Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a first node determines a first transmission time interval, and sends first information within a first channel occupancy time, wherein the first information indicates the first transmission time interval, and the first transmission time interval represents the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy time. Given that a transmission time interval is a time granularity at which data transmission is scheduled, the method uses the transmission time interval as a time granularity for channel occupancy, so that the time granularity of channel occupancy is the same as the time granularity at which data transmission is scheduled, thereby effectively reducing resource waste caused by unnecessary channel occupancy.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510381533.7, filed on March 26, 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] Short-range wireless communication refers to the transmission of information between the sender and receiver via radio waves over distances ranging from tens of meters indoors to hundreds of meters outdoors. Short-range wireless communication allows devices to move slowly within confined spaces while maintaining a constant network connection. Examples of short-range wireless communication technologies include Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and SparkLink (or NearLink) communication technologies.

[0005] Taking G (grant) nodes and T (terminal) nodes using StarFlash communication technology as an example, after a G node successfully acquires a channel, it can transmit information (e.g., send or receive data) within a channel occupancy time (COT), and release the occupied channel after the COT. However, in cases such as data transmission completion or strong channel interference, the COT needs to be terminated early so that other G nodes can compete for the channel. However, existing technology uses the synchronization block transmission period as the time granularity for channel occupancy. When data transmission is completed or strong channel interference occurs within the previous synchronization block transmission period, the COT can only be indicated by the synchronization information included in the synchronization block of the next synchronization block transmission period (e.g., the synchronization information indicates that the remaining synchronization block transmission period jumps to an appropriate value to indicate the early termination of the COT). Furthermore, the occupied channel is only released after the next synchronization block transmission period ends, leading to unnecessary resource waste.

[0006] Further research is needed on how to effectively reduce resource waste caused by unnecessary channel occupation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to effectively reduce resource waste caused by unnecessary channel occupation.

[0008] Firstly, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first node or a module within the first node (such as a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit, or chip). Optionally, the method can also be implemented by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first node. For example, the following describes the execution of the communication method by a first node. The method may include the following steps: the first node determines a first transmission time interval; then, the first node sends first information within a first channel occupancy period, wherein the first information indicates the first transmission time interval, and the first transmission time interval represents the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy period.

[0009] In this method, the transmission time interval is used as the time granularity for scheduling data transmission. This method uses the transmission time interval as the time granularity for channel occupancy, ensuring that the time granularity of channel occupancy is the same as that for scheduling data transmission. This effectively reduces resource waste caused by unnecessary channel occupancy. Furthermore, this method ensures that the first and second nodes have a consistent understanding of the end time of channel occupancy (or a consistent understanding of the last transmission time interval of the actual channel occupancy time for the first node). This helps prevent interference with other nodes' communication due to the second node erroneously sending data on channels (or resources) not occupied by the first node, or helps prevent measurement errors caused by the second node incorrectly performing measurements on channels (or resources) not occupied by the first node.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first information can be physical layer control information.

[0011] In the above implementation, physical layer control information is simpler and faster than higher layer signaling timing. Therefore, the first information is physical layer control information, which can indicate the first transmission time interval more promptly (which can be understood as notifying the second node of the end time of channel occupation more promptly or notifying the second node of the early end of channel occupation time more promptly), which helps to avoid or reduce unnecessary channel occupation as much as possible.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first information can be physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching.

[0013] In the above implementation method, the indication of the first transmission time interval is implemented based on existing physical layer control information (such as physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching), without adding new signaling, and the amount of modification work to the protocol and equipment implementation is also small.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching may include a first field, a second field, and a third field, wherein the first field is used to indicate the first channel before switching, the second field is used to indicate the second channel after switching, and the third field is used to indicate the channel switching time. If the first channel and the second channel are the same, the channel switching time indicated by the third field is the first transmission time interval.

[0015] In the above implementation method, the first transmission time interval is indicated by using the combination of meaningless field values ​​in the existing physical layer control information without adding new fields, and the amount of modification work required for the protocol and device implementation is small.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: after the first transmission time interval, the first node deactivates the first pre-configured schedule, wherein the first pre-configured schedule is a pre-configured schedule that is active during the first channel occupancy time, and the pre-configured schedule can be used to schedule at least one of the following: physical layer data information transmission, physical layer control information transmission, physical layer signal transmission, or physical layer measurement.

[0017] In the above implementation, since the location and quantity of available frequency domain resources (such as the basic carrier) corresponding to each channel occupancy time may be different, periodic transmission (such as data transmission or signaling transmission) can only determine and activate frequency domain resources during the current channel occupancy time. During other channel occupancy times, frequency domain resources need to be re-determined. Therefore, after the current channel occupancy time ends, the activated pre-configured scheduling should be automatically deactivated, which helps to avoid using unoccupied frequency domain resources.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first node determines the first transmission time interval when at least one of the following conditions is met: data transmission is completed, or the channel is interfered with to a degree greater than a first threshold.

[0019] In the above implementation method, under the above circumstances, it is possible to accurately determine the early termination of channel occupation and to determine the first transmission time interval, thereby effectively reducing resource waste caused by unnecessary channel occupation.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a second node or a module (such as a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit, or chip) within the second node. Optionally, the method can also be implemented by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second node. For example, the following describes the execution of the communication method by a second node. The method may include the following steps: the second node receives first information, wherein the first information indicates a first transmission time interval, and the first transmission time interval represents the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy time.

[0021] The technical effects achievable in the second aspect are similar to those achievable in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first information can be physical layer control information.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first information can be physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching may include a first field, a second field, and a third field, wherein the first field is used to indicate the first channel before switching, the second field is used to indicate the second channel after switching, and the third field is used to indicate the channel switching time. If the first channel and the second channel are the same, the channel switching time indicated by the third field is the first transmission time interval.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: after the first transmission time interval, the second node deactivates the first pre-configured schedule, wherein the first pre-configured schedule is a pre-configured schedule that is active during the first channel occupancy time, and the pre-configured schedule can be used to schedule at least one of the following: physical layer data information transmission, physical layer control information transmission, physical layer signal transmission, or physical layer measurement.

[0026] The technical effects achievable by the above implementation method can be referred to the technical effects achievable by the corresponding implementation method provided in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0027] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that implements the functions described in the first and second aspects above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations described in the first and second aspects above. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software. For instance, in some examples, the communication device can be a first node or a module within a first node, and it implements the functions described in the first aspect. In other examples, the communication device can be a second node or a module within a second node, and it implements the functions described in the second aspect.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a transceiver unit (or communication module, for sending and receiving data) and a processing unit (or processing module). The transceiver unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices; for example, it can be used to send data to other communication devices. The processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the transceiver unit and the processing unit may correspond to the operations described in the first and second aspects above.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes at least one processor, which can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first to second aspects above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects above when the computer programs or instructions are executed.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes at least one processor and a memory, the memory of which may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first to second aspects described above. The at least one processor may execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes at least one processor and a transceiver (or interface circuitry or communication interface), wherein the at least one processor is used to communicate with other devices via the transceiver and to perform the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects described above. The transceiver is used to enable the communication device to communicate with other devices, for example, to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the at least one processor, or to send signals from the at least one processor of the communication device to other communication devices, such as the transmission or reception of data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0032] It is understood that, in the third aspect mentioned above, the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. Furthermore, there can be one or more processors, and one or more memories. The memory can be integrated with the processor or separated from it. In specific implementations, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0033] Fourthly, this application provides a possible communication system, which may include the first node and second node mentioned in the first or second aspect above. The implementation of the relevant functions of the first node or second node can be found in the descriptions mentioned in the first or second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0034] For example, the number of first or second nodes can be one or more.

[0035] Fifthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0036] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip that may include a processor and may also include a memory (or the chip may be coupled to the memory). The chip executes program instructions in the memory to cause the chip to perform the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above. Here, "coupling" refers to two components being directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as coupling referring to an electrical connection between two components.

[0038] Eighthly, this application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing any possible implementation of the methods in any of the first to second aspects described above. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing programs and data necessary for the computer device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0039] Based on the implementation methods provided in the above aspects, this application can be further combined to provide more implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates a channel diagram provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the architecture of a possible communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the distribution of transmission time intervals included in a channel occupancy time according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of another possible communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Before introducing the technical solutions provided in this application, some of the terms used in this application will be explained in order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0047] (1) Superframes, radio frames, transmit time intervals (TTI), and COT in Sparklink Basic (SLB) technology:

[0048] As an example, the duration of a superframe is Tf = 30720 × Ts = 1 ms. Superframes are numbered sequentially as #0, #1, ..., #65535, and numbering resumes from #0 after superframe #65535. A superframe contains eight radio frames of equal length, numbered sequentially as #0, #1, ..., #7.

[0049] In SLB technology, under discontinuous transmission mode, nodes use each basic carrier in a time-division multiplexing manner through contention and preemption. For a single occupancy, an integer number of radio frames constitute a Channel Occupancy Time (COT), starting from the first radio frame after successful channel contention and ending with the last radio frame (inclusive) before all basic carriers release the channel.

[0050] In SLB technology, under discontinuous transmission mode, a TTI consists of 2^(N_TTI) consecutive radio frames within a single COT, where N_TTI = 0, 1, ..., 6. N_TTI is a constant, and a COT contains an integer number of TTIs. The boundaries of a COT and a superframe are not fixed, nor are the boundaries of a TTI. The interval between two COTs is an integer number of radio frames. For example, when the subcarrier spacing is 120 kHz, the length of one radio frame is equal to 125 microseconds (μs). If a TTI consists of 4 radio frames, then the TTI duration is 0.5 milliseconds (ms).

[0051] (2) Channels and carriers in SLB technology:

[0052] Each fundamental channel corresponds to a fundamental carrier consisting of 161 consecutive subcarriers. These 161 subcarriers are numbered sequentially from low to high center frequency as #0, #1, ..., #160, with subcarrier #80 being the center subcarrier, which does not map any data or signal. Within these 161 consecutive subcarriers, every 10 consecutive subcarriers (excluding the center subcarrier) form a fundamental subcarrier group, numbered sequentially from low to high frequency as #0, #1, ..., #15. The subcarriers other than the center subcarrier can be used to map data or signal; these are called effective subcarriers. The center frequency of subcarrier #80 is also called the center frequency of the fundamental channel.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1, the frequency domain adjacency of two fundamental channels is defined as follows: the highest frequency of fundamental channel 1 is equal to the lowest frequency of fundamental channel 2, and fundamental channel 1 and fundamental channel 2 are said to be frequency domain adjacency. For two frequency domain adjacency fundamental channels, the center frequency interval is an integer multiple of the subcarrier interval. Between the two fundamental carriers corresponding to two frequency domain adjacency fundamental channels, there exists an integer number of subcarriers. Each of these integer number of subcarriers is called a separator subcarrier and does not map any data or signal.

[0054] The node's working channel consists of N consecutive CH It consists of N basic channels, which is the union of all available frequency ranges for transmitting 1 TB of data at this node, where N CH N is a positive integer. CH N corresponding to each basic channel CHThe node's working carrier consists of several basic carriers. On the node's working carrier, the basic subcarrier groups are numbered sequentially from low to high frequency as #0, #1, ..., #(16×N). CH -1). On the node's working carrier, starting from the #0 basic subcarrier group, every consecutive L CH A node's working subcarrier group consists of 1 basic subcarrier group.

[0055] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] The following describes the communication systems to which the communication method provided in this application is applicable. It should be noted that this description is for the convenience of those skilled in the art and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0057] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, LTE systems, short-range wireless communication network systems, such as Sparklink communication network systems (including SLB access technology and Sparklink Low Energy (SLE) access technology and Sparklink Positioning (SLP) access technology), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WLAN communication systems, or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, as well as 5th-generation (5G) communication systems or new radio (NR) systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in the future development of communication.

[0058] The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to machine-type communication (MTC), long-term evolution-machine (LTE-M) technology, device-to-device (D2D) networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) networks, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, or other networks. Among these, IoT networks may include, for example, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks. The communication methods in V2X systems are collectively referred to as vehicle-to-everything (V2X), where X can represent anything. For example, V2X may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0059] In the aforementioned communication systems, devices with communication capabilities can be called nodes or communication nodes. For example, a node can include independent devices such as handheld terminals, vehicles, in-vehicle equipment, network-side equipment, user equipment, access terminals, user units, user stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, wireless communication equipment, user agents, or user devices. It can also be a component (such as a chip or integrated circuit) contained within an independent device. A node can be any possible intelligent terminal device (such as a mobile phone), intelligent transportation equipment (such as vehicles, drones, etc.), intelligent manufacturing equipment, smart home devices (such as large screens, speakers, etc.), etc.

[0060] The nodes in this application embodiment can be applied to various application scenarios, such as the following: mobile internet (MI), industrial control, self-driving, transportation safety, internet of things (IoT), smart city, or smart home. In some application scenarios or certain network types, devices with similar communication capabilities may not be called nodes but may be called devices; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0061] For example, as shown in Figure 2 below, nodes can communicate with each other using communication technologies such as D2D, M2M, or V2X.

[0062] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a possible communication system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the communication system may include at least one first node and at least one second node. Optionally, the first node may also be referred to as a first device, and the second node may also be referred to as a second device; this application does not impose any limitations on this. The first node and the second node are described below.

[0063] For example, the first node can be a master device, specifically a next-generation node B (gNB), a next-generation evolved node B (ng-eNB), a node in a short-range wireless communication network system (e.g., a master node, management node, or G node in a Starlight communication network system), or an access network device in a future communication network. The master device can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. This master device can be an access node, wireless relay node, or wireless backhaul node in a wireless local area network (WiFi) system. This master device can be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. This master device can be a wearable device or a vehicle-mounted device. This master device can also be a small cell, a transmission reception point (TRP) (or a transmission point), etc.

[0064] For example, the second node can be a terminal device, also known as user equipment (UE), a terminal, etc. A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water, such as on ships; and it can be deployed in the air, such as on airplanes, balloons, or satellites. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and so on. It is understood that the terminal device can also be a node in a short-range wireless communication network system (e.g., a slave node, terminal node, or T node in a StarFlash communication network system, or a station in a WiFi system, etc.), or a terminal device in a future communication network.

[0065] It is understood that the terminal device shown in this application may also include a vehicle (such as a whole vehicle) in the Internet of Vehicles, or may also include in-vehicle equipment or in-vehicle terminals in the Internet of Vehicles. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal device when it is applied to the Internet of Vehicles.

[0066] It should be understood that Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a first node and six second nodes, as well as the communication links between the nodes. Optionally, the communication system may also include multiple first nodes, and the coverage area of ​​each first node may include other numbers of second nodes, such as more or fewer terminal devices, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0067] Optionally, the communication links between the aforementioned communication devices can include various types of connection media, including wired links (e.g., fiber optics), wireless links, or combinations of wired and wireless links. For example, they can be short-range wireless connection technologies including StarFlash, 802.11b / g, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, radio frequency identification (RFID), ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, impulse radio (IR) ultra-wideband (IR-UWB), or wireless short-range communication systems (e.g., vehicle-mounted wireless short-range communication systems).

[0068] The aforementioned communication devices, such as the first node, second nodes 1 to 6 in Figure 2, can be configured with multiple antennas. These multiple antennas may include at least one transmitting antenna for transmitting signals and at least one receiving antenna for receiving signals, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific structure of each communication device. Optionally, the communication system may also include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity; this application embodiment is not limited to these.

[0069] It is understood that the communication system shown in Figure 2 is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication systems and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0070] It is understood that this application supports Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT protocol, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocol, IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol; this application may also support Spark Link / NearLink standard protocols.

[0071] Short-range wireless communication refers to the transmission of information between the sender and receiver via radio waves over distances ranging from tens of meters indoors to hundreds of meters outdoors. Short-range wireless communication allows short-range communication devices to move slowly within confined spaces while maintaining a constant network connection. Examples of short-range wireless communication technologies include WLAN technology and SparkLink (or NearLink) communication technology.

[0072] Taking G-nodes and T-nodes using StarFlash communication technology as an example, after successfully acquiring a channel, a G-node can transmit information (e.g., send or receive data) within a COT (Concurrent Time Opportunity), and release the occupied channel after the COT ends. For example, a G-node can periodically transmit synchronization acquisition blocks (SABs) on the occupied channel. An SAB includes a synchronization signal and synchronization information. A COT can include at least one synchronization acquisition block transmission period, and an SAB transmission period includes one or more TTIs (Time-Interval Time Opportunities). The SAB transmission period is only valid within the COT. The interval between SAB transmissions on different COTs is an integer number of radio frames, but is not guaranteed to be an integer number of SAB transmission periods. Within each TTI, the G-node transmits one or more G-link control intoformations (GCIs). GCIs are used to schedule channel resources, such as notifying T-nodes which time-frequency resources they should transmit and receive data on. G-nodes can blindly detect SABs and can blindly detect GCIs on channels where SABs are detected.

[0073] However, in situations such as data transmission completion or strong channel interference, it is necessary to terminate the Channel Override (COT) early so that other G nodes can compete for the channel. However, existing technologies use the synchronization block transmission period as the time granularity for channel occupancy. When data transmission is completed or strong interference occurs within the previous synchronization block transmission period, the only way to indicate early termination of COT is through the synchronization information included in the synchronization block of the next synchronization block transmission period (e.g., the synchronization information indicates that the remaining synchronization block transmission period should jump to an appropriate value to indicate early termination of COT). Furthermore, the occupied channel is only released after the next synchronization block transmission period ends, leading to unnecessary resource waste (such as time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources).

[0074] In view of this, this application provides a communication method to effectively reduce resource waste caused by unnecessary channel occupation.

[0075] The specific implementation of the communication method in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses a first node and a second node as examples of the execution subjects in the interaction illustration, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction illustration. For example, the method executed by the first node in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the first node (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first node; similarly, the method executed by the second node in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the second node (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second node. For example, the first node can be the first node shown in Figure 2, and the second node can be the second node 1 shown in Figure 2 or another second node.

[0076] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method is applicable to the network architecture shown in Figure 2. It can be understood that the communication method shown in Figure 3 can be applied to discontinuous transmission mode scenarios. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes:

[0077] S301: The first node determines the first transmission time interval.

[0078] Wherein, the first transmission time interval represents (or indicates or describes) the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy time.

[0079] It can be understood that a channel occupancy time can refer to the time a first node occupies a channel after successfully competing for the channel (also known as channel contention success). In this case, the first channel occupancy time can refer to the actual time the first node occupies that channel after successfully competing for the channel (or the actual channel occupancy time). That is to say, the first channel occupancy time is included in the time the first node occupies that channel after successfully competing for the channel. Alternatively, a channel occupancy time can also refer to the time a first node occupies one or more sub-channels after successfully competing for the channel. Here, the one or more sub-channels are included within the channel acquired by the first node after successfully competing for the channel. In this case, the first channel occupancy time can refer to the actual time the first node occupies those one or more sub-channels after successfully competing for the channel. That is to say, the first channel occupancy time is included in the time the first node occupies those one or more sub-channels after successfully competing for the channel.

[0080] For example, channel occupancy time may include one or more superframes, one or more radio frames, one or more time slots, or one or more symbols (such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). It should be understood that a channel here can refer to one of multiple pre-divided frequency domain resources. For example, the bandwidth of a channel may be 20MHz, or it may be 40MHz or 80MHz, etc.

[0081] Optionally, a channel can be (or correspond to) a carrier, a carrier group (also called a carrier set), a frequency band, a frequency band group (also called a frequency band set), a frequency band, a frequency band group (also called a frequency band set), a sub-band, a sub-band group (also called a sub-band set), a subcarrier group (also called a subcarrier set), a resource block (RB), a resource block group (RBG), or other terms that can characterize a segment of frequency domain resources. Optionally, a channel can also correspond to multiple carriers, multiple frequency bands, multiple sub-bands, multiple subcarriers, multiple subcarrier groups, multiple RBs, or multiple RBGs, etc.

[0082] It is understandable that channel occupancy time can refer to the time the first node occupies the first channel. Channel occupancy time can also be understood as the time the first node uses the first channel for communication.

[0083] Here, the first channel can be a channel occupied by the first node during the channel occupancy time (a channel can be understood as a working carrier). For example, let's take the channel obtained by the first node after a certain channel contention as channel 1. The time the first node occupies channel 1 refers to the channel occupancy time of channel 1.

[0084] Optionally, the channel occupancy time of the multiple channels occupied by the first node can be the same or different. For example, taking the first node occupying channel 1 and channel 3 as an example, the channel occupancy time of the first node occupying channel 1 and channel 3 can be the same or different.

[0085] Optionally, if the first channel includes one or more sub-channels (a sub-channel can be understood as a basic carrier), the channel occupancy time can also refer to the time the first node occupies those one or more sub-channels. Here, channel occupancy time can also be understood as the time the first node occupies one or more sub-channels for communication. For example, consider a channel obtained by the first node after a channel contention event, which includes three sub-channels (e.g., sub-channel 11, sub-channel 12, and sub-channel 13). For example, if the first node occupies one sub-channel (e.g., sub-channel 11), the channel occupancy time can refer to the time the first node occupies sub-channel 11. For example, if the first node occupies two sub-channels (e.g., sub-channel 11 and sub-channel 12), the channel occupancy time can refer to the time the first node occupies sub-channel 11 and sub-channel 12.

[0086] Optionally, the channel occupancy time of the multiple sub-channels occupied by the first node can be the same or different. For example, taking the first node occupying sub-channel 11 and sub-channel 12 as an example, the channel occupancy time of the first node occupying sub-channel 11 and sub-channel 12 can be the same or different.

[0087] It is understandable that a channel occupancy time can include multiple transmission time intervals. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the channel obtained by the first node after the current channel contention ends includes four sub-channels (e.g., sub-channel 1, sub-channel 2, sub-channel 3, and sub-channel 4), and the first node occupies sub-channels 1 and 4. The channel occupancy time corresponding to sub-channels 1 and 4 includes eight transmission time intervals, such as TTI#0, TTI#1, TTI#2, ..., TTI#7. The start portion of each transmission time interval can be used by the first node to send control information, synchronization blocks, or reference signals, etc.

[0088] The following describes several possible implementation methods for determining the first transmission time interval by the first node.

[0089] Method a1: After data transmission is completed, the first node can determine the first transmission time interval.

[0090] In one possible implementation, consider the example of a first node successfully acquiring and occupying the first channel after winning the contention. When data transmission on the first channel is complete, the first node can determine to prematurely end its occupation of the first channel. At this point, the actual channel occupation time of the first node is called the first channel occupation time. Thus, the first node can determine the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupation time as the first transmission time interval.

[0091] For example, let's take the case where the first node successfully acquires and occupies channel 1 after successfully competing for it. If the first node determines that data transmission on channel 1 is complete within TTI#n, then the first node can use TTI#n+1 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to channel 1. That is, the first node uses TTI#n+1 of the currently occupied channel 1 time interval as the first transmission time interval corresponding to channel 1 (i.e., the last TTI of the actual channel occupancy time of channel 1 occupied by the first node). It can be understood that the first message regarding the early termination of channel 1 occupancy is also sent by the first node on TTI#n+1.

[0092] In another possible implementation, consider a scenario where the first node, after successfully contending for the channel, obtains a first channel comprising multiple sub-channels, and the first node uses k of these sub-channels for data transmission. When data transmission is completed on p of these k sub-channels, the first node can determine to prematurely terminate its use of those p sub-channels. The actual channel occupancy time of these p sub-channels at this point is called the first channel occupancy time. Thus, the first node can determine the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy time as the first transmission time interval. Here, p is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to k.

[0093] For example, if the first node successfully acquires channel 1 after competing for the channel, and channel 1 includes three sub-channels (e.g., sub-channel 1, sub-channel 2, and sub-channel 3), and the first node occupies sub-channel 1 and sub-channel 2, then when data transmission in one or more sub-channels of sub-channel 1 and sub-channel 2 is completed, the first node can determine to prematurely terminate the occupation of that one or more sub-channels.

[0094] For example, let's take the case where the first node determines that data transmission on channel 1 within TTN#n is complete. The first node can use TTI#n+1 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to sub-channel 1, that is, the TTI#n+1 within the channel occupancy time of the currently occupied sub-channel 1 is taken as the first transmission time interval corresponding to sub-channel 1 (i.e., the last TTI within the actual channel occupancy time of sub-channel 1 occupied by the first node). It can be understood that the first information regarding the early termination of sub-channel 1 occupancy is also sent by the first node on TTI#n+1.

[0095] For example, consider a scenario where the first node determines that data transmission on subchannel 1 is complete within TTN#n, and data transmission on subchannel 2 is complete within TTN#n+2. The first node can use TTI#n+1 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to subchannel 1, which means using TTI#n+1 within the currently occupied channel time of subchannel 1 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to subchannel 1 (i.e., the last TTI within the actual channel time occupied by the first node in subchannel 1). It can be understood that the first message regarding the early termination of subchannel 1's occupancy is also sent by the first node on TTI#n+1. Similarly, the first node can use TTI#n+3 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to subchannel 2, which means using TTI#n+3 within the currently occupied channel time of subchannel 2 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to subchannel 2 (i.e., the last TTI within the actual channel time occupied by the first node in subchannel 2). It can be understood that the first message regarding the early termination of subchannel 2's occupancy is also sent by the first node on TTI#n+3.

[0096] For example, if the first node sends data to the second node, the first node can determine that the data transmission is complete after receiving an acknowledgment message from the second node (to confirm that the data has been received correctly). Alternatively, if the first node receives data from the second node, the first node can determine that the data transmission is complete after confirming that the data has been received correctly.

[0097] In one example, let's assume the first node occupies one channel (e.g., channel 1). Assume the initial channel occupancy time for channel 1 is set to include 5 Time Intervals (TTIs) (e.g., TTI#0, TTI#1, ..., TTI#4). When the data sent by the first node is correctly received by the second node and the first node receives an acknowledgment message from the second node on TTI#2, or when the data sent by the second node is correctly received by the first node on TTI#2, the first node can determine to prematurely end its occupation of channel 1 and can designate TTI#3 as the first transmission time interval. That is, the actual channel occupancy time of the first node occupying channel 1 (i.e., the first channel occupancy time) is from TTI#0 to TTI#3, which can be understood as the first channel occupancy time for channel 1 including TTI#0, TTI#1, TTI#2, and TTI#3.

[0098] In another example, consider a scenario where a first node occupies one channel, which includes three sub-channels (e.g., sub-channel 11, sub-channel 12, and sub-channel 13), and the first node occupies two of these sub-channels (e.g., sub-channel 11 and sub-channel 12). The channel occupancy time for sub-channel 11 is the same as that for sub-channel 12. Assume the initial channel occupancy time is set to include four Time Intervals (TTIs) (e.g., TTI#0, TTI#1, ..., TTI#3). When the data sent by the first node is correctly received by the second node and the first node receives an acknowledgment message from the second node on TTI#1, or when the data sent by the second node is correctly received by the first node on TTI#1, the first node can determine to prematurely end the occupancy of sub-channels 11 and 12, and can determine TTI#2 as the first transmission time interval. In other words, the actual channel occupancy time (i.e., the first channel occupancy time) of the first node occupying sub-channel 11 and sub-channel 12 is TTI#0 to TTI#2. This can be understood as the first channel occupancy time corresponding to sub-channel 11 and sub-channel 12 includes TTI#0, TTI#1 and TTI#2.

[0099] In another example, consider a scenario where the first node occupies one channel, which includes three sub-channels (e.g., sub-channel 11, sub-channel 12, and sub-channel 13), and the first node occupies two of these three sub-channels (e.g., sub-channel 11 and sub-channel 12). The channel occupancy time of sub-channel 11 is different from that of sub-channel 12. Assume that the initial channel occupancy time #03 for sub-channel 11 includes four TTIs (e.g., TTI #0, TTI #1, ..., TTI #3), and the initial channel occupancy time #04 for sub-channel 12 includes five TTIs (e.g., TTI #0, TTI #1, ..., TTI #4). When data transmission on subchannel 11 is completed ahead of schedule (for example, the data sent by the first node on subchannel 11 is correctly received by the second node and the first node receives an acknowledgment message from the second node on TTI#1, or the data sent by the second node on subchannel 11 is correctly received by the first node on TTI#1), the first node can determine that it is ending its occupation of subchannel 11 ahead of schedule, and can determine TTI#2 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to subchannel 11. That is to say, the actual channel occupation time of the first node occupying subchannel 11 (i.e., the first channel occupation time corresponding to subchannel 11) is from TTI#0 to TTI#2, which can be understood as the first channel occupation time corresponding to subchannel 11 including TTI#0, TTI#1, and TTI#2.

[0100] When data transmission on subchannel 12 is completed ahead of schedule (for example, the data sent by the first node on subchannel 12 is correctly received by the second node and the first node receives an acknowledgment message from the second node on TTI#2, or the data sent by the second node on subchannel 12 is correctly received by the first node on TTI#2), the first node can determine that it is ending its occupation of subchannel 12 ahead of schedule, and can determine TTI#3 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to subchannel 12. That is to say, the actual channel occupation time of the first node occupying subchannel 12 (i.e., the first channel occupation time corresponding to subchannel 12) is from TTI#0 to TTI#4, which can be understood as the first channel occupation time corresponding to subchannel 12 including TTI#0, TTI#1, TTI#2, and TTI#3.

[0101] Method a2: When the interference level of the channel is greater than the first threshold, the first node can determine the first transmission time interval.

[0102] In one possible implementation, consider the example of a first node successfully acquiring and occupying the first channel after winning the contention. When the interference level of the first channel exceeds a first threshold (which can be understood as strong interference), the first node can determine to prematurely terminate its occupation of the first channel. This avoids resource waste (even if data is transmitted, it cannot be received correctly) and reduces the interference duration on other nodes' communication. The actual channel occupation time of the first node in this case is the first channel occupation time. Thus, the first node can determine the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupation time as the first transmission time interval.

[0103] For example, let's take the case where the first node successfully acquires and occupies channel 1 after successfully competing for it. If the first node determines that the interference level of channel 1 detected at TTI#n is greater than a first threshold (which can be understood as detecting strong interference in channel 1 at TTI#n), then the first node can use TTI#n+1 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to channel 1. That is, the first node uses TTI#n+1 of the currently occupied channel 1 time interval as the first transmission time interval corresponding to channel 1 (i.e., the last TTI of the actual channel occupancy time of channel 1 occupied by the first node). It can be understood that the first information regarding the early termination of channel 1 occupancy is also sent by the first node at TTI#n+1.

[0104] In another possible implementation, consider a scenario where the first node, after successfully competing for the channel, obtains a first channel comprising multiple sub-channels, and the first node uses m of these sub-channels for data transmission. When the interference level of q sub-channels among these m sub-channels exceeds a first threshold, the first node can determine to prematurely terminate its use of those q sub-channels. The actual channel occupancy time of these q sub-channels is then defined as the first channel occupancy time. Thus, the first node can determine the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy time as the first transmission time interval. Here, q is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m.

[0105] For example, continuing with the scenario where the first node successfully acquires channel 1 after winning the channel contention, channel 1 includes three sub-channels (e.g., sub-channel 1, sub-channel 2, and sub-channel 3), and the first node occupies sub-channel 1 and sub-channel 2. When the interference level of one or more sub-channels in sub-channel 1 and sub-channel 2 exceeds a first threshold, the first node can determine to prematurely terminate its occupation of those one or more sub-channels.

[0106] For example, let's take the case where the first node detects that the interference level of sub-channel 1 is greater than a first threshold at TTN#n (which can be understood as detecting strong interference in sub-channel 1 at TTI#n). The first node can use TTI#n+1 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to sub-channel 1, that is, using TTI#n+1 within the currently occupied channel time of sub-channel 1 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to sub-channel 1 (i.e., the last TTI within the actual channel time occupied by the first node in sub-channel 1). It can be understood that the first information regarding the early termination of sub-channel 1's occupancy is also transmitted by the first node at TTI#n+1.

[0107] For example, let's assume that the first node detects that the interference level of sub-channel 1 is greater than the first threshold at TTN#n (which can be understood as detecting strong interference in sub-channel 1 at TTI#n), and detects that the interference level of sub-channel 2 is greater than the first threshold at TTN#n+2 (which can also be understood as detecting strong interference in sub-channel 2 at TTI#n). The first node can use TTI#n+1 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to sub-channel 1, that is, use TTI#n+1 within the currently occupied channel time of sub-channel 1 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to sub-channel 1 (i.e., the last TTI within the actual channel time occupied by the first node in sub-channel 1). It can be understood that the first information regarding the early termination of sub-channel 1 is also sent by the first node on TTI#n+1. The first node can use TTI#n+3 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to sub-channel 2, that is, use TTI#n+3 within the currently occupied channel time of sub-channel 2 as the first transmission time interval corresponding to sub-channel 2 (i.e., the last TTI within the actual channel time occupied by the first node in sub-channel 2). It is understandable that the first message regarding the early termination of subchannel 2 is also sent by the first node on TTI#n+3.

[0108] The following examples illustrate the implementation of situations where the channel interference level exceeds the first threshold.

[0109] Example b1: Taking the first node as an example that it successfully obtains and occupies the first channel after competing for the channel, if the packet error rate (or consecutive packet error rate) of the data transmitted on the first channel occupied by the first node is greater than the second threshold, or the number of packet errors (or consecutive packet errors) of the data transmitted on the first channel occupied by the first node is greater than the third threshold, then the first node can determine that the first channel it occupies is under strong interference, that is, the degree of interference of the first channel is greater than the first threshold.

[0110] It is understandable that if the first node ends its occupation of the first channel early, the first message sent by the first node is also the last transmission time interval used to indicate the actual channel occupation time of the first channel.

[0111] Optionally, taking the example of a first node successfully acquiring a channel after this channel contention, which includes multiple sub-channels, and the first node using g of these sub-channels for data transmission. If the packet error rate (or consecutive packet error rate) of the data transmitted on j of the g sub-channels occupied by the first node is greater than a second threshold, or the number of packet errors (or consecutive packet errors) of the data transmitted on j of the g sub-channels occupied by the first node is greater than a third threshold, then the first node can determine that the j sub-channels it occupies are subject to strong interference, that is, the degree of channel interference on the j sub-channels is greater than the first threshold. Here, j is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to g.

[0112] It can be understood that if the j sub-channels simultaneously terminate their occupancy early, the first information sent by the first node is used to indicate the last transmission time interval within the actual channel occupancy time of the j sub-channels. If the j sub-channels do not terminate their occupancy early simultaneously, the first node can indicate the last transmission time interval within the actual channel occupancy time of each of the j sub-channels through the first information.

[0113] Example b2: Taking the example of the first node successfully acquiring and occupying the first channel after this channel contention, if the first signal quality corresponding to the first channel is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, then the first node can determine that the occupied first channel is subject to strong interference, that is, the interference level of the first channel is greater than the first threshold. Here, the first signal quality can be obtained based on measurements of the first signal.

[0114] Optionally, continuing with the example of the first channel obtained by the first node after successfully competing for the channel, which includes multiple sub-channels, and the first node using g of these sub-channels for data transmission, if the first signal quality of j of the g sub-channels used by the first node is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, then the first node can determine that the j sub-channels it uses are subject to strong interference, that is, the interference level of the j sub-channels is greater than the first threshold.

[0115] For example, parameters used to represent signal quality may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), or received signal strength indication (RSSI).

[0116] For example, the first signal can be a sounding reference signal (SRS), a channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS), a positioning reference signal (PRS), or other forms of signal.

[0117] Example b3: Taking the example of the first node successfully obtaining and occupying the first channel after competing for the channel, if the first node detects that the interference signal energy of the occupied first channel is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold on the idle symbol, the first node can determine that the occupied first channel is under strong interference, that is, the interference level of the first channel is greater than the first threshold.

[0118] Optionally, continuing with the example of the first node successfully acquiring a channel after this contention, which includes multiple sub-channels, and the first node occupying g of these sub-channels for data transmission, if the first node detects on an idle symbol that the interference signal energy of j of the occupied sub-channels is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, then the first node can determine that the occupied j sub-channels are under strong interference, that is, the interference level of the j sub-channels is greater than the first threshold.

[0119] Example b4: Taking the example of the first node successfully obtaining and occupying the first channel after competing for the channel, if the interference detection result received by the first node from the second node indicates that the occupied first channel is strongly interfered with, then the first node can determine that the occupied first channel is strongly interfered with, that is, the degree of interference of the first channel is greater than the first threshold.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the second node can detect interference on the first channel and obtain an interference detection result for the first channel. This result includes whether the first channel is heavily interfered with or lightly interfered with. The second node can then send this interference detection result to the first node. Upon receiving the interference detection result from the second node, if the result indicates heavy interference, the first node can determine that the occupied first channel is experiencing strong interference, meaning the interference level exceeds a first threshold.

[0121] Optionally, continuing with the example of the first channel obtained by the first node after successfully competing for the channel comprising multiple sub-channels, and the first node occupying g of these sub-channels for data transmission, if the interference detection result received by the first node from the second node indicates that j of the occupied sub-channels are subject to strong interference, then the first node can determine that the occupied j sub-channels are subject to strong interference, that is, the interference level of the j sub-channels is greater than the first threshold.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the second node can detect interference on g sub-channels and obtain interference detection results. These results include whether each of the g sub-channels is heavily or lightly affected by interference. The second node then sends these interference detection results to the first node. Upon receiving the interference detection results from the second node, if the results indicate that j sub-channels are heavily interfered with, the first node can determine that the j sub-channels are experiencing strong interference, meaning the interference level of those j sub-channels exceeds a first threshold.

[0123] It is understandable that, for discontinuous transmission modes, the currently active pre-configured schedule can be activated after the channel occupancy period ends. In one possible implementation, the first node can activate the first pre-configured schedule after the first transmission time interval. Here, the first pre-configured schedule refers to the pre-configured schedule that was active during the first channel occupancy period. For example, the number of first pre-configured schedules can be one or more; for instance, one or more pre-configured schedules that were active during the first channel occupancy period can all serve as first pre-configured schedules. It should be understood that each pre-configured schedule corresponds to a pre-configured schedule identifier.

[0124] For example, pre-configured scheduling can be used to schedule at least one of the following: physical layer data transmission, physical layer control transmission, physical layer signal transmission, or physical layer measurement.

[0125] For example, physical layer data information may include a first type of physical layer data information and a second type of physical layer data information. Physical layer control information may include synchronization information, broadcast information, access information, dynamic scheduling data control information, pre-configured scheduling activation / deactivation information, sleep and wake-up indication information, fast carrier handover indication information, initial access carrier indication information, G-link location measurement signal or sensing measurement signal resource indication information, T-link location measurement signal resource indication information, direct link dynamic scheduling data control information, single-level hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback information, two-level HARQ feedback information, channel quality indicator (CQI) feedback information, or scheduling request information, etc. Physical layer signals may include, but are not limited to, synchronization signals, G-link common demodulation reference signals, T-link control information demodulation reference signals, data information demodulation reference signals, data information phase adjustment signals, channel sounding signals, channel state information reference signals, or location measurement signals, etc. Physical layer measurements may refer to measuring RSRP, RSRQ, or RSSI, etc.

[0126] S302: The first node transmits the first information during the first channel occupancy time. Correspondingly, the second node receives the first information.

[0127] The first information is used to indicate the first transmission time interval.

[0128] For example, the first information can be physical layer control information. It can be understood that physical layer control information is simpler and faster than higher-layer signaling timing. Therefore, the first information is physical layer control information, which can indicate the first transmission time interval more promptly (which can be understood as notifying the second node of the end time of channel occupancy more promptly or notifying the second node of the early end of channel occupancy time more promptly), which helps to avoid or reduce unnecessary channel occupation as much as possible.

[0129] Furthermore, the first information can be physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching. It is understood that using existing physical layer control information (such as physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching) to indicate the first transmission time interval does not add new signaling and requires less modification to the protocol and equipment implementation.

[0130] Optionally, in this application, channel switching can be replaced by "carrier switching, operating frequency band switching, or frequency domain operating range switching, etc."

[0131] In one possible implementation, the physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching may include a first field, a second field, and a third field. The first field may indicate the first channel before switching (or the channel number or channel name of the first channel), the second field may indicate the second channel after switching (or the channel number or channel name of the second channel), and the third field may indicate the channel switching time. It is understood that if the first and second channels are the same, the channel switching time indicated by the third field is the first transmission time interval.

[0132] In one example, let's take the case where the first node successfully acquires and occupies the channel after this channel contention. It can be understood that for the channel whose occupancy ends early or whose channel occupancy time ends early, the same first channel and second channel mentioned above refer to this channel, and the channel switching time indicated by the third field is the first transmission time interval corresponding to this channel (i.e., the last transmission time interval within the actual channel occupancy time of this channel).

[0133] In another example, consider a scenario where the channel acquired by the first node after successfully contending for the channel comprises multiple sub-channels, and the first node uses some or all of these sub-channels for data transmission. Specifically, the channel occupancy time for the first node using some or all of these sub-channels ends at the same time. It can be understood that since the channel occupancy time for the first node using some or all of the sub-channels ends at the same time, the aforementioned identical first and second channels can refer to the channel acquired by the first node after successfully contending for the channel, and the channel switching time indicated by the third field is the first transmission time interval corresponding to that channel.

[0134] In another example, consider a scenario where the channel acquired by the first node after successfully contending for a channel includes multiple sub-channels, and the first node uses some or all of these sub-channels for data transmission. The channel occupancy time for some or all of these sub-channels differs. It can be understood that for a sub-channel whose occupancy ends early or whose channel occupancy time ends early, the aforementioned identical first and second channels refer to that sub-channel, and the channel switching time indicated by the third field is the first transmission time interval corresponding to that sub-channel (i.e., the last transmission time interval within the actual channel occupancy time of that sub-channel).

[0135] For example, the physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching can be fast carrier switching indication information. It can be understood that in fast carrier switching indication information, the effective bits are 45 bits, the reserved bits are 13 bits, and the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) occupies 24 bits, for a total of 82 bits. The information contained in fast carrier switching indication information from the least significant bit to the most significant bit can be seen in Table 1. It should be understood that Table 1 is merely a simple example, used to facilitate the illustration of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application.

[0136] Table 1

[0137] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first information from the first node, the second node can obtain the first transmission time interval based on the first information. Then, after the first transmission time interval, the second node can activate the first pre-configured schedule. It can be understood that the second node stores the first pre-configured schedule configured by the first node for the second node. For a description of the first pre-configured schedule, please refer to the relevant introduction above; it will not be repeated here.

[0138] As can be seen from S301 to S302 above, since the transmission time interval is the time granularity for scheduling data transmission, this application uses the transmission time interval as the time granularity for channel occupancy. This ensures that the time granularity of channel occupancy is the same as the time granularity for scheduling data transmission, effectively reducing resource waste caused by unnecessary channel occupancy. Furthermore, this method allows the first and second nodes to have a consistent understanding of the end time of channel occupancy (or a consistent understanding of the last transmission time interval of the actual channel occupancy time for the first node). This helps avoid interference with the communication of other nodes due to the second node incorrectly sending data on channels (or resources) not occupied by the first node, or helps avoid incorrect measurement results due to the second node incorrectly performing measurements on channels (or resources) not occupied by the first node, or helps avoid resource waste caused by the second node continuing to incorrectly wait for the first node to send data.

[0139] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the first node and the second node include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0140] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams illustrating possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first node or the second node in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be the first node or the second node, or it can be a module (such as a chip) applied to the first node or the second node.

[0141] The communication device 500 shown in Figure 5 includes a processing unit 510 (or processing module) and a transceiver unit 520 (or communication module, transceiver module, or communication unit, used for sending and receiving data). The communication device 500 can be used to implement the functions of the first node or the second node in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3. For example, the transceiver unit 520 can perform the receiving and sending actions performed by the first node or the second node in the method embodiment. The processing unit 510 can perform other actions besides the sending and receiving actions performed by the first node or the second node in the method embodiment.

[0142] When the communication device 500 is used to implement the function of the first node in the method embodiment shown in FIG3 above: the processing unit 510 is used to determine a first transmission time interval. The first transmission time interval represents the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy period. The transceiver unit 520 is used to send first information within the first channel occupancy period. The first information indicates the first transmission time interval.

[0143] When the communication device 500 is used to implement the function of the second node in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3: the transceiver unit 520 is used to receive first information. The first information indicates a first transmission time interval, which represents the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy period. The processing unit 510 is used to perform corresponding processing operations, such as calling the transceiver unit 520 to execute the transmission and reception actions required by the second node in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3, or deactivating pre-configured scheduling that is still active during the channel occupancy period.

[0144] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 510 and the transceiver unit 520, please refer to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0145] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 520 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components, and the processing unit 510 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components.

[0146] It should be noted that the module division in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, exist as separate physical entities, or have two or more units integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0147] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, or a server, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0148] The communication device 600 shown in Figure 6 includes a processor 610. Optionally, the communication device 600 may also include at least one of a memory 620, a transceiver 630, and an antenna 640.

[0149] Transceiver 630 may be a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., used to implement transceiver functions. Transceiver 630 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., used to implement the transmitting function.

[0150] The memory 620 may store a computer program, software code, or instructions 650, which may also be referred to as firmware. The processor 610 can control the communication device 600 by running the computer program, software code, or instructions 660 of the processor 610, or by calling the computer program, software code, or instructions 650 stored in the memory 620, to implement the embodiments described above. The processor 610 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the memory 620 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM).

[0151] The processor 610 and transceiver 630 described in this application can be disposed on an integrated circuit (IC), analog IC, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), mixed signal IC, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), printed circuit board (PCB), or electronic device.

[0152] The modules included in the communication device 600 are merely illustrative examples, and this application does not impose any limitations on them.

[0153] When the communication device 600 is used to implement the above method embodiments, the processor 610 can implement the functions of the processing unit 510, and the transceiver 630 can implement the functions of the transceiver unit 520.

[0154] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a possible communication system. This communication system may include a first node and a second node. The first node can be used to implement the technical solutions related to the first node in the above embodiments, and the second node can be used to implement the technical solutions related to the second node in the above embodiments.

[0155] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0156] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0157] The storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0158] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip, which may include a processor and a memory (or the chip may be coupled to the memory). The processor executes program instructions in the memory to cause the chip to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments. Here, "coupling" means that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as coupling can refer to an electrical connection between two components.

[0159] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions involved in the first or second node in the above embodiments. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0160] 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.

[0161] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. 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, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a communication device. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the communication device.

[0162] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. A computer program is a set of instructions that directs each step of an action of an electronic computer or other device with message processing capabilities. It is typically written in a programming language and runs on a target architecture. 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, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be volatile or non-volatile, or it can include both types of storage media.

[0163] 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.

[0164] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects.

[0165] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a first node or a module within a first node, includes: A first transmission time interval is determined, wherein the first transmission time interval represents the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy period; During the first channel occupancy time, a first message is sent, the first message indicating the first transmission time interval.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is physical layer control information.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first information is physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; The first field is used to indicate the first channel before the handover, the second field is used to indicate the second channel after the handover, and the third field is used to indicate the channel handover time; Where the first channel and the second channel are the same, the channel switching time indicated by the third field is the first transmission time interval.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the first transmission time interval, the first pre-configured schedule is deactivated. The first pre-configured schedule is a pre-configured schedule that is active during the first channel occupancy time. The pre-configured schedule is used to schedule at least one of the following: physical layer data information transmission, physical layer control information transmission, physical layer signal transmission, or physical layer measurement.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Determining the first transmission time interval includes: The first transmission time interval is determined if at least one of the following conditions is met: Data transmission complete, or, The channel is subject to interference exceeding the first threshold.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a second node or a module within a second node, includes: Receive first information, the first information indicating a first transmission time interval, the first transmission time interval representing the last transmission time interval within the first channel occupancy period.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first information is physical layer control information.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first information is physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The physical layer control information used to indicate channel switching includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; The first field is used to indicate the first channel before the handover, the second field is used to indicate the second channel after the handover, and the third field is used to indicate the channel handover time; Where the first channel and the second channel are the same, the channel switching time indicated by the third field is the first transmission time interval.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the first transmission time interval, the first pre-configured schedule is deactivated. The first pre-configured schedule is a pre-configured schedule that is active during the first channel occupancy time. The pre-configured schedule is used to schedule at least one of the following: physical layer data information transmission, physical layer control information transmission, physical layer signal transmission, or physical layer measurement.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-6, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 7-11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor and transceiver; The transceiver is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices. The at least one processor is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-6 or the method as described in any one of claims 7-11 via logic circuitry or by executing code instructions.

14. A communication system, characterized in that, Including the first node and the second node; The first node is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6, and the second node is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7-11.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-6 or the method as described in any one of claims 7-11 to be implemented.

16. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-6 or any one of claims 7-11 to be implemented.

17. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes at least one processor coupled to a memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute program instructions stored in the memory such that the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-6 or the method as claimed in any one of claims 7-11 is implemented.

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