Control method, apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

A control method, device, equipment and storage medium are disclosed. The method comprises: determining a first time length; the first time length represents an interval between a first time of a current first satellite service terminal and a second time when the first satellite no longer serves the terminal; based on the first time length, controlling the opening and closing of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module; and / or determining a second time length; the second time length represents an interval between the first time and a third time when a second satellite starts to serve the terminal; based on the second time length, controlling the opening and closing of the GNSS module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless technology, and more particularly to a control method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), assuming a terminal has GNSS capabilities, its location information can be obtained through GNSS tracking. However, in practical applications, factors such as sparse deployment of special constellations may lead to discontinuous satellite coverage. Therefore, constantly having the terminal use its GNSS module to track its location would increase energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a control method, apparatus, device, and storage medium.

[0004] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0005] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a control method applied to a terminal, the method comprising:

[0006] A first duration is determined; the first duration represents the interval between the first moment when the first satellite is currently serving the terminal and the second moment when the first satellite stops serving the terminal; based on the first duration, the activation and deactivation of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module are controlled;

[0007] And / or,

[0008] A second duration is determined; the second duration represents the interval between the first moment and the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal; based on the second duration, the GNSS module is controlled to turn on and off.

[0009] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, determining the first duration includes:

[0010] The terminal's current location and speed are obtained, along with the ephemeris and coverage information of the first satellite.

[0011] Using the location information, the moving speed, the ephemeris information, and the coverage information, the remaining service time of the first satellite is determined;

[0012] The remaining service time of the first satellite is taken as the first duration.

[0013] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, determining the second duration includes:

[0014] Obtain indication information sent by the network device; the indication information is used to indicate information related to the first satellite and the second satellite;

[0015] The second duration is determined based on the indicated information.

[0016] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the indication information sent by the network device is obtained through one of the following methods:

[0017] Broadcast message;

[0018] Media Access Control (MAC) control unit (CE);

[0019] Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0020] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0021] Number of satellites n;

[0022] The current satellite index is m, where m and n are positive integers, and 1 ≤ m ≤ n;

[0023] Constellation deployment sparsity level;

[0024] Constellation deployment type;

[0025] Uniformity coefficient of sparse constellation deployment type;

[0026] The minimum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment;

[0027] The maximum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment.

[0028] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, determining the second duration includes:

[0029] The terminal's current location and speed are obtained, along with the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite, and the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0030] Using the location information and the moving speed, as well as the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite, the remaining service time of the first satellite is determined;

[0031] Using the ephemeris information of the first satellite and the ephemeris information of the second satellite, the time difference between the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal and the second moment when the first satellite ceases to serve the terminal is determined;

[0032] The third time is obtained by summing the first time point, the remaining service time, and the time difference.

[0033] When the third time is less than the end time of the sleep cycle of the current power-saving mode, the difference between the third time and the first time is taken as the second duration.

[0034] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, controlling the GNSS module to turn on and off based on the first duration includes:

[0035] At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down;

[0036] If the first duration is less than a preset threshold, the GNSS module is activated.

[0037] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, controlling the GNSS module to turn on and off based on the second duration includes:

[0038] At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down;

[0039] After the second duration, the GNSS module is activated.

[0040] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes:

[0041] At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down;

[0042] After the second duration, the GNSS module is activated and a wake-up operation is performed to conduct measurements and uplink synchronization.

[0043] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a control device, comprising:

[0044] A processing unit is configured to determine a first duration; the first duration characterizes the interval between a first moment when the first satellite is currently serving the terminal and a second moment when the first satellite ceases to serve the terminal; and based on the first duration, control the activation and deactivation of the GNSS module; and / or, to determine a second duration; the second duration characterizes the interval between the first moment and a third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal; and based on the second duration, control the activation and deactivation of the GNSS module.

[0045] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a terminal, comprising:

[0046] Communication interface,

[0047] The processor is configured to determine a first duration; the first duration characterizes the interval between a first moment when the first satellite is currently serving the terminal and a second moment when the first satellite ceases to serve the terminal; and based on the first duration, to control the activation and deactivation of the GNSS module; and / or to determine a second duration; the second duration characterizes the interval between the first moment and a third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal; and based on the second duration, to control the activation and deactivation of the GNSS module.

[0048] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a terminal, including a processor and a memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor.

[0049] Wherein, when the processor is running the computer program, it executes the steps of any of the above-described terminal-side methods.

[0050] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above methods.

[0051] The control method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in this invention determine a first duration; the first duration represents the interval between a first moment when the first satellite is currently serving the terminal and a second moment when the first satellite stops serving the terminal; based on the first duration, the GNSS module is controlled to turn on and off; and / or, a second duration is determined; the second duration represents the interval between the first moment and a third moment when the second satellite begins serving the terminal; based on the second duration, the GNSS module is controlled to turn on and off. By employing the technical solution of this invention, the GNSS module's on / off times are determined based on the first duration and / or the second duration to adjust the GNSS module's operating state, thereby avoiding the problem of increased terminal power consumption caused by the GNSS module remaining continuously on in related technologies, and thus saving terminal power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of the first control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the NTN network architecture according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first duration of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of the second control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of the third control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the component structure of the terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Before introducing the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the relevant technologies will be explained first.

[0060] In related technologies, within an NTN Work Item (WI), assuming the terminal possesses GNSS capabilities, its location information can be obtained through tracking by a GNSS module. Similarly, in Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and Enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC) supporting NTN Study Items (SI), again assuming the terminal has GNSS capabilities, its location information can be obtained through tracking by a GNSS module.

[0061] However, considering factors such as overall cost and service performance, a sparse deployment of the CubeSat constellation may be adopted, which may lead to discontinuous satellite coverage. In this case, the terminal will consume too much energy because it always needs to keep the GNSS module open to track and obtain its own location information.

[0062] Especially for NB-IoT / eMTC devices in sparsely deployed space nodes, when satellite coverage is discontinuous, the terminal cannot interact with the base station. Turning on the GNSS module to track its own location information is not beneficial and will increase the terminal's unnecessary energy consumption.

[0063] In addition, for terminals in different sleep modes in the NTN network, due to the fast movement speed of satellites, it is very likely that the terminal will switch to a different serving satellite when it wakes up next time, which may lead to RadioLink Failure (RLF).

[0064] Based on this, in this embodiment of the invention, a first duration is determined; the first duration represents the interval between a first moment when the first satellite is currently serving the terminal and a second moment when the first satellite stops serving the terminal; based on the first duration, the GNSS module is controlled to be turned on and off; and / or, a second duration is determined; the second duration represents the interval between the first moment and a third moment when the second satellite starts serving the terminal; based on the second duration, the GNSS module is controlled to be turned on and off.

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes steps 101 to 102:

[0066] Step 101: Determine the first duration; the first duration represents the interval between the first moment when the first satellite is currently serving the terminal and the second moment when the first satellite stops serving the terminal.

[0067] It is understood that the network in which the terminal and the first satellite are located can be an NTN network.

[0068] The NTN network may include a satellite-based network. The satellites may be in geosynchronous orbit (GEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), or low Earth orbit (LEO). The NTN network may also include high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) and air-to-ground (ATG) networks.

[0069] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the NTN network architecture. (For example...) Figure 2 As shown, in addition to the terminal and the first satellite, the NTN network may also include network devices, such as base stations.

[0070] It can be understood that in the NTN network, the first satellite can provide communication services to the terminal.

[0071] In an NTN network, the first satellite moves rapidly, meaning it doesn't continuously serve the terminal. In scenarios where constellation deployments may be sparse, if the first satellite can no longer provide service to the current terminal before the next satellite has covered it, keeping the terminal's GNSS module constantly active will increase its power consumption.

[0072] Therefore, in this scenario, when the first satellite begins providing service to the terminal, the terminal can first turn off the GNSS module after obtaining its own location information via GNSS. The terminal can determine the remaining service time that the first satellite can provide by using its own location information, the ephemeris information of the first satellite, and the moving speed of the first satellite. After the remaining service time has elapsed, the terminal can turn on the GNSS module again to update its own location information, preparing for processes such as cell selection / reselection or handover.

[0073] Based on this, in one embodiment, determining the first duration includes:

[0074] The system obtains the current location information and moving speed of the terminal, and obtains the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite; the coverage information includes at least one of the following: coverage center information and coverage radius information;

[0075] Using the location information, the moving speed, the ephemeris information, and the coverage information, the remaining service time of the first satellite is determined;

[0076] The remaining service time of the first satellite is taken as the first duration.

[0077] It is understood that the terminal can obtain the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite through the broadcast message sent by the first satellite.

[0078] Alternatively, the terminal may send an acquisition request to the first satellite; the acquisition request is used to request the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite.

[0079] The ephemeris information of the first satellite may include information such as the three-dimensional coordinates of the first satellite and the moving speed of the first satellite.

[0080] It is understood that the process of determining the remaining service time of the first satellite may include:

[0081] First, by combining the location information of the terminal with the coverage information of the first satellite, the distance from the terminal to the edge of the coverage of the first satellite is determined.

[0082] Specifically, the distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite coverage can be calculated according to formula (1), as follows:

[0083]

[0084] Where S represents the distance from the terminal to the edge of the coverage area of ​​the first satellite. The location coordinates of the terminal are (x1, y1). The coverage center coordinates of the first satellite are (x2, y2), and the coverage radius of the first satellite is r.

[0085] Then, using the ephemeris information of the first satellite, the moving speed of the first satellite is determined. Combining the moving speed of the first satellite and the moving speed of the terminal, as well as the distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite's coverage area, the remaining service time of the first satellite is determined.

[0086] Specifically, the remaining service time of the first satellite can be calculated according to formula (2), as follows:

[0087]

[0088] Where T represents the remaining service time of the first satellite. The moving speeds of the first satellite and the terminal are v, respectively. s v UE Both are vectors. S represents the distance from the terminal to the edge of the coverage area of ​​the first satellite.

[0089] Step 102: Based on the first duration, control the GNSS module to turn on and off.

[0090] It is understandable that the terminal can first turn off the GNSS module at the first moment of the current first satellite service terminal. After the first time period has elapsed, the terminal then turns the GNSS module back on.

[0091] Based on this, in one embodiment, controlling the GNSS module to turn on and off based on the first duration includes:

[0092] At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down;

[0093] If the first duration is less than a preset threshold, the GNSS module is activated.

[0094] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the first duration, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, assuming the first moment is represented by t1, the second moment by t2, and the determined first duration by t2-t1, then at moment t1, the GNSS module is controlled to turn off; after t2-t1, the GNSS module is controlled to turn on.

[0095] It should be noted that, in addition to controlling the GNSS module to turn on when the first duration is less than a preset threshold, the distance from the terminal to the coverage center of the first satellite can also be calculated using the location coordinates of the terminal and the coverage center coordinates of the first satellite. If the distance is greater than a preset threshold, the GNSS module can be turned on.

[0096] Alternatively, using the location coordinates of the terminal and the coverage radius of the first satellite, the distance from the terminal to the coverage center of the first satellite can be calculated. If the distance is greater than a preset threshold, the GNSS module can be activated.

[0097] In this embodiment of the invention, the terminal controls the activation and deactivation of the GNSS module based on a determined first duration, which has the following advantages:

[0098] (1) An energy-saving solution is provided. In the case of discontinuous satellite coverage, the working state of the GNSS module is adjusted, that is, the on and off times of the GNSS module are determined, so as to avoid the problem of increased energy consumption caused by keeping the GNSS module on all the time in related technologies.

[0099] (2) Calculate the remaining service time of the first satellite by combining the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite with the location information and moving speed of the terminal.

[0100] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes steps 401 to 402:

[0101] Step 401: Determine the second duration; the second duration represents the interval between the first moment when the first satellite service terminal is currently in operation and the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal.

[0102] It is understood that the network in which the terminal, the first satellite, and the second satellite are located can be an NTN network.

[0103] The NTN network may include a satellite-based network. The satellites may orbit in GEO / MEO / LEO orbits. The NTN network may also include HAPS and ATG networks.

[0104] In addition to the terminal and the first satellite, the NTN network may also include network equipment, such as base stations.

[0105] It can be understood that in an NTN network, the first satellite can provide communication services to the terminal.

[0106] However, in an NTN network, the first satellite moves rapidly, so it does not always serve the terminal.

[0107] In other words, assuming that the terminal is currently being served by the first satellite, it may cease to serve the terminal after the first satellite has moved for a period of time.

[0108] Furthermore, after the first satellite ceases to provide service to the terminal, another satellite, namely the second satellite, can continue to serve the terminal after a period of time. That is, the first satellite and the second satellite do not provide service to the terminal consecutively.

[0109] Therefore, if the GNSS module of the terminal remains on while the first and second satellites are not providing seamless service, the terminal's power consumption will increase.

[0110] Therefore, in this case, the terminal can determine the duration between the current time of the first satellite service and the time when the second satellite begins service. The terminal can turn off the GNSS module at the first moment when the first satellite is currently providing service, and then turn the GNSS module back on at the third moment when the second satellite begins service.

[0111] It is understandable that the duration between the time when the first satellite begins service and the time when the second satellite begins service can be determined by the indication information sent by network devices in the NTN network.

[0112] Based on this, in one embodiment, determining the second duration includes:

[0113] Obtain indication information sent by the network device; the indication information is used to indicate information related to the first satellite and the second satellite;

[0114] The second duration is determined based on the indicated information.

[0115] It is understood that the terminal can obtain the indication information sent by the network device through one of the following methods:

[0116] Broadcast message;

[0117] MAC CE;

[0118] RRC signaling.

[0119] It is understood that the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0120] Number of satellites n;

[0121] The current satellite index is m, where m and n are positive integers, and 1 ≤ m ≤ n;

[0122] Constellation deployment sparsity level;

[0123] Constellation deployment type;

[0124] Uniformity coefficient of sparse constellation deployment type;

[0125] The minimum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment;

[0126] The maximum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment.

[0127] The higher the sparseness level of the constellation deployment, the sparser it is.

[0128] Constellation deployment types can include uniform arithmetic deployment, uniform geometric deployment, and non-uniform deployment.

[0129] The Sparsity Factor (SF) for constellation deployment is an optional field. This means that the field exists when the constellation deployment type is a uniform deployment type, such as uniform arithmetic or uniform geometric deployment.

[0130] In a constellation deployment, adjacent satellites can refer to adjacent satellites among multiple satellites in the constellation deployment; wherein, the multiple satellites can consist of the first satellite, the second satellite, and other satellites.

[0131] The minimum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment can be calculated based on the number of satellites n, the maximum distance between adjacent satellites in the constellation deployment, the constellation deployment type, and the uniformity coefficient of the constellation deployment sparse type.

[0132] The process of determining the second duration based on the indication information sent by the network device is explained in detail below, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0133] In one instance, the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0134] Constellation deployment type;

[0135] The minimum distance between adjacent satellites in satellite deployment.

[0136] In this case, determining the second duration based on the indication information includes:

[0137] When the constellation deployment type is a preset first type, the terminal obtains the current location information and movement speed, and obtains the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite;

[0138] Based on the ephemeris information of the first satellite, determine the moving speed of the first satellite; using the moving speed of the first satellite and the moving speed of the terminal, determine the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal.

[0139] Based on the current location information of the terminal and the coverage information of the first satellite, determine the distance from the terminal to the edge of the coverage of the first satellite;

[0140] The distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite's coverage is summed with the minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the satellite deployment to obtain the summation result;

[0141] The summation result is divided by the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal to obtain a first value;

[0142] Use the first value as the second duration.

[0143] It is understood that the preset first type may refer to a uniform arithmetic deployment type.

[0144] Specifically, the second duration can be calculated according to formula (3).

[0145]

[0146] Where t-t0 represents the second duration. t represents the second time point. t0 represents the first time point. d represents the distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite coverage area. min This represents the minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the satellite deployment. v represents the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal.

[0147] It should be noted that the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal can be obtained by adding or subtracting the moving speed of the first satellite and the moving speed of the terminal.

[0148] In one instance, the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0149] Constellation deployment type;

[0150] The maximum distance between adjacent satellites in satellite deployment.

[0151] In this case, determining the second duration based on the indication information includes:

[0152] When the constellation deployment type is a preset first type, the terminal obtains the current location information and movement speed, and obtains the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite;

[0153] Based on the ephemeris information of the first satellite, determine the moving speed of the first satellite; using the mobile terminal of the first satellite and the moving speed of the terminal, determine the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal.

[0154] Based on the current location information of the terminal and the coverage information of the first satellite, determine the distance from the terminal to the edge of the coverage of the first satellite;

[0155] The sum of the distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite's coverage area and the maximum distance between adjacent satellites in the satellite deployment is obtained.

[0156] The second value is obtained by dividing the summation result by the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal;

[0157] Use the second value as the second duration.

[0158] It is understood that the preset first type may refer to a uniform arithmetic deployment type.

[0159] Specifically, the second duration can be calculated according to formula (4).

[0160]

[0161] Where t-t0 represents the second duration. t represents the second time point. t0 represents the first time point. d represents the distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite coverage area. max This represents the maximum distance between adjacent satellites in the satellite deployment. v represents the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal.

[0162] It should be noted that the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal can be obtained by adding or subtracting the moving speed of the first satellite and the moving speed of the terminal.

[0163] In one instance, the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0164] Constellation deployment type;

[0165] The minimum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment;

[0166] Current satellite index;

[0167] Uniformity coefficient of sparse constellation deployment type;

[0168] In this case, determining the second duration based on the indication information includes:

[0169] When the constellation deployment type is the preset second type, the terminal obtains the current location information and movement speed;

[0170] Based on the ephemeris information of the first satellite, determine the moving speed of the first satellite; using the moving speed of the first satellite and the moving speed of the terminal, determine the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal.

[0171] Based on the current location information of the terminal and the coverage information of the first satellite, determine the distance from the terminal to the edge of the coverage of the first satellite;

[0172] A third value is determined using the minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the constellation deployment and the uniformity coefficient of the sparse type of the constellation deployment; the third value represents the distance between the first satellite and the second satellite.

[0173] The distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite coverage is summed with the third value to obtain the summation result;

[0174] The fourth value is obtained by dividing the summation result by the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal;

[0175] The fourth value is used as the second duration.

[0176] It is understood that the preset second type can be a uniform and proportional deployment type.

[0177] Specifically, the second duration can be calculated according to formula (5).

[0178]

[0179] Where t-t0 represents the second duration. t represents the second time point. t0 represents the first time point. d represents the distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite coverage area. min This represents the minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the satellite deployment. v represents the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal. SF represents the uniformity coefficient of the constellation deployment sparsity type, SF≠1. m represents the current satellite index, 2≤m≤n, where n represents the number of satellites. This represents the distance between the current satellite m (the first satellite) and the next satellite m+1 (the second satellite).

[0180] In one instance, the indication information includes:

[0181] Constellation deployment type;

[0182] The minimum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment.

[0183] In this case, determining the second duration based on the indication information includes:

[0184] When the constellation deployment type is the preset third type, the terminal obtains the current location information and movement speed;

[0185] Based on the ephemeris information of the first satellite, determine the moving speed of the first satellite; using the mobile terminal of the first satellite and the moving speed of the terminal, determine the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal.

[0186] Based on the current location information of the terminal and the coverage information of the first satellite, determine the distance from the terminal to the edge of the coverage of the first satellite;

[0187] The distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite's coverage is summed with the minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the satellite deployment to obtain the summation result;

[0188] The fifth value is obtained by dividing the summation result by the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal;

[0189] The fifth value is used as the second duration.

[0190] It is understood that the preset third type can be a non-uniform deployment type.

[0191] Specifically, the second duration can be calculated according to formula (6).

[0192]

[0193] Where t-t0 represents the second duration. t represents the second time point. t0 represents the first time point. d represents the distance from the terminal to the edge of the first satellite coverage area. min This represents the minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the satellite deployment. v represents the moving speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal.

[0194] In practical applications, for terminals in NTN networks, such as IoT devices whose energy-saving requirements are typically higher than those of ordinary terminals, there are three sleep modes: Power Saving Mode (PSM), Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), and DRX, to save terminal power consumption. In PSM sleep mode, the terminal can remain in deep sleep for up to several days; in eDRX sleep mode, the sleep time can range from tens of seconds to several hours; and in DRX sleep mode, the shortest sleep time is only a few milliseconds to tens of seconds.

[0195] In NTN networks, because satellites move rapidly, a terminal may see different satellites when it wakes up from sleep mode. If the terminal wakes up again to find that the satellites are serving it, a Radio Link Failure (RLF) may occur.

[0196] For example, in an NTN moving beam scenario, the satellite service time is only a few seconds. In an NTN fixed beam scenario, the satellite service time is also only a few tens of minutes. Therefore, if the terminal uses PSM sleep mode according to service requirements, it may frequently wake up to find the serving satellite has changed, directly causing RLF (Remote Response Failure) issues.

[0197] Therefore, in order to avoid the terminal determining that the satellite serving it will be changed when it wakes up next time, the terminal can wake up in advance to perform measurements and uplink synchronization.

[0198] In other words, after the first satellite ceases to provide service to the terminal, the terminal can determine a third time when the second satellite will begin serving the terminal. If this third time is earlier than the end of the terminal's sleep cycle, the terminal can wake up earlier, thus avoiding the RLF (Reactive Low Frequency) problem caused by satellite replacement when the terminal wakes up next time.

[0199] Based on this, in one embodiment, determining the second duration includes:

[0200] The terminal's current location and speed are obtained, along with the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite, and the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0201] Using the location information and the moving speed, as well as the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite, the remaining service time of the first satellite is determined;

[0202] Using the ephemeris information of the first satellite and the ephemeris information of the second satellite, the time difference between the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal and the second moment when the first satellite ceases to serve the terminal is determined;

[0203] The third time is obtained by summing the first time point, the remaining service time, and the time difference.

[0204] When the third time is less than the end time of the sleep cycle of the current power-saving mode, the difference between the third time and the first time is taken as the second duration.

[0205] The ephemeris information of the first satellite may include its three-dimensional coordinates, its moving speed, and other information. The ephemeris information of the second satellite may include its three-dimensional coordinates, its moving speed, and other information.

[0206] It is understood that the process of determining the time difference may specifically include:

[0207] First, the distance between the second satellite and the first satellite is determined using the three-dimensional coordinates in the ephemeris information of the first satellite and the three-dimensional coordinates in the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0208] Then, using the ephemeris information of the first satellite, the moving speed of the first satellite is determined, and using the ephemeris information of the second satellite, the moving speed of the second satellite is determined. Based on the moving speeds of the second satellite and the first satellite, the moving speed of the second satellite relative to the first satellite is determined.

[0209] Finally, using the distance between the second satellite and the first satellite, and the moving speed of the second satellite relative to the first satellite, the time difference between the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal and the second moment when the first satellite ceases to serve the terminal is determined.

[0210] Step 402: Based on the second duration, control the GNSS module to turn on and off.

[0211] It is understandable that, for a terminal in the NTN network, after determining the second duration according to the instruction information sent by the network device, the terminal can first turn off the GNSS module at the first moment when the first satellite is serving, and then turn the GNSS module back on at the third moment when the second satellite starts serving the terminal.

[0212] Based on this, in one embodiment, controlling the GNSS module to turn on and off based on the second duration includes:

[0213] At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down;

[0214] After the second duration, the GNSS module is activated.

[0215] Here, "controlling the GNSS module to start" after the second duration can mean turning on the GNSS module again at the third moment after the second satellite begins serving the terminal.

[0216] Understandably, for terminals in sleep mode within an NTN network, after the first satellite ceases to provide service, the terminal can determine a third time when the second satellite will begin serving it. If this third time is less than the end of the terminal's sleep cycle, the terminal can wake up earlier, thus avoiding RLF (Reactive Low Frequency) issues caused by satellite replacement upon its next wake-up.

[0217] Based on this, in one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0218] At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down;

[0219] After the second duration, the GNSS module is activated and a wake-up operation is performed to conduct measurements and uplink synchronization.

[0220] Here, "controlling the GNSS module to start" after the second duration can mean turning on the GNSS module again at the third moment after the second satellite begins serving the terminal.

[0221] Furthermore, after activating the GNSS module, the terminal performs a wake-up operation to perform measurements and uplink synchronization.

[0222] In this embodiment of the invention, the terminal controls the GNSS module to turn on and off according to a determined second duration, which has the following advantages:

[0223] (1) An energy-saving solution is provided. In the case of discontinuous satellite coverage, the working state of the GNSS module is adjusted, that is, the on and off times of the GNSS module are determined, so as to avoid the problem of increased energy consumption caused by keeping the GNSS module on all the time in related technologies.

[0224] (2) Adjust the wake-up time of the terminal hibernation mode to reduce RLF while ensuring energy saving.

[0225] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes steps 501 to 502:

[0226] Step 501: Determine the first duration; the first duration represents the interval between the first moment when the first satellite is currently serving the terminal and the second moment when the first satellite stops serving the terminal.

[0227] It is understood that the network in which the terminal and the first satellite are located can be an NTN network.

[0228] The NTN network may include a satellite-based network. The satellites may orbit in GEO / MEO / LEO orbits. The NTN network may also include HAPS and ATG networks.

[0229] In addition to the terminal and the first satellite, the NTN network may also include network equipment, such as base stations.

[0230] It can be understood that in the NTN network, the first satellite can provide communication services to the terminal.

[0231] However, in an NTN network, the first satellite moves rapidly, meaning it doesn't continuously serve the terminal. In scenarios where constellation deployments may be sparse, if the first satellite can no longer provide service to the current terminal before the next satellite has covered it, keeping the terminal's GNSS module constantly active will increase the terminal's power consumption.

[0232] Therefore, in this situation, when the first satellite begins to provide services to the terminal, after the terminal obtains its own location information through GNSS, it can first turn off the GNSS module. The terminal can determine the remaining service time that the first satellite can provide services by using its own location information, the ephemeris information of the first satellite, and the satellite's moving speed. When the remaining service time is less than a preset threshold, the terminal will turn on the GNSS module again to update its own location information in preparation for cell selection / reselection or handover processes.

[0233] Based on this, in one embodiment, determining the first duration includes:

[0234] The terminal's current location and speed are obtained, along with the ephemeris and coverage information of the first satellite.

[0235] Using the location information, the moving speed, the ephemeris information, and the coverage information, the remaining service time of the first satellite is determined;

[0236] The remaining service time of the first satellite is taken as the first duration.

[0237] Step 502: Based on the first duration, control the GNSS module to turn on and off.

[0238] It is understandable that the process of controlling the GNSS module to turn on and off based on the first duration has been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0239] Step 503: Determine the second duration; the second duration represents the interval between the first moment and the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal.

[0240] It is understood that the network in which the terminal, the first satellite, and the second satellite are located can be an NTN network.

[0241] The NTN network may include a satellite-based network. The satellites may orbit in GEO / MEO / LEO orbits. The NTN network may also include HAPS and ATG networks.

[0242] In addition to the terminal and the first satellite, the NTN network may also include network equipment, such as base stations.

[0243] It can be understood that in the NTN network, the first satellite can provide communication services to the terminal.

[0244] However, in an NTN network, the first satellite moves rapidly, so it does not always serve the terminal.

[0245] In other words, assuming that the terminal is currently being served by the first satellite, it may cease to serve the terminal after the first satellite has moved for a period of time.

[0246] Furthermore, after the first satellite ceases to provide service to the terminal, another satellite, namely the second satellite, can continue to serve the terminal after a period of time. That is, the first satellite and the second satellite do not provide service to the terminal consecutively.

[0247] Therefore, if the GNSS module of the terminal remains on while the first and second satellites are not providing seamless service, the terminal's power consumption will increase.

[0248] Therefore, in this situation, the terminal can determine the duration between the current time of the first satellite service and the time when the second satellite begins service. If the remaining service time of the first satellite is short, the terminal can first turn off the GNSS module at the first moment of the current first satellite service and then turn on the GNSS module at the third moment when the second satellite begins service.

[0249] It is understandable that the duration between the time when the first satellite begins service and the time when the second satellite begins service can be determined by the indication information sent by network devices in the NTN network.

[0250] Based on this, in one embodiment, determining the second duration includes:

[0251] Obtain indication information sent by the network device; the indication information is used to indicate information related to the first satellite and the second satellite;

[0252] The second duration is determined based on the indicated information.

[0253] Step 504: Based on the second duration, control the GNSS module to turn on and off.

[0254] As can be understood, the process of controlling the GNSS module to turn on and off based on the second duration has been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0255] In this embodiment of the invention, the terminal controls the GNSS module to turn on and off according to a determined first duration and a second duration, which has the following advantages:

[0256] (1) An energy-saving solution is provided. In the case of discontinuous satellite coverage, the working state of the GNSS module is adjusted, that is, the on and off times of the GNSS module are determined, so as to avoid the problem of increased energy consumption caused by keeping the GNSS module on all the time in related technologies.

[0257] (2) Adjust the wake-up time of the terminal hibernation mode to reduce RLF while ensuring energy saving.

[0258] To implement the control method of this invention, this invention also provides a control device, which is installed on a terminal. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the device includes:

[0259] Processing unit 61 is configured to determine a first duration; the first duration represents the interval between a first moment when the first satellite is currently serving the terminal and a second moment when the first satellite stops serving the terminal; and based on the first duration, control the GNSS module to turn on and off; and / or, to determine a second duration; the second duration represents the interval between the first moment and a third moment when the second satellite starts serving the terminal; and based on the second duration, control the GNSS module to turn on and off.

[0260] In one embodiment, the processing unit 61 is specifically used for:

[0261] The terminal's current location and speed are obtained, along with the ephemeris and coverage information of the first satellite.

[0262] Using the location information, the moving speed, the ephemeris information, and the coverage information, the remaining service time of the first satellite is determined;

[0263] The remaining service time of the first satellite is taken as the first duration.

[0264] In one embodiment, the processing unit 61 is specifically used for:

[0265] Obtain indication information sent by the network device; the indication information is used to indicate information related to the first satellite and the second satellite;

[0266] The second duration is determined based on the indicated information.

[0267] In one embodiment, the indication information sent by the network device is obtained through one of the following methods:

[0268] Broadcast message;

[0269] MAC CE;

[0270] RRC signaling.

[0271] In one embodiment, the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0272] Number of satellites n;

[0273] The current satellite index is m, where m and n are positive integers, and 1 ≤ m ≤ n;

[0274] Constellation deployment sparsity level;

[0275] Constellation deployment type;

[0276] Uniformity coefficient of sparse constellation deployment type;

[0277] The minimum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment;

[0278] The maximum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment.

[0279] In one embodiment, the processing unit 61 is specifically used for:

[0280] The terminal's current location and speed are obtained, along with the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite, and the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0281] Using the location information and the moving speed, as well as the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite, the remaining service time of the first satellite is determined;

[0282] Using the ephemeris information of the first satellite and the ephemeris information of the second satellite, the time difference between the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal and the second moment when the first satellite ceases to serve the terminal is determined;

[0283] The third time is obtained by summing the first time point, the remaining service time, and the time difference.

[0284] When the third time is less than the end time of the sleep cycle of the current power-saving mode, the difference between the third time and the first time is taken as the second duration.

[0285] In one embodiment, the processing unit 61 is specifically used for:

[0286] At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down;

[0287] If the first duration is less than a preset threshold, the GNSS module is activated.

[0288] In one embodiment, the processing unit 61 is specifically used for:

[0289] At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down;

[0290] After the second duration, the GNSS module is activated.

[0291] In one embodiment, the processing unit 61 is specifically used for:

[0292] At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down;

[0293] After the second duration, the GNSS module is activated and a wake-up operation is performed to conduct measurements and uplink synchronization.

[0294] In practical applications, the processing unit 61 can be implemented by a processor in the control device.

[0295] It should be noted that the control device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules. In actual applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the control device and control method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0296] This invention also provides a terminal, such as... Figure 7 As shown, it includes:

[0297] Communication interface 71 enables information exchange with other devices;

[0298] The processor 72, connected to the communication interface 71, is used to execute the methods provided by one or more of the aforementioned terminal-side technical solutions when running a computer program. The computer program is stored in the memory 73.

[0299] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the processor 72 and the communication interface 71 are detailed in the method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0300] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in terminal 70 are coupled together through bus system 74. It can be understood that bus system 74 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, bus system 74 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 7 The general labeled all buses as Bus System 74.

[0301] The memory 73 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the terminal 70. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the terminal 70.

[0302] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the processor 72, or implemented by the processor 72. The processor 72 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor 72 or by instructions in the form of software. The processor 72 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The processor 72 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly reflected as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the memory 73. The processor 72 reads the information in the memory 73 and combines its hardware to complete the steps of the aforementioned method.

[0303] In an exemplary embodiment, terminal 70 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0304] It is understood that the memory (memory 73) in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0305] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention also provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory 71 storing a computer program, which can be executed by the processor 72 of the terminal 70 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned terminal-side method. The computer-readable storage medium may be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM.

[0306] It should be noted that , , etc. are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0307] Furthermore, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0308] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the method includes: A second duration is determined; the second duration represents the interval between the first moment when the first satellite service terminal is currently in operation and the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal; based on the second duration, the activation and deactivation of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module are controlled; The determination of the second duration includes: acquiring indication information sent by a network device; the indication information is used to indicate information related to the first satellite and the second satellite; determining the second duration based on the indication information; the indication information includes: constellation deployment type, minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the constellation deployment, current satellite index, and constellation deployment sparsity uniformity coefficient; The step of determining the second duration based on the indication information includes: when the constellation deployment type is a uniform and proportional deployment type, the terminal acquires its current location information and movement speed; determines the movement speed of the first satellite based on the ephemeris information of the first satellite; determines the movement speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal using the movement speed of the first satellite and the movement speed of the terminal; determines the distance from the terminal to the coverage edge of the first satellite based on the current location information of the terminal and the coverage range information of the first satellite; determines a third value using the minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the constellation deployment and the uniformity coefficient of the sparse constellation deployment type; the third value represents the distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; sums the distance from the terminal to the coverage edge of the first satellite with the third value to obtain a summation result; divides the summation result by the movement speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal to obtain a fourth value; and uses the fourth value as the second duration.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Obtain the instruction information sent by the network device through one of the following methods: Broadcast message; Media access layer MAC control unit (CE); Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the indication information further includes at least one of the following: The number of satellites n; where, n is a positive integer; Constellation deployment sparsity level; The maximum distance between adjacent satellites in a constellation deployment.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the second duration also includes: The terminal's current location and speed are obtained, along with the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite, and the ephemeris information of the second satellite. Using the location information and the moving speed, as well as the ephemeris information and coverage information of the first satellite, the remaining service time of the first satellite is determined; Using the ephemeris information of the first satellite and the ephemeris information of the second satellite, the time difference between the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal and the second moment when the first satellite ceases to serve the terminal is determined; The third time is obtained by summing the first time point, the remaining service time, and the time difference. When the third time is less than the end time of the sleep cycle of the current power-saving mode, the difference between the third time and the first time is taken as the second duration.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of the GNSS module's activation and deactivation based on the second duration includes: At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down; After the second duration, the GNSS module is activated.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: At the first moment, the GNSS module is shut down; After the second duration, the GNSS module is activated and a wake-up operation is performed to conduct measurements and uplink synchronization.

7. A control device, characterized in that, include: A processing unit is used to determine the second duration; The second duration represents the interval between the first moment when the first satellite service terminal is in operation and the third moment when the second satellite begins to serve the terminal; based on the second duration, the GNSS module is controlled to be turned on and off; Specifically, the processing unit is used to: acquire indication information sent by the network device; the indication information is used to indicate information related to the first satellite and the second satellite; determine the second duration based on the indication information; the indication information includes: constellation deployment type, minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the constellation deployment, current satellite index, and constellation deployment sparsity uniformity coefficient; The step of determining the second duration based on the indication information includes: when the constellation deployment type is a uniform and proportional deployment type, the terminal acquires its current location information and movement speed; determines the movement speed of the first satellite based on the ephemeris information of the first satellite; determines the movement speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal using the movement speed of the first satellite and the movement speed of the terminal; determines the distance from the terminal to the coverage edge of the first satellite based on the current location information of the terminal and the coverage range information of the first satellite; determines a third value using the minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the constellation deployment and the uniformity coefficient of the sparse constellation deployment type; the third value represents the distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; sums the distance from the terminal to the coverage edge of the first satellite with the third value to obtain a summation result; divides the summation result by the movement speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal to obtain a fourth value; and uses the fourth value as the second duration.

8. A terminal, characterized in that, include: Communication interface, The processor is configured to determine a second duration; the second duration represents the interval between a first moment when the first satellite service terminal is currently in operation and a third moment when the second satellite begins to service the terminal; and based on the second duration, to control the activation and deactivation of the GNSS module. Specifically, the processor is configured to: acquire indication information sent by the network device; the indication information is used to indicate information related to the first satellite and the second satellite; determine the second duration based on the indication information; the indication information includes: constellation deployment type, minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the constellation deployment, current satellite index, and constellation deployment sparsity uniformity coefficient; The step of determining the second duration based on the indication information includes: when the constellation deployment type is a uniform and proportional deployment type, the terminal acquires its current location information and movement speed; determines the movement speed of the first satellite based on the ephemeris information of the first satellite; determines the movement speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal using the movement speed of the first satellite and the movement speed of the terminal; determines the distance from the terminal to the coverage edge of the first satellite based on the current location information of the terminal and the coverage range information of the first satellite; determines a third value using the minimum distance between adjacent satellites in the constellation deployment and the uniformity coefficient of the sparse constellation deployment type; the third value represents the distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; sums the distance from the terminal to the coverage edge of the first satellite with the third value to obtain a summation result; divides the summation result by the movement speed of the first satellite relative to the terminal to obtain a fourth value; and uses the fourth value as the second duration.

9. A terminal, characterized in that, This includes a processor and memory for storing computer programs that can run on the processor. When the processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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