Method and apparatus for satellite access network measurement and data scheduling

Abstract

Various solutions are described for satellite access network (SAN) or non-terrestrial network (NTN) measurement and data scheduling for user equipment and network apparatus in mobile communications. An apparatus can determine whether to perform measurements outside of measurement gaps of a neighboring cell. In a case where measurements are determined, the apparatus can apply a scheduling restriction for a time period. The apparatus can transmit uplink symbols or receive downlink symbols outside of the time period with the scheduling restriction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 297,841, filed January 10, 2022. The entire contents of the preceding application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates generally to mobile communications, and more specifically to measurement and data scheduling in satellite access networks (SANs) or non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) for user equipment (UEs) and network devices in mobile communications. Background Technology

[0004] Unless otherwise stated in this invention, the methods described in this section are not prior art to the claims listed below, and are not acknowledged as prior art by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

[0005] In mobile / wireless communications, satellite communications are receiving increasing attention and participation, with companies and organizations recognizing the market potential of integrating satellite and terrestrial network infrastructure within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G standard framework. Satellites refer to spaceborne vehicles in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), or Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO). The 5G standard makes Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) (including satellite segments) a recognized part of the 3GPP 5G connectivity infrastructure. Low Earth Orbit is a geocentric orbit with an altitude of 2,000 km or less, a period of 128 minutes or less (i.e., at least 11.25 orbits per day), and an eccentricity of less than 0.25. Most man-made objects in outer space reside in non-geostationary satellite orbits (NGSO) (such as LEO or MEO), at an altitude not exceeding one-third of the Earth's radius. NGSO satellites orbit the Earth at high speeds (maneuvering), but their orbits are predictable or deterministic.

[0006] One of the challenges in NGSO communications is the significant Doppler shift due to the high speeds of NGSO satellites. The Doppler shift in a LEO-600km network can reach as high as 24 parts per million (ppm). For example, in a 2 GHz carrier, the maximum Doppler shift of a LEO satellite can be as high as + / - 48 kHz. Therefore, satellite / cell measurements in NGSO-based NTNs can be completely different from those in terrestrial networks. In terrestrial networks, cells / base stations are well-synchronized in frequency, and the Doppler shift between cells / base stations is small. The Doppler effect does not need to be considered when performing measurements. However, in NTNs or SANs, the Doppler effect is significant, and the Doppler shift between satellites / cells is large. This results in an additional burden on the UE to handle frequency drift when performing satellite / cell measurements. The hardware and software capabilities / cost requirements for the UE become more complex and expensive.

[0007] Therefore, overcoming large Doppler shifts has become a crucial issue in emerging wireless communication networks, particularly in satellite communications. Consequently, appropriate solutions are needed to perform satellite / cell measurements without increasing the burden and requirements on the UE (User Equipment). Summary of the Invention

[0008] The following overview is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, it is provided to introduce the novel and non-obvious technical concepts, highlights, benefits, and advantages described in this invention. Selected implementations are further described in the detailed description below. Therefore, the following overview is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide solutions or schemes for user equipment and network devices in mobile communications to address the aforementioned problems related to SAN or NTN measurement and data scheduling.

[0010] In one aspect, a method may include means determining whether to perform a measurement outside of a measurement gap between adjacent cells. The method may further include means applying scheduling constraints within a time period if a measurement is determined. The method may also include means transmitting uplink symbols or receiving downlink symbols outside of the time period with scheduling constraints.

[0011] On one hand, an apparatus may include a transceiver that wirelessly communicates with at least one network node of a wireless network during operation. The apparatus may also include a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. During operation, the processor may perform operations including determining whether to perform a measurement outside of a measurement gap between adjacent cells. The processor may also perform operations including applying scheduling constraints within a time period if a measurement is determined. The processor may also perform operations including transmitting uplink symbols or receiving downlink symbols via the transceiver outside of a time period with scheduling constraints.

[0012] The satellite access network measurement and data scheduling method and apparatus provided by the present invention provide a measurement and data scheduling scheme for devices in SAN or NTN, enabling devices to perform neighboring cell measurements without increasing their hardware / software complexity / cost, without needing to simultaneously receive and measure data from different cells / satellites, and avoiding frequency offset conflicts between different cells / satellites.

[0013] It is worth noting that although the descriptions provided in this invention may be in the context of certain radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, 5th Generation (5G), New Radio (NR), Internet of Things (IoT), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and 6th Generation (6G), the proposed concepts, schemes, and any variations / derivatives thereof can be implemented in, for, and by other types of radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies. Therefore, the scope of this invention is not limited to the examples described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as some components may be shown out of proportion to actual dimensions in order to clearly illustrate the concepts of the invention.

[0015] Figure 1This is a diagram depicting an example scenario under an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram depicting an example scenario under an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram depicting an example scenario under an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram depicting an example scenario under an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram depicting an example scenario under an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an example communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an example process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This invention discloses detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed subject matter. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are merely illustrative of the claimed subject matter, which can be embodied in various forms. The invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are provided so that the description of the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments and implementations.

[0023] Overview

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention relate to various techniques, methods, schemes, and / or solutions for SAN or NTN measurement and data scheduling of user equipment and network devices in mobile communications. According to the present invention, multiple possible schemes can be implemented individually or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions may be described individually below, two or more of these possible solutions may be implemented in one or another combination.

[0025] According to the reference scenario parameters in Table 4.2-2 of 3GPP TR 38.821, the maximum Doppler shift of a LEO-600km network can reach 24ppm. Furthermore, the Doppler signals of the serving satellite and neighboring satellites may have different symbols (e.g., the serving satellite is leaving the UE while a neighboring cell is approaching the UE). Figure 1 An example scenario 100 is illustrated under an embodiment of the present invention. Scenario 100 includes at least one UE and multiple network nodes (e.g., satellites), which may be part of a wireless communication network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G / NR network, an IoT network, or a 6G network). As shown in Figure 1, the satellite is deployed in LEO or NGSO and orbits the Earth at high speed. The UE on the ground needs to connect to the serving satellite for SAN or NTN communication. The UE may also need to perform some measurements on neighboring satellites for mobility management. In scenario 100, the UE is located between two satellites. Therefore, the serving satellite is moving away from the UE, while a neighboring cell is approaching the UE. In this case, the Doppler shift will become large / significant. For example, the Doppler shift of the serving satellite observed at the UE may be -50 kHz, while the Doppler shift of the neighboring satellite observed at the UE may be +50 kHz. This results in a frequency spacing of up to 100 kHz between the serving satellite and the neighboring satellite.

[0026] Figure 2 An example scenario 200 is illustrated under an embodiment of the present invention. The Doppler shift between 2 GHz reference signals (e.g., synchronization signal blocks, SSBs) from the serving satellite and neighboring satellites can reach up to 100 kHz. In other words, if two satellites with the same absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN) are configured in a measurement object (MO), a Doppler shift of up to 100 kHz can be observed. Therefore, additional hardware is required to receive / measure different satellites. For example, the UE may need to be equipped with two transceivers to perform measurements on neighboring satellites while connected to the serving satellite. Simultaneous communication with two satellites may also require additional hardware / software costs.

[0027] In view of this, the present invention proposes several schemes related to measurement and data scheduling for UEs and network devices in SAN or NTN. According to the schemes of the present invention, time-division multiplexing (TDM) methods can be introduced to solve the aforementioned problems in performing serving cell data reception and neighboring cell measurements. TDM methods may include using measurement gaps or scheduling constraints / availability or allowing data interruptions. Scheduling constraints can be considered as uplink (UL) transmission gaps or downlink (DL) reception gaps. During UL transmission gaps, UEs are not allowed or expected to transmit UL symbols. During DL reception gaps, UEs are not allowed or expected to receive DL symbols. UEs can apply scheduling constraints to the serving cell / satellite within a given / determined time period. During the given / determined time period, UEs are able to perform measurements on neighboring cells / satellites. Therefore, UEs do not need to simultaneously perform data reception and measurements on different cells / satellites. Conflicts between different cells / satellites can also be avoided. Therefore, UEs can support NTN / SAN measurements of multiple cells / satellites (e.g., NGSO satellites) and mobility performance without significantly increasing UE measurement resources (e.g., hardware / software resources). A balance can be struck between data reception performance and UE design cost.

[0028] Typically, a UE can connect to a serving cell for data reception / transmission. A cell can include a satellite, network node, or base station. The serving cell can configure frequency bands / points for the UE (e.g., via radio resource control (RRC)) to perform measurements against potentially neighboring cells. For example, the serving cell can configure the UE to perform some co-frequency measurements. In terrestrial networks, cells / base stations are well-synchronized in frequency, and the Doppler shift between cells / base stations is small. The UE does not need to change its transceiver frequency band for measurements. Therefore, no measurement gaps are configured / defined for measurements. Measurement gaps are based on network configurations of period and duration. However, in SANs or NTNs, due to large Doppler shifts, the UE needs to switch / adjust its transceiver frequency bands for measurements. Given that no measurement gaps are configured / defined for measurements, the UE can apply the novel approach proposed in this invention to measurements outside of measurement gaps.

[0029] Specifically, the UE can be configured to perform NTN or SAN neighboring (i.e., non-serving) cell measurements outside of measurement gaps. In other words, no measurement gaps are configured for neighboring cell measurements. Therefore, the UE can determine whether it needs to perform measurements outside of neighboring cell measurement gaps. Then, the UE needs to determine whether the cell being measured is a neighboring cell. The UE can receive the first ephemeris of the serving cell and the second ephemeris of the neighboring cell. The ephemeris can carry information for identifying satellites. The UE can determine from the first and second ephemeris that the serving cell and the neighboring cell are served by different satellites. For example, if the first and second ephemeris are different, the UE can infer that neighboring cell measurements are needed.

[0030] If neighboring cell measurements are determined to be outside the measurement gap, scheduling restrictions can be applied, or data interruptions can be permitted within a time period. This measurement may include at least one of in-frequency and out-of-frequency measurements without a measurement gap. During this time period, the UE does not (e.g., is not allowed / does not expect) transmit and / or receive data on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols or time slots / subframes with scheduling restrictions, or during permitted data interruptions. The UE may cancel data transmission or data reception during this time period. The UE may not transmit uplink symbols or receive downlink symbols during the time period with scheduling restrictions. On the other hand, it is not expected that satellite / network nodes will schedule data (e.g., DL data or UL data) for the UE during this time period. Scheduling restrictions may be some predefined rules on the UE and network sides. The UE and network sides may directly apply scheduling restrictions when trigger conditions are met.

[0031] Therefore, within time periods with scheduling constraints or permissible data interruptions, the UE can perform measurements on neighboring cells. The UE can adjust its transceiver or radio frequency (RF) front-end to adapt to the frequencies of neighboring cells. The UE can perform measurements in the first frequency band of neighboring cells, which is different from the second frequency band of the serving cell. Thus, the UE can perform neighboring cell measurements without increasing its hardware / software complexity / cost.

[0032] In some implementations, the time period may include multiple OFDM symbols, time slots, or subframes overlapping with reference signals from neighboring cells. The reference signals may include a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), a Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS), or other reference signals used for measurement. The time period may also include a predetermined number of symbols before and after the reference signal. For example, the entire time period may include the reference signal and X symbols before and after it. The X symbols may be 0, 1, 2, ..., etc. The X symbols represent additional margin for the UE to prepare for measurement or adjustment of the RF transceiver. In some implementations, the time period may include an SSB-based radio resource management (RRM) measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window associated with neighboring cells. Similarly, the time period may also include X symbols before and after the SMTC window.

[0033] Symbols or time slots / subframes without scheduling restrictions (i.e., with scheduling availability) can be scheduled to the UE. The UE can transmit UL symbols or receive DL symbols outside of time periods with scheduling restrictions. In other words, the UE can transmit UL symbols or receive DL symbols on symbols with scheduling availability. On the other hand, satellite / network nodes are allowed to schedule data (e.g., DL data or UL data) for the UE outside of time periods with scheduling restrictions.

[0034] Figure 3 The illustration depicts an example scenario 300 under an embodiment of the present invention. Scenario 300 includes at least one UE and multiple network nodes (e.g., satellites), which may be part of a wireless communication network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G / NR network, an IoT network, or a 6G network). The satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit and orbit the Earth at high speed. The UE on the ground connects to the serving satellite for SAN or NTN communication. The UE needs to perform measurements on neighboring satellites for mobility management. First, the UE may receive a first ephemeris of the serving satellite and a second ephemeris of the neighboring satellites. If available, the UE may also receive a measurement gap configuration from the serving satellite. Then, the UE needs to determine whether to perform measurements outside the measurement gap on the neighboring satellites by judging whether the serving satellite and the neighboring satellites are different satellites and whether no measurement gap is configured for measurement. Neighboring satellite measurements can be in-frequency measurements and out-of-frequency measurements, without a measurement gap.

[0035] Once the UE determines that it needs to perform adjacent satellite measurements outside the measurement gap, it can apply scheduling constraints within a given / predefined time period. This time period can include OFDM symbols overlapping with the SSB of adjacent satellites, as well as X symbols before and / or after the SSB. The X symbols can be, for example,... Figure 3 The symbol shown is [symbol name missing]. Therefore, the UE must not transmit / receive control and / or data on OFDM symbols or time slots / subframes with scheduling restrictions. The serving satellite also does not expect to schedule UL / DL data during this time period (i.e., the serving satellite should also apply scheduling restrictions during this time period). Outside of this time period, the UE can transmit UL symbols or receive DL symbols on symbols with scheduling availability (i.e., without scheduling restrictions). The serving satellite is allowed to schedule UL / DL data outside of this time period.

[0036] Figure 4 The illustration depicts an example scenario 400 under an embodiment of the present invention. Scenario 400 includes at least one UE and multiple network nodes (e.g., satellites), which may be part of a wireless communication network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G / NR network, an IoT network, or a 6G network). Similarly, the UE needs to determine whether to perform measurements outside of measurement gaps between neighboring satellites. Neighboring satellite measurements can be in-frequency or out-of-frequency measurements without measurement gaps. Once the UE determines that it needs to perform neighboring satellite measurements outside of measurement gaps, it can apply scheduling constraints within a given / predefined time period. In scenario 400, the time period may include the duration of an SMTC window. The SMTC is associated with neighboring satellites. Therefore, the UE should not transmit / receive control and / or data on OFDM symbols or time slots / subframes with scheduling constraints. The serving satellite also does not expect to schedule UL / DL data within the SMTC window (i.e., the serving satellite should also apply scheduling constraints within the SMTC window). Outside the SMTC window, the UE can transmit UL symbols or receive DL symbols on symbols with scheduling availability (i.e., without scheduling constraints). Allows service satellites to schedule UL / DL data outside of the SMTC window.

[0037] In some implementations, the UE can apply scheduling constraints when there are significant timing differences between satellites. For example, when the parameter / indicator `deriveSSB-IndexFromCell` is disabled. `deriveSSB-IndexFromCell` indicates whether the UE can use the serving cell timing to derive the index of an SSB transmitted by a neighboring cell. If this field is enabled (e.g., set to true), the UE can assume that the system frame number (SFN) and frame boundary are aligned across cells on the serving frequency. If this field is disabled (e.g., set to false), the UE can assume a large time difference between cells and apply scheduling constraints within that time period.

[0038] Figure 5 An example scenario 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Scenario 500 includes at least one UE and multiple network nodes (e.g., satellites), which may be part of a wireless communication network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G / NR network, an IoT network, or a 6G network). Similarly, the UE needs to determine whether to perform measurements outside the measurement gap between adjacent satellites. Adjacent satellite measurements can be co-frequency measurements or inter-frequency measurements, without a measurement gap. Once the UE determines that adjacent satellite measurements need to be performed outside the measurement gap, data interruption is allowed for a given / predefined time period. This time period may include OFDM symbols overlapping with the SSB of adjacent satellites and X symbols before and / or after the SSB. Figure 5 As shown, X symbols can be zero symbols.

[0039] In the event of a data interruption, the UE should not transmit / receive control and / or data on OFDM symbols or time slots / subframes with scheduling restrictions. However, the serving satellite is allowed to schedule DL data within this time period (i.e., the serving satellite is allowed to transmit data within this time period). Specifically, a data interruption means that the serving satellite can still transmit data to the UE within this time period. However, the data transmitted within this time period that the serving satellite needs to accept may not be received by the UE. This leaves some design tolerance for the network side. Data that the serving satellite may not need to apply scheduling restrictions but must accept scheduling for may be missed by the UE. The serving satellite may need to perform some retransmissions for the data interruption. Outside of this time period, the UE can transmit UL symbols or receive DL symbols on symbols with scheduling availability (i.e., without scheduling restrictions). The serving satellite is allowed to schedule UL / DL data outside of this time period.

[0040] Illustrative Implementation

[0041] Figure 6An example communication system 600 with an example communication device 610 and an example network device 620 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Each of the communication device 610 and the network device 620 can perform various functions to implement the schemes, techniques, processes, and methods described in this invention regarding SAN or NTN measurement and data scheduling of user equipment and network devices in mobile communications, including the scenarios / schemes described above and the process 700 described below.

[0042] Communication device 610 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a UE such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, communication device 610 may be implemented in a smartphone, smartwatch, personal digital assistant, digital camera, or computing device such as a tablet, laptop, or notebook computer. Communication device 610 may also be part of a machine-type device, which may be an IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT device, such as a stationary or fixed device, a home appliance, a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, communication device 610 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, smart refrigerator, smart door lock, wireless speaker, or home control center. Alternatively, communication device 610 may be implemented as one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced-instruction-set computing (RISC) processors, or one or more complex-instruction-set computing (CISC) processors. Communication device 610 may include... Figure 6 At least some of the components shown. For example Figure 6 The processor 612 in the communication device 610 may also include one or more other components (e.g., internal power supply, display device, and / or user interface device) unrelated to the proposed embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, none of such one or more components of the communication device 610 are in Figure 6 As shown in the image, for the sake of simplicity and brevity, no further description is provided below.

[0043] Network device 620 may be part of a network device, which may be a network node such as a satellite, base station, small cell, router, or gateway. For example, network device 620 may be implemented in an eNodeB in an LTE network, in a gNB in ​​a 5G / NR, IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT network, or in a satellite or base station in a 6G network. Alternatively, network device 620 may be implemented as one or more IC chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more RISC or CISC processors. Network device 620 may include... Figure 6 At least some of the components shown, such as processor 622. Network device 620 may also include one or more other components unrelated to the proposed embodiments of the invention (e.g., internal power supply, display device, and / or user interface device), and therefore, one or more such components of network device 620 in Figure 6 None of them are shown in the image, and for the sake of simplicity and brevity, they are not described below.

[0044] On one hand, each of processors 612 and 622 may be implemented as one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC processors. That is, even though the singular term "one processor" is used herein to refer to processors 612 and 622, according to the invention, each of processors 612 and 622 may include multiple processors in some embodiments and a single processor in other implementations. On the other hand, each of processors 612 and 622 may be implemented as hardware (and, optionally, firmware) having electronic components, including, for example, but not limited to, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more varistors, configured and arranged to achieve a specific purpose according to the invention. In other words, in at least some embodiments, each of processors 612 and 622 is a dedicated machine specifically designed, arranged, and configured to perform a specific task, including autonomous reliability enhancements in the device (e.g., as represented by communication device 610) and networks according to various embodiments of the invention (e.g., as represented by network device 620).

[0045] In some embodiments, communication device 610 may further include a transceiver 616 coupled to processor 612 and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some embodiments, communication device 610 may further include a memory 614 coupled to processor 612, accessible by processor 612, and capable of storing data therein. In some embodiments, network device 620 may further include a transceiver 626 coupled to processor 622 and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some embodiments, network device 620 may further include a memory 624 coupled to processor 622, accessible by processor 622, and capable of storing data therein. Therefore, communication device 610 and network device 620 may wirelessly communicate with each other via transceiver 616 and transceiver 626, respectively. To aid in better understanding, the following description of the operation, function, and capabilities of each of communication device 610 and network device 620 is provided in the context of a mobile communication environment in which communication device 610 is implemented in or as a communication device / UE, and network device 620 is implemented in or as a network node of a communication network.

[0046] In some implementations, processor 612 can determine whether to perform a measurement outside of a measurement gap between adjacent cells. If a measurement is determined, processor 612 can apply scheduling restrictions within a time period. Processor 612 can cancel data transmission or data reception within the time period with scheduling restrictions. Processor 612 can transmit uplink symbols or receive downlink symbols outside the time period with scheduling restrictions via transceiver 616. The measurement can include at least one of in-frequency measurement and out-of-frequency measurement without a measurement gap.

[0047] In some implementations, processor 612 may receive a first ephemeris of the serving cell and a second ephemeris of neighboring cells via transceiver 616. Processor 612 may determine, based on the first and second ephemeris, that the serving cell and neighboring cells are served by different satellites.

[0048] In some implementations, network device 620 may be a neighboring network node of a neighboring satellite, SAN, or NTN.

[0049] In some implementations, the time period may include multiple OFDM symbols, time slots, or subframes overlapping with the reference signal of network device 620. The time period may also include a predetermined number of symbols before and after the reference signal.

[0050] In some implementations, the time period may include an SMTC window associated with the network device 620.

[0051] In some implementations, data interruptions are permitted during the time period in which the network device 620 and the communication device 610 are scheduled and restricted.

[0052] In some implementations, processor 612 may perform measurements in a first frequency band of network device 620 that is different from the second frequency band of the serving cell.

[0053] Explanatory process

[0054] Figure 7 An example process 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Process 700 may be an example implementation, either partially or completely, of the above-described scenarios / schemes regarding SAN or NTN measurement and data scheduling of the present invention. Process 700 may represent one aspect of an embodiment of the features of communication device 610. Process 700 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as illustrated in one or more of blocks 710, 720, and 730. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, the various blocks of process 700 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 700 may... Figure 7 The process 700 may be executed in the order shown, or alternatively, in a different order. Process 700 may be implemented by communication device 610 or any suitable UE or machine type device. For illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation, process 700 is described below in the context of communication device 610. Process 700 may begin at block 710.

[0055] At 710, process 700 may include processor 612 of communication device 610 determining whether to perform a measurement outside the measurement interval of adjacent cells. Process 700 may proceed from 710 to 720.

[0056] At 720, process 700 may include processor 612 applying scheduling constraints within a time period, provided the measurement is determined. Process 700 can proceed from 720 to 730.

[0057] At 730, process 700 may include processor 612 sending uplink symbols or receiving downlink symbols outside of time periods with scheduling constraints.

[0058] In some implementations, process 700 may also include processor 612 that does not send uplink symbols or receive downlink symbols during a time period with scheduling constraints.

[0059] In some implementations, process 700 may further include processor 612 receiving a first ephemeris of the serving cell and a second ephemeris of neighboring cells, and determining, based on the first ephemeris, that the serving cell and neighboring cells are served by different satellites and the second ephemeris table.

[0060] In some implementations, process 700 may further include processor 612 performing measurements in a first frequency band of a neighboring cell that is different from the second frequency band of the serving cell.

[0061] Additional notes

[0062] The subject matter described in this invention sometimes illustrates different components contained within or connected to other components. It should be understood that the depicted architecture is merely an example, and many other architectures that achieve the same functionality can actually be implemented. Conceptually, any arrangement of components achieving the same function is effectively “associated” to achieve the desired function. Therefore, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components, any two components of this invention combined to achieve a specific function can be considered “associated” with each other to achieve the desired function. Similarly, any two such associated components can also be considered “operationally connected” or “operationally coupled” to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be suchly associated can also be considered “operationally coupled” to achieve the desired function. Specific examples of operationally coupled components include, but are not limited to: physically mating and / or physically interacting components and / or wirelessly interacting components and / or logically interacting and / or logically interactable components.

[0063] Furthermore, regarding the extensive use of any plural and / or singular terms in this invention, those skilled in the art can, depending on the context and / or application, convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural. For clarity, various singular / plural interchanges can be explicitly described in this invention.

[0064] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that, generally, the terminology used in this invention, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the text of the appended claims), generally means "open" terms (e.g., the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a particular number of claims is intentionally enumerated, this intention will be explicitly listed in the claims, and if such enumeration is absent, this intention will not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the appended claims may include the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" that enumerate the claims. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that the introduction of the indefinite article "a" or "an" by a claim list limits any particular claim containing such an introduced claim list to an embodiment containing only one such list, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article (such as "a" or "an") (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"); this also applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim lists. Furthermore, even when a specific number of introduced claim lists is explicitly listed, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a list should be interpreted as meaning at least the number listed (e.g., in the absence of other modifiers, an unmodified list of "two lists" means at least two lists, or two or more lists). Furthermore, in cases where the convention of "at least one of A, B, and C" is used, this interpretation generally means, as those skilled in the art will understand, that "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B together, having A and C together, having B and C together, and / or having A, B, and C together. In cases where the convention of "at least one of A, B, or C" is used, this interpretation generally means, as those skilled in the art will understand, that "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B together, having A and C together, having B and C together, and / or having A, B, and C together. Those skilled in the art will also understand that any transitional words and / or phrases that actually present two or more alternatives, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one, any, or both of these items. For example, the phrase “A or B” would be understood to include the possibility of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0065] As can be understood from the foregoing, various embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative purposes, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the various embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for satellite access network measurement and data scheduling, comprising: The device's processor determines whether to perform gapless measurements on neighboring cells based on whether the serving cell and neighboring cells are managed by different satellites. Upon determining the measurement, the processor applies a scheduling constraint within a time period, the scheduling constraint indicating that no uplink symbols or downlink symbols should be transmitted or received within the time period, and performs measurements on the neighboring cells within the time period; and The processor transmits uplink symbols or receives downlink symbols outside the time period with the scheduling restrictions.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement includes at least one of in-frequency measurement and out-of-frequency measurement without measurement gap.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time period includes multiple orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, time slots, or subframes that overlap with the reference signals of neighboring cells.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The time period also includes a predetermined number of symbols before and after the reference signal.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time period includes the SSB-based Radio Resource Management (RRM) Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) window associated with the neighboring cell.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Data interruptions are permitted within the time period subject to the aforementioned scheduling constraints.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The processor cancels data transmission or data reception within the time period subject to the scheduling restrictions.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The processor receives the first ephemeris of the serving cell and the second ephemeris of the neighboring cells; as well as The processor determines, based on the first ephemeris and the second ephemeris, that the serving cell and the neighboring cells are served by different satellites.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The processor performs measurements in the first frequency band of the neighboring cell, which is different from the second frequency band of the serving cell.

10. An apparatus for satellite access network measurement and data scheduling, comprising: A transceiver that communicates wirelessly with at least one network node of a wireless network during operation; as well as The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver, such that during operation, the processor performs the following operations: Based on whether the serving cell and neighboring cells are managed by different satellites, determine whether to perform measurements without measurement gaps for neighboring cells; In the event that the measurement is determined, a scheduling constraint is applied within a time period, the scheduling constraint indicating that no uplink symbols and downlink symbols are transmitted or received within the time period, and measurements are performed on the neighboring cells within the time period; as well as Outside of the time period with the aforementioned scheduling restrictions, uplink symbols are transmitted or downlink symbols are received via the transceiver.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The measurement includes at least one of in-frequency measurement and out-of-frequency measurement without measurement gap.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The time period includes multiple orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, time slots, or subframes that overlap with the reference signals of the neighboring cells.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The time period also includes a predetermined number of symbols before and after the reference signal.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The time period includes the SSB-based Radio Resource Management (RRM) Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) window associated with the neighboring cell.

15. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, Data interruptions are permitted within the time period subject to the aforementioned scheduling constraints.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, During operation, the processor further performs the following operations: Cancel data transmission or data reception within the time period subject to the scheduling restrictions.

17. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, During operation, the processor further performs the following operations: The first ephemeris of the serving cell and the second ephemeris of the neighboring cells are received via transceiver; and Based on the first ephemeris and the second ephemeris, it is determined that the serving cell and the neighboring cells are served by different satellites.

18. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, During operation, the processor further performs the following operations: Measurements are performed in the first frequency band of the neighboring cell, which is different from the second frequency band of the serving cell.

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