Methods, apparatuses, memory media, and procedures for non-terrestrial network timing relationships

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for enhancing timing relationships in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), for example, by managing timing offset values and intelligently handling reporting failures related to timing information reporting. To accommodate increased propagation delays in NTNs, a user equipment (UE) can supplement its timing advance (TA) value with a component value representing a round-trip time to a satellite. The UE can maintain both open- and closed-loop portions of the TA value, and can report the TA value or its components to the network for timing synchronization. Methods and systems are also disclosed for failure handling in this reporting process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to systems, apparatus, and methods for enhancing timing relationships in non-terrestrial networks. Background Technology

[0002] The use of wireless communication systems is growing rapidly. In recent years, wireless devices such as smartphones and tablets have become increasingly sophisticated. In addition to supporting phone calls, many mobile devices (i.e., user equipment or UE) now offer access to the internet, email, text messaging, and navigation using the Global Positioning System (GPS), and are capable of operating complex applications that utilize these capabilities. Furthermore, many different wireless communication technologies and standards exist. Some examples of wireless communication standards include GSM, UMTS (e.g., associated with WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), NR, HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), IEEE 802.11 (WLAN or Wi-Fi), and BLUETOOTH. ™ wait.

[0003] The increasing number of features and functionalities introduced into wireless communication devices has also created a continuous demand for improvements in wireless communication and devices. In particular, the integration of various network technologies with more traditional cellular network technologies can lead to new network characteristics. As an example, introducing new categories of cellular base stations or repeater stations (such as in non-terrestrial networks) may introduce significantly larger and more variable propagation delays than those associated with more traditional base stations. These characteristics can degrade the user experience in such networks. Therefore, improvements are expected in this area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This paper presents implementation schemes for apparatus, systems, and methods for enhancing timing relationships in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs).

[0005] For example, a method for handling reporting failures related to timing information reporting in cellular non-terrestrial networks is described, the method being performed by a user equipment (UE) device. The UE device can detect a triggering event indicating that a scheduling offset value stored by the UE device should be updated. In response to detecting the triggering event, the UE device can transmit information about a current timing lead value calculated by the UE device to the non-terrestrial network. The UE device can determine whether an updated scheduling offset value has been received within a predetermined duration after transmitting information about the current timing lead value. In response to determining that the updated scheduling offset value has not been received within the predetermined duration, the UE device can retransmit information about the current timing lead value calculated by the UE device.

[0006] In some cases, the triggering event for detecting that the scheduling offset value should be updated may include calculating the current timing lead value. The triggering event may also include determining that the difference between the current timing lead value and a previously calculated and successfully reported timing lead value is at least a predetermined threshold, wherein the difference between the current timing lead value and the previously calculated and successfully reported timing lead value at least a predetermined threshold constitutes an indication that the scheduling offset value should be updated.

[0007] In some cases, retransmitting information about the current timing lead value calculated by the UE device may include calculating a new current timing lead value in response to determining that an updated scheduling offset value has not been received within a predetermined duration; and transmitting information about the new current timing lead value.

[0008] In some cases, the length of the predetermined duration may be at least partially based on the satellite altitude scenario of the non-terrestrial network.

[0009] In some cases, the length of the predetermined duration can be determined by the UE device based at least in part on the round-trip propagation delay between the UE device and the base station of the non-terrestrial network.

[0010] In some cases, the UE device may receive an indication of the length of a predetermined duration from a non-terrestrial network. In some such cases, the indication of the length of the predetermined duration may include an indication of the number of time slots per reference subcarrier interval, wherein the reference subcarrier interval depends on the satellite altitude scenario of the non-terrestrial network.

[0011] In some cases, the current timing lead value can be calculated by the UE device based at least in part on the determination of the distance between the UE device and satellites of the non-terrestrial network.

[0012] A method for handling reporting failures related to timing information reporting in cellular non-terrestrial networks is described. The method can be performed by a User Equipment (UE) device. The UE device can detect a triggering event indicating that a scheduling offset value stored by the UE device should be updated. In response to detecting the triggering event, the UE device can determine the number of blind transmissions for transmitting information about a current timing lead value calculated by the UE device to the non-terrestrial network. The UE device can transmit the determined number of blind transmissions, wherein each blind transmission includes information about the current timing lead value calculated by the UE device.

[0013] In some cases, the triggering event for indicating that the scheduling offset value should be updated may include calculating the current timing lead value; and determining that the difference between the current timing lead value and a previously calculated and successfully reported timing lead value is at least a predetermined threshold, wherein the difference between the current timing lead value and the previously calculated and successfully reported timing lead value at least the predetermined threshold constitutes an indication that the scheduling offset value should be updated. In some such cases, the number of blind transmissions used to transmit information about the current timing lead value may depend on the difference between the current timing lead value and the previously calculated and successfully reported timing lead value.

[0014] In some cases, the number of blind transmissions used to transmit information about the current timing lead value may depend on the difference between the scheduling offset value stored by the UE device and the current timing lead value.

[0015] In some cases, the number of blind transmissions used to transmit information about the current timing lead value may depend on the number of previous instances in which the UE device did not receive the updated scheduling offset value in response to transmitting one or more blind transmissions including information about the timing lead value calculated by the UE device.

[0016] In some cases, information about the current timing lead may include an indication of the number of time slots per reference subcarrier interval, which may depend on the satellite altitude scenario of the non-terrestrial network.

[0017] In some cases, the current timing lead value can be calculated by the UE device based at least in part on the determination of the distance between the UE device and satellites of the non-terrestrial network.

[0018] A method is disclosed for updating a timing lead value for timing synchronization in a cellular non-terrestrial network, wherein the timing lead value represents a dynamic sum of multiple timing offset values. The method can be performed by a user equipment (UE) device. The UE device can dynamically update a closed-loop timing offset value of the multiple timing offset values ​​when it receives an adjustment value representing a timing offset of a reception time based on a corresponding communication received from the UE device via the non-terrestrial network, wherein dynamically updating the closed-loop timing offset value includes adding the received adjustment value to the current closed-loop timing offset value. The UE device can update a UE-specific timing offset value of the multiple timing offset values ​​at a first time to reflect a first round-trip time between the UE device and a satellite of the non-terrestrial network, wherein the first round-trip time is calculated by the UE based on first location information about at least one of the UE device or a satellite, wherein the update is performed in response to the UE device receiving the first location information. The UE device can update a UE-specific timing offset value at a second time following a first time to reflect a second round-trip time between the UE device and the satellite, wherein the second round-trip time is calculated by the UE based on second location information about at least one of the UE device or the satellite, and the update is performed in response to the UE device receiving the second location information. When updating the UE-specific timing offset to reflect the second round-trip time, the UE device can reduce the closed-loop timing offset value by an amount equal to the adjustment value received between the first and second times, wherein the reduction of the closed-loop portion is in response to determining at least one of three different criteria: the difference (ΔNTA, UE-specific) between the UE-specific timing offset value at the first time and the UE-specific timing offset value at the second time satisfies a first predefined threshold; the difference (ΔNTA) between the closed-loop timing offset value at the first time and the closed-loop timing offset value at the second time satisfies a second predefined threshold; or the difference between ΔNTA and ΔNTA, UE-specific is less than a third predefined threshold.

[0019] In some cases, the value of at least one of the first, second, or third predefined thresholds may depend on the satellite altitude scenario of the non-terrestrial network.

[0020] Disclosed are apparatuses and nontransitory computer-readable storage media for implementing any of the disclosed methods.

[0021] It should be noted that the technologies described herein can be implemented in and / or used in several different types of devices, including but not limited to base stations, access points, mobile phones, portable media players, tablets, wearable devices, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned flight controllers, automobiles and / or motor vehicles, and various other computing devices.

[0022] The present invention is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the subjects described in this document. Therefore, it should be understood that the above features are merely illustrative and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or substance of the subjects described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subjects described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0023] A better understanding of the subject matter can be obtained by considering the following detailed description of the various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 Exemplary (and simplified) wireless communication systems according to some implementation schemes are shown;

[0025] Figure 2 An exemplary base station communicating with an exemplary wireless user equipment (UE) device according to some embodiments is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exemplary block diagram of a UE according to some implementation schemes;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exemplary block diagram of a base station according to some implementation schemes;

[0028] Figure 5 This illustrates, according to some implementation schemes, a method for receiving cell-specific K in an NTN network. offset and K mac A flowchart of the value method; and

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a fault handling method for intelligent retransmission by incorporating reports of timing lead (TA) information, according to some implementation schemes; and

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a blind repetitive fault handling method according to some implementation schemes, which incorporates reports on timing lead (TA).

[0031] While the features described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments thereof are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and their detailed description are not intended to limit this document to the specific forms disclosed, but rather are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the substance and scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0032] acronym

[0033] Various acronyms are used throughout this disclosure. The definitions of the most prominent acronyms that may appear throughout this disclosure are as follows:

[0034] •UE: User Equipment

[0035] •RF: Radio Frequency

[0036] •GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications

[0037] • UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunication System

[0038] • EUTRA: Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access

[0039] •LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0040] •NR: New Radio

[0041] •TX: Transmission

[0042] •RX: Receive

[0043] •RAT: Radio Access Technology

[0044] •MAC: Media Access Control

[0045] •CE: Control Element

[0046] •NTN: Non-terrestrial network

[0047] •TA: Timed Advancement

[0048] •LEO: Low Earth Altitude

[0049] •MEO: Medium Earth Altitude

[0050] •GEO: Synchronization Altitude

[0051] •HAPS: High Altitude Platform System

[0052] •UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

[0053] •SCS: Subcarrier Spacing

[0054] •RAR: Random Access Response

[0055] •GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System

[0056] the term

[0057] The following is a glossary of terms that will appear in this disclosure:

[0058] Memory media—any device of any type of nontransitory memory device or storage device. The term "memory media" is intended to include mounting media such as CD-ROMs, floppy disks, or magnetic tape devices; computer system memory or random access memory such as DRAM, DDR RAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM, etc.; non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic media, e.g., hard disk drives or optical storage devices; registers or other similar types of memory elements, etc. Memory media may also include other types of nontransitory memory or combinations thereof. Furthermore, memory media may reside in a first computer system executing a program, or may reside in a different second computer system connected to the first computer system via a network such as the Internet. In a later example, the second computer system may provide program instructions to the first computer system for execution. The term "memory media" may include two or more memory media that may reside in different locations on different computer systems connected via a network, for example. Memory media may store program instructions (e.g., representing a computer program) that can be executed by one or more processors.

[0059] Carrier medium—the memory medium as described above, and physical transmission medium, such as buses, networks and / or other physical transmission media for transmitting signals (such as electrical signals, electromagnetic signals or digital signals).

[0060] Computer system (or computer) — any of the various types of computing or processing systems, including personal computer systems (PCs), mainframe computer systems, workstations, network appliances, internet-connected appliances, personal digital assistants (PDAs), television systems, grid computing systems, or other devices or combinations thereof. Generally, the term "computer system" can be broadly defined as any device (or combination of devices) containing at least one processor that executes instructions from a memory medium.

[0061] User equipment (UE) (or “UE device”) — any of various types of computer systems or devices that are mobile or portable and perform wireless communication. Examples of UE devices include mobile phones or smartphones (e.g., iPhone). ™ Based on Android ™ Phones), tablets (e.g., iPads) ™ Samsung Galaxy ™ ), portable gaming devices (e.g., Nintendo DS) ™ PlayStation Portable ™ Gameboy Advance ™ iPhone ™Wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses), laptops, PDAs, portable internet devices, music players, data storage devices, other handheld devices, automobiles and / or motor vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones), UAV controllers (UACs), etc. Generally speaking, the term "UE" or "UE device" can be broadly defined to encompass any electronic device, computing device, and / or telecommunications device (or a combination of these devices) that is easily transportable by the user and capable of wireless communication.

[0062] A wireless device is any of various types of computer systems or devices that perform wireless communication. A wireless device can be portable (or mobile), or it can be stationary or fixed in a location. A UE is an example of a wireless device.

[0063] A communication device is any of various types of computer systems or devices that perform communication, which may be wired or wireless. A communication device may be portable (or mobile), or it may be stationary or fixed in a location. A wireless device is one example of a communication device. A UE is another example of a communication device.

[0064] Base station (BS) – The term “base station” has the full range of its usual meaning and includes at least a wireless communication station that is installed in a fixed location and used for communication as part of a wireless telephone system or radio system.

[0065] A processing element (or processor) is a component or combination of components capable of performing the functions of a device, such as a user equipment device or a cellular network device. A processing element may include, for example, a processor and associated memory, portions or circuitry of individual processor cores, an entire processor core, a processor array, circuitry such as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), programmable hardware components such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and any combination thereof.

[0066] Wi-Fi—The term “Wi-Fi” encompasses the full range of its common meaning and includes at least wireless communication networks, or RATs, which are provided by and through wireless LAN (WLAN) access points to provide connectivity to the Internet. Most modern Wi-Fi networks (or WLAN networks) are based on the IEEE 802.11 standard and are marketed under the name “Wi-Fi.” Wi-Fi (WLAN) networks are distinct from cellular networks.

[0067] Automatic—means an action or operation performed by a computer system (e.g., software executed by the computer system) or device (e.g., circuits, programmable hardware elements, ASICs, etc.) without requiring direct user input to specify or perform that action or operation. Therefore, the term "automatically" is the opposite of an operation performed or specified manually by a user, where the user provides input to directly perform the operation. An automatic process can be initiated by user-provided input, but the subsequent actions performed "automatically" are not specified by the user; that is, they are not performed "manually," where the user specifies each action to be performed. For example, a user filling out a form by selecting each field and providing input specifying information (e.g., by typing information, selecting a checkbox, radio selection, etc.) is considered manually filling out the form, even though the computer system must update the form in response to the user's actions. The form can be automatically filled out by a computer system (e.g., software executed on the computer system) which analyzes the fields of the form and fills it out without any user input specifying answers for the fields. As indicated above, the user can invoke the automatic filling of the form but does not participate in the actual filling of the form (e.g., the user does not manually specify answers for the fields, but they are completed automatically). This manual provides various examples of operations that are automatically performed in response to actions taken by the user.

[0068] "Configured as"—Various components can be described as being "configured to" perform one or more tasks. In such contexts, "configured as" is a broad expression generally meaning "having" a "structure" that performs one or more tasks during operation. Thus, a component can be configured to perform a task even when it is not currently performing one (e.g., a set of electrical conductors can be configured to electrically connect one module to another, even when the two modules are not connected). In some contexts, "configured as" can also be a broad expression generally meaning a structure that "has" a "circuit" that performs one or more tasks during operation. Thus, a component can be configured to perform a task even when it is not currently switched on. Typically, the circuit forming the structure corresponding to "configured as" can include hardware circuitry.

[0069] For ease of description, various components may be described as performing one or more tasks. Such descriptions shall be interpreted as including the phrase “configured to”. The statement that a component is configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke the interpretation of paragraph 6 of section 112 of title 35 of the United States Code.

[0070] Figure 1 and Figure 2 -Exemplary communication system

[0071] Figure 1 Exemplary (and simplified) wireless communication systems that can implement various aspects of this disclosure according to some embodiments are shown. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The system described is merely one example of a possible system, and this implementation can be carried out in any of a variety of systems as needed.

[0072] As shown in the figure, this exemplary wireless communication system includes a base station 102 that communicates with one or more (e.g., any number) user equipments 106A, 106B, etc., up to 106N, via a transmission medium. Each user equipment may be referred to herein as a "user equipment" (UE) or UE device. Therefore, user equipment 106 is referred to as a UE or UE device.

[0073] Base station 102 may be a transceiver base station (BTS) or a cell site, and may include hardware and / or software for enabling wireless communication with UEs 106A to 106N. If base station 102 is implemented in an LTE environment, it may be referred to as an "eNodeB" or "eNB". If base station 102 is implemented in a 5G NR environment, it may alternatively be referred to as a "gNodeB" or "gNB". Base station 102 may also be equipped to communicate with network 100 (e.g., the core network of a cellular service provider, telecommunications networks such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and / or the Internet, and various other possible networks). Therefore, base station 102 facilitates communication between user equipments and / or between user equipments and network 100. The communication area (or coverage area) of a base station may be referred to as a "cell". Also as used herein, in relation to a UE, a base station may sometimes be considered to represent the network, taking into account both uplink and downlink communication of the UE. Therefore, a UE communicating with one or more base stations in the network may also be understood as a UE communicating with the network.

[0074] Base station 102 and user equipment can be configured to communicate via a transmission medium using any of a variety of radio access technologies (RATs), also known as wireless communication technologies or telecommunications standards, such as GSM, UMTS (WCDMA), LTE, LTE-A Advanced, LAA / LTE-U, 5G NR, 3GPP2, CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), Wi-Fi, etc.

[0075] Base station 102 and other similar base stations operating according to the same or different cellular communication standards may thus provide, as one or more cell networks, continuous or near-continuous overlapping services to UE 106 and similar devices over a geographic area via one or more cellular communication standards.

[0076] It should be noted that UE 106 can communicate using multiple wireless communication standards. For example, UE 106 can be configured to communicate using either or both of the 3GPP cellular communication standards or the 3GPP2 cellular communication standards. In some implementations, UE 106 can be configured to perform techniques for enhancing timing relationships in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), such as the various methods described herein. UE 106 can also be configured, or alternatively configured, to use WLAN, BLUETOOTH, etc. TM It can communicate with one or more Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS, such as GPS or GLONASS), one and / or more mobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M / H), etc. Other combinations of wireless communication standards (including more than two wireless communication standards) are also possible.

[0077] Figure 2 Exemplary user equipment 106 (e.g., one of devices 106A to 106N) communicating with base station 102 according to some embodiments is illustrated. UE 106 can be a device with wireless network connectivity, such as a mobile phone, handheld device, wearable device, computer or tablet, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned flight controller (UAC), automobile, or virtually any type of wireless device. UE 106 may include a processor (processing element) configured to execute program instructions stored in memory. UE 106 can perform any of the method embodiments of the present invention by executing such stored instructions. Alternatively or additionally, UE 106 may include programmable hardware elements, such as any of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), integrated circuit, and / or various other possible hardware components configured to perform (e.g., individually or in combination) any of or any portion of any of the method embodiments described herein. UE 106 may be configured to communicate using any of a plurality of wireless communication protocols. For example, UE 106 can be configured to communicate using two or more of CDMA2000, LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR, WLAN, or GNSS. Other combinations of wireless communication standards are also possible.

[0078] UE 106 may include one or more antennas communicating using one or more wireless communication protocols according to one or more RAT standards. In some embodiments, UE 106 may share one or more portions of the receive chain and / or transmit chain among multiple wireless communication standards. The shared radio components may include a single antenna, or may include multiple antennas for performing wireless communication (e.g., for MIMO). Typically, the radio components may include any combination of baseband processors, analog radio frequency (RF) signal processing circuitry (e.g., including filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, etc.), or digital processing circuitry (e.g., for digital modulation and other digital processing). Similarly, the radio components may use the aforementioned hardware to implement one or more receive chains and transmit chains.

[0079] In some implementations, UE 106 may include separate transmit and / or receive chains (e.g., including separate antennas and other radio components) for each wireless communication protocol configured to communicate therewith. As another possibility, UE 106 may include one or more radio components shared among multiple wireless communication protocols, as well as one or more radio components uniquely used by a single wireless communication protocol. For example, UE 106 may include shared radio components for communication using either LTE or CDMA2000 1xRTT (or LTE or NR, or LTE or GSM), and for communication using Wi-Fi and BLUETOOTH. ™ Each component communicates independently. Other configurations are also possible.

[0080] Figure 3 - Block diagram of an exemplary UE device

[0081] Figure 3A block diagram of an exemplary UE 106 according to some embodiments is shown. As shown, UE 106 may include a System-on-Chip (SOC) 300, which may include parts for various purposes. For example, as shown, SOC 300 may include a processor 302 capable of executing program instructions for UE 106, and display circuitry 304 capable of performing graphics processing and providing display signals to a display 360. In some specific embodiments, display 360 may include a touchscreen capable of detecting user input, such as a touch event. SOC 300 may also include sensor circuitry 370, which may include components for sensing or measuring any of a variety of possible characteristics or parameters of UE 106. For example, sensor circuitry 370 may include motion sensing circuitry configured to detect motion of UE 106, for example, using a gyroscope, accelerometer, and / or any of various other motion sensing components. As another possibility, sensor circuitry 370 may include one or more temperature sensing components, for example, for measuring the temperature of each of one or more antenna panels and / or other components of UE 106. As needed, any of various other possible types of sensor circuitry may also be included in UE 106, or alternatively. Processor 302 may also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 340, which may be configured to receive addresses from processor 302 and translate those addresses into locations in memory (e.g., memory 306, read-only memory (ROM) 350, NAND flash memory 310) and / or other circuitry or devices, such as display circuitry 304, radio components 330, connector interface (I / F) 320, and / or display 360. MMU 340 may be configured to perform memory protection and page table translation or setup. In some embodiments, MMU 340 may be included as part of processor 302.

[0082] As shown in the figure, the SOC 300 can be coupled to various other circuits of the UE 106. For example, the UE 106 may include various types of memory (e.g., including NAND flash memory 310), connector interface 320 (e.g., for coupling to computer systems, docking stations, charging stations, etc.), display 360, and wireless communication circuitry 330 (e.g., for LTE, LTE-A, NR, CDMA2000, BLUETOOTH). ™(e.g., Wi-Fi, GPS, etc.). UE device 106 may include at least one antenna (e.g., 335a) and may include multiple antennas (e.g., shown by antennas 335a and 335b) for performing wireless communication with a base station and / or other devices. Antennas 335a and 335b are shown by way of example, and UE device 106 may include fewer or more antennas. Generally, one or more antennas are collectively referred to as antenna 335. For example, UE device 106 may use antenna 335 to perform wireless communication via radio circuitry 330. As described above, in some embodiments, the UE may be configured to use multiple wireless communication standards for wireless communication.

[0083] UE 106 may include hardware and software components, such as those described further herein, for implementing timing relationships in the enhanced NTN of UE 106. The processor 302 of UE device 106 may be configured to implement some or all of the methods described herein, for example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). In other embodiments, processor 302 may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Furthermore, processor 302 may be coupled to, for example, Figure 3 Other components shown and / or interoperable with other components may be used to enhance timing relationships in the NTN according to various embodiments disclosed herein. Processor 302 may also implement various other applications and / or end-user applications running on UE 106.

[0084] In some implementations, radio component 330 may include a separate controller dedicated to controlling communications for various corresponding RAT standards. For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, radio component 330 may include Wi-Fi controller 352, cellular controller (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, and / or NR controller) 354, and BLUETOOTH. ™ Controller 356, and in at least some embodiments, one or more of these controllers may be implemented as corresponding integrated circuits (referred to as ICs or chips), which communicate with each other and with the SOC 300 (more specifically with the processor 302). For example, Wi-Fi controller 352 may communicate with cellular controller 354 via a cell-ISM link or WCI interface, and / or BLUETOOTH ™ Controller 356 can communicate with cellular controller 354 via a cell-ISM link or the like. Although three separate controllers are shown within radio component 330, other implementations with fewer or more similar controllers for various different RATs can be implemented in UE device 106.

[0085] Furthermore, implementation schemes in which the controller can perform functions associated with various radio access technologies are envisioned. For example, according to some implementation schemes, in addition to hardware and / or software components for performing cellular communications, the cellular controller 354 may also include hardware and / or software components for performing one or more activities associated with Wi-Fi, such as Wi-Fi preamble detection, and / or the generation and transmission of Wi-Fi physical layer preamble signals.

[0086] Figure 4 - Block diagram of an exemplary base station

[0087] Figure 4 A block diagram of an exemplary base station 102 according to some implementation schemes is shown. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The base station shown is merely one example of a possible base station. As illustrated, base station 102 may include a processor 404 capable of executing program instructions for base station 102. Processor 404 may also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 440 or other circuitry or device, which may be configured to receive addresses from processor 404 and translate those addresses into locations in memory (e.g., memory 460 and read-only memory (ROM) 450).

[0088] Base station 102 may include at least one network port 470. Network port 470 may be configured to be coupled to a telephone network and provide access rights as described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The telephone network described herein includes multiple devices such as UE device 106. Network port 470 (or an additional network port) may also be configured, or alternatively configured, to be coupled to a cellular network, such as the core network of a cellular service provider. The core network may provide mobility-related services and / or other services to multiple devices such as UE device 106. In some cases, network port 470 may be coupled to the telephone network via the core network, and / or the core network may provide the telephone network (e.g., in other UE devices served by the cellular service provider).

[0089] Base station 102 may include at least one antenna 434 and possibly multiple antennas. Antenna 434 may be configured to operate as a wireless transceiver and may also be configured to communicate with UE device 106 via radio component 430. Antenna 434 communicates with radio component 430 via communication link 432. Communication link 432 may be a receive link, a transmit link, or both. Radio component 430 may be designed to communicate via various wireless telecommunication standards, including but not limited to NR, LTE, LTE-A WCDMA, CDMA2000, etc. Processor 404 of base station 102 may be configured to implement and / or support implementation of some or all of the methods described herein, for example by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively, processor 404 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), or a combination thereof. In some RATs (e.g., Wi-Fi), base station 102 can be designed as an access point (AP), in which case network port 470 can be implemented to provide access to a wide area network and / or one or more local area networks, for example, it may include at least one Ethernet port, and radio component 430 can be designed to communicate according to the Wi-Fi standard.

[0090] NTN timing control

[0091] As various network technologies are integrated with more traditional cellular network technologies, new network characteristics may emerge. As an example, introducing new categories of cellular base stations or repeater stations may introduce significantly larger and more variable propagation delays than those associated with more traditional base stations.

[0092] For example, 3GPP has recently been expanded to define non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) within the 3GPP ecosystem. In such systems, the propagation delay between a UE, such as UE 106, and the NTN can be significantly greater than the propagation delay between the UE and a traditional terrestrial base station because satellites may be farther away from the terrestrial UE relative to the distance experienced in a terrestrial network. Additionally, such systems can include cells covering a larger geographical area than traditional cells, which can lead to large differences in propagation delay between two points within the cell. In other words, in such systems, a UE located at the first point in the cell may experience significantly greater propagation delay compared to a UE located at the second point in the same cell.

[0093] If the UE attempts to directly use network scheduling parameters designed for terrestrial networks, this increased propagation delay in the NTN can lead to poor performance. In response to this issue, the NTN can compensate for the increased propagation time using an additional timing offset.

[0094] For example, in various networks, a UE can apply a timing lead (TA) value to adjust when it transmits within a time slot. The TA value can correspond to the propagation time between two points in the network, such as between the UE and a base station. Alternatively, the TA can correspond to the round-trip propagation time between such points. Specifically, the UE can offset its transmission time by the time represented by the TA value, with the goal of ensuring the transmission arrives at the base station at a predetermined time. If the TA value does not correctly represent the propagation time, the transmission may arrive early or late, potentially causing interference with other signals. Therefore, the TA value can be adjusted when the distance between the UE and the base station (or repeater, etc.) changes. The difference between the correct time when a transmission should be received at the network and the time when that transmission is actually received (e.g., the error in the current TA value) is called the TA margin.

[0095] In terrestrial networks, the UE can maintain the TA time value T. TA It can be defined as follows:

[0096] T TA = (N TA + N TA,offset ) * T C

[0097] Formula 1

[0098] Here, N TA This can represent the feedback adjustment value provided by the network to the UE. Specifically, N TA This can represent the closed-loop feedback value determined by the network based on when the network receives a transmission from the UE. TA The value of N can be adjusted as needed based on the observed TA margin. TA,offset This can represent a predefined adjustment value, for example, based on various signal parameters (see 3GPP TS 38.533 V16.8.0, incorporated herein by reference; especially Table 4.4.1.0.1-1). Value T C This can represent a physical layer time unit, which can also be referred to as the sampling time in the time domain. Value T C It can be fixed, for example, at 0.509 ns. Using this formula, the network can provide the value N to the UE. TA To allow the UE to maintain T TA The accurate closed-loop value.

[0099] In NTN, the increasing and rapidly changing distances between satellites and other network elements can lead to limitations in the calculation of T. TA Additional variables can be used within the formula. For example, in NTN, T TA It can be defined as follows:

[0100] T TA = (N TA + NTA,UE-specific + N TA,common + N TA,offset ) * T C

[0101] Equation 2

[0102] Here, T TA N represents the total round-trip propagation time between the UE and a timing reference point in the network. The timing reference point can be a ground base station or another point in the network. TA,UE-specific This can represent the value corresponding to the round-trip propagation delay between the UE and the satellite. Similarly, N TA,common These values ​​represent the round-trip propagation delay between the satellite and the timing reference point. These values ​​are open-loop feedback values ​​because they do not depend on the observed timing of the transmission received from the UE.

[0103] Determining and transmitting these additional values, as well as utilizing both closed-loop and dynamic open-loop feedback, can introduce complexity into timing processing in NTNs, as discussed further below.

[0104] TA command signaling

[0105] In an NTN scenario, the network can use TA commands to transfer N... TA The value is transmitted to the UE, such as in UE 106. Such TA commands can be carried in the Random Access Response (RAR) message of msg2 / msgB, for example, when the UE is initially connecting to the network via the RACH procedure, or in the Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) to transmit an updated N value after the initial connection. TA value.

[0106] When the UE receives a TA command within the MAC CE, the UE can update its stored N as follows: TA value:

[0107]

[0108] Equation 3

[0109] Here, T A It is the value carried by the TA command. Value N TA,old Represents the previously stored N TAThe value µ is, for example, a value stored when a previous TA command is received. The value µ is an index representing the subcarrier spacing (SCS), such as a table based on available SCS. In some implementations, the SCS value indicated by µ may be equal to a reference SCS, as discussed further below. In some cases, the value indicated by µ may vary based on the satellite altitude scenario. For example, GEO satellites move more slowly in azimuth than LEO satellites, making them appear less mobile to the UE. Therefore, µ may have a first value if the UE is communicating with the network via a GEO satellite, and a smaller second value if the UE is communicating with the network via a LEO satellite, resulting in a larger TA value due to the greater apparent mobility of the LEO satellite.

[0110] When the UE receives a TA command within the RAR, the UE can store the following N: TA Value:

[0111]

[0112] Formula 4

[0113] Because RAR is used to transmit N for initial connection. TA The value is so that the UE may not have the previously stored N. TA Values ​​used as N TA,old Therefore, in this case, it can be N. TA,old Choose another value. For example, in some cases, the UE can delay the transmission of the PRACH signal by a certain value to avoid overestimating the initial TA. In some cases, this delay value can be used as N. TA,old The initial value. In some cases, this value can be equal to the timing error limit (T). e (See 3GPP TS 38.533 V16.8.0, Table 4.4.1.0.1-1). In some cases, this value may be equal to the smaller of half the cyclic prefix or half the protection period of the PRACH format; that is, min(CP / 2, GP / 2). In some cases, this value may be explicitly indicated by the network.

[0114] Figure 5 -Receive cell-specific K offset and K mac

[0115] When performing UL scheduling in NTN, the base station can introduce an additional scheduling offset value K. offset This is to accommodate the additional propagation time introduced by satellite communication. This value can be known to both the UE and the base station to allow for scheduling synchronization. Specifically, K offset It can represent greater than T TAThe delay; that is, greater than the round-trip propagation delay between the UE and the timing reference point. This can be used, for example, to ensure that UL transmissions are scheduled for use upon receipt of UL authorization (which may require equal to T). TA Transmitted in the time slot following (the time of K). offset It can be expressed as the number of time slots for a given SCS.

[0116] In some specific implementations, multiple Ks can be utilized. offset Value. For example, NTN can utilize cell-specific K values ​​for all (or a subset) UEs within the coverage area. offset For example, when each UE initially connects to the network, or at other times or under other conditions. Cell-specific K offset It can be configured large enough to accommodate the round-trip time between the furthest UE in the coverage area and the timing reference point. Once a particular UE is connected to the network, the network can provide UE-specific K... offset The value is used by the UE, as discussed further below.

[0117] Similarly, the UE and the base station can utilize the added value K mac Used for MAC CE activation timing calculation. Specifically, K mac K can represent the round-trip propagation delay between the timing reference point and the ground base station. mac It can be expressed as the number of time slots for a given SCS.

[0118] Figure 5 This illustrates a cell-specific K according to some implementation schemes. offset and / or K mac A flowchart of example methods for values. Figure 5 The method can be implemented by a UE such as UE 106 or by one of its components such as radio component 330 and / or cellular controller 354.

[0119] It should be noted that, although the description uses methods involving the use of communication technologies and / or features associated with 3GPP and / or NR specification documents, Figure 5 This method describes at least some elements, but this description is not intended to limit this disclosure and can be used in any suitable wireless communication system as needed. Figure 5 The methods cover various aspects. As shown in the figure. Figure 5 The method can be operated as follows.

[0120] At point 502, UE 106 can determine the satellite altitude scenario. For example, the UE can determine whether the nodes available for NTN communication are LEO, MEO, or GEO satellites, HAPS, or UAVs. This information can be transmitted to the UE via the network, for example, during the connection process.

[0121] At position 504, the UE can determine the reference SCS used by the network, such as the one used for transmitting K. offset and / or K mac .

[0122] In some specific implementations, the reference SCS can be predefined. For example, the reference SCS can be determined by the satellite altitude scenario. As a specific example, if the UE determines that the satellite is GEO at 502, the UE can infer a reference SCS of 15kHz, while determining that the satellite is LEO at 502 could indicate a reference SCS of 60kHz. Other example values ​​are also envisioned. Changing the reference SCS based on the satellite altitude scenario can be useful, as different satellite altitudes can lead to very different propagation delays. Therefore, configuring different reference SCS for different satellites allows for reporting K for specific scenarios. offset Higher precision. In such specific implementations, the UE can determine the reference SCS by referring to a table or other reference material that indexes possible reference SCSs to the satellite altitude scene.

[0123] As another example of a predefined reference SCS, the reference SCS can depend on the operating frequency range. As a specific example, the reference SCS for a first frequency range FR1 could be defined as 15 kHz, while the reference SCS for a second frequency range FR2 could be defined as 60 kHz. Other example values ​​are also envisioned. In such implementations, the UE can determine the reference SCS by referring to a table indexing possible reference SCSs to operating frequencies or other reference material.

[0124] In some implementations, the reference SCS may not be predefined but can be configured by the network, for example, dynamically or semi-statically. For instance, the network can explicitly indicate the reference SCS by broadcasting an indication of the reference SCS in an SIB message. As another example, the reference SCS can be implicitly indicated by setting the reference SCS to the initial DL BWP or the initial UL BWP.

[0125] At 506, the UE can receive cell-specific K from the network in the cell according to the reference SCS time slot. offset and / or community-specific K mac .

[0126] At point 508, the UE can transmit cell-specific K. offset and / or K mac This is converted to the corresponding time slot unit of the UE; for example, converted to the SCS of the UE's active UL bandwidth portion (BWP). Specifically, the reference SCS can be in the form of... The SCS of the UE's active uplink BWP can be expressed as (unit: kHz). ,in Then, if K offset If the value is k time slots, then the number of time slots in the UE's active uplink BWP can be expressed as: It can be noted that this floor function means that fractional results can be rounded up.

[0127] As an example, if the reference SCS is 15kHz, the UE can determine that the duration of each slot according to the reference SCS is 1ms. If the UE's active UL BWP has an SCS of 30kHz, the UE can determine that the duration of each slot according to the UL SCS is 0.5ms. Therefore, if the received K offset If the value is 10, the UE can determine that this indicated time value is 10ms (i.e., 10 time slots, each with a duration of 1ms). The UE can then further determine that this can be represented as 20 time slots according to the UE's UL SCS. That is, this value can be determined as... Therefore, the UE can use the offset value of 20 time slots in subsequent UL scheduling.

[0128] As another example, if the reference SCS is 30kHz, and the SCS of the UE's active UL BWP is 15kHz, and K offset If the value is 3 time slots, then this can be represented by the SCS of the UE's active UL BWP as follows: Time slot.

[0129] In some cases, K mac The value range of K can depend on the satellite altitude scenario. For example, if the satellite is GEO, then K... mac The range of values ​​can be larger.

[0130] It should be understood that in various implementation schemes, some elements of the method shown may be performed simultaneously, in a different order than shown, may be replaced by other method elements, may be omitted, and / or additional method elements may be performed as desired. For example, in a specific implementation of the reference SCS not based on a satellite altitude scenario, the determination of the satellite altitude scenario at 502 may not be related to the reception K. offset and / or K mac It is relevant, and therefore can be omitted.

[0131] Figures 6 to 7 – Troubleshooting in TA Information Reports

[0132] Once a specific UE is connected to the network, it can report timing information to the network. For example, the UE can receive information about its current location and / or velocity (e.g., GNSS information via a geolocation module within the UE) and / or information about the current location and / or velocity of applicable satellites (e.g., ephemeris information from the network). In response, the UE can calculate / estimate the current distance between the UE and the satellites. The UE can then estimate N based on this distance. TA,UE-specific The UE can report the value of T and transmit the estimate or related information to the network. In some specific implementations, the UE can report T. TA The total value.

[0133] Based on the TA information reported by the UE, the network can provide the UE with UE-specific K offset For use in subsequent communications. Based on the distance between the UE and the applicable satellites, the UE-specific K... offset The value more closely reflects the TA used for that specific UE, compared to using cell-specific K. offset Values ​​can lead to increased efficiency.

[0134] although Figure 5 The method involves receiving cell-specific K offset and / or K mac However, in some cases, the same reference SCS determined at 504 may also be applicable to the receiving UE-specific K. offset And / or public TA parameters, and / or report TA information to the network.

[0135] In some cases, the UE may fail to report TA information to the network. For example, the network may fail to receive the reported information due to interference, insufficient signal strength, receiver error, or any of many other reasons. Alternatively, for similar reasons, the UE may fail to receive UE-specific K... offset .

[0136] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for handling such faults via intelligent retransmission according to some implementation schemes. Figure 6 The method can be implemented by a UE such as UE 106 or by one of its components such as radio component 330 and / or cellular controller 354. It should be noted that, although described in a manner involving the use of communication technologies and / or features associated with 3GPP and / or NR specification documents... Figure 6 This method describes at least some elements, but this description is not intended to limit this disclosure and can be used in any suitable wireless communication system as needed. Figure 6 The methods cover various aspects. As shown in the figure. Figure 6 The method can be operated as follows.

[0137] At position 602, UE 106 can receive K from the network. offset Value. K offset The value can be a cell-specific K offset Or UE-specific K offset UE 106 can utilize the received K offset The value is used for communication scheduling.

[0138] In some cases, UE 106 may also receive a waiting time (X), for example, in milliseconds. In other cases, X can be pre-configured and therefore may not be received from the network at 602. In some cases, X may depend on the satellite altitude scenario. For example, X may be larger when the satellite is GEO than when the satellite is LEO to accommodate a longer propagation delay. In some cases, X may depend on the round-trip time via satellite, such as the time between the UE and the ground base station. For example, the UE may estimate the round-trip time via satellite between the UE and the ground base station and set X to consist of the estimated round-trip time plus an additional offset time.

[0139] The value of X can be reported in various formats, such as absolute time values ​​or the number of time slots, for example, by reference SCS. Such a reference SCS can be the reference SCS determined at 504, or it can be a different reference SCS. If different, the reference SCS can be determined in a manner similar to that described at 504. For example, the reference SCS can be predefined or configured by the network, and can depend on the satellite altitude scenario and / or other variables.

[0140] At position 604, UE 106 can determine the current K. offset The value (which can be UE-specific or cell-specific) should be updated. For example, UE 106 can detect a trigger event indicating K. offset The value should be updated. In some cases, this triggering event can be based on the calculation of TA. For example, the UE can calculate the current value of TA (TA). new ), and it can be determined that TA new Compared with the previous value of TA (TA) old The difference exceeds (or at least) a threshold c. That is, the UE can determine the TA. new - TA old > c. TA old The value can be the most recently confirmed TA value from the network, for example, after UE 106 has reported it. TA value new and TA old This can represent the total TA value (e.g., T as defined in Formula 2). TA ) or can represent a specific part of the UE of the TA (e.g., N) TA,UE-specific ).

[0141] At 606, UE 106 can report (e.g., transmit) information about TA to the network. new Information such as UE 106 can be reported, for example, the full TA value, the UE-specific TA value, the differential TA value, and the differential K value. offset And so on. In some cases, the information may be reported as the number of time slots according to the reference SCS. In some cases, the information may be transmitted, for example, in the RRC reconfiguration field or in MAC CE.

[0142] As outlined above, in response to the report at 606 regarding TA new The UE can expect to receive UE-specific K information from the network. offset Value. At 608, UE 106 can determine whether it has received such UE-specific K within the time X that reported the information at 606. offset Value. If a UE-specific K has been received within time X. offset If the value is obtained, then UE 106 can utilize the received UE-specific K value at 610. offset Used for subsequent scheduling. However, if at 608, the UE has not received the UE-specific K within X ms, offset If the value is correct, UE 106 can return to 606 and report the TA to the network again. new Information.

[0143] In some specific implementations, UE 106 may instead return to 604 to determine whether the triggering conditions for reporting the information are still met before reporting the information. For example, UE 106 may determine inequality TA. new - TA old > Whether c still satisfies the condition. This may include calculating the updated TA. new In such cases, report TA again at 606. new Information may include reports about the updated TA new Information.

[0144] In some cases, it may be advantageous to retransmit information about the TA more quickly, compared to waiting for a TA report to make a round trip. new Information. To avoid this delay, the UE can blindly repeat reports about TA. new The information. Report retransmission can be blindly repeated, that is, without waiting time X before sending a new report.

[0145] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating such a method for fault handling by blind repetition according to some implementation schemes. Figure 7The method can be implemented by a UE such as UE 106 or by one of its components such as radio component 330 and / or cellular controller 354. It should be noted that, although described in a manner involving the use of communication technologies and / or features associated with 3GPP and / or NR specification documents... Figure 7 This method describes at least some elements, but this description is not intended to limit this disclosure and can be used in any suitable wireless communication system as needed. Figure 7 The methods cover various aspects. As shown in the figure. Figure 7 The method can be operated as follows.

[0146] At position 702, UE 106 can receive K from the network. offset Value. K offset The value can be a cell-specific K offset Or UE-specific K offset UE 106 can utilize the received K offset The value is used for communication scheduling.

[0147] At position 704, UE 106 can determine the current K. offset The value should be updated. This determination can be based on the calculation of TA, for example, in the same or similar manner as 604. For example, UE 106 can determine TA. new - TA old > c. TA old The value can be the most recently reported TA value confirmed by the network.

[0148] At point 706, UE 106 can determine the number of blind reports transmitted to the network. In some cases, the number of blind duplicates may depend on the TA. new With TA old The gap between them. For example, if the gap is large, UE 106 can determine that a larger number of repetitions are transmitted, based on the reason that if the TA value varies greatly, ensuring the delivery of TA information may be more critical.

[0149] Similarly, in some cases, the number of blind repetitions can depend on K. offset The gap between the full TA (e.g., T as defined in Formula 2) TA For example, if the gap is small, UE 106 can determine that a larger number of repetitions are being transmitted, based on the following reasoning: if the total TA exceeds K. offset If this happens, UL scheduling may fail, thus ensuring that TA information delivery occurs when all TAs are close to K. offset In such cases, it may be even more critical.

[0150] In some cases, the number of blind repetitions may depend on what UE 106 has previously reported regarding TA. new The information was not received as a response from Koffset The number of times. For example, UE 106 can initially only send information about TA. new The information is transmitted individually. However, if UE 106 does not receive K in response... offset Then in subsequent implementation Figure 7 When using this method, UE 106 can transmit an increased number of TAs. new The information is repeated. In some cases, more than one failure may be required before the number of repetitions can be increased in UE 106.

[0151] In some cases, the number of blind duplicates can be based on network configuration. For example, the network can explicitly indicate the number of blind duplicates.

[0152] At 708, UE 106 can transmit information about TA to the network based on the number of repetitions determined at 706. new Information such as UE 106 can be reported, for example, the full TA value, the UE-specific TA value, the differential TA value, and the differential K value. offset And so on. In some cases, the information may be reported as the number of time slots according to the reference SCS. In some cases, the information may be transmitted, for example, in the RRC reconfiguration field or in the MAC CE. The repetition may be transmitted, for example, at fixed intervals without waiting for a corresponding K to be received from the network. offset .

[0153] At 710, in response to the report at 708 regarding TA new The UE 106 can receive UE-specific K information from the network. offset Value. The K offset The value can be relative to K received at 702. offset The value is based on the report about TA at point 708. new The information is updated. UE 106 can utilize the received updated UE-specific K... offset The value is used for subsequent scheduling.

[0154] Maintain open-loop and closed-loop TA control

[0155] As previously noted, when the UE calculates T according to Formula 2 TA At that time, it utilizes closed-loop components (e.g., N) TA ) and open-loop components (e.g., N) TA,UE-specific and N TA,common Simultaneously, both open-loop and closed-loop components are used to introduce conflict risk, because different components may double-compensate for specific delays.

[0156] For example, the network will control the TA value of the UE via TA commands. As mentioned earlier, based on the timing offset of the transmission received by the network, such as a terrestrial base station, from the UE, the TA command can carry N.TA The value of N. As mentioned above, the UE can calculate the value N based on the location information of the UE and applicable satellites. TA,UE-specific However, the UE may only periodically receive updates regarding its location and / or the location of satellites. For example, the UE may receive its GNSS coordinates, for instance, from a geolocation module included in the UE, and may determine N by... TA,UE-specific The UE responds using its current GNSS coordinates. However, as the UE continues to move, N... TA,UE-specific This value may become obsolete. Meanwhile, obsolete N... TA,UE-specific This value may cause the total TA value to become inaccurate.

[0157] The network can observe this increased TA margin, and it can be adjusted by changing N. TA The closed-loop value is responded to with compensation. However, at a later time, the UE can receive updated GNSS coordinates and can determine N. TA,UE-specific The updated value is used in response. This can remove outdated N values. TA,UE-specific Errors introduced by values, even if the error has been passed through N TA Correction. Therefore, N TA The value of will be incorrect because it continues to compensate for errors that have already been removed. Further complicating this problem is N. TA It may have been further adjusted to compensate for what is not derived from N. TA,UE-specific The additional error of outdated values. Therefore, each time N TA,UE-specific Simply reset N when updated TA That might not be appropriate.

[0158] For N TA,common Adjustments may introduce similar problems.

[0159] To solve these problems, N can be intelligently adjusted. TA Considering the open-loop value N TA,UE-specific and / or N TA,common The adjustments are as follows.

[0160] Upon receiving updated location information, such as the UE's updated GNSS location information and / or updated satellite ephemeris parameters, the UE can determine N. TA,UE-specific The updated value, which can be called N. TA,UE-specific,new (For example, from N before receiving the updated location information) TA,UE-specific The most recent previous value can be called N. TA,UE-specific,old Value ΔN TA,UE-specific It can be defined as follows:

[0161] N TA,UE-specific = N TA,UE-specific,new- N TA,UE-specific,old

[0162] Equation 5

[0163] In this context, the value ΔN TA It can be defined as the cumulative TA adjustment received in the MAC CE via TA command between two most recent updates of location information. In other words, ΔN TA It can be represented in N TA,UE-specific,old The calculation of N TA,UE-specific,new The calculation between N received TA The cumulative regulation.

[0164] In some cases, in response to the calculation (or application, etc.) of the value N TA,UE-specific,new If one or more of the following conditions are met, then N TA The value can be reduced by ΔN TA This can effectively remove the substance caused by ΔN under certain conditions. TA This indicates TA regulation.

[0165] Condition 1:

[0166] Here, a1 is a predetermined threshold. If condition 1 is met, the TA value will vary significantly due to either an updated GNSS position or updated satellite ephemeris parameters. This means N TA It may have been significantly updated to adjust N. TA,UE-specific The error in N caused problems during the update process. TA,UE-specific This adjustment should be removed at that time.

[0167] Condition 2:

[0168] Here, a2 is a predetermined threshold. If condition 2 is met, the cumulative TA command adjustment between the last two updates to the location information is not negligible and should be applied during the update of N. TA,UE-specific It was removed at that time.

[0169] Condition 3:

[0170] Here, b is a predetermined threshold. If condition 3 is met, most of the accumulated TA commands in the closed-loop TA control are used to compensate N. TA,UE-specific The change in N. Therefore, in updating N TA,UE-specific When this happens, the adjustment should be removed.

[0171] In some cases, the UE may monitor only one of conditions 1-3. In other cases, the UE may monitor any / all of the conditions, or a combination of both of the defined conditions.

[0172] The UE can monitor and receive updated public TA parameters such as N from the network. TA,common Similar conditions apply. For example, new public TA parameters received from the network can be referred to as N. TA,common,new The most recently received previously accepted public TA parameter can be referred to as N. TA,common,old Value ΔN TA,common It can be defined as follows:

[0173] ΔN TA,common = N TA,common,new - N TA,common,old

[0174] Equation 6

[0175] In this context, ΔN TA It can be defined as the cumulative TA adjustment received in the MAC CE via TA command between two most recent updates to the public TA. In other words, ΔN TA This can be represented as receiving N TA,common,old and N TA,common,new The pairs of N received between TA The cumulative regulation.

[0176] In some cases, in response to receiving (or applying, etc.) the value N TA,common,new If one or more of the following conditions are met, then N TA The value can be reduced by ΔN TA This can effectively remove the substance caused by ΔN under certain conditions. TA This indicates TA regulation.

[0177] Condition 4:

[0178] Here, c1 is a predetermined threshold. If condition 4 is met, the TA value will change significantly due to the update of the common TA parameters. This significant change in open-loop TA control may have already been compensated for by closed-loop TA control. Therefore, when updating N... TA,common The closed-loop N should be adjusted at that time. TA .

[0179] Condition 5:

[0180] Here, c1 is a predetermined threshold. If condition 5 is met, the cumulative TA command adjustment between the last two common TA updates is not negligible and should be applied in update N. TA,common It was removed at that time.

[0181] Condition 6:

[0182] Here, d is a predetermined threshold. If condition 5 is met, most of the accumulated TA commands in the closed-loop TA control are used to compensate N.TA,common The change in N. Therefore, in updating N TA,common At that time, this adjustment should be removed.

[0183] In some cases, one or more of the thresholds a1, a2, b, c1, c2, and d can be configured by the network, depending on the SCS, and / or depending on the satellite altitude scenario (e.g., LEO or GEO).

[0184] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0185] By interpreting each message / signal X received by the user equipment (UE) in the downlink as a message / signal X transmitted by the base station, and interpreting each message / signal Y transmitted by the UE in the uplink as a message / signal Y received by the base station, any method described herein for operating the UE can serve as the basis for a corresponding method for operating the base station.

[0186] Embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented in any of a variety of forms. For example, in some embodiments, the subject matter may be implemented as a computer-implemented method, a computer-readable storage medium, or a computer system. In other embodiments, the subject matter may be implemented using one or more custom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs. In still other embodiments, the subject matter may be implemented using one or more programmable hardware elements such as FPGAs.

[0187] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory memory element) may be configured to store program instructions and / or data, wherein if the program instructions are executed by a computer system, the computer system performs a method, such as any of the method embodiments described herein, or any combination of method embodiments described herein, or any subset of any method embodiments described herein, or any combination of such subsets.

[0188] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., a UE) may be configured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a memory medium (or memory element), wherein the memory medium stores program instructions, and wherein the processor is configured to read from and execute the program instructions, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement any of the various method embodiments described herein (or any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or any subset or combination of any such subset of any method embodiments described herein). The device may be implemented in any of a variety of forms.

[0189] Although the above embodiments have been described in considerable detail, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the disclosure is fully understood. This disclosure is intended to render the following claims as encompassing all such variations and modifications.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: Determine the reference subcarrier spacing (SCS) used by the non-terrestrial network, wherein determining the reference SCS includes determining the satellite altitude scenario of the non-terrestrial network, wherein a first predetermined value of the reference SCS is used when the satellite altitude scenario includes low Earth altitude (LEO) satellites, and a different second predetermined value of the reference SCS is used when the satellite altitude scenario includes geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites. Receive cell-specific scheduling offset value K offset The scheduling offset value K offset K represents the time greater than the round-trip propagation delay between the user equipment (UE) and the timing reference point of the non-terrestrial network, where K offset It is expressed in units of time slots relative to the reference SCS; K is calculated based on the local SCS of the active uplink bandwidth portion (BWP) used by the UE. offset The number of time slots; as well as Uplink scheduling is performed, where uplink timing is adjusted based on the number of time slots calculated per local SCS.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined value of the reference SCS is 15 kHz.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving information about the satellite altitude scene from the non-terrestrial network.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a System Information Block (SIB) including an indication of a reference SCS from the non-terrestrial network.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein K is expressed in units of reference SCS time slots. offset There are k time slots, where the reference SCS is 15kHz and the local SCS is... Hz, of which And K, expressed in units of local SCS time slots. offset yes .

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a second scheduling offset value K representing the round-trip propagation delay between the timing reference point of the non-terrestrial network and the terrestrial base station. mac K mac It is expressed in units of time slots relative to the reference SCS.

7. An apparatus included in a user equipment (UE), comprising: One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: Determine the reference subcarrier spacing (SCS) used by the non-terrestrial network, wherein determining the reference SCS includes determining the satellite altitude scenario of the non-terrestrial network, wherein a first predetermined value of the reference SCS is used when the satellite altitude scenario includes low Earth altitude (LEO) satellites, and a different second predetermined value of the reference SCS is used when the satellite altitude scenario includes geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites. Receive cell-specific scheduling offset value K offset The scheduling offset value K offset K represents the time greater than the round-trip propagation delay between the UE and the timing reference point of the non-terrestrial network. offset It is expressed in units of time slots relative to the reference SCS; K is calculated based on the local SCS of the active uplink bandwidth portion (BWP) used by the UE. offset The number of time slots; as well as Uplink scheduling is performed, where uplink timing is adjusted based on the number of time slots calculated per local SCS.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first predetermined value of the reference SCS is 15 kHz.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive information about the satellite altitude scene from the non-terrestrial network.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive a System Information Block (SIB) including an indication of a reference SCS from the non-terrestrial network.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive a second scheduling offset value K representing the round-trip propagation delay between the timing reference point of the non-terrestrial network and the terrestrial base station. mac K mac It is expressed in units of time slots relative to the reference SCS.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing software instructions, which, when executed by a processor of a user-equipped UE device, cause the UE device to: Determine the reference subcarrier spacing (SCS) used by the non-terrestrial network, wherein determining the reference SCS includes determining the satellite altitude scenario of the non-terrestrial network, wherein a first predetermined value of the reference SCS is used when the satellite altitude scenario includes low Earth altitude (LEO) satellites, and a different second predetermined value of the reference SCS is used when the satellite altitude scenario includes geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites. Receive cell-specific scheduling offset value K offset The scheduling offset value K offset K represents the time greater than the round-trip propagation delay between the UE and the timing reference point of the non-terrestrial network. offset It is expressed in units of time slots relative to the reference SCS; K is calculated based on the local SCS of the active uplink bandwidth portion (BWP) used by the UE. offset The number of time slots; as well as Uplink scheduling is performed, where uplink timing is adjusted based on the number of time slots calculated per local SCS.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the first predetermined value of the reference SCS is 15 kHz.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the software instructions, when executed by a processor of a user-equipped UE device, further cause the UE device to receive a system information block (SIB) from the non-terrestrial network, including an indication of a reference SCS.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the software instructions, when executed by a processor of a user-equipped UE device, further cause the UE device to receive a second scheduling offset value K representing the round-trip propagation delay between the timing reference point of the non-terrestrial network and the terrestrial base station. mac K mac It is expressed in units of time slots relative to the reference SCS.

Images