Method and apparatus for adjusting terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer number

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a terminal MIMO transmission layer number adjustment method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication, which comprises the following steps: receiving antenna switching configuration switching report information sent by a terminal device; and reconfiguring the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the switching report information. Thus, the network device can perform different scheduling according to different types of antenna switching configuration of the terminal, adjust the maximum MIMO transmission layer number configured to the terminal device, and match the maximum MIMO transmission layer number configured by the network with the antenna switching requirement of the terminal, thereby improving the reliability of CSI estimation, saving system resources, and helping the terminal save power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in a terminal. Background Technology

[0002] In 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) NR (New Radio) systems, base stations can limit the number of uplink or downlink data layers of a terminal by configuring the maximum number of Multiple In Multiple Out (MIMO) transmission layers, which is essentially the number of uplink or downlink antenna links for the terminal. In related technologies, the terminal can dynamically switch antenna configurations according to its own needs; however, the terminal's antenna switching configuration does not limit the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured by the base station for the terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a method for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in a terminal, the method being applied to a network device, the method comprising:

[0004] Receive antenna switching configuration switching reporting information sent by the terminal device;

[0005] Based on the switching report information, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is reconfigured.

[0006] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a method for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in a terminal device. The method includes:

[0007] Send the antenna switching configuration switching information of the terminal device to the network device;

[0008] The network device receives the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device, configured according to the handover reporting information.

[0009] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a device for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in a terminal. The device is applied to a network device and includes:

[0010] The transceiver unit is used to receive antenna switching configuration handover reporting information sent by the terminal device;

[0011] The processing unit is configured to reconfigure the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device based on the handover reporting information.

[0012] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a device for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in a terminal device. The device comprises:

[0013] The transceiver unit is used to send the antenna switching configuration handover reporting information of the terminal device to the network device;

[0014] The transceiver unit is further configured to receive the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device, as configured by the network device according to the handover reporting information.

[0015] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment method described in the first aspect embodiment above.

[0016] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment method described in the second aspect of the application above.

[0017] A seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor. The processor is used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment method described in the first aspect of the application.

[0018] An eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor. The processor is used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the terminal multiple-input multiple-output MIMO transmission layer adjustment method described in the second aspect of the application.

[0019] A ninth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment method described in the first aspect of this application to be implemented.

[0020] A tenth aspect embodiment of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment method described in the second aspect embodiment above to be implemented.

[0021] The eleventh aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment method described in the first aspect embodiment.

[0022] The twelfth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment method described in the second aspect embodiment.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting the number of transmission layers in a terminal using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating another method for adjusting the number of transmission layers in a terminal using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another method for adjusting the number of transmission layers in a terminal using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another method for adjusting the number of transmission layers in a terminal using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device proposed in this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device proposed in this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device proposed in this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0035] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in embodiments of this disclosure, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the words “if” and “suppose” as used herein may be interpreted as “when”, “when”, or “in response to a determination”.

[0037] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0038] To better understand the method for adjusting the number of MIMO transmission layers in a terminal disclosed in this application, the communication system to which this application applies is first described below.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, a network device and a terminal device. Figure 1 The number and form of devices shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, it may include two or more network devices and two or more terminal devices. Figure 1 The communication system shown is exemplified by a network device 101 and a terminal device 102.

[0040] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, fifth-generation mobile communication systems, 5G New Radio systems, or other future new mobile communication systems.

[0041] The network device 101 in this embodiment is a network-side entity used for transmitting or receiving signals. For example, the network device 101 can be an Evolved NodeB (eNB), a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a Next Generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) system. This application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device. The network device provided in this embodiment can be composed of a Central Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU). The CU can also be called a Control Unit. Using a CU-DU structure allows the protocol layer of a network device, such as a base station, to be separated. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining or all protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0042] In this application embodiment, the terminal device 102 is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, and so on. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0043] Network device 101 can limit the number of uplink or downlink data layers of terminal device 102, i.e., the number of uplink or downlink antenna links, by configuring the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers. Terminal device 102 can have multiple transmit antennas (Tx) and multiple receive antennas (Rx), but not all transmit antennas and all receive antennas need to be used for data transmission with network device 101. Terminal device 102 can trigger antenna switching configuration according to its own needs, that is, according to its own configuration, select the number of transmit antennas and / or receive antennas used for data transmission with network device 101, i.e., the number of transmit channels and / or receive channels used for data transmission with network device 101.

[0044] In related technologies, the antenna switching configuration of terminal device 102 does not limit the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured by network device 101 for terminal device 102. Therefore, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured by network device 101 for terminal device 102 may not match the antenna switching configuration required by terminal device 102, leading to reduced reliability of the communication link and hindering terminal power saving. For example, terminal device 102 has 4 receiving antennas. Based on its own needs, it triggers antenna switching configuration, selecting to configure 2 receiving antennas for downlink data transmission with network device 101, that is, configuring 2 receiving channels. However, network device 101 still configures the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer of 4 for terminal device. Therefore, terminal device 102 still needs to prepare for reception according to the maximum MIMO transmission layer of 4, that is, at least 4 antenna links need to be activated, that is, all 4 receiving antennas need to be used for downlink data transmission, preparing 4 receiving channels, and estimating channel state information according to 4 receiving channels. This leads to reduced reliability of channel state information (CSI) estimation and hinders terminal power saving.

[0045] In the embodiments of this disclosure, by receiving the antenna switching configuration handover reporting information sent by the terminal device, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is reconfigured according to the handover reporting information. This enables the network device to perform different scheduling for different types of antenna switching configurations required by the terminal, thereby matching the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured by the network with the antenna switching requirements of the terminal, improving the reliability of CSI estimation, saving system resources, and helping the terminal save power.

[0046] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0047] The method and apparatus for adjusting the number of terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in a terminal, as provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. It should be noted that the method in this embodiment is executed by a network device.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the method for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in this terminal includes the following steps:

[0050] Step 201: Receive the antenna switching configuration switching report information sent by the terminal device.

[0051] The antenna switching configuration handover reporting information is the reporting information sent by the terminal device to the network device when it triggers the handover configuration according to its own needs. As mentioned earlier, the antenna switching configuration allows the terminal to select and configure the number of transmit antennas and / or receive antennas used for data transmission with the network device, that is, the number of transmit channels and / or receive channels used for data transmission with the network device.

[0052] As a first possible implementation, the handover reporting information includes the antenna handover configuration that the terminal device wants to trigger and the event information of the antenna handover configuration.

[0053] As a second possible implementation, the switching reporting information includes the antenna switching configuration that the terminal device wants to trigger.

[0054] As a third possible implementation, the handover reporting information includes event information related to the antenna handover configuration.

[0055] The antenna switching configuration that the terminal device intends to trigger includes at least one of the number of transmit channels and the number of receive channels. The event information for the antenna switching configuration can indicate the event that triggered the antenna switching configuration.

[0056] Optionally, the event information configured for antenna switching is either the trigger level or the reporting reason.

[0057] The trigger level indicates the severity of the event that triggered the antenna switching configuration, which can also be described as the urgency and intensity of the terminal device's demand. The reporting reason indicates the specific reason that triggered the antenna switching configuration event.

[0058] It should be noted that when the event information of the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device is the trigger level, the terminal device can determine the trigger level based on the level of the trigger event according to the pre-set rules and protocols; when the event information of the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device is the reporting reason, the network device can determine the urgency and intensity of the event that triggered the antenna switching configuration based on the reporting reason according to the pre-set rules and protocols.

[0059] Optionally, the trigger levels include a first level and a second level, with the second level being less urgent than the first level. That is, the urgency intensity of the second level is less than that of the first level.

[0060] Optionally, the reported reasons include both Category 1 and Category 2 reasons. The urgency and intensity of Category 2 reasons are less than those of Category 1 reasons. In other words, network devices can determine whether the event triggering the antenna switching configuration is a Category 1 or Category 2 reason based on pre-defined rules and protocols and the reported reasons.

[0061] It is understandable that there are many events that can trigger antenna switching configurations for terminal devices, such as power saving needs, damage to some antennas, changes in antenna reuse, or changes in the number of antenna links based on channel estimation.

[0062] Step 202: Based on the switchover report information, reconfigure the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0063] In other words, network devices can adjust the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device based on the information reported by the antenna switching.

[0064] The maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device includes the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers. It is the maximum number of uplink and downlink antenna links that the terminal device can support for data transmission with network devices, which is also the maximum number of transmit and receive channels.

[0065] It is understandable that the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers can be the same or different.

[0066] In this embodiment, as a first possible implementation, the network device reconfigures the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device. As a second possible implementation, the network device reconfigures the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device. As a third possible implementation, the network device reconfigures both the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0067] In some implementations, after reconfiguration, the network device sends the maximum number of MIMO transport layers reconfigured to the terminal device.

[0068] Optionally, the network device sends the reconfigured maximum MIMO transport layer number to the terminal device via RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling.

[0069] In summary, by receiving the antenna switching configuration handover report information sent by the terminal device, and reconfiguring the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device based on the handover report information, the network device can perform different scheduling for different types of antenna switching configuration requirements of the terminal, adjust the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured for the terminal device, and thus match the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured by the network with the antenna switching requirements of the terminal, improve the reliability of CSI estimation, save system resources, and help the terminal save power.

[0070] This disclosure provides another method for adjusting the number of terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for adjusting the number of MIMO transmission layers in a terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This method can be executed by a network device. The method for adjusting the number of MIMO transmission layers in a terminal can be executed alone, or it can be executed together with any embodiment of this disclosure or any possible implementation in the embodiment, or it can be executed together with any technical solution in the related art.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the method for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in this terminal may include the following steps:

[0072] Step 301: Receive antenna switching configuration handover reporting information sent by the terminal device. The handover reporting information includes the antenna switching configuration that the terminal device wants to trigger and the event information of the antenna switching configuration.

[0073] The antenna switching configuration that the terminal device intends to trigger includes at least one of the first number of transmitting channels and the first number of receiving channels. The event information for the antenna switching configuration is either the trigger level or the reporting reason.

[0074] The trigger levels include Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 2 being lower than Level 1. The reported reasons include Category 1 and Category 2 reasons.

[0075] It should be noted that the urgency of the second type of reason is less than that of the first type. In other words, network devices can determine whether the event triggering the antenna switching configuration is due to the first or second type of reason based on pre-defined rules and protocols and the reported cause.

[0076] Additionally, it should be noted that when the event information of the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device is a trigger level, the terminal device can determine the trigger level based on the level of the trigger event according to the pre-set rules and protocols; when the event information of the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device is a reporting reason, the network device can determine the urgency and intensity of the event that triggered the antenna switching configuration, that is, whether it is a first-type reason or a second-type reason, based on the pre-set rules and protocols and the reporting reason.

[0077] For example, the first type of reason could be a strong power-saving need from the terminal, damage to some antennas, or changes in antenna multiplexing that would severely impact communication link quality. The second type of reason could be a power-saving need from the terminal, or a need to change the number of antenna links based on channel estimation, or to perform antenna gain estimation, which would not severely impact communication link quality. Similarly, if the terminal device determines that the triggering event is one that would severely impact communication link quality, such as damage to some antennas, it determines the triggering level to Level 1; if it determines that the triggering event is one that would not severely impact communication link quality, such as a need to change the number of antenna links based on channel estimation, or to perform antenna gain estimation, it determines the triggering level to Level 2.

[0078] It is understood that the above classification of event information is merely an illustrative explanation. Network devices and terminal devices can set the classification rules and protocols for the triggering events that trigger the antenna switching configuration to belong to the first level and the second level, as well as the first type of cause and the second type of cause, based on the current application scenario, service requirements, channel quality, and the capabilities of the terminal devices.

[0079] Step 302: In response to the trigger level being Level 1, or the reported reason being Category 1, reconfigure the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device based on the switching reported information.

[0080] As a first possible implementation, the number of first transmission channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first transmission channels and the preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0081] As a second possible implementation, the number of first receiving channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first receiving channels and the preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0082] As a third possible implementation, the number of first transmit channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first transmit channels and the preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device. The number of first receive channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first receive channels and the preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0083] The preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device are the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers configured before the terminal device's current antenna switching configuration is triggered. This preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers can be the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device configured by the network device, or it can be the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers that the terminal device reports in advance that it can support.

[0084] Optionally, the network device sends the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer number via RRC signaling.

[0085] Understandingly, similarly, the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device are the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers configured before the terminal device's current antenna switching configuration is triggered. This preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers can be the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device configured by the network device, or it can be the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers that the terminal device reports in advance that it can support.

[0086] Optionally, the network device sends the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer number via RRC signaling.

[0087] It should be noted that if the trigger level is Level 1 or the reported reason is Category 1, it indicates that the event that triggered the antenna switching configuration is of a higher level and the terminal device's demand is more urgent and intense.

[0088] Further, the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first transmission channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device, including: determining the minimum value between the number of first transmission channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device as the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0089] The maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device, including: determining the minimum value between the number of first receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device as the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0090] In some implementations, after reconfiguration, the network device sends the maximum number of MIMO transport layers reconfigured to the terminal device.

[0091] Step 303: In response to the trigger level being Level 2, or the reported reason being Category 2, determine the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device based on the antenna switching configuration adjusted by the network device.

[0092] The antenna switching configuration after the network device is adjusted is the configuration obtained after the network device adjusts the antenna switching configuration reported by the terminal device in response to the trigger level being Level 2 or the reported reason being Category 2.

[0093] It is understandable that network devices can adjust the antenna switching configuration based on at least one of the following: antenna switching configuration reported by the terminal device, current application scenario, current service, channel quality, and capabilities supported by the terminal device, to obtain the adjusted antenna switching configuration.

[0094] The adjusted antenna switching configuration includes at least one of a second transmit channel number and a second receive channel number.

[0095] As a first possible implementation, the number of second transmission channels in the adjusted antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of second transmission channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0096] As a second possible implementation, the number of second receiving channels in the adjusted antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of second receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0097] As a third possible implementation, the number of second transmit channels in the adjusted antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of second transmit channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device. The number of second receive channels in the adjusted antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of second receive channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0098] Further, based on the number of second transmission channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device, the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device are determined, including: determining the minimum value between the number of second transmission channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device as the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0099] The maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of second receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device, including: determining the minimum value between the number of second receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device as the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0100] In some implementations, after reconfiguration, the network device sends the maximum number of MIMO transport layers reconfigured to the terminal device.

[0101] In summary, by receiving handover reporting information on antenna switching configurations sent by terminal devices, including the antenna switching configurations the terminal devices wish to trigger and event information related to these configurations, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal devices is reconfigured based on the handover reporting information, in response to a trigger level of Level 1 or a reporting reason of Type 1. Similarly, in response to a trigger level of Level 2 or a reporting reason of Type 2, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal devices is determined based on the adjusted antenna switching configurations of the network devices. This allows the network devices to perform different scheduling for different types of antenna switching configurations required by the terminals, adjusting the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured for the terminal devices. Consequently, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured by the network matches the antenna switching requirements of the terminals, improving the reliability of CSI estimation, saving system resources, and contributing to terminal power saving.

[0102] This disclosure provides another method for adjusting the number of terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers. Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating another method for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in a terminal, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. It should be noted that the method in this embodiment is executed by a terminal device.

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown, the method for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in this terminal may include the following steps.

[0104] Step 401: Send the antenna switching configuration switching information of the terminal device to the network device.

[0105] The antenna switching configuration handover reporting information is the reporting information sent by the terminal device to the network device when it triggers the handover configuration according to its own needs. As mentioned earlier, the antenna switching configuration allows the terminal to select and configure the number of transmit antennas and / or receive antennas used for data transmission with the network device, that is, the number of transmit channels and / or receive channels used for data transmission with the network device.

[0106] As a first possible implementation, the handover reporting information includes the antenna handover configuration that the terminal device wants to trigger and the event information of the antenna handover configuration.

[0107] As a second possible implementation, the switching reporting information includes the antenna switching configuration that the terminal device wants to trigger.

[0108] As a third possible implementation, the handover reporting information includes event information related to the antenna handover configuration.

[0109] The antenna switching configuration that the terminal device intends to trigger includes at least one of the number of transmit channels and the number of receive channels. The event information for the antenna switching configuration can indicate the event that triggered the antenna switching configuration.

[0110] Optionally, the event information configured for antenna switching is either the trigger level or the reporting reason.

[0111] The trigger level indicates the severity of the event that triggered the antenna switching configuration, which can also be described as the urgency and intensity of the terminal device's demand. The reporting reason indicates the specific reason that triggered the antenna switching configuration event.

[0112] It should be noted that when the event information of the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device is the trigger level, the terminal device can determine the trigger level based on the level of the trigger event according to the pre-set rules and protocols; when the event information of the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device is the reporting reason, the network device can determine the urgency and intensity of the event that triggered the antenna switching configuration based on the reporting reason according to the pre-set rules and protocols.

[0113] Optionally, the trigger levels include a first level and a second level, with the second level being less urgent than the first level. That is, the urgency intensity of the second level is less than that of the first level.

[0114] Optionally, the reported reasons include both Category 1 and Category 2 reasons. The urgency and intensity of Category 2 reasons are less than those of Category 1 reasons. In other words, network devices can determine whether the event triggering the antenna switching configuration is a Category 1 or Category 2 reason based on pre-defined rules and protocols and the reported reasons.

[0115] It is understandable that there are many events that can trigger antenna switching configurations for terminal devices, such as power saving needs, damage to some antennas, changes in antenna reuse, or changes in the number of antenna links based on channel estimation.

[0116] Step 402: Receive the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device as configured by the network device based on the handover reporting information.

[0117] The maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device includes the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers. It is the maximum number of uplink and downlink antenna links that the terminal device can support for data transmission with network devices, which is also the maximum number of transmit and receive channels.

[0118] It is understandable that the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers can be the same or different.

[0119] In this embodiment, as a first possible implementation, the network device reconfigures the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device. As a second possible implementation, the network device reconfigures the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device. As a third possible implementation, the network device reconfigures both the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0120] Optionally, the terminal device receives the reconfigured maximum number of MIMO transport layers by receiving RRC signaling from the network device.

[0121] In some implementations, the maximum MIMO transmission layer number takes effect after the terminal device receives it. That is, the terminal device transmits data according to the maximum MIMO transmission layer number.

[0122] In summary, by sending handover report information on the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device to the network device, and receiving the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device configured by the network device based on the handover report information, the network device can perform different scheduling for different types of antenna switching configurations required by the terminal, adjust the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured for the terminal device, and thus match the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured by the network with the antenna switching requirements of the terminal, improve the reliability of CSI estimation, save system resources, and help the terminal save power.

[0123] This disclosure provides another method for adjusting the number of terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for adjusting the number of MIMO transmission layers in a terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This method can be executed by a terminal device. The method for adjusting the number of MIMO transmission layers in a terminal can be executed alone, or it can be executed together with any embodiment of this disclosure or any possible implementation in the embodiment, or it can be executed together with any technical solution in the related art.

[0124] like Figure 5 As shown, the method for adjusting the number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layers in this terminal may include the following steps:

[0125] Step 501: Send the antenna switching configuration handover report information of the terminal device to the network device. The handover report information includes the antenna switching configuration that the terminal device wants to trigger and the event information of the antenna switching configuration.

[0126] The antenna switching configuration that the terminal device intends to trigger includes at least one of the first number of transmitting channels and the first number of receiving channels. The event information for the antenna switching configuration is either the trigger level or the reporting reason.

[0127] The trigger levels include Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 2 being lower than Level 1. The reported reasons include Category 1 and Category 2 reasons.

[0128] It should be noted that the urgency of the second type of reason is less than that of the first type. In other words, network devices can determine whether the event triggering the antenna switching configuration is due to the first or second type of reason based on pre-defined rules and protocols and the reported cause.

[0129] Additionally, it should be noted that when the event information of the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device is a trigger level, the terminal device can determine the trigger level based on the level of the trigger event according to the pre-set rules and protocols; when the event information of the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device is a reporting reason, the terminal device and the network device can determine the urgency and intensity of the event that triggered the antenna switching configuration, that is, whether it is a first-type reason or a second-type reason, based on the pre-set rules and protocols and the reporting reason.

[0130] For example, the first type of reason could be a strong power-saving need from the terminal, damage to some antennas, or changes in antenna multiplexing that would severely impact communication link quality. The second type of reason could be a power-saving need from the terminal, or a need to change the number of antenna links based on channel estimation, or to perform antenna gain estimation, which would not severely impact communication link quality. Similarly, if the terminal device determines that the triggering event is one that would severely impact communication link quality, such as damage to some antennas, it determines the triggering level to Level 1; if it determines that the triggering event is one that would not severely impact communication link quality, such as a need to change the number of antenna links based on channel estimation, or to perform antenna gain estimation, it determines the triggering level to Level 2.

[0131] It is understood that the above classification of event information is merely an illustrative explanation. Network devices and terminal devices can set the classification rules and protocols for the triggering events that trigger the antenna switching configuration to belong to the first level and the second level, as well as the first type of cause and the second type of cause, based on the current application scenario, service requirements, channel quality, and the capabilities of the terminal devices.

[0132] Step 502: In response to the trigger level being Level 1, or the reported reason being Category 1, the determination of the maximum supported MIMO transmission layer takes effect immediately.

[0133] In response to a trigger level of Level 1 or a reporting reason of Category 1, after sending the antenna switching configuration handover reporting information of the terminal device to the network device, the terminal device determines its maximum supported MIMO transmission layers and takes effect immediately, that is, it performs data transmission according to the determined maximum supported MIMO transmission layers.

[0134] In other words, in response to a trigger level of Level 1 or a reported reason of Category 1, the terminal device does not need to wait until it receives the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device from the network device after reconfiguring the terminal device before determining the maximum MIMO transmission layer number and making it effective. Instead, after sending the reporting information to the network device, it directly determines the maximum MIMO transmission layer number it supports and makes it effective immediately, which improves the response efficiency of the configuration and reduces the overhead.

[0135] As a first possible implementation, the number of first transmission channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first transmission channels and the preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0136] As a second possible implementation, the number of first receiving channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first receiving channels and the preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0137] As a third possible implementation, the number of first transmit channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first transmit channels and the preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device. The number of first receive channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first receive channels and the preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0138] The preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device are the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers configured before the terminal device's current antenna switching configuration is triggered. This preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers can be the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device configured by the network device, or it can be the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers that the terminal device reports in advance that it can support.

[0139] Optionally, the network device sends the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer number via RRC signaling.

[0140] Understandingly, similarly, the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device are the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers configured before the terminal device's current antenna switching configuration is triggered. This preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers can be the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device configured by the network device, or it can be the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layers that the terminal device reports in advance that it can support.

[0141] Optionally, the network device sends the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer number via RRC signaling.

[0142] Further, the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first transmission channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device, including: determining the minimum value between the number of first transmission channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device as the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0143] The maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device, including: determining the minimum value between the number of first receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device as the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0144] Step 503: In response to the trigger level being Level 2, or the reported reason being Category 2, the receiving network device receives the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device configured according to the handover reporting information.

[0145] In response to a trigger level of Level 2, or a reported reason of Category 2, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device becomes effective after the terminal device receives the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device configured by the network device based on the handover reporting information.

[0146] In summary, by sending handover reporting information of the terminal device's antenna switching configuration to the network device, including the antenna switching configuration to be triggered by the terminal device and the event information of that antenna switching configuration, the maximum supported MIMO transmission layers are determined to take effect immediately in response to the trigger level being Level 1 or the reporting reason being Type 1. In response to the trigger level being Level 2 or the reporting reason being Type 2, the maximum supported MIMO transmission layers of the terminal device are configured by the network device according to the handover reporting information. This allows the network device to perform different scheduling for different types of antenna switching configurations required by the terminal, adjusting the maximum MIMO transmission layers configured for the terminal device. This ensures that the maximum MIMO transmission layers configured by the network match the antenna switching requirements of the terminal, improving the reliability of CSI estimation, saving system resources, and helping the terminal save power.

[0147] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspectives of network devices and terminal devices, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the network device and the terminal device may include hardware structures and software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions can be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0148] Corresponding to the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment methods provided in the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device. Since the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device provided in this embodiment corresponds to the methods provided in the above embodiments, the implementation methods for adjusting the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer are also applicable to the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device provided in this embodiment, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment. Figures 6-7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device proposed in this disclosure.

[0149] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a device for adjusting the number of MIMO transmission layers in a terminal, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The device is applied to a network device.

[0150] like Figure 6 As shown, the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer number adjustment device 600 includes: a transceiver unit 610 and a processing unit 620, wherein:

[0151] The transceiver unit 610 is used to receive the antenna switching configuration handover report information sent by the terminal device;

[0152] The processing unit 620 is used to reconfigure the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device based on the handover reporting information.

[0153] As one implementation of this application, the switching reporting information includes the antenna switching configuration that the terminal device wants to trigger and / or the event information of the antenna switching configuration.

[0154] As one implementation of this application, the event information is a trigger level, which includes a first level and a second level, wherein the second level is lower than the first level;

[0155] Alternatively, the event information may be a reporting reason, which may include a first type of reason and a second type of reason.

[0156] As one implementation of this application, the triggering level is the first level, or the reporting reason is a first type of reason; the processing unit 620 is specifically used for:

[0157] Determine the first number of transmit channels in the antenna switching configuration, and based on the first number of transmit channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device, determine the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device; and / or,

[0158] The number of first receiving channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first receiving channels and the preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0159] As one implementation of this application embodiment, the processing unit 620 is specifically used for:

[0160] The minimum value between the first number of transmission channels and the preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers is determined as the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0161] As one implementation of this application embodiment, the processing unit 620 is specifically used for:

[0162] The minimum value between the first number of receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer is determined as the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0163] As one implementation of this application, the triggering level is the second level, or the reporting reason is a second type of reason; the processing unit 620 is specifically used for:

[0164] Based on the adjusted antenna switching configuration of the network device, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined.

[0165] As one implementation of this application embodiment, the processing unit 620 is specifically used for:

[0166] Determine the number of second transmit channels in the adjusted antenna switching configuration, and based on the number of second transmit channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device, determine the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device; and / or,

[0167] The number of second receiving channels in the adjusted antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of second receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0168] As one implementation of this application embodiment, the processing unit 620 is used for:

[0169] The minimum value between the number of the second transmission channels and the preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers is determined as the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0170] As one implementation of this application embodiment, the processing unit 620 is used for:

[0171] The minimum value between the number of the second receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer is determined as the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0172] The apparatus of this embodiment receives antenna switching configuration handover reporting information sent by a terminal device, and reconfigures the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device based on the handover reporting information. This enables the network device to perform different scheduling for antenna switching configurations required by different types of terminals, and adjusts the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured for the terminal device. In this way, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured by the network matches the antenna switching requirements of the terminal, improves the reliability of CSI estimation, saves system resources, and helps the terminal save power.

[0173] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, which is applied to a terminal device.

[0174] like Figure 7 As shown, the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer number adjustment device 700 includes: a transceiver unit 710, wherein:

[0175] Transceiver unit 710 is used to send handover reporting information of antenna handover configuration of the terminal device to the network device;

[0176] The transceiver unit 710 is further configured to receive the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device, configured by the network device according to the handover reporting information.

[0177] As one implementation of this application, the switching reporting information includes the antenna switching configuration that the terminal device wants to trigger and / or the event information of the antenna switching configuration.

[0178] As one implementation of this application, the event information is a trigger level, which includes a first level and a second level, wherein the second level is lower than the first level;

[0179] Alternatively, the event information may be a reporting reason, which may include a first type of reason and a second type of reason.

[0180] As one implementation of this application, the apparatus further includes:

[0181] Processing unit 720 is used to determine the maximum number of supported MIMO transport layers immediately.

[0182] As one implementation of this application embodiment, the processing unit 720 is specifically used for:

[0183] Determine the first number of transmit channels in the antenna switching configuration, and based on the first number of transmit channels and the preset maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device, determine the maximum uplink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device; and / or,

[0184] The number of first receiving channels in the antenna switching configuration is determined, and the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device is determined based on the number of first receiving channels and the preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0185] As one implementation of this application embodiment, the processing unit 720 is specifically used for:

[0186] The minimum value between the first number of transmission channels and the preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers is determined as the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device.

[0187] As one implementation of this application embodiment, the processing unit 720 is specifically used for:

[0188] The minimum value between the first number of receiving channels and the preset maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer is determined as the maximum downlink MIMO transmission layer supported by the terminal device.

[0189] The apparatus of this disclosure sends handover reporting information of the antenna handover configuration of the terminal device to the network device and receives the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by the terminal device configured by the network device according to the handover reporting information. This enables the network device to perform different scheduling for different types of antenna handover configurations required by the terminal, adjust the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured for the terminal device, and thus match the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers configured by the network with the antenna handover requirements of the terminal, improve the reliability of CSI estimation, save system resources, and help the terminal save power.

[0190] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of another terminal MIMO transmission layer number adjustment device provided in this embodiment. The terminal MIMO transmission layer number adjustment device 800 can be a network device, a terminal device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the above methods in a network device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the above methods in a terminal device. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; please refer to the description in the above method embodiments for details.

[0191] The terminal MIMO transmission layer number adjustment device 800 may include one or more processors 801. The processor 801 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the terminal MIMO transmission layer number adjustment device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0192] Optionally, the terminal MIMO transmission layer number adjustment device 800 may further include one or more memories 802, on which a computer program 803 may be stored. The processor 801 executes the computer program 803 to cause the terminal MIMO transmission layer number adjustment device 800 to perform the method described in the above method embodiments. The computer program 803 may be embedded in the processor 801, in which case the processor 801 may be implemented in hardware.

[0193] Optionally, the memory 802 may also store data. The terminal multiple-input multiple-output MIMO transmission layer adjustment device 800 and the memory 802 can be set separately or integrated together.

[0194] Optionally, the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer number adjustment device 800 may further include a transceiver 805 and an antenna 806. The transceiver 805, which may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, is used to implement transceiver functions. The transceiver 805 may include a receiver and a transmitter; the receiver, which may be referred to as a receiver circuit, is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter, which may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0195] Optionally, the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer number adjustment device 800 may further include one or more interface circuits 807. The interface circuits 807 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 801. The processor 801 executes the code instructions to cause the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer number adjustment device 800 to perform the method described in the above method embodiments.

[0196] The terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer number adjustment device 800 is a network device; the processor 801 is used to execute... Figure 2 Steps 201 to 202 in the process; Figure 3 Steps 301 to 303 in the process.

[0197] The terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer number adjustment device 800 is a terminal device, and the transceiver 805 is used to perform... Figure 4 Steps 401 to 402 in the process; Figure 5 Steps 501 to 503 in the process.

[0198] In one implementation, the processor 801 may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0199] In one implementation, the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer number adjustment device 800 may include circuitry that can perform the transmitting, receiving, or communication functions described in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this disclosure can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon-germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0200] The terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal device, but the scope of the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device described in this disclosure is not limited to this, and the structure of the terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission layer adjustment device can be unrestricted. Figures 6-7 The limitation is that the device for adjusting the number of MIMO transmission layers in a terminal can be a separate device or part of a larger device. For example, the device for adjusting the number of MIMO transmission layers in a terminal can be:

[0201] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0202] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0203] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0204] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0205] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0206] (6) Others, etc.

[0207] For cases where the device for adjusting the number of MIMO transmission layers in a terminal can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 9 The chip shown includes a processor 901 and an interface 902. There can be one or more processors 901, and multiple interfaces 902.

[0208] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network device in the embodiments of this disclosure:

[0209] Interface 902 is used for code instructions and their transmission to the processor;

[0210] Processor 901 is used to run code instructions to perform tasks such as Figures 2 to 3 The method.

[0211] Regarding the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of this disclosure:

[0212] Interface 902 is used for code instructions and their transmission to the processor;

[0213] Processor 901 is used to run code instructions to perform tasks such as Figures 4 to 5 The method.

[0214] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 903, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0215] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0216] This disclosure also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned... Figures 6-7 The embodiments include a terminal MIMO transmission layer number adjustment device as a terminal device and a terminal MIMO transmission layer adjustment device as a network device; or, the system includes the aforementioned... Figure 8The embodiments include a terminal MIMO transmission layer number adjustment device as a terminal device and a terminal MIMO transmission layer adjustment device as a network device.

[0217] This disclosure also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0218] This disclosure also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0219] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When a computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, it generates, in whole or in part, the flow or function according to the embodiments of this disclosure. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, a computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0220] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor do they indicate the order of events.

[0221] At least one of the features described in this disclosure can also be described as one or more, and multiple features can be two, three, four or more, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations. In the embodiments of this disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", etc., and there is no sequential order or size order among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0222] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0223] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0224] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0225] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0226] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to reorder, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution disclosed in this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0227] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting the number of transmission layers in a terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, characterized in that, The method is applied to a network device, and the method comprises: receiving antenna switching configuration switching report information sent by a terminal device; reconfiguring a maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the switching report information; The switching report information comprises event information of the antenna switching configuration; the event information is a trigger level, and the trigger level comprises a first level and a second level, and the second level is smaller than the first level. Alternatively, the event information is a report reason, and the report reason comprises a first type of reason and a second type of reason.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The switching report information further comprises: The antenna switching configuration to be triggered by the terminal device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The trigger level is the first level, or the report reason is the first type of reason; the reconfiguring of the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the switching report information comprises: determining a first sending channel number of the antenna switching configuration, and determining an uplink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the first sending channel number and a preset uplink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device; and / or, determining a first receiving channel number of the antenna switching configuration, and determining a downlink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the first receiving channel number and a preset downlink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The determining of the uplink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the first sending channel number and the preset uplink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device comprises: determining the minimum value between the first sending channel number and the preset uplink maximum MIMO transmission layer number as the uplink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The determining of the downlink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the first receiving channel number and the preset downlink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device comprises: determining the minimum value between the first receiving channel number and the preset downlink maximum MIMO transmission layer number as the downlink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The trigger level is the second level, or the report reason is the second type of reason; the reconfiguring of the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the switching report information comprises: determining the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device based on the antenna switching configuration of the network device after adjustment.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The determining of the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device based on the antenna switching configuration of the network device after adjustment comprises: determining a second sending channel number of the antenna switching configuration after adjustment, and determining an uplink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the second sending channel number and a preset uplink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device; and / or, determining a second receiving channel number of the antenna switching configuration after adjustment, and determining a downlink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the second receiving channel number and a preset downlink maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device. determining the second number of receiving channels of the adjusted antenna switching configuration, and determining the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device according to the second number of receiving channels and a preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The determining the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device according to the second number of sending channels and a preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device comprises: determining the minimum value between the second number of sending channels and the preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks as the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, The determining the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device according to the second number of receiving channels and a preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device comprises: determining the minimum value between the second number of receiving channels and the preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission ranks as the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device.

10. A method for adjusting the number of transmission layers in a terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal device, and the method comprises: sending switching reporting information of an antenna switching configuration of the terminal device to a network device; receiving a maximum number of MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device configured by the network device according to the switching reporting information; the switching reporting information comprises event information of the antenna switching configuration; the event information is a trigger level, and the trigger level comprises a first level and a second level, and the second level is smaller than the first level; alternatively, the event information is a reporting reason, and the reporting reason comprises a first type of reason and a second type of reason.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The switching reporting information further comprises: an antenna switching configuration to be triggered by the terminal device.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, the trigger level is the first level, or the reporting reason is the first type of reason; after the terminal device sends the switching reporting information of the antenna switching configuration of the terminal device to the network device, the method further comprises: determining that the maximum number of MIMO transmission ranks supported is effective immediately.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The determining the maximum number of MIMO transmission ranks supported comprises: determining a first number of sending channels of the antenna switching configuration, and determining the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device according to the first number of sending channels and a preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device; and / or, determining a first number of receiving channels of the antenna switching configuration, and determining the maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device according to the first number of receiving channels and a preset maximum number of downlink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The determining the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device according to the first number of sending channels and a preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device comprises: determining the minimum value between the first number of sending channels and the preset maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks as the maximum number of uplink MIMO transmission ranks supported by the terminal device.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein, The determining the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the first receiving channel number and the preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device in the downlink comprises: The minimum value between the first receiving channel number and the preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number in the downlink is determined as the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

16. A device for adjusting the number of transmission layers in a terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, characterized in that, The device is applied to a network device, and the device comprises: A transceiving unit configured to receive antenna switching configuration switching reporting information sent by a terminal device; A processing unit configured to reconfigure a maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the switching reporting information; The switching reporting information comprises event information of the antenna switching configuration; the event information is a trigger level, and the trigger level comprises a first level and a second level, and the second level is smaller than the first level; Or, the event information is a reporting reason, and the reporting reason comprises a first type of reason and a second type of reason.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The switching reporting information comprises an antenna switching configuration to be triggered by the terminal device.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The trigger level is the first level, or the reporting reason is the first type of reason; and the processing unit is specifically configured to: Determine a first sending channel number of the antenna switching configuration, and determine a maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the first sending channel number and a preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device in the uplink; And / or, Determine a first receiving channel number of the antenna switching configuration, and determine a maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the first receiving channel number and a preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device in the downlink.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The processing unit is specifically configured to: Determine the minimum value between the first sending channel number and the preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number in the uplink as the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The processing unit is specifically configured to: Determine the minimum value between the first receiving channel number and the preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number in the downlink as the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The trigger level is the second level, or the reporting reason is the second type of reason; and the processing unit is specifically configured to: Determine the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device based on an antenna switching configuration of an adjusted configuration of the network device.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein, The processing unit is specifically configured to: Determine a second sending channel number of the antenna switching configuration of the adjusted configuration, and determine a maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the second sending channel number and a preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device in the uplink; And / or, Determine a second receiving channel number of the antenna switching configuration of the adjusted configuration, and determine a maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the second receiving channel number and a preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device in the downlink.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The processing unit is configured to: The minimum value between the second sending channel number and the preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number is determined as the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The processing unit is used to: The minimum value between the second receiving channel number and the preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number is determined as the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

25. A device for adjusting the number of transmission layers in a terminal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, characterized in that, The device is applied to a terminal device, and the device comprises: The transceiver unit is used to send switching report information of an antenna switching configuration of the terminal device to a network device; The transceiver unit is also used to receive the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device configured by the network device according to the switching report information. The switching report information comprises: event information of the antenna switching configuration; the event information is a trigger level, and the trigger level comprises a first level and a second level, and the second level is smaller than the first level. Alternatively, the event information is a report reason, and the report reason comprises a first type of reason and a second type of reason.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein, The switching report information comprises: The antenna switching configuration to be triggered by the terminal device.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein, The device further comprises: The processing unit is used to determine that the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported takes effect immediately.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein, The processing unit is specifically used to: Determine a first sending channel number of the antenna switching configuration, and determine the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the first sending channel number and a preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device. And / or, Determine a first receiving channel number of the antenna switching configuration, and determine the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device according to the first receiving channel number and a preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein, The processing unit is specifically used to: Determine the minimum value between the first sending channel number and the preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number as the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein, The processing unit is specifically used to: Determine the minimum value between the first receiving channel number and the preset maximum MIMO transmission layer number as the maximum MIMO transmission layer number supported by the terminal device.

31. A communications device, characterized by The device comprises a processor and a memory, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to enable the device to execute the method in any one of claims 1 to 9.

32. A communications device, characterized by The device comprises a processor and a memory, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to enable the device to execute the method in any one of claims 10 to 15.

33. A communications device, characterized by Comprise: A processor and an interface circuit; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor; The processor is used to run the code instructions to execute the method in any one of claims 1 to 9.

34. A communications device, characterized by Comprise: A processor and an interface circuit; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor; The processor is configured to execute the code instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 10 to 15.

35. A computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 9 to be implemented.

36. A computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 10 to 15 to be implemented.

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