the time delay offset and phase compensation corresponding to the reference signal resource set are both equal to zero.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or includes units or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 22.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor for executing computer programs or instructions to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 22.

25. The communication device as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or perform the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 22.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when the computer program or instructions are run, execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or execute the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 22.

28. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute computer instructions or programs that, when the computer instructions or programs are executed, cause the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or cause the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 22.

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