Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device. The method comprises the following steps: determining first information; the first information is used for indicating panel information of an antenna panel, the first information is used for determining whether the first device is suitable for residing in a cell of first network equipment, and the antenna panel is used for transmitting and / or reflecting signals; and sending the first information to the first network device. According to the method provided by the invention, after the first device resides in the cell of the first network equipment, the panel information of the antenna panel is indicated through the first information, so that whether the first device is suitable for residing in the cell of the first network equipment or not can be determined according to the panel information of the antenna panel; in this way, the first device can execute cell switching in a cell which is not suitable for residing in the first network equipment, so that the first device can access a proper cell, and the effect of cell coverage is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In network equipment cells, reconfigurable intelligent meta-surfaces (RIS) can be deployed to help improve cell coverage. This is considered a key enabling technology for expanding the coverage of wireless communication networks. RIS is just one example; it may also have other names. The RIS is equipped with a mobile terminal (MT) for receiving control signaling from the base station, i.e., RIS-MT. After the RIS-MT connects to the base station, the base station can adjust the phase of each element in the RIS by sending signaling to the RIS-MT, thereby reflecting the received signal from the RIS in the desired direction to achieve channel enhancement in areas with weak coverage.

[0003] Since the RIS may be within the coverage area of ​​multiple base stations, the RIS may not be suitable for accessing the base station. However, the RIS can still access the base station according to the access procedure. In this case, the RIS cannot play its role and cannot achieve a good coverage improvement effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving cell coverage.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applicable to a first device, which may be a mobile terminal, or a processor, chip, or functional module within the mobile terminal. The method may include: determining first information; the first information indicating panel information of an antenna panel, the first information determining whether the first device is suitable to camp on a cell of a first network device, the antenna panel being used to transmit and / or reflect signals; and transmitting the first information to the first network device.

[0006] The method provided in this application allows the first device to be used to access a cell of the first network device after camping on the cell of the first network device. The panel information of the antenna panel is indicated by the first information, thereby determining whether the first device is suitable to camp on the cell of the first network device. This enables the first device to perform cell handover in cells that are not suitable to camp on the first network device, thereby allowing the first device to access a suitable cell and improving the cell coverage effect.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate panel information of the antenna panel, including: the first information includes a first angle of arrival (AoA); the first AoA is the AoA of a first signal received from the first network device through the antenna panel.

[0008] In this method, since the antenna panel receives the first signal from the first network device using the first AoA, the orientation of the antenna panel can be determined based on the first AoA, thereby determining whether the antenna panel is facing the first network device. Thus, when it is determined that the antenna panel is not facing the first network device, it can be determined that the first device is not suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device; when it is determined that the antenna panel is facing the first network device, it can be determined that the first device is suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate panel information of the antenna panel, including: the first information includes the normal vector direction information of the antenna panel.

[0010] The orientation of the antenna panel can be directly indicated by the normal vector direction information of the antenna panel, thereby quickly determining the cell in which the first device is suitable to camp on the first network device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information from the first network device, the second information indicating the detection of a signal within a second AoA angle range; receiving the second signal via the second AoA angle within the second AoA angle range, and sending third information to the first network device; the third information indicating the detection of the second signal.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the second signal originates from a second network device, and the method further includes:

[0013] A fourth message is received from the first network device, the fourth message indicating a switch to the second network device.

[0014] By using this method, when it is determined that the second signal from the second network device is received using the second AoA, it can be determined that the first device can also receive the signal from the second network device, thereby instructing the second network device to switch to the second network device and improving the coverage performance of the second network device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending fifth information to a terminal device associated with the first device, the fifth information indicating a switch to the second network device after a first time period.

[0016] This method allows terminal devices associated with the first device to simultaneously switch to the second network device, ensuring the continuity of terminal device services. Furthermore, after the first device completes the switchover, it needs to configure the reflection parameters of the RIS antenna panel. During the configuration of these parameters, the RIS antenna panel may not be able to form a new channel and may not be able to reflect signals. Therefore, by indicating a waiting time, the first device completes the switchover and the configuration of the reflection parameters, thus forming a new channel. During this waiting time, the terminal device can communicate through the first network device. After the terminal device completes the switchover, the second network device can also promptly provide services to the terminal device.

[0017] Secondly, this application provides a communication method, wherein the execution subject of the method is a network device or a module or chip in a network device, and the method is described here using a network device as an example. The method includes: establishing a connection with a first device; receiving first information from the first device; the first information is used to indicate panel information of an antenna panel, the first information is used to determine whether the first device is suitable to camp in a cell of a first network device, and the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect signals.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining, based on the first information, whether the first device is suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a first angle of arrival (AoA); the first AoA is the AoA of a first signal received from the first network device through the antenna panel.

[0020] In one possible implementation, determining whether a cell is suitable to reside in the first network device based on the first information includes:

[0021] The first AoA is located within the first AoA angle range, thus determining a cell suitable for camping on the first network device;

[0022] Alternatively, if the first AoA is located outside the first AoA angle range, it is determined that the cell is not suitable for camping on the first network device.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the normal vector direction information of the antenna panel.

[0024] In one possible implementation, determining whether a cell is suitable to reside in the first network device based on the first information includes:

[0025] Obtain the position information of the antenna panel; determine the orientation of the antenna panel to match the first network device based on the position information and the normal vector direction information of the antenna panel, and then determine the cell suitable for camping on the first network device;

[0026] Alternatively, if the orientation of the antenna panel does not match the first network device based on the position information of the antenna panel and the normal vector of the antenna panel, then a cell that is not suitable for camping on the first network device is determined.

[0027] In one possible implementation, determining cells unsuitable for residing in the first network device, the method further includes:

[0028] Send a second message, which indicates the detection signal within the second AoA angle range.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0030] Receive third information from the first device; the third information indicates that a second signal has been detected.

[0031] The second signal comes from the first network device and determines a cell suitable for camping on the first network device.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0033] Receive third information from the first device; the third information indicates the reception of a second signal;

[0034] The second signal comes from the second network device and sends a fourth message, which indicates a switch to the second network device.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a terminal device associated with the first device sending a sixth message, the sixth message instructing the terminal device to switch to the second network device after a first time.

[0036] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first device, which can be a mobile terminal, or a processor, chip, or functional module within the mobile terminal. The method may include: receiving a first signal from a first network device; sending first indication information to the first network device, the first indication information being used to provide feedback on whether the first device is camped in a cell of the first network device; the first indication information being determined based on a first angle of arrival (AoA), the first AoA being the AoA of the first signal received through an antenna panel, the antenna panel being used for transmitting and / or reflecting the signal.

[0037] The method provided in this application allows the first device to perform cell handover when it is not camped in a cell of the first network device, thereby enabling the first device to access a suitable cell and improve cell coverage.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first AoA is located within the first AoA angular range, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the first device is camped in the cell of the first network device; or, the first AoA is located outside the first AoA angular range, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the first device is camped in the cell of the first network device.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to provide feedback that the first device is not camped in the cell of the first network device, and the method further includes: receiving second indication information from the first network device, the second indication information indicating that a signal is detected within a second AoA angle range; receiving a second signal through the second AoA angle within the second AoA angle range, and sending third indication information to the first network device; the third indication information indicating that the second signal is detected.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the second signal originates from a second network device, and the method further includes:

[0041] Receive a fourth indication message from the first network device; the fourth indication message indicates a switch to the second network device.

[0042] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method, wherein the execution subject of the method is a network device or a module or chip in a network device, and the method is described here using a network device as an example. The method includes: establishing a connection with a first device; receiving first indication information from the first device; the first indication information being used to feedback whether the first device is camped in a cell of the first network device; the first indication information being determined based on a first angle of arrival (AoA), wherein the first AoA is the AoA of a first signal received from the first network device through an antenna panel, and the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect signals.

[0043] In one possible implementation, a cell suitable for camping on the first network device is determined based on the first instruction information.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to provide feedback that the first device is not camped in the cell of the first network device, and the method further includes: sending second indication information, the second indication information indicating the detection signal in the second AoA angle range.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information from the first device; the third information indicating the detection of a second signal; the second signal originating from a second network device, and sending fourth indication information; the fourth indication information indicating a switch to the second network device; or, the second signal originating from the first network device, determining a cell suitable for residing on the first network device.

[0046] Fifthly, this application also provides a communication device capable of implementing any of the methods provided in any of the first to fourth aspects. This communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the first device or the first network device in the methods described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and devices such as terminal devices.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the methods provided in any of the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor implements the functional modules of the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects through logic circuits or by executing computer programs or instructions. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions.

[0051] A seventh aspect provides a circuit for performing the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above, the circuit including chip circuitry. Optionally, the circuit may also be coupled to a memory.

[0052] Eighthly, a chip is provided, comprising a processor, which, when executing a computer program or instructions, implements the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects. Optionally, the chip may further include a memory, and the chip may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0053] Ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor that implements the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects by means of logic circuits or by executing computer programs or instructions.

[0054] In a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising a unit or module for performing a method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0055] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0056] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product storing instructions is provided, which, when read and executed by a computer, implements the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0057] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system. The communication system includes: a first apparatus for implementing the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; and a first network device for implementing the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Alternatively, the communication system includes: a first apparatus for implementing the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof; and a first network device for implementing the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network device architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a RIS panel provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a RIS device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an MT structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them.

[0072] The terms "first," "second," and corresponding designations used in this application are for distinguishing similar objects and are not necessarily for describing a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate; this is merely a way of distinguishing objects with the same attributes in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of units is not necessarily limited to those units, but may include other units not explicitly listed or inherent to those processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0073] In the description of this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. " / " means "or", for example, a / b means a or b.

[0074] The methods and apparatus provided in this application are based on the same or similar technical concepts. Since the methods and apparatus solve problems in similar ways, the implementation of the apparatus and methods can refer to each other, and repeated parts will not be described again.

[0075] The method provided in this application can be applied to various mobile communication systems, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), fourth-generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)), fifth-generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., 5G New Radio (NR)), LTE and NR hybrid architectures, 6G, or new communication systems emerging in future communication developments. The communication system can also include machine-to-machine (M2M) networks, machine-type communication (MTC), or other networks.

[0076] The following section will first explain some of the terms used in the embodiments of this application so that those skilled in the art can understand them.

[0077] In this embodiment, the network device can be a device in a wireless network, and can also be referred to as a network apparatus, a wireless access network device, or an access network device. For example, the network device can be a radio access network (RAN) node that connects a terminal device to a wireless network, and can also be referred to as an access network device. The network device includes, but is not limited to: base station, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), transmission reception point (TRP), next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN), next-generation base station in a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, base station in a future mobile communication system, or access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system; or it can be a module or unit that performs some functions of a base station, such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a central unit control plane (CU-CP) module, or a central unit user plane (CU-UP) module. Access network equipment can be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, or donor nodes, etc. This application does not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the network equipment.

[0078] like Figure 1As shown, in some implementations, network devices can include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). This includes RAN devices at CU and DU nodes that separate the protocol layers of the gNB in ​​the NR system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. Furthermore, the CU can be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP). The CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions, mainly including radio resource control (RRC) and the corresponding packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) (i.e., PDCP-C). PDCP-C is mainly responsible for control plane data encryption / decryption, integrity protection, and data transmission. The CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions, mainly including the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) and the corresponding PDCP (i.e., PDCP-U). SDAP is mainly responsible for processing core network data and mapping flows to bearers. PDCP-U is primarily responsible for data plane encryption / decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission. CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via the E1 interface. CU-CP represents the gNB connected to the core network via the NG interface and to the DU via the F1 interface control plane (F1-C). CU-UP is connected to the DU via the F1 interface user plane (F1-U). Alternatively, PDCP-C may also be located within CU-UP.

[0079] It is understood that CU (including CU-CP or CU-UP) or DU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, and CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU as examples. Network devices may also include active antenna units (AAU). CU implements some of the functions of gNB, and DU implements some of the functions of gNB. For example, CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the RRC layer. DU is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical (PHY) layer. In some deployments, the CU can also be divided into a centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) node and a centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) node. The CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions, while the CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions.

[0080] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of this application can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The terminal device can be referred to as a terminal device, or it can also be called user equipment (UE), terminal, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a device that includes wireless communication functions (providing voice / data connectivity to the user). For example, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or an in-vehicle device, in-vehicle module, etc. Currently, examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, device-to-device (D2D) communication terminals, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication terminals, intelligent vehicles, in-vehicle infotainment systems (or onboard transmitters) (telematics boxes, T-boxes), and machine-to-machine / machine-type communication. Wireless terminals in communications (M2M / MTC) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications include communication devices and terminal devices. For example, terminal devices can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle-mounted modules, vehicles, onboard units (OBUs), roadside units (RSUs), T-boxes, chips, or systems-on-chips (SoCs), which can be installed in vehicles, OBUs, RSUs, or T-boxes. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, etc. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, set-top boxes, etc.Terminal devices can also be V2X devices, such as smart cars, digital cars, unmanned cars, driverless cars, pilotless cars, autonomous cars, pure electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), new energy vehicles, and roadside units (RSUs). Terminal devices can also be devices in device-to-device (D2D) communication, such as electricity meters and water meters. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection.

[0081] A reconfigurable intelligent meta-surface (RIS) is a digitally reconfigurable artificial electromagnetic surface composed of a large number of subwavelength digitally reconfigurable basic units (also known as RIS cells, array elements, or reflective units) arranged in a specific macroscopic pattern (periodic or aperiodic arrangement). RIS cells can be arranged in a RIS panel. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, because the size and arrangement of the basic units in a RIS panel can be arbitrarily designed, RIS can overcome the limitations of traditional materials that are difficult to precisely manipulate at the atomic or molecular level, constructing novel materials with unconventional medium parameters that cannot be achieved by traditional materials and technologies. Compared to the surface of traditional materials, RIS has the ability to shape electromagnetic waves according to the generalized Snell's law. RIS can actively and intelligently control spatial electromagnetic waves, forming an electromagnetic environment with controllable amplitude, phase, polarization, and frequency. Because RIS adopts a design concept of few active devices or even no passive devices, and can be deployed using metamaterials and modular deployment methods, it has advantages such as low cost, low power consumption, low complexity, and easy deployment, possessing deployment potential for future networks. Based on the specific control capabilities of RIS over electromagnetic waves, reconfigurable metasurfaces can be divided into: amplitude reconfigurable, phase reconfigurable, polarization reconfigurable, etc.

[0082] Optionally, in some embodiments, RIS may also have other descriptions, such as intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), reconfigurable reflecting surface (RRS), smart surface, transmissive metasurfaces, large intelligent metasurface (LIM), software-controlled metasurface, smart reflect-arrays, software-defined surface (SDS), passive intelligent surface (PIS), passive massive multiple input multiple output (passive massive MIMO), distributed passive massive MIMO, etc.

[0083] By controlling the shaping parameters of electromagnetic waves (such as reflection angle or refraction angle) of the RIS (Reflection System), flexible control of electromagnetic waves can be achieved. One control method for the RIS is voltage control. For example, the basic unit in the RIS is connected to control devices such as diodes (e.g., varactor diodes). Applying different bias voltages to the diodes changes the operating parameters of the connected basic unit, thereby altering the operating state of the basic unit; for instance, the reflected phase of the electromagnetic wave by the RIS may change by 180°.

[0084] Based on the characteristics of RIS described above, in order to achieve flexible control of electromagnetic waves, the transmission characteristics of electromagnetic waves (including transmission direction, signal strength, signal amplitude, signal carrier frequency, signal phase, etc.) can be controlled by changing the distribution of the working states of the basic units in the RIS.

[0085] Furthermore, due to its low cost, ease of integration, low power consumption, and flexible control, RIS has broad application prospects in fields such as communications, radar, and stealth. In the communications field, RIS is often used in wireless networks. By utilizing the reflective properties of RIS to reflect radio frequency signals (which are transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves), the coverage and capacity of wireless networks can be improved. Utilizing the radiation properties of RIS, data can be directly modulated and transmitted, eliminating the need for RF front-end modules such as mixers and amplifiers in traditional communication links, thus reducing power consumption and cost.

[0086] Based on this, in the field of communications, the characteristics of RIS can be utilized to control the operating parameters of each basic unit, thereby enabling the RIS to reflect multiple harmonic beams that meet the conditions. In this way, even communication devices with only a single radio frequency link (i.e., one antenna) can use RIS to achieve multi-beam control, thus RIS also has a very broad application prospect in beamforming technology.

[0087] In this application, RIS can refer to a device or apparatus that includes RIS, or a device or apparatus that supports RIS. A RIS device can also be referred to as IRS, RRS, smart surface, transmissive metasurfaces, LIM, soft-controlled metasurface, smart reflective array, SDS, PIS, passive ultra-large-scale MIMO, distributed passive large-scale MIMO, etc. Alternatively, a RIS device can also be an apparatus that supports at least one of RIS, IRS, RRS, smart surface, transmissive metasurfaces, LIM, soft-controlled metasurface, smart reflective array, SDS, PIS, passive ultra-large-scale MIMO, and distributed passive large-scale MIMO. RIS can also be referred to as a RIS device, RIS relay, or RIS, etc., and is collectively referred to as a RIS device below.

[0088] RIS devices can also include RIS-MT, or simply MT. The MT can have the functionality of an end device, or can be an end device itself. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a RIS device may include an MT (Mediator) and a RIS panel. The MT may also be called a control unit or RIS controller, while the RIS panel may be called a RIS antenna panel, RIS module, RIS transponder module, or reflector array. The MT and the RIS panel interact internally.

[0089] A mediator (MT) can include modules such as a baseband module, a mid-frequency (IF) module, and an IF front-end. For example, ... Figure 4As shown, the baseband module may include modules such as a processor, decoder, encoder, demodulator, and modulator; the mid-frequency (RF) module may include modules such as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an up-converter, and a down-converter; the RF front-end may include modules such as a duplexer, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a power amplifier (PA), and an antenna. The above are just examples; the MT may also include other modules, and this application is not limiting in this regard.

[0090] After the MT (Mediator) is connected to the network device, the network device can adjust the phase of each element in the RIS (Radio Reflector) panel by sending signaling to the MT, thereby reflecting the received signal of the RIS panel in the desired direction to achieve channel enhancement in areas with weak coverage. For example, in Figure 5A In situations where the UE's direct Loss-of-Sight (LoS) path to the network device is blocked, without a Reflection Rank (RIS) device, the UE's signal can only reach the network device via a non-line-of-sight (NLoS) path, resulting in weak signal strength at the network device. After deploying a RIS device, the network device can adjust the RIS panel phase to reflect the UE's signal in the desired direction, thereby enhancing coverage in weak coverage areas and improving the device's communication performance in such environments. Similarly, when a LoS path exists between the network device and the UE but the channel condition number is high, the network device can adjust the RIS panel phase to increase the overall channel rank between the network device and the UE.

[0091] Based on their deployment location, RIS panels can be divided into fixed RIS panels and mobile RIS panels. Fixed RIS panels are generally deployed on walls or glass to enhance signal strength in a relatively fixed area. Mobile RIS panels are generally deployed on moving objects, such as on the windows of cars, trains, and airplanes, to provide stable communication signals for terminal devices inside the vehicle. Alternatively, mobile RIS panels can be deployed on drones, allowing the drones to fly to areas with no signal coverage (such as disaster sites), where the remote base stations and the RIS panels mounted on the drones work together to provide coverage to the areas without signal.

[0092] Based on how the RIS panel alters the channel, RIS panels can be categorized into reflective RIS, transmissive RIS, and hybrid bidirectional RIS. Reflective RIS and transmissive RIS reflect and refract signals, respectively. For example, ... Figure 5AAs shown, the RIS panel can be mounted on a large flat surface (such as an indoor wall or ceiling, or an outdoor building or sign) to reflect radio frequency (RF) energy around obstacles and create a virtual line-of-sight (LoS) propagation path between the communication source and the communication target. This allows direct communication between the two, avoiding interference from obstacles. In the diagram, the communication source is the UE, and the communication target is the network device. Of course, the communication source can also be a network device, and the communication target can also be a UE.

[0093] Based on the structural relationship between the RIS panel and the MT (Transmitter Antenna), there are two types of RIS architectures. The first architecture has the MT antenna independent of the RIS panel. The advantage of this architecture is that both the MT's transmitted and received signals are reflected or transmitted through the RIS panel, achieving focused output and input beams and enhancing signal energy. The second RIS architecture has the MT antenna contained within the RIS panel. In this architecture, most of the RIS panel's antenna elements are passive, used for signal reflection / transmission by the RIS panel; a small portion are active elements, used as the MT's transmit and receive antennas.

[0094] Currently, RIS devices need to establish a connection with network devices. Only after the RIS device connects to the network device can the network device send signaling to the RIS device. Traditional methods mainly involve configuring a whitelist or blacklist for the RIS device, allowing it to connect only to network devices on the whitelist or prohibiting access to those on the blacklist. This is relatively simple to implement. However, for mobile RIS devices, changes in the environment during movement can lead to the RIS device connecting to less optimal network devices. Another possible scenario is when the RIS device is within the coverage area of ​​multiple network devices, such as... Figure 5B As shown, the RIS device selects a network device to access based on the reference signal receiving power (RSRP), for example, network device 2. However, due to various reasons, such as the RIS device's RIS panel facing away from network device 2, it cannot receive the signal from network device 2, and the RIS device cannot reflect the signal from network device 2 to the UE, resulting in network device 2 being unable to communicate with the UE. However, if the RIS device's RIS panel faces network device 1, the signal from network device 1 can be received by the UE after reflection by the RIS device. But since the RIS device is not connected to network device 1, the UE cannot obtain the services of both network device 1 and network device 2. Therefore, this application provides a method to optimize the cell access of the RIS device.

[0095] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do 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 network 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.

[0096] It is understood that this application does not specifically limit the structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. It can be applied to modules in RIS devices or network devices, as long as they can communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0097] like Figure 6 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes:

[0098] Step 601: The first network device establishes a connection with the first device.

[0099] Here, "establishing a connection" can refer to establishing an RRC connection. The specific process by which the first network device and the first apparatus establish a connection is not limited in this application; for example, a connection can be established through a random access procedure, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0100] In one implementation, the first device may have the functions of a terminal device, such as an MT (Mobile Terminal). The first device is associated with an antenna panel. The antenna panel can transmit and / or reflect signals and may have the ability to shape electromagnetic waves. For example, the antenna panel can transmit and / or reflect signals from a first network device, and / or transmit and / or reflect signals from terminal devices in the cell of the first network device to the first network device. In this application, the signal may also be replaced with a wireless signal.

[0101] Optionally, the antenna panel may also have at least one of the following functions: changing at least one of the following: the transmission direction of the wireless signal, the signal strength, the signal amplitude, the carrier frequency of the signal, and the phase of the signal; changing parameters such as the reflection angle or refraction angle of the wireless signal.

[0102] For example, the antenna panel can be a RIS antenna panel or an antenna panel with RIS functionality. RIS can also be replaced with IRS, RRS, smart surface, transmissive metasurfaces, LIM, software-controlled metasurface, smart reflective array, SDS, PIS, passive ultra-large-scale MIMO, distributed passive large-scale MIMO, etc.

[0103] The first device is associated with the antenna panel, which can mean that the first device and the antenna panel are connected by a physical connection or a wireless connection, and the whole is a single device, for example, such as... Figure 3 The RIS device shown has a first device (MT) within it and an antenna template (RIS panel) within it. Alternatively, the first device and the antenna panel can be separate devices.

[0104] The first device can instruct the antenna panel to transmit and / or reflect wireless signals via control signaling, and / or change at least one of the following parameters: transmission direction, signal strength, signal amplitude, carrier frequency, and phase of the wireless signal, and / or change parameters such as the reflection angle or refraction angle of the wireless signal. The control signaling can be generated by the first device or originate from network equipment or other devices.

[0105] In another implementation, the first device includes an MT and an antenna panel, which can be a RIS antenna panel or an antenna panel with RIS functionality. In this case, the first device can also refer to a RIS device.

[0106] In one implementation, after the first device completes initial access and enters the RRC connection state, it can report user type information to the first network device. For example, the user type information indicates that the user type of the first device is a RIS device or a device associated with an antenna panel; or, for another example, the user type information indicates that the user type of the first device is a RIS-MT, or an MT that can control the RIS antenna panel, or an MT connected to the RIS antenna panel.

[0107] Optionally, if the first network device determines that the user type of the first device is a RIS device, a RIS-MT, or an MT capable of controlling the RIS antenna panel, or an MT connected to the RIS antenna panel, it can send a first signaling message to the first device. The first signaling message can instruct the first device to report the panel information of the antenna panel. The first signaling message can be higher-layer signaling or physical-layer signaling, and this application is not limited to this.

[0108] Step 602: The first device determines the first information.

[0109] The first information is used to indicate the panel information of the antenna panel. The first information can be used to determine whether the first device is suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device, and / or, the first information can be used to assist the first network device in determining whether the antenna panel is facing the first network device.

[0110] In this application, the description of a cell suitable for residing in the first network device can also be replaced with a cell that is allowed to reside in the first network device, or a cell that is able to reside in the first network device, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0111] This application does not limit how the first information indicates the panel information of the antenna panel. In one implementation, the first information includes a first angle of arrival (AOA); the first AoA is the AoA of the first signal received from the first network device through the antenna panel. The first AoA may include a first horizontal angle of arrival and a first vertical angle of arrival.

[0112] The first signal can be a signal received by the first device through the antenna panel during the initial access process. For example, the first signal is a synchronous signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block, SSB). Another example is that the first signal can be message 2, message 4, or message B during the random access process.

[0113] For example, taking the antenna panel as a RIS antenna panel and the first device as a vehicle-mounted, transmissive RIS device, i.e., the first device is a vehicle-mounted device and includes a RIS antenna panel, which is a transmissive RIS. The RIS antenna panel is deployed on the windshield of the vehicle-mounted device; the first device also includes one transmitting element, which is located at a fixed position inside the vehicle-mounted device. Since the positions of the RIS antenna panel and the transmitting element are relatively fixed, the first device can determine the relative positional relationship between the transmitting element and each reflecting element on the RIS antenna panel. Therefore, the first device can calculate the relative time delay τ_i of the signal s(t) transmitted by the first device through the transmitting element to each of the N reflecting elements of the RIS antenna panel, where i is the index of the reflecting element. After phase compensation cancels out the influence of this relative time delay, the N reflecting elements are effectively used as N antennas to transmit or receive signals. In this way, the first device can accurately obtain the AoA information of the RIS antenna panel when receiving signals.

[0114] In another implementation, the first information includes the normal vector direction information of the antenna panel. Here, the normal vector can refer to the normal vector of the plane on which the antenna panel is located.

[0115] Step 603: The first device sends the first information.

[0116] Accordingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0117] This application does not limit how the first device specifically transmits the first information.

[0118] Optionally, in step 604: the first network device determines whether it is suitable to reside in the cell of the first network device based on the first information.

[0119] Specifically, it can be determined whether the first device is suitable to reside in the cell of the first network device based on the first information.

[0120] In one implementation, if the first information includes a first Area of ​​Address (AoA), then if the first AoA is within the first AoA angular range, a cell suitable for camping on the first network device is determined; if the first AoA is outside the first AoA angular range, a cell unsuitable for camping on the first network device is determined. The first AoA angular range can be predefined or preconfigured, or it can be determined based on the range of the signal transmission direction of the first network device; this application does not limit this.

[0121] If the first AoA is within the first AoA angular range, it indicates that the orientation of the antenna panel matches the signal transmission direction of the first network device; the antenna panel can receive signals from the first network device with signal quality greater than or equal to a threshold under this orientation, or the antenna panel can receive signals from the first network device under this orientation. Conversely, if the first AoA is outside the first AoA angular range, it indicates that the orientation of the antenna panel does not match the signal transmission direction of the first network device; the RIS antenna panel cannot receive signals from the first network device with signal quality greater than or equal to a threshold under this orientation, or the antenna panel cannot receive signals from the first network device under this orientation. The signal quality can be represented by reference signal receiving power (RSRP), etc., and the threshold can be predefined or preconfigured; this application does not limit this.

[0122] For example, if the first device is a vehicle-mounted device, and the antenna panel is a RIS panel, the RIS antenna panel is located on the windshield of the first device. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the first AoA angle range includes a horizontal arrival angle range of (-60°, 60°), as... Figure 7As shown in (b) of the figure, the first AoA angle range includes a vertical angle of arrival range of (-30°, 30°). The first device receives a first signal from network device 1 in the figure through the RIS antenna panel. The first AoA receiving the first signal includes a first horizontal angle of arrival of 0° and a first vertical angle of arrival of 0°. The first horizontal angle of arrival is within (-60°, 60°), and the first vertical angle of arrival is within (-30°, 30°). Therefore, the first AoA is within the first AoA angle range, and the first device and the RIS antenna panel are suitable for camping in the cell of network device 1. As can be seen from the figure, the signal transmitted by network device 1 is within the first AoA angle range, and the signal of network device 1 can be received by the RIS antenna panel. For network device 2 in the figure, the signal transmitted by network device 2 is outside the first AoA angle range. Although the RIS antenna panel may receive the signal of network device 2, the signal quality is low and the communication efficiency is low.

[0123] In one implementation, if the first information includes the normal vector direction information of the antenna panel, the first network device can obtain the position information of the antenna panel. For example, the first network device can send a sensing signal and determine the position information of the antenna panel through the echo signal of the sensing signal; the specific process is not limited. Here, the position information of the antenna panel can also be replaced by the position information of the first device.

[0124] The first network device determines the antenna panel's orientation to match its own orientation based on the antenna panel's position information and normal vector direction information. This determines a suitable cell for the antenna panel to camp on. Matching the antenna panel's orientation to the first network device can mean that the antenna panel's orientation matches the first network device's signal transmission direction, allowing the antenna panel to receive signals from the first network device with signal quality greater than or equal to a threshold under that orientation; or, the antenna panel's orientation matches the first network device's orientation, allowing the antenna panel to receive signals from the first network device under that orientation.

[0125] The first network device determines that if the orientation of the antenna panel does not match the orientation of the first network device based on the antenna panel's position information and normal vector direction information, then it is determined that the antenna panel is unsuitable to camp in the cell of the first network device. Here, the mismatch between the antenna panel's orientation and the first network device's signal transmission direction can mean that the antenna panel's orientation does not match the first network device's signal transmission direction, and the antenna panel cannot receive signals from the first network device with signal quality greater than or equal to a threshold under that orientation; or, the antenna panel's orientation does not match the first network device's orientation, and the antenna panel cannot receive signals from the first network device under that orientation.

[0126] For example, the first device is a vehicle-mounted device, and the antenna panel is a RIS antenna panel located on the windshield of the first device. The first network device determines the position information of the RIS antenna panel and, based on this position information, determines that the RIS antenna panel is located at 5° west of south of the network device, that is, the network device senses that the first device is located at 5° west of south of the network device.

[0127] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), if the normal vector of the RIS antenna panel is 5° east of north, then the orientation of the RIS antenna panel is determined to be mismatched with the network device based on the position information and the normal vector of the RIS antenna panel. In this case, the orientation of the RIS antenna panel is the same as or within the same range as the signal transmission direction of the network device, and the signal of the network device cannot be received.

[0128] like Figure 8 As shown in (b), if the normal vector of the RIS antenna panel is 5° west of south, then the orientation of the RIS antenna panel is determined to match the network device based on the position information and the normal vector of the RIS antenna panel. At this time, the orientation of the RIS antenna panel is opposite to the signal transmission direction of the network device, and the signal of the network device can be received.

[0129] In this application, if the first network device determines that the first device is suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device, it can send control signaling to the first device. For example, the control command can indicate beam information and the effective time of the beam information. The first device can control the antenna panel to use the beam information to reflect the signal at the effective time according to the control command. The specific process will not be described in detail.

[0130] In this application, if the first network device determines that the first device is not suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device, it can instruct the first device to re-detect the signal. In one implementation, the first network device can send second information, which instructs the first device to detect the signal within a second AoA angle range. The second AoA angle range can also be preset, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0131] The first device receives the second information and then detects the signal within the second AoA angle range through the antenna panel.

[0132] In one implementation method, if a second signal is received within the second AoA angle range, a third message is sent to the first network device; the third message indicates that the second signal has been detected. Specifically, if the second signal originates from the first network device, the third message can also indicate that a second signal from the first network device has been detected. The type of the second signal is not limited; for example, it could be a first SSB.

[0133] In this implementation, it is explained that there is multipath in the signal between the first network device and the antenna panel. In this case, the first device can camp in the cell of the first network device.

[0134] In the second implementation method, if a second signal is received within the second AoA angle range, then third information is sent to the first network device; the third information indicates that the second signal has been detected. Specifically, if the second signal originates from the second network device, the third information may also indicate that a second signal from the second network device has been detected. For example, the third information may include the identifier of the second network device or cell identifier, etc. The type of the second signal is not limited; for example, it may be the first SSB.

[0135] Optionally, in this implementation, the first network device may send a fourth message indicating a switch to the second network device. The fourth message may also include system information such as the cell information of the second network device. Upon receiving the fourth message, the first device can switch to the second network device accordingly; the specific switching process is not limited.

[0136] Optionally, in one implementation, the first device may further send fifth information to the terminal device associated with the first device. The fifth information indicates a switch to the second network device, and may further include system information such as the cell information of the second network device. The terminal device associated with the first device may refer to a terminal device whose distance from the first device is within a distance threshold, or it may refer to a terminal device with the same motion information as the first device. The motion information may include at least one of motion trajectory, motion speed, and motion direction. For example, if the first device is a vehicle-mounted device, and the terminal device is located inside the first device, such as being used by a user inside the first device, then the terminal device can be associated with the first device.

[0137] The fifth message can also indicate a first time period, after which the terminal device switches to the second network device. That is, the first time period is the waiting time for the terminal device to switch to the second network device. During this first time period, the terminal device waits for the first device to complete the switch, and after the first time period ends, the terminal device executes the process of switching to the second network device. The start time of the first time period can be the time when the fifth message is received; this application is not limited to this. The first time period can also be predefined.

[0138] One possible implementation is that the first device can send the fifth information to the terminal device associated with the first device via a side link.

[0139] Optionally, in one implementation, the first network device sends a sixth message to a terminal device associated with the first device. The sixth message instructs the terminal device to switch to the second network device. The sixth message may also include system information such as cell information of the second network device. The sixth message may also indicate a first time interval, after which the terminal device switches to the second network device; that is, the first time interval is the waiting time for the terminal device to switch to the second network device. The start time of the first time interval can be the time when the sixth message is received, and this application is not limited to this. The first time interval can also be predefined.

[0140] This method allows terminal devices associated with the first device to simultaneously switch to the second network device, ensuring the continuity of terminal device services. Furthermore, after the first device completes the switch, it needs to configure the antenna panel's reflection parameters. During this configuration, the antenna panel may not be able to form a new channel or reflect signals. Therefore, by indicating the first moment, the first device completes the switch and reflection parameter configuration, forming a new channel. The terminal device can then communicate through the first network device during this first moment. After the terminal device completes the switch, the second network device can also promptly provide services to the terminal device.

[0141] The method provided in this application allows the first device to be used to access a cell of the first network device after camping on the cell of the first network device. The panel information of the antenna panel is indicated by the first information, thereby determining whether the first device is suitable to camp on the cell of the first network device. This enables the first device to perform cell handover in cells that are not suitable to camp on the first network device, thereby allowing the first device to access a suitable cell and improving the cell coverage effect.

[0142] In this application, the first device can also directly indicate whether it is suitable to reside in a cell of the first network device, which will be described in detail below.

[0143] like Figure 9 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes:

[0144] Step 901: The first network device sends the first signal.

[0145] Accordingly, the first device receives a first signal from the first network device.

[0146] The first signal can be used for initial access or connection establishment. For example, the first signal can be the first SSB. Another example is that the first signal can be message 2, message 4, or message B during the random access process.

[0147] Here, "establishing a connection" can refer to establishing an RRC connection.

[0148] In one implementation, the first device may have the functions of a terminal device, such as an MT (Mobile Terminal). The first device is associated with an antenna panel. The antenna panel may transmit and / or reflect signals and may have the ability to shape electromagnetic waves. For example, the antenna panel may transmit and / or reflect signals from a first network device, and / or transmit and / or reflect signals from terminal devices in the cell of the first network device to the first network device.

[0149] Optionally, the antenna panel may also have at least one of the following functions: changing at least one of the following: the transmission direction of the wireless signal, the signal strength, the signal amplitude, the carrier frequency of the signal, and the phase of the signal; changing parameters such as the reflection angle or refraction angle of the wireless signal.

[0150] For example, the antenna panel can be a RIS antenna panel or an antenna panel with RIS functionality. RIS can also be replaced with IRS, RRS, smart surface, transmissive metasurfaces, LIM, software-controlled metasurface, smart reflective array, SDS, PIS, passive ultra-large-scale MIMO, distributed passive large-scale MIMO, etc.

[0151] The first device is associated with the antenna panel, which can mean that the first device and the antenna panel are connected by a physical connection or a wireless connection, and the whole is a single device, for example, such as... Figure 3 The RIS device shown has a first device (MT) within it and an antenna template (RIS panel) within it. Alternatively, the first device and the antenna panel can be separate devices.

[0152] The first device can instruct the antenna panel to transmit and / or reflect wireless signals via control signaling, and / or change at least one of the following parameters: transmission direction, signal strength, signal amplitude, carrier frequency, and phase of the wireless signal, and / or change parameters such as the reflection angle or refraction angle of the wireless signal. The control signaling can be generated by the first device or originate from network equipment or other devices.

[0153] In another implementation, the first device includes an MT and an antenna panel, which can be a RIS antenna panel or an antenna panel with RIS functionality. In this case, the first device can also refer to a RIS device.

[0154] Step 902: The first network device establishes a connection with the first device.

[0155] The specific process by which the first network device establishes a connection with the first device is not limited in this application. For example, the connection can be established through a random access procedure, which will not be elaborated here.

[0156] In one implementation, after the first device completes initial access and enters the RRC connection state, it can report user type information to the first network device. For example, the user type information indicates that the user type of the first device is a RIS device or a device associated with an antenna panel; or, for another example, the user type information indicates that the user type of the first device is a RIS-MT, or an MT that can control the RIS antenna panel, or an MT connected to the RIS antenna panel.

[0157] Optionally, if the first network device determines that the user type of the first device is a RIS device, a RIS-MT, or an MT capable of controlling the RIS antenna panel, or an MT connected to the RIS antenna panel, it can send a first signaling message to the first device. The first signaling message can instruct the first device to report the panel information of the antenna panel. The first signaling message can be higher-layer signaling or physical-layer signaling, and this application is not limited to this.

[0158] Step 903: The first device sends the first instruction information.

[0159] Accordingly, the first network device receives the first instruction information.

[0160] The first indication information is used to provide feedback on whether the first device is suitable to camp on the cell of the first network device; the first indication information is determined based on the first angle of arrival (AoA), where the first AoA is the AoA at which the first signal is received through the antenna panel. Accordingly, the first network device can determine whether the first device is suitable to camp on the cell of the first network device based on the first indication information.

[0161] In one implementation, the first indication information is used to provide feedback on the cell in which the first device is camped on the first network device. For example, if the first AoA is located within the angle range of the first AoA, the first device can camp on the cell in the first network device.

[0162] In one implementation, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first device is not camped in the cell of the first network device. For example, if the first AoA is outside the first AoA angle range, the first device is not suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device. The first AoA angle range can be predefined or preconfigured, or it can be determined based on the range of the signal transmission direction of the first network device; this application is not limited to this. If the first AoA is within the first AoA angle range, it can indicate that the orientation of the antenna panel matches the signal transmission direction of the first network device; if the first AoA is outside the first AoA angle range, it can indicate that the orientation of the antenna panel does not match the signal transmission direction of the first network device. For details, please refer to the description in step 602, which will not be repeated here.

[0163] In this application, if the first indication information is used to provide feedback on where the first device is camped in the cell of the first network device, the first network device can send control signaling to the first device. For example, the control command can indicate beam information and the effective time of the beam information. The first device can control the antenna panel to use the beam information to reflect or transmit signals at the effective time according to the control command; the specific process will not be elaborated further.

[0164] In this application, if the first indication information is used to indicate that the first device is not camped in the cell of the first network device, the first network device can instruct the first device to re-detect the signal. In one implementation, the first network device can send second indication information to the first device, the second indication information indicating that the signal should be detected within a second AoA angle range. The second AoA angle range can also be preset, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0165] The first device receives the second instruction information and then detects the signal within the second AoA angle range through the antenna panel.

[0166] In one implementation method, if a second signal is received within the second AoA angle range, a third indication message is sent to the first network device; the third indication message indicates that a second signal has been detected. Specifically, if the second signal originates from the first network device, the third indication message can also indicate that a second signal originating from the first network device has been detected. The type of the second signal is not limited; for example, it could be a first SSB.

[0167] In this implementation, it is explained that there is multipath in the signal between the first network device and the antenna panel. In this case, the first device can camp in the cell of the first network device.

[0168] In the second implementation method, if a second signal is received within the second AoA angle range, a third indication message is sent to the first network device; the third indication message indicates that a second signal has been detected. Specifically, if the second signal originates from the second network device, the third indication message can also indicate that a second signal originating from the second network device has been detected. For example, the third indication message may include information such as the identifier of the second network device or the cell identifier. The type of the second signal is not limited; for example, it could be a first SSB.

[0169] Optionally, in this implementation, the first network device may send a fourth indication message, which instructs a switch to the second network device. The fourth indication message may also include system information such as the cell information of the second network device. Upon receiving the fourth indication message, the first device can switch to the second network device accordingly; the specific switching process is not limited.

[0170] Optionally, in this implementation, the first device may also send a fifth indication message to the terminal device associated with the first device. The fifth indication message indicates a switch to the second network device, and may further include system information such as the cell information of the second network device. The terminal device associated with the first device may refer to a terminal device whose distance from the first device is within a distance threshold, or it may refer to a terminal device that has the same motion information as the first device. For example, if the first device is a vehicle-mounted device, and the terminal device is located inside the first device, such as being used by a user inside the first device, then the terminal device can be associated with the first device.

[0171] The fifth instruction information can also indicate a first time, after which the device switches to the second network device; that is, the first time is the waiting time for the terminal device to switch to the second network device. The start time of the first time can be the time when the fifth instruction information is received, and this application is not limited to this. The first time can also be predefined.

[0172] One possible implementation is that the first device can send the fifth instruction information to the terminal device associated with the first device via a side link.

[0173] Optionally, in this implementation, the first network device sends a sixth indication message to the terminal device associated with the first device. The sixth indication message instructs the terminal device to switch to the second network device. The sixth indication message may also indicate a first time, after which the terminal device switches to the second network device. That is, the first time is the waiting time for the terminal device to switch to the second network device. The start time of the first time can be the time when the sixth indication message is received, and this application is not limited to this.

[0174] The method provided in this application allows the first device to perform cell handover when it is not camped in a cell of the first network device, thereby enabling the first device to access a suitable cell and improve cell coverage.

[0175] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the first device or the first network device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0176] The following are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first device or the first network device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0177] like Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1010 and a communication unit 1020. The communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the first device or the first network device in the various method embodiments shown above.

[0178] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the function of the first device:

[0179] A processing unit is configured to determine first information; the first information is used to indicate panel information of the antenna panel, and the first information is used to determine whether the first device is suitable to camp on the cell of the first network device, wherein the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect signals;

[0180] A communication unit is used to send the first information to the first network device.

[0181] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the first network device:

[0182] Processing unit, used to establish a connection with the first device;

[0183] A communication unit is configured to receive first information from the first device; the first information is configured to indicate panel information of the antenna panel, and the first information is configured to determine whether the first device is suitable for camping in a cell of the first network device, wherein the antenna panel is configured to transmit and / or reflect signals.

[0184] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the function of the first device:

[0185] A processing unit is configured to receive a first signal from a first network device via a communication unit;

[0186] The processing unit is configured to send first indication information to the first network device through the communication unit. The first indication information is used to provide feedback on whether the first device is camped in the cell of the first network device. The first indication information is determined based on a first angle of arrival (AoA). The first AoA is the AoA of the first signal received through the antenna panel, and the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect the signal.

[0187] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the first network device:

[0188] Processing unit, used to establish a connection with the first device;

[0189] A communication unit is configured to receive first indication information from the first device; the first indication information is used to provide feedback on whether the first device is camped in a cell of a first network device; the first indication information is determined based on a first angle of arrival (AoA), the first AoA being the AoA of a first signal received from the first network device via an antenna panel, the antenna panel being used to transmit and / or reflect signals.

[0190] More detailed descriptions of the processing unit 1010 and the communication unit 1020 can be obtained directly from the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0191] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, called and executed by a processing element of the device. Moreover, these units can be fully or partially integrated together, or implemented independently. The processing element here can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the operations or units described above can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0192] In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0193] The receiving unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the receiving unit is an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices. The transmitting unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to transmit signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the transmitting unit is an interface circuit for the chip to transmit signals to other chips or devices.

[0194] As another possible product form, the terminal device or network device in this application embodiment can be implemented using a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, see [link to documentation]. Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 includes a processor 1101 and a transceiver 1102. The communication device 1100 can be a terminal device, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 1100 can be a network device, or a chip or module therein. Figure 11 Only the main components of the communication device 1100 are shown. In addition to the processor 1101 and transceiver 1102, the communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1103 and input / output devices (not shown).

[0195] Optionally, the processor 1101 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. The memory 1103 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1102 may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry and an antenna. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touch screens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0196] Optionally, the processor 1101, transceiver 1102, and memory 1103 can be connected via a communication bus.

[0197] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1101 can read the software program in the memory 1103, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1101 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1101. The processor 1101 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0198] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor that performs baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0199] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-described communication device 1000 can be implemented in hardware using... Figure 11 The communication device 1100 shown is in the form of this device.

[0200] As an example, Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the processing unit 1010 can be achieved through... Figure 11 The processor 1101 in the communication device 1100 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1103 to implement the function. Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the communication unit 1020 can be achieved through... Figure 11 This is achieved through the transceiver 1102 in the communication device 1100 shown.

[0201] As another possible product form, the first device or the first network device in this application can be adopted. Figure 12 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 12 The components shown. Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 1200 provided in this application.

[0202] like Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 includes at least one processor 1201. Optionally, the communication device also includes a communication interface 1202.

[0203] When the relevant program instructions are executed in the at least one processor 1201, the communication device 1200 can implement the methods and any possible designs provided in any of the foregoing embodiments. Alternatively, the processor 1201 can implement the methods and any possible designs provided in any of the foregoing embodiments through logic circuits or executable code instructions.

[0204] The communication interface 1202 can be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor, or it can be used for communication interaction between the communication device 1200 and other communication devices, such as exchanging control signaling and / or service data. For example, the communication interface 1202 can be used to receive signals from other devices besides the communication device 1200 and transmit them to the processor 1201, or to send signals from the processor 1201 to other communication devices besides the communication device 1200.

[0205] Optionally, the communication interface 1202 can be a code and / or data read / write interface circuit, or the communication interface 1202 can be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver, or a chip pin.

[0206] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include at least one memory 1203, which can be used to store the required program instructions and / or data. It should be noted that the memory 1203 may exist independently of the processor 1201 or may be integrated with the processor 1201. The memory 1203 may be located within or outside the communication device 1200, without limitation.

[0207] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a power supply circuit 1204, which can be used to power the processor 1201. The power supply circuit 1204 may be located in the same chip as the processor 1201, or in a separate chip outside the chip containing the processor 1201.

[0208] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may also include a bus, through which the various parts of the communication device 1200 can be interconnected.

[0209] In some embodiments, the hardware implementation will be apparent to those skilled in the art as described above. Figure 10 The communication device 1000 shown can be adopted Figure 12 The communication device 1200 shown is in the form of this device.

[0210] As an example, Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the processing unit 1010 can be achieved through... Figure 12 The processor 1201 in the communication device 1200 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1203 to implement the function. Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the communication unit 1020 can be achieved through... Figure 12 This is achieved through the communication interface 1202 in the communication device 1200 shown.

[0211] It should be pointed out that, Figure 12 The structures shown do not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal device or network device. For example, in other embodiments of this application, the terminal device or network device may include more or fewer components than those shown, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The components shown may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0212] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, which is information sent to the terminal by the base station; or, the terminal chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, which is information sent to the base station by the terminal.

[0213] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a base station, the base station module implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the terminal to the base station; or, the base station module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the base station to the terminal. Here, the base station module can be the baseband chip of the base station, or a DU (Digital Unit) or other modules. The DU can be a DU under an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0214] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0215] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0216] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0217] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0218] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0219] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0220] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0221] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applicable to a first device, including: First information is determined; the first information is used to indicate the panel information of the antenna panel, and the first information is used to determine whether the first device is suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device, wherein the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect signals; Send the first information to the first network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the panel information of the antenna panel, including: The first information includes a first angle of arrival (AoA); the first AoA is the AoA of the first signal received from the first network device through the antenna panel.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the panel information of the antenna panel, including: The first information includes the normal vector direction information of the antenna panel.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information from the first network device, the second information indicating the detection signal within the second AoA angle range; The second signal is received by the second AoA within the second AoA angle range, and the third information is sent to the first network device; the third information indicates that the second signal has been detected.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second signal originates from a second network device, and the method further includes: A fourth message is received from the first network device, the fourth message indicating a switch to the second network device.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fifth message is sent to the terminal device associated with the first device, the fifth message indicating a switch to the second network device after a first time period.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Establish connection with the first device; Receive the first information from the first device; The first information is used to indicate the panel information of the antenna panel, and the first information is used to determine whether the first device is suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device, wherein the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect signals.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first information, determine whether the first device is suitable to reside in the cell of the first network device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first information includes a first angle of arrival (AoA); the first AoA is the AoA of the first signal received from the first network device through the antenna panel.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of determining whether a cell is suitable for residing in the first network device based on the first information includes: The first AoA is located within the first AoA angle range, thus determining a cell suitable for camping on the first network device; Alternatively, if the first AoA is located outside the first AoA angle range, it is determined that the cell is not suitable for camping on the first network device.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first information includes the normal vector direction information of the antenna panel.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The step of determining whether a cell is suitable for residing in the first network device based on the first information includes: Obtain the position information of the antenna panel; Based on the position information and normal vector direction information of the antenna panel, if the orientation of the antenna panel is determined to match the first network device, then a cell suitable for camping on the first network device is determined. Alternatively, if the orientation of the antenna panel does not match the first network device based on the position information of the antenna panel and the normal vector of the antenna panel, then a cell that is not suitable for camping on the first network device is determined.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, The method for determining cells unsuitable for residing in the first network device further includes: Send a second message, which indicates the detection signal within the second AoA angle range.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information from the first device; the third information indicates that a second signal has been detected. The second signal comes from the first network device and determines a cell suitable for camping on the first network device.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information from the first device; the third information indicates the reception of a second signal; The second signal comes from the second network device and sends a fourth message, which indicates a switch to the second network device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: A sixth message is sent to the terminal device associated with the first device, the sixth message instructing the terminal device to switch to the second network device after a first time.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applicable to a first device, including: Receive the first signal from the first network device; Send a first indication message to the first network device. The first indication message is used to provide feedback on whether the first device is camped in the cell of the first network device. The first indication message is determined based on a first angle of arrival (AoA). The first AoA is the AoA of the first signal received through an antenna panel, and the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect the signal.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first AoA is located within the first AoA angle range, and the first indication information is used to provide feedback on the cell where the first device is camped on the first network device; Alternatively, if the first AoA is located outside the first AoA angle range, the first indication information is used to provide feedback that the first device is not camped in the cell of the first network device.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first indication information is used to provide feedback that the first device is not camped in the cell of the first network device, and the method further includes: Receive second indication information from the first network device, the second indication information indicating the detection signal within the second AoA angle range; The second signal is received at the second AoA angle within the second AoA angle range, and a third indication information is sent to the first network device; the third indication information indicates that the second signal has been detected.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second signal originates from a second network device, and the method further includes: Receive a fourth indication message from the first network device; the fourth indication message indicates a switch to the second network device.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Establish connection with the first device; Receive the first instruction information from the first device; The first indication information is used to provide feedback on whether the first device is camped in the cell of the first network device; the first indication information is determined based on the first angle of arrival (AoA), where the first AoA is the AoA of the first signal received by the first network device through the antenna panel, and the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect the signal.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine whether a cell is suitable to reside in the first network device based on the first instruction information.

23. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 22, characterized in that, The first indication information is used to provide feedback that the first device is not camped in the cell of the first network device, and the method further includes: Send a second indication message, which indicates the detection signal within the second AoA angle range.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information from the first device; the third information indicates that a second signal has been detected. The second signal originates from the second network device and sends a fourth indication message; the fourth indication message indicates a switch to the second network device. Alternatively, the second signal may originate from the first network device to determine a cell suitable for residing on the first network device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processing unit, used to determine the first information; The first information is used to indicate the panel information of the antenna panel, and the first information is used to determine whether the first device is suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device, wherein the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect signals; A communication unit is used to send the first information to the first network device.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processing unit, used to establish a connection with the first device; A communication unit is used to receive first information from the first device; The first information is used to indicate the panel information of the antenna panel, and the first information is used to determine whether the first device is suitable to camp in the cell of the first network device, wherein the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect signals.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processing unit is configured to receive a first signal from a first network device via a communication unit; The processing unit is configured to send first indication information to the first network device through the communication unit. The first indication information is used to provide feedback on whether the first device is camped in the cell of the first network device. The first indication information is determined based on a first angle of arrival (AoA). The first AoA is the AoA of the first signal received through the antenna panel, and the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect the signal.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processing unit, used to establish a connection with the first device; A communication unit is configured to receive first instruction information from the first device; The first indication information is used to provide feedback on whether the first device is camped in the cell of the first network device; the first indication information is determined based on the first angle of arrival (AoA), where the first AoA is the AoA of the first signal received by the first network device through the antenna panel, and the antenna panel is used to transmit and / or reflect the signal.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, Including the processor; The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer reads and executes the computer program product, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 24 is performed.

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