Information feedback method and apparatus

The present disclosure provides an information feedback method and apparatus. The method is applied to a terminal and includes: receiving downlink data scheduled by one or more pieces of DCI and subjected to information feedback within a specific time unit; determining an uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI, where the uplink transmission mode comprises multiplexing transmission or separate transmission; and sending the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information to a base station within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively, such that the base station obtains the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase application based on PCT/CN2018/072388, filed Jan. 12, 2018, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to an information feedback method and apparatus.

BACKGROUND

In a new-generation communication system, flexible configuration supporting several service types is needed. Further, different service types correspond to different service requirements. For example, main requirements of an enhanced Mobile Broad Band (eMBB) service type focus on large bandwidth and high rate; main requirements of an Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) service type focus on high reliability and low latency; main requirements of a massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) service type focus on a large connection number.

However, in the related art, a user terminal uses an uplink control channel for information feedback only once within a same time unit, which cannot satisfy different service requirements of the different service types in the new generation communication system.

SUMMARY

To solve the problems of the related art, examples of the present disclosure provides an information feedback method and apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the examples of the present disclosure, there is provided an information feedback method applied to a terminal. The method includes:

receiving downlink data scheduled by one or more pieces of Downlink Control Information (DCI) and subjected to information feedback within a specific time unit;

determining an uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI, wherein the uplink transmission mode comprises multiplexing transmission or separate transmission; and

sending the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information to a base station within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively, such that the base station obtains the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to an information format of the one or more pieces of DCI.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the information format of the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

assigning one or more pieces of DCI with a same information format to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different information formats, and;

performing multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

performing separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to a time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining a resource set of a downlink control channel used by the one or more pieces of DCI;

assigning one or more pieces of DCI using a same resource set of a downlink control channel to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different resource sets of the downlink control channel;

performing multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

performing separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining a corresponding downlink scheduling category according to a position in a time domain occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI, wherein the downlink scheduling category comprises slot-based scheduling and/or non-slot-based scheduling;

assigning one or more pieces of DCI corresponding to a same downlink scheduling category to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink scheduling categories;

performing multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

performing separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to an information format of the one or more pieces of DCI and a time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to indication information comprised in the one or more pieces of DCI.

Optionally, the indication information comprises a user identifier.

Determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the indication information comprised in the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining the user identifier indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

assigning one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same user identifier to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different user identifiers;

performing multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

performing separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, the indication information includes downlink data time-frequency scheduling information.

Determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the indication information comprised in the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

assigning one or more pieces of DCI indicating same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling information;

performing multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

performing separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a transmission duration for transmitting the downlink data.

Assigning the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling includes:

assigning one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same transmission duration to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different transmission durations.

Optionally, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a subcarrier spacing for transmitting the downlink data.

Assigning the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling includes:

assigning one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same subcarrier spacing to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different subcarrier spacings.

Optionally, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a bandwidth part for transmitting the downlink data.

Assigning the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling includes:

assigning one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same bandwidth part to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different bandwidth parts.

Optionally, the indication information includes a time interval between a downlink data and uplink feedback scheduled by DCI.

Determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the indication information comprised in the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining the time interval between the downlink data and the uplink feedback scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI and a time range to which the time interval belongs;

assigning one or more pieces of DCI belonging to a same time range to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different time ranges;

performing multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

performing separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to a time-frequency resource position of an uplink control channel used by uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

assigning one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same time-frequency resource position to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different time-frequency resource positions of the uplink control channel;

performing multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

performing separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, determining the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining a number of uplink feedback total payloads indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

determining a resource set used by the uplink feedback according to the number of the uplink feedback total payloads; and

determining the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback according to the resource set.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining a start position in a time domain of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

assigning one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same start position in the time domain to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different start positions in the time domain;

performing multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

performing separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI includes:

determining a start position and ending position in a time domain of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

determining whether the uplink control channels used by the pieces of uplink feedback and indicated by the pieces of DCI have an overlapping portion in the time domain between each other according to the start positions and ending positions in the time domain;

in response to that the uplink control channels have the overlapping portion in the time domain between each other, assigning pieces of DCI associated with the overlapping portion in the time domain to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different uplink control channels;

performing multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

performing separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

According to a second aspect of the examples of the present disclosure, there is provided an information feedback apparatus applied to a terminal. The apparatus includes:

a receiving module configured to receive downlink data scheduled by one or more pieces of DCI and subjected to information feedback within a specific time unit;

a determining module configured to determining an uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI, wherein the uplink transmission mode comprises multiplexing transmission or separate transmission; and

a sending module configured to send the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information to a base station within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively, such that the base station obtains the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively.

Optionally, the determining module includes:

a first determining sub-module configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of DCI according to an information format of the one or more pieces of DCI.

Optionally, the first determining sub-module includes:

a first grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI with a same information format to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different information formats;

a first multiplexing transmission sub-module configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a first separate transmission sub-module configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, the determining module includes:

a second determining sub-module configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to a time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI.

a resource set determining sub-module configured to determine a resource set of a downlink control channel used by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a second grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI using a same resource set of a downlink control channel to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different resource sets of the downlink control channel;

a second multiplexing transmission sub-module configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a second separate transmission sub-module configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

a scheduling category determining sub-module configured to determine a corresponding downlink scheduling category according to a position in a time domain occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI, wherein the downlink scheduling category comprises slot-based scheduling and/or non-slot-based scheduling;

a third grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI corresponding to a same downlink scheduling category to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink scheduling categories;

a third multiplexing transmission sub-module configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a third separate transmission sub-module configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, the determining module includes:

a third determining sub-module configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to an information format of the one or more pieces of DCI and a time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI.

Optionally, the determining module includes:

a fourth determining sub-module configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to indication information comprised in the one or more pieces of DCI.

Optionally, the indication information includes a user identifier.

The fourth determining sub-module includes:

a user identifier determining sub-module configured to determine the user identifier indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a fourth grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same user identifier to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different user identifiers;

a fourth multiplexing transmission sub-module configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a fourth separate transmission sub-module configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, the indication information includes downlink data time-frequency scheduling information.

The fourth determining sub-module includes:

a scheduling information determining sub-module configured to determine the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a fifth grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling information;

a fifth multiplexing transmission sub-module configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a fifth separate transmission sub-module configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a transmission duration for transmitting the downlink data.

The fifth grouping sub-module includes:

a transmission duration grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same transmission duration to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different transmission durations.

Optionally, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a subcarrier spacing for transmitting the downlink data.

The fifth grouping sub-module includes:

a subcarrier spacing grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same subcarrier spacing to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different subcarrier spacings.

Optionally, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a bandwidth part for transmitting the downlink data.

The fifth grouping sub-module includes:

a bandwidth part grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same bandwidth part to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different bandwidth parts.

Optionally, the indication information includes a time interval between a downlink data and uplink feedback scheduled by DCI.

The fourth determining sub-module includes:

a time range determining sub-module configured to determine the time interval between the downlink data and the uplink feedback scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI and a time range to which the time interval belongs;

a sixth grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI belonging to a same time range to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different time ranges;

a sixth multiplexing transmission sub-module configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a sixth separate transmission sub-module configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, the determining module includes:

a fifth determining sub-module configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to a time-frequency resource position of an uplink control channel used by uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI.

a first position determining sub-module configured to determine the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a seventh grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same time-frequency resource position to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different time-frequency resource positions of the uplink control channel;

a seventh multiplexing transmission sub-module configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a seventh separate transmission sub-module configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

Optionally, the first position determining sub-module includes:

a payload number determining sub-module configured to determine a number of uplink feedback total payloads indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a resource set determining sub-module configured to determine a resource set used by the uplink feedback according to the number of the uplink feedback total payloads; and

a second position determining sub-module configured to determine the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback according to the resource set.

a third position determining sub-module configured to determine a start position in a time domain of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

an eighth grouping sub-module configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same start position in the time domain to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different start positions in the time domain;

an eighth multiplexing transmission sub-module configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

an eighth separate transmission sub-module configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

a fourth position determining sub-module configured to determine a start position and ending position in a time domain of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a determining sub-module configured to determine whether the uplink control channels used by the pieces of uplink feedback and indicated by the pieces of DCI have an overlapping portion in the time domain between each other according to the start positions and ending positions in the time domain;

a ninth grouping sub-module configured to, in response to determining that there is the overlapping portion in the time domain by the determining sub-module, assign pieces of DCI indicating uplink control channels having the overlapping portion in the time domain to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different uplink control channels;

a ninth multiplexing transmission sub-module configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a ninth separate transmission sub-module configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

According to a third aspect of the examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer programs, where the computer programs are used to perform the above information feedback method according to the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the examples of the present disclosure, there is provided an information feedback apparatus applied to a terminal. The apparatus includes:

a processor; and

a memory storing instructions executable by the processor.

The processor is configured to:

receive downlink data scheduled by one or more pieces of DCI and subjected to information feedback within a specific time unit;

determine an uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI, wherein the uplink transmission mode comprises multiplexing transmission or separate transmission; and

send the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information to a base station within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively, such that the base station obtains the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively.

The technical solutions of the examples of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects.

In the present disclosure, after receiving the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI and subjected to information feedback within the specific time unit, the terminal may firstly determine the uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI, where the uplink transmission mode includes multiplexing transmission or separate transmission, and then send the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information to the base station within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes determined by the terminal respectively. Such that the base station may obtain the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes determined by the terminal. Thus, the transmission of uplink feedback information by using different uplink control channels in the same time unit is realized, which satisfies different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system, and improves the utility of information feedback.

It is understood that the above general descriptions and subsequent detailed descriptions are merely illustrative and explanatory and shall not be intended to limit the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The terms used in the present disclosure are for the purpose of describing particular examples only, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Terms determined by “a”, “the” and “said” in their singular forms in the present disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include plurality, unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context. It should also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It is to be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like may be used in the present disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one category of information from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, first information may be referred as second information; and similarly, the second information may also be referred as the first information. Depending on the context, the term “if” as used herein may be interpreted as “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining”.

In a new-generation communication system, flexible configuration supporting several service types is needed. Further, different service types correspond to different service requirements. For example, main requirements of an eMBB service type focus on large bandwidth and high rate; main requirements of a URLLC service type focus on high reliability and low latency; main requirements of an mMTC service type focus on a large connection number.

In the new generation communication system, flexible transmission format and transmission time-frequency resource of Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) are defined to better support flexible service requirements. Further, in the new generation communication system, a same user terminal is supported to use one or more temporal non-overlapping time-frequency resources of an uplink control channel within the same time unit to perform uplink transmission.

In a system of Long-Term Evolution (LTE), if a user terminal receives downlink data scheduled by downlink control information (DCI) within the nth-kth time unit, the user terminal is to feed back information on whether the downlink data is successfully received or not within the nth time unit. The k value here may be greater than 1 and may be preset in a protocol. The user terminal may determine the number of uplink feedback payloads to be fed back within the nth time unit by counting the number of all possible data transmission within the nth-kth time unit.

In the new generation communication system, due to introduction of dynamic scheduling time and dynamic feedback time, the k value depends on semi-persistent configuration from a base station and a dynamic indication in the DCI. For example, the base station semi-persistently configures a table of time intervals between downlink data reception and uplink feedback and notifies the user terminal exactly which value in the table to use through an indication in the DCI. Similar to the LTE, the user terminal may determine the number of uplink feedback payloads to be fed back within the nth time unit by counting the number of all pieces of possible data transmission within the nth-kth time unit.

In the new generation communication system, the user terminal may be configured with a plurality of resource sets of an uplink control channel. The user terminal determines which resource set of the uplink control channel can be used according to the calculated number of the uplink feedback payloads and determines which resource of the uplink control channel can be used according to the information included in DCI and a time-frequency resource position used by the DCI.

In the LTE and the current new generation communication system, it is always assumed that the user terminal only uses the uplink control channel only once within a same time unit for information feedback, which cannot satisfy different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system.

For example, the user terminal may perform transmission of an eMBB service and a URLLC service at the same time. Because the eMBB service and the URLCC service have different service requirements, for example, different bit error rate requirements, it is likely to use different uplink control channels to transmit uplink feedback information respectively within the same time unit. At this time, the user terminal requires a new mechanism to determine which pieces of uplink feedback information associated with downlink data are to be multiplexed together for transmission.

Thus, the present disclosure provides an information feedback method. This information feedback method is a method used by a user terminal to determine which pieces of uplink feedback information associated with the downlink data are to be multiplexed together for transmission within a specific time unit.

An example of the information feedback in the present disclosure will be described in detailed below in combination with accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a flowchart illustrating an information feedback method according to an example.FIG. 2is a scenario diagram illustrating an information feedback method according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 1, the information feedback method may include the following steps110-130.

At step110, downlink data scheduled by one or more pieces of DCI and subjected to information feedback within a specific time unit is received.

In an example of the present disclosure, if a user terminal receives the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI within the nth-kth time unit, the user terminal is to feed back information, within the nth time unit, whether the downlink datum are successfully received or not. The nth time unit may be a specific time unit for performing information feedback.

At step120, an uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI is determined, where the uplink transmission mode includes multiplexing transmission or separate transmission.

In an example of the present disclosure, the user terminal needs to determine which pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum are to be multiplexing-transmitted and which pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum are to be separately transmitted within the specific time unit.

At step130, the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information are sent to a base station within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes determined by the terminal respectively, such that the base station obtains the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes determined by the terminal respectively.

As shown inFIG. 2, an illustrative scenario includes a terminal and a base station. After receiving the downlink data scheduled by each piece of DCI and subjected to information feedback within a nth time unit, the user terminal is to firstly determine which pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI are to be multiplexing-transmitted, in this case, the uplink transmission mode is multiplexing transmission, and determine which pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI are to be separately transmitted, in this case, the uplink transmission mode is separate transmission. And then, the user terminal sends the corresponding pieces of uplink feedback information to the base station within the nth time unit according to the determined multiplexing transmission or separate transmission, so that the base station obtains the corresponding pieces of uplink feedback information within the nth time unit according to the multiplexing transmission or separate transmission.

As can be seen from the above example, after receiving the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI and subjected to information feedback within the specific time unit, the uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI is firstly determined, where the uplink transmission mode includes multiplexing transmission or separate transmission, and then the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information are sent to a base station within the specific time unit based on the uplink transmission modes determined by the terminal respectively. Such that the base station may obtain the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes determined by the terminal. Thus, the transmission of uplink feedback information by using different uplink control channels in the same time unit is realized, which satisfies different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system, and improves the utility of information feedback.

In an example, when step120is performed on the basis of the method shown inFIG. 1, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI may be determined according to an information format of the one or more pieces of DCI.

In an example of the present disclosure, several information formats of DCI are defined in both LTE and new generation communication system. Generally, different information formats of DCI implement different functions or apply to different scenarios. For example, an information format of DCI for scheduling uplink data transmission is different from an information format of DCI for scheduling downlink data transmission. Likewise, the information format of DCI for scheduling downlink data also includes several different formats, and information fields and DCI payload lengths included in different information formats of DCI are different.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI may be determined according to the information format of the one or more pieces of DCI, therefore improving the reliability of determining the uplink transmission mode.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating another information feedback method according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 3, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the information format of the one or more pieces of DCI may include the following steps310-330.

At step310, one or more pieces of DCI with a same information format are assigned to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different information formats.

In an example of the present disclosure, when each piece of the DCI is grouped according to different information formats, the one or more pieces of DCI with the same information format are assigned to the same group, or information formats of DCI in different groups are different. Pieces of DCI having different information formats are allowed to be grouped into the same group, while the pieces of DCI having the same information format are not allowed to be grouped into different groups.

For example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Information formats of DCI1and DCI2are the same, while information format of DCI3is different from that of DCI1and DCI2. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may be assigned to one group, and DCI3may be assigned to another group separately.

For another example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Information formats of DCI1, DCI2and DCI3are all different from each other. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may also be grouped into one group, and DCI3may be grouped into another group separately.

At step320, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group.

At step330, separate transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different information formats, the one or more pieces of DCI with the same information format are assigned to the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, when step120is performed on the basis of the method shown inFIG. 1, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI may be determined according to a time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of the DCI may be determined according to the time-frequency resource occupied by each piece of the DCI, so as to improve the reliability of determining the uplink transmission mode.

FIG. 4Ais a flowchart illustrating another information feedback method according to an example.FIG. 4Bis a schematic diagram of determining an uplink transmission mode according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 4A, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the information format of the one or more pieces of DCI may include the following steps410-440.

At step410, a resource set of a downlink control channel used by the one or more pieces of DCI is determined.

In an example of the present disclosure, a Control Resource Set (CORESET) defines time-frequency resources that include a downlink control channel for a user. In the CORESET, the user may search for a downlink control signal, and each piece of the DCI only occupies a part resource in the CORESET. As shown inFIG. 4B, a rectangular block marked DCI1represents a resource in the CORESET used by DCI1, a rectangular block marked DCI2represents a resource in the CORESET used by DCI2, and a rectangular block marked DCI3represents a resource in the CORESET used by DCI3.

At step420, one or more pieces of DCI using a same resource set of a downlink control channel are assigned to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different resource sets of the downlink control channels.

In an example of the present disclosure, when each piece of the DCI is grouped according to different resource sets of the downlink control channel, the one or more pieces of DCI with the same resource set of the downlink control channel are assigned to the same group, or the resource sets of the downlink control channel used by pieces of DCI in different groups are different. Pieces of DCI having different resource sets of the downlink control channel are allowed to be divided into the same group, while the pieces of DCI having the same resource set of the downlink control channel are not allowed to be divided into different groups.

At step430, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group.

At step440, separate transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As shown inFIG. 4B, each piece of DCI for which the user terminal is to perform information feedback within the specific time unit is DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Resources in the CORESET used by DCI1and DCI2are the same, while a resource in the CORESET used by DCI3is different from that of DCI1and DCI2. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may be divided into one group, and DCI3is assigned to another group separately. Further, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by DCI1and DCI2, and separate transmission is performed for uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink data scheduled by DCI3.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different resource sets of the downlink control channel, the one or more pieces of DCI with the same resource set of the downlink control channel are grouped to the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmit, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmit. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

FIG. 5Ais a flowchart illustrating another information feedback method according to an example.FIG. 5Bis another schematic diagram of determining an uplink transmission mode according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 5A, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI may include the following steps510-540.

At step510, a corresponding downlink scheduling category is determined according to a position in a time domain occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI, where the downlink scheduling category includes slot-based scheduling and/or non-slot-based scheduling.

In an example of the present disclosure, data of the downlink control channel with the slot-based scheduling may appear at a position in a time domain being the first 2 to 3 symbols in a slot, and whether it is the first 2 symbols or the first 3 symbols may be configured by a system. Data of the downlink control channel with non-slot-based scheduling may appear at other symbols in a slot. Here, different downlink scheduling categories may be distinguished according to the position in the time domain occupied by each piece of DCI, so as to multiplex pieces of uplink feedback associated with downlink datum having the same scheduling category together.

At step520, one or more pieces of DCI corresponding to a same downlink scheduling category are assigned to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink scheduling categories.

In an example of the present disclosure, when each piece of the DCI is grouped according to different downlink scheduling categories, the one or more pieces of DCI with the same downlink scheduling category are assigned to the same group, or the downlink scheduling categories correspond to different groups are different. Pieces of DCI having different downlink scheduling categories are allowed to be divided into the same group, while the pieces of DCI having the same downlink scheduling category are not allowed to be divided into different groups.

At step530, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group.

At step540, separate transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As shown inFIG. 5B, each piece of DCI for which the user terminal is to perform information feedback within the specific time unit is DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Time domain positions occupied by DCI1and DCI2both are the first 2 symbols, and thus DCI1and DCI2correspond to the same downlink scheduling category. A position in a time domain occupied by DCI3is different from that of DCI1and DCI2. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may be divided into one group and DCI3is assigned to another group separately. Further, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by DCI1and DCI2, and separate transmission is performed for the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by DCI3.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different downlink scheduling categories, the one or more pieces of DCI with the same downlink scheduling category are grouped to the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmit, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmit. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, when step120is performed on the basis of the method shown inFIG. 1, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI may be determined according to the information format of the one or more pieces of DCI and the time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI.

In an example of the present disclosure, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different information formats and different resource sets of the downlink control channel, one or more pieces of DCI having the same information format are assigned to a same group, and one or more pieces of DCI using the same resource set of the downlink control channel are assigned to a same group.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of the DCI may be determined according to the information format of each piece of the DCI and the time-frequency resource occupied by each piece of the DCI, so as to improve the reliability of determining the uplink transmission mode.

In an example, when step120is performed on the basis of the method shown inFIG. 1, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI may be determined according to indication information included in the one or more pieces of DCI.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of DCI may be determined according to the indication information included in each piece of DCI, so as to improve the accuracy of determining the uplink transmission mode.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating another information feedback method according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 6, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the indication information included in the one or more pieces of DCI may include the following steps610-640, where the indication information includes a user identifier.

At step610, the user identifier indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI is determined.

In an example of the present disclosure, the same user may be assigned different user identifiers to represent different types of data transmissions. For example, a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) for dynamic scheduling data transmission and a Semi-Persistent Scheduling Radio Network Temporary Identifier (SPS-RNTI) for semi-persistent scheduling transmission. For the same terminal, no matter what kind of Radio Network Temporary Identifiers (RNTIs) scheduled downlink data transmission, associated Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuests (HARQs) will be multiplexed together for transmission.

At step620, one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same user identifier are assigned to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different user identifiers.

In an example of the present disclosure, when each piece of DCI is grouped according to different user identifiers, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same user identifier may be divided into the same group, or the user identifiers indicated by DCI in the different groups are different. Pieces of DCI having different user identifiers are allowed to be divided into the same group, while the pieces of DCI having the same user identifier are not allowed to be divided into different groups.

For example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. User identifiers indicated by DCI1and DCI2are the same, while a user identifier indicated by DCI3is different from that indicated by DCI1and DCI2. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may be assigned to one group, and DCI3may be assigned to another group separately.

For another example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. User identifiers indicated by DCI1, DCI2and DCI3are different from each other. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may also be grouped into one group, and DCI3may be grouped into another group separately.

At step630, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group.

At step640, separate transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different user identifiers, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same user identifier are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

FIG. 7Ais a flowchart illustrating another information feedback method according to an example.FIG. 7Bis another schematic diagram of determining an uplink transmission mode according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 7A, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the indication information included in the one or more pieces of DCI may include the following steps710-740, where the indication information includes downlink data time-frequency scheduling information.

At step710, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI is determined.

In an example of the present disclosure, the same user may be assigned different user identifiers to represent different types of data transmissions. For example, a C-RNTI for dynamic scheduling data transmission and an SPS-RNTI for semi-persistent scheduling transmission. For the same terminal, no matter what kind of RNTIs scheduled downlink data transmission, associated HARQs will be multiplexed together for transmission.

At step720, one or more pieces of DCI indicating same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information are assigned to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling information.

In an example of the present disclosure, when each piece of DCI is grouped according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling information, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information may be divided into the same group, or downlink data time-frequency scheduling information indicated by DCI in the different groups are different. Pieces of DCI indicating different downlink data time-frequency scheduling information are allowed to be divided into the same group, while the pieces of DCI indicating the same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information are not allowed to be divided into different groups.

For example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Pieces of downlink data time-frequency scheduling information indicated by DCI1and DCI2are the same, while downlink data time-frequency scheduling information indicated by DCI3is different from that indicated by DCI1and DCI2. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may be assigned to one group, and DCI3may be assigned to another group separately.

For another example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Pieces of downlink data time-frequency scheduling information indicated by DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively are different from each other. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may also be grouped into one group, and DCI3may be grouped into another group separately.

At step730, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group.

At step740, separate transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling information, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, based on the method shown inFIG. 7A, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a transmission duration for transmitting downlink data. When step720is performed, the one or more pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different transmission durations, and one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same transmission duration are assigned to a same group.

In an example of the present disclosure, the transmission duration of the downlink data within one slot may be 1-14 symbols. Here, grouping may be performed by defining a threshold. For example, the threshold is set to 7, then a downlink data with a transmission duration smaller than 7 symbols will be divided into one group, and a downlink data with a transmission duration equal to or greater than 7 symbols will be divided into another group. Grouping may also be performed by defining a set. For example, a downlink data having 1-7 symbols will be defined as one group and the downlink data having 8-14 symbols will be defined as another group.

As shown inFIG. 7B, each piece of DCI for which the user terminal is to perform information feedback within the specific time unit is DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. A transmission duration of a downlink data (DATA1) scheduled by DCI1is 7 symbols, a transmission duration of a downlink data (DATA2) scheduled by DCI2is 4 symbols, and a transmission duration of a downlink data (DATA3) scheduled by DCI3is 2 symbols. In response to that the downlink data with the transmission duration smaller than 7 symbols may be divided into one group and the downlink data with the transmission duration equal to or greater than 7 symbols may be divided into another group, DCI2and DCI3may be divided into one group, and DCI1is divided into another group separately. In this way, multiplexing transmission may be performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by DCI2and DCI3and separate transmission is performed for the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by DCI1.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different transmission durations, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same transmission duration are divided into the same group, thereby improving the reliability of grouping the DCI.

In an example, based on the method shown inFIG. 7A, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a subcarrier spacing for transmitting downlink data. When step720is performed, the one or more pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different subcarrier spacings, and one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same subcarrier spacing are assigned to a same group.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different subcarrier spacings, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same subcarrier spacing are divided into the same group, thereby improving the reliability of grouping the DCI.

In an example, based on the method shown inFIG. 7A, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a bandwidth part (BWP) for transmitting downlink data. When step720is performed, the one or more pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different BWPs, and one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same BWP are assigned to a same group.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different BWPs, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same BWP are divided into the same group, thereby improving the reliability of grouping the DCI.

In addition, in the above examples, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information may include a transmission duration for transmitting downlink data, and/or a subcarrier spacing for transmitting downlink data, and/or a BWP for transmitting downlink data. When step720is performed, different pieces of DCI may be grouped in combination with the transmission duration for transmitting downlink data, and/or the subcarrier spacing for transmitting downlink data, and/or the BWP for transmitting downlink data, and its specific grouping manner is not limited herein.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating another information feedback method according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 8, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the indication information included in the one or more pieces of DCI may include the following steps810-840, where the indication information includes a time interval between a downlink data and uplink feedback scheduled by DCI.

At step810, the time interval between the downlink data and the uplink feedback scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI and a time range to which the time interval belongs are determined.

In an example of the present disclosure, a value range of the time interval between the downlink data and the uplink feedback scheduled by each piece of the DCI is greater than zero.

The user terminal may preset different time ranges so that the time range to which the time interval between the downlink data and the uplink feedback scheduled by each piece of the DCI belongs can be determined according to the time interval.

For example, the time interval between the downlink data and the uplink feedback scheduled by each piece of the DCI is {k0, k1, . . . kn}, where {k9, k1, . . . km} corresponds to one time range and {km+1, . . . kn} corresponds to another time range.

At step820, one or more pieces of DCI belonging to a same time range are assigned to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different time ranges.

In an example of the present disclosure, when each piece of DCI is grouped according to different time ranges, the one or more pieces of DCI belonging to the same time range may be divided into the same group, or pieces of DCI in the different groups belong to different time ranges. Pieces of DCI belonging to different time ranges are allowed to be divided into the same group, while the pieces of DCI belonging to the same time range are not allowed to be divided into different groups.

For example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. DCI1and DCI2belong to a same time range, while DCI3belongs to a different time range than that of DCI1and DCI2. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may be assigned to one group, and DCI3may be assigned to another group separately.

For another example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Time ranges to which DCI1, DCI2and DCI3belongs respectively are different from each other. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may also be grouped into one group, and DCI3may be grouped into another group separately.

At step830, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group.

At step840, separate transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different time ranges, the one or more pieces of DCI belonging to the same time range are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, when step120is performed on the basis of the method shown inFIG. 1, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI may be determined according to a time-frequency resource position of an uplink control channel used by uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of DCI may be determined according to the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel which is used by the uplink feedback and indicated by each piece of the DCI, so as to improve the accuracy of determining the uplink transmission mode.

FIG. 9Ais a flowchart illustrating another information feedback method according to an example.FIG. 9Bis another schematic diagram of determining an uplink transmission mode according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 9A, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI may include the following steps910-940.

At step910, the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI is determined.

In an example of the present disclosure, if time-frequency resource positions of the uplink control channels used by pieces of uplink feedback and indicated by pieces of DCI are the same, the pieces of uplink feedback may be multiplexed together for transmission; otherwise, the pieces of uplink feedback may be transmitted separately.

At step920, one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same time-frequency resource position are assigned to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different time-frequency resource positions of the uplink control channel.

In an example of the present disclosure, when each piece of DCI is grouped according to different time-frequency resource positions of the uplink control channel, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same time-frequency resource position may be divided into the same group, or time-frequency resource positions indicated by DCI in different groups are different. Pieces of DCI indicating different time-frequency resource positions are allowed to be divided into the same group, while the pieces of DCI indicating the same time-frequency resource position are not allowed to be divided into different groups.

For example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Time-frequency resource positions indicated by DCI1and DCI2are the same, while time-frequency resource position indicated by DCI3is different from that indicated by DCI1and DCI2. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may be assigned to one group, and DCI3may be assigned to another group separately.

For another example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Time-frequency resource positions indicated by DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively are different from each other. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may also be grouped into one group, and DCI3may be grouped into another group separately.

At step930, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group.

At step940, separate transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different time-frequency resource positions of the uplink control channel, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same time-frequency resource position are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, when step910is performed on the basis of the method shown inFIG. 9A, a number of uplink feedback total payloads indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI is firstly determined; a resource set used by uplink feedback is then determined according to the determined number of the uplink feedback total payloads; finally, the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback is determined according to the determined resource set.

In the new generation communication system, the terminal may be configured with a plurality of uplink feedback resource sets [SET1, SET2. . . ], and each resource set includes a plurality of uplink feedback resources, for example, SET1={resource1, resource2, . . . }.

The terminal needs to determine which set is to be used according to the number of the uplink feedback total payloads. For example, when the number of the payloads is no greater than 2, SET1is used. When the number of the payloads is greater than 2 and smaller than N 1, SET2is used. When the number of the payloads is greater than N 1 and smaller than N 2, SET3is used. The values of N1 and N2 may be configured by the base station. After a resource set to be used is determined, if the number of resources in the resource set is no greater than 4, it is known which resource is to be used via 2-bit indication information included in each piece of the DCI for scheduling the downlink data. If the number of resources is greater than 4, it is determined which resource is to be used by combining the 2-bit indication information and a time-frequency resource position used by each piece of the DCI for downlink scheduling.

Therefore, when an indication relating to the number of the uplink feedback total payloads is provided in the DCI (for example, the DCI may include DAI_counter and DAI_total fields, where DAI is Downlink Assignment Indicator, and DAI indicates the number of pieces of DCI that use the same feedback position as the current DCI up to the current time), the terminal may determine which resource set is to be used according to the indication of the current number of the total payloads, and then determine the specific resource position according to the indication information (and the time-frequency resource position of the DCI) in each piece of the DCI.

As shown inFIG. 9B, a feedback payload obtained according to an indication of DCI1associated with DATA1is 2 bits, and the SET1may be used. A feedback payload obtained according to an indication of DCI2associated with DATA2is 2 bits. Thus, PUCCH1of SET1is reserved upon receiving the DCI2. And then an indication of DCI3associated with DATA3is received to obtain the feedback total payload as 4 bits, indicating the resource position is PUCCH1in SET2. Since the PUCCH1in SET2and the PUCCH1in SET1corresponding to DCI2are overlapped in the time domain, it is determined that pieces of feedback associated with DCI2and DCI3may be multiplexing-transmitted, that is, 2 bits feedback associated with DCI2plus 2 bits associated with DCI3.

Thus, the user terminal may determine a time-frequency resource of a channel for uplink feedback to be used according to the number of the uplink feedback total payloads indicated by each piece of the DCI (assuming that 2 bits uplink feedback is to be fed back for each data). A resource indicated by DCI1and resources indicated by DCI2and DCI3are not overlapped in the time domain, while the resources indicated by DCI2and DCI3are overlapped in the time domain. Thus, feedback associated with DATA1is transmitted on different uplink feedback resources comparing with that of DATA2and DATA3, and pieces of feedback associated with DATA2and DATA3are transmitted on the same uplink feedback resource.

As can be seen from the above example, the number of the uplink feedback total payloads indicated by each piece of the DCI is firstly determined; the resource set used by the uplink feedback is then determined according to the determined number of the uplink feedback total payloads; finally, the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback is determined according to the determined resource set. In this way, the accuracy of determining the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel is improved.

FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating another information feedback method according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 10, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI for use by the uplink feedback includes the following steps1010-1040.

At step1010, a start position in a time domain of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI is determined.

In an example of the present disclosure, if the start positions in the time domain of the uplink control channels used by pieces of uplink feedback and indicated by pieces of DCI are the same, the pieces of uplink feedback may be multiplexed together for transmission; otherwise, the pieces of uplink feedback may be transmitted separately.

At step1020, one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same start position in the time domain are assigned to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different start positions in the time domain.

In an example of the present disclosure, when each piece of DCI is grouped according to different start positions in the time domain, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same start position in the time domain may be divided into the same group, or the start positions in the time domain indicated by DCI in different groups are different. Pieces of DCI indicating different start positions in the time domain are allowed to be divided into the same group, while the pieces of DCI indicating the same start position in the time domain are not allowed to be divided into different groups.

For example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Start positions in the time domain indicated by DCI1and DCI2are the same, while a start position in the time domain indicated by DCI3is different from that indicated by DCI1and DCI2. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may be assigned to one group, and DCI3may be assigned to another group separately.

For another example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Start positions in the time domain indicated by DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively are different from each other. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may also be grouped into one group, and DCI3may be grouped into another group separately.

At step1030, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group.

At step1040, separate transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different start positions in the time domain, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same start position in the time domain are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating another information feedback method according to an example. The information feedback method may be applied to a terminal. As shown inFIG. 11, determining the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI includes the following steps1110-1150.

At step1110, a start position and ending position in the time domain of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI are determined.

In an example of the present disclosure, if the uplink control channels used by pieces of uplink feedback and indicated by pieces of DCI are partially overlapped in the time domain, the pieces of uplink feedback may be multiplexed together for transmission; otherwise, pieces of uplink feedback may be transmitted separately.

At step1120, according to the start position and ending position in the time domain of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI, it is determined whether the uplink control channels used by the pieces of uplink feedback and indicated by the pieces of DCI have an overlapping portion in the time domain between each other.

At step1130, in response to that the uplink control channels have the overlapping portion in the time domain between each other, pieces of DCI associated with the overlapping portion in the time domain are assigned to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different uplink control channels.

In an example of the present disclosure, when each piece of DCI is grouped according to different uplink control channels, the pieces of DCI associated with the overlapping portion in the time domain are divided into the same group; or pieces of DCI in different groups are not associated with the overlapping portion in the time domain.

For example, each piece of DCI that requires information feedback within the specific time unit may be DCI1, DCI2and DCI3respectively. Uplink control channels indicated by DCI1and DCI2have an overlapping portion. An uplink control channel indicated by DCI3has no overlapping portion with that indicated by DCI1, and the uplink control channel indicated by DCI3has no overlapping portion with that indicated by DCI2too. At this time, DCI1and DCI2may be assigned to one group, and DCI3may be assigned to another group separately.

At step1140, multiplexing transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group.

At step1150, separate transmission is performed for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different uplink control channels, the one or more pieces of DCI associated with the overlapping portion in the time domain are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

Corresponding to the examples of the above information feedback method, the present disclosure further provides examples of an information feedback apparatus.

FIG. 12is a block diagram illustrating an information feedback apparatus according to an example. The apparatus may be applied to a terminal and may also be applied to the information feedback method shown inFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 12, the information feedback apparatus may include:

a receiving module121configured to receive downlink data scheduled by one or more pieces of DCI and subjected to information feedback within a specific time unit;

a determining module122configured to determining an uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI, wherein the uplink transmission mode comprises multiplexing transmission or separate transmission; and

a sending module123configured to send the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information to a base station within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively, such that the base station obtains the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively.

As can be seen from the above example, after receiving the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI and subjected to information feedback within the specific time unit, the uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI is firstly determined, where the uplink transmission mode includes multiplexing transmission or separate transmission, and then the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information are sent to a base station within the specific time unit based on the uplink transmission modes determined by the terminal respectively. Such that the base station may obtain the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes determined by the terminal. Thus, the transmission of uplink feedback information by using different uplink control channels in the same time unit is realized, which satisfies different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system, and improves the utility of information feedback.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 12, as shown inFIG. 13, the determining module122may include:

a first determining sub-module131configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of DCI according to an information format of the one or more pieces of DCI.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI may be determined according to the information format of the one or more pieces of DCI, therefore improving the reliability of determining the uplink transmission mode.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 13, as shown inFIG. 14, the first determining sub-module131may include:

a first grouping sub-module141configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI with a same information format to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different information formats;

a first multiplexing transmission sub-module142configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a first separate transmission sub-module143configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different information formats, the one or more pieces of DCI with the same information format are assigned to the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 12, as shown inFIG. 15, the determining module122may include:

a second determining sub-module151configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to a time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of the DCI may be determined according to the time-frequency resource occupied by each piece of the DCI, so as to improve the reliability of determining the uplink transmission mode.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 15, as shown inFIG. 16, the second determining sub-module151may include:

a resource set determining sub-module161configured to determine a resource set of a downlink control channel used by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a second grouping sub-module162configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI using a same resource set of a downlink control channel to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different resource sets of the downlink control channel;

a second multiplexing transmission sub-module163configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a second separate transmission sub-module164configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different resource sets of the downlink control channel, the one or more pieces of DCI with the same resource set of the downlink control channel are grouped to the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmit, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmit. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 15, as shown inFIG. 17, the second determining sub-module151may include:

a scheduling category determining sub-module171configured to determine a corresponding downlink scheduling category according to a position in a time domain occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI, wherein the downlink scheduling category comprises slot-based scheduling and/or non-slot-based scheduling;

a third grouping sub-module172configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI corresponding to a same downlink scheduling category to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink scheduling categories;

a third multiplexing transmission sub-module173configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a third separate-transmission sub-module174configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different downlink scheduling categories, the one or more pieces of DCI with the same downlink scheduling category are grouped to the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmit, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmit. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 12, as shown inFIG. 18, the determining module122may include:

a third determining sub-module181configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to an information format of the one or more pieces of DCI and a time-frequency resource occupied by the one or more pieces of DCI.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of the DCI may be determined according to the information format of each piece of the DCI and the time-frequency resource occupied by each piece of the DCI, so as to improve the reliability of determining the uplink transmission mode.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 12, as shown inFIG. 19, the determining module122may include:

a fourth determining sub-module191configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to indication information comprised in the one or more pieces of DCI.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of DCI may be determined according to the indication information included in each piece of DCI, so as to improve the accuracy of determining the uplink transmission mode.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 19, the indication information includes a user identifier. As shown inFIG. 20, the fourth determining sub-module191may include:

a user identifier determining sub-module201configured to determine the user identifier indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a fourth grouping sub-module202configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same user identifier to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different user identifiers;

a fourth multiplexing transmission sub-module203configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a fourth separate-transmission sub-module204configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different user identifiers, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same user identifier are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 19, the indication information includes downlink data time-frequency scheduling information. As shown inFIG. 21, the fourth determining sub-module191may include:

a scheduling information determining sub-module211configured to determine the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a fifth grouping sub-module212configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling information;

a fifth multiplexing transmission sub-module213configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a fifth separate-transmission sub-module214configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different downlink data time-frequency scheduling information, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same downlink data time-frequency scheduling information are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 21, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a transmission duration for transmitting downlink data. As shown inFIG. 22, the fifth grouping sub-module212may include:

a transmission duration grouping sub-module221configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same transmission duration to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different transmission durations.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different transmission durations, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same transmission duration are divided into the same group, thereby improving the reliability of grouping the DCI.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 21, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a subcarrier spacing for transmitting downlink data. As shown inFIG. 23, the fifth grouping sub-module212may include:

a subcarrier spacing grouping sub-module231configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same subcarrier spacing to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different subcarrier spacings.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different subcarrier spacings, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same subcarrier spacing are divided into the same group, thereby improving the reliability of grouping the DCI.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 21, the downlink data time-frequency scheduling information includes a bandwidth part for transmitting downlink data. As shown inFIG. 24, the fifth grouping sub-module212may include:

a bandwidth part grouping sub-module241configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same bandwidth part to the same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different bandwidth parts.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different BWPs, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same BWP are divided into the same group, thereby improving the reliability of grouping the DCI.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 19, the indication information includes a time interval between a downlink data and uplink feedback scheduled by DCI. As shown inFIG. 25, the fourth determining sub-module191may include:

a time range determining sub-module251configured to determine the time interval between the downlink data and the uplink feedback scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI and a time range to which the time interval belongs;

a sixth grouping sub-module252configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI belonging to a same time range to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different time ranges;

a sixth multiplexing transmission sub-module253configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a sixth separate-transmission sub-module254configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different time ranges, the one or more pieces of DCI belonging to the same time range are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 12, as shown inFIG. 26, the determining module122may include:

a fifth determining sub-module261configured to determine the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI according to a time-frequency resource position of an uplink control channel used by uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI.

As can be seen from the above example, the uplink transmission mode of the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by each piece of DCI may be determined according to the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel which is used by the uplink feedback and indicated by each piece of the DCI, so as to improve the accuracy of determining the uplink transmission mode.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 26, as shown inFIG. 27, the fifth determining sub-module261may include:

a first position determining sub-module271configured to determine the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a seventh grouping sub-module272configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same time-frequency resource position to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different time-frequency resource positions of the uplink control channel;

a seventh multiplexing transmission sub-module273configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a seventh separate-transmission sub-module274configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different time-frequency resource positions of the uplink control channel, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same time-frequency resource position are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 27, as shown inFIG. 28, the first position determining sub-module271may include:

a payload number determining sub-module281configured to determine a number of uplink feedback total payloads indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a resource set determining sub-module282configured to determine a resource set used by the uplink feedback according to the number of the uplink feedback total payloads; and

a second position determining sub-module283configured to determine the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback according to the resource set.

As can be seen from the above example, the number of the uplink feedback total payloads indicated by each piece of the DCI is firstly determined; the resource set used by the uplink feedback is then determined according to the determined number of the uplink feedback total payloads; finally, the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback is determined according to the determined resource set. In this way, the accuracy of determining the time-frequency resource position of the uplink control channel is improved.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 26, as shown inFIG. 29, the fifth determining sub-module261may include:

a third position determining sub-module291configured to determine a start position in a time domain of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

an eighth grouping sub-module292configured to assign one or more pieces of DCI indicating a same start position in the time domain to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different start positions in the time domain;

an eighth multiplexing transmission sub-module293configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

an eighth separate-transmission sub-module294configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different start positions in the time domain, the one or more pieces of DCI indicating the same start position in the time domain are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

In an example, based on the apparatus shown inFIG. 26, as shown inFIG. 30, the fifth determining sub-module261may include:

a fourth position determining sub-module301configured to determine a start position and ending position in a time domain of the uplink control channel used by the uplink feedback and indicated by the one or more pieces of DCI;

a determining sub-module302configured to determine whether the uplink control channels used by the pieces of uplink feedback and indicated by the pieces of DCI have an overlapping portion in the time domain between each other according to the start positions and ending positions in the time domain;

a ninth grouping sub-module303configured to, in response to determining that there is the overlapping portion in the time domain by the determining sub-module, assign pieces of DCI indicating uplink control channels having the overlapping portion in the time domain to a same group by grouping the one or more pieces of DCI according to different uplink control channels;

a ninth multiplexing transmission sub-module304configured to perform multiplexing transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group; and

a ninth separate-transmission sub-module305configured to perform separate transmission for pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to downlink datum scheduled by pieces of DCI in different groups.

As can be seen from the above example, different pieces of DCI may be grouped according to different uplink control channels, the one or more pieces of DCI associated with the overlapping portion in the time domain are divided into the same group, the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in the same group are multiplexing-transmitted, and the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are separately transmitted. In this way, the one or more pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI in the same group are transmitted by using the same uplink control channel, while the pieces of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink datum scheduled by the pieces of DCI in different groups are transmitted by using different uplink control channels. Thus, the different service requirements of different service types in the new generation communication system are satisfied, and the efficiency of information feedback is improved.

Since the apparatus examples substantially correspond to the method examples, a reference may be made to part of the descriptions of the method examples for the related part. The apparatus examples described above are merely illustrative, where the units described as separate members may be or not be physically separated, and the members displayed as units may be or not be physical units, e.g., may be located in one place, or may be distributed to a plurality of network units. Part or all of the modules may be selected according to actual requirements to implement the objectives of the solutions in the examples. Those of ordinary skill in the art may understand and carry out them without creative work.

An example of the present disclosure further provides a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer programs, where the computer programs are used to perform the above information feedback method described in any one of FIGS.1-11.

The present disclosure further provides an information feedback apparatus applied to a terminal. The apparatus includes:

a processor; and

a memory storing instructions executable by the processor.

The processor is configured to:

receive downlink data scheduled by one or more pieces of DCI and subjected to information feedback within a specific time unit;

determine an uplink transmission mode of uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data scheduled by the one or more pieces of DCI, wherein the uplink transmission mode comprises multiplexing transmission or separate transmission; and

send the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information to a base station within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively, such that the base station obtains the corresponding one or more pieces of uplink feedback information within the specific time unit according to the uplink transmission modes respectively.

FIG. 31is a structural schematic diagram illustrating an information feedback apparatus according to an example. As shown inFIG. 31, an information feedback apparatus3100is illustrated according to an example, and the apparatus3100may be a terminal such as a computer, a mobile phone, a digital broadcast terminal, a message transceiver, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, a fitness device, a personal digital assistant, or the like.

As shown inFIG. 31, the apparatus3100may include one or more of the following components: a processing component3101, a memory3102, a power supply component3103, a multimedia component3104, an audio component3105, an input/output (I/O) interface3106, a sensor component3107and a communication component3108.

The processing component3101generally controls overall operations of the apparatus3100, such as operations associated with display, phone calls, data communications, camera operations, and recording operations. The processing component3101may include one or more processors3109to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the above methods. In addition, the processing component3101may include one or more modules which facilitate the interaction between the processing component3101and other components. For example, the processing component3101may include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component3104and the processing component3101.

The power supply component3103supplies power for different components of the apparatus3100. The power supply component3103may include a power supply management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing and distributing power for the apparatus3100.

The multimedia component3104includes a screen providing an output interface between the apparatus3100and a user. In some examples, the screen may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and a Touch Panel (TP). If the screen includes the TP, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The TP may include one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the TP. The touch sensors may not only sense a boundary of a touch or swipe, but also sense a duration and a pressure associated with the touch or swipe. In some examples, the multimedia component3104may include a front camera and/or a rear camera. The front camera and/or rear camera may receive external multimedia data when the apparatus3100is in an operating mode, such as a photographing mode or a video mode. The front camera and the rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zooming capability.

The audio component3105is to output and/or input an audio signal. For example, the audio component3105includes a microphone (MIC). When the apparatus3100is in an operating mode, such as a call mode, a record mode and a voice recognition mode, the microphone is to receive an external audio signal. The received audio signal may be further stored in the memory3102or sent via the communication component3108. In some examples, the audio component3105further includes a speaker for outputting an audio signal.

The I/O interface3106provides an interface between the processing component3101and a peripheral interface module. The above peripheral interface module may be a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, or the like. These buttons may include but not limited to, a home button, a volume button, a start button and a lock button.

The sensor component3107includes one or more sensors to provide status assessments of various aspects for the apparatus3100. For example, the sensor component3107may detect the on/off status of the apparatus3100, and relative positioning of component, for example, the component is a display and a keypad of the apparatus3100. The sensor component3107may also detect a change in position of the apparatus3100or a component of the apparatus3100, a presence or absence of the contact between a user and the apparatus3100, an orientation or an acceleration/deceleration of the apparatus3100, and a change in temperature of the apparatus3100. The sensor component3107may include a proximity sensor to detect the presence of a nearby object without any physical contact. The sensor component3107may further include an optical sensor, such as a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) or Charged Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor which is used in imaging applications. In some examples, the sensor component3107may further include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

The communication component3108is to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the apparatus3100and other devices. The apparatus3100may access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as Wi-Fi, 2G or 3G, or a combination thereof. In an example, the communication component3108receives a broadcast signal or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an example, the communication component3108may further include a Near Field Communication (NFC) module for promoting short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, an infrared data association (IrDA) technology, an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, a Bluetooth® (BT) technology and other technologies.

In an example, there is further provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions, such as the memory3102including instructions. The above instructions may be executed by the processor3109of the apparatus3100to complete the above method. For example, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and so on.

When the instructions in the storage medium are executed by the processor, the apparatus3100is caused to implement the information feedback method according to any one of the above examples.

Other implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the present disclosure herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, modification or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles thereof and include common knowledge or conventional technical means in the related art that are not disclosed in the present disclosure. The specification and examples are considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.