Methods, apparatus, devices, storage media, and products for enhancing uplink coverage

Abstract

This invention discloses a method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and product for enhancing uplink coverage. It identifies target SSB beams with insufficient uplink coverage and configures a smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam. By adjusting the reflection characteristics and related parameters of the smart metasurface, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam is enhanced. Therefore, this invention enhances uplink coverage by adding a smart metasurface to the target SSB beam and adjusting its parameters, solving the problem of low terminal penetration and improving uplink coverage performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and product for enhancing uplink coverage. Background Technology

[0002] For the downlink of 5G New Radio (NR) Time Division Duplex (TDD) networks, base stations compensate for downlink propagation loss and improve downlink coverage performance by increasing transmit power and configuring multi-port antennas. However, in the uplink, the transmit power and antenna port configuration of the terminal are significantly different from those of the base station. During service use, users will first encounter a reduced perceived service experience due to limited uplink coverage performance. Currently, the uplink enhancement solutions specified in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) include Supplement Uplink (SUL) and Carrier Aggregation (CA). However, the terminal penetration rate of these two uplink enhancement solutions is low. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, the present invention provides a method, apparatus, device, storage medium and product for enhancing uplink coverage, which can enhance uplink coverage by adding a smart metasurface to the target SSB beam and adjusting the parameters, solving the problem of low terminal penetration and improving uplink coverage performance.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for enhancing uplink coverage, comprising:

[0005] A smart metasurface is configured within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam of the target cell; wherein the target SSB beam is an SSB beam with insufficient uplink coverage performance.

[0006] The reflectivity parameters of the smart metasurface are adjusted to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam.

[0007] As an improvement to the above scheme, adjusting the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam includes:

[0008] Within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam, the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface are adjusted;

[0009] Detect the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam;

[0010] When the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement conditions, the final reflection characteristic related parameter of the smart metasurface is set to the first reflection characteristic related parameter; wherein, the first reflection characteristic related parameter is the adjusted reflection characteristic related parameter.

[0011] As an improvement to the above solution, adjusting the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface includes adjusting the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface at least once.

[0012] After detecting the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam, the method further includes:

[0013] When the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to each adjusted reflection characteristic parameter does not meet the preset enhancement condition, the smart metasurface is configured in an adjacent SSB beam of the target SSB beam, and the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface are adjusted in the adjacent SSB beam to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the adjacent SSB beam.

[0014] As an improvement to the above scheme, the detection of the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam includes:

[0015] The downlink reference signal received power and uplink power margin of the target SSB beam at the terminal side are obtained to evaluate the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam.

[0016] As an improvement to the above solution, it also includes:

[0017] When the proportion of low-level sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a first preset threshold and the proportion of low-power sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a second preset threshold, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement condition; wherein, the proportion of low-level sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power is lower than a preset low level, and the proportion of low-power sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the uplink power margin is lower than a preset low power.

[0018] When the proportion of low-level sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold or the proportion of low-power sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter does not meet the preset enhancement condition.

[0019] As an improvement to the above scheme, the first preset threshold is the difference between the first preset ratio and the first preset reduction. The first preset ratio is the proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power of the unadjusted target SSB beam is lower than the preset low level, and the first preset reduction is greater than or equal to 0.

[0020] The second preset threshold is the difference between the second preset ratio and the second preset reduction. The second preset ratio is the proportion of uplink power margin of the unadjusted target SSB beam that is lower than the preset low power sampling point. The second preset reduction is greater than or equal to 0.

[0021] As an improvement to the above scheme, before configuring the smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam of the target cell, the method further includes:

[0022] Cells with insufficient uplink coverage performance are located through performance statistics and used as target cells.

[0023] Multiple SSB beams are configured in the target cell;

[0024] SSB beams with insufficient uplink coverage performance are selected from the plurality of SSB beams and used as target SSB beams.

[0025] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for enhancing uplink coverage, comprising:

[0026] A configuration module is used to configure a smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​a target SSB beam in a target cell; wherein the target SSB beam is an SSB beam with insufficient uplink coverage performance;

[0027] The adjustment module is used to adjust the reflection characteristics parameters of the smart metasurface to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam.

[0028] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for enhancing uplink coverage, including a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0029] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium including a stored computer program, wherein, when the computer program is executed, it controls the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0030] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer program product, including a computer program / instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0031] Compared with existing technologies, the method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and product for enhancing uplink coverage disclosed in this invention identify target SSB beams with insufficient uplink coverage performance, configure smart metasurfaces within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beams, and adjust the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurfaces to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beams. Therefore, this invention enhances uplink coverage by adding smart metasurfaces to the target SSB beams and adjusting their parameters, solving the problem of low terminal penetration and improving uplink coverage performance. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for enhancing uplink coverage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a smart metasurface-assisted communication system model provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a RIS device configuration provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for enhancing uplink coverage provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device for enhancing uplink coverage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device for enhancing uplink coverage provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] Specifically, existing methods for enhancing 5G network uplink coverage performance have significant shortcomings. Currently, the support rate for Supplementary Uplink (SUL) on the 5G network n41 (2.6GHz) is low, and the problem of insufficient uplink coverage performance needs to be solved by building new base stations or adding the NR FDD n28 band (700MHz). NR stands for New Radio, and FDD stands for Frequency Division Duplexing. However, the penetration rate of NR FDD n28 band terminals is not high, and 5G terminals that do not support the n28 band can only rely on building new base stations on the n41 band to solve the insufficient uplink coverage, which is costly and has a long construction period.

[0041] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for enhancing uplink coverage, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for enhancing uplink coverage according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the method for enhancing uplink coverage includes steps S11 to S12:

[0042] S11. Configure a smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam of the target cell; wherein the target SSB beam is an SSB beam with insufficient uplink coverage performance.

[0043] S12. Adjust the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam.

[0044] It is worth noting that the method is executed by computing devices, such as servers and cloud computing platforms. A Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) is an artificial electromagnetic surface structure with programmable electromagnetic properties, developed from metamaterials technology. RIS devices can achieve signal propagation direction control and in-phase superposition in three-dimensional space, increasing the received signal strength and improving transmission performance between communication devices. RIS devices can also possess electromagnetic absorption, transmission, and scattering capabilities, dynamically controlling wireless signals according to required wireless functions. This embodiment introduces RIS devices into communication networks, achieving efficient and low-cost uplink coverage performance enhancement.

[0045] The RIS device needs to operate within a three-node communication system, which consists of a transmitter, a receiver, and a RIS device with a large number of electromagnetic units, such as... Figure 2 The diagram shows a model of a smart metasurface-assisted communication system.

[0046] The signal y received by the receiver is:

[0047]

[0048] The equivalent channel hΦH from the transmitter to the receiver via the RIS device is the product of the channel h between the RIS device and the receiver, the adjustable phase shift diagonal matrix Φ of the RIS, and the channel H between the transmitter and the RIS device. g is the direct channel between the receiver and the transmitter. s is the signal transmitted by the transmitter, and n is Gaussian white noise. When using the RIS device for communication assistance, the signal reflected by the electromagnetic unit of the RIS device can be expressed as the product of the incident signal and the reflection coefficient of that unit. Due to the quasi-passive nature of the RIS device, the thermal noise introduced by the radiation process is negligible.

[0049] Specifically, locate SSBs with insufficient uplink coverage performance in the target cell. i Beam (i.e., target beam), such as Figure 3 As shown, in SSB i Configure RIS devices within the beam coverage area, and adjust the reflection characteristic parameters of the RIS devices (such as the adjustable phase shift diagonal matrix, incident angle, reflection angle, etc. of the RIS devices, which are not limited here) during the set period of stable traffic, while retaining the reflection characteristic parameters that effectively enhance the uplink coverage performance.

[0050] It is worth noting that within the same target cell, there may be one or n (n < 8) SSB beams with insufficient uplink coverage. Therefore, the method described above needs to be applied to each SSB beam with insufficient uplink coverage to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target cell. The number of parameter adjustments can be set according to the actual situation and is not limited here.

[0051] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention locate the SSB beam with insufficient uplink coverage performance, configure RIS equipment within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam, and utilize the reflection characteristics of the RIS equipment to adjust the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the RIS equipment during a set period of stable traffic. This can effectively enhance uplink coverage performance without building new sites, reduce the cost of coverage performance enhancement, and shorten the coverage performance enhancement cycle.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, adjusting the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface in step S12 to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam includes:

[0053] Within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam, the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface are adjusted;

[0054] Detect the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam;

[0055] When the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement conditions, the final reflection characteristic related parameter of the smart metasurface is set to the first reflection characteristic related parameter; wherein, the first reflection characteristic related parameter is the adjusted reflection characteristic related parameter.

[0056] Specifically, it targets SSBs with insufficient uplink coverage performance. i Beam, in SSB i RIS devices are configured within the beam coverage area. During designated periods of stable traffic, the reflection characteristics parameters of the RIS devices are adjusted, and the SSB is obtained after each adjustment. i The uplink coverage performance of the beam was assessed by comparing the SSB after each adjustment. i The uplink coverage performance of the beam was analyzed, and those that could effectively enhance the SSB were selected. i The relevant parameters of reflection characteristics corresponding to the uplink coverage performance of the beam are retained, and the SSB is... iThe RIS devices within the beam coverage area are configured. This implementation adjusts parameters during periods of stable traffic, making the detected data that reflects uplink coverage performance more stable and accurate. This allows for a more accurate determination of uplink coverage performance, thereby accurately selecting reflection characteristic parameters that can effectively enhance uplink coverage performance.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, adjusting the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface includes adjusting the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface at least once.

[0058] After detecting the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam, the method further includes:

[0059] When the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to each adjusted reflection characteristic parameter does not meet the preset enhancement condition, the smart metasurface is configured in an adjacent SSB beam of the target SSB beam, and the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface are adjusted in the adjacent SSB beam to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the adjacent SSB beam.

[0060] Specifically, assuming the target SSB beam is an SSB i Beam, if in SSB i The RIS device was configured within the beam's coverage area. Despite multiple adjustments to the RIS device's reflection characteristics, the SSB could not be optimized. i If the uplink coverage performance of the beam is effectively enhanced, then the RIS devices will be configured in the SSB. i-1 With SSB i+1 Within the beam coverage area, the relevant parameters of the RIS device's reflection characteristics were adjusted multiple times to find the methods that could enhance the SSB. i-1 Beams and SSB i+1 Reflection characteristics related parameters of the uplink coverage performance of the beam.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, detecting the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam includes:

[0062] The downlink reference signal received power and uplink power margin of the target SSB beam at the terminal side are obtained to comprehensively evaluate the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam.

[0063] Specifically, assuming the target cell is a Time Division Duplex (TDD) cell, and the uplink coverage performance of the SSB is insufficient... iFollowing the beamforming, during designated periods of stable traffic, the reflection characteristics parameters of the RIS device are adjusted, including the adjustable phase-shift diagonal matrix Φ of the RIS device. Utilizing the TDD uplink-downlink spectrum reciprocity principle, the SSB is re-detected at the terminal after each adjustment. i The downlink reference signal received power (downlink RSRP) from the beam-down MR measurement report, combined with the uplink power margin (uplink PHR) from the MR measurement, is used to upload the data detected by the terminal to the computing device for a comprehensive evaluation of the SSB. i The uplink coverage performance of the beam is used as a basis for precisely implementing uplink coverage enhancement. It is understood that the target cell type is not limited to time-division duplex cells.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, it further includes:

[0065] When the proportion of low-level sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a first preset threshold and the proportion of low-power sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a second preset threshold, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement condition; wherein, the proportion of low-level sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power is lower than a preset low level, and the proportion of low-power sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the uplink power margin is lower than a preset low power.

[0066] When the proportion of low-level sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold or the proportion of low-power sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter does not meet the preset enhancement condition.

[0067] Specifically, by comparing the SSB after multiple adjustments to the RIS device parameters... i If the statistical data of downlink RSRP and uplink PHR on the terminal side of the beam show a significant improvement in downlink RSRP and an improvement in uplink PHR, it indicates that uplink RSRP coverage enhancement has been achieved and the RIS parameter settings are retained.

[0068] Further, the first preset threshold is the difference between the first preset ratio and the first preset reduction, the first preset ratio is the proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power of the unadjusted target SSB beam is lower than the preset low level, and the first preset reduction is greater than or equal to 0.

[0069] The second preset threshold is the difference between the second preset ratio and the second preset reduction. The second preset ratio is the proportion of uplink power margin of the unadjusted target SSB beam that is lower than the preset low power sampling point. The second preset reduction is greater than or equal to 0.

[0070] For example, assuming the preset low level is -110dBm, the first preset threshold is 10%, and the preset low power is 0, after multiple adjustments, the SSB... i The uplink coverage performance evaluation process for beams is as follows:

[0071] 1. Comparison of SSB after multiple adjustments to RIS device parameters i Downlink reference signal received power at the beam's terminal side.

[0072] Comparison with SSB i If the proportion of sampling points with downlink reference signal received power below -110dBm is greater than or equal to 10% (this can be adjusted according to actual conditions), then it is considered SSB. i The uplink coverage performance of the beam is insufficient. After adjusting the RIS device parameters multiple times, the SSB was calculated. i The proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power of the beam is below -110dBm. The specific values ​​of the first preset threshold and the preset low level are not limited to the values ​​mentioned above and can be set according to actual needs.

[0073] 2. Comparison of SSB after multiple adjustments to RIS device parameters i Uplink power margin on the terminal side of the beam.

[0074] Uplink coverage performance is determined by the UE transmit power margin (PHR) in the MR measurement report;

[0075] PHR is the difference between the UE's transmit power value and the configured maximum transmit power (configured maximum transmit power - UE's expected transmit power). This data can be used for user transmit power analysis and is one of the data for evaluating coverage. Theoretically, the better the coverage, the lower the UE transmit power and the larger the UE transmit power margin.

[0076] The PHR value range is 1dB corresponding to a statistical interval, as shown in the table below. According to the protocol, the power margin is actually the expected power calculated based on path loss, etc., and is not the actual transmission power. Therefore, it may exceed the actual transmission power, so a negative value may appear.

[0077] Table: Range of UE Transmit Expected Power (PHR) values ​​in MR sampling points

[0078]

[0079] Calculate the proportion of uplink power margins below 0 in MR sampling points, and determine whether it is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold N1. If it is greater than or equal to N1, it is determined that the NR TDD cell has insufficient uplink coverage. N1 is a number greater than 0 and less than 1. The specific values ​​of the second preset threshold and the preset low power can be set according to the actual situation.

[0080] 3. If a significant improvement in downlink reference signal received power and an improvement in uplink power margin are observed, it indicates that uplink RSRP coverage enhancement has been achieved, and the RIS device parameter settings are retained. For example, if the proportion of sampling points with downlink reference signal received power less than -110dB after adjustment is less than 10% and the proportion of sampling points with uplink power margin less than 0 is less than N1, then the downlink reference signal received power is considered to have significantly improved and the uplink power margin has been improved. Alternatively, if the difference between the proportion of sampling points with downlink reference signal received power less than -110dB after adjustment and the proportion of sampling points with downlink reference signal received power less than -110dB before adjustment is greater than a certain set positive number, and the proportion of sampling points with uplink power margin greater than 0 after adjustment is greater than the proportion of sampling points with uplink power margin greater than 0 before adjustment, then the downlink reference signal received power is considered to have significantly improved and the uplink power margin has been improved.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, before configuring the smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam, the method further includes:

[0082] By using performance statistics, cells with insufficient uplink coverage performance can be located and used as target cells.

[0083] Multiple SSB beams are configured in the target cell;

[0084] SSB beams with insufficient uplink coverage performance are selected from the plurality of SSB beams and used as target SSB beams.

[0085] For example, see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for enhancing uplink coverage provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The method improves uplink coverage performance of a cell through the following steps:

[0086] S1. Locate NR TDD cells (New Radio Time Division Duplex cells) with insufficient uplink coverage performance through performance statistics. This can be determined based on factors such as the reference signal transmitted by the terminal or the total number of successful uplink DCI allocations on PDCCH at different aggregation levels. An example is provided below.

[0087] (1) Determine whether the 5G cell has insufficient uplink coverage performance by using the demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) carried in the RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection request when the 5G terminal accesses the network;

[0088] When a 5G terminal accesses an NR TDD network, the gNodeB on the base station side detects the demodulation reference signal of the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), namely the DM-RS carried in the RRC connection request. If the DM-RSRSRP < the preset threshold T0, it is determined that the uplink coverage performance of the 5G cell is insufficient.

[0089] The DM-RS demodulation reference signal is a demodulation signal transmitted on a portion of the time-frequency resources of the relevant channel for demodulating the data of that channel.

[0090] The RRC connection request of the 5G terminal is sent through the PUSCH channel. Therefore, the gNodeB on the base station side detects the demodulation reference signal of the PUSCH channel, that is, the DM-RS reference signal carried by the RRC connection request, and determines whether the terminal is in a weak coverage scenario.

[0091] RRC connection request, also known as MSG3 (Message 3), has the following corresponding MSG examples:

[0092] 1) MSG1 – The terminal initiates a random access request using the PRACH channel;

[0093] 2) MSG2–RAR: The base station responds to the terminal's random access request by sending it to the terminal via downlink channels PDCCH and PDSCH.

[0094] 3) MSG3–PUSCH: The terminal sends an RRC access request to the base station, occupying the PUSCH channel;

[0095] 4) MSG4-PDCCH with UL Grant: The base station confirms the terminal's access request and occupies the downlink PDCCH channel;

[0096] 5) MSG5–PUSCH, the terminal's access request ends and it occupies the uplink PUSCH channel.

[0097] T0 can be set to -110dBm, and the gNodeB detects the demodulation reference signal of the PUSCH channel; if the DM-RS RSRP carried in the RRC connection request is lower than the T0 threshold, it is determined that the uplink coverage performance of the 5G cell is insufficient.

[0098] (2) Collect the total number of successful uplink DCI allocations of PDCCH at different aggregation levels to characterize whether there is insufficient uplink coverage performance in NR TDD cells; where PDCCH stands for Physical Downlink Control Channel; DCI stands for Downlink Control Information.

[0099] In this context, the uplink DCI focus level of the PDCCH does not require the transmission of system messages; it is determined solely by the UE's current radio quality. Therefore, the number of successful uplink DCI allocations on the PDCCH characterizes the radio channel quality at the UE's location. For UEs located at cell edges or with poor uplink coverage, a higher PDCCH aggregation level is required to ensure PDCCH transmission quality. UEs at cell edges should use a PDCCH format with a higher CCE aggregation level to trade resources for demodulation performance; UEs at cell centers can use a PDCCH format with a lower CCE aggregation level to save time and frequency resources.

[0100] The total number of successful uplink DCI allocations for PDCCH at different aggregation levels is collected in time periods, with a collection period of 60 minutes, as shown in Table 1. Other time intervals, such as 15 minutes, can also be collected.

[0101] Table 1: Total Number of Successful Uplink DCI Allocations for PDCCH in Different Aggregation Levels of Cells

[0102]

[0103] If an NR TDD cell with a higher focus level has more than one threshold T1 for uplink DCI allocations via PDCCH, the uplink coverage performance of that NR TDD cell is deemed insufficient.

[0104] Calculate the proportion of successful PDCCH uplink DCI allocations at focus level 8 and focus level 16 to the total number of successful PDCCH uplink DCI allocations. If this proportion exceeds a threshold T1, assuming it is 10%, then the uplink coverage performance of the NRTDD cell is deemed insufficient, as shown in Table 2.

[0105] Table 2: Percentage of successful uplink DCI allocations for PDCCH with focus level 8 and focus level 16

[0106]

[0107] S2. Configure multiple SSB beams in NR TDD cells with insufficient uplink coverage performance, collect the downlink RSRP level value on the terminal side of all SSB beams, and use the downlink RSRP to characterize the uplink coverage performance based on the TDD uplink and downlink spectrum reciprocity principle.

[0108] (1) Configure multiple SSB beams in NR TDD cells with insufficient uplink coverage performance.

[0109] Currently, mainstream NR TDD equipment manufacturers have developed fixed-weight beamforming schemes for AAU antennas after rigorous anechoic chamber testing and live network verification, as shown in Table 3. Network maintenance personnel can select one of the weight configurations according to the actual coverage scenario to complete weight optimization.

[0110] Table 3. 17 Standardized Weight Combination Patterns for a Certain Manufacturer

[0111] Scene type Horizontal 3dB bandwidth Vertical 3dB bandwidth Tilt adjustment range Direction angle adjustment range default0 105° 6° -2～13 0 S1 110° 6° -2～13 0 S2 90° 6° -2～13 -10～10 S3 65° 6° -2～13 -22～22 S4 45° 6° -2～13 -32～32 S5 25° 6° -2～13 -42～42 S6 110° 12° 0～9 0 S7 90° 12° 0～9 -10～10 S8 65° 12° 0～9 -22～22 S9 45° 12° 0～9 -32～32 S10 25° 12° 0～9 -42～42 S11 15° 12° 0～9 -47～47 S12 110° 25° 6 0 S13 65° 25° 6 -22～22 S14 45° 25° 6 -32～32 S15 25° 25° 6 -42～42 S16 15° 25° 6 -47～47

[0112] Currently, NR TDD cells can support a maximum of 8 SSBs for broadcast beam configuration, as shown below:

[0113] The SSB beam is configured with 8 beams horizontally, i.e., H8, which corresponds to the Default0 and S0 modes in Table 3 and is mainly aimed at horizontal coverage performance.

[0114] The SSB beam vertical configuration has 8 beams, namely V8, which corresponds to the S11 and S16 modes in Table 3, and is mainly aimed at coverage performance in the vertical direction.

[0115] The SSB beam configuration consists of 2 horizontal beams and 2 vertical beams, i.e., H2V2, which corresponds to the S3 / S4, S8 / S9, and S13 / S14 modes in Table 3, and can take into account the coverage performance in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0116] (2) Collect the downlink RSRP level value on the terminal side of all SSB beams. Based on the TDD uplink and downlink spectrum reciprocity principle, use the downlink RSRP level value to characterize the uplink coverage performance.

[0117] The downlink RSRP level value measured on the terminal side is the sample data in the MR measurement report, which can support MR measurement of all configured SSB beams. That is, the downlink RSRP level value in the MR measurement report carries not only NR TDD cell information, but also the SSB beam information of the NRTDD cell.

[0118] Based on the TDD uplink-downlink spectrum reciprocity principle, the downlink RSRP level is used to characterize uplink coverage performance. For example, SSB beams with a downlink reference signal received power below -110dBm exceeding a threshold T2 (which can be a first preset threshold) are judged to have insufficient uplink coverage performance. The T2 value can be set to 10% (which can be adjusted according to the actual situation).

[0119] S3, SSB with insufficient uplink coverage. i Beam, in SSB i Within the beam coverage area, configure RIS equipment, and during periods of stable traffic, adjust the RIS equipment based on reflection characteristics to re-detect the downlink RSRP and uplink PHR measured on the terminal side;

[0120] S4. Comparison of SSB after multiple adjustments to RIS device parameters i If the downlink reference signal received power and uplink PHR statistics on the terminal side of the beam show a significant improvement in downlink reference signal received power and an improvement in uplink power margin, it indicates that uplink RSRP coverage enhancement has been achieved and the RIS parameter settings are retained.

[0121] S5, such as SSB i If the uplink coverage performance of the beam is not effectively enhanced, then the RIS device will be configured in the SSB. i-1 With SSB i+1 Within the beam coverage area, repeat step 3, adjust the reflection characteristic parameters of the RIS device, and compare with SSB. i -1 and SSB i+1 The changes in downlink reference signal received power and uplink power margin at the terminal side of the beam are used to detect whether uplink coverage performance enhancement has been achieved.

[0122] It is worth noting that the target cell is not limited to NR TDD cells, but can also be other types of cells, which are not limited here.

[0123] Compared with existing technologies, the method provided in this invention is applicable to TDD mode. It locates NR TDD cells with insufficient uplink coverage performance through performance statistics; configures multiple SSB beams in the NR TDD cell with insufficient uplink coverage performance; collects downlink RSRP level values ​​at the terminal side of all SSB beams; and uses the downlink RSRP level value to characterize uplink coverage performance based on the TDD uplink-downlink spectrum reciprocity principle; thus locating the SSB with insufficient uplink coverage performance. i Beam, in SSB iA RIS (Reference Signal Receiving) device is configured within the beam coverage area. During designated periods of stable traffic, the parameters of the RIS device based on its reflection characteristics are adjusted, and the downlink reference signal received power measured at the terminal is re-detected. The downlink reference signal received power and uplink PHR at the terminal are compared after multiple adjustments of the RIS device parameters. If a significant improvement in downlink reference signal received power and an improvement in uplink power margin are observed, it indicates that uplink RSRP (Reference Signal Receiving Power) coverage enhancement has been achieved. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention enhances uplink coverage by adding a smart metasurface to the SSB beam and adjusting its parameters, solving the problem of low terminal penetration and improving uplink coverage performance.

[0124] See Figure 5 This invention also provides an apparatus for enhancing uplink coverage, comprising:

[0125] Configuration module 21 is used to configure a smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam of the target cell; wherein the target SSB beam is an SSB beam with insufficient uplink coverage performance;

[0126] The adjustment module 22 is used to adjust the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam.

[0127] In one embodiment, the adjustment module 22 is specifically used for:

[0128] Within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam, the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface are adjusted;

[0129] Detect the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam;

[0130] When the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement conditions, the final reflection characteristic related parameter of the smart metasurface is set to the first reflection characteristic related parameter; wherein, the first reflection characteristic related parameter is the adjusted reflection characteristic related parameter.

[0131] In one embodiment, the adjustment module 22 is specifically used to adjust the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface at least once; the adjustment module 22 is also used to:

[0132] When the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to each adjusted reflection characteristic parameter does not meet the preset enhancement condition, the smart metasurface is configured in an adjacent SSB beam of the target SSB beam, and the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface are adjusted in the adjacent SSB beam to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the adjacent SSB beam.

[0133] In one implementation, detecting the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam after each adjustment of the reflection characteristic-related parameters includes:

[0134] The downlink reference signal received power and uplink power margin of the target SSB beam at the terminal side are obtained to evaluate the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam.

[0135] In one implementation, when the proportion of low-level sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a first preset threshold and the proportion of low-power sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a second preset threshold, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement condition; wherein, the proportion of low-level sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power is lower than a preset low level, and the proportion of low-power sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the uplink power margin is lower than a preset low power.

[0136] When the proportion of low-level sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold or the proportion of low-power sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter does not meet the preset enhancement condition.

[0137] In one implementation, the first preset threshold is the difference between a first preset ratio and a first preset reduction, where the first preset ratio is the proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power of the unadjusted target SSB beam is lower than the preset low level, and the first preset reduction is greater than or equal to 0.

[0138] The second preset threshold is the difference between the second preset ratio and the second preset reduction. The second preset ratio is the proportion of uplink power margin of the unadjusted target SSB beam that is lower than the preset low power sampling point. The second preset reduction is greater than or equal to 0.

[0139] In one embodiment, a positioning module is further included, for:

[0140] Before configuring a smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam of the target cell, cells with insufficient uplink coverage performance are located through performance statistics and used as the target cells.

[0141] Multiple SSB beams are configured in the target cell;

[0142] SSB beams with insufficient uplink coverage performance are selected from the plurality of SSB beams and used as target SSB beams.

[0143] It is worth noting that the specific working process of the device for enhancing uplink coverage can be referred to the working process of the method for enhancing uplink coverage described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0144] Compared with the prior art, the device for enhancing uplink coverage disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention enhances uplink coverage by adding a smart metasurface to the target SSB beam and adjusting its parameters, thereby solving the problem of low terminal penetration and improving uplink coverage performance.

[0145] See Figure 6 This invention also provides a device for enhancing uplink coverage, including a processor 31, a memory 32, and a computer program stored in the memory 32 and configured to be executed by the processor 31. When the processor 31 executes the computer program, it implements the steps described in the above-described method embodiment for enhancing uplink coverage, for example... Figure 1 The steps S11 to S12 described above; or, when the processor 31 executes the computer program, it implements the functions of each module in the above-described device embodiments.

[0146] For example, the computer program can be divided into one or more modules, which are stored in the memory 32 and executed by the processor 31 to complete the present invention. The one or more modules can be a series of computer program instruction segments capable of performing specific functions, which describe the execution process of the computer program in the device with enhanced uplink coverage. For example, the computer program can be divided into multiple modules, each with the following specific functions:

[0147] Configuration module 21 is used to configure a smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam of the target cell; wherein the target SSB beam is an SSB beam with insufficient uplink coverage performance;

[0148] The adjustment module 22 is used to adjust the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam.

[0149] The specific working process of each module can be referred to the working process of the device for enhancing uplink coverage described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0150] The device for enhancing uplink coverage can be a computing device such as a desktop computer, laptop, handheld computer, or cloud server. The device for enhancing uplink coverage may include, but is not limited to, a processor 31 and a memory 32. Those skilled in the art will understand that the device for enhancing uplink coverage may also include input / output devices, network access devices, buses, etc.

[0151] The processor 31 can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The processor 31 is the control center of the enhanced uplink coverage device, connecting various parts of the device via various interfaces and lines.

[0152] The memory 32 can be used to store the computer programs and / or modules. The processor 31 implements various functions of the enhanced uplink coverage device by running or executing the computer programs and / or modules stored in the memory 32 and calling the data stored in the memory 32. The memory 32 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, at least one application required for a function, etc.; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the mobile phone, etc. In addition, the memory 32 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as hard disk, memory, plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0153] Wherein, if the module integrated into the device for enhancing uplink coverage is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by the processor 31, it can implement the steps of the various method embodiments described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or certain intermediate forms. The computer-readable medium can include: any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code, recording media, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks, optical disks, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution media, etc.

[0154] This invention also provides a computer program product, including a computer program / instruction, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0155] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for enhancing uplink coverage, characterized in that, include: A smart metasurface is configured within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam of the target cell; wherein the target SSB beam is an SSB beam with insufficient uplink coverage performance. The relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface are adjusted to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam; The adjustment of the reflection characteristics parameters of the smart metasurface to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam includes: Within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam, the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface are adjusted; Detect the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam; When the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement conditions, the final reflection characteristic related parameter of the smart metasurface is set to the first reflection characteristic related parameter; wherein, the first reflection characteristic related parameter is the adjusted reflection characteristic related parameter; The detection of the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam includes: The downlink reference signal received power and uplink power margin on the terminal side of the target SSB beam are obtained to evaluate the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam. When the proportion of low-level sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a first preset threshold and the proportion of low-power sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a second preset threshold, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement condition; wherein, the proportion of low-level sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power is lower than a preset low level, and the proportion of low-power sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the uplink power margin is lower than a preset low power.

2. The method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment of the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface includes adjusting the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface at least once. After detecting the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam, the method further includes: When the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to each adjusted reflection characteristic parameter does not meet the preset enhancement condition, the smart metasurface is configured in an adjacent SSB beam of the target SSB beam, and the reflection characteristic parameters of the smart metasurface are adjusted in the adjacent SSB beam to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the adjacent SSB beam.

3. The method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When the proportion of low-level sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold or the proportion of low-power sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter does not meet the preset enhancement condition.

4. The method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first preset threshold is the difference between the first preset ratio and the first preset reduction. The first preset ratio is the proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power of the unadjusted target SSB beam is lower than the preset low level. The first preset reduction is greater than or equal to 0. The second preset threshold is the difference between the second preset ratio and the second preset reduction. The second preset ratio is the proportion of uplink power margin of the unadjusted target SSB beam that is lower than the preset low power sampling point. The second preset reduction is greater than or equal to 0.

5. The method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before configuring the smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam of the target cell, the method further includes: Cells with insufficient uplink coverage performance are located through performance statistics and used as target cells. Multiple SSB beams are configured in the target cell; SSB beams with insufficient uplink coverage performance are selected from the plurality of SSB beams and used as target SSB beams.

6. An apparatus for enhancing uplink coverage, characterized in that, include: A configuration module is used to configure a smart metasurface within the coverage area of ​​a target SSB beam in a target cell; wherein the target SSB beam is an SSB beam with insufficient uplink coverage performance; An adjustment module is used to adjust the reflection characteristics parameters of the smart metasurface to enhance the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam. The adjustment module is specifically used for: Within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB beam, the relevant parameters of the reflection characteristics of the smart metasurface are adjusted; The downlink reference signal received power and uplink power margin on the terminal side of the target SSB beam are obtained to evaluate the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam. When the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement condition, the final reflection characteristic related parameter of the smart metasurface is set to the first reflection characteristic related parameter; wherein, the first reflection characteristic related parameter is the adjusted reflection characteristic related parameter; when the proportion of low-level sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a first preset threshold and the proportion of low-power sampling points corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter is less than a second preset threshold, the uplink coverage performance of the target SSB beam corresponding to the first reflection characteristic related parameter meets the preset enhancement condition; the proportion of low-level sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the downlink reference signal received power is lower than a preset low level, and the proportion of low-power sampling points is the proportion of sampling points where the uplink power margin is lower than a preset low power.

7. A device for enhancing uplink coverage, characterized in that, The method includes a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored computer program, wherein, when the computer program is executed, it controls the device on which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A computer program product comprising a computer program / instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program / instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the method for enhancing uplink coverage as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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