Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. In the method, a meta-surface directly covers a first apparatus, or performs near-field coverage in proximity to the first apparatus at an extremely small spacing, and by means of reflection characteristics of the meta-surface, a plurality of propagation paths are separated from each other, or the degree of spatial isolation of the plurality of propagation paths is improved. The first apparatus receives a first reference signal from a second apparatus by means of the meta-surface, and performs rank-enhanced channel measurement on the basis of the first reference signal, so as to obtain measurement information of a channel between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; and the first apparatus sends first indication information to the second apparatus, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating at least one of multipath angular spread information and multipath angle information, or indicating a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold value. Therefore, the first apparatus and the second apparatus can perform interaction on the basis of rank enhancement activation intervals, and thus a transmission rank can be improved on the basis of the meta-surface and a response difference for multipath angle information, thereby improving the system capacity.

Description

A communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410083366.3, filed on January 19, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and communication device. Background Technology

[0003] A meta-surface is a smart panel comprising multiple antenna elements, each of which is a passive reflector. By flexibly configuring the amplitude and phase of each antenna element, it is possible to control wireless channel fading and form a desired directional beam. Common applications of meta-surfaces include coverage enhancement and blind spot filling. Another application currently under discussion is rank enhancement. For example, in rank enhancement scenarios, meta-surfaces can provide more transmission paths with controllable gain. Networks (such as radio access networks (RAN)) or base stations can actively control the quality of the wireless channel between the base station and user equipment (UE) using meta-surfaces (e.g., enhancing link gain, increasing the number of eigenchannels, etc.). One possible rank enhancement scheme is to use a metasurface as an intermediate node, presenting a forwarding function similar to a relay or integrated access and backhaul (IAB). However, in the scenario where the metasurface is used as an intermediate node, the user's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance gain will not decrease sharply only when the quality of the direct channel is poor or the channel gains of the cascaded channel and the direct channel are comparable. This limits the gain scenarios of existing rank enhancement schemes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method is based on metasurfaces and the difference in response to different multipath angles, which can improve the transmission rank and thus improve the system capacity.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method performed by a first device. For example, the first device may be a network device (such as a base station), or a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. As another example, the first device may be a terminal, or a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). Optionally, when the first device is a network device, the second device is a terminal; when the first device is a terminal, the second device is a network device. The first device receives a first reference signal from the second device via a metasurface, and performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device; the channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. The first device sends first indication information to the second device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; the second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. Optionally, the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the first reference signal and the metasurface is used by the first device to perform rank enhancement channel measurement.

[0006] In this method, the first device includes a metasurface. For example, the metasurface can be a surface material layer with one or more functions such as reflection, transmission, and refraction. This surface material layer is attached to the antenna or antenna panel of the first device to achieve rank enhancement. For example, the metasurface has different reflection / refraction / transmission coefficients (or different responses) for different incident angles. Therefore, two incident paths with relatively close angles may have a larger angle between them after passing through the metasurface, thereby improving the spatial isolation of these two paths and improving the channel transmission rank (potentially supporting more data streams). Compared to deploying the metasurface separately (e.g., the metasurface acts as a relay between the first and second devices), the metasurface directly covers the first device or covers it in the vicinity of the first device with a very small spacing, utilizing the reflection characteristics of the metasurface to separate multiple propagation paths or improve the spatial isolation of these multiple propagation paths. Furthermore, the first or second device can obtain information such as multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information through rank enhancement channel measurement. The first and second devices can also exchange information on whether rank enhancement is enabled and the rank enhancement effective range through explicit or implicit means (such as exchanging at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; or exchanging information such as rank enhancement effective mode and rank enhancement effective threshold). Thus, based on the metasurface and based on the difference in response to different multipath angles, the transmission rank can be improved, thereby increasing the system capacity.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first information is related to a first mapping relationship, a second mapping relationship, or a third mapping relationship. The first information includes at least one multipath angle spread information, and the first mapping relationship includes multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to multiple multipath angle spread information. Alternatively, the first information may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information, and the second mapping relationship may include multiple sets of multipath angle spread information and multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to the multipath angle information. Another possible implementation may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and the third mapping relationship may include multiple sets of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, corresponding to multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds. Optionally, based on the above-mentioned first, second, or third mapping relationships, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation modes and rank enhancement activation thresholds are related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0008] In this embodiment, the relationships between the rank enhancement activation mode, the rank enhancement activation threshold, multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal are defined. These relationships can be, for example, predefined mapping relationships (such as a first mapping relationship, a second mapping relationship, and a third mapping relationship), and it is assumed that both the first device and the second device can predefine these mapping relationships. Through these mapping relationships, both the first device and the second device can determine the corresponding rank enhancement activation interval, thereby achieving transmission rank enhancement based on the metasurface and the difference in response to different multipath angles, thus improving system capacity.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first information is related to a first functional relationship, a second functional relationship, or a third functional relationship. The first information includes at least one multipath angle spread information; the input parameters of the first functional relationship include the multipath angle spread information, and the output parameters include a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold. Alternatively, the first information may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information; the input parameters of the second functional relationship include multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information, and the output parameters include a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold. Another possible implementation may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of a first reference signal; the input parameters of the third functional relationship include multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and the output parameters include a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold. Optionally, based on the aforementioned first, second, or third functional relationships, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold are related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0010] In this embodiment, a functional relationship is defined between multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and transmit antenna dimension, and it is assumed that both the first and second devices can predefine the aforementioned functional relationship. Based on the aforementioned functional relationship, both the first and second devices can determine the corresponding rank enhancement effective interval, thereby achieving transmission rank enhancement based on the metasurface and the difference in response to different multipath angles, thus improving system capacity.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the rank enhancement activation threshold includes a channel quality indicator index threshold or a modulation and coding scheme index threshold. A set of channel quality indicator index thresholds or modulation and coding scheme index thresholds corresponds to a set of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) thresholds, a set of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) thresholds, or a set of reference signal received power (RSP) thresholds.

[0012] In this embodiment, when the rank enhancement activation threshold includes the channel quality indicator index threshold or the modulation and coding scheme index threshold, it means that the first device only needs to receive the channel quality indicator (CQI) according to the channel state information (CSI) feedback information within the rank enhancement measurement period, without needing to define or receive the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the rank enhancement activation mode is used to indicate whether the rank enhancement activation interval is an open interval or a closed interval; the rank enhancement activation mode uses at least two bits for indication.

[0014] In this implementation, the rank enhancement activation mode indicates whether the rank enhancement activation interval is an open interval or a closed interval; for example, an open interval can be a one-sided open interval (such as [,Δ1] or [Δ2,]) or a two-sided open interval (such as [,Δ1]∪[Δ2,]); a closed interval can be represented as [Δ1,Δ2]. If the above four cases exist, at least two bits can be used for indication.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the rank enhancement effective threshold includes at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval; or, the rank enhancement effective threshold includes a first value and a duration unit length, the first value and the duration unit length being used to determine at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval.

[0016] In this embodiment, the rank enhancement effective threshold may indicate only the maximum or minimum value of the rank enhancement effective interval (e.g., when the rank enhancement effective interval is an open interval, only the maximum or minimum value may be indicated), or it may indicate both the maximum and minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval (e.g., when the rank enhancement effective interval is a closed interval, both the maximum and minimum values ​​need to be indicated). Optionally, the rank enhancement effective interval may also be determined based on a first value (e.g., a fixed threshold) and a duration unit length; for example, performing a first operation (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) on the fixed threshold and the duration unit length can yield the maximum and / or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the metasurface is weighted using a unit weighting coefficient matrix; the state of the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface is the default state of the metasurface. The first device performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on a first reference signal, specifically, it can determine channel measurement information based on the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface and the first reference signal.

[0018] In this embodiment, when the metasurface of the first device is used for rank-enhanced channel measurement, a unit weighted coefficient matrix is ​​used for weighting, and when the first device performs rank-enhanced channel measurement, the state of the unit weighted coefficient matrix is ​​the meta-surface default state, thereby enabling the first device to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface and the first reference signal.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first device updates the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface based on the first instruction information.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first device can also update the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface; for example, based on information such as multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, update the corresponding phase vector or matrix (the phase vector or matrix belongs to the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface).

[0021] In one possible implementation, the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is determined based on the change state of the multipath angle; the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is greater than or equal to the measurement period of the second reference signal; the signal type of the second reference signal is the same as or different from the signal type of the first reference signal.

[0022] In this embodiment, the rank-enhanced channel measurement can be independent of the channel state information (CSI) measurement process, and the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is greater than or equal to (typically greater than) the CSI measurement period. Optionally, the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement includes the entire period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement and feedback; similarly, the CSI measurement period includes the entire period of the CSI measurement and feedback.

[0023] Secondly, this application provides a communication method performed by a first device. For example, the first device may be a network device (such as a base station), or a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. As another example, the first device may be a terminal, or a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem core). Optionally, when the first device is a network device, the second device is a terminal; when the first device is a terminal, the second device is a network device. The first device transmits a first reference signal and a unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface to the second device via a metasurface; the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface are used by the second device to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement. The first device receives first indication information from the second device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; the multipath angle spread information or at least one of multipath angle information is obtained by the second device performing rank enhancement channel measurement based on a first reference signal; the second information includes rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0024] In this method, the first device includes a metasurface. Instead of deploying the metasurface alone (e.g., as a relay between the first and second devices), the metasurface directly covers the first device, or covers it near the first device with a very small gap. The metasurface's reflective properties are used to separate multiple propagation paths or improve the spatial isolation of these paths. Furthermore, the first and second devices interact explicitly or implicitly (e.g., exchanging at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information; or exchanging information such as rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold) to determine whether rank enhancement is enabled and the rank enhancement activation range. This allows for transmission rank enhancement based on the metasurface and the difference in response to different multipath angles, thereby increasing system capacity.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the first information is related to a first mapping relationship, a second mapping relationship, or a third mapping relationship. The first information includes at least one multipath angle spread information, and the first mapping relationship includes multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to multiple multipath angle spread information. Alternatively, the first information may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information, and the second mapping relationship may include multiple sets of multipath angle spread information and multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to the multipath angle information. Another possible implementation may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and the third mapping relationship may include multiple sets of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, corresponding to multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds. Optionally, based on the above-mentioned first, second, or third mapping relationships, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation modes and rank enhancement activation thresholds are related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0026] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the first device obtains the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information from at least one of a preset first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship or third mapping relationship based on the multipath angle extension information or at least one of the multipath angle information.

[0027] In the above embodiments, if the first indication information indicates at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the first device can determine the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the multipath angle extension information and / or multipath angle information based on a preset mapping relationship (first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship or third mapping relationship), for example by looking up a table.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first information is related to a first functional relationship, a second functional relationship, or a third functional relationship. The first information includes at least one multipath angle spread information; the input parameters of the first functional relationship include the multipath angle spread information, and the output parameters include a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold. Alternatively, the first information may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information; the input parameters of the second functional relationship include multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information, and the output parameters include a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold. Another possible implementation may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of a first reference signal; the input parameters of the third functional relationship include multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and the output parameters include a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold. Optionally, based on the aforementioned first, second, or third functional relationships, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold are related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0029] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the first device uses the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information as the input parameter of the function, and combines it with at least one of the preset first function relationship, second function relationship or third function relationship to obtain the output parameters of the function, including the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information.

[0030] In the above embodiments, if the first indication information indicates at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the first device can determine the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the multipath angle extension information and / or multipath angle information based on a preset functional relationship (first functional relationship, second functional relationship or third functional relationship).

[0031] Optionally, other possible implementations in the second aspect can refer to the descriptions of other possible implementations in the first aspect, such as the descriptions of the first information and the second information, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the effects that other possible implementations in the second aspect can achieve can also refer to the descriptions of the effects that other possible implementations in the first aspect can achieve, which will not be repeated here.

[0032] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method performed by a second device. For example, the second device may be a network device (such as a base station), or a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. As another example, the second device may be a terminal, or a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem core). Optionally, when the second device is a network device, the first device is a terminal; when the second device is a terminal, the first device is a network device. The second device sends a first reference signal to the first device. The second device receives first indication information from the first device, the first indication information indicating at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; the multipath angle spread information or at least one of multipath angle information is obtained by the first device performing rank enhancement channel measurement based on a first reference signal; the second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. Optionally, the first device includes a metasurface, and the multipath angle spread information or at least one of the multipath angle information is obtained by the first device performing rank enhancement channel measurement based on the first reference signal and a unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface.

[0033] In this method, the second device is the transmitter of the first reference signal; the first device is the receiver of the first reference signal, and the first device includes a metasurface, which can perform rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal, thereby feeding back the rank-enhanced effective range to the second device, which is beneficial for the first device and the second device to achieve transmission rank enhancement and improve system capacity.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first information is related to a first mapping relationship, a second mapping relationship, or a third mapping relationship. The first information includes at least one multipath angle spread information, and the first mapping relationship includes multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to multiple multipath angle spread information. Alternatively, the first information may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information, and the second mapping relationship may include multiple sets of multipath angle spread information and multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to the multipath angle information. Another possible implementation may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and the third mapping relationship may include multiple sets of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, corresponding to multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds. Optionally, based on the above-mentioned first, second, or third mapping relationships, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation modes and rank enhancement activation thresholds are related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0035] In this embodiment, the relationships between the rank enhancement activation mode, the rank enhancement activation threshold, multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal are defined. These relationships can be, for example, predefined mapping relationships (such as a first mapping relationship, a second mapping relationship, and a third mapping relationship), and it is assumed that both the first device and the second device can predefine these mapping relationships. Through these mapping relationships, both the first device and the second device can determine the corresponding rank enhancement activation interval, thereby achieving transmission rank enhancement based on the metasurface and the difference in response to different multipath angles, thus improving system capacity.

[0036] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the second device obtains the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information from at least one of a preset first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship or third mapping relationship based on the multipath angle extension information or at least one of the multipath angle information.

[0037] In this embodiment, if the first indication information indicates at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the second device can determine the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the multipath angle extension information and / or multipath angle information based on a preset mapping relationship (first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship or third mapping relationship), for example by looking up a table.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first information is related to a first functional relationship, a second functional relationship, or a third functional relationship. The first information includes at least one multipath angle spread information; the input parameters of the first functional relationship include the multipath angle spread information, and the output parameters include a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold. Alternatively, the first information may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information; the input parameters of the second functional relationship include multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information, and the output parameters include a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold. Another possible implementation may include at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of a first reference signal; the input parameters of the third functional relationship include multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and the output parameters include a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold. Optionally, based on the aforementioned first, second, or third functional relationships, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold are related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0039] In this embodiment, a functional relationship is defined between multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and transmit antenna dimension, and it is assumed that both the first and second devices can predefine the aforementioned functional relationship. Based on the aforementioned functional relationship, both the first and second devices can determine the corresponding rank enhancement effective interval, thereby achieving transmission rank enhancement based on the metasurface and the difference in response to different multipath angles, thus improving system capacity.

[0040] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the second device uses the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information as the input parameter of the function, and combines it with at least one of the preset first function relationship, second function relationship or third function relationship to obtain the output parameters of the function, including the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information.

[0041] In this embodiment, if the first indication information indicates at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the second device can determine the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the multipath angle extension information and / or multipath angle information based on a preset functional relationship (first functional relationship, second functional relationship or third functional relationship).

[0042] In one possible implementation, the rank enhancement activation threshold includes a channel quality indicator index threshold or a modulation and coding scheme index threshold. A set of channel quality indicator index thresholds or modulation and coding scheme index thresholds corresponds to a set of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) thresholds, a set of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) thresholds, or a set of reference signal received power (RSP) thresholds.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the rank enhancement activation threshold includes the channel quality indicator index threshold or the modulation and coding scheme index threshold, it means that the first device only needs to receive CQI according to the CSI feedback information within the rank enhancement measurement period, without needing to define or receive the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the rank enhancement activation mode is used to indicate whether the rank enhancement activation interval is an open interval or a closed interval; the rank enhancement activation mode uses at least two bits for indication.

[0045] In this implementation, the rank enhancement activation mode indicates whether the rank enhancement activation interval is an open interval or a closed interval; for example, an open interval can be a one-sided open interval (such as [,Δ1] or [Δ2,]) or a two-sided open interval (such as [,Δ1]∪[Δ2,]); a closed interval can be represented as [Δ1,Δ2]. If the above four cases exist, at least two bits can be used for indication.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the rank enhancement effective threshold includes at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval; or, the rank enhancement effective threshold includes a first value and a duration unit length, the first value and the duration unit length being used to determine at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval.

[0047] In this embodiment, the rank enhancement effective threshold may indicate only the maximum or minimum value of the rank enhancement effective interval (e.g., when the rank enhancement effective interval is an open interval, only the maximum or minimum value may be indicated), or it may indicate both the maximum and minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval (e.g., when the rank enhancement effective interval is a closed interval, both the maximum and minimum values ​​need to be indicated). Optionally, the rank enhancement effective interval may also be determined based on a first value (e.g., a fixed threshold) and a duration unit length; for example, performing a first operation (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) on the fixed threshold and the duration unit length can yield the maximum and / or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is determined based on the change state of the multipath angle; the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is greater than or equal to the measurement period of the second reference signal; the signal type of the second reference signal is the same as or different from the signal type of the first reference signal.

[0049] In this embodiment, the rank-enhanced channel measurement can be independent of the channel state information (CSI) measurement process, and the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is greater than or equal to (typically greater than) the CSI measurement period. Optionally, the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement includes the entire period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement and feedback; similarly, the CSI measurement period includes the entire period of the CSI measurement and feedback.

[0050] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method performed by a second device. For example, the second device may be a network device (such as a base station), or a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. As another example, the second device may be a terminal, or a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem core). Optionally, when the second device is a network device, the first device is a terminal; when the second device is a terminal, the first device is a network device. The second device receives a first reference signal and a unit weighted coefficient matrix of a metasurface from the first device, and performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device. This channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. The second device sends a first instruction message to the first device, the first instruction message being used to indicate at least one of the first information or the second information; the first information includes at least one of the multipath angle extension information or the multipath angle information; the second information includes the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of the multipath angle extension information or the multipath angle information.

[0051] In this method, the second device is the receiver of the first reference signal; the first device is the transmitter of the first reference signal, and the first device includes a metasurface. The second device receives the first reference signal and the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface, enabling rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal. This allows it to feed back the rank-enhanced effective range to the first device, which is beneficial for both the first and second devices to improve the transmission rank and increase system capacity.

[0052] Optionally, other possible implementations in the fourth aspect can refer to the descriptions of other possible implementations in the third aspect, such as the descriptions of the first information and the second information, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the effects that can be achieved by other possible implementations in the fourth aspect can also refer to the descriptions of the effects that can be achieved by other possible implementations in the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0053] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may be a network device or terminal, or a component of a network device or terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a device compatible with a network device or terminal. In one possible implementation, the communication device has the functions described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to receive a first reference signal from a second device via a metasurface. The processing unit is configured to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal to obtain channel measurement information between the first and second devices; the channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. The communication unit is further configured to send first indication information to the second device, the first indication information indicating at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; the second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0055] Optionally, other possible implementations of the fifth aspect can be referred to the descriptions of other possible implementations of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0056] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may be a network device or terminal, or a component of a network device or terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a device compatible with a network device or terminal. In one possible implementation, the communication device has the functions described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to transmit a first reference signal to a second device via a metasurface. The communication unit is also configured to receive first indication information from the second device, the first indication information indicating at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; the multipath angle spread information or at least one of the multipath angle information is obtained by the second device performing rank enhancement channel measurements based on the first reference signal; the second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0058] Optionally, other possible implementations of the sixth aspect can be referred to the descriptions of other possible implementations of the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0059] Seventhly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may be a network device or terminal, or a component of a network device or terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a device compatible with a network device or terminal. In one possible implementation, the communication device has the functions described in the third aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the third aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to transmit a first reference signal to a first device. The communication unit is also configured to receive first indication information from the first device, the first indication information indicating at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; the multipath angle spread information or at least one of the multipath angle information is obtained by the first device performing rank enhancement channel measurement based on the first reference signal; the second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0061] Optionally, other possible implementations of the seventh aspect can be referred to the descriptions of other possible implementations of the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0062] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may be a network device or terminal, or a component of a network device or terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a device compatible with a network device or terminal. In one possible implementation, the communication device has the functions described in the fourth aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the fourth aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit receives a first reference signal from a first device. The processing unit performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and a second device. This channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. The communication unit further transmits first indication information to the first device, indicating at least one of first information or second information. The first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. The second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, which are related to at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information.

[0064] Optionally, other possible implementations of the eighth aspect can be found in the descriptions of other possible implementations of the fourth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0065] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device including a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions involved in at least one of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to perform at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0066] In one possible design, the communication device may also include interface circuitry, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components via the interface circuitry.

[0067] In one possible design, the communication device may also include a memory.

[0068] In one possible design, the communication device can be a terminal, or a communication module in the terminal, or a chip in the terminal that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0069] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is configured to implement at least one of the following through logic circuits or executing code instructions: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0070] Eleventhly, this application provides a communication system comprising at least one of the means or devices of the fifth to tenth aspects, such that the at least one means or device performs at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0071] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0072] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0073] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor (or logic circuit). Optionally, the chip may further include a communication interface (or interface) for implementing at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0074] In one possible implementation, if the chip is the smallest processing unit in the whole machine, the chip may be a processor, or may include a processor and a memory, or may include a processor, a memory and a transceiver, for implementing at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0075] In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor and an interface. Optionally, it may also include memory for implementing at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include chips and other discrete devices. Attached Figure Description

[0076] Figures 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of the communication system provided in this application;

[0077] Figure 2 is a system schematic diagram of a rank enhancement scheme;

[0078] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application;

[0079] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of multipath angle information and multipath angle extension information provided in this application;

[0080] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between multipath angle information and signal-to-noise ratio provided in this application;

[0081] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application;

[0082] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a channel capacity provided in this application;

[0083] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application;

[0084] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] In the embodiments of this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the associated objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0086] In this application embodiment, terms such as "first" and "second" can be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application embodiment, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0087] In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to a terminal" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device, which may include sending directly via the air interface or sending indirectly via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receiving information from a network device" can be understood as the source of the information being the network device, which may include receiving directly from the network device via the air interface or receiving indirectly from the network device via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0088] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0089] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0090] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction can be implemented by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0091] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] I. For ease of understanding, the definitions of relevant terms used in this application are provided in detail below:

[0093] 1. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system:

[0094] MIMO technology utilizes spatial resources to enable signals to achieve array gain, multiplexing and diversity gain, and interference cancellation gain in space without increasing system bandwidth, thus improving the capacity and spectral efficiency of communication systems. For example, in Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, multiple antennas at both the transmitting and receiving ends can support up to eight layers of transmission. However, as demands for high-speed, high-reliability, and low-latency communication continue to increase, modern communication systems will continue to face challenges in achieving greater capacity, wider coverage, and lower latency. These requirements will also become key requirements for next-generation communication systems.

[0095] 2. Reference signal:

[0096] In the demodulation process at the receiver end of a communication system, coherent demodulation performs better than incoherent demodulation, and is therefore more widely used in modern communication systems. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems modulate each carrier with a suppressed carrier. Therefore, to achieve coherent demodulation at the receiver end in an OFDM system, a reference signal is required. The reference signal, also known as a pilot signal or reference signal (RS), is distributed across different resource elements (REs) in the two-dimensional space of the time and frequency domains within the OFDM symbol, and has known amplitude and phase.

[0097] Similarly, in MIMO systems, each transmit antenna (virtual or physical) has an independent data channel. Based on a preset RS signal, the receiver performs channel estimation for each transmit antenna and reconstructs the transmitted data accordingly. Channel estimation refers to the process of reconstructing the received signal to compensate for channel fading and noise; specifically, it involves using the RS known to both the transmitter and receiver to track the time and frequency domain changes of the channel. For example, to achieve channel quality measurement and data demodulation in high-order multi-antenna systems, various reference signals are defined: cell-specific reference signal (CRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), sounding reference signal (SRS), and channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS). DMRS is used for demodulation of the physical downlink share channel (PDSCH) or physical uplink share channel (PUSCH). CSI-RS is used for channel information measurement and to report information such as channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), and rank indicator (RI).

[0098] 3. Metasurface:

[0099] (1) The meaning of metasurface:

[0100] In the complex evolution of wireless communication systems, high throughput and massive connectivity have always been core challenges and goals of wireless communication networks. To address these challenges, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS, also known as intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS), large intelligent surfaces (LIS), or metasurfaces) have emerged as a promising technology and are being widely studied. For example, RIS-assisted networks, which control channel characteristics through RIS elements, are considered a key enabling technology for expanding the coverage of wireless communication networks.

[0101] Common applications of metasurfaces include coverage enhancement and blind spot filling. For example, deploying one or more RIS (Radio Routers) at cell edges or in coverage blind spots caused by obstruction or deep attenuation can extend coverage and fill blind spots. Another possible application of RIS is rank enhancement. The principle behind RIS is that it can actively change the channel, providing more transmission paths with controllable gain. The network (RAN) or base station (BS) can use RIS to actively control the quality of the radio channel between the base station and the user (UE) (e.g., enhancing link gain, increasing the number of eigenchannels). For example, centimeter-wave frequencies (e.g., 10 GHz) RIS-MIMO systems have lower path loss and richer scattering compared to higher frequencies, and the number of antennas in the centimeter-wave band can be very large, thus providing higher spatial degrees of freedom. However, physical environments such as multipath distribution are insufficient to support high stream number transmission. Therefore, in addition to coverage enhancement, rank enhancement may be one of the potential main features of centimeter-wave RIS-MIMO systems.

[0102] 4. Network Architecture:

[0103] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G (or new radio, NR) communication systems, transitional systems between LTE and 5G communication systems (also known as 4.5G communication systems), and future communication systems such as 6th generation (6G) or even 7th generation (7G) systems. The network architecture and service 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. Those skilled in the art will understand that with the evolution of communication network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0104] For example, Figures 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a communication system provided in this application, which includes at least one network device 110 and at least one terminal 120. The network device 110 and the terminal 120 can be wirelessly interconnected. Figures 1A and 1B are merely examples, and this application does not limit the number of network devices and terminals. The communication system also includes a metasurface 130, and it is assumed that the metasurface 130 is on the surface of the network device 110 (as shown in Figure 1A) or on the surface of the terminal 120 (as shown in Figure 1B). For example, the metasurface 130 can be a surface material layer with one or more of the functions of reflection, transmission, and refraction. This surface material layer is attached to the antenna of the network device 110 or the terminal 120 to achieve rank enhancement (based on the metasurface, the channel can be actively changed, providing more gain-controllable propagation multipaths based on the difference in response to different multipath angles). Alternatively, the metasurface may also be referred to as a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), a large intelligent surface (LIS), or any other metasurface designation, which is not limited in this application.

[0105] The network devices and terminals involved in this application are described below.

[0106] A terminal can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. A terminal can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. A terminal is also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc. A terminal is a device that includes wireless communication functionality (providing voice / data connectivity to a user). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity or vehicle-mounted devices. Currently, examples of such terminals 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 cars, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in self-driving cars can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in V2X communication can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, or set-top boxes.

[0107] It should be noted that the terminal can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above; this application does not impose any specific limitation. It should also be noted that in this application, the term "terminal" can refer to the terminal itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal that performs the method provided in this application; this application does not impose any specific limitation.

[0108] A network device can be a device within a wireless network. For example, a network device can be a device deployed in a wireless access network that provides wireless communication functionality to terminal devices. For instance, a network device can be a radio access network (RAN) node that connects terminal devices to a wireless network; it can also be called an access network device, RAN entity, access node, network node, or communication device, etc.

[0109] Specifically, network equipment can be access network equipment for cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, 4G or 5G communication systems. Network equipment can also be access network equipment in open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) or cloud radio access network (CRAN). Alternatively, network equipment can be access network equipment in a communication system formed by the integration of two or more of the above communication systems.

[0110] Network equipment includes, but is not limited to: 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 Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, macro base station, micro base station, wireless relay node, donor node, radio controller in CRAN scenarios, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and receiving point (TRP), etc., and can also be network equipment in 5G mobile communication systems. For example, next-generation base station (gNB) in NR systems, TRP, TP; or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system; or, network equipment can also be network nodes constituting a gNB or transmission point. Examples include centralized units (CU), distributed units (DU), centralized unit control planes (CU-CP), centralized unit user planes (CU-UP), and radio units (RU). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRU), active antenna units (AAU), or remote radio heads (RRH). Alternatively, network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, access network equipment in V2X technology can be roadside units (RSU).

[0111] It should be noted that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU 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 (ORAN) system, CU can also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU) or an open CU, DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open centralized unit control plane (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open centralized unit user plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). This application does not impose any specific limitations on these details. Any of the units CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0112] Optionally, for network elements in the ORAN system, each network element can implement the protocol layer functions shown in Table 1 below.

[0113] Table 1

[0114] It should be noted that in the ORAN system, the network device in this application can be one or more network elements listed in Table 1 above.

[0115] The architecture of the CU and DU of the access network equipment is described below. An access network equipment includes at least one CU and at least one DU. Optionally, the access network equipment may also include at least one RU.

[0116] The following example uses an access network device consisting of one CU and one DU. The CU has some core network functions and can include CU-CP and CU-UP. The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU may be configured to implement the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (e.g., RRC and / or SDAP layers). The DU may be configured to implement protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., RLC, MAC, and / or physical (PHY) layers). Alternatively, the CU may be configured to implement protocol layers above the PDCP layer (e.g., RRC and / or SDAP layers), and the DU may be configured to implement protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., RLC, MAC, and / or PHY layers).

[0117] When a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when a CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0118] The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For example, based on latency, functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0119] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0120] It should be noted that network devices can be devices or apparatuses with chips, devices or apparatuses with integrated circuits, or chips, chip systems, modules, or control units in the aforementioned devices or apparatuses; this application does not impose any specific limitations. It should also be noted that in this application, the term "network device" can refer to the network device itself, or to chips, functional modules, or integrated circuits within the network device that implement the methods provided in this application; this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0121] Optionally, common rank-enhancing network architectures also include a metasurface as an intermediate node to implement forwarding functions similar to relay or integrated access and backhaul (IAB). For example, Figure 2 is a system schematic diagram of a rank-enhancing scheme, which includes network device 110, terminal 120, and metasurface 130; and uses metasurface 130 as an intermediate node to implement forwarding functions. Assuming the channel between network device 110 and terminal 120 is represented as H0, the channel between network device 110 and metasurface 130 is represented as H1, and the channel between metasurface 130 and terminal 120 is represented as H2, taking downlink transmission as an example, the received signal satisfies formula (1): Y=H0+H1*W*H2(1)

[0122] Here, Y represents the received signal, and W represents the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface. Therefore, compared to the traditional H0 channel, the metasurface provides an additional H1*W*H2 channel to improve the communication rank. However, in scenarios where the metasurface acts as an intermediate node, the user's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance gain will not decrease drastically only when the quality of the direct channel (such as H0) is poor or the channel gains of the cascaded channels (such as H1 and H2) are comparable to those of the direct channel. This limits the gain scenarios of existing rank enhancement schemes.

[0123] To address the limitation of gain scenarios in existing rank enhancement schemes, this application provides a corresponding technical solution. By using a first indication information to enable the interaction between a first device and a second device to control the rank enhancement effective range, the transmission rank can be improved based on the metasurface and the difference in response to different multipath angles, thereby increasing system capacity. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments below.

[0124] II. The communication method provided in this application:

[0125] 1. The first type of communication method provided in this application (the first device includes a metasurface, the second device transmits a reference signal, and the first device performs rank-enhanced channel measurement and feedback):

[0126] For example, Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application. This method can be implemented through interaction between a first device and a second device; for example, when the first device is a network device, the second device is a terminal; when the first device is a terminal, the second device is a network device. The method includes the following steps:

[0127] S101, the first device receives a first reference signal from the second device via a metasurface.

[0128] In this embodiment, the second device transmits a first reference signal to the first device. This application assumes that the first device includes a metasurface; for example, the metasurface may be a reflective layer attached to the antenna of the first device to achieve rank enhancement. Optionally, the metasurface may be referred to as a RIS, IRS, LIS, metasurface, or reflective surface, etc., and this application does not limit its scope. For ease of description, it will be collectively referred to as a metasurface below. Optionally, the metasurface may be deployed independently of the first device to achieve rank enhancement functionality, and this application does not limit its scope.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the first device is a terminal and the second device is a network device, and the first reference signal can be a downlink reference signal, such as a first CSI-RS. In another possible implementation, the first device is a network device and the second device is a terminal, and the first reference signal can be an uplink reference signal, such as a first SRS.

[0130] Optionally, the second device sends a first reference signal to the first device according to a preset period; correspondingly, the first device receives the first reference signal from the second device through the metasurface according to the preset period. Optionally, the preset period may be the measurement period of the first reference signal. For example, assuming the first reference signal is a first CSI-RS, the preset period may be the CSI measurement period. Optionally, the measurement period of the first reference signal includes the measurement of the first reference signal and the feedback period. For example, assuming the first reference signal is a first CSI-RS, the measurement period of the first reference signal includes the measurement of the first CSI-RS and the CSI feedback period.

[0131] S102, the first device performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device.

[0132] The first device includes a metasurface. When the metasurface of the first device is used for rank-enhanced channel measurement, a unit-weighted coefficient matrix is ​​used for weighting. During rank-enhanced channel measurement, the state of the unit-weighted coefficient matrix is ​​the metasurface default state. Therefore, the first device performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on a first reference signal. Specifically, the first device can perform periodic rank-enhanced channel measurements based on the first reference signal and relevant metasurface parameters (such as the unit-weighted coefficient matrix) to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device. Optionally, the unit-weighted coefficient matrix includes parameters such as a phase vector or matrix. The elements of the vector or the diagonal elements of the matrix are all 1, and the other elements of the matrix can be 0.

[0133] Optionally, the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is greater than or equal to the measurement period of the second reference signal; the signal type of the second reference signal may be the same as or different from the signal type of the first reference signal. For example, assuming that the first and second reference signals have the same signal type (e.g., both are CSI-RS), the rank-enhanced channel measurement can be independent of the CSI measurement, and the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is greater than the CSI measurement period. Optionally, the measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement includes a measurement and feedback period. For example, the measurement period for rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal includes the measurement of the first reference signal and the feedback period of channel measurement information (e.g., the feedback period of the first indication information).

[0134] Optionally, the channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. Optionally, multipath is short for multiple propagation paths, referring to the multiple propagation paths formed by multiple antennas and a metasurface when a signal is transmitted between the first and second devices. Multiple propagation paths can include line-of-sight (LOS) paths and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) paths between the first and second devices. When the metasurface is deployed on either the first or second device, all multiple propagation paths pass through the metasurface.

[0135] Optionally, the multipath angle information includes at least one of the following: average of two-dimensional incident angles of the multipath and average of two-dimensional exit angles of the multipath. The average of two-dimensional incident angles of the multipath or the average of two-dimensional exit angles of the multipath can be the arithmetic mean of the angles, the geometric mean of the angles, or the root mean square of the power spectrum density (PSD), etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0136] Optionally, the multipath angle spread information includes at least one of the following: multipath horizontal azimuth spread of arrival angle (ASA), multipath vertical zenith spread of arrival angle (ZSA), multipath horizontal azimuth spread of departure angle (ASD), and multipath vertical zenith spread of departure angle (ZSD). The multipath angle spread information can be defined as the maximum included angle between multipaths within a cluster, or the second-order center distance information of the multipath angular power spectrum (PAS).

[0137] Optionally, the aforementioned multipath angle information may include the average of two-dimensional incident angles and / or the average of two-dimensional exit angles (in this case, the multipath angle information can be simply referred to as multipath angle); the multipath angle extension information may include at least one of ASA / ZSA / ASD / ZSD (in this case, the multipath angle extension information can be simply referred to as multipath angle extension). Optionally, the multipath angle information is a type of indication information (e.g., 2-bit indication information) used to indicate the average of two-dimensional incident angles and / or the average of two-dimensional exit angles (equivalent to the multipath angle information indirectly including the average of two-dimensional incident angles and / or the average of two-dimensional exit angles), and the multipath angle extension information is another type of indication information used to indicate at least one of ASA / ZSA / ASD / ZSD (equivalent to the multipath angle extension information indirectly including at least one of ASA / ZSA / ASD / ZSD).

[0138] For example, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of multipath angle information and multipath angle extension information provided in this application. The multiple solid lines in Figure 4 can be regarded as multiple propagation paths, and the multiple propagation paths constitute a cluster, as shown by the cone shape in Figure 4. Among them, φ is the angle between the horizontal dashed line in Figure 4 and the center line of the cone (that is, the average of the two-dimensional angle of the multipath), which can represent the multipath angle information. θ is the maximum angle between the multipaths within the cluster, which can represent the multipath angle extension information. Optionally, if the multipath angle extension information is the second-order center distance information of the multipath PAS, then the process of deriving the multipath angle extension information based on θ satisfies formulas (2) and (3):

[0139] in, Θ represents the mean angle of PAS, and Θ represents the square root of the second-order center distance of PAS (that is, the multipath angle extension information).

[0140] Optionally, multipath angle extension information can also be referred to as angle extension information of multiple propagation paths, and multipath angle information can also be referred to as angle information of multiple propagation paths. For example, multipath angle information includes the average angle of multiple propagation paths, and multipath angle extension information includes the maximum included angle between multiple paths within a cluster formed by multiple propagation paths.

[0141] Optionally, the channel measurement information also includes at least one of the transmit antenna dimension or the receive antenna dimension. The transmit antenna dimension or the receive antenna dimension can be considered separately as a vertical dimension M and a horizontal dimension N. Optionally, the transmit antenna dimension and / or the receive antenna dimension are used to determine the antenna beamwidth, which may affect the multipath angle spread information and the multipath angle information.

[0142] S103, the first device sends a first instruction message to the second device; correspondingly, the second device receives the first instruction message.

[0143] Wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the first information or the second information. The first information includes at least one of the multipath angle extension information or the multipath angle information, and the second information includes the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold, wherein the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold are related to at least one of the multipath angle extension information or the multipath angle information.

[0144] The multipath angle extension information and / or multipath angle information can be found in the corresponding descriptions above, and will not be repeated here. The following section will introduce the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold in conjunction with the multipath angle extension information and / or multipath angle information.

[0145] The rank enhancement activation threshold includes at least one of the following: reference signal receiving power (RSRP) threshold, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) threshold, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) threshold, channel quality indicator (CQI) index threshold, or modulation and coding scheme (MCS) index threshold. Furthermore, the rank enhancement activation threshold is related to at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. For example, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between multipath angle information and SNR provided in this application. Figure 5 includes four clusters, each containing multipath propagation. For example, cluster 1 is characterized by an incident angle of 0–90°, 15 multipaths, an angle of arrival of 0–0.6°, and a cluster scattering surface area of ​​0.44 m × 0.88 m; cluster 2 by an incident angle of 70–90°, 15 multipaths, an angle of arrival of 0–5°, and a cluster scattering surface area of ​​4 m × 2 m; cluster 3 by an incident angle of 0–60°, 15 multipaths, an angle of arrival of 0–1°, and a cluster scattering surface area of ​​0.88 m × 0.44 m; and cluster 4 by an incident angle of 0–60°, 15 multipaths, an angle of arrival of 0–5°, and a cluster scattering surface area of ​​4 m × 2 m. Furthermore, it is assumed that the metasurface weighting coefficient matrix W is a random complex matrix, and different paths are multiplied by different W matrices. Based on the above assumptions, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels corresponding to clusters 1 through 4 can be derived as shown in Figure 5. As the incident angle and multipath arrival angle change, the SNR distribution regions corresponding to the rank of the signal after reflection via the metasurface and without reflection via the metasurface are different. Therefore, different multipath angle spread information and / or multipath angle information correspond to different rank-enhanced SNR threshold ranges. Thus, based on the SNR threshold range, CSI measurement and data transmission can be determined to be based on the enhanced rank (i.e., based on the corresponding metasurface weighting coefficient matrix W). Optionally, when the rank enhancement effective threshold is other thresholds such as the RSRP threshold or SINR threshold, the relationship with the multipath angle spread information and / or multipath angle information is similar, and this application does not impose limitations.

[0146] The rank enhancement activation mode is used to indicate whether the rank enhancement activation interval is an open interval or a closed interval, which is an open interval or a closed interval determined based on the rank enhancement activation threshold. For example, the rank enhancement activation mode includes at least two modes: an open interval mode and / or a closed interval mode; optionally, the open interval mode can be further divided into a one-sided open interval or a two-sided open interval. For example, a one-sided open interval can be represented as [,Δ1] or [Δ2,], and a two-sided open interval can be represented as [,Δ1]∪[Δ2,]; where Δ1 or Δ2 represents the threshold. The closed interval can be represented as [Δ1,Δ2], assuming Δ1<Δ2. Optionally, Δ1 or Δ2 can be any of the rank enhancement activation thresholds described above, such as the SNR threshold or the RSRP threshold, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0147] Optionally, the rank enhancement effective interval can be the SNR interval, SINR interval, or RSRP interval. Optionally, when the first and second devices perform reference signal measurements, such as CSI measurements, SNR / SINR / RSRP information can be measured. If the SNR / SINR / RSRP values ​​in the channel measurement results belong to the rank enhancement effective interval, for example, if the measured SNR value belongs to the rank enhancement SNR effective interval, it indicates that the current network scenario meets the requirements for the rank enhancement effective interval, and rank enhancement can be performed. If subsequent CSI measurements and data transmission are involved, the subsequent CSI measurements and data transmission will be based on the enhanced rank, thereby avoiding a decrease in system performance gain due to rank enhancement in some network scenarios.

[0148] Optionally, the rank enhancement activation mode is indicated using at least two bits. For example, the rank enhancement activation mode can be implemented using at least two bits of an independent cell, or using at least two reserved bits of an existing cell, as shown in Table 2.

[0149] Table 2: Table of Rank Enhancement Effective Modes.

[0150] Among them, the four states shown in Table 2 can be indicated by at least two bits. For example, the first indication information is used to indicate the mode in Table 2, and the rank enhancement mode can be determined by combining Table 2; or, the first indication information is used to indicate the type in Table 2, and the rank enhancement mode can be determined directly.

[0151] Optionally, the rank enhancement effective threshold includes at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval; or, the rank enhancement effective threshold includes a first value and a duration unit length, the first value and the duration unit length being used to determine at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval. For example, the first indication information is used to indicate the rank enhancement effective threshold, specifically indicating at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement effective interval (such as indicating the values ​​of Δ1 and / or Δ2); or, the first indication information is used to indicate a first value (assumed to be α) and a duration unit length (assumed to be β), based on α and β, the values ​​of Δ1 and / or Δ2 can be determined (e.g., Δ1 = α - β, Δ2 = α + β). Optionally, the specific implementation method of determining the rank enhancement effective threshold based on the first value and the duration unit length is not limited in this application.

[0152] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information is used to indicate the first information, the first indication information is used to indicate at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information. In this implementation, the first device and the second device predefine a mapping relationship or functional relationship, so that based on the first information and the predefined mapping relationship or functional relationship, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold can be determined, thereby determining the rank enhancement activation interval. The possible mapping relationship or functional relationship is described below.

[0153] (1) The first information is related to the first mapping relationship, the second mapping relationship, or the third mapping relationship.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the first information includes at least one multipath angle extension information, and the first mapping relationship includes multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to multiple multipath angle extension information. Optionally, based on the first mapping relationship, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation modes and rank enhancement activation thresholds are related to at least one of the multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information. For example, Table 3 is a table of the first mapping relationship, including multiple multipath angle extension information, multiple rank enhancement activation modes, and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds.

[0155] Table 3: Table of the first mapping relationship.

[0156] The parameters in Table 3 include multipath angle extension information. For example, Θ1 and Θ2 represent multiple different multipath angle extension information. Θ1 corresponds to rank enhancement activation mode 1 (that is, mode 1 in Table 2, where the type of rank enhancement activation interval is a bilateral open interval [,Δ1]∪[Δ2,]). Θ1 corresponds to rank enhancement activation thresholds 1 and 2, which are 0 and 25 respectively. Based on the above information, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation interval corresponding to Θ1 is [,0]∪[25,]. Similarly, Θ2 corresponds to rank enhancement activation mode 2 (that is, mode 2 in Table 2, where the type of rank enhancement activation interval is a unilateral open interval [,Δ1]). Θ2 corresponds to rank enhancement activation thresholds 1 and 2, which are 10 and 20 respectively. Based on the above information, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation interval corresponding to Θ2 is [,10] or [,20]. Therefore, when the first indication information is used to indicate the first information (including at least one multipath angle spread information), the first device can determine the rank enhancement effective interval corresponding to the multipath angle spread information based on the first information and in combination with the first mapping relationship shown in Table 3, so that both the first device and the second device use the same rank enhancement effective interval to perform rank enhancement channel measurement. For example, if the first indication information is used to indicate the multipath angle spread information Θ1, after receiving the first indication information, the second device finds the corresponding rank enhancement effective mode 1 and the rank enhancement effective thresholds 0 and 25 from Table 3 based on Θ1, then the second device can determine the rank enhancement effective interval as [,0]∪[25,].

[0157] Optionally, the first mapping relationship shown in Table 3 above is only an example. The parameters, rank enhancement activation mode, and rank enhancement activation threshold in the first mapping relationship can be in a one-to-one correspondence, or a one-to-many relationship (for example, parameter Θ1 may also correspond to rank enhancement activation mode 1 and rank enhancement activation thresholds 5 and 20), or a many-to-one relationship (for example, parameter Θ1 may also correspond to rank enhancement activation mode 2 and rank enhancement activation thresholds 10 and 20, that is, parameters Θ1 and Θ2 correspond to the same rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold). This application does not limit this.

[0158] In another possible implementation, the first information includes at least one set of multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information, and the second mapping relationship includes multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to multiple sets of multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information. For example, Table 4 is a table of the second mapping relationship, including multiple sets of multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information, as well as multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds.

[0159] Table 4: Table of the second mapping relationship.

[0160] Among them, the parameters in Table 4 include multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information. For example, (Θ1,φ1) and (Θ2,φ2) represent multiple sets of different multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information. (Θ1,φ1) corresponds to rank enhancement effective mode 1 (that is, mode 1 in Table 2, the type of rank enhancement effective interval is bilateral open interval [,Δ1]∪[Δ2,]). (Θ1,φ1) corresponds to rank enhancement effective threshold 1 and 2, which are 0 and 25 respectively. Based on the above information, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement effective interval corresponding to (Θ1,φ1) is [,0]∪[25,]. Similarly, (Θ2,φ2) corresponds to rank enhancement activation mode 2 (that is, mode 2 in Table 2, the type of rank enhancement activation interval is a single-sided open interval [,Δ1]), and (Θ2,φ2) corresponds to rank enhancement activation thresholds 1 and 2, which are 10 and 20 respectively. Combining the above information, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation interval corresponding to (Θ2,φ2) is [,10] or [,20]. Therefore, when the first indication information is used to indicate the first information (including at least one set of multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information), based on the first information and combined with the second mapping relationship shown in Table 4, the rank enhancement activation interval corresponding to the multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information can be determined, so that both the first device and the second device use the same rank enhancement activation interval to perform rank enhancement channel measurement. For example, if the first indication information is used to indicate multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information (Θ1, φ1), after receiving the first indication information, the second device looks up the corresponding rank enhancement activation mode 1 and rank enhancement activation thresholds 0 and 25 from Table 4 based on (Θ1, φ1). Then, the second device can determine that the rank enhancement activation interval is [,0]∪[25,]. It can be understood that the difference between the second mapping relationship and the first mapping relationship is that the parameters of the second mapping relationship also include multipath angle information; the meanings of the other variables in Table 4 are the same as those in Table 3.

[0161] Optionally, the second mapping relationship shown in Table 4 above is only an example. The parameters, rank enhancement activation mode, and rank enhancement activation threshold in the second mapping relationship can be in a one-to-one correspondence, or a one-to-many relationship (for example, parameter (Θ1,φ1) may also correspond to rank enhancement activation mode 1 and rank enhancement activation thresholds 5 and 20), or a many-to-one relationship (for example, parameter (Θ1,φ1) may also correspond to rank enhancement activation mode 2 and rank enhancement activation thresholds 10 and 20, that is, parameters (Θ1,φ1) and (Θ2,φ2) correspond to the same rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold). This application does not limit this.

[0162] In another possible implementation, the first information includes at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal. The third mapping relationship includes multiple sets of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, along with multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds. For example, Table 5 shows the third mapping relationship, which includes multiple sets of multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information, as well as multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds.

[0163] Table 5: Table of the third mapping relationship.

[0164] Among them, the parameters in Table 5 include multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the dimension of the transmitting antenna. For example, (Θ1, φ1) and (Θ2, φ2) represent multiple sets of different multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information. Each set of multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information corresponds to the vertical dimension M of the transmitting antenna, and the vertical dimension M of the transmitting antenna satisfies being greater than or less than the dimension M1, as shown in Table 5. Similar to Tables 3 and 4, (Θ1, φ1) and the transmitting antenna dimension M < M1 or M > M1 correspond to the rank enhancement activation mode 1 (that is, mode 1 in Table 2, and the type of the rank enhancement activation interval is a bilateral open interval [, Δ1] ∪ [Δ2,]). (Θ1, φ1) corresponds to the rank enhancement activation thresholds 1 and 2, which are 0 and 25 respectively. Combining the above information, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation interval corresponding to (Θ1, φ1) is [, 0] ∪ [25,]. Similarly, (Θ2, φ2) and the transmitting antenna dimension M < M1 or M > M1 correspond to the rank enhancement activation mode 2 (that is, mode 2 in Table 2, and the type of the rank enhancement activation interval is a unilateral open interval [, Δ1]). (Θ2, φ2) corresponds to the rank enhancement activation thresholds 1 and 2, which are 10 and 20 respectively. Combining the above information, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation interval corresponding to (Θ2, φ2) is [, 10] or [, 20]. Similarly, (Θ3, φ3) and the transmitting antenna dimension M > M1 correspond to the rank enhancement activation mode 2. (Θ3, φ3) corresponds to the rank enhancement activation thresholds 1 and 2, which are 15 and 25 respectively. Combining the above information, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation interval corresponding to (Θ3, φ3) is [, 15] or [, 25]. Therefore, when the first indication information is used to indicate the first information (including at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the dimension of the first reference signal's transmitting antenna), based on the first information and combined with the third mapping relationship shown in Table 5, the rank enhancement activation interval corresponding to the multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the dimension of the first reference signal's transmitting antenna can be determined, so that both the first device and the second device adopt the same rank enhancement activation interval for rank enhancement channel measurement. For example, if the first indication information is used to indicate the multipath angle spread information and multipath angle information (Θ1, φ1) and the antenna dimension M < M1, after receiving this first indication information, the second device looks up the corresponding rank enhancement activation mode 1 and rank enhancement activation thresholds 0 and 25 from Table 5 based on (Θ1, φ1) and M < M1, then the second device can determine that the rank enhancement activation interval is [, 0] ∪ [25,]. It can be understood that the difference between the third mapping relationship and the second mapping relationship is that the parameters of the third mapping relationship also include the dimension of the transmitting antenna; the meanings of other variables in Table 5 are the same as those in Table 4.

[0165] Optionally, the third mapping relationship shown in Table 5 above is only an example. There may be a one-to-one correspondence, or a one-to-many relationship (for example, the parameters (Θ1, φ1) and M < M1 may also correspond to rank enhancement activation mode 1 and rank enhancement activation thresholds 5 and 20), or a many-to-one relationship (for example, the parameters (Θ1, φ1) and M < M1 may also correspond to rank enhancement activation mode 2 and rank enhancement activation thresholds 10 and 20, that is, the parameters (Θ1, φ1) and M < M1 and the parameters (Θ2, φ2) and M < M1 correspond to the same rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation thresholds) among the parameters, rank enhancement activation mode, and rank enhancement activation threshold in the third mapping relationship. This application does not make any limitation.

[0166] Optionally, based on the above first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship, or third mapping relationship, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold are related to at least one of the multipath angular spread information or multipath angle information. Optionally, the above first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship, or third mapping relationship may be a predefined mapping relationship, and it is assumed that both the first device and the second device can predefine the above mapping relationship. Therefore, through the first indication information, the first device and the second device can interact with information such as the rank enhancement activation mode, rank enhancement activation threshold, multipath angular spread information, and multipath angle information, so that both the first device and the second device can determine the corresponding rank enhancement activation interval, which is beneficial to achieving the improvement of the transmission rank.

[0167] (2) The first information is related to the first functional relationship, the second functional relationship, or the third functional relationship.

[0168] Optionally, the input parameters of the first functional relationship include multipath angular spread information, and the output parameters include rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold. For example, the first functional relationship satisfies formula (4): Y1 = f1(Θ) (4)

[0169] Where, f1 represents the first functional relationship, Θ represents the input parameter of the first functional relationship, and Y1 represents the output parameter of the first functional relationship, including rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold (rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold shown in Table 3).

[0170] Optionally, the input parameters of the second functional relationship include multipath angular spread information and multipath angle information, and the output parameters include rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold. For example, the second functional relationship satisfies formula (5): Y2 = f2(Θ, φ) (5)

[0171] Where, f2 represents the second functional relationship, Θ and φ represent the input parameters of the second functional relationship, and Y2 represents the output parameter of the second functional relationship, including rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold (rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold shown in Table 4).

[0172] Optionally, the input parameters of the third functional relationship include multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and the output parameters include the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold. For example, the third functional relationship satisfies formula (6): Y3=f3(Θ,φ,M,N)(6)

[0173] Where f3 represents the third functional relationship, Θ, φ, M, N represent the input parameters of the third functional relationship (e.g., M is the vertical dimension of the transmitting antenna, and N is the horizontal dimension of the transmitting antenna), and Y3 represents the output parameters of the second functional relationship, including the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold (as shown in Table 5).

[0174] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information is used to indicate the second information, the first indication information is used to indicate the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold. For example, the first indication information indicates any set of threshold information (including rank enhancement activation thresholds 1 and 2) as shown in Tables 3-5, and the rank enhancement activation mode corresponding to that set of threshold information. Optionally, in this implementation, the first indication information can indicate the index of the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold; for example, the first indication information indicates the index of any set of threshold information as shown in Tables 3-5, thereby indicating the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to that index. Optionally, in this implementation, the first indication information can indicate the rank enhancement activation mode, the first value, and the duration unit length; for example, the first indication information indicates any mode as shown in Table 2, as well as the first value and the duration unit length (the rank enhancement activation threshold can be calculated according to the method described above), thereby indicating the corresponding rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold.

[0175] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information is used to indicate the second information, the rank enhancement threshold can be a channel quality indicator index threshold or a modulation and coding scheme index threshold. A set of channel quality indicator index thresholds or modulation and coding scheme index thresholds corresponds to a set of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) thresholds, a set of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINNR) thresholds, or a set of reference signal received power (RSP) thresholds. For example, according to the description in the protocol standard, by default, one CQI index can correspond to one SNR value. Assuming a set of CQI index thresholds is 3 and 10, the corresponding SNR thresholds might be 10 and 25, that is, a set of channel quality indicator index thresholds (3 and 10) corresponds to a set of SNR thresholds (10 and 25). In this implementation, unlike Tables 3-5 described above, a CQI parameter table or MCS parameter table in an existing protocol can be referenced. The first indication information indicates the CQI index threshold in the CQI parameter table or the MCS index threshold in the MCS parameter table. For example, Table 6 is a CQI parameter table, including the CQI index and its corresponding parameters.

[0176] Table 6: CQI Parameter Table

[0177] In this context, QPSK stands for Quadrature Phase Shift Keying, and QAM stands for Quadrature Amplitude Modulation. The first indication information can indicate the CQI index threshold (such as the CQI index values ​​in Table 6). For example, indicating a CQI index threshold of 3 or 10, and indicating that the rank enhancement activation mode is mode 0 ([Δ1,Δ2]) in Table 2, it can be deduced that the rank enhancement activation range corresponding to the rank enhancement activation mode and threshold indicated by the first indication information is [3,10]. Based on this rank enhancement activation range, Table 6, and the first reference signal, rank enhancement channel measurements can be performed. Similarly, the MCS parameter table also includes the MCS index and related MCS parameters. The first indication information can indicate the MCS index threshold and the rank enhancement activation mode. For specific implementation details, please refer to the description of CQI; these will not be repeated here. Optionally, in this implementation, the second device only needs to receive CQI according to CSI feedback within the measurement period of the rank enhancement channel measurement, without needing to define the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold as shown in Tables 3-5, thus simplifying the processing flow.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the first indication information only indicates the rank enhancement activation mode. For example, assuming that the first and second devices predefine rank enhancement activation thresholds, and assuming that the rank enhancement activation thresholds are only a few default values ​​(e.g., assuming that for SNR, the protocol only defines two default values, 10dB and 30dB), then Table 2 can be converted into a correspondence between the rank enhancement activation modes and the default rank enhancement activation thresholds, as shown in Table 7.

[0179] Table 7: Correspondence between rank enhancement activation modes and default rank enhancement activation thresholds.

[0180] Optionally, the four states shown in Table 7 can be indicated by at least two bits. For example, the first indication information can be used to indicate the mode in Table 7, and the rank enhancement activation mode can be determined by combining Table 7; or, the first indication information can be used to indicate the type in Table 7, thereby directly indicating the rank enhancement activation mode. It can be seen that in this implementation, the first indication information can only indicate the rank enhancement activation mode. Combined with the preset Table 7, the first device and the second device can determine the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold, thereby determining the rank enhancement activation range.

[0181] Optionally, the first device may send the first indication information to the second device periodically (e.g., according to the measurement and feedback period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement) or non-periodically (e.g., if the multipath angle changes after the terminal moves, the first indication information may be resent). This application does not limit this.

[0182] Optionally, the signaling format and carrying channel of the interactive information (such as reference signal and first indication information) in S101 to S103 are not limited in this application; for example, if the first device is a terminal and the second device is a base station, assuming the first reference signal is the first CSI-RS, the first reference signal can be carried on PDSCH; the first indication information can be an RRC message carried on PUSCH. It is understood that the above example is only one example.

[0183] Optionally, this embodiment further includes the following process: the first device updates the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface based on the first indication information. For example, the first device confirms the rank enhancement operation based on the first indication information, and the change or update of the weighting coefficients of the metasurface can be achieved based on the following process: the first device receives at least one measurement reference signal through the metasurface, each measurement reference signal using different metasurface weighting coefficients (matrix or vector), the first device measures and obtains the measurement reference signal with the maximum SNR / RSRP and other indicators, determines the metasurface weighting coefficients corresponding to the measurement reference signal, and updates the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface based on the metasurface weighting coefficients. Optionally, the first device may also send the metasurface weighting coefficients corresponding to the measurement reference signal to the second device.

[0184] Optionally, this embodiment further includes the following steps: the first device receives a second reference signal from the second device via a metasurface; the first device performs reference signal measurement based on the second reference signal and feeds back channel state information; the first device and the second device perform data transmission, etc. For example, the first device and the second device perform channel measurement and feedback of channel state information according to the measurement period of the second reference signal. In this case, the first device does not use an identity matrix as the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface.

[0185] In this embodiment, the metasurface directly covers the first device, or covers it near the first device with a very small gap. The metasurface's reflective properties separate multiple propagation paths or improve the spatial isolation of these paths. Furthermore, the first device can obtain multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, etc., through rank-enhanced channel measurements. The rank-enhanced effective range can be exchanged between the first and second devices explicitly or implicitly (e.g., exchanging at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; or exchanging rank-enhanced effective mode and rank-enhanced effective threshold information, etc.). Therefore, based on the metasurface and the difference in response to different multipath angles, the transmission rank can be improved, thereby increasing system capacity.

[0186] 2. The second type of communication method provided in this application (the first device includes a metasurface, the first device transmits a reference signal, and the second device receives the reference signal and performs rank-enhanced channel measurement and feedback):

[0187] For example, Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application. This method can be implemented through interaction between a first device and a second device; for example, when the first device is a network device, the second device is a terminal; when the first device is a terminal, the second device is a network device. The method includes the following steps:

[0188] S201, the first device sends a first reference signal and a weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface to the second device via the metasurface; correspondingly, the second device receives the first reference signal and the weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface from the first device.

[0189] The first device includes a metasurface, for example, a reflective layer attached to the antenna of the first device to achieve rank enhancement. The first device transmits a first reference signal to the second device via the metasurface; the transmitted first reference signal can be transmitted to the second device via multipath propagation generated by the metasurface, thus achieving rank enhancement. Optionally, the description of the first reference signal can be found in the corresponding description in S101, and will not be repeated here.

[0190] Optionally, the first device transmits a first reference signal to the second device via the metasurface at a preset period. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first reference signal from the first device at a preset period. Optionally, the preset period may be the measurement period of the first reference signal; for example, assuming the first reference signal is a first CSI-RS, the preset period may be the CSI measurement period. Optionally, the measurement period of the first reference signal includes the measurement of the first reference signal and a feedback period; for example, assuming the first reference signal is a first CSI-RS, the measurement period of the first reference signal includes the measurement of the first CSI-RS and the CSI feedback period.

[0191] It is understood that the difference between this embodiment and the embodiment in Figure 3 is that, in this embodiment, the first device includes a metasurface and is the transmitter of the first reference signal; the second device is the receiver of the first reference signal. The second device is assumed not to include the metasurface. To achieve rank-enhanced channel measurement between the second and first devices, the first device sends the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface to the second device, thereby enabling the second device to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal and the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface. Optionally, the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface can be referred to the corresponding description in S102, which will not be repeated here.

[0192] S202, the second device performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface, and obtains channel measurement information between the first device and the second device.

[0193] Although the second device does not include a metasurface, it has acquired the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix attached to the metasurface of the first device, enabling it to perform rank-enhanced channel measurements and obtain channel measurement information. The description of the channel measurement information can be found in the corresponding description in S102. For example, the channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information, along with descriptions of the multipath angle spread information and the multipath angle information, which will not be repeated here.

[0194] S203, the second device sends first instruction information to the first device; correspondingly, the first device receives the first instruction information.

[0195] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the first information or the second information. The mapping relationship or functional relationship between the first indication information, the first information, the second information, the first information, and the specific feedback method of the first indication information can be referred to the corresponding description in S103. For example, the description of the rank enhancement effective mode, the rank enhancement effective threshold, the rank enhancement effective interval, and Tables 2 to 7, as well as the related descriptions of formulas (4) to (6), can be referred to the corresponding description in S103, and will not be repeated here.

[0196] In this embodiment, the second device is the receiver of the first reference signal; the first device is the transmitter of the first reference signal, and the first device includes a metasurface. The second device receives the first reference signal and the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface, which enables rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal. This allows it to feed back the rank-enhanced effective range to the first device, which is beneficial for both the first and second devices to improve the transmission rank and increase system capacity.

[0197] 3. Analysis of the effects of the first and second type of communication methods:

[0198] This application assumes that when using the first and second type of communication methods described above for rank-enhanced channel measurement, the number of multipaths is 15, the carrier frequency is 10 GHz, and the antenna element spacing of the metasurface (represented by RIS in Figure 7) is half a wavelength (1.5 cm). It also assumes that the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface is a random complex matrix, considering different paths multiplied by different random complex matrices, and that the SNR values ​​are assumed to be {0 dB, 30 dB}. The rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the metasurface yields a schematic diagram of the channel capacity shown in Figure 7. The left side of Figure 7 shows the channel capacity variation lines obtained by measuring with or without metasurface reflection (dashed line) when SNR = 0 dB; the left side of Figure 7 shows the channel capacity variation lines obtained by measuring with or without metasurface reflection (dashed line) when SNR = 30 dB. Analysis and comparison show that by using metasurface reflection and control, the transmission rank can be improved based on the response differences at different angles, thereby increasing the system capacity.

[0199] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the base station and terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps 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 in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0200] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first or second device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0201] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes a processing unit 810 and a communication unit 820. The communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the first or second device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 6. Optionally, the communication unit 820 can also be referred to as a transceiver unit. Optionally, the transceiver unit includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, whereby the transmitting unit transmits signals and the receiving unit receives signals. Optionally, the communication device 800 also includes a storage unit 830 for storing device program code and / or data.

[0202] (1) The communication device 800 can be a terminal-side device in the above embodiments, such as a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions.

[0203] For example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3: the communication unit 820 is used to receive a first reference signal from the second device through a metasurface, and the processing unit 810 is used to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device; the channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle. The communication unit 820 is also used to send first indication information to the second device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle; the second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the metasurface is weighted using a unit weighting coefficient matrix; the state of the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface is the default state of the metasurface. The processing unit 810 is further configured to: determine channel measurement information based on the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface and the first reference signal.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: update the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface based on the first indication information.

[0206] For example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the communication unit 820 is used to send a first reference signal and a unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface to the second device through the metasurface; the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface are used by the second device to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement. The communication unit 820 is also used to receive first indication information from the second device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle; the multipath angle spread or at least one of multipath angle is obtained by the second device performing rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal; the second information includes rank-enhanced activation mode and rank-enhanced activation threshold, the rank-enhanced activation mode and rank-enhanced activation threshold being related to at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle.

[0207] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: based on the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information, obtain the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information from at least one of the preset first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship or third mapping relationship.

[0208] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: use the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information as input parameters of a function, and combine it with at least one of a preset first function relationship, second function relationship or third function relationship to obtain the output parameters of the function, including the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information.

[0209] For example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3: the communication unit 820 is used to send a first reference signal to the first device. The communication unit 820 is also used to receive first indication information from the first device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle; the multipath angle spread or at least one of multipath angle is obtained by the first device performing rank enhancement channel measurement based on the first reference signal; the second information includes rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle.

[0210] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: based on the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information, obtain the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information from at least one of the preset first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship or third mapping relationship.

[0211] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: use the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information as input parameters of a function, and combine it with at least one of a preset first function relationship, second function relationship or third function relationship to obtain the output parameters of the function, including the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information.

[0212] For example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the communication unit 820 is used to receive a first reference signal from the first device and a unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface. The processing unit 810 is used to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device, the channel measurement information including at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle. The communication unit 820 is also used to send first indication information to the first device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle; the second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle.

[0213] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the communication unit 820, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the preceding method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0214] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 800 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 810 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 820 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit.

[0215] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 800 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 810 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 820 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0216] (2) The communication device 800 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a base station or a communication module in a base station, or a circuit or chip in a base station that is responsible for communication functions.

[0217] For example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3: the communication unit 820 is used to receive a first reference signal from the second device through a metasurface, and the processing unit 810 is used to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device; the channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle. The communication unit 820 is also used to send first indication information to the second device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle; the second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle.

[0218] In one possible implementation, the metasurface is weighted using a unit weighting coefficient matrix; the state of the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface is the default state of the metasurface. The processing unit 810 is further configured to: determine channel measurement information based on the unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface and the first reference signal.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: update the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface based on the first indication information.

[0220] For example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the communication unit 820 is used to send a first reference signal and a unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface to the second device through the metasurface; the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface are used by the second device to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement. The communication unit 820 is also used to receive first indication information from the second device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle; the multipath angle spread or at least one of multipath angle is obtained by the second device performing rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal; the second information includes rank-enhanced activation mode and rank-enhanced activation threshold, the rank-enhanced activation mode and rank-enhanced activation threshold being related to at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle.

[0221] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: based on the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information, obtain the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information from at least one of the preset first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship or third mapping relationship.

[0222] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: use the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information as input parameters of a function, and combine it with at least one of a preset first function relationship, second function relationship or third function relationship to obtain the output parameters of the function, including the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information.

[0223] For example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3: the communication unit 820 is used to send a first reference signal to the first device. The communication unit 820 is also used to receive first indication information from the first device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle; the multipath angle spread or at least one of multipath angle is obtained by the first device performing rank enhancement channel measurement based on the first reference signal; the second information includes rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle.

[0224] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: based on the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information, obtain the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information from at least one of the preset first mapping relationship, second mapping relationship or third mapping relationship.

[0225] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information, the processing unit 810 is further configured to: use the multipath angle extension information or at least one of multipath angle information as input parameters of a function, and combine it with at least one of a preset first function relationship, second function relationship or third function relationship to obtain the output parameters of the function, including the rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold corresponding to the first information.

[0226] For example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the communication unit 820 is used to receive a first reference signal from the first device and a unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface. The processing unit 810 is used to perform rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device, the channel measurement information including at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle. The communication unit 820 is also used to send first indication information to the first device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; the first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle; the second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold being related to at least one of multipath angle spread or multipath angle.

[0227] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the communication unit 820, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the preceding method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0229] In one example, storage unit 830 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0230] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a processor 910 and an interface circuit 920. The processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are coupled together. It is understood that the interface circuit 920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface; optionally, the transceiver includes a receiver and a transmitter. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, or storing input data required for the processor 910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 920 can also be understood as part of the processor 910, in which case the communication device 900 includes the processor 910.

[0231] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the methods shown in Figures 3 and 6, the processor 910 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 810, and the interface circuit 920 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 820. Optionally, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the methods shown in Figures 3 and 6, the implementation methods of the processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are described in the preceding method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0232] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the first device, the chip implements the functions of the first device in the above method embodiments. The chip receiving information from other devices can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first device, and then sent to the chip by these modules. The chip sending information to other devices can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first device, and then sent to other network elements by these modules.

[0233] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the second device, the chip implements the functions of the second device in the above method embodiments. The chip receiving information from other devices can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the second device, and then sent to the chip by these modules. The chip sending information to other devices can be understood as the information being sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the second device, and then sent to other network elements by these modules.

[0234] In this application, device A sends information to device B, either directly or indirectly through other devices. Similarly, device B receives information from device A, either directly or indirectly through other devices. Devices A and B can be network devices or terminals, or modules within those devices. The sending and receiving of information can be between network devices or terminals; it can also be between two terminals; or it can be between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules within the terminal.

[0235] 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.

[0236] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. 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, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well 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. 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. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first device receives a first reference signal from the second device via a metasurface; The first device performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device; the channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. The first device sends a first indication message to the second device; the first indication message is used to indicate at least one of a first message or a second message; The first information includes at least one of the multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information; The second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, which are related to at least one of the multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information.

2. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first device transmits a first reference signal and a unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface to the second device via the metasurface; the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface are used by the second device to perform rank-enhanced channel measurements; The first device receives first indication information from the second device; the first indication information is used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; The first information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; the multipath angle spread information or at least one of the multipath angle information is obtained by the second device performing rank-enhanced channel measurements; The second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, which are related to at least one of the multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is related to the first mapping relationship, the second mapping relationship, or the third mapping relationship; The first information includes at least one multipath angle extension information, and the first mapping relationship includes multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to multiple multipath angle extension information. The first information includes at least one set of multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information, and the second mapping relationship includes multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to multiple sets of multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information; The first information includes at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and the third mapping relationship includes multiple sets of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is related to a first functional relationship, a second functional relationship, or a third functional relationship; The first information includes at least one multipath angle extension information, the input parameters of the first functional relationship include multipath angle extension information, and the output parameters include rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold; The first information includes at least one set of multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information; the input parameters of the second functional relationship include multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information; and the output parameters include rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold. The first information includes at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal. The input parameters of the third functional relationship include the multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal. The output parameters include the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rank enhancement effective threshold includes the channel quality indicator index threshold or the modulation and coding scheme index threshold; Among them, a set of channel quality indicator index thresholds or modulation and coding scheme index thresholds correspond to a set of signal-to-noise ratio thresholds, a set of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio thresholds, or a set of reference signal received power thresholds.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The rank enhancement activation mode is used to indicate whether the rank enhancement activation interval is an open interval or a closed interval; the rank enhancement activation mode uses at least two bits for indication.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rank enhancement activation threshold includes at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement activation interval; or, The rank enhancement activation threshold includes a first value and a duration unit length, which are used to determine at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement activation interval.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first device performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device, including: The first device determines the channel measurement information based on the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface and the first reference signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first device updates the weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface based on the first indication information.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement period for rank-enhanced channel measurements is determined based on the changing state of the multipath angle; The measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is greater than or equal to the measurement period of the second reference signal; the signal type of the second reference signal is the same as or different from the signal type of the first reference signal.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second device sends a first reference signal to the first device; The second device receives first indication information from the first device, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one of first information or second information; The first information includes at least one of the multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information; the multipath angle spread information or at least one of the multipath angle information is obtained by the first device performing rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal; The second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, which are related to at least one of the multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second device receives a first reference signal from the first device and a unit weighting coefficient matrix of the metasurface; The second device performs rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal and the unit weighted coefficient matrix of the metasurface to obtain channel measurement information between the first device and the second device; the channel measurement information includes at least one of multipath angle spread information or multipath angle information. The second device sends a first indication message to the first device, the first indication message being used to indicate at least one of a first message or a second message; The first information includes at least one of multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information; The second information includes a rank enhancement activation mode and a rank enhancement activation threshold, which are related to at least one of the multipath angle extension information or multipath angle information.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first information is related to the first mapping relationship, the second mapping relationship, or the third mapping relationship; The first information includes at least one multipath angle extension information, and the first mapping relationship includes multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to multiple multipath angle extension information. The first information includes at least one set of multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information, and the second mapping relationship includes multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds corresponding to multiple sets of multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information; The first information includes at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and the third mapping relationship includes multiple sets of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal, and multiple rank enhancement activation modes and multiple rank enhancement activation thresholds.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first information is related to a first functional relationship, a second functional relationship, or a third functional relationship; The first information includes at least one multipath angle extension information, the input parameters of the first functional relationship include multipath angle extension information, and the output parameters include rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold; The first information includes at least one set of multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information; the input parameters of the second functional relationship include multipath angle extension information and multipath angle information; and the output parameters include rank enhancement activation mode and rank enhancement activation threshold. The first information includes at least one set of multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal. The input parameters of the third functional relationship include the multipath angle spread information, multipath angle information, and the transmit antenna dimension of the first reference signal. The output parameters include the rank enhancement activation mode and the rank enhancement activation threshold.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The rank enhancement effective threshold includes the channel quality indicator index threshold or the modulation and coding scheme index threshold; Among them, a set of channel quality indicator index thresholds or modulation and coding scheme index thresholds correspond to a set of signal-to-noise ratio thresholds, a set of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio thresholds, or a set of reference signal received power thresholds.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that, The rank enhancement activation mode is used to indicate whether the rank enhancement activation interval is an open interval or a closed interval; the rank enhancement activation mode uses at least two bits for indication.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The rank enhancement activation threshold includes at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement activation interval; or, The rank enhancement activation threshold includes a first value and a duration unit length, which are used to determine at least one of the maximum or minimum values ​​of the rank enhancement activation interval.

18. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The measurement period for rank-enhanced channel measurement based on the first reference signal is determined based on the change state of the multipath angle. The measurement period of the rank-enhanced channel measurement is greater than or equal to the measurement period of the second reference signal; the signal type of the second reference signal is the same as or different from the signal type of the first reference signal.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 18.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a memory and one or more processors, the memory being used to store a computer program; the one or more processors being used to execute the computer program in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a memory and one or more processors, the memory being used to store a computer program; the one or more processors being used to execute the computer program in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 18.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes the communication device as described in claim 19 or 21, and the communication device as described in claim 20 or 22.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 18.

25. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor for executing a computer program that causes the chip to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 18.

26. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes a processor and an interface, the processor being configured to execute a computer program that enables the chip system to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 18.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 18.

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