A method, apparatus, and system for indicating a working mode

Abstract

This application provides a method and apparatus for indicating multi-antenna operating modes, relating to the field of communications, to address the problem of increased power consumption and resource waste caused by terminal devices still defaulting to multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) mode under single-port transmission mode in the prior art. The method includes: a network device sending indication information to a terminal device, indicating that the terminal device's multi-antenna operating mode is either single-user multiple-input multiple-output (SU-MIMO) or multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO); the terminal device, based on the indication information from the network device, determines its corresponding demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port number and whether non-corresponding DMRS port numbers are allocated to other terminal devices, thereby adjusting the multi-antenna operating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This field relates to communications, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for indicating multi-antenna operating modes. Background Technology

[0002] In New Radio (NR) communication systems, information exchanged between terminal devices and network devices is carried through physical channels. Control information sent by network devices, also known as Downlink Control Information (DCI), is typically carried through the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). For downlink scheduling, network devices need to configure a corresponding Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) port for each antenna port of the terminal device. The DCI can be used to indicate the number of DMRS Code Division Multiplexing (CDM) groups and the DMRS port number.

[0003] A time-frequency resource unit (TFR) consists of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol in the time domain and a subcarrier in the frequency domain. DMRS is generally divided into Type I DMRS and Type II DMRS, with different numbers of TFRs corresponding to the DMRS ports of Type I and Type II DMRS. Each DMRS CDM group contains multiple DMRS ports, and the number of TFRs in the TFR block corresponding to each DMRS CDM group is the sum of the TFRs corresponding to the multiple DMRS ports in that DMRS CDM group. For NR systems, the TFR block corresponding to each DMRS CDM group is used to carry DMRS transmitted through the DMRS ports in that DMRS CDM group. When a network device indicates one or more specific DMRS ports to a terminal device via DCI, it will allocate other DMRS ports within the DMRS CDM group to one or more other terminal devices in the communication system. At this time, the TFR resources corresponding to these other DMRS ports are also used for data transmission between these other terminal devices and the network device. This configuration allows network devices to simultaneously transmit data streams to multiple terminal devices on a given time-frequency resource. Terminal devices in the communication system operate by default in Multiple User-Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) mode. Therefore, even if the multi-antenna operating mode of a terminal device is suitable for Single User-Multiple Input Multiple Output (SU-MIMO), this configuration causes the NR system to always assume the terminal device is operating in MU-MIMO. In practice, the terminal device needs to estimate interference signals and then demodulate the information transmitted through the corresponding DMRS port number of the terminal device. The interference signals may include, but are not limited to, downlink or uplink data transmitted through the DMRS signals and / or DMRS port numbers of other terminal devices. Downlink data is carried in the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), and uplink data is carried in the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). This increases the complexity and power consumption of the terminal devices, resulting in resource waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method for indicating Single User-Multiple Input Multiple Output (SU-MIMO) mode or Multiple User-Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) mode, which solves the problem of increased power consumption and resource waste caused by the terminal device still defaulting to MU-MIMO mode under single-port transmission mode in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a method for indicating a multi-antenna operating mode. The method can be executed by a terminal device, or by a chip or integrated circuit applied within the terminal device. The following description uses a terminal device as the executing entity. The method includes: a first terminal device receiving first information from a network device, the first information indicating a first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device; the first terminal device receiving second information from the network device, the second information indicating a second multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device, and at least one first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port number and the number N of DMRS code division multiplexing (CDM) groups corresponding to the second multi-antenna operating mode, wherein the N DMRS CDM groups include the at least one first DMRS port number. The first terminal device determines the multi-antenna operating mode as the second multi-antenna operating mode based on the first and second information.

[0007] Based on the above solution, the first terminal device can determine the working mode through the instruction information of the network device, which solves the problem of increased power consumption and waste of resources caused by the first terminal device always defaulting to working in MU-MIMO mode in the prior art.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first information is carried in higher-layer signaling, which may be Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) signaling; the second information is carried in physical layer signaling, such as Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0009] In static scenarios, static scheduling is used, where network devices permanently assign associated resources. In semi-static scenarios, semi-static scheduling is used, where network devices allocate resources to terminal devices periodically over a period of time after a single resource configuration. In dynamic scenarios, dynamic scheduling is used, where network devices dynamically configure resources for terminal devices. Based on this optional approach, when the first terminal device executes a certain service through static or semi-static scheduling by the network device, and / or when the first terminal device is applied to static or semi-static scenarios, such as periodic service scenarios in Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSN) and / or video surveillance, the operating mode of the first terminal device generally does not change. The network device instructs the first terminal device on the multi-antenna operating mode through higher-layer signaling, ensuring system communication performance while reducing the overhead of physical layer signaling. When the first terminal device executes a service through dynamic scheduling by the network device, and when the first terminal device is applied to dynamic scenarios, and / or when the first terminal device is applied to scenarios where it is paired with other terminal devices in dynamic scenarios, such as non-periodic service scenarios in IWSN and / or video surveillance, the operating mode of the first terminal device may change frequently. The network device instructs the first terminal device on the multi-antenna operating mode through physical layer signaling, flexibly realizing the dynamic switching of the first terminal device's multi-antenna operating mode. In other possible scenarios, such as a combination of static or semi-static scenarios and dynamic scenarios, or scenarios with frequent switching, network devices indicate the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device through a combination of higher-layer signaling and physical-layer signaling, thereby enabling flexible configuration of the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device.

[0010] For example, optionally, a first multi-antenna operating mode is configured for the first terminal device using the first information. If the first multi-antenna operating mode is suitable for the first terminal device, the network device configures the second information according to the first multi-antenna operating mode, and the first terminal device operates in the first operating mode. If the first multi-antenna operating mode is not suitable for the first terminal device, the network device can indicate a second multi-antenna operating mode different from the first multi-antenna operating mode through the second information, and the first terminal device switches the multi-antenna operating mode through the second information. Alternatively, after the first terminal device has been operating in the first multi-antenna operating mode for a period of time, the applicable multi-antenna operating mode for the first terminal device changes. At this time, the network device adjusts its configuration of the second information from the multi-antenna operating mode indicated by the first information to the multi-antenna operating mode suitable for the first terminal device, and the first terminal device switches the multi-antenna operating mode according to the second information.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the N DMRS CDM groups include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number. The at least one second DMRS port number is different from the at least one first DMRS port number. For example, the N DMRS CDM groups consist of at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number; or, the N DMRS CDM groups may include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number, and may also include other port numbers.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates SU-MIMO and the second information indicates MU-MIMO; or, the first information indicates MU-MIMO and the second information indicates MU-MIMO. In either of these scenarios, the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is MU-MIMO, and the first terminal device determines that at least one second DMRS port number is assigned to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is at least one of the remaining terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal is located, excluding the first terminal device.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates MU-MIMO and the second information indicates SU-MIMO; or, the first information indicates SU-MIMO and the second information indicates SU-MIMO. In either of these scenarios, the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO, and the first terminal device determines that at least one second DMRS port number has not been assigned to the second terminal device. The second terminal device is at least one of the remaining terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal is located, excluding the first terminal device.

[0014] Based on this possible implementation, the first terminal device determines the multi-antenna operating mode as SU-MIMO according to the instruction information of the network device, which solves the problem of increased power consumption and waste of resources caused by the first terminal device still defaulting to MU-MIMO mode in the single-port transmission mode in the prior art.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO. When the number N of DMRSCDM groups is greater than 1, the second information is further used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device. Alternatively, if the second information is not used to indicate the use of the aforementioned time-frequency resources, the method further includes: the first terminal device may also receive third information, which is used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0016] Based on this possible implementation, if the second or third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, the DMRS of the first terminal device can benefit from power enhancement, which helps improve channel estimation performance. If the transmit power of the network device remains unchanged, and the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, then the network device can send DMRS to the first terminal device at the aforementioned transmit power, which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the DMRS received by the first terminal device, thereby improving channel estimation performance. If the second or third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device, resource waste is avoided.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two OFDM symbols. Specifically, the data is carried in a PDSCH. Optionally, the data transmission can be a single transmission or a single data transmission between the network device and the first terminal device.

[0018] Based on this possible implementation, when the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two OFDM symbols, the network device configuration information indicates the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device and the use of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. In this case, the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device can be either SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. When the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is no greater than two OFDM symbols, since the number of OFDM symbols used for data transmission is small, the first terminal device can assume that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission. Only data between the network device and the first terminal device is transmitted on the given time-frequency resources. In this case, the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO. This ensures data transmission efficiency between the first terminal device and the network device when the data transmission time-domain length is small.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first terminal device sends fourth information to the network device to indicate at least one of the following:

[0020] Application scenarios of the first terminal device;

[0021] The type of the first terminal device;

[0022] Capability information of the first terminal device.

[0023] Optionally, the application scenarios of the first terminal device include at least one of Industrial Wireless Sensor Network (IWSN) and video surveillance; the type of the first terminal device includes a terminal device with reduced capability (REDCAP), such as at least one of industrial wireless sensors, video surveillance cameras, or wearable devices; the capability information of the first terminal device includes that the first terminal device supports multiple antenna operating modes of SU-MIMO and / or MU-MIMO.

[0024] Based on this possible implementation, the first terminal device reports information, enabling the network device to configure information indicating the multi-antenna operating mode according to the application scenario, type, or capability information of the first terminal. This solves the problem in the prior art where the first terminal device always defaults to MU-MIMO mode, and the operating mode of the first terminal device may not match the actual applicable operating mode, resulting in increased power consumption and resource waste. It should be noted that, typically, application scenarios correspond to specific service types. Therefore, the network device can determine the multi-antenna operating mode indicated by the configuration information based on the application scenario of the first terminal device. If one or more application scenarios contain service types applicable to different multi-antenna operating modes, the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to the specific service type. For example, if the IWSN and / or video surveillance application scenario further includes periodic and non-periodic services, then the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to IWSN and / or video surveillance for periodic services; or, the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to IWSN and / or video surveillance for non-periodic services.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a communication method. The execution subject of this method can be a terminal device, or a chip or integrated circuit applied in the terminal device. The following description uses a terminal device as the execution subject. The method includes: a first terminal receiving fifth information from a network device, the fifth information indicating that the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO; and the first terminal device determining, based on the fifth information, that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO.

[0026] The fifth piece of information is also used to indicate at least one first DMRS port number and the number N of DMRS CDM groups corresponding to the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device, wherein the N DMRS CDM groups include the at least one first DMRS port number.

[0027] Based on the above scheme, the first terminal device determines the multi-antenna working mode according to the fifth information, which solves the problem of increased power consumption and waste of resources caused by the first terminal device always defaulting to working in MU-MIMO mode in the prior art.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the fifth information is carried in the DCI.

[0029] Based on this possible implementation, the first terminal device directly obtains the working mode indicated by the network device through downlink control information. The first terminal device also obtains the working mode indicated by the network device through the fifth information, and whether at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number configured by the network device are assigned to the second terminal device. The first terminal device can easily switch the working mode.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the N DMRS CDM groups include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number. The at least one second DMRS port number is different from the at least one first DMRS port number. For example, the N DMRS CDM groups consist of at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number; or, the N DMRS CDM groups may include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number, and may also include other port numbers.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the fifth information indicates that the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is MU-MIMO. The first terminal device determines at least one second DMRS port number based on the fifth information and assigns it to the second terminal device. The second terminal device is at least one of the remaining terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal is located, excluding the first terminal device.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the fifth information indicates that the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO. The first terminal device determines, based on the fifth information, that at least one second DMRS port number has not been assigned to the second terminal device. The second terminal device is at least one of the remaining terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal is located, excluding the first terminal device.

[0033] Based on this possible implementation, when the first terminal device is suitable for SU-MIMO mode, the first terminal device determines the multi-antenna working mode as SU-MIMO according to the instruction information of the network device, which solves the problem of increased power consumption and waste of resources caused by the first terminal device still defaulting to MU-MIMO mode in the single-port transmission mode in the prior art.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO. When the number N of DMRSCDM groups is greater than 1, the fifth information is also used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device. Alternatively, if the fifth information is not used to indicate the use of the aforementioned time-frequency resources, the method further includes: the first terminal device may also receive a sixth information, which is used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0035] Based on this possible implementation, if the second or third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, the DMRS of the first terminal device can benefit from power enhancement, which helps improve channel estimation performance. If the transmit power of the network device remains unchanged, and the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, then the network device can send DMRS to the first terminal device at the aforementioned transmit power, which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the DMRS received by the first terminal device, thereby improving channel estimation performance. If the second or third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device, resource waste is avoided.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two OFDM symbols. Specifically, the data is carried in a PDSCH. Optionally, the data transmission can be a single transmission or a single data transmission between the network device and the first terminal device.

[0037] Based on this possible implementation, when the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two OFDM symbols, the network device configuration information indicates the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device and the use of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. In this case, the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device can be either SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. When the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is no greater than two OFDM symbols, since the number of OFDM symbols used for data transmission is small, the first terminal device can assume that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission. Only data between the network device and the first terminal device is transmitted on the given time-frequency resources. In this case, the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO, which ensures data transmission efficiency between the first terminal device and the network device when the data transmission time-domain length is small.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first terminal device sends a seventh message to the network device, indicating at least one of the following:

[0039] Application scenarios of the first terminal device;

[0040] The type of the first terminal device;

[0041] Capability information of the first terminal device.

[0042] Optionally, the application scenarios of the first terminal device include at least one of Industrial Wireless Sensor Network (IWSN) and video surveillance; the type of the first terminal device includes a terminal device with reduced capability (REDCAP), such as at least one of industrial wireless sensors, video surveillance cameras, or wearable devices; the capability information of the first terminal device includes that the first terminal device supports multiple antenna operating modes of SU-MIMO and / or MU-MIMO.

[0043] Based on this possible implementation, the first terminal device reports information, enabling the network device to configure information indicating the multi-antenna operating mode according to the application scenario, type, or capability information of the first terminal device. This solves the problem in the prior art where the first terminal device always defaults to MU-MIMO mode, and the operating mode of the first terminal device may not match the actual applicable operating mode, resulting in increased power consumption and resource waste. It should be noted that, typically, application scenarios correspond to specific service types. Therefore, the network device can determine the multi-antenna operating mode indicated by the configuration information based on the application scenario of the first terminal device. If one or more application scenarios contain service types applicable to different multi-antenna operating modes, the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to the specific service type. For example, if the IWSN and / or video surveillance application scenario further includes periodic and non-periodic services, then the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to IWSN and / or video surveillance for periodic services; or, the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to IWSN and / or video surveillance for non-periodic services.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first terminal device is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC connected state).

[0045] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method, the execution subject of which can be a network device, or a chip or integrated circuit in the network device. The following description uses a network device as the execution subject. The method includes: the network device sending first information to a first terminal device, the first information indicating a first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device; the network device sending second information to the first terminal device, the second information indicating at least one first DMRS port number and the number N of DMRS CDM groups corresponding to a second multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device, wherein the N DMRS CDM groups include the at least one first DMRS port number, and N is a positive integer.

[0046] Based on the above scheme, the network device instructs the first terminal to operate in multi-antenna mode by configuring first and second information. This solves the problem of increased power consumption and resource waste caused by the first terminal device always operating in MU-MIMO mode by default in the prior art.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the first information is carried in higher-layer signaling, which may be RRC signaling or MAC signaling; the second information is carried in physical layer signaling, such as DCI.

[0048] Based on this optional approach, when the first terminal device executes a certain service through static or semi-static scheduling by the network device, and / or when the first terminal device is applied to static or semi-static scenarios, such as periodic service scenarios in Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSN) and / or video surveillance, the operating mode of the first terminal device generally does not change, and the network device instructs the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device through higher-layer signaling. When the first terminal device executes a service through dynamic scheduling by the network device, and the first terminal device is applied to dynamic scenarios, and / or when the first terminal device is applied to scenarios paired with terminal devices in dynamic scenarios, such as non-periodic service scenarios in Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSN) and / or video surveillance, the operating mode of the first terminal device may change frequently, and the network device instructs the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device through physical layer signaling, flexibly realizing the dynamic switching of the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device. In other possible scenarios, such as a combination of static or semi-static scenarios and dynamic scenarios, or scenarios with frequent switching, network devices indicate the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device through a combination of higher-layer signaling and physical-layer signaling, thereby enabling flexible configuration of the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device.

[0049] For example, optionally, a first multi-antenna operating mode is configured for the first terminal device using the first information. If the first multi-antenna operating mode is suitable for the first terminal device, the network device configures the second information according to the first multi-antenna operating mode, and the first terminal device operates in the first operating mode. If the first multi-antenna operating mode is not suitable for the first terminal device, the network device can indicate a second multi-antenna operating mode different from the first multi-antenna operating mode through the second information, and the first terminal device switches between multi-antenna operating modes. Alternatively, after the first terminal device has been operating in the first multi-antenna operating mode for a period of time, the applicable multi-antenna operating mode for the first terminal device changes. In this case, the network device adjusts its configuration of the second information from the multi-antenna operating mode indicated by the first information to the multi-antenna operating mode suitable for the first terminal device, and the first terminal device switches between multi-antenna operating modes according to the second information.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the N DMRS CDM groups include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number. The at least one second DMRS port number is different from the at least one first DMRS port number. For example, the N DMRS CDM groups consist of at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number; or, the N DMRS CDM groups may include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number, and may also include other port numbers.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates SU-MIMO and the second information indicates MU-MIMO; or, the first information indicates MU-MIMO and the second information indicates MU-MIMO. In either of these scenarios, the network device determines at least one second DMRS port number to be assigned to the second terminal device. The second terminal device is at least one of the remaining terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal is located, excluding the first terminal device.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates SU-MIMO, and the second information indicates SU-MIMO; or, the first information indicates MU-MIMO, and the second information indicates SU-MIMO. In either of these scenarios, the network device determines that at least one second DMRS port number has not been assigned to the second terminal device, where the second terminal device is at least one of the remaining terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal is located, excluding the first terminal device.

[0053] Based on this possible implementation, the first terminal device determines the multi-antenna operating mode as SU-MIMO according to the first and second information sent by the network device, which solves the problem of increased power consumption and resource waste caused by the first terminal device still defaulting to MU-MIMO mode in the single-port transmission mode in the prior art.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the network device determines that at least one second DMRS port number has not been assigned to the second terminal device. When the number N of DMRS CDM groups is greater than 1, the second information is further used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device. Alternatively, if the second information is not used to indicate the use of the aforementioned time-frequency resources, the method further includes: the network device may also send third information to the first terminal device, the third information being used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0055] Based on this possible implementation, if the second or third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, the DMRS of the first terminal device can benefit from power enhancement, which helps improve channel estimation performance. If the transmit power of the network device remains unchanged, and the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, then the network device can send DMRS to the first terminal device at the aforementioned transmit power, which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the DMRS received by the first terminal device, thereby improving channel estimation performance. If the second or third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device, resource waste is avoided.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two OFDM symbols; specifically, the data is carried in a PDSCH. Optionally, the data transmission can be a single transmission or a single data transmission between the network device and the first terminal device.

[0057] Based on this possible implementation, when the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two OFDM symbols, the network device configuration information indicates the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device and the use of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. In this case, the network device can configure the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device as either SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. When the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is no greater than two OFDM symbols, since the number of OFDM symbols used for data transmission is small, the first terminal device can assume that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission. Only data between the network device and the first terminal device will be transmitted on the given time-frequency resources. In this case, the network device configures the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device as SU-MIMO, thus ensuring data transmission efficiency between the first terminal device and the network device when the data transmission time-domain length is small.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the network device receives fourth information from the first terminal device, indicating at least one of the following:

[0059] Application scenarios of the first terminal device;

[0060] The type of the first terminal device;

[0061] Capability information of the first terminal device.

[0062] Optionally, the application scenarios of the first terminal device include at least one of Industrial Wireless Sensor Network (IWSN) and video surveillance; the type of the first terminal device includes a terminal device with reduced capability (REDCAP), such as at least one of industrial wireless sensors, video surveillance cameras, or wearable devices; the capability information of the first terminal device includes that the first terminal device supports multiple antenna operating modes of SU-MIMO and / or MU-MIMO.

[0063] Based on this possible implementation, the network device configures information indicating the multi-antenna operating mode according to the application scenario, type, or capability information of the first terminal device. This solves the problem in the prior art where the first terminal device always defaults to MU-MIMO mode, and the operating mode of the first terminal device may not match the actual applicable operating mode, resulting in increased power consumption and resource waste. It should be noted that, typically, an application scenario corresponds to a specific service type. Therefore, the network device can determine the multi-antenna operating mode indicated by the configuration information based on the application scenario of the first terminal device. If one or more application scenarios contain service types applicable to different multi-antenna operating modes, the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to the specific service type. For example, if the IWSN and / or video surveillance application scenario further includes periodic and non-periodic services, then the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to IWSN and / or video surveillance for periodic services; or, the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to IWSN and / or video surveillance for non-periodic services.

[0064] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method, the execution subject of which can be a network device, or a chip or integrated circuit in the network device. The following description uses a network device as the execution subject. The method includes: the network device sending fifth information to a first terminal device, the fifth information indicating that the first terminal device's multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO.

[0065] The fifth piece of information is also used to indicate at least one first DMRS port number and the number N of DMRS CDM groups corresponding to the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device, wherein the N DMRS CDM groups include the at least one first DMRS port number, and N is a positive integer.

[0066] Based on the above scheme, the network device indicates the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal by configuring the fifth information. This solves the problem of increased power consumption and resource waste caused by the first terminal device always defaulting to MU-MIMO mode in the prior art.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the fifth information is carried in the DCI.

[0068] Based on this possible implementation, the network device instructs the first terminal device on the multi-antenna operating mode through downlink control information. The network device also instructs the first terminal device on the multi-antenna operating mode through the fifth information, and whether at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number corresponding to the first terminal device are assigned to the second terminal device. The network device can conveniently instruct the switching of the first terminal device's multi-antenna operating mode.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the N DMRS CDM groups include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number. The at least one second DMRS port number is different from the at least one first DMRS port number. For example, the N DMRS CDM groups consist of at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number; or, the N DMRS CDM groups may include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number, and may also include other port numbers.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the fifth information indicates that the first terminal device operates in MU-MIMO mode, and the network device determines at least one second DMRS port number to be assigned to the second terminal device. The second terminal device is at least one of the remaining terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal device is located, excluding the first terminal device.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the fifth piece of information indicates that the first terminal device's multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO, and the network device determines that at least one second DMRS port number has not been assigned to the second terminal device. The second terminal device is at least one of the remaining terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal is located, excluding the first terminal device.

[0072] Based on this possible implementation, the network device configures the fifth information to indicate that the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO. Accordingly, the first terminal device determines the multi-antenna operating mode as SU-MIMO according to the fifth information, which solves the problem of increased power consumption and waste of resources caused by the first terminal device still defaulting to MU-MIMO mode in the single-port transmission mode in the prior art.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the network device determines that at least one second DMRS port number has not been assigned to the second terminal device. When the number N of DMRS CDM groups is greater than 1, the fifth information is further used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device. Alternatively, if the fifth information is not used to indicate the use of the aforementioned time-frequency resources, the method further includes: the network device may also send a sixth information to the first terminal device, the sixth information being used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0074] Based on this possible implementation, if the second or third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, the DMRS of the first terminal device can benefit from power enhancement, which helps improve channel estimation performance. If the transmit power of the network device remains unchanged, and the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, then the network device can send DMRS to the first terminal device at the aforementioned transmit power, which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the DMRS received by the first terminal device, thereby improving channel estimation performance. If the second or third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device, resource waste is avoided.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two OFDM symbols; specifically, the data is carried in a PDSCH. Optionally, the data transmission can be a single transmission or a single data transmission between the network device and the first terminal device.

[0076] Based on this possible implementation, when the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two OFDM symbols, the network device configuration information indicates the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device and the use of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. In this case, the network device can configure the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device as either SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. When the time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is no greater than two OFDM symbols, since the number of OFDM symbols used for data transmission is small, the first terminal device can assume that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission. Only data between the network device and the first terminal device will be transmitted on the given time-frequency resources. In this case, the network device configures the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device as SU-MIMO, thus ensuring data transmission efficiency between the first terminal device and the network device when the data transmission time-domain length is small.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the network device receives seventh information from the first terminal device, indicating at least one of the following:

[0078] Application scenarios of the first terminal device;

[0079] The type of the first terminal device;

[0080] Capability information of the first terminal device.

[0081] Optionally, the application scenarios of the first terminal device include at least one of Industrial Wireless Sensor Network (IWSN) and video surveillance; the type of the first terminal device includes a terminal device with reduced capability (REDCAP), such as at least one of industrial wireless sensors, video surveillance cameras, or wearable devices; the capability information of the first terminal device includes that the first terminal device supports multiple antenna operating modes of SU-MIMO and / or MU-MIMO.

[0082] Based on this possible implementation, the network device configures information indicating the multi-antenna operating mode according to the application scenario, type, or capability information of the first terminal. This solves the problem in the prior art where the first terminal device always defaults to MU-MIMO mode, and the operating mode of the first terminal device may not match the actual applicable operating mode, resulting in increased power consumption and resource waste. It should be noted that, typically, an application scenario corresponds to a specific service type. Therefore, the network device can determine the multi-antenna operating mode indicated by the configuration information based on the application scenario of the first terminal device. If one or more application scenarios contain service types applicable to different multi-antenna operating modes, the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to the specific service type. For example, if the IWSN and / or video surveillance application scenario further includes periodic and non-periodic services, then the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to IWSN and / or video surveillance for periodic services; or, the application scenario reported by the first terminal device corresponds to IWSN and / or video surveillance for non-periodic services.

[0083] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, the beneficial effects of which are described in the first or second aspects and will not be repeated here. This communication device can be a first terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a chip or integrated circuit disposed in the first terminal device. The device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, and optionally, a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor is coupled to the memory and the interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to provide input or output of instructions and / or data to at least one processor. When at least one processor executes the above instructions, the device enables the device to perform the functions of the first terminal device in the above method. In an optional implementation, at least one processor is used to perform the function of determining the multi-antenna operating mode in the above method. The interface circuit is used to perform the function of the first terminal device receiving first and second information from a network device, or the interface circuit is used to perform the function of the first terminal device receiving fifth information from a network device. Optionally, the interface circuit is also used to perform the function of the first terminal device sending fourth information to a network device, or the function of the first terminal device sending seventh information to a network device.

[0084] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, the beneficial effects of which can be found in the descriptions of the third or fourth aspects and will not be repeated here. This communication device can be a network device in the above method embodiments, or a chip or integrated circuit disposed in a network device. The device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, and optionally, a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor is coupled to the memory and the interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to provide input or output of instructions and / or data to at least one processor. When at least one processor executes the above instructions, the device enables the network device to perform the functions of the network device in the above method. In an optional implementation, at least one processor is used to perform the function of configuring a multi-antenna operating mode in the above method. The interface circuit is used to perform the function of the network device sending first information and second information to a first terminal device, or the interface circuit is used to perform the function of the network device sending fifth information to the first terminal device. Optionally, the interface circuit is also used to perform the function of the network device receiving fourth information sent from the first terminal device, or the function of the network device receiving seventh information sent from the first terminal device.

[0085] Seventhly, this application provides a communication device having the function of implementing the behaviors described in the method examples of the first or third aspects above. The beneficial effects can be found in the descriptions of the first or second aspects, and will not be repeated here. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0086] In one optional implementation, the communication device includes: a receiving module, configured to receive first information and second information from a network device, wherein the first information indicates a first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device, and the second information indicates a second multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device; or, configured to receive fifth information from the network device, wherein the fifth information indicates a multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device. A processing module, configured to determine whether the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. A transmitting module, configured to transmit fourth information to the network device, wherein the fourth information indicates the application scenario, type, and / or capability information of the first terminal device; or, configured to transmit seventh information to the network device, wherein the seventh information indicates the application scenario, type, and / or capability information of the first terminal device.

[0087] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior in the method examples of the third or fourth aspects described above. The beneficial effects can be found in the description of the third or fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0088] In one optional implementation, the communication device includes: a transmitting module, configured to transmit first information and second information to a first terminal device, wherein the first information indicates a first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device, and the second information indicates a second multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device; or, configured to transmit fifth information to the first terminal device, wherein the fifth information indicates a multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device. A processing module, configured to determine that the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device indicated by configuration information is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. A receiving module, configured to receive fourth information from the first terminal device, wherein the fourth information indicates an application scenario, a type of the first terminal device, and / or capability information of the first terminal device; or, configured to receive seventh information from the first terminal device, wherein the seventh information indicates an application scenario, a type of the first terminal device, and / or capability information of the first terminal device.

[0089] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when run by at least one processor, causes the methods executed by the first terminal device in the above aspects to be performed.

[0090] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when run by at least one processor, causes the methods executed by the network device in the above aspects to be performed.

[0091] Eleventhly, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor and interface circuitry. The interface circuitry is used to provide input or output of instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. When the at least one processor executes the aforementioned instructions, the chip system is used to implement the functions of the first terminal device in the methods described above. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0092] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor and interface circuitry. The interface circuitry provides input or output of instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. When the at least one processor executes the instructions, the chip system implements the functions of a network device as described in the methods of the above aspects. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0093] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program, the computer program including instructions for performing the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0094] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program, the computer program including instructions for performing the methods in any possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect.

[0095] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system including the network equipment and terminal equipment involved in any of the above aspects.

[0096] Compared to existing technologies, the solution provided by this invention allows for flexible configuration of the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device. For example, when there are many terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal device is located, the MU-MIMO mode can be configured to ensure the user data transmission rate and improve the system transmission efficiency. When there are few terminal devices in the communication system where the first terminal device is located, the SU-MIMO mode can be configured to ensure the data transmission performance between the first terminal device and the network device, and to reduce the complexity of the first terminal device. Attached Figure Description

[0097] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0098] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0099] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a network device and a communication device provided in this application embodiment.

[0100] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method for indicating the operating mode of multiple antennas provided in this application embodiment.

[0101] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another method for indicating a multi-antenna operating mode provided in this application embodiment.

[0102] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0103] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0104] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0105] The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to limit a specific order. In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0106] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0107] To facilitate understanding of this application, the relevant concepts involved in the embodiments of this application are now described.

[0108] I. Single User-Multiple Input Multiple Output (SU-MIMO) mode refers to a network device sending multiple data streams to a single terminal device on a given time-frequency resource.

[0109] II. Multiple User-Multiple Input Multiple Output (SU-MIMO) mode refers to a network device sending multiple data streams to multiple terminal devices on a given time-frequency resource, with each terminal device corresponding to one or more data streams.

[0110] III. DCI format 1_1 and DCI format 1_0 are two DCI formats related to the transmission of the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0111] A DCI in 1_1 format can indicate the port information of the DMRS, which includes the number of Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) Code Division Multiplexing (CDM) groups without data and the DMRS port number. The number of symbols in the front-end DMRS configured by the network device is 1 or 2, and the number of symbols in the front-end DMRS is the number of OFDM symbols occupied by that DMRS. Furthermore, the DMRS types configured by the network device include Type I DMRS and Type II DMRS. The number of time-frequency resource units corresponding to the DMRS ports of Type I DMRS and Type II DMRS is different. Each DMRS CDM group contains multiple DMRS ports. The specific situation in the prior art can be represented as follows:

[0112] When the number of symbols in the front-end DMRS is 1 and the DMRS type is Class 1, the OFDM symbols occupied by the DMRS support 2 DMRS CDM groups. Each DMRS CDM group contains 6 time-frequency resource units in its corresponding time-frequency resource block. Each DMRS CDM group contains two DMRS ports, and each DMRS port number corresponds to 3 time-frequency resource units.

[0113] When the number of symbols in the pre-diffraction DMRS is 2 and the DMRS type is Class 1, the OFDM symbols occupied by this DMRS support 2 DMRS CDM groups. Each DMRS CDM group contains 12 time-frequency resource units in its corresponding time-frequency resource block, and each DMRS CDM group contains four DMRS ports, with each DMRS port number corresponding to 3 time-frequency resource units.

[0114] When the number of symbols in the preceding DMRS is 1 and the DMRS type is Type 2, the OFDM symbols occupied by this DMRS support 3 DMRS CDM groups. Each DMRS CDM group contains 4 time-frequency resource units in its corresponding time-frequency resource block, and each DMRS CDM group contains two DMRS ports, with each DMRS port number corresponding to 2 time-frequency resource units.

[0115] When the number of symbols in the pre-diffraction DMRS is 2 and the DMRS type is Type 2, the OFDM symbols occupied by this DMRS support 3 DMRS CDM groups. Each DMRS CDM group contains 8 time-frequency resource units in its corresponding time-frequency resource block, and each DMRS CDM group contains four DMRS ports, with each DMRS port number corresponding to 2 time-frequency resource units.

[0116] The NR communication system can transmit a maximum of two codewords during a single data transmission. Table 1 shows the status of the NR communication system when the network device is configured to transmit data using one codeword, with one pre-set DMRS symbol, and the DMRS port number indicated by the DCI in the format 1_1 when using Type I DMRS.

[0117] Table 1

[0118]

[0119] The DCI in format 1_1 contains a 4-bit indicator field for indicating DMRS port value information, corresponding to 16 information values. Information values ​​0-11 indicate DMRS port information, while information values ​​12-15 are reserved and do not indicate any DMRS port information. Each DMRS CDM group can contain two DMRS port numbers, and N DMRS CDM groups can contain 2N DMRS port numbers. If the port number indicated in this status table is called the first DMRS port number, then the relationship between the number of DMRS CDM groups N and the first DMRS port number is one of the following four cases.

[0120] The number of DMRS CDM groups N is 1, and the first DMRS port number is 1;

[0121] The number of DMRS CDM groups N is 1, and the first DMRS port number can be multiple;

[0122] The number of DMRS CDM groups N is greater than 1, and the first DMRS port number is 1;

[0123] The number of DMRS CDM groups N is greater than 1, and the first DMRS port number can be multiple.

[0124] The DCI in format 1_0 does not explicitly indicate the DMRS CDM group and DMRS port number. When the PDSCH duration scheduled by the DCI in format 1_0 is two OFDM symbols, the terminal device receiving the DCI in format 1_0 will assume that the number of DMRS CDM groups is 1; when the PDSCH duration scheduled by the DCI in format 1_0 exceeds two OFDM symbols, the terminal device receiving the DCI in format 1_0 will assume that the number of DMRS CDM groups is 2. For single-port transmission, only one DMRS CDM group and one DMRS port need to be configured on the network device. However, with this determination method, when the PDSCH duration received by the terminal device exceeds two OFDM symbols, the terminal device still determines the number of DMRS CDM groups to be 2. Although there is no MU-MIMO assumption, two DMRS CDM groups need to correspond to two time-frequency resource blocks. This not only wastes resources, but also causes problems with the rate matching of data transmission between the network device and the terminal device.

[0125] IV. Reduced Capacity (REDCAP) Terminal Devices: In New Radio (NR) communication systems, there are application scenarios that require support for REDCAP terminal devices. REDCAP terminal devices typically have narrower bandwidth, fewer antenna ports, and / or lower transmission rates. Additionally, REDCAP terminal devices have longer battery life, lower processing complexity, and / or lower cost.

[0126] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G (5th generation mobile networks), future evolution systems, or multiple converged communication systems. They can also be applied to various application scenarios within these communication systems, such as Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSN) and video surveillance. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can support various types of terminal devices, such as REDCAP terminal devices, including industrial wireless sensors, video surveillance cameras, and wearable devices (smartwatches).

[0127] In the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order. "At least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0128] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0129] The embodiments of this application can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The communication system shown includes at least one network device 10 and at least one communication device 20. The communication device 30 is at least one of the other communication devices in the communication system besides the communication device 20.

[0130] Network device 10 can be an access network device, also known as a radio access network (RAN) device, which is a device that provides wireless communication functions for communication equipment. Access network devices include, but are not limited to: next-generation node B (gNB), evolved node B (eNB), baseband unit (BBU), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP) in 5G, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access points in WiFi systems.

[0131] The application scenarios of network device 10 include, but are not limited to, industrial wireless sensor networks (IWSN), video surveillance, and / or wearable device applications. The services performed by network device 10 include, but are not limited to, periodic and non-periodic services in IWSN and / or video surveillance scenarios, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC).

[0132] Communication equipment 20 provides voice and / or data connectivity services to users. It may be a terminal device (UE), also known as user equipment (UE), user terminal (UT), mobile terminal (MT), mobile station (MS), etc., and can communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN). For example, a terminal device may be a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) or a computer with a mobile terminal. User equipment may also be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the radio access network.

[0133] The application scenarios of communication equipment 20 include, but are not limited to, industrial wireless sensor networks (IWSN), video surveillance, and / or wearable device applications. The types of communication equipment 20 include, but are not limited to, wearable devices. The services performed by communication equipment 20 include, but are not limited to, periodic and non-periodic services in IWSN and / or video surveillance scenarios, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC).

[0134] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a network device and a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0135] Network device 10 includes at least one processor 101, at least one memory 102, at least one transceiver 103, and at least one network interface 104. The processor 101, memory 102, transceiver 103, and network interface 104 are connected via a bus. The network interface 104 is used to connect to core network equipment via a link (e.g., an S1 interface), or to connect to the network interfaces of other access network devices via a wired or wireless link (e.g., an X2 interface) (not shown in the figure). This embodiment does not specifically limit its functionality.

[0136] Processor 101 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program according to the present application. Processor 201 may also include multiple CPUs, and processor 201 can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. Here, processor can refer to one or more devices, circuits, or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0137] The memory 102 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or it may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 102 may exist independently and be connected to the processor 101 via a bus. The memory 102 may also be integrated with the processor 101. The memory 102 is used to store application code that executes the scheme of this application and is controlled by the processor 101 for execution. The processor 101 is used to execute the computer program code stored in the memory 102, thereby implementing the multi-antenna operating mode indication method described in the embodiments of this application.

[0138] Transceiver 103 can be any transceiver-like device used for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, Radio Access Network (RAN), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), etc. Transceiver 203 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx.

[0139] The communication device 20 includes at least one processor 201, at least one memory 202, and at least one transceiver 203. Optionally, the communication device 20 may also include an output device 204 and an input device 205. The processor 201, memory 202, and transceiver 203 are connected to each other via a bus. Furthermore, the relevant descriptions of the processor 201, memory 202, and transceiver 203 can be found in the description of the processor 101, memory 102, and transceiver 103 in the network device 10, and will not be repeated here.

[0140] Output device 204 communicates with processor 201 and can display information in various ways. For example, output device 204 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. Input device 205 communicates with processor 201 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, input device 205 can be a mouse, keyboard, touch screen device, or sensor device, etc.

[0141] This application provides a method for indicating a multi-antenna operating mode, which is described below using a terminal device as an example of a communication device. A network device sends configuration information to a first terminal device to indicate the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device. The first terminal device determines the multi-antenna operating mode based on the indication information configured by the network device, thereby solving the problem of increased power consumption and resource waste caused by the terminal device always defaulting to MU-MIMO mode.

[0142] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a multi-antenna operating mode indication method provided in this application. The method includes steps 300-306.

[0143] 300: The network device determines the first multi-antenna operating mode.

[0144] Specifically, the network device may determine the first multi-antenna operating mode based on the application scenario of the first terminal device, the device type of the first terminal device, and / or the capability information of the first terminal device; or, the network device may determine the first multi-antenna operating mode based on a predefined or pre-configured definition.

[0145] 301: The network device sends first information to the first terminal device, and correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first information from the network device. The first information is used to indicate a first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device.

[0146] Specifically, the first information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) signaling.

[0147] In one optional design, the first information indicates that the first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO. The first terminal device receives the first information and determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO. In this optional design, the network device indicates this via the first information when it needs to configure the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device to be SU-MIMO. Otherwise, the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is MU-MIMO, meaning that if the first multi-antenna operating mode is not indicated via the aforementioned RRC signaling or MAC signaling, the terminal device defaults to operating in MU-MIMO mode.

[0148] In another optional design, the first information indicates that the first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. That is, in this optional design, there is no default multi-antenna operating mode, and the first terminal device determines the first multi-antenna operating mode according to the indication of the first information.

[0149] 302: The network device has determined the second multi-antenna operating mode.

[0150] Specifically, the network device determines the second multi-antenna operating mode based on the application scenario of the first terminal device, the device type of the first terminal device, and / or the capability information of the first terminal device; or, the network device determines the second multi-antenna operating mode based on a predefined or pre-configured definition.

[0151] 303: The network device sends second information to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the second information from the network device. The second information indicates that the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. Further, the second information also indicates at least one first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port number corresponding to the second multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device and the number N of DMRS code division multiplexing (CDM) groups, where the N DMRS CDM groups include the at least one first DMRS port number, and N is a positive integer.

[0152] Specifically, the second information indicates that the second multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. Optionally, the second information is carried in downlink control information, and the downlink control information can be in DCI format 1_1.

[0153] The N DMRS CDM groups include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number. The at least one second DMRS port number is different from the at least one first DMRS port number. For example, the N DMRS CDM groups consist of at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number; or, the N DMRS CDM groups include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number, and may also include other port numbers.

[0154] In one example, the second information can be carried through an indication field in the downlink control information. Optionally, the indication field can contain 4 bits. The second information indicates different information to the first terminal device through different values ​​of the indication field.

[0155] Specifically, there is a correspondence between the value of the second information and the multi-antenna operating mode. This correspondence is predefined or configured. As an example, the correspondence is illustrated in a table below, but this application does not limit the specific form in which the correspondence is manifested.

[0156] One possible correspondence is shown in Table 2. The second information is carried by a 4-bit indicator field, corresponding to 16 information values. Information values ​​0-11 indicate the MU-MIMO operating mode to the first terminal device, which has good compatibility with existing technologies; information values ​​12 and 13 indicate the SU-MIMO operating mode to the first terminal device. Information values ​​14 and 15 are reserved and do not indicate any multi-antenna operating mode for the time being.

[0157] Table 2

[0158]

[0159] In one example, when information value 12 in Table 2 indicates SU-MIMO operating mode, the number of DMRS CDM groups it indicates can be 1, and the DMRS port number it indicates can be 0; when information value 13 indicates SU-MIMO operating mode, the number of DMRS CDM groups it indicates can be 2, and the DMRS port number it indicates can be 0 or 1. A single-antenna port terminal device can transmit data with a network device through one DMRS port, while a dual-antenna port terminal device can transmit data with a network device through two DMRS ports. Further optionally, information value 12 can be used to indicate the SU-MIMO mode of a single-antenna port terminal device, and information value 13 can be used to indicate the SU-MIMO mode of a dual-antenna port terminal device.

[0160] The correspondence between the number of DMRS CDM groups N and the DMRS port number shown in Table 2 is only an example, and this application does not make any specific limitations on it.

[0161] 304: The first terminal device has determined the multi-antenna operating mode to be the second multi-antenna operating mode.

[0162] During communication, DMRS is a signal type known to both network and terminal devices and is used for channel estimation. It can be understood that DMRS is not valid data. However, in PDSCH, in addition to DMRS, there is data that terminal devices need to demodulate to obtain the information sent by the network device. This data can be considered valid data; therefore, PDSCH contains both DMRS and valid data.

[0163] Specifically, when the first terminal device operates in MU-MIMO mode, it receives downlink control information from the network device and determines that at least one second DMRS port number is allocated to the second terminal device. At this time, DMRS exists in the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. When the first terminal device demodulates the valid data in the PDSCH sent by the network device, it needs to treat the DMRS corresponding to the second terminal device and the data transmitted through at least one second DMRS port corresponding to the second terminal device as interference signals. In this case, the power consumption and complexity of the first terminal device are relatively high. When the first terminal device operates in SU-MIMO mode, it receives downlink control information from the network device and determines that at least one second DMRS port number is not allocated to the second terminal device. At this time, DMRS does not exist in the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number, and therefore the step of treating the DMRS corresponding to the second terminal device and the data transmitted through at least one second DMRS port corresponding to the second terminal device as interference signals in MU-MIMO mode is eliminated. In this case, the power consumption and complexity of the first terminal device are reduced.

[0164] Example 1: The first information indicates that the first multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO, and the second information indicates that the second multi-antenna operating mode is MU-MIMO. After receiving the first information and the second information, the first terminal device sets the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device to MU-MIMO, and at least one second DMRS port number is assigned to the second terminal device.

[0165] Example 2: The first information indicates a first multi-antenna operating mode of SU-MIMO, and the second information indicates a second multi-antenna operating mode of SU-MIMO. After receiving the first and second information, the first terminal device sets its multi-antenna operating mode to SU-MIMO. At least one second DMRS port number is not assigned to the second terminal device.

[0166] Example 3: The first information indicates that the first multi-antenna operating mode is MU-MIMO, and the second information indicates that the second multi-antenna operating mode is also MU-MIMO. After receiving the first information and the second information, the first terminal device sets the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device to MU-MIMO, and at least one second DMRS port number is assigned to the second terminal device.

[0167] Example 4: The first information indicates that the first multi-antenna operating mode is MU-MIMO, and the second information indicates that the second multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO. After receiving the first information and the second information, the first terminal device operates in SU-MIMO multi-antenna mode, and at least one second DMRS port number is not assigned to the second terminal device.

[0168] Alternatively, the network device may send an eighth message to the first terminal device.

[0169] The eighth information is used to indicate the third multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device. The eighth information is also used to indicate at least one first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port number and the number N1 of demodulation reference signal (DMRS) code division multiplexing (CDM) groups corresponding to the third multi-antenna operating mode. The N1 DMRS CDM groups include the at least one first DMRS port number, and N1 is a positive integer.

[0170] Specifically, the eighth information indicates that the third multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. Optionally, the eighth information is carried in downlink control information, and the downlink control information can be in DCI format 1_1.

[0171] The N1 DMRS CDM groups include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number. The at least one first DMRS port number is different from the at least one second DMRS port number. For example, the N1 DMRS CDM groups consist of at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number; or, the N1 DMRS CDM groups include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number, and may also include other port numbers. It should be noted that the allocation method of DMRS port numbers in the DMRS CDM groups in the eighth information can be the same as or different from the allocation method of DMRS port numbers in the DMRS CDM groups in the second information. The at least one first DMRS port number in the eighth information can be the same as or different from the at least one first DMRS port number in the second information. The at least one second DMRS port number in the eighth information can be the same as or different from the at least one second second DMRS port number in the second information.

[0172] Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the eighth information and determines that the multi-antenna working mode is the third multi-day working mode.

[0173] Specifically, the possible scenarios include the following four:

[0174] In the first scenario, both the third and second multi-antenna operating modes are MU-MIMO. After receiving the eighth information, the first terminal device determines the multi-antenna operating mode to be the third multi-antenna operating mode, while maintaining the MU-MIMO operating mode.

[0175] The second type is where both the third and second multi-antenna operating modes are SU-MIMO. After receiving the eighth information, the first terminal device determines the multi-antenna operating mode to be the third multi-antenna operating mode, while maintaining the SU-MIMO operating mode.

[0176] The third type is a second multi-antenna operating mode of SU-MIMO and a third multi-antenna operating mode of MU-MIMO. After receiving the eighth information, the first terminal device determines to switch the multi-antenna operating mode from SU-MIMO to MU-MIMO.

[0177] The fourth type is the second multi-antenna operating mode, which is MU-MIMO, and the third type is SU-MIMO. After receiving the eighth information, the first terminal device determines to switch the multi-antenna operating mode from MU-MIMO to SU-MIMO.

[0178] Based on the above four scenarios, when the first terminal device determines the second multi-antenna operating mode using the first and second information, the first terminal device operates in the second multi-antenna operating mode. If, subsequently, the applicable multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device changes and an adjustment of the operating mode is required, the eighth information can be used to switch the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device.

[0179] When the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO, and the number of DMRS CDM groups N and / or N1 is greater than 1, the time-frequency resource blocks corresponding to the N and / or N1 DMRS CDM groups are also greater than 1. At least one second DMRS port number is not allocated to the second terminal device, and its corresponding time-frequency resources are no longer used for data transmission between the second terminal device and the network device.

[0180] Optionally, when the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO, and the number of DMRS CDM groups N and / or N1 is greater than 1, it further indicates the usage method of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number:

[0181] The first method utilizes different information values ​​of the aforementioned 4-bit indicator field in a 1-1 DCI to indicate the usage mode of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. Optionally, while one or more information values ​​indicate SU-MIMO mode, when the number of DMRS CDM groups N and / or N1 is greater than 1, these one or more information values ​​can also indicate the usage mode of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number.

[0182] For example, in Table 3, information value 12 indicates that in SU-MIMO mode, and when the number of DMRS CDM groups N and / or N1 is greater than 1, at least one time-frequency resource corresponding to a second DMRS port number is not used for data transmission, i.e., SU-MIMO-1. Information value 13 indicates that in SU-MIMO mode, and when the number of DMRS CDM groups N and / or N1 is greater than 1, at least one time-frequency resource corresponding to a second DMRS port number is used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device, i.e., SU-MIMO-2.

[0183] Table 3

[0184]

[0185] In Table 3, when information value 12 indicates SU-MIMO-1 operating mode, the number of DMRS CDM groups it indicates can be 2, and the DMRS port number it indicates can be 0 or 1. For example, information value 12 can indicate that when the dual-antenna port terminal device is operating in SU-MIMO, the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission. Similarly, when information value 13 indicates SU-MIMO-2 operating mode, the number of DMRS CDM groups it indicates can be 2, and the DMRS port number it indicates can be 0 or 1. Furthermore, information value 13 can indicate that when the dual-antenna port terminal device is operating in SU-MIMO, the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0186] The correspondence between the number of DMRS CDM groups N and the DMRS port number shown in Table 3 is only an example, and this application does not make any specific limitations on it.

[0187] The second method utilizes indication fields in the DCI (Digital Information Framework) of format 1-1, excluding the aforementioned 4-bit indication field, to indicate the usage of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. For example, one bit other than the aforementioned 4-bit indication field can be used as third information, with one bit corresponding to two information values. Optionally, an information value of 0 for the third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, and an information value of 1 for the third information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0188] The third method utilizes higher-layer signaling configured in the network device to indicate the usage of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. For example, the network device sends a third message to the first terminal device to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0189] Optionally, the method further includes: 305, the first terminal device reports fourth information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the fourth information.

[0190] In one example, the fourth information is used to indicate the application scenario of the first terminal. Optionally, the application scenario indicated by the fourth information includes at least one of Industry Wireless Sensor Network (IWSN) and video surveillance.

[0191] In another example, the fourth information indicates the device type of the first terminal device. Optionally, the device type indicated by the fourth information includes terminal devices with reduced capability (REDCAP), such as at least one of an industrial wireless sensor, a video surveillance camera, or a wearable device.

[0192] In another example, the fourth information indicates the capability information of the first terminal device. Optionally, the capability information of the terminal device indicated by the fourth information includes the multi-antenna operating modes supported by the first terminal device, including SU-MIMO and / or MU-MIMO.

[0193] In addition, the information indicated by the fourth piece of information can be any combination of the information described in the above examples.

[0194] Optionally, the method further includes: 306: The network device configures the corresponding working mode according to the fourth information.

[0195] Specifically, the network device executes step 300 based on the fourth information. Optionally, the network device may also execute step 302 based on the first information.

[0196] Additionally, in step 301, there is an optional design where the first information indicates that the first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO. The first terminal device receives the first information and determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO. In this optional design, the network device indicates this via the first information when it needs to configure the first terminal device to SU-MIMO. Otherwise, the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is MU-MIMO, meaning that if the first multi-antenna operating mode is not indicated via the aforementioned RRC signaling or MAC signaling, the terminal device defaults to operating in MU-MIMO mode. In this case, a possible example is that the network device does not indicate the first multi-antenna operating mode via RRC signaling or MAC signaling, and the terminal device defaults to operating in MU-MIMO mode. Further, the network device sends second information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the second information from the network device and determines whether the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO based on the second information.

[0197] Specifically, the network device sends second information to the first terminal device, the second information indicating the second multi-antenna operating mode is MU-MIMO, the first terminal device determines at least one second DMRS port number to be assigned to the second terminal device, and the first terminal device determines the multi-antenna operating mode to be MU-MIMO.

[0198] Specifically, the network device sends second information to the first terminal device, the second information indicating the second multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO, the first terminal device determines that at least one second DMRS port number has not been assigned to the second terminal device, and the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO.

[0199] Furthermore, when the second information indicates SU-MIMO mode and the number N of DMRS CDM groups is greater than 1, the usage method of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number can be further indicated. The indication method can be referred to the relevant description in step 304.

[0200] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for indicating the operating mode of multiple antennas provided in this application. The method includes steps 400-404.

[0201] 400: The network device determines the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device.

[0202] Specifically, the network device determines the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device based on the application scenario, device type, and / or capability information of the first terminal device; or, the network device determines the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device based on a predefined or pre-configured information.

[0203] 401: The network device sends fifth information, which indicates that the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO. Further, the fifth information also indicates at least one first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port number corresponding to the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device and the number N of DMRS code division multiplexing (CDM) groups, wherein the N DMRS CDM groups include the at least one first DMRS port number, and N is a positive integer.

[0204] Optionally, the fifth information is carried in downlink control information, and the downlink control information can be in DCI format 1_1.

[0205] The N DMRS CDM groups include at least one first DMRS port number and at least one second DMRS port number. The at least one first DMRS port number is different from the at least one second DMRS port number. For example, the N DMRS CDM groups consist of the at least one first DMRS port number and the at least one second DMRS port number; or, the N DMRS CDM groups may include the at least one first DMRS port number and the at least one second DMRS port number, and may also include other port numbers.

[0206] In one example, the fifth piece of information can be carried in an indicator field within the downlink control information. Optionally, the indicator field can contain 4 bits. The fifth piece of information indicates different messages to the first terminal device through different values ​​of the indicator field.

[0207] Specifically, there is a correspondence between the values ​​of the fifth piece of information and the multi-antenna operating modes. This correspondence is predefined or configured. Optionally, the correspondence can be represented in a table. The correspondence between the values ​​and the multi-antenna operating modes can be referenced... Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments described herein will not be repeated here.

[0208] 402: The first terminal device determines the multi-antenna operating mode as SU-MIMO or MU-MIMO based on the fifth information.

[0209] During communication, DMRS is a signal type known to both network and terminal devices and is used for channel estimation. It can be understood that DMRS is not valid data. However, in PDSCH, in addition to DMRS, there is data that terminal devices need to demodulate to obtain the information sent by the network device. This data can be considered valid data; therefore, PDSCH contains both DMRS and valid data.

[0210] Specifically, when the first terminal device operates in MU-MIMO mode, it receives downlink control information from the network device and determines that at least one second DMRS port number is assigned to the second terminal device. In this case, DMRS exists in the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. When the first terminal device demodulates the valid data in the PDSCH sent by the network device, it needs to treat the DMRS corresponding to the second terminal device and the data transmitted through at least one second DMRS port as interference signals. In this scenario, the power consumption and complexity of the first terminal device are relatively high. When the first terminal device operates in SU-MIMO mode, it receives downlink control information from the network device and determines that at least one second DMRS port number is not assigned to the second terminal device. In this case, DMRS does not exist in the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number, and therefore, the step of treating the DMRS corresponding to the second terminal device and the data transmitted through at least one second DMRS port as interference signals is not required. Thus, the power consumption and complexity of the first terminal device are reduced.

[0211] In one example, the fifth information indicates that the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is MU-MIMO. The first terminal device receives the fifth information, determines that the second DMRS port number is assigned to the second terminal device, and the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is MU-MIMO.

[0212] In another example, the fifth message indicates that the first terminal device's multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO. Upon receiving the fifth message, the first terminal device determines that the second DMRS port number has not been assigned to the second terminal device.

[0213] When the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO and the number of DMRS CDM groups N is greater than 1, the time-frequency resource blocks corresponding to the N DMRS CDM groups are also greater than 1. At least one second DMRS port number is not allocated to the second terminal device, and its corresponding time-frequency resources are no longer used for data transmission between the second terminal device and the network device.

[0214] When the first terminal device determines that the multi-antenna operating mode is SU-MIMO and the number N of DMRS CDM groups is greater than 1, optionally, it can further indicate the usage method of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number:

[0215] The first method utilizes the fifth information to indicate the use of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. The indication method can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments described herein will not be repeated here.

[0216] The second method utilizes indication fields in the DCI (Digital Information Classification) formatted as 1-1, excluding the aforementioned 4 bits, to indicate the usage of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one DMRS port number. For example, one bit outside the aforementioned 4-bit indication fields can be used as the sixth piece of information. This single bit corresponds to two information values. Optionally, a value of 0 for the sixth piece of information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission. A value of 1 for the sixth piece of information indicates that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0217] The third method utilizes higher-layer signaling configured in the network device to indicate the usage of time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number. For example, the network device sends a sixth message to the first terminal device to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission, or are used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0218] Optionally, the method further includes: 403: The first terminal device reports the seventh information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the seventh information.

[0219] In one example, the seventh piece of information is used to indicate the application scenario of the first terminal. Optionally, the application scenario indicated by the seventh piece of information includes at least one of Industrial Wireless Sensor Network (IWSN) and video surveillance.

[0220] In another example, the seventh piece of information indicates the device type of the first terminal device. Optionally, the device type of the first terminal device indicated by the seventh piece of information includes a reduced capability (REDCAP) terminal device, such as at least one of an industrial wireless sensor, a video surveillance camera, or a wearable device. In another example, the seventh piece of information indicates the capability information of the first terminal device. Optionally, the capability information of the terminal device indicated by the seventh piece of information includes that the first terminal device supports multiple antenna operating modes of SU-MIMO and / or MU-MIMO.

[0221] In addition, the information indicated by the seventh information can be any combination of the information described in the above examples.

[0222] Optionally, the method further includes: 404: The network device configures the corresponding multi-antenna operating mode according to the seventh information.

[0223] Specifically, based on the seventh information, the network device executes the process 400 to determine the multi-antenna operating mode indicated by the fifth information.

[0224] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the interaction between communication devices and network devices. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, communication devices and network devices include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0225] This application embodiment can divide communication devices and network devices according to the above method examples. For example, it can divide them into modules or units corresponding to various functions, or it can integrate two or more functions into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or in software modules or units. The division of modules or units in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0226] For example, when dividing functional modules according to their respective functions, Figure 5 A possible structural schematic diagram of the communication device involved in the above embodiments is shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 includes a processing module 501, a transmitting module 502, and a receiving module 503. The communication device can be the network device itself, or a chip system or integrated circuit within the network device.

[0227] When the communication device 500 is used to implement Figure 3 In the network device function described in the method embodiment, the processing module 501 is used to support the network device in performing the functions of determining a first multi-antenna operating mode and a second multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device. For example, Figure 3Step 300 and Figure 3 Step 302. The sending module 502 is used to support the network device in performing the function of sending first information and second information to the terminal device, for example, Figure 3 Steps 301 and 303, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein. The receiving module 503 is configured to support the network device in performing the function of receiving fourth information sent from the first terminal device, for example, Figure 3 Step 305 in the document, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein.

[0228] When the communication device 500 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment, when the network device functions, the processing module 501 is used to support the network device in performing the function of determining the multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device. For example... Figure 4 Step 400. The sending module 502 is used to support the network device in performing the function of sending fifth information to the terminal device, for example, Figure 4 Step 401, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein. Receiving module 503 is configured to support the network device in performing the function of receiving seventh information sent from the first terminal device, for example, Figure 4 Step 403 in the document, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein.

[0229] For example, when dividing functional modules according to their respective functions, Figure 6 A possible structural schematic diagram of the communication device involved in the above embodiments is shown. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 includes a processing module 601, a transmitting module 602, and a receiving module 603. The communication device can be the terminal device itself, or a chip system or integrated circuit within the terminal device.

[0230] When the communication device 600 is used to implement Figure 3 In the method embodiment, when the first terminal device functions, the processing module 601 is used to support the first terminal device in performing the function of determining the multi-antenna operating mode. For example, Figure 3 Step 304. The receiving module 603 is used to support the first terminal device in performing the function of receiving first information and second information sent from the network device, for example, Figure 3 Steps 301 and 303, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein. The sending module 602 is configured to support the function of the first terminal device sending fourth information to the network device, for example, Figure 3 Step 305 in the document, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein.

[0231] When the communication device 600 is used to implement Figure 4In the method embodiment, when the first terminal device functions, the processing module 601 is used to support the first terminal device in performing the function of determining the multi-antenna operating mode. For example, Figure 4 Step 402. The receiving module 603 is used to support the first terminal device in performing the function of receiving the fifth information sent by the network device, for example, Figure 4 Step 401, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein. Sending module 602 is configured to support the first terminal device in performing the function of sending seventh information to the network device, for example, Figure 4 Step 403 in the document, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein.

[0232] In this embodiment, the device is presented as a functional module corresponding to each function, or the device is presented as an integrated functional module. Here, "module" may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, or other devices that can provide the above functions. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the network device can employ... Figure 2 This is achieved using the network devices shown. For example, Figure 5 The sending module 502 in the middle can be made by Figure 2 The communication interface 103 is used to implement this, and the processing module 501 can be implemented by... Figure 2 The processor 101 in the application is used for implementation, but this embodiment does not impose any limitations on it.

[0233] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions; when the computer-readable storage medium is executed on a computer, it implements the functions of the network device and terminal device in the method shown in this application.

[0234] Optionally, this application provides a chip system for supporting the implementation of the multi-antenna operating mode indication method provided in this application, for example, Figure 3 and Figure 4The method for indicating multiple antenna operating modes is shown. The chip system includes at least one processor and interface circuitry. The interface circuitry provides input or output of instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. When the at least one processor executes the aforementioned instructions, the chip system implements the functions of the network device or terminal device in the method for indicating multiple antenna operating modes provided in this application. In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data for the network device. Of course, the memory may not be present in the chip system. The chip system may be composed of chips or may contain chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0235] Figure 7 The image shows an example of a chip system provided in this application. The chip system 700 includes a processor 701 and an interface circuit 702. Optionally, the processor 701 and the interface circuit 702 can be connected via a bus 703.

[0236] This application provides a communication system, including one or more of the aforementioned network devices and one or more of the aforementioned communication devices.

[0237] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information from a network device, the first information being used to indicate a first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device; The first terminal device receives second information from the network device, the second information being used to indicate at least one first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port number corresponding to the second multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device and the number N of demodulation reference signal (DMRS) code division multiplexing (CDM) groups, wherein the N DMRS CDM groups include the at least one first DMRS port number and N is a positive integer. The multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is determined to be the second multi-antenna operating mode; Send third information to the network device, the third information being used to indicate the application scenario of the first terminal device and / or the type of the first terminal device; Receive fourth information from the network device, the fourth information being used to indicate a third multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device based on the third information; The multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is determined to be the third multi-antenna operating mode.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) signaling.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

4. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The N DMRS CDM groups also include at least one second DMRS port number, which is different from the at least one first DMRS port number.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first multi-antenna operating mode is multi-user-multi-input-multi-output (MU-MIMO), and the second multi-antenna operating mode is multi-user-multi-input-multi-output (MU-MIMO); or The first multi-antenna operating mode is single-user multiple-input multiple-output SU-MIMO, and the second multi-antenna operating mode is multi-user multiple-input multiple-output MU-MIMO; The method further includes: The at least one second DMRS port number is assigned to a second terminal device, which is different from the first terminal device.

6. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first multi-antenna operating mode is multi-user-multi-input-multi-output (MU-MIMO), and the second multi-antenna operating mode is single-user-multi-input-multi-output (SU-MIMO); or The first multi-antenna operating mode is single-user multiple-input multiple-output SU-MIMO, and the second multi-antenna operating mode is single-user multiple-input multiple-output SU-MIMO; The method further includes: It is determined that at least one second DMRS port number is not assigned to a second terminal device, which is different from the first terminal device.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that... The N is greater than 1; The second information is also used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to the at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission or for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

8. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The N is greater than 1; The method further includes: The fifth information is received, which is used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to the at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission or for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-8, characterized in that, The time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-8, characterized in that, The first terminal device is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send first information to the first terminal device, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device; Send second information to the first terminal device, the second information being used to indicate at least one first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port number corresponding to the second multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device and the number N of demodulation reference signal (DMRS) code division multiplexing (CDM) groups, wherein the N DMRS CDM groups include the at least one first DMRS port number, and N is a positive integer; Receive third information from the first terminal device, the third information being used to indicate the application scenario of the first terminal device corresponding to the third multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device, and / or the type of the first terminal device; Based on the third information, the third multi-antenna operating mode of the first terminal device is determined.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first information is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) signaling.

13. The method as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The second information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

14. The method as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The N DMRS CDM groups also include at least one second DMRS port number, which is different from the at least one first DMRS port number.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first multi-antenna operating mode is multi-user-multi-input-multi-output (MU-MIMO), and the second multi-antenna operating mode is multi-user-multi-input-multi-output (MU-MIMO); or The first multi-antenna operating mode is single-user multiple-input multiple-output SU-MIMO, and the second multi-antenna operating mode is multi-user multiple-input multiple-output MU-MIMO; The method further includes: The at least one second DMRS port number is assigned to a second terminal device, which is different from the first terminal device.

16. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first multi-antenna operating mode is multi-user-multi-input-multi-output (MU-MIMO), and the second multi-antenna operating mode is single-user-multi-input-multi-output (SU-MIMO); or The first multi-antenna operating mode is single-user multiple-input multiple-output SU-MIMO, and the second multi-antenna operating mode is single-user multiple-input multiple-output SU-MIMO; The method further includes: It is determined that at least one second DMRS port number is not assigned to a second terminal device, which is different from the first terminal device.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The N is greater than 1; The second information is also used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to the at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission or for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

18. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The N is greater than 1; The method further includes: A fifth message is sent to the first terminal device, the fifth message being used to indicate that the time-frequency resources corresponding to the at least one second DMRS port number are not used for data transmission or for data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11-12 and 15-18, characterized in that, The time-domain length of data transmission between the first terminal device and the network device is greater than two orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to provide input or output of instructions and / or data to the at least one processor, wherein when the at least one processor executes the instructions, the device causes the device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-10.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to provide input or output of instructions and / or data to the at least one processor, wherein when the at least one processor executes the instructions, the device causes the device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 11-19.

22. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, Includes a program or instructions that, when run on a computer, execute the method as described in any one of claims 1-10.

23. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes programs and instructions, which, when run on a computer, execute the method as described in any one of claims 11-19.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer program code, which, when run by at least one processor, causes the method described in any one of claims 1-10 to be executed.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer program code, which, when run by at least one processor, causes the method described in any one of claims 11-19 to be performed.

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