Communication method, first device, network device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a communication method, a first device, an access network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: receiving information sent by an access network device, wherein the information is used for assisting a first device in executing a first operation during random access, the first device is at least used for reflecting a received signal, and the first operation comprises at least one of the following: the measurement of a random access message, and the forwarding of the random access message. In this way, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure is applicable to a communication mechanism in which an RIS has been introduced.

Description

Communication method, first device, network device, communication system, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, first devices, network devices, communication systems, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of communication technology, a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is composed of many low-cost and nearly passive reconfigurable elements. It can dynamically adjust the phase shift and amplitude of the incident signal, thereby changing the harsh propagation environment of the signal.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] With the introduction of RIS, the communication mechanism needs to be adjusted.

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, a first device, a network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0007] Receive information sent by access network devices;

[0008] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0009] Measurement of random access messages;

[0010] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by an access network device, the method comprising:

[0012] Send information to the first device;

[0013] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0014] Measurement of random access messages;

[0015] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0017] The access network device sends information to the first device;

[0018] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0019] Measurement of random access messages;

[0020] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided, the first device comprising:

[0022] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0023] Receive information sent by access network devices;

[0024] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0025] Measurement of random access messages;

[0026] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0027] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided, the access network device comprising:

[0028] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0029] Send information to the first device;

[0030] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0031] Measurement of random access messages;

[0032] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0033] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, the communication system including a first device and an access network device; the first device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect, and the access network device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect.

[0034] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided, the first device comprising:

[0035] One or more processors;

[0036] The first device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0037] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided, the access network device comprising:

[0038] One or more processors;

[0039] The access network device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0040] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods provided in the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0041] The technical solutions provided in this disclosure can be adapted to communication mechanisms after the introduction of RIS.

[0042] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0044] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0045] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram illustrating an HRIS forwarding SSB according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0048] Figure 3b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Figure 4a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0050] Figure 4b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0051] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0052] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram illustrating a signaling interaction between a BS and an HRIS according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0053] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of a random access process according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0054] Figure 6c is a flowchart illustrating an HRIS-assisted random access timing relationship according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0055] Figure 6d is a schematic diagram illustrating random access beam training according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0056] Figure 6e is a schematic diagram illustrating random access beam training according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0057] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0058] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0059] Figure 8a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UE according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0060] Figure 8b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0061] This disclosure provides a communication method, a first device, an access network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0062] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0063] Receive information sent by access network devices;

[0064] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0065] Measurement of random access messages;

[0066] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0067] In the above embodiments, after the first device receives information sent by the access network device to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access, it can reliably and efficiently perform measurement and / or forwarding of random access messages.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the information is first information, the first information including information for measuring the random access message Msg1, the first information including at least one of the following: random access timing RO associated with the direction of the synchronization signal block SSB; and the receive beam matrix for measuring the Msg1.

[0069] In the above embodiments, after the first device receives the first information sent by the access network device, it can perform a measurement of message Msg1 based on the RO and / or the receive beam matrix associated with the SSB direction.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0071] Based on the first information, Msg1 is measured on a fixed receiving beam to obtain a first measurement result;

[0072] The first measurement result includes measurement information in the corresponding direction.

[0073] In the above embodiments, Msg1 can be measured on a fixed receiving beam to obtain measurement information in the corresponding direction.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the result of the first sidechain may include the measurement time, the measured energy, and / or the measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0077] The first measurement result is sent to the access network device.

[0078] In the above embodiments, after obtaining the first measurement result, the first device can report the first measurement result to the access network device.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the information is second information, the second information containing information for forwarding Msg2, the second information including at least one of the following: the timing of forwarding Msg2; the timing of forwarding Msg2.

[0080] In the above embodiments, after the first device receives the second information sent by the access network device, it can forward Msg2 based on the timing of forwarding Msg2 and / or the timing of forwarding Msg2.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0082] Based on the second information, Msg2 is forwarded to the terminal.

[0083] In the above embodiments, Msg2 can be reliably and efficiently forwarded to the terminal based on the second information.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0085] The Msg2 is forwarded to the terminal in the first direction;

[0086] The first direction is the direction in which the measured energy of Msg1 is the largest.

[0087] In the above embodiment, Msg2 can be forwarded to the terminal in the direction where the measured energy of Msg1 is the greatest, which makes forwarding Msg2 more reliable.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the information is third information, which includes information for forwarding Msg3 and / or information for measuring Msg3, and the third information includes at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg3; direction of the beam for forwarding; and receive beam matrix for measuring Msg3.

[0089] In the above embodiments, after the first device receives the third information sent by the access network device, it can perform the forwarding and measurement of Msg3 based on the time domain and / or frequency domain resources of Msg3, the direction of the beam used for forwarding, and / or the receive beam matrix used to measure Msg3.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0091] The Msg3 is forwarded based on the third information;

[0092] The Msg3 is measured based on the third information to obtain a second measurement result, which includes measurement information in the corresponding direction.

[0093] In the above embodiments, Msg3 forwarding and measurement can be performed based on third information.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0095] In the above embodiments, the second measurement result may include the measurement time, the measured energy, and / or the measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0096] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0097] The second measurement result is sent to the access network device.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the information is fourth information, the fourth information including information for forwarding Msg4, the fourth information including at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg4; the direction of the beam for forwarding.

[0099] In the above embodiments, after receiving the fourth information sent by the access network device, the first device can perform forwarding of Msg4 based on the time domain and / or frequency domain resources of Msg4 and / or the direction of the beam used for forwarding.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0101] Based on the fourth piece of information, Msg4 is forwarded to the terminal.

[0102] In the above embodiments, the first device can send Msg4 to the terminal based on the fourth information.

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0104] The Msg4 is forwarded to the terminal in the second direction;

[0105] The second direction is the direction in which the measured energy of Msg3 is the greatest.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the first device can forward Msg4 to the terminal in the direction where the measured energy of Msg3 is the greatest, which makes forwarding Msg4 more reliable.

[0107] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the random access is a random access without random access conflicts; the method further includes:

[0108] Based on RO (Remote Detection) operations, the access information of the terminal is obtained;

[0109] Based on the second information, forward Msg2 in both directions;

[0110] Based on third-party information, detection is performed to obtain the terminal's access information;

[0111] Based on the fourth piece of information, Msg4 is forwarded to the target terminal.

[0112] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the random access is a random access conflicted with another random access; the method further includes:

[0113] Based on RO (Remote Detection) operations, the access information of the terminal is obtained;

[0114] Based on the second information, forward Msg2 in both directions;

[0115] Based on third-party information, detection is performed to obtain the terminal's access information;

[0116] Based on the fourth piece of information, forward Msg4 to the target terminal or both terminals.

[0117] Secondly, a communication method is provided, the method being executed by an access network device, the method comprising:

[0118] Send information to the first device;

[0119] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0120] Measurement of random access messages;

[0121] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0122] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the information is first information, which includes information for measuring the random access message Msg1, and the first information includes at least one of the following: the random access timing RO associated with the direction of the synchronization signal block SSB; and the receive beam matrix for measuring the Msg1.

[0123] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0124] Receive the first measurement result sent by the first device;

[0125] The first measurement result includes measurement information in the corresponding direction.

[0126] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0127] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0128] Based on the first measurement result, the resource that the first device forwards Msg2 is determined.

[0129] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the information is second information, the second information including information for forwarding Msg2, the second information including at least one of the following: the timing of forwarding Msg2; the direction of the beam for forwarding.

[0130] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the information is third information, which includes information for forwarding Msg3 and / or information for measuring Msg3, and the third information includes at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg3; direction of the beam for forwarding; and receive beam matrix for measuring Msg3.

[0131] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0132] Receive the second measurement result sent by the first device;

[0133] The second measurement result includes measurement information of Msg3 measured in the corresponding direction.

[0134] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0135] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0136] Based on the second measurement result, the resource that the first device forwards Msg4 is determined.

[0137] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the information is fourth information, which includes information for forwarding Msg4, and the fourth information includes at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg4; and the direction of the beam for forwarding.

[0138] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0139] The access network device sends information to the first device;

[0140] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0141] Measurement of random access messages;

[0142] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0143] Fourthly, a first device is provided, the first device comprising:

[0144] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0145] Receive information sent by access network devices;

[0146] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0147] Measurement of random access messages;

[0148] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0149] Fifthly, an access network device is provided, the access network device comprising:

[0150] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0151] Send information to the first device;

[0152] The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0153] Measurement of random access messages;

[0154] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0155] In a sixth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising a first device and an access network device; the first device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect, and the access network device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect.

[0156] In a seventh aspect, a first device is provided, the first device comprising:

[0157] One or more processors;

[0158] The first network device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0159] Eighthly, an access network device is provided, the access network device comprising:

[0160] One or more processors;

[0161] The access network device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0162] A ninth aspect provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0163] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first and / or second aspects.

[0164] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first and / or second aspects.

[0165] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first and / or second aspects above.

[0166] In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information indication method, information processing method, and information transmission method can be used interchangeably, as can the terms communication system and information processing system.

[0167] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0168] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0169] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0170] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0171] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0172] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0173] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0174] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0175] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0176] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0177] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0178] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0179] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0180] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0181] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0182] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0183] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0184] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0185] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0186] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] As shown in Figure 1a, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, a first device 102, and a network device 103.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may be a RIS.

[0189] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be an access network device.

[0190] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0191] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0192] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0193] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0194] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0195] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0196] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1a, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1a are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1a, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1a. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0197] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0198] In some embodiments, the Hybrid Smart Reflector (HRIS), compared to a standard RIS, can divide the signal into two parts: one for reflection and the other for reception. One or more radio frequency chains are configured after the HRIS, enabling it to process received radio frequency signals. If the signal is a sensing signal, the corresponding sensing algorithm is applied to the HRIS, thus giving it sensing capabilities. Both RIS and HRIS can assist UEs in establishing connections with base stations in obstructed areas, as shown in Figure 1b. Figure 1b illustrates the process of the HRIS forwarding the Synchronization Signal and PBCH block (SSB) to the UE in the obstructed area.

[0199] In some embodiments, the UE selects the random access timing (RO, RACH Occasion) corresponding to the SSB, initiates a random access request, and sends Msg1 to the base station.

[0200] In some embodiments, the base station detects Msg1 sent by the UE and sends a random access response Msg2 to the UE.

[0201] In some embodiments, the UE successfully receives and decodes Msg2, and then sends Msg3 on the allocated resources for random access conflict resolution.

[0202] In some embodiments, the base station receives the Msg3 message sent by the UE and sends back the Msg4 message to the UE to resolve the contention conflict.

[0203] In some embodiments, the UE receives Msg4 and sends an ACK response message back to the base station.

[0204] In some embodiments, as the number of RISs increases or the number of beams used by the RISs increases, the number of SSBs that the BS needs to transmit also increases, resulting in low resource utilization.

[0205] In some embodiments, RIS forwards only one SSB at a time, which may prevent UEs in the obstructed area from detecting an SSB within 20ms (the maximum dwell time of a UE in a synchronization grid as specified in the protocol), thus reducing the downlink synchronization efficiency of the UE.

[0206] Figure 2a is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0207] Step S2101: The access network device sends information to the first device.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first device receives information sent by the access network device.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal. For example, the first device is a RIS or HRIS. It should be noted that the received signal may be a signal received from the terminal or a signal received from the access network device.

[0210] In some embodiments, the information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first operation is a measurement of a random access message.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first operation is forwarding a random access message.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first operation is the measurement and forwarding of random access messages.

[0214] In some embodiments, the information is first information, which includes information for measuring the random access message Msg1. For example, the first information is Msg1 Measurement Configuration, wherein the main contents of Msg1 Measurement Configuration are the RO associated with the SSB beam direction where the HRIS is located, the receive beam matrix of the HRIS measuring the Msg1 signal, etc.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: random access timing (RO) associated with the direction of the synchronization signal block (SSB); and the receive beam matrix for measuring the Msg1.

[0216] In some embodiments, the information is second information, which includes information for forwarding Msg2. For example, the second information is HRIS-Assisted Msg2 Transmission Configuration, wherein the main contents of HRIS-Assisted Msg2 Transmission Configuration are the timing of HRIS forwarding Msg2, the forwarding beam direction indication (the direction associated with the RO time information used by the UE corresponding to Msg2 or the direction reported by HRIS, selected), etc.

[0217] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the timing of forwarding Msg2; the direction of the beam used for forwarding.

[0218] In some embodiments, the information is third information, which includes information for forwarding Msg3 and / or information for measuring Msg3. For example, the third information is an HRIS-Assisted Msg3 Transmission Configuration and Measurement Request, wherein the main contents of the HRIS-Assisted Msg3 Transmission Configuration and Measurement Request are the time-frequency resource information of Msg3, the forwarding beam direction indication (the direction associated with the time information of the RO used by the UE corresponding to Msg3 or selected from the directions reported by HRIS), and the receive beam matrix of the HRIS for measuring the Msg3 signal, etc.

[0219] In some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg3; the direction of the beam used for forwarding; and the receive beam matrix used to measure Msg3.

[0220] In some embodiments, the information is a fourth type of information, which includes information for forwarding Msg4. For example, the fourth type of information is HRIS-Assisted Msg4 Transmission Configuration, wherein the main content of HRIS-Assisted Msg4 Transmission Configuration is the time-frequency resource information of Msg4 and the forwarding beam direction indication (the direction associated with the transmission timing of Msg3 corresponding to Msg4 or selected from the directions reported in HRIS), etc.

[0221] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg4; the direction of the beam used for forwarding.

[0222] Step S2102: The first device performs the first operation.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first device measures Msg1 on a fixed receiving beam based on the first information to obtain a first measurement result.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first measurement result includes measurement information in the corresponding direction.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0226] In some embodiments, the access network device determines the resources that the first device forwards Msg2 based on the first measurement result.

[0227] For example, after receiving the Msg1 Measurement Configuration, the HRIS uses a fixed receiving beam to measure Msg1. The measurement method can be time-division multiplexing of RO energy detection, and the direction information is saved sequentially. The saving method can be: (time information, direction of maximum energy, ..., direction of minimum energy). The number of directions saved can be specified by higher-layer signaling or BS. The saved direction information is reported through the Msg1 Measurement Report.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first device forwards Msg2 to the terminal based on the second information.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first device forwards Msg2 to the terminal in a first direction.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first direction is the direction in which the measured energy of Msg1 is the greatest.

[0231] For example, when HRIS receives HRIS-Assisted Msg2 Transmission Configuration information, if BS does not specify beam direction but only indicates time information, HRIS finds the saved information and selects the direction with the maximum energy. If BS specifies beam direction, it forwards according to the direction indicated by BS.

[0232] In some embodiments, Msg3 is forwarded based on the third information.

[0233] In some embodiments, the Msg3 is measured based on the third information to obtain a second measurement result, the second measurement result including measurement information in the corresponding direction.

[0234] In some embodiments, the second measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0235] In some embodiments, the access network device determines the resources that the first device forwards Msg4 based on the second measurement result.

[0236] For example, after receiving the HRIS-Assisted Msg3 Transmission Configuration and Measurement Request, HRIS first uses beam forwarding for Msg3 at the corresponding time, with beam usage identical to that of the assisted Msg2. It then performs detection on the resources of Msg3 and saves the direction information. The saving method can be: (time information, direction of maximum energy, ..., direction of lower energy). The number of saved directions can be specified by higher-layer signaling or the BS. The saved direction information is then reported via the Msg3 Measurement Report.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first device forwards Msg4 to the terminal based on the fourth information.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first device forwards Msg4 to the terminal in a second direction.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second direction is the direction in which the measured energy of Msg3 is the greatest.

[0240] For example, when HRIS receives the HRIS-Assisted Msg4 Transmission Configuration information, its behavior is consistent with its behavior when it receives the HRIS-Assisted Msg2 Transmission Configuration information.

[0241] In some embodiments, the random access is a random access without random access conflicts; the method further includes:

[0242] Based on RO (Remote Detection) operations, the access information of the terminal is obtained;

[0243] Based on the second information, forward Msg2 in both directions;

[0244] Based on third-party information, detection is performed to obtain the terminal's access information;

[0245] Based on the fourth piece of information, Msg4 is forwarded to the target terminal.

[0246] In some embodiments, the random access is a random access conflict; the method further includes:

[0247] Based on RO (Remote Detection) operations, the access information of the terminal is obtained;

[0248] Based on the second information, forward Msg2 in both directions;

[0249] Based on third-party information, detection is performed to obtain the terminal's access information;

[0250] Based on the fourth piece of information, forward Msg4 to the target terminal or both terminals.

[0251] Step S2103: The first device sends the measurement results to the access network device.

[0252] In some embodiments, the access network device receives measurement results sent by the first device.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first device sends a first measurement result to the access network device.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first device sends a second measurement result to the access network device.

[0255] In some embodiments, the term "information" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "message," "signal," "signaling," "report," "configuration," "indication," "instruction," "command," "channel," "parameter," "field," and "data."

[0256] In some embodiments, the term "send" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "transmit," "report," or "transmit."

[0257] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2103. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S2103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2101 combined with steps S2102 and S2103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, or step S2101 combined with step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but the method is not limited thereto.

[0258] Figure 3a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0259] Step S3101: Receive information sent by the access network device.

[0260] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3101 can be found in optional implementations of step S2101 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] Step S3102: Perform the first operation.

[0262] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3102 can be found in optional implementations of step S2102 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0263] Step S3103: Send the measurement results to the access network equipment.

[0264] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3103 can be found in optional implementations of step S2103 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0265] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S3103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S3101 combined with steps S3102 and S3103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, or step S3101 combined with step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but the method is not limited thereto.

[0266] Figure 3b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0267] Step S3201: Receive information sent by the access network device.

[0268] In some embodiments, the information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0269] Measurement of random access messages;

[0270] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0271] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3201 can be found in optional implementations of step S2101 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] In some embodiments, the information is first information, which includes information for measuring the random access message Msg1, and the first information includes at least one of the following: the random access timing RO associated with the direction of the synchronization signal block SSB; and the receive beam matrix for measuring the Msg1.

[0273] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0274] Based on the first information, Msg1 is measured on a fixed receiving beam to obtain a first measurement result;

[0275] The first measurement result includes measurement information in the corresponding direction.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0277] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0278] The first measurement result is sent to the access network device.

[0279] In some embodiments, the information is second information, which includes information for forwarding Msg2, and the second information includes at least one of the following: the timing of forwarding Msg2; and the direction of the beam for forwarding.

[0280] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0281] Based on the second information, Msg2 is forwarded to the terminal.

[0282] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0283] The Msg2 is forwarded to the terminal in the first direction;

[0284] The first direction is the direction in which the measured energy of Msg1 is the largest.

[0285] In some embodiments, the information is third information, which includes information for forwarding Msg3 and / or information for measuring Msg3, and the third information includes at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg3; direction of the beam for forwarding; and receive beam matrix for measuring Msg3.

[0286] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0287] The Msg3 is forwarded based on the third information;

[0288] The Msg3 is measured based on the third information to obtain a second measurement result, which includes measurement information in the corresponding direction.

[0289] In some embodiments, the second measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0290] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0291] The second measurement result is sent to the access network device.

[0292] In some embodiments, the information is fourth information, which includes information for forwarding Msg4, and the fourth information includes at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg4; and the direction of the beam for forwarding.

[0293] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0294] Based on the fourth piece of information, Msg4 is forwarded to the terminal.

[0295] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0296] The Msg4 is forwarded to the terminal in the second direction;

[0297] The second direction is the direction in which the measured energy of Msg3 is the greatest.

[0298] In some embodiments, the random access is a random access without random access conflicts; the method further includes:

[0299] Based on RO (Remote Detection) operations, the access information of the terminal is obtained;

[0300] Based on the second information, forward Msg2 in both directions;

[0301] Based on third-party information, detection is performed to obtain the terminal's access information;

[0302] Based on the fourth piece of information, Msg4 is forwarded to the target terminal.

[0303] In some embodiments, the random access is a random access conflict; the method further includes:

[0304] Based on RO (Remote Detection) operations, the access information of the terminal is obtained;

[0305] Based on the second information, forward Msg2 in both directions;

[0306] Based on third-party information, detection is performed to obtain the terminal's access information;

[0307] Based on the fourth piece of information, forward Msg4 to the target terminal or both terminals.

[0308] Figure 4a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by an access network device, the method comprising:

[0309] Step S4101: Send information to the first device.

[0310] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4101 can be found in optional implementations of step S2101 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0311] Step S4102: Receive the measurement results sent by the first device.

[0312] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4102 can be found in optional implementations of step S2103 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0313] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4102. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S4102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0314] Figure 4b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by an access network device, the method comprising:

[0315] Step S4201: Send information to the first device.

[0316] In some embodiments, the information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0317] Measurement of random access messages;

[0318] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0319] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4201 can be found in optional implementations of step S2101 in FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0320] In some embodiments, the information is first information, which includes information for measuring the random access message Msg1, and the first information includes at least one of the following: the random access timing RO associated with the direction of the synchronization signal block SSB; and the receive beam matrix for measuring the Msg1.

[0321] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0322] Receive the first measurement result sent by the first device;

[0323] The first measurement result includes measurement information in the corresponding direction.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0325] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0326] Based on the first measurement result, the resource that the first device forwards Msg2 is determined.

[0327] In some embodiments, the information is second information, which includes information for forwarding Msg2, and the second information includes at least one of the following: the timing of forwarding Msg2; and the direction of the beam for forwarding.

[0328] In some embodiments, the information is third information, which includes information for forwarding Msg3 and / or information for measuring Msg3, and the third information includes at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg3; direction of the beam for forwarding; and receive beam matrix for measuring Msg3.

[0329] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0330] Receive the second measurement result sent by the first device;

[0331] The second measurement result includes measurement information of Msg3 measured in the corresponding direction.

[0332] In some embodiments, the second measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

[0333] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0334] Based on the second measurement result, the resource that the first device forwards Msg4 is determined.

[0335] In some embodiments, the information is fourth information, which includes information for forwarding Msg4, and the fourth information includes at least one of the following: time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of Msg4; and the direction of the beam for forwarding.

[0336] Figure 5a is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0337] Step S5001: The access network device sends information to the first device.

[0338] In some embodiments, the information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation during random access; the first device is at least used to reflect the received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0339] Measurement of random access messages;

[0340] Forwarding of random access messages.

[0341] The optional implementation of step S5001 can be found in the optional implementation of steps S2101 to S2103 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods of the first device side and access network device side embodiments described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0343] To better understand the embodiments of this disclosure, the following exemplary embodiments are provided for further explanation:

[0344] Example 1

[0345] Please refer to Figure 6a, which illustrates the signaling interaction process between the BS and HRIS. Before the UE initiates random access, the BS sends Msg1 Measurement Configuration (corresponding to the first information) to the HRIS, instructing the HRIS on how to measure Msg1. Before the BS sends Msg2 back to the UE, the HRIS and the base station exchange Msg1 Measurement Report and HRIS-Assisted Msg2 Transmission Configuration (corresponding to the second information), for the HRIS to report measurement information and for the BS to send relevant information about forwarding Msg2 to the HRIS. When the HRIS assists in forwarding Msg3 and Msg4, due to the existence of preliminary information about the UE (such as the location information of the UE under the coverage of a certain HRIS beam), the signaling between the BS and HRIS regarding Msg3 and Msg4 differs from that of Msg1 and Msg2. When measuring Msg3, the BS needs to provide resource information for Msg3 and instruct the HRIS on how to measure Msg3. The BS also needs to specify the beam direction indication for the HRIS to assist in transmitting Msg3. Before the BS feeds back Msg4 to the UE, the HRIS and the base station perform Msg3 Measurement Report and HRIS-Assisted Msg4 Transmission Configuration (corresponding to the fourth information) for the HRIS to report measurement information and for the BS to send relevant information for forwarding Msg4 to the HRIS.

[0346] Example 2

[0347] Please refer to Figure 6b, which illustrates the signaling interaction process among the BS, HRIS, and UE participating in the random access procedure.

[0348] As shown in Figure 6b, this disclosure relates to a communication method, the method including:

[0349] Step S6201: The BS initiates Msg1 Measurement Configuration to the HRIS.

[0350] Step S6202: The UE begins random access and sends Msg1.

[0351] Step S6203: HRIS performs energy detection on the randomly accessed RO and then reports the Msg1 Measurement Report to BS.

[0352] Step S6204: Based on the Msg1 beam information reported by HRIS, BS selects the transmission beam direction of Msg2 through HRIS-Assisted Msg2 Transmission Configuration and informs HRIS about the transmission timing and forwarding beam indication of Msg2.

[0353] Step S6205: The BS sends Msg2, and the UE successfully receives Msg2.

[0354] Step S6206: The BS informs the HRIS of the beam direction, forwarding timing, and time-frequency resource information of the Msg3 transmission resources through the HRIS-Assisted Msg3 Transmission Configuration and Measurement Request.

[0355] Step S6207: The UE sends Msg3, the HRIS performs detection on the time-frequency resources of Msg3, and the BS receives Msg3.

[0356] Step S6208: HRIS sends a Msg3 Measurement Report to BS, reporting the beam direction of the Msg3 uplink signal.

[0357] Step S6209: Based on the Msg4 beam information reported by HRIS, BS selects the transmission beam direction of Msg4 through HRIS-Assisted Msg4 Transmission Configuration and informs HRIS about the transmission timing of Msg4.

[0358] Step S6210: BS sends Msg4.

[0359] Step S6211: The UE receives Msg4 and completes the random access procedure.

[0360] In some embodiments, the timing relationship among the random access procedure signaling involving the BS, HRIS, and UE, after omitting the signal processing time of the BS and HRIS, can have the following two possibilities:

[0361] Relationship 1: A1, Msg1, A2, A3, Msg2, A4, Msg3, A5, A6, Msg4, Msg4ACK / NCK;

[0362] Relationship 2: A1, Msg1, A2, A3, A4, Msg2, Msg3, A5, A6, Msg4, Msg4ACK / NCK;

[0363] Note: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 are the signaling between BS and HRIS. For details, please refer to Figure 6c.

[0364] In some embodiments, it is assumed that the UE is in the direction of maximum power detected by the HRIS.

[0365] The case of HRIS-assisted transmission of Msg2 is as follows:

[0366] Scenario 1: If the BS does not select a direction and only provides the time information for measuring RO, and the HRIS selects the direction with the maximum power or signal strength, then the UE can successfully receive Msg2;

[0367] Scenario 2: The BS selects a direction based on the information reported by HRIS. If one or more selected directions include the direction where the UE is located, the UE can successfully receive Msg2.

[0368] Scenario 3: The BS selects a direction based on the information reported by HRIS. If one or more selected directions do not include the direction where the UE is located, the UE will not be able to successfully receive Msg2. At the specified time, the UE re-initiates a random access request. Since the BS knows that no user access was successful under this configuration, it needs to select a different direction next time it selects the HRIS forwarding direction to instruct HRIS to forward Msg2.

[0369] The case of HRIS-assisted transmission of Msg4 is as follows:

[0370] Scenario 1: If the BS does not select a direction and only provides the time information for measuring Msg3, and the HRIS selects the direction with the maximum power or signal strength, then the UE can successfully receive Msg4.

[0371] Scenario 2: The BS selects a direction based on the information reported by HRIS. If one or more selected directions include the direction where the UE is located, the UE can successfully receive Msg4.

[0372] In some embodiments, it is assumed that the UE is not in the direction of maximum power detected by the HRIS.

[0373] The case of HRIS-assisted transmission of Msg2 is as follows:

[0374] Scenario 1: If the BS does not select a direction and only provides the time information for measuring RO, and the HRIS selects the direction with the maximum power or signal strength, then the UE may or may not receive Msg2; If the BS selects a direction based on the information reported by the HRIS, and one or more selected directions do not include the direction where the UE is located, then the UE may or may not receive Msg2.

[0375] Scenario 2: The BS selects a direction based on the information reported by HRIS. If one or more selected directions include the direction where the UE is located, the UE can successfully receive Msg2.

[0376] The case of HRIS-assisted transmission of Msg4 is as follows:

[0377] Scenario 1: If the BS does not select a direction and only provides the time information for measuring Msg3, and the HRIS selects the direction with the maximum power or signal strength, then the UE can successfully receive Msg4.

[0378] Scenario 2: The BS selects a direction based on the information reported by HRIS. If one or more selected directions include the direction where the UE is located, the UE can successfully receive Msg4.

[0379] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6d. Assuming there are no random access conflicts between UEs, the specific beam training diagram in Figure 6d is shown. The training steps consist of three steps:

[0380] 1. HRIS uses multiple beams to forward SSB to the obstructed area;

[0381] 2. The HRIS receives the RO information sent by the BS and performs detection to obtain the UE's access information; the HRIS uses the forwarding strategy sent by the BS to forward Msg2 to both directions;

[0382] 3. HRIS receives the resource information Msg3 sent by BS and performs detection to obtain the UE's access information; HRIS successfully forwards Msg4 to the target user.

[0383] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6e. Assuming that there are random access conflicts between UEs, the specific beam training diagram is shown in Figure 6e. The training steps are divided into three steps:

[0384] 1. HRIS uses multiple beams to forward SSB to the obstructed area; HRIS receives RO information sent by BS and performs detection to obtain UE access information;

[0385] 2. HRIS uses the forwarding strategy issued by BS to forward Msg2 in both directions; HRIS receives the resource information of Msg3 issued by BS and performs detection to further obtain the UE's access information;

[0386] 3. HRIS forwards Msg4 to one user or two users. The UE determines whether the access is successful. If the random access is successful, the UE can further synchronize beams during the subsequent data transmission phase. Random access conflicts will not affect the establishment of beam links in this scheme. If random access fails, each UE will re-initiate random access after a period of time.

[0387] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0388] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0389] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0390] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0391] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7a, the first device 7100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 7101, a processing module 7102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to send and receive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0392] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the access network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7b, the access network device 7200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 7201, a processing module 7202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to send and receive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0393] Figure 8a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0394] As shown in Figure 8a, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0395] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may also be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0396] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceivers 8103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0397] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0398] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102, and the interface circuit 8104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 can read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0399] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG8a. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0400] Figure 8b is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 8200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 8200 shown in Figure 8b, but it is not limited thereto.

[0401] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0402] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and the interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from memory 8203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 8202 can be used to send signals to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in memory 8203 and send the instructions to processor 8201.

[0403] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0404] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0405] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200.

[0406] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0407] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0408] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a first device, and the method comprises: receiving information sent by an access network device; wherein the information is used to assist the first device to perform a first operation in a random access process; the first device is at least used to reflect a received signal; the first operation comprises at least one of the following: measurement on a random access message; forwarding of the random access message.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The information is first information, the first information comprises information used to measure a random access message Msg1, and the first information comprises at least one of the following: a random access occasion RO associated with a synchronization signal block SSB direction; a receiving beam matrix used to measure the Msg1.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises: based on the first information, measuring the Msg1 on a fixed receiving beam to obtain a first measurement result; wherein the first measurement result comprises measurement information in a corresponding direction.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first measurement result comprises at least one of the following: a measurement time; a measured energy; and a measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending the first measurement result to the access network device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The information is second information, the second information comprises information used to forward a Msg2, and the second information comprises at least one of the following: an occasion for forwarding the Msg2; and a direction of a beam used for forwarding.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises: based on the second information, forwarding the Msg2 to a terminal.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: forwarding the Msg2 to a terminal in a first direction; wherein the first direction is a direction in which the measured energy of the Msg1 is the largest.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, The information is third information, the third information comprises information used to forward a Msg3 and / or information used to measure the Msg3, and the third information comprises at least one of the following: a time domain and / or frequency domain resource of the Msg3; a direction of a beam used for forwarding; and a receiving beam matrix used to measure the Msg3.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises at least one of the following: based on the third information, forwarding the Msg3; based on the third information, measuring the Msg3 to obtain a second measurement result, wherein the second measurement result comprises measurement information in a corresponding direction.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The second measurement result comprises at least one of the following: a measurement time; a measured energy; and a measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending the second measurement result to the access network device.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein, The information is fourth information, the fourth information comprises information used to forward a Msg4, and the fourth information comprises at least one of the following: a time domain and / or frequency domain resource of the Msg4; and a direction of a beam used for forwarding.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: based on the fourth information, forwarding the Msg4 to a terminal.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: forwarding the Msg4 to a terminal in a second direction; wherein the second direction is a direction in which the measured energy of the Msg3 is the largest.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein, The random access is a random access without random access conflict; and the method further comprises: performing detection based on an RO to obtain access information of a terminal; based on the second information, forwarding a Msg2 to two directions; performing detection based on the third information to obtain access information of a terminal; Forward Msg4 to the target terminal based on the fourth information.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein, The random access is a random access in conflict; the method further includes: Performing detection based on the RO to obtain access information of the terminal; Forward Msg2 to the two terminals based on the second information; Performing detection based on the third information to obtain access information of the terminal; Forward Msg4 to the target terminal or the two terminals based on the fourth information.

18. A method of communication, comprising: The method is performed by an access network device, and the method includes: Sending information to a first device; The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation in a random access process; the first device is at least used to reflect a received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following: Measurement on a random access message; Forwarding of a random access message.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The information is first information, the first information includes information used to measure a random access message Msg1, and the first information includes at least one of the following: a random access occasion RO associated with a synchronization signal block SSB direction; a receiving beam matrix used to measure the Msg1.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The method further includes: Receiving a first measurement result sent by the first device; The first measurement result includes measurement information in a corresponding direction.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The first measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and a measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein, The method further includes: Determining resources for the first device to forward Msg2 based on the first measurement result.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein, The information is second information, the second information includes information used to forward Msg2, and the second information includes at least one of the following: a forwarding occasion of the Msg2; and a direction of a beam used for forwarding.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein, The information is third information, the third information includes information used to forward Msg3 and / or information used to measure Msg3, and the third information includes at least one of the following: time domain and / or frequency domain resources of the Msg3; a direction of a beam used for forwarding; and a receiving beam matrix used to measure the Msg3.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The method further includes: Receiving a second measurement result sent by the first device; The second measurement result includes measurement information of measurement on the Msg3 in a corresponding direction.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The second measurement result includes at least one of the following: measurement time; measured energy; and a measurement direction corresponding to the energy.

27. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein, The method further includes: Determining resources for the first device to forward Msg4 based on the second measurement result.

28. The method of claim 18, wherein, The information is fourth information, the fourth information includes information used to forward Msg4, and the fourth information includes at least one of the following: time domain and / or frequency domain resources of the Msg4; and a direction of a beam used for forwarding.

29. A method of communication, comprising: The method includes: An access network device sends information to a first device; The information is used to assist the first device in performing a first operation in a random access process; the first device is at least used to reflect a received signal; the first operation includes at least one of the following: Measurement on a random access message; Forwarding of a random access message.

30. A first device, comprising: The first device includes: A transceiver module configured to: receive information transmitted by an access network device; wherein the information is used to assist the first device to perform a first operation in a random access procedure; the first device is configured to at least reflect a received signal; and the first operation comprises at least one of: measurement on a random access message; forwarding of a random access message.

31. An access network device, comprising: The access network device comprises: a transceiver configured to: transmit information to a first device; wherein the information is used to assist the first device to perform a first operation in a random access procedure; the first device is configured to at least reflect a received signal; and the first operation comprises at least one of: measurement on a random access message; forwarding of a random access message.

32. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises a first device and an access network device; the first device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1-17, and the access network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 18-28.

33. A first device, comprising: The first device comprises: one or more processors; wherein the first network device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-17.

34. An access network device, comprising: The access network device comprises: one or more processors; wherein the access network device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 18-28.

35. A storage medium characterized by The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-17 and / or any one of claims 18-28.

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