Terminal capability extension method and device, storage medium and product

Abstract

The invention discloses a terminal capability expansion method. The method comprises the following steps: a terminal device sends a first message to a network device; wherein the first message is used for requesting to extend the capability of the terminal equipment. A network device receives a first message. The network device determines a first smart metasurface that provides an extended service for the terminal device. The network equipment sends a second message to the terminal equipment; wherein the second message comprises an identifier of the first intelligent metasurface. And the terminal equipment receives a second message sent by the network equipment. And the terminal equipment performs capability expansion based on the identifier of the first intelligent metasurface. The invention further discloses terminal equipment, network equipment, a computer readable storage medium and a computer program product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to, but is not limited to, the field of communications, and particularly to a method for extending terminal capabilities, a terminal device, a network device, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the number of terminal devices (such as user equipment, UE) has increased dramatically. However, due to limitations in size, power consumption, and manufacturing processes, the antenna correlation capabilities of some terminal devices are limited, resulting in poor transmission performance for some devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method for extending terminal capabilities, a terminal device, a network device, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product, and provides a method for enhancing the capabilities of a terminal device using smart metasurface technology.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for extending terminal capabilities, applied to a terminal device, including:

[0005] Send a first message to the network device; wherein the first message is used to request the expansion of the capabilities of the terminal device;

[0006] The network device receives a second message; wherein the second message includes an identifier of a first smart metasurface; the first smart metasurface is a device selected by the network device to provide capability extension services to the terminal device.

[0007] Capabilities are extended based on the identifier of the first intelligent metasurface.

[0008] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for extending terminal capabilities, applied to network devices, including:

[0009] Receive a first message sent by a terminal device; wherein the first message is used to request the expansion of the capabilities of the terminal device;

[0010] A first intelligent metasurface is identified to provide extended services for the terminal device;

[0011] Send a second message to the terminal device; wherein the second message includes the identifier of the first smart metasurface.

[0012] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a terminal device, the terminal device comprising:

[0013] A first sending module is configured to send a first message to a network device; wherein the first message is configured to request the expansion of the capabilities of the terminal device;

[0014] A first receiving module is configured to receive a second message sent by the network device; wherein the second message includes an identifier of a first smart metasurface; the first smart metasurface is a device selected by the network device to provide capability extension services to the terminal device;

[0015] The first processing module is used to expand capabilities based on the identifier of the first smart metasurface.

[0016] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a network device, the network device comprising:

[0017] The second receiving module is used to receive a first message sent by the terminal device; wherein the first message is used to request the expansion of the capabilities of the terminal device;

[0018] The second processing module is used to determine the first smart metasurface that provides extended services to the terminal device;

[0019] The second sending module is used to send a second message to the terminal device; wherein the second message includes the identifier of the first smart metasurface.

[0020] Fifthly, a terminal device, the terminal device comprising:

[0021] The first memory is used to store executable instructions;

[0022] The first processor, when executing executable instructions stored in the first memory, implements the aforementioned method for extending terminal capabilities.

[0023] Sixthly, a network device, the network device comprising:

[0024] The second memory is used to store executable instructions;

[0025] The second processor, when executing executable instructions stored in the second memory, implements the aforementioned method for extending terminal capabilities.

[0026] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip for implementing the above-described method for extending terminal capabilities; the chip includes a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to execute the above-described method for extending terminal capabilities.

[0027] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that enables a computer to execute the aforementioned method for extending terminal capabilities.

[0028] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including computer program instructions that cause a computer to execute the aforementioned method for extending terminal capabilities.

[0029] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned method for extending terminal capabilities.

[0030] Through the above technical solutions, the network device of this application extends the original capabilities of the terminal based on the intelligent metasurface, realizing quantitative optimization of the terminal capabilities. That is, this application is guided by improving certain transmission performance and makes adaptive improvements to the given terminal capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna switching method provided in related technologies;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another antenna switching method provided in related technologies;

[0034] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the reporting of terminal capabilities provided in related technologies;

[0035] Figure 5 Flowchart of the method for extending terminal capabilities provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 6 Flowchart of the method for extending terminal capabilities provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0037] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the proactive reporting of RIS identifiers provided in this application embodiment;

[0038] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of antenna calibration provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 9 A schematic block diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 10 A schematic block diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system illustrated in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a terminal device 11, a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) 12, and a network device 13.

[0045] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are only illustrated by way of communication systems, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. In other words, the technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems to encrypt and transmit service data in various communication systems. For example, various communication systems include, but are not limited to, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, machine-type communication (MTC) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, enhanced Machine-Type Communications (eMTC) systems, 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (5G) communication systems, also known as New Radio (NR) communication systems, or future communication systems.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the communication system shown, terminal device 11 can be any terminal device that can be connected to network device 13 via wired or wireless means. Terminal device 11 can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, or a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0047] For example, terminal device 11 can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone, computer, and data card. It can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with a wireless access network. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminal equipment 11 can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal (MT), drone, etc. Terminal equipment can also be wearable devices and next-generation communication systems, such as terminal equipment in 5G communication systems, terminal equipment in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), or terminal equipment in other communication systems that are the next step in the development of 5G communication systems.

[0048] exist Figure 1In the communication system shown, network device 13 can be a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) communicating with terminal device 11, and can also be called a base station. Exemplarily, RAN devices include next-generation Node B (gNodeB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), drones, etc., in a 5G communication system.

[0049] In another network architecture, network device 13 is a RAN device that includes centralized unit (CU) nodes; or, a RAN device that includes distributed unit (DU) nodes; or, a RAN device that includes both CU nodes and DU nodes.

[0050] Network equipment may also include core network equipment, such as access and mobility management functions (AMF), user plane functions (UPF), or session management functions (SMF).

[0051] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0052] The smart metasurface 12 is used to receive and process control signals sent by the network device 13, and has some terminal functions; and is used to forward signals from the network device 13 or the terminal device 11.

[0053] For example, the intelligent metasurface 12 can also be called an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) or an adjustable intelligent metasurface, etc. This application will only use RIS as an example for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, RIS can act as an air interface node in a communication system. RIS is an artificial electromagnetic surface structure with programmable electromagnetic properties, composed of a large number of carefully designed electromagnetic units. Through control circuits, the electromagnetic properties of these units can be dynamically adjusted, achieving intelligent reconstruction of the wireless signal propagation characteristics in three-dimensional space, thus overcoming the limitations of passive adaptation to traditional wireless environments. As a fundamental innovative technology, intelligent metasurfaces have the advantages of low cost, low power consumption, and easy deployment. Application scenarios include deterministic wireless transmission, wireless coverage gap filling, wireless coverage extension, wireless system capacity enhancement, and coverage in specialized scenarios such as indoor and vehicle environments, etc., demonstrating broad technological development and engineering application prospects.

[0054] For example, the RIS consists of two parts: a RIS controller 14 that receives control commands sent by the network device 13, and a RIS panel that reflects or transmits uplink (DL / Uplink, UL) signaling / data between the network device 13 and the terminal device 11.

[0055] It should be noted that for scenarios requiring enhanced coverage in blind spots, the network adds a Reference Radiator (RIS) as an intermediate node. This RIS utilizes large-scale passive controllable reflectors to re-beamform signals from the base station / terminal, achieving directional coverage of the blind spot. In this scenario, during the initial access phase, the base station and the aforementioned intermediate node perform beam scanning of the downlink reference signal. The terminal measures and selects the stronger beam to report to the base station for subsequent data transmission. For unobstructed scenarios, the terminal can directly access the base station. The RIS, acting as an artificial scatterer, artificially and controllably modifies the original channel environment, further enhancing transmission performance, such as capacity expansion for multi-stream or multi-user applications. Furthermore, considering the generally short distance between the terminal and the RIS, the RIS can further supplement the terminal's antenna capabilities, improving uplink transmission performance.

[0056] Figure 1An exemplary embodiment shows a network device 13, two smart metasurfaces 12, and two terminal devices 11. Optionally, the wireless communication system may include multiple network devices 13, and the coverage area of ​​each network device 13 may include other numbers of terminal devices 11 and other numbers of smart metasurfaces 12. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0057] It should be noted that, Figure 1 This application merely illustrates the system to which this application applies; of course, the methods shown in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other systems. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" in this application merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. It should also be understood that "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction, an indirect instruction, or an indication of a related relationship. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, for example, B can be obtained through A; it can also mean that A indirectly instructs B, for example, A instructs C, B can be obtained through C; or it can mean that there is a related relationship between A and B. It should also be understood that "correspondence" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or an related relationship between two things, or a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc. It should also be understood that the "predefined" or "predefined rules" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices), and this application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to those defined in a protocol. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the "protocol" can refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as LTE protocol, NR protocol, and related protocols applied to future communication systems, and this application does not limit this.

[0058] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies of the embodiments of this application are described below. The following relevant technologies are optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in any way, and they all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0060] Before explaining this application, the following describes the transmission method for adapting terminal capabilities in the related art:

[0061] (1) Antenna switching

[0062] In related technologies, the NR protocol introduces antenna switching technology to solve the problem of mismatch between the number of channels and the number of antennas.

[0063] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, terminal devices supporting the Non-Standalone (NSA) network configuration with one transmit (T) antenna and one receive (1T1R) antenna utilize antenna switching technology in the NR protocol, employing switches and power amplifiers to match one transmit (NR 1T) antenna with one antenna channel feedback. Terminal devices supporting the Standalone (SA) network configuration with a 1T4R network configuration utilize antenna switching technology in the NR protocol, employing switches and power amplifiers to match one transmit (NR 1T) antenna with four antenna channel feedback. Terminal devices supporting the SA network configuration with a 2T4R network configuration utilize antenna switching technology in the NR protocol, employing switches and power amplifiers to match two transmit (NR 2T) antennas with four antenna channel feedback.

[0064] It should be noted that the downlink channel estimation method based on the sounding reference signal (SRS) uses the uplink reference signal to estimate the uplink channel information, and then uses uplink-downlink reciprocity to infer the downlink channel. Because the number of uplink and downlink antennas differs at the terminal (e.g., 1 transmit (T) antenna, 4 receive (1T4R), 2T4R, generally the number of receive antennas is greater than the number of transmit antennas), the SRS transmitted with fewer transmit antennas cannot accurately estimate and infer the downlink channel state information corresponding to the use of more receive antennas. Therefore, antenna switching technology is used to allow the SRS to be transmitted alternately on the antennas.

[0065] In the uplink enhancement scheme, antenna switching is performed in different frequency bands, such as... Figure 3 As shown, a terminal supporting two transmit (Tx) antennas (supporting 3.5G or 2.1G) can perform uplink transmit (Tx) switching, changing the frequency band of one antenna from supporting 3.5G to supporting 2.1G; or changing the frequency band of one antenna from supporting 2.1G to supporting 3.5G. During antenna switching, lower frequencies are used to enhance uplink coverage, while higher frequencies are used to improve multi-stream transmission rates.

[0066] When a terminal performs a physical antenna switch, the NR protocol stipulates that within a time slot, multiple SRS resources of the same resource set are separated by a protection interval of Y symbols. During the protection interval, the UE does not transmit any signals.

[0067] (2) Coherent transmission

[0068] Codebook-based uplink transmission needs to consider the terminal's coherent transmission capability. Coherent transmission means that if the relative power difference and phase difference between two antenna physical ports vary within a certain range over a certain time window, then these two antenna physical ports can transmit coherently; otherwise, they cannot. This capability arises from differences in the terminal's RF devices, antenna distance, and phase control hardware design.

[0069] (3) Super-Nyquist (FTN) transmission

[0070] For the potential physical layer transmission technology FTN, existing solutions use a single-channel terminal to obtain oversampled samples with low spatial correlation by rapidly switching beams, achieving the effect of single-channel decoding of multi-stream data. Currently, the capabilities of terminal equipment cannot support this.

[0071] Currently, the reporting process for terminal capabilities in the NR protocol is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. Step 401: The network sends a UE Capability Enquiry request to the UE; Step 402: The UE sends UE Capability Information to the network. When additional UE radio access capability messages are needed, the network initiates this process to terminals in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The network will only parse the terminal capabilities after AS security activation; otherwise, it will not forward the parsed terminal capabilities to the core network. In the existing NR protocol, the network obtains the UE's authentication algorithm-related capabilities through the NAS process, and then further obtains the UE's radio access capabilities. This process is initiated upon initial access; if it is not the first access, the core network will inform the base station of the stored terminal capabilities. Generally, the terminal's capabilities are configured at the factory and will not change in subsequent processes.

[0072] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for extending terminal capabilities provided in an embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 5 As shown, this method is applied to Figure 1 In the communication system 100 shown, the method includes:

[0073] Step 501: The terminal device sends the first message to the network device.

[0074] The first message is used to request the capabilities of the extended terminal device.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first message is sent in various ways, including in-band, out-of-band, media, signaling, data, message, control plane, and user plane. Specifically, sending the first message using existing media channels improves compatibility with existing systems and reduces the cost of system modification.

[0076] It should be noted that, before receiving the first message, the terminal device receives a synchronization broadcast signal reflected / forwarded by the smart metasurface using a first beam; wherein, the synchronization broadcast signal includes the identifier of the smart metasurface; there is an association between the synchronization signal block in the synchronization broadcast signal and the beam resources of the smart metasurface; further, on the resource corresponding to the first synchronization signal block selected by the terminal device, the terminal device sends a first message to the network device; there is a mapping relationship between the first synchronization signal block and the identifier of the second smart metasurface; the second smart metasurface is a device selected by the terminal device to provide capability extension services for the terminal device. The smart metasurface includes the first smart metasurface and the second smart metasurface; further, the network device determines the identifier of the second smart metasurface based on the association relationship; and determines the first smart metasurface based on the identifier of the second smart metasurface.

[0077] Here, the second smart metasurface and the first smart metasurface can be the same smart metasurface, or the first smart metasurface can be a subset of the second smart metasurface.

[0078] For example, if a terminal device selects smart metasurface 1 to provide capability extension services, and the network device determines that smart metasurface 1 meets the requirements, then it will send the identifier of smart metasurface 1 back to the terminal device.

[0079] For example, if a terminal device selects smart metasurface 1 and smart metasurface 2 to provide capability extension services, and the network device determines that smart metasurface 2 meets the requirements, then it will send the identifier of smart metasurface 2 back to the terminal device.

[0080] In some embodiments, the terminal device sends a first message including an identifier of the second smart metasurface to the network device. The network device determines the first smart metasurface based on the identifier of the second smart metasurface.

[0081] Step 502: The network device receives the first message.

[0082] Step 503: The network device identifies the first intelligent metasurface that provides extended services to the terminal device.

[0083] In some embodiments, the network device coordinates and allocates the first smart metasurface based on the acquired information of the smart metasurface and terminal information.

[0084] For example, the network device selects the nearest smart metasurface based on its location information, or selects the first smart metasurface with matching capabilities based on the terminal's service requirements when the distance is certain.

[0085] Step 504: The network device sends a second message to the terminal device.

[0086] The second message includes the identifier of the first intelligent metasurface.

[0087] Here, each smart metasurface has unique identification information. In some embodiments, the identification information includes color identifiers, graphic identifiers, text identifiers, numerical identifiers, location identifiers, etc. Different smart metasurfaces can use the same type of identification information; of course, the types of identification information for each smart metasurface may not be completely the same, or the types of identification information for each smart metasurface may be completely different.

[0088] In some embodiments, the network device sends a sixth message to the first smart metasurface; wherein the sixth message is used to request the use of the capabilities of the first smart metasurface to extend the capabilities of the terminal device; the first smart metasurface determines, based on its own performance information, whether to agree to provide capability extension for the terminal device; and sends a seventh message to the network device; wherein the seventh message includes whether the first smart metasurface agrees to provide capability extension for the terminal device; or whether the first smart metasurface is capable of completing capability extension; the network device receives the seventh message; if the first smart metasurface is capable of completing capability extension or agrees to provide capability extension for the terminal device, the network device sends a second message to the terminal device. If the first smart metasurface is unable to complete capability extension or does not agree to provide capability extension for the terminal device, the network device sends a message to the terminal device indicating that the currently requested extension service has ended, or the network device does not return any content.

[0089] In some embodiments, before the network device sends a second message to the terminal device, the network device establishes a first connection between the terminal device and the first smart metasurface within its own controllable range, for example, establishing a control link between the terminal and the first RIS; and releases the first connection upon the end of the first service or in the event of a failure.

[0090] Step 505: The terminal device receives the second message.

[0091] Step 506: The terminal device extends its capabilities based on the identifier of the first intelligent metasurface.

[0092] In some embodiments, the terminal device acquires the capabilities of the first smart metasurface based on its identifier, and extends its own capabilities based on the capabilities of the first smart metasurface to obtain extended capabilities. Further, the terminal device uses these extended capabilities to perform signaling and data transmission with the network device.

[0093] Here, the expanded capabilities include the capabilities of the first intelligent metasurface and the capabilities inherent in the terminal device itself.

[0094] This application provides a method for extending terminal capabilities. The method includes: a terminal device sending a first message to a network device, wherein the first message requests an extension of the terminal device's capabilities; the network device receiving the first message; the network device identifying a first smart metasurface that provides extended services to the terminal device; the network device sending a second message to the terminal device, wherein the second message includes an identifier of the first smart metasurface; the terminal device receiving the second message from the network device; and the terminal device extending its capabilities based on the identifier of the first smart metasurface. In other words, this application extends the terminal's original capabilities based on a smart metasurface, achieving quantitative optimization of the terminal's capabilities. Specifically, this application aims to improve the adaptability of given terminal capabilities by enhancing certain transmission performance.

[0095] In some embodiments, network devices utilize RIS to quantitatively optimize the original capabilities of terminals. Therefore, in future network scenarios where RIS serves as an extension of terminal capabilities, such as wireless VR glasses with limited antenna capabilities but requiring high-speed uplink transmission, antenna extension can be achieved using a nearby RIS panel. To better compensate for the terminal's antenna capabilities, the RIS's capability acquisition and phase control should be performed by the terminal.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method provided in this application includes the following:

[0097] Step A1: The terminal device sends a third message to the network device.

[0098] The third message instructs the network device to update the terminal device's stored information.

[0099] Here, the ability of a network device to update the terminal device stored in the network device includes the network device replacing the original capability with an expanded capability or adding the capability of the selected first smart metasurface from the information related to the terminal capability stored in the network device itself.

[0100] Step A2: The network device receives the third message sent by the terminal device.

[0101] Step A3: The network device sends a fourth message to the terminal device.

[0102] The fourth message indicates whether the terminal device's capabilities have been updated.

[0103] Step A4: The terminal device receives the fourth message sent by the network device.

[0104] In some embodiments, when the terminal device completes the capability extension, it performs signaling and data transmission with the network device based on the extended capability. Furthermore, the network device initiates a billing function for the terminal device to use the first intelligent metasurface extension capability.

[0105] In some embodiments, when the terminal device completes the capability extension and the terminal device's service ends or the connection between the terminal device and the first smart metasurface fails, the terminal device sends a fifth message to the network device; the network device receives the fifth message and reverts the terminal device's capabilities stored in the network device to the capabilities before the terminal device was extended; furthermore, the network device stops the terminal device from using the billing function of the extended capabilities of the first smart metasurface.

[0106] It should be noted that this application maintains the network side's controllability over the RIS and the terminal, and also increases the flexibility of directly adjusting the RIS phase using the terminal's status, without relying on the network side's configuration of the terminal and the limited information reported.

[0107] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for extending terminal capabilities provided in an embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0108] Step 601: The RIS controller and the network side interact to complete the establishment of Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection and capability reporting.

[0109] Step 602: The terminal and the network side interact to complete the establishment of the RRC connection and capability reporting.

[0110] The terminal and RIS controller establish an RRC connection with the network side, and the network side obtains relevant information such as the capabilities and location of the terminal and RIS.

[0111] Step 603: The terminal initiates a capability extension request to the network side according to business needs.

[0112] In some embodiments, the capability extension request may include a selected RIS identifier.

[0113] Step 604: The network side selects a suitable RIS (Resource Information Service) to provide capability extension services for the terminal.

[0114] It should be noted that the network side coordinates and allocates RIS based on the acquired information about the RIS and the terminal. For example, it may select the nearest RIS based on location information, or, given a certain distance, select a RIS panel that matches the terminal's service requirements. Alternatively, the terminal may send the identifier of the selected RIS along with its capability extension request.

[0115] It should be noted that the terminal obtains the RIS identifier as follows:

[0116] The base station establishes an association between the Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel block (SS / PBCH block / SSB) and the RIS beam resources, instructing the RIS to forward the synchronization broadcast signal with the corresponding beam, which contains RIS identification information.

[0117] Option 1 (Cell Level): Assign virtual cell identifiers to the RIS coverage area based on the relationship between the synchronization signal sequence and the cell identifier. The virtual cell identifiers can use a specific subset of the existing physical layer cell ID set, or additional virtual cell identifiers can be generated for the RIS.

[0118] Option 2 (Beam Level): Reserved as an additional field in the broadcast channel, it can indicate whether the current SSB is reflected / forwarded from the RIS, using the SSB's identifier to indicate the RIS.

[0119] It should be noted that the terminal sends the RIS identifier as follows:

[0120] Option 1: The terminal explicitly indicates the RIS identifier in the capability extension request.

[0121] Option 2: For the above method of obtaining the RIS identifier, Option 2, the terminal sends a capability extension request on the RO resource corresponding to the selected SSB.

[0122] Step 605: The network side sends a request to the RIS controller to provide capability extensions for the terminal.

[0123] Step 606: The RIS controller sends a capability expansion request response to the network side based on service priority, load capacity, and other conditions.

[0124] Step 607: If a response is received from the RIS controller agreeing to provide the capability extension request, the network side sends a capability extension request response to the terminal.

[0125] It should be noted that the response message includes the RIS identifier assigned to the terminal.

[0126] Step 608: The network side establishes a connection between the terminal and the RIS controller.

[0127] Specifically, the network side sends configuration RIS-UE connection resources to the RIS controller; the network side also sends configuration RIS-UE connection resources to the terminal; the terminal and the RIS controller establish the RIS-UE connection based on the RIS-UE connection resources.

[0128] Step 609: The core network initiates the billing function for the terminal using the RIS extended capabilities.

[0129] Step 610: The terminal acquires RIS capabilities.

[0130] RIS capabilities include, but are not limited to, RIS array size, control rate, control bits, codebook type, and whether near-field support is supported.

[0131] It should be noted that RIS capabilities can be acquired through one of the following methods:

[0132] Option 1: The base station sends the RIS capability to the terminal.

[0133] Option 2: The RIS sends its own capabilities to the terminal. This method requires a high capacity link between the RIS and the terminal.

[0134] Step 611: Based on the base station configuration, the terminal adjusts, measures, or optimizes the phase of the RIS through the channel / signal between the RIS and the terminal for a certain service requirement or performance target.

[0135] Step 612: After the terminal can complete the capability extension, the terminal initiates a capability update request to the network side.

[0136] It should be noted that the capability update request includes the capability that needs to be updated.

[0137] Step 613: After receiving the request, the network side adds the currently updated capability to the previously reported capability and sends a capability update completion message to the terminal.

[0138] Step 614: The terminal and the network side communicate and transmit signals using the new capabilities.

[0139] Step 615: After the service ends or the connection with the RIS controller fails, the terminal sends a capability rollback request to the network side.

[0140] Step 616: The network side releases the connection between the terminal and the RIS controller and sends a capability rollback success message to the terminal.

[0141] It should be noted that releasing the connection between the network side terminal and the RIS controller includes the network side sending a release RIS-UE connection message to the RIS controller and the terminal.

[0142] Step 617: Network side rolls back the original terminal capabilities.

[0143] Step 618: The core network stops the terminal from using the billing function of the RIS extended capability.

[0144] The following will describe an exemplary application of the embodiments of this application in a practical application scenario.

[0145] Regarding the method for the terminal to obtain the RIS identifier, if the terminal actively reports the RIS index, it can adopt methods such as... Figure 7 The two methods are shown.

[0146] Method 1: Use virtual cell IDs to identify different RIS.

[0147] The BS sends synchronization signals to the RIS via SSBs, such as SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3; the RIS reflects or transmits synchronization signals to the UE via beams a1, a2, b1, and b2; the UE obtains the virtual cell formed by the RIS coverage area by detecting the synchronization signals. The ID of this cell can be defined as a function VCI = f(X,Y) of the physical cell ID X and the RIS identifier Y, where X = PCI and Y = RIS ID. For example, the VCI corresponding to RIS a is f(X,a); the VCI corresponding to RIS b is f(X,b). The RIS reflects or transmits synchronization signals to the UE based on beams a1 or a2, b1 or b2.

[0148] In related technologies, the PCI set of NR ranges from 0 to 1008 and consists of two parts. in, Extracted from SSS sequences, Extracted from the PSS sequence.

[0149] Virtual cell IDs can introduce the influence of RIS identifiers based on the PCI set in related technologies, for example, Y∈{0,1,...,maxRISperCell}.

[0150] This imposes no constraints on the number of RIS and beams in the network, and has a significant impact on the terminal's protocol.

[0151] Method 2: Use SSB indexes to indicate different RIS.

[0152] The terminal receives and detects the SSB according to the normal procedure, and checks in an additional field whether the SSB originates from a RIS reflection. This method requires uniformly numbering the access beams of all RISs within the cell, for example, 1, a1, a2, 2, 3, b1, b2. For instance, beam a1 or a2 corresponds to a2; beam b1 or b2 corresponds to 3. This method is suitable for networks with a small number of RISs or beams. It has minimal impact on the terminal's protocol.

[0153] It should be noted that the NR protocol defines three transmission capabilities for the UE: full coherent (all ports of the UE can perform coherent transmission), partial coherent (divided into coherent groups, each group has two antenna ports that can perform coherent transmission, different groups of antennas cannot perform coherent transmission), and noncoherent (no antennas can perform coherent transmission, only a single antenna port can be used for transmission).

[0154] by Figure 8 Taking VR terminals as an example, in order to utilize the terminal's multiple ports to provide high-capacity, multi-stream uplink transmission, it is desirable to have fully coherent capabilities. For example... Figure 8 As shown, when the UE moves into the near-field range of the RIS, the path difference to each RIS unit is not negligible due to the different positions of the ports. The terminal is factory-configured with nominal two ports, such as the phase difference δ and spacing between ports 1 and 2, as well as the azimuth and pitch angles of the UE reaching the RIS. This can be optimized to obtain the RIS phase with the two incident directions of ports 1 and 2 combined into one outgoing direction, thereby achieving coherent transmission between the two ports.

[0155] For example, with Figure 1 Taking the terminal inside a car as an example, a RIS panel is deployed on the roof. After the in-vehicle terminal (in-vehicle operating system or passenger mobile phone) establishes a connection with the roof RIS panel, it only needs to obtain the real-time driving speed. The effect of Doppler frequency shift can be reduced by adjusting the phase of the RIS panel.

[0156] Taking a single-antenna transmit / receive link as an example, consider that T is the length of a frame, divided into N time slots, and each time slot has a duration of T. s The RIS has M units. For the nth time slot, the cascaded channel from the base station to the RIS and then to the UE is: in, The reflection coefficient of RIS For the phase of the i-th RISC unit in the n-th time slot, α BI ,α IU These are the complex-valued channel gains from the base station to the RIS and from the RIS to the UE, respectively. Let v be the Doppler frequency shift, v be the speed of the car, λ be the wavelength, and a be the wavelength. BI ,aIU These are the receiver array response vector and the reflector array response vector of the RIS, respectively. φ BI ∈[0,2π) represents the elevation and azimuth angles of the RIS arrival angle. φ IU ∈[0,2π) are the pitch and azimuth angles of the RIS departure angle.

[0157] If the optimization objective is to maximize the receiver power, the optimal RIS reflection coefficient can be set as follows: here, in, This is used to compensate for the phase difference caused by the path difference from the base station to the m-th unit of the RIS and then to the UE. The change in this part is negligible on the time scale of the time slot; the phase difference caused by Doppler frequency shift can be adjusted by adjusting the RIS phase. Make amends.

[0158] Compared to base stations, in-vehicle terminals can more easily acquire vehicle speed v and pitch angle θ from inside the vehicle to the RIS panel. IU and azimuth φ IU The link status from the base station to the RIS can be sent to the terminal along with the capability extension request response message. Based on these parameters, the terminal adjusts the RIS phase according to mobility conditions to reduce the impact of mobility speed on communication.

[0159] Embodiments of this application provide a terminal device that can be used to implement... Figure 5 A corresponding embodiment provides a method for extending terminal capabilities, referring to... Figure 9 As shown, the terminal device 900 includes:

[0160] The first sending module 901 is used to send a first message to the network device; wherein the first message is used to request the expansion capabilities of the terminal device;

[0161] The first receiving module 902 is used to receive a second message sent by the network device; wherein the second message includes an identifier of the first smart metasurface; the first smart metasurface is a device selected by the network device to provide capability extension services for the terminal device;

[0162] The first processing module 903 is used to expand capabilities based on the identification of the first intelligent metasurface.

[0163] In other embodiments of this application, the first sending module 901 is used to send a third message to the network device; wherein, the third message indicates that the network device updates the terminal device's stored capabilities.

[0164] The first receiving module 902 is used to receive a fourth message sent by the network device; wherein the fourth message indicates whether the terminal device's capabilities have been updated.

[0165] In other embodiments of this application, the first processing module 903 is used to perform signaling and data transmission with the network device based on the extended capabilities when the terminal device completes capability extension.

[0166] In other embodiments of this application, the first sending module 901 is used to send a fifth message to the network device; wherein, the fifth message instructs the network device to revert the capabilities of the terminal device stored in the network device to the capabilities of the terminal device before the expansion.

[0167] In other embodiments of this application, the first sending module 901 is used to send a first message to the network device on the resource corresponding to the first synchronization signal block selected by the terminal device; wherein, there is a mapping relationship between the first synchronization signal block and the identifier of the second smart metasurface; the second smart metasurface is a device selected by the terminal device to provide capability extension services for the terminal device;

[0168] or,

[0169] The first sending module 901 is used to send a first message including the identifier of the second smart metasurface to the network device.

[0170] In other embodiments of this application, the first receiving module 902 is used to receive a synchronous broadcast signal reflected / retransmitted by the smart metasurface in a first beam; wherein the synchronous broadcast signal includes an identifier of the smart metasurface; there is an association between the synchronous signal block in the synchronous broadcast signal and the beam resources of the smart metasurface; the smart metasurface includes a first smart metasurface and a second smart metasurface.

[0171] The descriptions of the above device embodiments are similar to those of the above method embodiments, and have similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0172] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, if the above-mentioned terminal capability extension method is implemented in the form of software functional modules and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, or the part that contributes to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device to execute all or part of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disks, or optical disks. Thus, the embodiments of this application are not limited to any specific hardware and software combination.

[0173] Embodiments of this application provide a network device that can be used to implement... Figure 5 A corresponding embodiment provides a method for extending terminal capabilities, referring to... Figure 10 As shown, network device 1000 includes:

[0174] The second receiving module 1001 is used to receive a first message sent by the terminal device; wherein the first message is used to request the expansion of the terminal device's capabilities;

[0175] The second processing module 1002 is used to determine the first smart metasurface that provides extended services to the terminal device;

[0176] The second sending module 1003 is used to send a second message to the terminal device; wherein the second message includes the identifier of the first smart metasurface.

[0177] In other embodiments of this application, the second sending module 1003 is used to send a sixth message to the first smart metasurface; wherein the sixth message is used to request the use of the capabilities of the first smart metasurface to expand the capabilities of the terminal device;

[0178] The second receiving module 1001 is used to receive the seventh message sent by the first smart metasurface; wherein the seventh message indicates whether the first smart metasurface can complete the capability expansion;

[0179] The second sending module 1003 is used to send a second message to the terminal device if the first smart metasurface can complete the capability expansion.

[0180] In other embodiments of this application, the second processing module 1002 is used to establish a first connection between the terminal device and the first smart metasurface; if the first service ends or a fault occurs, the first connection is released.

[0181] In other embodiments of this application, the second receiving module 1001 is used to receive a third message sent by the terminal device; wherein, the third message indicates that the network device updates the capabilities of the terminal device stored in the network device; the third message includes the extended capabilities of the terminal device;

[0182] The second processing module 1002 is used to add the capabilities of the terminal devices currently stored in the network device based on the expanded capabilities;

[0183] The second sending module 1003 is used to send a fourth message to the terminal device; wherein the fourth message indicates whether the terminal device's capabilities have been updated.

[0184] In other embodiments of this application, the second processing module 1002 is used to perform signaling and data transmission with the terminal device based on the extended capabilities when the terminal device completes capability extension; and to initiate the billing function for the terminal device to use the first intelligent metasurface extension capability.

[0185] In other embodiments of this application, the second receiving module 1001 is used to receive a fifth message sent by the terminal device;

[0186] The second processing module 1002 is used to revert the capabilities of the terminal device stored in the network device to the capabilities of the terminal device before the expansion; and to stop the terminal device from using the billing function of the first intelligent metasurface expansion capability.

[0187] In other embodiments of this application, the second processing module 1002 is used to coordinate and allocate the first smart metasurface based on the acquired information of the smart metasurface and the terminal information.

[0188] In other embodiments of this application, the first message includes an identifier of the second smart metasurface; the second processing module 1002 is used to determine the first smart metasurface based on the identifier of the second smart metasurface.

[0189] The descriptions of the above device embodiments are similar to those of the above method embodiments, and have similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0190] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, if the above-mentioned terminal capability extension method is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, or the part that contributes to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device to execute all or part of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard drives, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical disks. Thus, the embodiments of this application are not limited to any specific hardware and software combination.

[0191] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. Figure 11 The communication device 1100 shown includes a first processor 1110, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0192] Optionally, such as Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 may further include a first memory 1120. The first processor 1110 can call and run computer programs from the first memory 1120 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0193] The first memory 1120 can be a separate device independent of the first processor 1110, or it can be integrated into the first processor 1110.

[0194] Optionally, such as Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 may also include a transceiver 1130. The first processor 1110 can control the transceiver 1130 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it can send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0195] The transceiver 1130 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1130 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0196] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may specifically be a terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1100 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0197] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may specifically be a network device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1100 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0198] Figure 12 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 The chip 1200 shown includes a second processor 1210, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0199] Optionally, such as Figure 12 As shown, chip 1200 may further include a second memory 1220. The second processor 1210 can call and run computer programs from the second memory 1220 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0200] The second memory 1220 can be a separate device independent of the second processor 1210, or it can be integrated into the second processor 1210.

[0201] Optionally, the chip 1200 may further include an input interface 1230. The second processor 1210 can control the input interface 1230 to communicate with other devices or chips; specifically, it can acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0202] Optionally, the chip 1200 may also include an output interface 1240. The second processor 1210 can control the output interface 1240 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0203] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0204] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0205] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0206] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0207] As one embodiment, the processor may include one or more general-purpose central processing units (CPUs). Each of these processors may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. Here, "processor" may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used for processing data (e.g., executing instructions).

[0208] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be ROM, Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be Random Access Memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0209] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0210] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs.

[0211] The computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0212] The computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0213] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that can be executed by the processor of the communication device 1100 or the chip 1200 to complete the steps described in any of the foregoing methods.

[0214] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product.

[0215] A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can store or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0216] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of the terminal capability extension method, terminal device, network device, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product provided in the embodiments of this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0217] It should be understood that the phrases "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an embodiment of this application," "the foregoing embodiment," "some implementations," or "some embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, the phrases "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an embodiment of this application," "the foregoing embodiment," "some implementations," or "some embodiments" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence numbers of the above-described processes do not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the above-described embodiments of this application are merely descriptive and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0218] Unless otherwise specified, any step in the embodiments of this application performed by the terminal device / network device may be executed by the processor of the terminal device / network device. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application do not limit the order in which the first device performs the following steps. Furthermore, the methods used to process data in different embodiments may be the same or different methods.

[0219] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as: multiple units or components can be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection between the various components shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0220] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. They may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0221] In addition, each functional unit in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can be a separate unit, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit; the integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

[0222] The methods disclosed in the several method embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method embodiments.

[0223] The features disclosed in the several product embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new product embodiments.

[0224] The features disclosed in the several method or device embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method or device embodiments.

[0225] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer storage medium. When the program is executed, it performs the steps of the above method embodiments. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program code, such as mobile storage devices, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0226] Alternatively, if the integrated units described above are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to related technologies, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as mobile storage devices, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0227] The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0228] It should be noted that in the various embodiments involved in this application, all steps or some steps may be performed, as long as a complete technical solution can be formed.

[0229] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for extending terminal capabilities, characterized by, The method is applied to a terminal device, and comprises the following steps: sending a first message to a network device; wherein the first message is used to request to extend the capability of the terminal device; receiving a second message sent by the network device; wherein the second message comprises an identifier of a first intelligent metasurface; the first intelligent metasurface is a device selected by the network device to provide the terminal device with a capability extension service; based on the identifier of the first intelligent metasurface, performing capability extension.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: sending a third message to the network device; wherein the third message instructs the network device to update the capability of the terminal device stored by the network device; receiving a fourth message sent by the network device; wherein the fourth message represents whether the capability of the terminal device is updated.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: in the case that the terminal device completes the capability extension, performing signaling and data transmission with the network device based on the extended capability.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: sending a fifth message to the network device; wherein the fifth message instructs the network device to roll back the capability of the terminal device stored by the network device to the capability of the terminal device before the extension.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of sending the first message to the network device comprises the following steps: sending the first message to the network device on resources corresponding to a first synchronization signal block selected by the terminal device; wherein the first synchronization signal block and the identifier of a second intelligent metasurface have a mapping relationship; the second intelligent metasurface is a device selected by the terminal device to provide the terminal device with a capability extension service; or, sending the first message comprising the identifier of the second intelligent metasurface to the network device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: receiving a synchronization broadcast signal reflected / transmitted by an intelligent metasurface with a first beam; wherein the synchronization broadcast signal comprises the identifier of the intelligent metasurface; the synchronization broadcast signal comprises synchronization signal blocks and intelligent metasurface beam resources; the intelligent metasurface comprises the first intelligent metasurface and the second intelligent metasurface.

7. A method for extending terminal capabilities, characterized by, The method is applied to a network device, and comprises the following steps: receiving a first message sent by a terminal device; wherein the first message is used to request to extend the capability of the terminal device; determining a first intelligent metasurface to provide the terminal device with an extension service; sending a second message to the terminal device; wherein the second message comprises the identifier of the first intelligent metasurface.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The step of sending the second message to the terminal device comprises the following steps: sending a sixth message to the first intelligent metasurface; wherein the sixth message is used to request to extend the capability of the terminal device with the first intelligent metasurface; receiving a seventh message sent by the first intelligent metasurface; wherein the seventh message represents whether the first intelligent metasurface can complete the capability extension; if the first intelligent metasurface can complete the capability extension, sending the second message to the terminal device.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: establishing a first connection between the terminal device and the first intelligent metasurface; if a first service ends or a fault occurs, releasing the first connection.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: receive a third message sent by the terminal device; wherein the third message indicates that the network device updates the capability of the terminal device stored by the network device; the third message includes the extended capability of the terminal device; based on the extended capability, increase the capability of the terminal device currently stored in the network device; send a fourth message to the terminal device; wherein the fourth message represents whether the capability of the terminal device is updated.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: in the case that the terminal device completes the capability extension, based on the extended capability, perform signaling and data transmission with the terminal device; start the charging function of the terminal device using the first intelligent metasurface to extend the capability.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: receive a fifth message sent by the terminal device; fallback the capability of the terminal device stored by the network device to the capability of the terminal device before extension; stop the charging function of the terminal device using the first intelligent metasurface to extend the capability.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first intelligent metasurface determined to provide extension service for the terminal device comprises: based on the obtained information of intelligent metasurface and terminal information, coordinate to allocate the first intelligent metasurface.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first message includes the identification of the second intelligent metasurface; The first intelligent metasurface determined to provide extension service for the terminal device comprises: based on the identification of the second intelligent metasurface, determine the first intelligent metasurface.

15. A terminal device, comprising: The terminal device comprises: a first sending module, configured to send a first message to a network device; wherein the first message is used to request to extend the capability of the terminal device; a first receiving module, configured to receive a second message sent by the network device; wherein the second message includes the identification of the first intelligent metasurface; the first intelligent metasurface is the device selected by the network device to provide capability extension service for the terminal device; a first processing module, configured to perform capability extension based on the identification of the first intelligent metasurface.

16. A network device, comprising: The network device comprises: a second receiving module, configured to receive a first message sent by a terminal device; wherein the first message is used to request to extend the capability of the terminal device; a second processing module, configured to determine a first intelligent metasurface to provide extension service for the terminal device; a second sending module, configured to send a second message to the terminal device; wherein the second message includes the identification of the first intelligent metasurface.

17. A terminal device, comprising: The terminal device comprises: a first memory, configured to store executable instructions; a first processor, configured to execute the executable instructions stored in the first memory, so as to realize the terminal capability extension method in any one of claims 1 to 6.

18. A network device, comprising: The network device comprises: a second memory, configured to store executable instructions; a second processor, configured to execute the executable instructions stored in the second memory, so as to realize the terminal capability extension method in any one of claims 7 to 14.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores one or more programs, which can be executed by one or more processors to implement the terminal capability processing method of any one of claims 1 to 6, or implement the terminal capability extension method of any one of claims 7 to 14.

20. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the terminal capability processing method of any one of claims 1 to 6, or implements the terminal capability extension method of any one of claims 7 to 14.

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